Chapter one: Taking You In

The night felt of sadness and sorrow. Mako tried not to take in the feeling as he made his way down the streets of Republic City. He was on his way home from working the night shift down at the police station. His wife, Korra, would be waiting for him at home. She was probably asleep by now. He was only a few blocks away from the apartment building when something caught his eye. The firebender looked at the entrance to an alleyway. Leaning against a wall clutching a doll to her chest was a young girl.

She was trembling, looking so vulnerable and terrified. Mako approached her alertly and knelt down so he was at eye level with her.. At first, she paid no attention. She continued to whisper the names of the people who were now amongst the spirits.

A street rat, he could tell.

The girl was shaking while she ran her hand though the doll's yarn hair. "Hello," He said quietly and softly. The girl jumped slightly at the sudden voice. "Are you alright?" He asked. Of course she wasn't. Her parents were just killed. She was now alone in the world. "Don't be afraid. My name's Mako, I'm a police officer for Republic City." He introduced himself. Hearing he was an officer, she began to feel a lot more relieved. Knowing that around him, she would be safe.

And now that her arms weren't hugging her doll anymore, he got a better look at her. She wore a faded green dress that went to her knees, leggings under her dirty black boots that showed slightly and a slightly over-sized jacket wrapped around her back. His eyes set on her hair, which was a strange color; blond. He'd never seen such a color for hair, her eyes a perfect emerald green. It reminded him of Bolin. He always looked so terrified when they lived on the streets, hugging himself. And his eyes looked so much like hers.

Mako took off his scarf and wrapped it around the girl's neck before he stood up before her and held out his hand. "Come with me," He said softly. "I can help you."

The little girl thought for a few seconds before taking his hand. She was a lot shorter than him, slightly lower than his knees. The firebender began walking and leading her towards the apartment building a few blocks down. As they walked in awkward silence, he looked down at her. He still didn't know her name.

"May I ask for your name?" He asked her.

"I'm, Song."