It was broken down and splintered. The building, was completely unsuited for any living thing as Hua sighed the little girl next to her laughed. The expression that was on Hua's face was simply priceless, someone should probably take a picture of it. "This is where you live?" Honestly Hua was horrified, it probably would have been better if they just slept on the streets. At least then they wouldn't be in danger of having the roof collapse on their head.

"Yeah, nothing fancy, but no one ever swings by here. Plus it's better than just staying outside where people can just kick your stomach in for sleeping on the wrong spot," the girl grinned as she sat on the wooden floor. The sun was slowly starting to rise. It seemed that they were out far longer then either of them has expected.

"Well, you're free to stay with me as long as you want, by the way my name is Xua!" The orphan girl let out a grin as she let out a yawn. It was only proper that Hua gave her's.

"Um...it's Hua, it's very nice to meet you!" Xua gave a large grin as she tilted her head. Xua pouted slightly, despite the display she showed early it seemed that the girl was very definition of girly. The bloodstains on her clothing didn't really match her personality at all. Though that brought up a good point that Xua had been wondering about.

"How did she do those things...maybe I shouldn't ask, it seems really weird," if living on the streets had taught Xua anything is that it was best not to push certain subjects unless she wanted to end up dead in a back alley.

"Anyway, you need some new clothes, there's blood all over them," Xua pointed that fact out as she continued, "and since you're old enough to work...you're going to start right?" It was a good question as Xua tilted her head wondering for a moment.

She was planning on doing just that, though she really wasn't familiar with Republic City to say the least. Hua tilted her head slightly giving a small smile towards her current and only friend at the moment. "Do you know any proper places where I could work?" Hua was asked the opinion of a native as Xua tapped her lip for a moment.

"Are you a bender?" It was a proper question, it was just more job opportunities for those with bending than without. Even if that was slowly changing it was best to have all avenues open.

"I'm sorry...but I can't bend," Hua was a non-bender that was an unchangeable fact. Xua then yet out a yawn before slowly starting to close her eyes.

"Man...fine, later when we wake up I'll get you some clothes and take you around some stores and shops for jobs," after all it benefited both of them that they had some kind of income coming in. Plus with a little luck, Xua wouldn't have to risk having half of her face being burned off for some pocket change. "Get some sleep," before Xua could reply the small girl was letting out small snores as Hua shrugged.

"Well, I am quite tired myself...so," Hua crawled up in the corner of the room leaning against the dirty wall and closed her eyes. There was no need to complain, there were worse places she could have been.

Korra let out a groan as she looked over the small stack of papers that Zhizao gave a recommendation that she looked over them, but honestly she really couldn't be bothered to do so. She already had a name and face any other piece of information was just extra on the subject matter. Though that was what led her to such a place, and that is why she invited Mako.

"When is he going to get here?" she knew it was short noticed, but someone like Mako could really be helpful.

"Sorry I'm late," it was his voice as Korra turned to see a familiar yellow scarf. Of course he would rarely be caught without it. Though it did seem he had a chance to change out of his uniform. Despite still being a rookie, it seemed the young fire bender was taking his situation rather seriously.

Korra simply gave a small smile as she lifted herself from her seat and gave him a kiss, her face turning a bright red. The entire situation was still somewhat embarrassing as Mako scratched the back of his head. Despite the joy they felt they weren't there for pleasure as Korra motioned him to sit across the small table.

"Like I said, I'm sorry that I'm late, someone found three bodies earlier this morning. From what was left they were apart of the Agni Kai Gang," the term of what was left made Korra shiver.

"Geez, what happened?" Korra asked as Mako gave a small shrug.

"It was probably just a random gang, you know we have a lot of trouble with that sort of thing here," Mako frowned as he rand his finger through his black hair. He didn't see the bodies himself and it really wasn't in his role to investigate something like that. At the moment he was a simple beat cop and he was positive that others working on it were far more capable.

"Anyway, as much as I would like to hang out with you, you sounded like there was something really important to talk about," Mako could see that as Korra gave a small pout.

"Yeah, it might take a bit...but let me explain..."

It was a simple yet to the point explanation about what had transpired the day before and what information that the young Avatar had gotten as Mako rubbed his temples. It sounded complicated and it also sounded like something that could affect the city in a rather large way if news got out about it. In fact, Mako was confused why Korra was even telling him.

"A second Avatar...sounds weird, not only that..." Mako glanced down at the picture of the girl, her face was that of a small puppy and he expected her voice to be that of an even smaller puppy. She didn't seem like the kind of person that could cause damage and kill ten people with ease, though appearances do have an ability to be misleading. "This is all well and good Korra, but it's not like I can legally help you with this kind of thing," he knew he was going to get a glare for so he continued his statement. "I mean, despite everyone saying she did something, she hasn't done anything legally wrong here in the city. Tracking her on a hunch even if it's from you, wouldn't be...you know,"

Korra grumbled, she wished he could bend the rules a little for her in this instance. The young Avatar also doubted that they were allowed to use records or anything else to figure stuff out. "Well...thanks Mako," it was hard to tell if it was sarcasm or not as Mako scratched the back of his head.

"But...I can keep an eye out for her," Mako knew he would probably regret it later, though it was something he decided to say.

"... I know you want to help, it's just this whole thing is weird. I'm sure I'll find some answers once we find this so called second Avatar," there was a certain amount of venom in Korra's words as Mako sighed.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much now, she hasn't really been causing a lot of trouble at the moment right? So I think you can take your time finding her, now I think we should get something to eat," Mako smiled as Korra sighed he was right. Getting worked up over someone who hasn't really did anything to deserve attention was completely meaningless.

Both Hua and Xua sat on one of the many free benches in the park. The former finally wearing clothes that didn't smell like blood and the latter holding a stack of paper, no doubt needed to be filled out for interviews.

"I didn't think you would be so popular as a waitress, it seems everyone wants you in their restaurant. You have a cute face, and cute faces attract customers," Xua laughed as Hua simply nodded her head.

"Yes, I use to work in a flower shop, and I was actually pretty popular with the boys," Hua giggled as Xua frowned slightly before leaning back in her seat, It was pretty much summer and the heat was quite bad. The shade from the tall tree above gave some comfort. Though if Xua had to pick between too hot or too cold she would always pick the first, at least she didn't have to risk freezing to death in summer.

"So, how old are you anyway?" Xua closed one of her eyes as Hua perked up slightly.

"Oh, I'm 18," she really was an open book. She really didn't have anything to hide so she didn't.

"Well, I'm about 11, I guess you're an old lady huh?" Hua frowned at the small girls comment as she ran her fingers through her hair, it was nice to talk to someone...anyone after being on the run for so long it was nice to simply relax a little. With that said...

"It's dangerous to stay around me," Hua looked towards the ground as she twiddled her thumbs. It was a stark reaction to what they had been speaking to one another about before as Xua simply laughed.

"What? I'm probably the safest around you. How you handled those thugs, if anyone tries to mess with us you can just throw them over a building or something," Xua said something like that rather casually, not caring about everyone that was in earshot of the statement as Hua thoughts ran one more time.

"Yeah...safe,"

"Oh my, this is rather good," Hua smiled as she slurped the large amount of noodles, the texture was odd though it seemed that she spent her first payment well. As the small girl sat across from her older friend and let out a laugh, they were in a rather popular restaurant, though Xua could not recall it's name...despite sitting right in it.

"Told you, and after this we better get some bread and some stuff that doesn't need to be cooled, maybe a few new clothes," it had been a little over a week since the two had least met one another, and things were slowly starting to look up. Despite the fact that Hua only worked two days out of the week. Though that was enough for them not to starve was enough.

"Ah...I thought you would want some new clothes?" Hua scanned her small friend, her clothing was rather unflattering and it seemed they hadn't been washed in awhile. It would have probably been easier to just throw it out and give her something completely new. "If I get her something cheap we should still have enough money that to get some food."

Xua frowned a little before crossing her arms, "I'm fine, I don't need to look like all those uppity kids..." Despite saying such harsh words there were hints of jealously in her voice as Hua chuckled.

"Really, because I think a dress would suit you rather well. Plus you found me some new clothing, so I should at least buy you something," Hua smiled as her fingers entwined. The small girl wasn't going to deny the option as Xua faced gained a light blush as she looked towards the ground.

"W-well, if you want, you can buy me something...I-I'm not going to say no," it seemed that she was happy that she was being treated rather well as she stuffed more food in her mouth trying not to show her true emotions. The entire thing was pretty funny as Hua laughed. She then poked her friends nose.

"You know I bet you would be pretty cute if you didn't hide your emotions so much," Hua's comment nearly made Xua spit up he food she was chewing. If she had a light blush before her faced turn completely red as Hua continued speaking. "Actually, I'm pretty popular with boys, I had about six boyfriends before I met you, and...well somethings should wait until you're older." Hua chuckled as Xua frowned.

"J-just shut it and eat," Xua started to stuff her mouth trying to finish her bowl before the situation could get worse as Hua tapped her finger on the table. The other patrons looking at the scene. Despite being an expert thief it seemed that Xua had trouble keeping her voice down. However both girls were having fun, something neither of them were use to.

"I'm surprised you took the time to visit Avatar!" Zhizao smiled as she sat at her desk, it was a common scene for her to have papers scattered about. Korra looked around the room. It was colored red with trims of cold along the walls, every single thing was placed perfectly and orderly. Expensive vases and paintings were scattered and hung about.

It was obvious that she was quite wealthy.

"Nice place you have here..." Korra started with small talk as Zhizao simply shrugged.

"Now, Avatar, we both know that's not the reason why you are here," Korra grumbled, there was no point in denying it as Korra crossed her arms.

"Fine, it's about this so called second Avatar does she really exist?" It was a strange question to ask as Zhizao flicker her hair and sighed.

"I would not be wasting my time in this city if it was not, but since you came all this way, consuming both your and my time. I will happily tell anything else that was not in the papers. You did read them, right Avatar Korra?" Zhizao already knew the answer to that question as Korra's face turned a bright red.

"I...didn't have time to," it was a lie as Zhizao shrugged. Easily the most powerful being on the planet, and reading simple papers were far too much trouble for her.

"Oh, very well, I'll tell you some basic information. One...she can snap you in half like a twig if she gets her hands on you," it was a quick and blunt response, but one Korra had a hard time believing. So much so that she was prepared to slam her hands on the table.

"You have to be kidding me! You saw the picture you gave me right? There is no way a girl like that would could do anything like that," it just didn't make sense, the girl in the picture would probably run away the first chance she got from any danger. Yet Korra was expected to take her as some sort of threat?

Zhizao was about to respond, but the sound of a telephone interrupted the two as the woman lifted herself from her seat and picked up the ringing machine. She held her hand over her mouth as Korra frowned. Usually it would be considered rude to answer, but as quickly as she picked up the phone the woman put it down as she glanced at Korra before giving a smile.

"Well, today is your lucky day Avatar, the military group I hired to kill her has just located Huanle," Zhizao smiled as Korra expression remained stoic, there was something about such a sentence that rubbed Korra the wrong way.

"Military group...but you're with the White Lotus right? Why do you need a military group?" Korra glared at Zhizao who simply chuckled.

"Oh, simple really, the White Lotus members are completely useless. Plus they have a nasty habit of hesitating killing a eighteen year old girl...no matter how dangerous they are. So I simply use them for capture attempts and use my military group for kill attempts, this so happens to be a kill attempt." Korra was not swayed by the woman's words as Zhizao sighed.

"You have a good heart Avatar, but Huanle is a creature that deserves no compassion or mercy, if you come with me, I'll be happy to show you!"

Xua face was still red, she was now walking down the street wearing her newly acquired. It wasn't anything special just something an everyday girl would wear as Hua carried a few bags of groceries. They were nearing the entrance to downtown as Hua eyes kept cutting to behind them. Despite the fact that midtown had ended far before a large vehicle was still following the two.

"...Xua still hasn't noticed," it was a relief. It seemed that Hua could skip having to explaining anything to girl and could simply make an excuse.

"Hey...Xua, you go ahead of me, I'll meet you back home," Hua smiled as the small girl tilted her head.

It was confusing to say the least, as Xua eyes narrowed. "Okay...just don't be late," the girl increased in speed as Hua eyes widened for a moment. She didn't question Hua's actions at all. The small girl simply accepted that and went ahead, Hua didn't know if she should be concerned or if she should be happy that she was able to get Xua out of danger.

"Either way, I need to lure these guys away from people...I don't want anyone else getting caught up in this..." Once Hua made sure that Xua was out of sight she dashed in a random location in downtown, there were plenty of abandoned buildings that could be used for the scene. Hua simply needed to find one.

After a few minutes of being followed Hua located a construction site. Well at least it seemed to be one, it was closer to a half finished building that was abandoned part way through production. It had a metal skeleton and a few walls and windows, but that was mostly it. It was only three floors high as Hua took a deep breath making her way into the building.

There was no doubt there were plenty of places to hide, and if the situation forced her into combat, she wouldn't get anyone else hurt. She entered the building. The metal stairs and dust reveled that at one point it was most likely going to be made into some sort of warehouse or construction site. Despite her curiosity she already knew her attackers were probably headed towards the building as she continued upward.

She managed to reach the top floor as she scanned the room. The walls were weak, and a slight impact could easily destroy them, as a large dresser was there. It was a cliched hiding spot, but she really couldn't think of one better. Plus they most likely would just pass by her if they were in a rush. She put herself into the metal dresser holding her breath.

After a few minutes of silence Hua heard soft footsteps, and muffled talking, there was someone outside of the dresser, she knew that much. She really hated the idea of killing someone, and that feeling only got stronger when the steps sound increased. They were getting closer and closer to the dresser as someone tapped it.

There was a moment of silence as more voices were heard, however that was the last thing that Hua heard for a while as everything went quite. No more sounds as Hua prepared to let out a sigh. "They really are gon-" She wasn't even capable of finishing her thought, there was a splitting sound. The thin metal was casually cracked open as she twitched.

"W-what I-is... t-this?" Hua simply tilted her head in confusion as blood poured out of her mouth the sound of metal being cracked open continued as blood sprayed out of her body, down her thighs, her arms, her chest and neck. It seemed that Hua was impaled twenty-two times. She wasn't even capable of moving her body anymore as she simply twitched her eyes completely wide, unable to see what was happening. There was another impact, it was far larger than before, large enough to send the steel dresser out of the third floor onto the ground below.

"Geez man, was that necessary?" A man in what appeared to be a gas masked asked his fellow companion as he looked down the newly created hole. There were at least a dozen of them, as the waterbender let out a grunt.

"Tsk, she said she didn't care what condition the body was in, plus we have to cut it up and burn it anyway. Come on," there was no emotion in his words as he motioned his team downward. They were a private military group as such , obs killing people half of Hua's age was common, it was amazing though. How easily someone could hate a child.

After a few minutes of walking, the group looked at the metal dresser a large pool of blood was surrounding it as one of them sighed. "Maybe we should take a picture though, I actually want to see what she looks like all impaled," he chuckled slightly as he slowly walked towards the steel dresser preparing to pry it open. Though such a thing seemed unnecessary as a pale pinkish hand came shooting out of its makeshift prison grabbing his head.

He couldn't even scream as acid slowly adsorbed his face and neck, it seemed the complete top portion of his body was reduced to liquid in a matter of seconds. The steel dresser was completely shredded to pieces. The group simply froze, unable to move as they examined the creature before them. The creature was humanoid, but it clearly wasn't a human.

Hua's once long brown hair, was now thick pinkish white tentacles her skin was completely pale. Pink and green marks scattered across it. Her fingernails were that of claws, and her once green eyes were a piercing red. Its hair was moving on it's own accord as it lifted its arm, it twitched ever so slightly as bones in the shape of blades came out of its forearm.

Though calling the creature Hua would have been incorrect, this was...Huanle!

They were all frozen simply looking at the strange creature before them. After all she just melted one of them and she was staring at the rest. As if scanning them for a few moments the leader of the group replied nearly instantly. "Kill it!" It was a simple demand as the man made their motions and prepared to strike, however only a light stream of elements came out. Huanle arms split open as she ejected sharp bones from her limbs.

"Wa-" the sentence wasn't finished, after all, the attack was like a sharp boomerang thorough their throats without much trouble. The creature rushed towards the remaining members who had all but abandoned the battle.

Though, it seemed that they misunderstood. The moment they came in contact with Huanle, was the moment they died, everything else was simply extra.

"We are almost there..." Zhizao sighed, as she drove down the street noticing decent smoke on the horizon. Only a few more minutes and they would be at the scene. Korra eyes narrowed, they were in downtown, so it would take the police force a while to actually respond to what was happening. Korra didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing yet as a soft glow of red enveloped her vision.

There was a building it closer to a half finished structure in front it was covered flames. Out in front there were corpses scattered about. A lone figure was lifting a man in a mask. Korra simply recognized it as a figure, because beside the human like shape it was obviously not human. The man in the creature grasp struggled he was being held up by his head.

Before Korra could even move from her seat the monster casually crushed his skull and tossed the body away. It seemed it was not focused on the newly arrived threat as Korra stepped out of the Satomobile, a mixture of emotions flooding her. The creature did not move, nor did Zhizao as the White Lotus member glanced at Korra for a moment.

"...I'm leaving, take care of it before the authorities arrive," Korra was surprised by Zhizao's willingness to step aside. However Korra was about to recommend the woman to leave anyway. Despite all of that the Avatar still had a large amount of questions for her, but they most likely had to wait as the Avatar smirked hiding all traces of fear.

"Fine, though it probably won't take that long," it seemed that was all that Zhizao needed as she started her vehicle and drove away leaving the two facing one another.

Korra looked around, the bodies weren't just there, they had been completely mutilated. Missing pieces and portions. Korra looked up at the red eyed creature who was simply staring at the Avatar. The only thing on it's body that was moving was its hair or rather the tentacles attached to. Though considering its body type it was most likely female...at least that is what Korra assumed.

"Can I talk to it?" it was a basic question that the avatar posed as she held her breath, taking a step towards the creature.

The creature finger twitched, but then remained stationary. It seemed that it was most likely pointless to talk to it, and Korra doubted it had anything interesting to say. Attacking first was the best solution for a monster, and that is exactly what she did. She lowered her stance and shot a blast of flames towards it.

The creatures eyes dilated even further as he dashed straight towards the flames, Korra already knew it was simply going to ignore it as she prepared to dodge the attack, her feet already in a stance.

The creature simply tanked the attack as her claws reached for Korra's face. The Avatar simply pulled the wind around her, blowing back the monster as well as pushing her self back, she stopped herself instantly. She slammed her foot into the hard ground, kicking up a large amount of stone, the attack was large enough that it had to stop the creature or at least forced it to dodge it.

Korra couldn't help but smile as the creature, body lowered, despite the attempt, two large stone pillars stuck into the creature stomach and shoulder. In all honestly, Korra didn't expect the monster to continue fighting. It probably should have been dead, though that theory went out the window when the creature ignored its wounds. No it did more than that as it ripped out the pillars in its body and threw it at Korra.

Korra expression was shock as she dodged the two attacks, the creature nearly instantly closing the distance between her and it. Despite her strength, Korra had the feeling that if the creature managed to get into hand distance, she was probably going to have a very bad day.

It would be annoying, to dodge as Korra slammed her feet once again sending up a wall of stone. The creature stopped for a moment as it out stretched its hands, there was a siring sound...it seemed that creature was melting through the stone.

How was the main question Korra asked as she jumped away, she was weighing her options. The Avatar state would probably end it quickly, and she saw no reason not to use it. If there was a situation to use it, then this would be it. It really wasn't much to think about, Korra took a deep breath. It was like a quick switch, her eyes started grow.

It was just a simple motion, she blew back the creature, far further and with much more force. Right into the burning area, of course the entire thing was far more forceful than one would expect. Section of the building, fell over as Korra eyes went wide for a moment. She actually didn't except to cause so much damage. Of course, there really wasn't any inhabited buildings around, and the monster was stopped. She assumed it was a win for her as she grinned.

Korra walked towards the nearly created wreckage, most of the flames had died. Honestly, Korra didn't know how to feel about digging into the dirt. The entire thing felt like a shady thing to do. Though, before Korra could continue to think the rubble started to shake as a human hand came shooting out. It slowly started to twitch as Korra jumped back. What she saw was completely different then what was sent under.

It was a girl, a familiar girl, the same girl in the picture. She was wearing the same torn dress the monster was as her brown shifted slightly before she stood there. Simply glaring at Korra, that girl was no doubt known as Hua her eyes continued to look at Korra.

It seemed that Hua didn't even need to use her eyes to tell the person in front of her was the enemy. However before the battle could continue a Satomobile came screeching on the scene. Korra knew it didn't belong to Zhizao, as Hua eyes widen the passenger door flung open. The driver that was far too young, and as well as someone Hua recognized.

It was Xua in her dress before Hua could question how she got a Satomobile or why the small girl snapped. "Hurry up! Get in!" It seemed that she was having trouble reaching the gas pedal. Hua didn't hesitate as she jumped into the vehicle, it sped away causing Korra eyes to twitched. Once again the Avatar was going to make a hasty decision.

"You're not getting away!" Without hesitation, Korra slammed her arms into the ground causing rocks to shoot up towards the speeding away vehicle. Though it seemed that Korra realized her mistake a little too late.

There was still a kid in the driver seat. The Satomobile flipped over, Korra bit her lip. She didn't want to hurt a kid after all. The fear Korra was expreincing turned to confusion as the toppled over Satomobile skid. There were two people on the showing bottom. Hua was holding Xua in her arms as the small girl held tightly to her friend. Once again Hua was glaring at Korra before she jumped away, her speed was inhuman, as Korra weighed chasing them.

"Darn it, they got away!" Korra learned her lesson before, the only reason she was careless up to that point was because there was no one around, Hua was heading up to midtown and Korra was pretty much stuck.

It seemed it only took an hour to get back to their home as Hua let out a huge sigh, dropping off Xua who was still shaking. Hua exhaled slightly, she honestly had a long day. Her new clothing was ruined, Xua was scared and the girl that attacked them was obviously the Avatar. Dhe should have known better, they were going to pull out such a thing as Hua sat down.

Xua bit her lips honestly it was the most horrifying thing she had ever done, soul crushing even.

"Hey, Xua, how did you manage to get a Satomobile?" Hua finally asked, as she sat in the corner of the room, ignoring the small pieces of wood picking at her, it was a question that she needed answered as Xua scratched the back of her head.

"Oh, that? I just stole it, it wasn't that hard. I noticed you were acting strange, so I decided to follow you a little...Hua, was that Avatar Korra?" it seemed that Xua had her own question as Hua paused for a moment, her normally bubbly personality had ceased, she simply stood up again, not taking her eyes off of Xua.

"Xua...things will just get worse from here, if you want me to leave and never come back, I will." It was a strange thing to say as Xua simply shook her head and laughed.

"Oh, don't get all serious, I knew something was up when I saw you do those Agni Kai members in, not like I'm not use to risking my life for less," Xua said as she closed one of her eyes as she brushed off her dress, "Plus, I'll find out some more about the Avatar for yah, we should find something about the people that will be chasing you!"

It seemed that Xua was a little more savvy than her age let on as Hua smiled.

With all that, staying in Republic City probably wasn't going to be an option much longer,

Yeah, I pretty much packaged this wrong on my first write through, so I just made it one super long chapter no one is going to review, rather four short chapters no one was going to review.