Bolin knew that Mako worried too much. Worried about keeping their little corner of the warehouse neat enough to sleep in. Worried about getting food and clothing. Worried about bringing some money in so they wouldnt have to keep stealing.

Worried about keeping Bolin blind to what the streets were like after dark.

Bolin humored Mako, seeing that Mako seemed happier when Bolin WASNT looking on at a beating one of the Triple Threat was giving someone, or grubbing around for food in the food district's waste bins. So he said nothing, sat back, and waited for those moments when Mako was either asleep or otherwise occupied with other things before heading out on his own.

Ton Lee was the only Earthbender Bolin could look up to. Rather, the only Earthbender who bothered to tolerate his presence for an extended period of time. Ton Lee taught him the basics of Earthbending, and the best techniques for capture, restraint, and even torture.

After Bolin proved himself that first time, when it came down to saving Mako, Ton Lee told him Bolin could earn benefits in the Triple Threat Triad if he honed his techniques and did some work on the side. He was young, Ton Lee said, but he had real potential.

And for the first time, Bolin felt pride. Someone expected something more of him as more than a dirty street boy. He didnt want to dissappoint Ton Lee.

But he also couldnt seem to bear the cries of the people Ton Lee told him to hurt. Blood always made him throw up. Seeing people weep made him tear up.

So Ton Lee told him that he had to harden his heart, or anyone with a sob story could break it. If he hardened his heart, made it as hard as the earth he bent, then he could do anything.

Bolin didnt know what he meant until months later. He came home to find Mako unconscious from a blow to the head and two men pilfering anything of value from their little hideaway. He was angry, and he used the subduing techniques Ton Lee taught him to knock them down and bind their hands to the ground. He broke their hands with the rock, covering his ears with his hands to tune out their screams of pain.

Even through his hands, he could hear them beg for mercy. He could hear them scream out apologies and promises to leave and never come back. Bolin paused, taking his hands from his ears, taking it into consideration...

...But then he saw his big brother lying on the floor, a bloody knot on his head from the blow those men dealt. His fists clenched, the stone around their hands shattering their already broken bones.

"Harden your heart," Ton Lee said. "Or any sob story can break it."

Bolin's jaw tightened with resolve, his eyes turning ice cold. He raised his hands, and bent the earth to his will.


Mako was so relieved to find Bolin safe, knowing that the younger brother had just gone to watch the street performers and hadnt seen the men who broke into their little piece of home. He just said he hit his head, and that it was no big deal. Why ruin the illusion of safety for his little brother?

Bolin just smiled and nodded like it was the truth. Mako was happier this way.

That was all that mattered.