Mizuki was about to drift off to sleep when she heard the fisherman shouting. "We've arrived!"
To thank him, Mizuki handed a wad of bills. Out of politeness, he refused at first, but she saw him dance in glee out of the corner of her eye when she walked off the boat.
"Miuzki!" she turned around to see Korra and Naga stepping onto the docks.
"Hey Korra!" Naga ran up to her and give her a lick. She giggled. "Hi, Naga."
"I thought you were heading back to Kyoshi Island?"
"I got off at the first stop when I heard about the Equalist Attack. What happened?"
"I'll tell you later. Right now, I'm headed off to the arena. I convinced Tenzin to let Mako and Bolin stay on the island. Hop on."
"Sure. I forgot they would have to move out now that they closed the arena." Naga stopped short of the yellow police tape line. There were some metalbender cops still investigating the area. Korra and MIzuki hopped off Naga and ran up to the attic.
"Guys! Great news. You don't have to go back on the streets. I talked to Tenzin and made all the arrangements. You can come live on Air Temple Island with me!" Korra announced.
Mako began, "Oh, we'd love to, but-"
"Asami already invited us to live in her dad's giant mansion! From here on out, it's gonna be the lap of luxury for us," said Bolin.
"Oh hey, Korra," Asami called out. "I was hoping you would stop by." She let go of Pabu and climbed down a ladder. "Mizuki, I thought you left already?"
"I jumped ship the moment I heard about the attack. I hitched a ride back with this fisherman."
"I thought I smelled something fishy in the room," Bolin noted.
"We were just leaving. So, I guess I'll see you guys around some other time," said Korra.
"Why not tomorrow? I'd love to have you two come visit the estate," Asami offered.
"I don't know. I have some... Avatar stuff to do."
Bolin picked up Pabu and pretended to be his voice, "Come on, Korra. We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness. We could swim in Asami's pool. It'll be fun!"
Korra laughed, "All right, Pabu."
Asami waved good-bye. "Great, we'll see you guys tomorrow."
"So you're still a little…uncomfortable around Asami?" Mizuki asked when they were outside the arena.
"What? It's nothing. She still seems a little prissy to me." Korra and Mizuki climbed back on Naga.
"Uh-huh. At least you'll be taking the time to get to know each other a little better. You two might even become friends."
"I doubt it. We're probably going to go shopping or do something girly tomorrow."
"Hey, I'm pretty girly myself."
"It's different with you."
"Because I'm not dating Mako?"
"Let's not bring up the relationship talk again."
"Ok, just try to have an open mind tomorrow. Asami is a really nice person."
"Let's just get back to Air Temple Island. You look like you're about to collapse."
"Sitting on a fishing boat all night will do that to you."
"Mizuki, when did you get here?" Tenzin was perplexed at his young relative's arrival. "Does your mother know about this?"
"Right, my mother… No, she doesn't exactly know about me not coming back home."
"Korra, I wish to talk to Mizuki alone please." The Avatar mouthed 'Good luck' before exiting Tenzin's study.
"I heard about the Equalist attack."
"All the more reason you should be back on Kyoshi Island. It is now more dangerous for benders than ever in Republic City."
"You can kick me off this island if you want to, but I am not leaving this city. I'm not going to sit back and wait for the newspaper reports miles away at home. "
"It is not my decision alone. Your parents granted you permission to come here. They will be incredibly upset with you once they realize you are remaining here."
"I'm not a child anymore. I was considered an adult in the Northern Water Tribe. I am not the fragile doll my family believes I am anymore."
"No one is questioning your strength or bravery. We are just concerned about your safety."
"I am standing by my friends. You are there for the Avatar and so am I. Just as my grandfather was there for Aang."
"Friendships can last more than one lifetime, my son." Tenzin sighed heavily, old memories layered upon recent ones. Mizuki certainly knew how to play on emotions. "Will you at least notify your parents of your decision?"
"Fine, I'll send a wire next week." Tenzin folded his arms. "Tomorrow?" He glared at her. "Okay, today then. Am I excused now?"
"Yes." Mizuki rolled her eyes as she left the room. When she was gone, Tenzin sniffed the air around him. "Is that… fish?"
The next day Korra and Mizuki arrived at the Sato Mansion. "Avatar Korra and Miss Mizuki have arrived," the butler announced.
"Hey guys!" Mako called out.
"Glad you made it!" said Asami.
Bolin emerged from the water after his earlier cannonball. "Welcome to paradise."
Korra sat down by the pool. "Looks like you guys settled right in."
Mako started swimming. "Pretty much, except someone forgot to ask her father if we could stay here."
"Yeah, but I smoothed it over with him. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission," said Asami.
Bolin got out of the pool. "This is the greatest place in the world! Watch this, watch this." He spoke to the butler, "Fetch me my towel, good sir."
"Yes, Master ... Bolin." He grabbed a towel.
"Master Bolin! Ha, I love this guy." He held out his arms. "Now pat me dry."
"As you wish."
"Don't forget Master Pabu."
"Wouldn't dream of it, sir." Pabu puffed into a giant ball of fur. Bolin jumped into the water again, annoying the butler.
"So, what do you have planned for us today? Let me guess, shopping, makeovers..." said Korra.
Bolin push Mako into the water. "Ooh, Ooh! I vote makeovers!" he shouted before Mako shoved him down in return.
Asami climbed out of the pool. "I had something a little more exciting in mind." They arrived at a racetrack with two Satomobiles engaged in a race. "Pretty cool, huh?" said Asami.
"Way cooler than a makeover," Korra responded.
"This is pretty impressive. What is this place for?" said Mizuki.
"This is where Future Industries test-drives their Satomobiles. Ever been behind the wheel?"
"The only thing I know how to drive is a polar bear dog," said Korra.
"Aside from that motorcycle joyride when I was little, I've never been behind the wheel of anything."
"You want me to take you for a spin?"
Korra turned to Asami. "Let's do it!"
"I'm going to sit this one out."
"Come on, Mizuki! When do you ever get a chance to cruise down a real racetrack?" said Korra.
"It'll be fun. You can sit behind in the other car,"Asami encouraged.
She didn't want to disappoint her friends. "Ok, I'll do it."
Mizuki put on her helmet and googles and sat behind Asami's opponent. A white flag was waved and the race was on. Her driver wasted no time going at full speed. She gripped her seat, eyes closed shut as she whispered a silent prayer to the spirits. She opened her eyes when she heard the clash of tires, but then the car started spinning. Mizuki felt her stomach churning. They crossed the finish line, but Asami was the winner.
"Is Mizuki okay?" Asami's voice sounded distant even though she was only a few feet from her.
"I'm not exactly sure," answered Korra.
"Please help me out of this car," she dazedly responded. When they managed to reach the stands where Mako and Bolin were, Mizuki ran for the nearest trashcan and promptly threw up.
"You… didn't mention you get carsick?" asked Asami.
"Kyoshi Island doesn't exactly have a lot of Satomobiles around. Wasn't sure until now."
"Let's get back to the mansion," Korra suggested.
"Emergency, emergency coming through, beep beep!" Bolin ran for the bathroom the moment they stopped through the door.
"Uh, is there another bathroom I can use?" Korra asked.
"We have a lady's powder room upstairs, first door on your right. You can freshen up in there," said Asami.
"Thanks." Korra walked up upstairs.
"Mizuki, do you want to freshen up too?"
"I just need to lay down, preferably on something soft and cushy," Mizuki groaned.
"Living room is that way," Asami pointed.
"Thanks." Mizuki slowly shuffled away. Bolin emerged from the bathroom and sent for the butler to spray him with perfume. She heard rapid footsteps headed for the door.
Asami was surprised, "You're leaving? But I-I thought…"
She heard Korra's voice, "Uh, sorry! I forgot. Mizuki and I were supposed to airsit, I mean babybend, I-I mean babysit the airbender kids. See you later! Where's Mizuki?"
"Here!" She got on her feet and ran towards Korra. Picking up on Korra's nervousness, Mizuki faced Asami, Mako, and Bolin. "Right, Tenzin's been busy with the council and everything. We got to go." Korra pulled her arm. "We had fun, thanks for everything!" Mizuki called out when they ran out the door. "Mind telling me what's going on?" she demanded when they were outside.
"I overheard Hiroshi Sato talking about the Cabbage Corp raid and he said now's the time to strike. His office was right outside the bathroom."
"Are you sure about this? You've barely made friends with Asami today. Not to mention you're taking on a very powerful, wealthy enemy."
"I know what I heard. I wouldn't make up something like this. Are you with me or not?"
Mizuki nodded her head. "We need to tell Tenzin and Chief Bei Fong."
They met on a rooftop later that night. "So, you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists then framed Cabbage Corp?" asked Tenzin.
"That's a bold accusation, but what proof do you have?" Lin questioned.
"Well, I don't exactly have proof, but I know what I heard. Sato's up to something," said Korra.
"The police get info about Cabbage Corp right after the attack and they didn't even clear out their warehouse of evidence. Future Industries is just as capable of having the technology to make those gloves," said Mizuki.
"He does have the means... and he has a motive," said Lin.
"That's right," said Tenzin.
"A motive? What is it?" asked Korra.
"Twelve years ago, the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A firebender killed Sato's wife during the break in," Tenzin answered and Mizuki gasped.
"That's terrible," said Korra.
"It was tragic. It's possible that he's been harboring anti-bending sentiment all this time."
"Maybe we should look at Mr. Sato a little more closely," Lin responded.
"Poor Asami. Her mother was killed and her father might get arrested," said Mizuki.
"I don't want to go after one of the most powerful men in Republic City either, but if he's working for the Equalists, then that's a risk I'm willing to take. There's too much at stake," Lin decided.
"Mizuki, I suggest that you stay out of this investigation… for now," said Tenzin.
"All right, I'll stay on the sidelines. I won't wait forever though."
Mizuki spent the following day trying to keep herself busy. Her parents voiced their unhappiness at her skipping her siblings' birthday, but they agreed that as long as she remained on Air Temple Island, she would be relatively safe. They did warn at the first sign of an all-out war, Mizuki was to be sent home immediately, no questions asked. They would come to Republic City themselves if the need arose. She was helping Pema prepare for dinner and decided to turn on the radio for some music.
"Is it possible that the presidents of Cabbage Corp and Future Industries both have Equalist ties, or did Hiroshi Sato frame his longtime rival, Lau Gan-Lan? Or did Chief Beifong just plain arrest the wrong man? So far the investigation has yielded no evidence to incriminate Sato." Mizuki immediately turned it off.
"I prefer some peace and quiet," she said, awkwardly trying to change the subject.
"I just hope all this trouble clears up soon." Pema placed a hand on her pregnant belly.
"Pema, when are you due?"
"A few more weeks, not much time I'm afraid."
There were footsteps entering the room and she turned around to see Tenzin and Korra. "Did you find anything? Was Mr. Sato arrested?"
Tenzin opened his mouth to say something, but Korra beat him to the punch. "No, but we got a lead. One of the warehouse workers slipped me a note to meet up at midnight."
"Sound sketchy."
"It's the only thing we have to go on."
"Any chance I can tag along to go to the meeting tonight?"
"Lin and I will be already be there as well. We don't want to bring any more people than we have to and drive away our only source," Tenzin stated. The telephone rang. "That might be the council." He headed for his office.
"Keep me updated?" Mizuki asked Korra.
"Definitely. Maybe we should brush up on your combat skills."
Mizuki sighed. "You're probably right. Never fought an enemy with electric gloves before." She cleared her throat before asking, "How did Asami take it?"
Korra sighed. "She was pretty angry, but Mr. Sato was completely calm the whole time. He knew we weren't going to find anything. Also, Mako broke off our friendship."
"He did what?"
"He thought I was jealous over his relationship with Asami and that if I kept going after this investigation, our friendship was over."
"Stupid boy, ultimatums don't work in a situation like this,"Mizuki muttered.
"At least you believe in me."
"Of course I do. This is Asami's father, one of the most powerful men in Republic City. You wouldn't accuse him of being an Equalist if you weren't sure."
"I hope this meeting will give us some evidence."
She stayed up all night, meditating in the pavilion until she heard an Air Bison arriving on the island. "What happened?" She ran to Tenzin and Korra, bursting with questions.
"Sato manufactured the gloves and he has a secret factory, right underneath his mansion," Tenzin answered.
"So what's the next step then?"
"Lin is planning a raid on the Sato mansion," Tenzin responded. "I suppose there's nothing I can say to convince you not to come."
"I don't approve of this," Lin grumbled as Mizuki and Korra stepped onboard the airship. "This is a war you should not be involved in."
"I was trained for battle and this city is a part of my grandfather's legacy. I refuse to let someone like Amon tarnish it."
"If anything goes wrong, you run. Do not try to be a hero, do you understand?"
"Yes, Aunt Lin- I mean Chief Bei Fong."
They arrived at the mansion without a mishap and burst into the living room. "What are you doing here?" Asami demanded.
"We have a reason to believe that there's a factory hidden below the mansion," Lin stated.
"I think I would've noticed if there were a factory underneath my house. The lies you people come up with just to persecute my father."
"Where is your father?" Tenzin asked.
"In his workshop, behind the house."
They began heading for the workshop."Mizuki, you're a part of this too?" Asami couldn't disguise her disdain.
"You don't have to be always on Korra's side," Mako said.
"This isn't about Korra, this is about Mr. Sato providing weapons for the Equalists."
"Something you don't have proof of," said Asami.
"That's what we're about to find out."
"Dad? Hello?" The building was empty.
"Chief, the estate's been secured. No one has left the workshop since we arrived," an officer reported.
"Perhaps we just couldn't see him leaving." Lin walked into the middle of the room with her hands behind her back. She metalbent her uniform to reveal a bare foot and closed her eyes as she stomped on the ground, using her mother's seismic sense that she was taught as a child. "There's a tunnel beneath the workshop running deep into the mountainside."
"What? There's no tunnel," said Asami.
Lin looked at the floor and metalbent a layer of it to reveal a flight of stairs. Bolin whispered to Asami, "Do you think your dad knows about this tunnel?"
"I don't understand. There must be an explanation," Asami felt so confused.
"Maybe you don't know everything about your father. I'm sorry," Korra apologized.
"I wish you didn't have to find out like this," said Mizuki.
"Officers, into the tunnel. Be cautious." The metalbender cops proceeded down the stairs. Mako, Asami, and Bolin attempted to follow them. "Uh-uh, you three stay up here. Officer Song, keep an eye on them." Mizuki headed down the stairs and they rode an elevator that took them deeper into the tunnel. She had to admit, this was an impressive operation of Sato's, both in scale and in secrecy. They entered a large room with two posters of Amon hanging at the top. "Not your average backyard workshop," Lin noted.
"And I'm guessing those are the new weapons," said Korra, observing the large robotic machines.
"Hiroshi was lying all right, but where is he?" asked Tenzin. Suddenly a large metal wall emerged, blocking the only entrance. Lin tried in vain to metalbend it.
"I'm afraid you won't be able to metalbend that wall, Chief Beifong." Green lights turned on within the room. "It's solid platinum." The robotic machines sprang to life and headed for the group. "My mecha tanks are platinum as well. Not even your renowned mother could bend a metal so pure."
"Hiroshi, I knew you were a lying, no good Equalist!" Korra yelled out. "Come out here and-"
"And do what, young Avatar? Face the wrath of your bending? No. I think I'll fight from inside here where my odds are a little more... equal."
"That source was a set-up! You lured us down here!" said Lin.
"Guilty as charged." Hiroshi launched a grappling hook, which they dodged. The rest of the mecha tanks began their assault.
One of them went after Mizuki, who went sprinting towards the walls, trying to dodge its grappling hook. She jumped onto pipes, machinery, support beams, anything nearby that kept her one step ahead of the mecha tank. From the distance, she saw Korra and Tenzin teaming up with their firebending and airbending and that only managed to push the mecha tank away from them. These machines were resilient, the amount of water Mizuki had in her water skin would not be enough to put up a fight for long. Closer to her, she could see Aunt Lin stabbing the glass ports of one mecha tank with daggers from her armor. That would be her best option for an offense, Mizuki's only chance was to get to the front of the mecha tank and attempt to reach the Equalist inside by breaking through the glass. Suddenly she heard yelling, the metalbender officers were being electrocuted. They passed out and then Lin was flung across the room, where she laid unconscious. Only Korra, Tenzin, and Mizuki were left standing. The mecha tank smashed nearly everything nearby her and Mizuki's terror was rising.
"Korra!" Tenzin cried out. She took a brief glance and saw Korra's unconscious form on the ground. Tenzin used an air wheel to evade their attacks, but when he leapt up, Hiroshi shot a disk containing an electric wire. The airbending master fell to the ground, unconscious as well.
"Tenzin!" Mizuki cried out, tears escaping from her.
"Give it up, you are now alone. I will tell Amon you surrendered peacefully unlike your friends." All six mecha tanks surrounded her now.
Terror, adrenaline, anger, hatred coursed through her veins. "NO!" she screamed. She felt a pulse of energy burst within her. One of the mecha tanks moved forward to charge at her, but then there was a terrible screeching of metal being ripped apart. The mecha tank fell to the ground, an icy spear ripped through it, narrowly missing the Equalist inside. Hiroshi Sato was shocked, he was prepared for everything in his test run but this. He saw his breath in the now frosty air. How did the temperature drop so quickly? To his horror, he saw ice slowly rising from the bottom up of the mecha tanks. The girl in front of him took small, careful steps. It was her eyes that frightened him the most, so void of life and emotion. It took the Equalists four tries to electrocute her before she finally collapsed in exhaustion and the ice stopped forming. Her small body was now covered with electric cables.
Hiroshi Sato emerged from his mecha tank, but Mizuki didn't respond at all. "Load everyone into the transports and deliver them to Amon!" he ordered. He looked at Mizuki with trepidation, "Put her down with the others. If she gets up, we'll electrocute her again immediately." He would not admit out loud that the girl had already survived more electric shocks than what was considered humanly possible.
How can you let him run free in your realm, Mother?
Control your emotions, this is why you are not allowed in this world.
Is it, Mother? Or is it because you are trying to separate me from my father?
He is not your father! The Avatar is the bridge between the worlds. He has dealt justice towards Yakone.
What kind of justice is it that a man who has caused so much suffering is allowed to live in peace? Your faith in the Avatar will prove your undoing.
Tread carefully, Meiyu, I sense a growing darkness within you.
This wall was created for a reason, it must be not be breached now.
"Why do you get to carry Korra and I have to carry Tenzin?"
"Do you really want to argue about this now, Bolin?"
"Fine, I get to carry Mizuki then. She has to be the lightest out of everybody."
"Mako? Bolin?" Mizuki grumbled.
"Mizuki, you're awake." Mako carefully balanced Korra on his back as he used his firebending to set Mizuki free from the cables.
"Whew, she can help us carry Chief Bei Fong then," said Bolin.
"Not so fast, boys." Hiroshi Sato raised his electric glove menacingly with the Lieutenant by his side.
"Hello, Mr. Sato. Wow! What a really swell, scary factory you have here under your giant mansion," Bolin remarked.
"Sponsoring our team, supporting the Avatar. It was all just a big cover," Mako spat.
"Yes, and the most difficult part was watching my daughter traipse around with a firebending street rat like you!"
"Dad, stop!" Hiroshi turned around to face Asami. "Why?" she pleaded.
"Sweetie," he was saddened she had to be part of this now. "I wanted to keep you out of this as long as I could. But now you know the truth, please, forgive me. These people, these benders. They took away your mother, the love of my life. They've ruined the world, but with Amon we can fix it and build a perfect world together. We can help people like us, everywhere!" He took off an electric glove and offered it to her. "Join me, Asami."
Asami's hand was shaking as she accepted it and put it on. "No…" said Mako.
"I love you, dad." Asami electrocuted her father until he was unconscious and used her self-defense training to take down the Lieutenant.
The mecha tanks were alerted. "Let's get out of here!" Mako called out. Korra and Lin regained consciousness as well as everyone retreated into the hole that Mako and Bolin came from.
They managed to make it to the airship and were flying away from the mansion. "Aunt Lin, we have to get you to the hospital." Mizuki placed a pillow beneath her head on the bench.
"I'll be fine. How are you?"
"I'm okay, but I wish I still had my water skin. At least then I could do some healing on my own."
"I was the one who was unprepared. My metalbenders are on their way to Amon, and it's all my fault. Tarrlok's right, I've failed as chief. First thing in the morning, I'm handing in my resignation."
"No! You can't give up like this!" Tenzin rebuked.
Lin sat up. "I'm not giving up. I'm gonna find my officers and take Amon down. But I'm gonna do it my way, outside the law."
They arrived back at the police station. Tenzin, Korra, and Mizuki would accompany Lin to the hospital. Asami, Bolin, and Mako would have to remain at the station since their rooms on Air Temple Island would not be ready until the next day.
"The investigation will primarily take place in that secret underground factory. The mansion itself will only be given a quick sweep except for Mr. Sato's office for obvious reasons. You'll be able to return in the morning," said Lin.
"I will send the Air Acolytes to help you transport your belongings when you arrive tomorrow," Tenzin told them.
"Thank you so much," said Asami.
Everyone said their good-byes and separated. Lin was checked into the hospital, but Korra and Mizuki remained in the waiting area. The now former police chief's room was being occupied by Tenzin, officers, and other officials to discuss her resignation and who would be her replacement. The two waterbenders had refused treatment and with both being trained healers and in relatively stable conditions, no one argued against them.
"How are you doing?" asked Korra.
"I think I should be asking you that. I saw the way you looked at Mako. I'm guessing the two of you patched things up?"
"Yeah, Asami needs him more than I do." Korra collapsed into a seat. "Why do I feel so terrible when my instincts were right?"
"Because no one wanted this to happen. Asami lost her mother and now her father as well. I'm glad she's still on our side."
"Me too." After an exhausting night, they finally arrived back to the island. Tenzin said good night to the girls before he retired as well. "Tenzin, wait." He turned around when Mizuki started walking towards him. She turned back to Korra, "I'll see you in the morning." The exhausted Avatar smiled and waved before she went to her room.
"What is it, Mizuki?"
"I know it's a random question, but it just popped into my head. Do you know anyone named Yakone?"
Tenzin gave a look of disapproval. "When did you hear of that name?"
"I don't actually remember. It's all bits and pieces jumbled up right now, but I still remember that name."
"He was a notorious criminal of Republic City decades ago. My father and your grandfather dealt with him in the past. That is all you need to know for now."
"I understand. Thank you."
"Get some rest."
"I will." However, she kept tossing and turning throughout the night. Her mind tried to return to the previous events, but it was if there was a mental block established. After being cornered by the mecha tanks, Mizuki could only remember feeling confused and angry, but it was like an out of body experience. She fell into a cold abyss before awakening to Mako and Bolin's arrival. There were no visions or images to grasp onto, only whispers of two names: Yakone and Meiyu.
