Chapter ten: Weakness

They were ordered to go after her again.

The rookie heaved a sigh before following the metalbenders to their destination on his bike. But, why did they have to return so soon? If anything they had switched locations. If they were lucky, the triad leader would still be there.

As they entered the same tunnel they took last time, Mako lit a flame in his hand to eliminate the darkness.

He decided to stay alert of his fellow officers so that he won't lose them this time. He sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. Why were the rookies, of all troops, sent to go after this leader? Surely it was like going to your death bed. Weren't they aware of how much skill this girl had? And what affect she could have on Mako?

He tried not to think about it. He tried to keep his cool. This was no time to think of what could happen if he messes up slightly. He could die. He could end up in the hospital again. He could even be captured.

The only noise that could be heard in the tunnel was the shuffling of the officers' feet. No one spoke.

It felt awkward to not be talking. To not be planning of what they are going to do. But Mako decided to ignore it; they should be focusing on finding their hideout. Hopefully the relocated, that way they wouldn't have to worry about getting injured or killed.

But suddenly he felt them being separated again. Only this time the officers were taken out cold. Mako's eyes widened. If only he was an earthbender.

"So, I guess you decided to return," the girl's voice appeared. "That eager to see me, are you?"

The firebender turned his head to see her, hood covering her face. "I have a wife." He muttered.

"So I've heard." She smirked.

"You've heard?"

"Why, of course," she replied. "I know almost everything there is to know about you, Officer Mako."

His eyes widened again when he heard his name escape past her lips. "Like…" His voice trailed, encouraging her to continue. Just where did this girl get her information?

"Let's see…" She said trying to hold in evil laughter. "Your parents were killed at age eight, you have a younger brother named Bolin, married to the Avatar, rookie on the police force, former probender,"

"How-"

"And," she cut him off. "You have my little sister living in your home."

His mouth opened slightly, eyes widening more than ever. Then, he smirked. "So you are Song's sister."

"My, my, give the boy a prize," She said playfully waving her hand at him as she raised a little bit of the earth so a door could be made. He saw a shadow cast across the room and soon the form of a man could be seen. He knew that face anywhere.

Lightning Bolt Zolt.

"Well, I see where you get your information from." Mako said smoothing his hair back.

"Zolt took me in when I ran away from home. I trained and ran numbers like you did," her smirk becoming wider.

"And you became a leader," He finished for her. "Tell me, how does it feel?"

"Terrific."

"You don't regret leaving home?"

She paused and hesitated. "No."

"Would you regret it if I told you your parents were dead?"

Her eyes widened. "Nothing you say will make me have regrets." She spat.

"Well, it is why Song is living in my home,"

"Because you couldn't stand to see another poor street rat," She said. "That's a little cliché, don't you think?"

"Actually, no," He answered. "I'm actually glad I found her. She's like family to me and my wife. Well, more than a family that you were to her."

Now she was in his face. "How dare you! She's my sister! My blood!"

He rolled his eyes at her remark. "You still left her. You still left your whole family, Hope." He mumbled and ignored her flinches and the vein that was about to pop out of her head. "Say, Zolt, you sure are awfully quiet. What's with you?"

"Just enjoying the show," He replied. It was rare when the second leader was angry like this.

Hope stretched her hands out slightly. "That's enough, Zolt." That's what got Zolt to stop talking.

Mako laughed at this. His laughing got louder and louder. "Really, Zolt? You're taking orders from her? From a nineteen year old girl? Pathetic." Perhaps he could play his way out. "Nevertheless, I need to get my men help. So, how about I keep my mouth shut about your location and you'll let us go?"

"Like hell you'll keep your mouth shut!" Zolt said, but Hope raised her hand.

"No, let them go. It doesn't matter if they find out, we can handle the police."

"Fine," Zolt muttered.

Hope lifted her hands so that the wall appeared the officers, finally regaining their consciousness. Mako was pushed by her so that she could lower the wall in order to be unseen.

"What happened?" He heard an officer say.

"You guys got knocked out. Come on, let's get out of here." The firebender said as he ignited a flame in his palm once again to lead them through the dark tunnel.

A pang of guilt had hit him. He could have taken them both, but there was an urge inside of him not to hit the girl. It was because of how much she looked like Song. And, he couldn't hurt Song.

Then a rush of excitement overcame the man suddenly. He was glad to be going home early due to the injuries of the other officers. It was about eight o'clock, at least 4 hours before his shift was supposed to end. He smiled lightly seeing the apartment building he lived in. Soon he was opening the door to find Korra sitting on the couch reading the newspaper. He also saw Song listening to the radio, beaming at it since she figured out how to work one.

Mako saw green eyes look at her, then a light gasp. "Officer Mako!" Song cried running over to him and hugging at his legs.

He laughed lightly and patted the girl's head. "Hey there,"

"Mako," He turned to see Korra. She was still sitting on the couch, still looking at the newspaper. She looked like she hadn't moved at all.

"Yes?"

"There was news on the radio." She slightly whispered. "You and your troops were trapped again. Are you alright?"

Mako smiled and walked over to where his wife sat. "I'm fine." He assured her sitting down next to her and kissing her cheek.

"Good." She said, leaning into him. He put his arm around her shoulders. All he could see was the fear and worry by her expressions. Song watched from a few feet away at the adults. She didn't quite understand all of this quite yet, being four and all, so she wasn't sure why Korra was so worried. But Song was scared for the woman.

"Stop scaring me like that." She said when they were in bed, her back facing him.

He went over to her and kissed her shoulder. "I'm sorry."

A/N: Sorry this is late, I hope this will do! Anyways, I'm really proud of this one for the length. I haven't made a very long one yet, so I hope this encourages me more. The reason for my writing absence was because I was recently watching Fullmetal Alchemist, both original and Brotherhood. It's amazing! Alright, I really want to start a chapter fanfiction for Royai but I have no idea what to write about. So, would anyone like to send me prompts? I think I should work on a fanfiction for FMA. Besides, ROYAI IS GIVING ME SO MUCH FEEEELS ASSFDF;DD. So, don't be afraid to send in some props! I'd like to do a chapter long one!