"They're coming, they're coming!" Ikki chirped when she burst into Mizuki's room.
"Some peace and quiet please," Mizuki grumbled.
"She isn't up yet?" Mizuki heard Korra's looming voice.
"Nope, Daddy says she always does this. She's up when the moon is and dead asleep when the sun comes out."
"I just couldn't fall asleep last night. I can get up anytime I want to."
"And right now you can't because?" Korra questioned.
Mizuki buried her head under a pillow. "Five more minutes."
"Daddy said she says that a lot too," replied Ikki.
"Ikki, out," Mizuki responded.
"Let's go give Mizuki some privacy." Korra led Ikki out of the room.
"Thank you, Avatar," her muffled voice answered. She dozed off again before she finally found the willpower to get out of bed, but Mizuki assumed she had time before her friends' arrival. She decided a glass of lychee juice would be a nice refreshment.
"I wonder if she's up yet?"
"I hadn't seen her in the girls' dormitory."
"Well we're bound to see her later, we are all on the same island now."
"Uh, she's right there."
When she put down her glass, Mizuki saw Asami, Bolin, and Mako staring at her. "Oh spirits." She was in her nightgown, crusty eyes half-open, and her long wavy hair tangled up like a bird's nest.
It was Bolin who broke the ice. "Hey… Mizuki, wow I've never noticed you have a lot of hair, like a lot. Usually it's all up in that fancy hairstyle of yours. How do you do that?"
"Practice," she replied in a deadpan voice. "Ok, why don't you guys turn around and pretend you didn't see this?" She twirled her finger and they complied, but when she left the room, she could've sworn she heard snickering. Never going to live this down, ever. At least Mako and Bolin were in their separate dormitory. On her way back, she saw Tenzin entering her room.
"Not here either," he muttered.
"Are you looking for me?"
"Ah, there you are." Tenzin gave her a disapproving glance. "Have you barely just woken up?"
"Maybe. You wanted to see me?"
"Korra and I will be leaving soon to see Saikhan inducted as the new chief. I know how close you and Lin are."
"I'll visit Aunt Lin at the hospital. She could use the company today."
"She'll appreciate it. I know how close our families have always been."
"You have a visitor," a nurse announced.
"May I come in?" asked Mizuki.
"Of course. I'm not occupied at the moment as you can see," grumbled Lin.
"How are you doing?" She took a seat next to the bed.
"They say I can finally get out of this bed in a few days. Too long if you ask me."
"I have something to ask you."
"A little forward of you today, usually you start out with a little small talk."
"I need to ask you about Yakone."
Lin frowned and sat up. "Why would you want to know about him? How did you even hear his name? He lived long before you were born."
"I heard it mentioned somewhere. Tenzin told me Avatar Aang and my grandfather dealt with him in the past."
"Of course Tenzin would immediately spill his guts."
"That's all he told me though. I just want to know more about my grandfather's life here."
Lin sighed. "I suppose it wouldn't do you any harm. It happened so long ago, Tenzin and I were both children when it happened. Yakone was a crime lord in Republic City forty two years ago. There were stories of him bloodbending people without needing a full moon."
"Bloodbending?" One of the few things Mizuki feared about being a waterbender was the potential to learn that dark skill. "Were they true?"
"Yes. He was arrested by my mother and taken to court. The case was presided over by the council, which Sokka was on as the representative for the Southern Water Tribe. They announced Yakone guilty and that was when he bloodbent everyone in the courtroom without moving a single muscle and escaped. Aang used the Avatar State and caught up to him. He took away Yakone's bending permanently and he was sent to prison."
"So he died during his imprisonment?"
"No, he escaped with the help of his gang, but he never returned to Republic City. My mother would never have let that happened."
"He must be dead by now then."
"He was not a young man when he was arrested. Even a powerful bloodbender like him would not have lived this long."
"I see… Thank you, Aunt Lin." A thought almost forgotten popped into her head that moment. "Just one more question."
"Is this pertaining to another criminal figure?"
"You tell me. Does the name Meiyu mean anything to you?"
"No, nothing comes to mind. Never met a Meiyu." There was a knock on the door. "Tenzin, what are you doing here?" asked Lin.
"Tarrlok has Saikhan under his grasp now. The entire police department is at his taskforce's disposal."
"Well, there's nothing I can do about it. As soon as I get out of here, I'm going to find my men who were captured. That's my priority."
"I'll leave you two alone. I'm going to find Korra." Being in the same room as two exes was one of the last places Mizuki wanted to be in. She found the Avatar waiting in the lobby. "Hey."
"Hey," Korra responded despondently.
"What's gotten you down?"
"I'm letting that weasel-snake Tarrlok get to me, but he's right. I haven't made any progress in airbending yet. I'm failing Republic City as the Avatar."
"You were four when the White Lotus discovered you bending three elements. How long have you been in Republic City training in airbending? Several weeks. I think you can cut yourself some slack, Korra."
"But the city's in danger right now. I can't become a failure when Amon's gathering more power."
"You won't fail. I have faith in you."
"Korra, Mizuki, are you ready to go?" Tenzin asked.
"Not quite, there's still some…errands I need to do."
"Do you need any assistance?"
"No, I can manage on my own," Mizuki responded briskly.
"All right then, just don't arrive back on the island too late. Korra, let us head back then."
Korra gave her a quizzical look. "What are you really up to?"
"I'll tell you later," Mizuki mouthed.
"Hi, I'm looking for the newspaper archives?" Mizuki asked.
"Are you a member of the press or a university student?" the librarian questioned. She seemed to embody her occupation with a stern expression behind her spectacles and dark hair in a tight bun.
"No." She had a feeling she was going to receive a lecture.
"Then what is your purpose in the archives? I cannot allow random people to access irreplaceable documents just because they ask so. It's bad enough that the police have been questioning whether or not Equalists have been recruiting or meeting here, and I say this as a nonbender."
"I understand and I'm definitely not an Equalist. You see, I'm trying to do research, this is my first time staying in the city-"
"Are you even a resident of Republic City?"
"N-no, m'am. But I'm staying on-"
"Tourists," the librarian muttered. "Look, I am a busy woman and you may seem like a nice young lady, but I suggest you do whatever research you want back home instead of wasting my time here, if your story is true."
"But-but…" Mizuki sighed. There was no way she could get around this librarian tonight. Perhaps she should've told Tenzin her plan, there was no way she would've been denied access to the archives with a member of the city council backing her up.
"Off you go," she shooed. Mizuki groaned in frustration. She decided to grab a dumpling to go before heading back to the island. Maybe she could ask Korra to pull the Avatar card on that grumpy woman.
Suddenly, Mizuki heard the screeching of tires. A truck had stopped in the middle of street and then a massive ramp was earthbent onto the road. A Satomobile flew into the air over the truck. "I am must be hallucinating." Mizuki ran in the direction of the Satomobile, but stopped in her tracks when she saw an Equalist lying on the ground by a motorcycle. The Equalist grumbled in pain and tried to get up. "Oh no, you don't." She used her breath of ice and the Equalist was now frozen onto the road. She ran further ahead and there was another Equalist except this one managed to get on its feet.
"Great, Korra's throwing a party." Now she had no doubt Asami drove the flying Satomobile with Korra and the brothers as passengers. "And I get to do the clean-up." The Equalist threw a bolo, but Mizuki did a cartwheel to dodge it. "Got to pick up the speed if you want to go against me," she taunted. The Equalist leaped into the air and landed next to Mizuki, now attempting to engage in hand to hand combat. Mizuki did a somersault when the Equalist tried to chi-block her right arm. "Pft, please. You guys are nothing but amateurs." She ran straight for the Equalist who engaged in a defensive stance, unprepared when Mizuki proceeded to hop on the head. In one swift motion, she grabbed a pole from the side of a nearby building and used the momentum to launch herself behind the Equalist who was quickly incapacitated by her chi-blocking. "Like I said, amateur." She heard the sound of a Satomobile approaching.
"Did you chi-block an Equalist?" asked Asami.
"Ha, can't believe they call themselves chi-blockers. My grandma Ty-Lee would've wiped the floor with all of them back in her day."
"Nice to see you carrying on the family tradition," Korra commented.
"Where are the boys?"
"Tying up and keeping watch on the other Equalists we caught. There was a prison break, but Team Avatar took care of it," said Korra.
"Uh-huh, thanks for the invite."
"Hey, you're a part of this, too. Besides, would you have been willing to ride in the car?" Asami asked.
"I saw you guys fly off that ramp, so no. Oh there's another one I froze in ice just down the road."
Cameras flashed as reporters began taking photos of Team Avatar minus Mizuki and the recaptured Equalists. "You know, you did take care of those two guys. You should be up here with us, Mizuki," said Korra.
"No thanks," she said from the sidelines. "If my mom sees my photo in the newspaper and reads that I've been engaging in vigilante justice, I'm on the first boat back to Kyoshi Island."
"Right, your mom. Is she really that bad?"
"It's… complicated. I have a different relationship with her compared to my siblings."
Sirens rang in the air when the police and Tarrlok finally arrived. "Avatar Korra, what do you think you are doing?"
"Oh, hey Tarrlok. Nice of you to show up finally. Here, we captured the escaped convicts for you," Korra mocked.
"What you did was tear up the city and impede the real authorities in their pursuit of these criminals."
"Hmm, that's funny. I didn't see your little task force or the cops the whole time. If it wasn't for Team Avatar, they would've gotten away."
Tarrlok pointed at Korra, "This is your last warning. Stay out of my way!"
"You did what?" Tenzin shouted at the group of teenagers.
"Remember to end with the part where you showed up Tarrlok," Mizuki whispered to Korra.
"And were you a part of this?" Tenzin demanded.
"Nope, I was just… out. I mean you won't see me in the newspaper tomorrow so therefore I wasn't there?" Mizuki rambled.
"Hmm." Tenzin began stroking his beard.
"We were patrolling the city and those criminals would have gotten away if it wasn't for us. Tarrlok was pretty unhappy we got there first," said Korra.
"We-They really wiped that stupid smirk off his face. From what I was told," Mizuki quickly summarized.
Tenzin sighed. "Be that as you may, Tarrlok is a dangerous adversary and I've dealt with him for years. But I don't suppose I will change your mind on your patrols, just promise you'll be careful."
"We will," said Korra.
"They will because you know I wasn't-" Tenzin gave her a deadpan look. "We'll be careful," Mizuki muttered.
"So what were you up to tonight?" Korra asked when they left Tenzin's study.
"Oh, I went to the library. I was trying to do research on this crime lord named Yakone from way back in the archives. Then I was denied access by this fussy old librarian."
"What's so important about this Yakone?"
"I don't know yet. He crossed paths with my grandfather and Avatar Aang, just trying to find out more about it."
"Need me to pull Avatar status with this librarian?"
"You read my mind."
"Ahem."
"Oh," the librarian adjusted her glasses. "Miss Mizuki and her friend, Avatar Korra. Well, I shouldn't be surprised you brought her along. You really do have friends in high places."
"Wait," Mizuki raised her eyebrow, "I don't remember telling you my name."
"Never mind that, I have my ways," she responded haughtily. "Very well, just be careful in the archives and don't damage anything, not a speck. I will know." She pulled out a set of keys, "Follow me."
"I think fussy was an understatement," Korra muttered.
"Agreed, thanks for your help. Just be careful tonight."
"Just don't damage anything. She will know," Korra mocked.
Mizuki stifled a giggle as the librarian shushed her. "This is a library, not a salon."
"Nothing but bloodbending," Mizuki shuddered. She already read a few accounts of Yakone's trial and it was a chilling tale. Everyone in the courtroom controlled like a puppet and then knocked unconscious. "Guess I know why some stories were never told, huh Grandfather." Yakone had been acquitted several times of his crimes before his bending was finally taken, but there was no mention of a Meiyu at all in his past. "Maybe I just have the name wrong or they're not even connected at all."
"Miss Mizuki, I have to close up now."
"Already?"
"There's a new curfew instituted for nonbenders."
"Oh, I didn't know." Tenzin had arrived home irate after the latest council meeting and she figured it was best to avoid him the rest of the day. "Everyone's gone already," she commented as they walked down the empty hall.
"Yes, few individuals choose to spend their days at the library if they're not working there."
"I suppose you like the ones that do."
"To put it simply, I don't like ignorant people. All this talk about benders versus nonbenders, people are born the way they are. Ignorance makes it easier to condemn an entire group on the actions of a few."
"There's always a choice to decide who you really are."
"Exactly. I wish more young people like you know better. Good to know your family raised you right."
"You can thank my Grandfather Sokka."
"Well good on him- did you say Sokka?"
"Yes, and before you continue it is the same one you imagine it to be."
"Hmm, well my dear, you certainly are more interesting beyond your pretty face."
"Pretty?"
"Not my words."
"Then whose? Same person who told you my name?"
"Yes, and that's all I'm telling you. Good night, Miss Mizuki."
"Good night."
Perhaps it was partly because of that conversation that drew her to the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center. "Hello Grandfather." Fortunately it was late enough that most people weren't around. No one would notice one girl hanging around the fountain that surrounded Sokka's statue. "Still see that you and your boomerang are inseparable, heh. Sorry, jokes are more Askari's thing, but it's still pretty weird of me talking to a statue, even if it's yours. I think Chun Hei is the only normal one, I only got a touch of the weird, and Askari's just weird and annoying. Republic City's pretty cool. I remember you um, talking about taking me here before." She looked up at the statue's face. "Then we all found out I was a waterbender."
She froze the water in the fountain with a motion of her hand. "Everyone kind of freaked out except for you. You were always there for me. I know Mom and Dad and Chun Hei and Asakari and everybody all love me, but you and me, we were best buddies." She unfroze the water and the fountain flowed once again. "I didn't want it. Chun Hei would've been an amazing waterbender, she's so disciplined and strong. Askari's a show off sometimes, but he's so creative. I was just the hyperactive baby of the family and I was okay with that. I just wanted to go on crazy adventures like you did with Avatar Aang. By the way, I met Avatar Korra. You were right, befriending the Avatar is one of the craziest things that can happen to you."
A few Satomobiles drove by, but otherwise there was no activity nearby. "I got married," she whispered. "Then widowed. You probably wouldn't have liked Kaimu at first, but he would have grown on you. I don't talk about it much anymore. I don't want the pity and the sad looks. That's sort of why I don't want to come home. There's always been a distance, you know. It kind of grew gradually, grew faster after I started waterbending, when you and all the other grandparents died. Great-aunt Katara misses you a lot too, Korra's told me." She sniffled and wiped away a few tears. "I've been having weird dreams, I always told you about them since I was little. Then you died, but I had Kaimu. He was always a better listener than Tarik, should've been the first sign. I could talk to Tenzin, but… I would rather tell Dad or even Mom first and I don't even want to tell them. I'm not alone, but I feel alone? Sorry, rambling." She got on her feet. "I just want to end with, I love you, Grandfather and… I miss you."
She could hear Tenzin shuffling in his study. "Better hear what the damage is tonight." She knocked on the door. "Tenzin?"
"Oh, Mizuki. Thank goodness you weren't arrested as well. I did not want to explain that to your mother."
"Wait, arrested? What happened?"
"Tarrlok shut off the power in the Dragon Flats Borough and the people demanded it back. Unfortunately, he had them arrested on charges of associating with the Equalists. I'm afraid your friends got caught up as well."
"Where's Korra?"
"In her room. I tried to convince Chief Saikhan to release them, but he's under Tarrlok's grip now."
"Tenzin, what's going to happen?"
"Don't worry, I'll take care of this at the council meeting in the morning."
"Korra?" She lightly tapped on her door. She opened it slightly when there was no response. "What the-" No sign of her was there and Naga was gone, too. That had to mean…"Korra, if you're about to do something stupid…ugh." Mizuki left a note saying she was going to find Korra if Tenzin entered her room before she returned. She brought her coat along with her. Despite spending her adolescence in the North Pole, she was not as well-adjusted to the cold as Korra was.
As she walked around the city, she wondered where she should start looking. "Let's see, I'm a headstrong, fearless Avatar who likes to confront my problems with force…" She arrived at City Hall, but it was eerily quiet around the area. "Great, so much for that idea of her seeking out Tarrlok." She heard a whining sound nearby. "Naga, come here, girl." The polar bear dog heard her and happily ran towards a familiar face. "Hey, where's Korra?" Naga nuzzled her and responded with more whining. "Ok, let's go find her." She hopped onto the saddle, it was definitely a different experience holding the reins this time.
"Who is this? It's six in the morning! This better be important!" Meelo shouted.
Tenzin grabbed the phone from his son. "Councilman Tenzin here." He received the shocking news from the other line. "What?"
He knocked on her door. "Mizuki?" No answer and he hoped this time there won't be much trouble waking up the girl when he saw the note on her desk. "She went looking for Korra by herself?" he yelled. Tenzin entered City hall trying to maintain his composure. "What happened? What was Korra doing at City Hall?" he demanded Tarrlok.
"As I told Chief Saikhan, Korra came to my office late last night. She was upset that I arrested her friends. She asked me to release them and... that's when the Equalists attacked. I tried to protect Korra, but we were outnumbered. Then, I was electrocuted. When I woke up, the police had arrived. But Korra was gone. I'm so sorry. Chief Saikhan, mobilize the entire police force. We have to find the Avatar."
"Was anyone there with you and Korra besides the Equalists?"
"No, like I said we were outnumbered," Tarrlok reiterated.
Thank goodness, Mizuki was not there with them. Perhaps she will return on her own soon.
"I have to go. Call me back the minute you hear anything." Tenzin hung up the phone in his study. "Lin? Wh- what are you- What are you- You should be in the hospital! And you three! You should be in prison!"
"I figured you could use our help finding Korra," Lin responded.
"Do you have any leads?" Mako anxiously asked.
"I've been on the phone all morning, but nothing yet."
"We need Naga! She can track Korra," Mako suggested.
"I'm afraid her polar bear dog is missing as well. Mizuki saw Korra's room was empty earlier and left on her own to find her."
"Then where do we start?" Bolin wondered.
"My guess is the Equalists are hiding underground, in the maze of tunnels beneath the city," Lin surmised.
"Underground... just like my father's secret factory. Figures," said Asami.
"Yeah! Yeah, that makes sense! When those chi blockers had me in their truck, it sounded like we drove into a tunnel!" Bolin remembered.
"I know where to start looking! Come on!" Bolin and Asami followed after Mako.
"Wherever Amon is keeping Korra, I bet that's where my officers are too. I hope Mizuki will be all right."
"Let's bring them all home, Lin," said Tenzin.
Mizuki groaned. Did I fall asleep? She rubbed her eyes and was shocked to find herself surrounded by nothing but trees and snow. "Naga…" she worriedly spoke, "are you sure we're going the right way?" The polar bear dog barked in response. "Ok girl, let's try to be a little stealthy. There's no way Korra would have come this far outside Republic City on her own…" As they searched through the wilderness, her mind could not help but wander.
"Then there was that moment after I came back from Grandfather Sokka's funeral."
"What moment?" Korra asked.
Mizuki closed her eyes. "An almost kiss. I brushed it off from me being emotionally compromised and he was just trying to comfort me. We were a little more distant again after that."
"Mizuki!"
She didn't respond, she continued lying on the soft snowy ground.
"There you are." She saw the feet of Tarik and Kaimu beside her.
"You found me. Ta-da," she grumbled.
"You ditched lessons today," Tarik worriedly said.
"Well Kaimu does it all the time, figured I give it a shot."
"I do more interesting things on my day-offs than stare up at the sky."
"Kai, now's not the time," Tarik scolded.
"I'll come back in an hour or so."
"Mizuki-," Tarik began.
"I promise."
Tarik sighed. "Okay, I know you keep your promises." He began to walk away, but noticed his best friend didn't move at all. "Kaimu?"
"I'll stay here with her."
"I don't need any favors from you," Mizuki retorted.
"I'm staying because I want to. I'm not here to pity you. Laying here doesn't make you queen of the land." He began to make a spot a couple of feet away from her.
"Promise not to kill each other?" Tarik joked.
"Promise," they answered simultaneously.
The lights danced so beautifully in the night sky. "They don't have them in the South Pole, huh?" she questioned.
"Have what?"
"The lights."
"Yeah, Unalaq talks about the spiritual decay of the South a lot, ya-da-dah. I kind of tune him out. You've never been to the South Pole?"
"If I did, I was too young to remember. I've been on a few trips to the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom, otherwise I just stay home."
"So what are you going to do after you're done training? Of course, that's probably going to take a few decades." He braced himself for any impact. Nothing.
"I don't know. Grandfather used to tell me he'd take me to Republic City."
"So go on your own."
"Doesn't feel right. Look, call me weird or whatever. It just, it hurts more. Grandfather Sokka lived a really long life, but I always thought- People live and die. I know, I'm just going sit here in the snow and get numb from the cold until I stop having these stupid childish feelings."
"I asked Dad one day how my mom died. And he said she died giving birth to you, now shut up and finish your food and no more talk about it."
"They thought I was going to die after I was born. I was a really tough pregnancy. My brother said I was this shriveled up pink blob and I made everyone jump when I started crying."
Kaimu snickered. "Sorry."
"No, my brother laughs when he tells that story too. I don't really remember anything before I was four so I listen to the stories. Your mom didn't die because of you, your dad's just remembering the story wrong."
"Thanks, but that's the story I'm stuck with unfortunately. AA-CHOO," he sneezed. "Seriously, how are you not sick already?"
"I don't get sick. Never been sick since I was four."
"Liar." He got up and sat next to Mizuki. "Your hair is all soaked," he noticed.
"Since when did you get maternal?"
He pulled off his glove and placed a hand on her forehead. "Seems normal." Then blue eyes started deeply into brown and blue.
"What?"
"What-nothing. You're fine." He put his glove back on and stood up. "I'm going to head back now. See you around."
"Bye." She bent the water out of her two ponytails, now completely dry. Did we just-no, not him, no way.
Naga began sniffing the ground eagerly and broke off into a run.
"Naga. You came looking for me. Good girl."
"Korra? Oh thank goodness." Mizuki hopped off and helped Korra up.
"Be careful. I just saw Amon and his Equalists." Korra groaned in pain.
"Ok, we'll keep off the roads." Mizuki bent some snow and turned it back to water for healing. "You've got quite a few cuts. Let's go, Naga."
"Tarrlok is Yakone's son," Korra mumbled before she drifted into unconsciousness.
"Oh spirits, what is going on in Republic City?" The polar bear dog sprinted off as Mizuki tried to carefully balance Korra on the saddle. They finally made it back to the city and Naga began howling. Mizuki turned around and saw a sky bison landing.
"Korra! Oh, thank goodness," Tenzin exclaimed.
"Where's Tarrlok? How did you get away?" Lin asked.
Mako shoved the two of them aside. "Give her some space!" He pulled Korra out of Mizuki's arms. "I was so worried. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. I'm glad you're here," said Korra.
"She said there were Equalists nearby, but luckily we didn't see them," Mizuki reported.
"Where were you? What happened?" Tenzin questioned.
"I found Naga nearby City Hall and she began tracking her to the mountains."
"So that's where Tarrlok was keeping her."
"Wait, Tarrlok? As in Councilman Tarrlok?"
"Yes, he's a bloodbender as well."
"You know what? I'm going to have Korra explain everything after she rests." I've had enough craziness for the day. "I need someone to bring Naga back to the island."
"I can do that."
"Thanks, Asami."
It felt nice flying on an air bison after riding a polar bear dog all day long. The only strange thing was Mako's overly protective behavior around Korra. "Is she going to be all right? Did Tarrlok hurt her?" And a barrage of other questions.
"Mako, she's fine. Now I'm exhausted and if you say one more word, I will throw you off Oogi right now." He kept silent. "So what did you guys do today?"
"We infiltrated an underground Equalist base, freed those captured officers, and then we busted out of there, Team Avatar style!" Bolin grinned.
"Awesome." Mizuki wearily smiled. They arrived back on Air Temple Island. "I'll start a bath for Korra. Tenzin, can you carry her for me and bring a change of clothes?"
"I can-" Mako began.
"No," Mizuki interrupted, "the rest of you go take a break and eat something, I don't know. Just don't get in my way right now."
"Thanks for finding me," said Korra as Mizuki healed her in the tub.
"It was all Naga, she certainly fulfills her role as the Avatar's animal guide."
"It seems like yesterday I found her as a puppy on the tundra." She stifled a yawn.
Mizuki stopped waterbending. "You should be okay now. You weren't that badly injured, all you need is food and rest. I'll put your hair ties by your bedside."
"Thanks for everything."
"Don't mention it."
"No, really. You're a good friend, Mizuki."
"I know you would do the same for me, Korra." The two girls shared a smile. "Come on, let's get you to bed."
Mizuki yawned as she entered the kitchen. Mako was the first one to stand up. "How is she?"
"Fine, you guys can go see her in the room if-" Mako went off, "if you don't disturb her… Seriously, who lit a fire under that boy?"
"He's just you know, concerned about Korra," Bolin answered.
"Right, concerned," Asami sarcastically added.
Do I want to be involved in this issue? "Well I'm going to bed," Mizuki announced. "No disturbances unless something's wrong with Korra. If there's food, I'll grab some myself later."
She woke up to the sound of explosions. "Please let this be a dream." She heard sprinting in the hallways and she ran outside as well.
"We heard explosions, what's going on?" Korra asked.
"Republic City is under attack," Lin answered.
"But Daddy's there."
"It's going to be ok, Ikki." Korra turned to her friends. "Let's go, guys."
"Mizuki, can you stay here? Tenzin asked me to watch his family, but I'll need back-up in case," said Lin.
She nodded her head. "You guys go ahead, good luck." They nodded and ran off. She walked towards Lin. "Those airships… they're going to come here soon enough, won't they?" she whispered, hoping the children won't overhear.
"I'm afraid so."
"Good thing the White Lotus sentries are here too. Either way, I'm ready to fight."
"If anything goes wrong, be prepared to leave with Tenzin's family."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I'm saying be prepared for the worst. If your friends don't get back here or if Tenzin's already been captured, I hope you're ready to fly a sky bison." Mizuki frowned and Lin placed a hand on her shoulder. "I know you're a great warrior like the rest of your family, but you also know when to pick your fights."
She waited on the balcony with Tenzin's family and the other Air Acolytes as the Equalist airships arrived and began their attack on the island.
"Everyone, hide inside and remain calm," Lin ordered. Pema screamed in pain. Lin turned around and faced her. "Pull it together, Pema! Didn't I just say remain calm?"
"Mommy, what's wrong?" Ikki pleaded.
"The baby's coming!"
"Oh no!" Jinora exclaimed.
"Not now, baby!" yelled Meelo. Two Air Acolyte midwives rushed Pema inside.
"She'll need a healer in case," said Lin.
Fears of what happened to Kaimu's mother came to her mind. "Come on kids, let's go inside."
"Is Mommy going to be okay?"
"Don't worry, Ikki. I'll make sure nothing happens to her or you guys. Stay here." Mizuki closed the door behind her and went next door.
"The children, where are they?" said Pema.
"Don't worry. They're in the other room, totally safe," the older midwife answered.
"Pema, how are you feeling?" asked Mizuki.
"I'm fine, this is my fourth time after all. GAHHHH!" she screamed in pain as another contraction came. A tub of water was prepared for Mizuki in case.
She clutched Pema's hand. "Everything's going to be fine." Even though she had some experience delivering babies while training as a healer, Mizuki was extremely glad she didn't have to deliver this baby on her own. "One more push," she pleaded.
"AAHHHH!" Pema screamed. Mizuki winced as her hand was being squeezed into a death grip. She was never so glad to hear the sound of a baby crying until now.
"Tenzin," Pema called out.
He sat down on the bed. "I'm here, Pema."
"Our new son." She handed the baby to him.
The baby started cooing. "Hello." The older airbender children peeked in. "Come, meet your new brother."
"A brother? Well it's about time!" Meelo declared.
"Welcome! I'm Ikki, and this is Jinora and Meelo. We have a super great family and we're so happy that you're a part of it."
"What're you gonna name him? Can I pick?" Jinora asked.
"We already chose a name."
"Rohan."
Feelings of homesickness welled up in Mizuki as she took in the sight of the family happy and together again. "I'm so sorry to interrupt, but more airships are coming," Korra sadly announced.
"Everything's not gonna be fine, is it, daddy?" Ikki asked.
They stepped outside as more airships flew closer to the island. "What do you want to do, Tenzin?" asked Korra.
"I need to protect my family and get them as far away from this conflict as possible. If Amon got his hands on my children... I hate to even think of it."
"If you're leaving, then I'm going with you," Lin announced.
"But-"
"No arguments. You and your family are the last airbenders. There's no way in the world I'm letting Amon take your bending away."
"Thank you, Lin. Korra, I want you to leave this island and hide for the time being."
"I'm not giving up."
"I'm not asking you to. I sent word to the United Forces. They will be here soon. And once my family is safe, I will return. With the reinforcements, we can turn the tide in this war."
"What you're saying is, we need to be patient." Korra sighed.
Tenzin placed his hand on her shoulder. "You're learning well." He turned to Mizuki.
"I know, I know, I have to come along, too. You're afraid of my mother's reaction if you left me in a warzone." Tenzin and Lin exchanged awkward, knowing looks. Mizuki hugged each of her friends goodbye, including Pabu and Naga. "Take care of each other. It'll be hard enough for Naga to carry four, let alone five." Mizuki sighed.
"We'll see each other again, don't worry," said Bolin. Mizuki gave a sad smile and hopped onto Oogi's saddle.
Korra hugged her mentor one last time before they parted. "Stay safe, Korra."
"You too."
"Tenzin, if we're leaving, we better do it now," said Lin.
He airbent himself into the saddle. "Oogi, yip-yip!"
The Equalist airships were faster than the Fire Nation ones in her grandfather's stories. "They're gaining on us!" Lin shouted.
"Faster Oogi!"
One of the airships launched a net at them, but Lin cut it apart with her cables and wrapped one around the rope. Meelo clung to his mother while the girls huddled Mizuki for comfort. "Whatever happens to me, don't turn back!"
Tenzin turned his head. "Lin, what are you doing?"
"Aunt Lin!" Mizuki shouted. They watched as she took down the first airship, but she was captured trying to rip apart the second one. It turned back as the family continued flying towards safety.
"That lady is my hero," said Meelo.
"Yes, she is," Tenzin sadly agreed.
"Where are we going?" asked Mizuki.
"We'll plan a course for the Fire Nation. Hopefully on the way, we'll encounter the United Forces where we'll be safe for sure."
So we're not out of danger yet.