"Tarik, what brings you back to Republic City?" Yuan Fen asked.
"You think I should have left Mizuki to come back here by herself?" he questioned.
"N-no, of course not." He stared at Mizuki who sat perfectly still while looking at her hands. He saw that both of her eyes were brown now.
"Glad you're finally here though. We have a lot of things to discuss," said Askari .
He noticed that Asami Sato and Mako were present as well. Lili patted the empty seat to her right since Askari sat to her left. Yuan Fen took her cue and sat down. "What's there to discuss?"
"We need to locate Chun Hei and Ji Qing. It's been too long since anyone has heard from them," Askari began.
"I even asked Bolin and he doesn't know anything about the secret missions they were assigned. Kuvira doesn't disclose much information to him," Mako informed.
"I'm hoping if we find them, it might help with Mizuki's recovery… bring out another chakra."
"That's a risky idea, trying to lure them out. You're tempting serious dark energy that could hurt Mizuki," Yuan Fen debated.
"We can't wait around for them to find her or any of us. You barely came out unscathed last time," Lili rebutted.
"Every time Mizuki's reunited with a chakra, she gains back more of her strength, but she'll be at risk until all of them have returned," said Askari.
"What about asking Avatar Korra for help? This is technically a spiritual matter as well," Yuan Fen suggested.
"Korra's… not in the best shape to deal with this. She's still in recovery," said Mako.
"It's been two years going on three now. After everything she and Mizuki have been through together-"
"You don't have to remind any of us about that." Asami glared at him. "We were Mizuki's friends before you ever met her. You weren't there when Korra was taken, poisoned, and nearly died. You have no idea how much she wanted to help everyone when she was learning how to walk and fight again."
"Can we stop this? You're upsetting Mizuki," Tarik interjected. She closed her eyes when they all looked at her, but they could see she was slightly trembling. "We will leave Avatar Korra out of this for now. Let's organize a plan to find your sister and brother-in-law first."
"Lili and I already discussed this. We'll head to the larger Earth Kingdom towns in the order that Kuvira has traveled to. Ask people there a few questions, show them family photos, and try to keep a low profile. Jian's coming along as well for extra protection," said Askari.
"Whoa, wait. You're bringing Lili into something this dangerous? Not even my own sister mentioned any of this to me."
"My stepfather has met Kuvira before and he helped fund the construction for the railways. My family name holds some value in the Earth Kingdom," Lili added. "Yuan, I'm not as weak as you believe I am. Asami's been teaching me self-defense for over a year. I know I'm not the best student…"
"You're a good proficient right now Lili," Asami complimented. "I'll give you and Askari the electrified gloves my company designed."
"You're doing all this for Mizuki so why are you leaving her behind?" Yuan Fen questioned.
"She'll be safer in Republic City, more people can keep an eye on her and if there's a chakra wandering around," Askari answered.
They heard the sound of Mizuki writing on her slate. So everything's been decided. That's it then. She rose from her seat and stepped out of the room.
"You're making her feel like she's a liability," Yuan Fen criticized.
"She knows all of us want to help her. It hasn't been easy for any of us while we've been separated," Mako replied.
"It'll be a harder time for her now," said Tarik. "She's lost Meiyu… and Kaimu. They permanently parted ways in the Spirit World," he confessed. There was a moment of silence as they each considered the weight this had on Mizuki.
"Did her chakra have to do with this?" asked Yuan Fen.
"No, it was meant to happen. She couldn't stay with them forever. They're gone from both worlds."
"How has she been dealing with it so far?" Askari wondered.
"I think she's made peace with it. But as long as I have known her… it's been harder to read her since she can't talk."
"The air chakra… it involves love and is blocked by grief," Yuan Fen stated. "If she's rejoined with it, then I think she has reached acceptance."
"After Askari and I leave, she should stay at Air Temple Island. Tenzin and Jinora are back now. We've informed them of Mizuki's current situation," said Lili. "If anything is off about her or you see one of her chakras, inform everyone else."
He found her meditating in the gardens and there were no spirits surrounding her this time around. "Mind if I interrupt?" She shook her head and Yuan Fen sat on the grass next to her. She reached for her slate when he placed his hand over hers. "If you're going to write I'm sorry, don't bother. It wasn't your fault." She moved her hand away and rested both of them in her lap, her face locked in a mournful expression. "You know you can always talk to us if anything is too much for you to bear. Even if your brother has to leave now, there's still Tenzin and his family and you have your friends-" Mizuki wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. Reeling from the moment of surprise, he embraced her in return.
"Mizuki!" They broke apart when they heard the sound of Tarik's voice. "Was I interrupting something?" he asked when he approached them.
"It's fine. I was um- I'll be inside if you need me." Yuan Fen gazed longingly at Mizuki for another brief second before he turned away and walked back to the house.
Tarik zipped open his bag and brought out an envelope. "For you, I forgot to give it on the boat ride here." Mizuki blinked in confusion before she took it from his hand. She turned it around, brushing her fingers over the seal. "We finally picked out a design for the invitations. This is just a sample. We haven't decided on a date yet."
She picked up her slate and started writing. Why give one of these to me then? You know I'm coming no matter what.
"We'd still like for you to accept it."
Thank Nami for me.
"I will."
Mizuki paused to consider what to write next. Take care of her, don't make promises you can't keep... She erased some of her writing and scribbled: Just love each other and be happy.
"I promise." She began sniffling. "Hey, hey, it's too soon for tears, even happy ones. Save some for when you come back for the wedding."
How do you know they're not tears of relief? I was beginning to worry about you.
"Fair enough. I'll hold my tongue about you though, but I've missed our friendly little chats."
Was Nami really okay with you leaving?
"Of course, she would've said otherwise. We trust each other. You know her pretty well by now."
I do.
Tarik chuckled at her. "You're not going to wreck my second engagement, Mi. I've found someone who loves me as much as I love her. I'll be busy more than ever in the future."
A road may diverge to two different paths, but that doesn't mean they'll never meet again.
"Where did you pick that up?"
Yuan Fen.
"I see. Guess there is some wisdom in that head."
Is that short for I still don't like him?
"You know me better than most," he merely replied. She frowned at him. "But I'll try to be civil to him."
Thank you.
"Did… did Kaimu know about Yuan Fen?" he proceeded to ask. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
He did. Tarik held his breath as she wrote her next sentence. Kaimu wouldn't leave me if he didn't know I could be happy without him.
Tarik reached for her hand, brought it to his lips, and gave it a gentle kiss. "I wish you'll be as happy as I am then."
"Yuan, you're staring," Lili noted.
"She's crying. Did Tarik do something to upset her?"
"She doesn't look upset. I feel sorry for Mizuki, I know personally how overprotective you can get."
"I still don't like you going on this trip with Askari."
"Is it because it might get dangerous or that I'm going with a guy?"
"He's Mizuki's brother so I can trust him based on that."
"Should we spar so I can prove myself to you?"
"No way am I going to try to hurt you, or get electrocuted by one of Asami's gloves. Besides I've seen some of your practice sessions, you aren't half-bad."
"I feel bad for all those times Mako had to be my partner."
"Really? I think Asami and I quite enjoyed those moments." They heard the sliding door when Tarik reentered the house.
"Your rival has returned," she joked.
"Lili, be careful out there."
"Don't worry about me. You've got someone else to protect now."
"Were you spying on me and Mizuki?" Tarik questioned.
"That's my cue to leave." Lili briskly walked away.
"I wasn't spying. I just wanted to keep an eye on her-"
"From me? I know you weren't happy that I arrived with her."
"I don't have a problem with your relationship. You've known her far longer than I have, you're childhood friends and you were there for her when she lost Kaimu. That doesn't mean I care about her less than you do. I'll admit I haven't improved much on my first impression towards you."
"You're right, I was there for her before you ever met her. Maybe I should stay in Republic City longer, I don't think I trust you to help take care of her."
"Tarik, you have to go back home eventually. There's that upcoming wedding," Askari interjected.
"Wedding?" Yuan Fen asked.
"Still in the planning stage," Tarik answered Askari. "You should concentrate on bringing Chun Hei and Ji Qing back first."
"Right, so how have you been? Haven't seen you since Chun Hei got married-" Askari continued chatting as he led Tarik away from Yuan Fen.
"Wait, what wedding?" Yuan Fen repeated in confusion.
"You did that on purpose," Tarik mumbled.
"I think I got the hint of the relationship between the two of you," Askari responded. "I find it funny that he thought you were still contending for my sister."
"He can't swim, you know. Seriously, how does someone not know how to swim? The whole world's practically covered in water-"
Askari raised his hand to stop his rant. "That's not the main problem. Kaimu was like a brother to you. And Mizuki is-"
"Someone just as important to me," Tarik finished. He inhaled deeply. "So, what do you think of him?"
"Most of what I know is from Lili, and it's a fairer picture than what you're getting. Of course, I'll admit Lili's biased in his favor."
"But would you trust him with Mizuki?"
"That's not up to me or you in the end, isn't it? She loves him."
"I hear you say that, but I don't think I can believe it until she tells me herself, in her own voice. What does that say about me?"
"That you still consider her to be Kaimu's wife, even if she has changed to a different person. Yuan Fen may not know how to swim, but he did pull her away from Kyoshi Island more than once when she was trying to hide from her problems."
"I wish I could've done more for her."
Askari patted him on the back. "You've done what you can already. Just let destiny run its course."
Lili insisted on Tarik staying the night before his ship departed in the morning. "Thank you for letting me stay in your home." Tarik bowed to Lili and her family.
"I thought you were planning on staying longer," Yuan Fen muttered.
"Plans change." Tarik looked upon Mizuki. "People change."
Mizuki went to bed early so Yuan Fen decided to leave as well. "I would've thought you stayed longer in case she had a bad dream," Lili joked.
"She has her brother and you."
"And Tarik."
"Right, him."
"Yuan Fen, a word with you please?" Tarik asked.
"Please don't fight in the house or outside for that matter," Lili requested.
They sat down on the steps leading to the patio in the backyard. "So what is it?"
"I'd like to apologize for my behavior towards you as of lately."
"Well, it's to be expected. I don't like you, you don't like me."
"I can agree upon that." Tarik looked up and down at Yuan Fen.
"What now?"
"I don't see it," Tarik mentioned.
"See what?"
"I wonder what she sees in you."
"You're not the only one. I've disappointed her too much already." He sighed deeply. "You're a better man than me. If she couldn't be with Kaimu, she should be with you."
"You would be fine with that?"
"Of course. Well eventually," Yuan Fen affirmed.
"And you say that, knowing Kaimu will be the one she cares about the most."
"Mizuki knows only how to love wholeheartedly. Just being with her every day, to make her smile, and having a special place in her heart... that would always be more than enough. No one can replace Kaimu, but as long as she can be happy in the end, that's what matters to me."
"I think I'm starting to see something," Tarik whispered.
"What was that?"
"Nothing," he blurted out. "If you hurt her in any way, I'll break your legs and drown you in the ocean."
"If I do, I'll welcome all the punishments you can imagine."
"I'll take your word for it," Tarik retorted. "Take care of her."
Only Mizuki went with Tarik to see him off at the docks. Yuan Fen went to help Jian pack for her journey with Lili and Askari. "Can't believe Beifong offered a police airship to drop you guys off. It's not even a Republic City matter."
"Chun Hei's family to her as well. Why do you think she approved of my leave of absence?"
"Don't take too many risks. Come back if you have to."
"Got it, little brother." She ruffled his hair.
He scowled at her. "I'm being serious."
"So am I. I owe Mizuki, everyone needs their big sister."
"Is that why Lili's going too? Because Mizuki saved her life?"
"We would go regardless."
"Why didn't you ask me to take part in your plan? I could've taken Askari's place."
"Because where Mizuki is, that's where you're needed."
"Tenzin and Jinora know more about the spiritual stuff than me. She also has Mako and Asami looking out for her here."
Jian rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I wonder if I dropped you on the head too hard when we were kids. You still don't think she's in love with you, therefore you can't see it when it's obvious to the rest of us. Her chakra took you into the Spirit World."
"I was the one who began the search for the chakras."
"You two really need some alone time together. Good thing she's staying here."
"Staying where, who, what?"
"Mizuki's staying here. Mom wouldn't have to be alone and it's more convenient for Asami, Mako, and you to check up on her. Air Temple Island is already packed with the new airbenders coming and going. She can take my room instead of the guest room. That way you're not thinking about her sleeping in your old bed."
"Jian! I swear sometimes-"
"Phone call for you, Jian," Zhe Shu interrupted. Yuan Fen continued glaring at his sister as she walked out of the room. "I assume Jian told you about the arrangements for Mizuki."
"Yes, she did."
"Do you have any objections?"
Yuan Fen was confused. "No, why would I?"
"I hope you don't think I'm trying to push you. Tenzin told me she didn't have her heart set on staying on Air Temple Island. There's too many memories from when Korra first arrived in Republic City."
"Seems like a lifetime ago now."
"Yuan, Askari wants to talk to you," said Jian.
He placed his ear on the receiver. "Hello? What is it?"
"Hey, I was wondering if I could have the chance to spar with you before we leave," Askari requested.
"What?" Yuan Fen spluttered. "You never wanted to fight me before so what's with this challenge all of a sudden?"
"You're concerned about Lili's safety so I want to prove that I can defend her when there's trouble," he asserted.
"There's no way I'm going to beat anyone from your family. Do you not remember the time Mizuki pummeled me?"
"Of course I do, that was a hilarious experience watching that."
"Protect Lili with your life, that's all I can ask of you. Jian's got your back, but don't let her play the hero too much."
"You and Lili are practically family… and were practically engaged once."
Yuan Fen's face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, you know about that too?"
"I know more than what people give me credit for usually."
He gathered enough courage to utter his response, "So you know you're going to take away something that my family has protected and cherished for quite some time."
"I could say the same thing for you," he retorted.
"I-"
"You don't have to answer. That's between you and my little sister." Askari chuckled. "By the way, I was just playing with you about the sparring thing."
"Oh thank goodness."
"You're a good sport, Yuan."
"Sadly most people don't appreciate that about me."
"She's settled in Jian's room now," Zhe Shu mentioned over the phone.
"Remember if you see anything strange or someone that looks like her-"
"I know, I know. She's fine, Yuan. Jinora brought over a trunk of her old books for her and she asked to help me in the shop."
"At least she won't be bored out of her mind."
"I expect to see you stop by more often. You don't have to stay home and badger me with questions when you can see her for yourself."
"Mom-"
"I'm just putting it out there."
"If you need anything, call me. Good night, Mom."
Why am I here? I do not wish to ever return to this place. She wiggled her toes in the grass before she walked towards the pond. Mizuki noticed that the two koi fish representing the moon and ocean were missing from the Spirit Oasis. She leaned over and peered at her reflection in the pond. Staring back at her were a pair of blue eyes and Mizuki recoiled in shock until she noticed that the girl in the water looked strangely similar to her. Indeed they shared the same face except for the eye color, but her white hair was much longer and she wore a flowing white gown. "Who are you?" she asked the young woman in the water.
"I am Tui, the moon spirit."
"Why do you look like me?"
"I am also you, Mizuki."
"What? That's nonsense, I'm just a human, not a spirit."
"You know that's not true."
"You're just an illusion."
"You cannot keep denying it. It will all come back to you eventually." Her voice echoed and Mizuki opened her eyes to find herself back in Jian's room. She pulled at her hair and confirmed that it was still the same shade of brown that barely reached her shoulders. After sighing in relief when she saw her brown eyes in the bathroom mirror, she washed her face and willed herself to forget her dream.