Book 3:Lightning

Chapter 14- The Lightning Master


Bolin glanced around the palace hallway in awe. Iroh watched him with a smile, frowning as his companion licked his lips. "Should my head be lower than hers? Is there anything I shouldn't do?" Bolin asked.

Iroh sighed. "Relax. Think of this like meeting my mother, not like meeting a Firelord."

"But, she's both?" Bolin shook his head. "Okay. How far from the throne should I be before I bow?"

Iroh blinked. "Throne? Oh, you mean that thing. Mother doesn't use it anymore. We're going to meet her in the office."

"Oh," Bolin said a little disappointed.

Iroh smiled. "It wasn't really conducive for actual work. Plus it tended to just intimidate people - not good for diplomacy. And..." Iroh glanced around himself and leant closer as he lowered his voice. "She actually did try it once but her robes got singed." Bolin grinned. "You can see it later if you want; some kids are in there for a field-trip."

"Field-trip?" Bolin asked.

"Yeah," Iroh said leading him down a side passage adjacent to the enormous imposing looking doors of what presumably was the throne room. "Our citizens pay for the palace via their taxes - only fair they should be able to visit the place they're paying for. Of course there's entry fees which means the tax can be spent on other things..."

"Huh," Bolin murmured.

Iroh stopped in front of a nondescript door, rapped on it and opened it without pause. Firelord Izumi looked up from a scroll and rose to her feet. "Good morning Iroh, Bolin," she said bowing to each in turn.

Fear seized Bolin's heart and his limbs went rigid. He bowed back as low as he could, his back aching as he held the awkward position. "Please excuse my intrusion." He stood up straight, staring right over the Fire Lord's head fearing to meet her eyes.

"Bolin..." Iroh tried.

"Daddy!" a voice called. Bolin blinked. A small girl - Earth Kingdom maybe - had charged from around the desk to clamp onto Iroh's leg. Daddy? The girl was not dressed in anything remotely resembling the robes Iroh and Izumi were wearing.

"Hi, Yuzu," Iroh said smiling. The girl grinned up at him and glanced at Bolin, her expression faltering. "It's okay," Iroh said gently. "He's a friend of Asami's."

"Is she here?" Yuzu asked excitedly as Bolin quietly asked how she knew Asami. Iroh did not seem to notice.

"Soon we hope," Iroh replied. "My daughter," he said to Bolin who just gaped at him. So many questions and none of them quick or simple to answer. But still; no royal robes for a princess? Wait; Iroh was not married - and had whatever he did have with Asami. So...

"I'm afraid I have some more to do, so I can't join you this morning," Izumi interrupted startling Bolin from his reverie. "Is there anything you wish to do Bolin?"

"I- Uh-" Bolin stuttered as his mouth seemed to go numb.

Izumi's lips quirked into a smile. "You said he liked history. Why don't the two of you show him around the palace? I'll be done in time for lunch," she said to Iroh.

"Sounds good. That okay Bolin?" He nodded vaguely. The firelord had spoken to him like an equal. "Okay. Yuzu? Want to show Bolin around the palace?" Iroh asked.

"Okay!" the girl said and grabbed Bolin's hand. "This way!"

Izumi smiled at him as he stumbled, Yuzu pulling him back out of the office and Iroh trailing a few steps behind him. "Relax," Iroh murmured as they walked back down the hall. "The family, the palace; they're nothing like grandfather's day. No one is going to execute you for not following protocol." Bolin nodded again. "So; is there anything specific you would like to see though?"

Bolin finally found his voice. "Everything."

Iroh smiled. "We'll see what we can do. We can certainly take you to the orchard, the banquet hall, what was the treasury, the secret bunker... We'll have to avoid the turtleduck pond for now."

"Turtleduck pond?" he asked. "Why not there?"

"Because my aunt is there. She's... not quite used to modern attitudes." Iroh met his gaze for a second as Bolin blinked at him in confusion. "Azula," he clarified.

"Oh. Oh!" Bolin said and quivered at the thought and visions from nightmares past of the cruel firebender with the blue flames. "Yeah, I think we can skip that for now."

"Possibly for the best. She's... better, but..." Iroh shook his head and lead Bolin towards a mural. "Anyway; we're going to leave her in peace. Yuzu? Can you tell Bolin who this is," he said gesturing at a huge image of a fire nation woman in flowing red robes.

"Sumika" Yuzu said smiling.

"Right," Iroh replied. "Do you remember anything about her?" Yuzu shook her head. "She began the family's dynasty. She became known as the mother of lightning after she discovered the technique. But, she was not the first fire lord; eventually she and her family staged a rebellion against Fire Lord Akemiya and took control of the capital and then the nation."

"She's..." Bolin gaped. "Amazing."

"Then she challenged each one of her siblings to Agni Kai for the position of Firelord," Iroh said in a less boastful voice. "She killed all of them."

"...is it too late to retract my previous statement?"

Iroh smirked. "I wouldn't worry. My family's entire history is like that..." He carried on down the corridor, prompting Yuzu for each name and elaborating on each - until one. Yuzu stared at the mural in confusion and shook her head. "It's okay. I can't remember her name either. And little of interest seemed to occur during her rule." He cocked his head to one side. "Need to remember to look this up..." He gestured at the next image. "Firelord Jing; he built the palace. It's been standing for more than eight hundred years now."

"That is some legacy," Bolin breathed.

"At a cost; he massacred the residents of the Xinpi forest in the Earth Kingdom and deforested the entire area. And that's not even getting into the forced labor," Iroh said drily.

"Is it too late to retract my previous statement?" Bolin asked. He cast a hasty glance at Yuzu as she skipped ahead of them and grabbed Iroh's arm. "Is it true that the firelords had-" He lowered his voice before hissing "-concubines?" Try as he might he could not shake the curiosity.

Iroh barely glanced at Yuzu who had become distracted by the animals in the border of the unnamed Fire lord ahead of them. "They did." He shrugged. "The practice was still occurring at the time of my grandfather. Those still alive no longer live in the palace, but I assure you they are all being well taken care of. Grandfather never had any as far as I know, and mother was never really interested like that - so none for her either."

"Are you... You know, allowed to?" Bolin asked feeling his cheeks heat up.

"Are you trying to apply for such a position or is this purely academic?" Iroh asked arching an eyebrow.

"Academic!" Bolin blurted.

Iroh grinned. "I kid. I can as far as the law is concerned - neither Grandfather or mother passed any kind of ban, but despite that I won't."

They carried onto the next image. These later Fire Lords were far more memorable, had more interesting lives and Yuzu remembered their names easily. The history was a faintly surreal mix of funny and scary all at the same time. So much brutality and wholesale destruction from some. Others suffered entirely ignoble ends or short, quiet lives. A few died in a manner singularly appropriate to the devastation they inflicted upon the world. Few lived to be as old as Zuko - many not even as old as Izumi. Most usurped by members of their own family; ambitious sons and daughters with convenient alibis upon discovery of the body - and yet always the person next in line for the title. Sozin's portrait was unmistakable, the images surrounding his face consisting of lava and terrible destruction. Bolin shivered. Those had to be airbenders near the bottom of the image, pleading for their lives as the fire enveloped them. "Zuko had this one repainted," Iroh commented distantly. "Ozai had a grand tribute painted when it was originally painted here. Grandfather refused to let it remain when he took the throne. He felt - as mother and I do - that we must accept history no matter the nature of it. Even if our name suffers."

"Did he just paint over the original?" Bolin asked, his gaze skimmed the surface looking for evidence of the former image. "And who did it?"

"I believe Sokka offered to provide the picture, but grandfather demurred. I cannot remember who ultimately did paint this one. As far as I know the original is actually elsewhere - kept apart from these scenes," Iroh said. He gestured. "See? The tiling is a very slightly darker shade from the surroundings." Bolin peered at the near indistinguishable tiles as Iroh walked to the next picture. "And of course, you know Fire Lord Ozai..."

Bolin gaped at the portrait as he hurried to join him. "You... you look just like him!" he exclaimed gaze flitting between Iroh and the image.

"I seem to get that a lot."

"Sorry," Bolin winced.

Iroh shrugged. "The nature of families; he is my great-grandfather. The fact we look similar is only natural."

"So, when you get to be Fire Lord... Will you grow your hair and beard out?" Bolin asked. Iroh just gave him an odd look and walked further on. "Fire Lord Zuko," he said quickly to change the subject. "I know all about him."

Iroh nodded. "I would be surprised if there was anything I could tell you you did not already know. And of course, Fire Lord Izumi at the end." He smiled as he stopped opposite his mother's mural. "Thanks to her the nation has never been more prosperous. Which surprised many; more than one Fire Lord has focused with single-minded devotion on economics and the accumulation of wealth. They did the nation few favors. So much of our wealth was amassed at the cost of the brutal exploitation of the other tribes. Grandfather began the change, but it was mother who was the first to focus her attention on education, health care and land reform. And we have her to thank for the nation being as strong as it is. Maybe it helped she was the first non-bender firelord. Long may she reign."

"Long may she reign," Bolin echoed. "So; that your spot?" he asked gesturing to the empty space ahead. Iroh nodded. "So... What do you want to be remembered for?"

"Let's see. I hope for the least violent reaction to Sozin's comet at least. And one more thing; it will be for something no one else has tried." Iroh's fingers brushed against the wall.

"Something?" Bolin asked.

Iroh smiled and shook his head. "Later. Not for a long time yet. And only if I can. But, I could do with some ideas about how to deal with the comet."

"Me?" Bolin asked.

"I know it is a delicate subject, but you lived with a firebender for so long. And for all you knew, Korra was one too. So, how do you think us best to deal with their increased power when the comet arrives? I think we can safely discount the vast majority of the populace but the opportunists and the gangs... They might try something."

Bolin frowned and stared at the floor. "Well. You can't just lock them up or anything..."

"Indeed not. The fallout in the press would be devastating," Iroh replied.

"Well-" Bolin began.

A servant hurried up to them. "Prince Iroh! The Avatar and Asami Sato have been been delayed."

"What? Why?" Iroh asked.

"Unknown. We received a message from Fire Lord Zuko by hawk that the three of them will arrive in the Caldera City tomorrow," the servant replied

"At least it sounds like they are unharmed despite the delay. Thank you." The servant bowed and hurried away. "Well. One more today until you get your chance," Iroh said.

"Yeah," Bolin said, worry welling up inside him. For a few moments he had been able to not think about saying anything to Korra.


Korra and Asami were giggling and grinning when they wandered into the palace the next day. They both looked great; a few scratches and bruises, but Korra looked on top of the world and Asami looked like the last year had never happened - aside from the shorter hair. "Welcome to the Fire Palace Avatar Korra, Asami Sato," Iroh said and bowed to them both as they bowed back.

Korra was biting her lip, her body shaking a little. "Korra," Asami hissed. Korra's face broke into a grin and she slapped her hand over her mouth. Iroh sighed.

"Robes-" Korra squeaked, her shoulders hunching.

"I think you look very regal," Bolin said quickly and froze as Asami put her head in her hands.

Korra took a deep breath as she got herself back under control. "I think he looks very... princey?" She glanced at Asami who looked skeptical. "I do. I just... never thought I'd seem him dressed like that. Really, that looks like-"

"Yes, the curtains in my office," Iroh sighed. "I blame the royal tailor. Everything matching might seem a fine idea until..." He shook his head.

Bolin's heart leapt as Korra grinned at him. "Didn't expect you to be here," she said.

"Me neither," he smiled and shook his head. "Iroh offered and I- I'm glad you're okay - both of you. But we were waiting for you yesterday?"

"Ah. About that..." Korra said.

"The, um, biplane crashed," Asami said.

Bolin's eyes widened. "'Crashed'?" he echoed. "You weren't hurt were you?"

"No! We were fine. We survived," Asami replied. "Well, obviously."

"You didn't have any problems being stranded like that?" Bolin asked.

"No. No problems..." Asami's voice took on an odd tone and she shot a curious smile at Korra who returned the expression. Just what had happened?

"Well, I doubt your timing could be better," Iroh said clearing his throat after a few seconds of awkward silence. "We are about to gather for dinner. If you two would care to join us?"

"Yes please!" Korra said. "I'm starving."

Iroh lead the way to the dining hall and they were soon joined by Zuko, Mai, Izumi and Yuzu. Asami took great pleasure in introducing Korra to the other members of Iroh's family, and Bolin could not help but feel a touch of jealousy; Asami was almost part of that family. No. How could he be jealous? The price Asami paid for that kind of circumstance was monstrously too high.

"We've heard a lot about both of you," Zuko said as they settled down and he looked between Korra and Bolin. "Asami has told us about several of your adventures together."

"Don't let him get started," Mai interrupted quickly. "Otherwise he'll give you the whole history of himself when he joined Avatar Aang's merry band."

"Asami told me Bolin would like to hear it," Zuko replied reproachfully.

"Yes," Mai replied. "But there are others here who have heard your stories nearly four thousand times now." She snatched up her chopsticks and began eating. "I do not need to hear about you practicing your introduction to the group any more times."

Korra was glancing around a little nervously. "Hey, um, is... is Azula going to join us?" Asami shared her nervous look, both panicked as the others seated at the table froze.

"I'm afraid my Aunt prefers to eat alone," Iroh replied after a long pause.

"'Afraid'?" Korra echoed just under her breath and Asami nudged her. She did not push the issue and soon There was so much food here. Platter upon platter of sushi and sashimi. A feast unlike any Bolin had experienced before. Even Asami's home had provided nothing quite on this scale. Was this normal? Or a royal welcome for the Avatar? He glanced at Korra. No tension, no trying to avoid his gaze. She smiled at him whenever they made eye contact and he looked away in panic. Maybe it all had been just miscommunication. "It works!" Korra said. "Look Bolin!" A stream of water floating in the air from her shoulder, two chopsticks held in the right position within it. With a look of concentration she lifted her bowl with her hand and chomped away at her rice. "Perfect."

"That's awesome," Bolin said and smiled, but it felt somehow wrong.

The evening passed with relaxed chatter and such amazing food, but still he could not relax; not alongside the royal family like this. As much as Iroh tried to impress upon him that he could be relax, it was hard to ignore how well-mannered the family was and how poised they looked while eating. Bolin wandered away after dinner as Izumi drew Korra to one side to discuss some political matter. Really, he should care more, but his heart was not in it right now. He wandered outside and slumped on the edge of a walkway looking towards one of the palace gardens. The evening air slowly cooled. He should go back.

"Bolin?" He glanced up, surprised to see Asami looking concerned. "Are you feeling okay?"

His stomach twinged sympathetically but he just nodded. "Yeah. Just wanted to be on my own."

"Okay." Asami nodded. Bolin stared back at the garden. "Can I sit here?" she asked.

"I guess," Bolin said.

Asami settled beside him and stared out into the garden. "You seem... tense?" she tried after a pause.

"Tense?" Bolin asked, trying to will himself into a more relaxed state. It did not seem to be working.

"Yeah. Something's gotten to you and you seem a little distracted? And from what Iroh was saying just before it sounds like it might be something I've done or something Korra's done," Asami said. "I can't talk for Korra, but I'm not sure if I have done something - but I'm sorry if I did?"

"It's not you. We had a fight," Bolin said, glancing behind him - no sign of Korra. He did not want her overhearing any of this. "A few days ago. But it's like she doesn't even remember it happening?"

"I don't think she think's it much of a problem," Asami said. "She never mentioned it." She fell silent. "But she seemed okay at dinner. It's not like she was avoiding you or anything. So, I don't know what happened, but if you think there's a problem you should talk to her. Nothing's going to be fixed by worrying about it. And it sounds like it was miscommunication more than anything-" Asami broke off as Bolin got to his feet.

"Sorry. I think I need to lie down for a bit." He stalked away, ignoring her concerned questions.


The young girl - Yuzu - seemed to be quite possessive of Asami during the meal. She watched Korra all the while, ensuring she was always between the two of them. It was sort of endearing. She seemed to want to follow Asami when she excused herself, but looked questioningly at Iroh who shook his head. Yuzu stayed put. Korra waited until she was looking at her again and then used her water tentacle to retrieve a platter of komodo chicken from the other end of the table. That pretty much got everyone's attention, but Yuzu's was the most fun as she gaped at the water as Korra wound it back to her and then blew a wreath of flame over one piece to heat it up. She stared as Korra chomped away at it. "I can cool your drink down - if you like," Korra offered. Yuzu smiled in delight and held her glass up. Easy to cool it down with a flick of her fingers, the smaller girl startled by the surge of condensation on the outside.

"Thank you!" she said and cautiously sipped at the drink. She looked so much like Iroh - it would be interesting to know who her mother was. Korra must have been hungrier than she thought - the meal had been going on for a long time and almost everyone else had vanished off elsewhere leaving her with Izumi, Iroh and Yuzu.

Korra gratefully put her bowl down. "That was amazing. My compliments to the chef."

"I will ensure he receives them," Izumi replied. She glanced around. "If I might take up a little more of your time? I have some points I would like to discuss in private."

"Sure," Korra said.

"I'll be there in a minute," Iroh said. "I think it's pretty much past Yuzu's bedtime." Putting Yuzu to bed seemed to take no time at all - not surprising given the girl could barely keep her eyes open at the table. Iroh got to Izumi's office only moments after his mother and Korra. A pile of newspapers lay on the otherwise neatly arranged desk. Korra leafed through them finding articles praising and damning the royal family and their recent actions. Many were in favor of the lack of military action and efforts for peace; others the exact opposite.

"Your thoughts Avatar Korra?" Izumi said. Korra turned; the Firelord and her son were watching with interest. She replaced the papers on the pile. "Are we weak and cowardly? Or wise and noble?"

Iroh chimed in before she had a chance to reply. "Many of our citizens want war; they feel it is necessary."

"I get the impression you disagree," Korra said softly. Iroh nodded. "But even if you didn't; I'm not about to just stand back while you declare war."

"As one would expect from the Avatar," Izumi said smiling. She sat at her desk. "I would ask that what I am about to tell you does not leave this room." She took a deep breath. "As much as we wish to avoid war, we have been pushed to action. We have dispatched undercover agents to facilitate the rescue of the Earth Empire prisoners."

"What, when?" Korra asked.

"After Kuvira tried to kill my son." Izumi's face was serious, her lips drawn into a thin line.

"As much as she likes to make out she has everything under control, there are still people who hold a lot of sway in private," Iroh said. "A number of high ranking collaborators have been promised full Fire Nation citizenship if they can assist in smuggling people out of the kingdom. Though it' won't be unconditional; war crimes are still war crimes. The guilty will be punished."

"I thought the Great Uniter released all the prisoners," Korra said slowly.

"She released some thousand, but it cannot be close to them all. We now believe her claims of execution were a deliberate fabrication. She needs them for labor," Izumi said.

"Why not simply tell everyone what you've told me? That ought to shut the critics up," Korra asked.

"And let her know they're coming?" Iroh shook his head.

"The people do not seem willing to take on the lessons of the past," Izumi said with a sigh. "A queen dies and the kingdom descends into chaos. Simply killing Kuvira would likely cause a similar outcome. As a judgement from the Avatar it would be less contentious. Military leaders and wealthy family are poised to seize control in the event of another destabilization - I doubt I need to illustrate the after-effects of that situation. As much as the Earth Empire is formed with the blood of the monarchy, it remains a new country. Those within it wish for stability and peace just like many others. One question of great importance of late is the fate of the monarchy; should it be restored?"

Korra frowned about to ask how when Iroh spoke up. "And the calls for war have sounded every since my injury," he added. "People were angry because of my family's past before the Queen died. And now many are angry that we aren't calling for war or take exception to the refugees coming here for their own safety."

"At least you resisted the impulse for revenge. Noble," Korra observed.

"Not that noble," Iroh said leaning back against the wall. "Our nobility might be prized but there is always more at work than mere honor. Say we sent our ships and army against Kuvira. What reason would she then have to not simply slaughter her prisoners? All our attack would gain was a show of force - the cost would be massively too high. We seek to solve the issue through diplomacy. Or - to our shame - via spies in the night; not honorable but it will save the lives of thousands."

"Or there's me," Korra said. "I... I wanted to end this quickly. I knew that treaty was just a means to protect her. As soon as I can master the Avatar state I'll confront her. She's waiting for Harmonic Convergence - if I get to her before that... I can end both of them." Anything to prevent one nation, one tribe going to war with another all over again. Maybe they might find a more suitable leader for the kingdom.


Korra squinted at Iroh across the training room, past the ranks of weapons and bows. "Shoot," she commanded.

Iroh sighed and lowered the bow he was aiming at her. "Are you really sure about this?" Behind him Asami and Bolin both looked tense. She wavered for a moment but clenched her fist. She could do this.

"Do it," she repeated. Iroh took a deep breath, pulled the bowstring back and let the arrow fly straight at her. A twist of airbending and the arrow tumbled over her shoulder and clattered against the floor. "Again," she commanded. Iroh hefted a spear and hurled it towards her. Easier - it was nowhere close to fast as the arrow. Iroh repeated his attacks with a kunai and this time Korra deflected it with metalbending. "Not fast enough," she muttered.

"I couldn't even see the attack," Bolin commented.

"And neither could I," Iroh said, his hand touching his shoulder for a moment. "Whatever it is, it is fast."

"I feel like the rest of you are in some exclusive club," Asami sighed. "Not that I envy you getting attacked like that, but what she does do?"

Korra nodded. "Well. I can try and do it. It's gotta be mostly metalbending? Right?"

"Likely," Iroh said. He hurried off and soon returned with one of the metal spheres.

"Bolin?" Korra asked.

"Talking to the wrong earthbender," he replied. "But if it's metal; yeah I bet you're right."

Korra plucked the sphere from Iroh's outstretched hand. "Okay, so, she span around and-" Korra pivotted on her heel, trying to remember Kuvira's movements as she faced her in Omashu. Was the spinning necessary? Hard to tell. As she swung around to face the target, Korra pushed the sphere forward with her metalbending. The impact made a sharp crack as it hit the wooden target, but it seemed to have done little damage past a small dent. "No good."

"Like that but faster I guess?" Asami said. She peered at the target and plucked the metal sphere from the ground. "To get this inside either of your shoulders, it has to have been going a lot faster." She stared at Korra's arms for a moment. "Not as fast as lightning, but if it really was too fast to see." She gripped the sphere. "I... I might be able to make armour to stop these. Not quickly though."

"That would help. In the meantime. We figure she has to be holding these, right?" Korra asked and Iroh nodded. "So, it's not a perfect technique. If I see her doing her spinny-thing I should be able to grab the metal or block it with earth..."

"Lightning would be your best bet. She can't possibly be that fast-" Asami mused.

"Yeah, it's what Mako used to finish Amon," Bolin interrupted. "And what killed him."

"Bolin, I'm sorry-" Asami started.

"No," Bolin shook his head. "Mako didn't want to teach Korra because he wasn't confident. He'd want her to learn it if she really needed to. If she could use it to protect people." He smiled, but it was not reaching his eyes. Mako was going to be a sore subject for him for a very long time. Asami seemed to notice too.

"Hey, Bolin, ever sparred?" Asami asked as she changed the subject.

"But you-" He broke off as she threw a kendo stick to him. "Oh," he said. "Not really."

"Well, in case you ever need it - I can show you the basics." She lead him to one of the padded floors and started running through basic drills. Korra sidled up to Iroh.

"So. I can bend all four elements. And I have Kuvira to contend with. Any chance you can teach me lightningbending?"

Iroh grimaced. "I was waiting for you to ask. And if you had done so a year ago then..."

"Ah, your arm. Sorry. I should wait-"

Iroh interrupted her. "My arm isn't the problem." He gestured to her side. Her hand clutched at her empty sleeve.

"Oh," Korra said and sighed.

Iroh smiled. "Don't give up hope. My experience with lightningbending has always used two arms, but I am far from an expert. My own teacher speculated on the technique after my injury. She has just recently clarified that she can perform lightningbending with just one arm."

"Well, let's go talk to them-"

"It's Azula, Korra," Iroh said bluntly. "My aunt."

Former Fire Lord Azula, the one who came the closest to killing Aang. Conqueror of Ba Sing Se. "Is she... Would she be willing to teach me?" Korra tried.

"I don't know," Iroh replied after a pause.

"Well..." Korra fidgeted. "Maybe you can learn from her and then teach me." Iroh opened his mouth to reply and Korra talked over him. "No. We don't have that kind of time. I'm going to have to ask her, aren't I?" Iroh nodded.


The thought of such a legendary figure as Azula conjured up images a towering figure of a woman. Lightning would crackle in the very air around her and malice would flow from her like a fog. More than a glimpse would be akin to a death sentence if she was so inclined. Korra shivered as Iroh lead her through the palace corridors. Where was she? Locked in some subterranean vault, chained up and snarling fire all the while? It would be unlikely she could have a civil conversation with Iroh in that state. So not there. Plus she had worked out lightningbending recently so-. Korra blinked as they entered the huge inner garden and walked towards the lone grey-haired inhabitant beside the turtleduck pond. Korra's blood ran cold. Was this how they kept her sated? Killing defenseless creatures like this? A sick price for a sick woman. Look at her; how she fed the- the bread. Korra blinked. Bread? Small crumbs of bread rained down from the older woman's hands to the happy quacking of the turtleducks below. Azula was feeding them? The creatures themselves seemed unfazed that someone like Azula was so close to them. Somehow.

"It's not poisoned bread is it?" Korra asked.

Iroh shushed her urgently. "Don't even joke about that. She loves the turtleducks. If anything were to happen to them-"

"Junior?" Azula asked with her back to them. "You normally come alone."

"I though I would introduce you to a friend of mine. Aunt Azula," Iroh said standing up straight. "I present, Avatar Korra."

The elderly woman turned, nonthreatening until Korra saw her eyes. Azula's gaze had lost none of it's famed potency. A stray memory - Aang's? - of her staring. Okay. Be respectful, just think of her as royalty, but not the relaxed kind like Izumi or Iroh; she was very traditional. "Lady Azula," she said and bowed.

"What is she doing here?" Azula demanded, ignoring Korra.

"She wanted to meet you. I mentioned you were the best firebender in the family and-"

"Flattery will do you no good now, Junior," Azula snapped. "Leave me be-"

"Lady Azula," Korra said loudly. The older woman looked pointedly away from her. "You are the greatest lightningbender in the world. Prince Iroh informed me that you alone know how to bend lightning with just one arm. I wish to become your student in these matters." Her gaze shifted and locked with hers. No hate, no humor. There was nothing in the eyes that stared back at her. "I hold no grudge or attachment to the past. So... I believe we can work together now."

Azula's shoulders hunched and she threw her head back as she laughed. "Your scripting needs improvement Junior! Normally you are so much more subtle."

"I didn't-" Iroh began.

"Those were all my own words," Korra said. "I was trying to be respectful. I need to learn lightningbending from you. It's the only chance I have against the Great Uniter." Azula calmed and looked back at her with an appraising eye.

"You have control over four elements and cannot defeat one earthbender?" She spat the last word. Korra rankled; maybe she did not need Azula's help. The Avatar State ought to do the trick. Azula was chuckling again. "I almost forgot. I killed your predecessor."

"Almost," she snapped back.

"I remember events a little differently," Azula said stepping closer. "He died. If not for his companions you would have arrived that much sooner." She smiled. "An important lesson; you Avatars are not invincible as much as it might seem. Or perhaps just not very smart."

Respect. She had to remain respectful as much as she wanted to scream. "Fine," Korra said. "Sorry for bothering you," she added as she stalked away from the pond.


"Avatar Korra!" Zuko called as Korra strode down the hall, Iroh trailing behind her. "Might I have a moment of your time- Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Your... sister," Korra said through gritted teeth.

Iroh coughed. "Korra wished to learn lightningbending. Aunt Azula was... less than receptive to the request."

"Ah." Zuko sighed. "She certainly has an effect on people, doesn't she? Iroh? Could you keep our other guests company for a while?" Iroh nodded and carried on down the corridor.

"What was it you wanted?" Korra said. Blunter than it should have been. She winced. "Sorry, I'm just-"

Zuko shook his head. "Don't worry. Here, please come into my study." He ushered her into a small room nearby, the shelves crammed with scrolls and trinkets. "Tea?" he asked.

"Sure," Korra said, itching to get started. "Fire Lord Zuko, I-"

"Just Zuko," he said as he cut her off and poured out two cups.

"Zuko then. How may I help you?"

Zuko studied her for a moment. "I did want to ask about your encounter with Aang in the spirit world." Korra started to reply but he kept on talking before she could. "But that can wait. For now I would like you to tell me about what happened with my sister."

"She just refused. Well, and she mocked me and made a point of bringing up what happened with Aang. In Ba Sing Se." Zuko winced. "I tried asking her nicely and she said she didn't want to train me. Now I'm not sure there's anything I can do about it."

"I think there is," Zuko said sipping his tea. "She has always been the smarter of us siblings. All my life I have had to deal with her aware of my intentions even before I voiced them. She was always an expert in pushing you into losing control and snapping at her - and as such she wins. But for all her cunning she has been hurt more than once. She's not emotionless no matter how much she seems like that."

"Oh, I noticed. She hates me," Korra huffed.

Zuko shook his head. "Hate is too strong a word. She doesn't know you. Dislike is more the kind of description I would use. She wants to destroy her you know - the Great Uniter. But I think she's aware that she can't - or rather she could try but her comfortable life these last decades; that would all vanish. She knows you on the other hand can do so without any of problems like that."

"She wanted revenge? For Iroh?"

Zuko grimaced. "Again, I'm not sure revenge is the right word. She'll kill with slim provocations in other situations. The Red Lotus - yes the same group as far as I can tell - almost came undone at her hands when they tried to assassinate Iroh. He was awestruck when she fought them away - and they in turn are fortunate she never was able to catch up. Which is part of the problem." Zuko set his cup down. "You destroyed them last year. She does not give up grudges; she wanted to be the one to eliminate them. You stole that opportunity from her - even if we all believed they had long since been destroyed. And now you are likely to remove another opportunity for her with Kuvira."

"But if she can't-" Korra shook her head. "If I'm the only one who can do it, then why-?"

"Pride, Korra. It is a powerful force - especially for one like Azula."

"So much so she's willing to give up on any kind of revenge by not helping me?" Korra asked heatedly.

"Not something she will want to be reminded of. I would advise against mentioning that. She will resist forever rather than swallow her pride." He sighed. "I can think of one thing, but it is a gamble. My sister is easy to offend, but she has also been bored for years. She likes a challenge. More specifically she likes to win challenges. I am sure she would like an amusing distraction..."


"Lady Azula!" Korra said as loud as she could. The older woman kept her back turned. "If we work together then we will be able to defeat the Great Uniter. So; please, teach me."

"No."

Korra sighed. "At least allow me to prove I am worth your time."

Azula stiffened and glanced over her shoulder. "Why bother? If you cannot stand up to the Great Uniter, then why bother with me?" she asked.

"That was before I got fire back. And what else do you have to lose?"

Azula turned around and seemed to finally see her. "Fine. Meet me in the inner courtyard in an hour. For your sake, you had better not disappoint me," she snapped and turned back to her turtleducks. Korra allowed herself a faint grin. At least she had gotten Azula to fight her. But now she had an hour to kill and no distraction was going to be sufficient to let her ignore the impending fight. Korra headed straight for the arena and impatiently waited, running through kata and firebending drills. Azula arrived without warning - presumably an hour had passed. She made no move to stop or talk to her, just stood and watched her for a long moment. "Fight me."

Korra frowned. "What?"

"Use whatever you wish Avatar. You have little to fear; the death of one Avatar is more than enough for me." Azula grinned.

"You think you can take me down?" Korra scowled.

"I already have," Azula said dismissively. "You look different now, but I know deep down you're still the same boy I destroyed once before."

Korra clenched her fists. Calm. "I will use only fire. It's fair."

"Then show me."

Korra punched her first fireball at Azula. The blue flame was startling as it sprang from Azula's hands and she batted her fireball away. Beautiful and somehow cold. Doubtful it was anything less hot than her own flames. Age had not slowed Azula. Once Korra would have assumed firebenders grew less potent with age; the element required so much movement and acrobatic motion. How could an elderly woman keep up with that? Bad assumption. Azula was different to Mako or P'Li. She did not leap or run as they had; instead every movement was small, focused and devastating. The first fireball Korra caught blasted her backwards across the courtyard.

But was it an attack or was Azula just batting away her own attacks? Less movement, and for this match so much more effective. The old woman was unpredictable, powerful and not one of her own attacks had shifted Azula's feet. Meanwhile it was all Korra could do but get out of the way of the blue fire. "Seventy years Avatar! Seventy years and this is all you can do?" Azula's grin was terrifying and the fight had tousled her hair. "I should have challenged you years ago. To think it would be so easy!"

Korra punched fireball after fireball at her. Still no counterattack. She continued, putting more and more force into each blast until one at last forced Azula to take a step back. She scowled and retaliated with a new blast of blue fire. The explosion swept Korra off her feet and she fought desperately to keep the flames back.

"Stop this nonsense!" A voice roared. The flames above Korra winked out of existence and she scrambled onto her feet as the newcomer strode through the hazy air. Iroh. He glared at her and Azula as they breathed heavily, the smoke making breathing difficult. "You're going to burn down the entire palace if you don't stop!" Korra glanced around; several timbers and exposed beams were smoking and charred. "So please. If you must kill each other, go elsewhere." He gestured and two servants darted forward holding cups of water out to each. Korra gulped hers down, never taking her eyes off Azula.

"Count yourself lucky, Avatar," the older woman replied, water dripping from her face.

"Like he said. We need a rematch," Korra retorted. "Somewhere spacious."

"Perhaps. But you need new tricks first. If you repeat that performance I may well die of boredom." Korra sighed. "But, it was at least not an amateurish performance. I consider it at least decent. Take solace in that if you wish."

"Decent?" Korra echoed.

"I never even needed lightning. And still you were troubled by my attacks," Azula said.

"And I didn't use any of the other elements," Korra replied.

"I would hope you are better with them," she chortled. "I heard about your teacher. Was that really the best that combustion bender could do?"

Korra blinked. How had their confrontation gone all those years ago? "Yes. She could not bending lightning though." Korra hesitated. "And I killed her." Azula smiled as Korra shivered. Had Zuko been wrong? "Please teach me what I need to know?"

Azula kept staring at her. "Ask then."

"What?"

She sighed. "What does a student say to their master? What does the water tribe teach these days? Or perhaps the Red Lotus are to blame?" Azula shrugged.

"Master Azula, please teach me," she said fighting back anger as she bowed.


Bolin stared forlornly at the Sakura trees. He was doing himself no good at all not talking to Korra, but it was tough. So much at risk. What if she did not care any more? And maybe it if had been nothing more than miscommunication, might he have waited too long to say something? "Bolin!" Asami again. He turned to face her. "Want to see Korra learn lightningbending?"

He shook his head. "I'm good. You should go though."

"I'd have thought you'd want to see Korra-"

"I don't like lightning," he said fiercely as a shiver wracked him.

"Sorry," Asami said.

He glanced at her. "It's okay. I never got a chance to tell you-"

"I should have thought. Hey, do you want to look around the palace with me?" Asami asked, changing the subject. "Or did you already?"

"I did," Bolin said nodding. "But... I never got to see the throne room."

"Then let's go check it out," Asami said she grabbed his arm and Bolin let himself be dragged by her. Iroh was in his office and only too willing to show them the room.

"So," Iroh said, his voice echoing in the gloomy emptiness. "This is the throne room." He smiled. "My grandfather was the last to use it for it's intended purpose. I suspect will remain the case."

"You're not going to?" Bolin asked.

Iroh shook his head. "I like my office more. There's no desk."

"And it is pretty dark in here," Asami said peering around.

Iroh lead them up the concealed staircase to the dais looming above the rest of the room. "There's a trench just here," Iroh pointed. "Oil is piped into it to produce flames. Looks pretty terrifying when it's working. Grandfather said Great-grandfather delighted in using it to intimidate everyone." He glanced from the throne to Bolin. "Want to try sitting there?"

"Can I?"

Iroh shrugged. "In the end it's just a fancy chair."

Bolin settled onto the seat and stared into the darkened room. "I feel... powerful."

"How about now?" Iroh snapped his fingers and the trench ignited a low wall of flames between him and the rest of the room.

"Wow!" Bolin stared at the flickering fire.

"Can I try?" Asami asked as Bolin scrambled out of the chair. She sat down looking every bit as beautiful and elegant as she always did. Then Asami cackled and threw her head back as she laughed. "I am Fire Lord Asami! You will all rue the day you crossed me!" she boomed. Bolin applauded. "Iroh, now you do it."

Iroh sighed but took his turn. "I wish my son to be exiled and futilely look for the Avatar! And when Sozin's comet returned we will remake the world in my image." He broke off as Asami pulled on his arm.

"A little too real for my liking," she said in a faint voice.

"Sorry." He leant back and sighed. "This gloomy place is getting to me. How about we have a look around the city? Bolin? Asami? Neither of you have been here before have you?"

Asami shook her head. "Sounds good. Bolin?"

"Sure. I guess," Bolin replied feeling somehow helpless. Iroh's tours of the city spanned multiple days and Bolin returned to the palace each day exhausted, but still willing to demonstrate some earthbending techniques to Yuzu at Iroh's request. The first day saw Iroh mobbed by tourists and fans just outside the palace. Everyone wanted a photo with the prince and he entertained them for a few minutes before excusing himself and returning to his friends.

"The new generation do seem fixated with cameras," he said in a low voice as the guards kept the onlookers at bay. "So many pictures of themselves and bragging about where they were." He shook his head.

"Self-confidence." Iroh blinked at her and Bolin tried to puzzle out her meaning. "They want memorabilia. And they're confident in themselves." She smiled but Iroh looked confused and shook his head. The tours were fun, but it still felt a bit like being a third wheel as he trailed after Asami and Iroh down the paved streets. Or not? Iroh happily pointed out details of interest to Asami; architecture, a few bits and pieces of technology. But he did the same for Bolin; he made a point of noting the statue of Zuko now standing in the square he and Azula had fought. The city was huge and clean and so much brighter than Republic City. And everything seemed to cost a fortune. Not that it stopped Asami; she soon became distracted by a clothes shop. She rifled through racks and held up various garments for approval by both Iroh and Bolin.

"So; this one? Or this one? Or maybe this combination?" Asami asked. Bolin squinted at the near identical dresses and belts.

"Aren't they the same?" Iroh said eventually.

Asami opened her mouth to retort, but Bolin talked over her. "No," he said firmly. "I think the eggshell white dress would look better with the onyx belt. The slate belt will work with the pearl one."

She grinned at him. "You have good taste."

Good taste, but it was still almost like everyone was leaving him behind. Asami pressed a wad of cash into a disheveled figure crouched at the mouth of the alley. She said something, but he could not make it out. She bought the woman an expensive meat bun from a nearby vendor; the woman tried to grovel in thanks as much as Asami seemed to keep insisting there was no need. Asami looked a little distant for a while after, only brightening when Iroh suggested hiring a car. Bolin insisted on sitting in the back of the Satomobile and leave Asami beside Iroh. His insistence seemed to confuse them both, but he waved off their objections and at last they relented. Asami took the wheel while Iroh gave directions and now pointed out further places of interest as they sped along the road. He was so out of place here; the two people in front of him were born for specific roles and ready to follow a clear destiny laid out for them. Iroh; one day ruler of the whole nation - and Asami; with all her technical expertise and skills. Bolin jumped as Iroh suddenly turned to look at him from the front of the car.

"So, Bolin," Iroh said as the wind whipped around them in the open-top vehicle. "Have you talked to Korra yet?"

"What- I. I. What do you mean?" Bolin spluttered.

"I keep telling him it's a miscommunication," Asami murmured as she kept her attention on the road ahead.

"From everything I've seen and heard, I would concur. Plus you can't expect Korra to just magically know how you feel unless you tell her," Iroh added.

Asami glanced at the rear-view mirror bright-eyed as Bolin tried to signal Iroh to stay quiet. "Oh so that's it!" she grinned. "I should have noticed really." The revelation seemed to amuse her.

Bolin sighed. "Yes, I like Korra," he muttered.

"Why are you embarrassed?" Asami asked. "Admitting you like someone is nothing to be ashamed of."

Bolin looked at her curiously. "But... it is?"

"If you say so," Asami said lazily. "But you really should talk her. She means a lot to you doesn't she?"

Why should he lie when she knew everything? "She does," Bolin admitted. "I just... don't know if she thinks about me the same way. Like she does with you," he said.

"Me?" Asami looked surprised for a moment. "Oh, I don't think she thinks of me in that way. You're dismissing yourself far too readily."

"But I don't deserve anything like that. I need to do more to help her. Like you two."

Asami frowned. "Bolin, I really don't think-"

"No. I'm not going to try and impress her, I just want to help." Iroh and Asami shared a look. "Why are the water and earth tribes the poorest people here?"

Iroh blinked at him. "I'm... sorry?"

"I've not seen one member of either tribe looking entirely happy," Bolin continued. "They're all street cleaners and snack vendors-"

"And beggars," Asami said. "I noticed too."

"Inequality," Iroh sighed. "Something we need to fix." Fix. Could he have done more for the Earth Kingdom? Not simply helped with charity work and relief efforts at the Republic City border? But if he went back; how much better could he help the kingdom become? "I believe the mood has become more somber. How about questions and answers? Anything you like? And we should really take a look at the Fire Nation museum..."


"So..." Bolin flushed a little. "If you and Asami ever got married. Just what if," he added hastily as Iroh opened his mouth to protest and Asami glared at him. "Would you take her surname?" he continued despite her.

Iroh raised an eyebrow. "No."

"Oh," Bolin felt a little disappointed.

"Shame," Asami said. "Iroh Sato has sort of a ring to it. Bit if there though."

"I'm not allowed a surname," Iroh added as they wandered back towards the palace.

"Well, that makes it easier," Asami replied.

"Okay. How about Druk? Did Zuko really get the egg from a dragon cave while saving a turtleduck?" Bolin asked.

Iroh sniggered. "Where did you get that from?"

Bolin scowled. "I knew Mako was lying..."

"Your brother's version is so much better!" Iroh smiled at him. "Really; the truth of the matter is pretty boring. Grandfather just dug up Druk's egg by accident while he was harvesting potatoes."

"Potatoes?" Bolin echoed.

"History can be hilariously mundane," Asami said with a grin.

Mai emerged from a doorway nearby distracting Bolin from his next question. She was dragging a struggling and muddy Yuzu by one arm. "If you don't take a bath," Mai said between grimaces. "The ocean spirit is going to come looking for you and drag you under the sea!"

"No!" Yuzu said.

"Then get in the bath!"

"No! Asami!" Yuzu called towards them. "Help!"

"It's just like going in the sea!" Asami called back. "You should get cleaned up!"

Yuzu stared at her in what might have been betrayal and gave Mai just enough time to haul the girl into another doorway. "I... I never used to like baths when I was a kid," he said to Iroh. "She's an earthbender isn't she?"

"I'm not aware many children like baths," Iroh said softly. "But you are correct." He glanced at Bolin. "Something else you want to know?"

"Who's her mother?" he blinked as Asami glared at him. That was a very personal question come to think of it.

"Ah," Iroh replied. To his surprise the prince smiled. "A secret, but one I trust both of you enough to know." He glanced around as Asami stared at him in surprise. "Could I ask you to first check we are alone?" Bolin nodded and stomped his foot down.


"Zuzu-" Korra bit back her reaction. Did Azula really once call Zuko that? "-once said a peaceful mental state is essential to bending lightning." Azula sneered. "But what does he know? Fifty years and after all that meditation he still can't do it. So we'll hear no more of that. The key is how readily prepared you are to take a life."

"My hands are not exactly clean," Korra admitted.

"Hand," Azula corrected. Korra winced and counted to ten in her head. "But even so; not the same. Killing someone in a life or death situation is different to an execution. The latter will serve you better. A judgement on the so-called Great Uniter. Can you do that Avatar? Your predecessor would have been reluctant."

"I'm not like Aang," Korra said quietly.

"Good. Because there is no way that he could do this." She sighed. "Since you only have one arm, the chi can't flow as it would do naturally. The loss of your arm has disrupted your balance; left-right, ying-yang. You do not have symmetry. But-" She smiled. "Chi can still flow. At least you have an advantage. If you knew lightning already this would be more difficult - that at least counts in your favour. Now; watch." Azula settled into a familiar stance; near identical to Mako's. The blast of lightning streaked into the sky faster than she could follow. "That is how it has been performed for centuries. Keep it in mind even if you cannot use it. Now; the new method."

Azula kept her left arm beside her as she moved her right arm in a strange flowing motion. As she stamped her left foot down, she jerked her right arm forward and a weaker spark blasted from her fingers. "You see?" Korra nodded. "Now we begin." For the first few days Korra did little but practice the form. She learned how to transfer the chi from her fingers to her arms, from her arms to her belly, from her belly to her leg and her leg to her toe. And then the same sequence in reverse. Difficult; the lengths were different and the chi flowed in an unbalanced way.

Presumably she was getting somewhere - even if Azula had left her alone for three days now. What if the old woman was just toying with her? Iroh insisted this was about expected behavior for her; he too had done nothing but practice forms when he was younger. A week and: "Show me," Azula commanded. Korra gritted her teeth and ran through the chi transfer. The power built inside her and as she jabbed her arm forward for a moment there was a spark- It blinked out of existence and a blast of air rushed past her. Azula sighed. "Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless. Just like Zuzu. Are you sure you are prepared to kill?"

"Yes," Korra growled.

"What kind of expression is that?" Azula demanded. Too much like Ming. Mocking, sneering and enjoying her torment. "Typical water tribe manners. Or lack of them. You're no better than the last Avatar from your kind; an entire life spent womanizing and then somehow expecting sympathy when that alleged love of his life was snuffed out."

"I've had enough," Korra fumed. "Thank you for your time, but I cannot continue." She stormed away.

"Giving up so soon, Avatar?" Azula called.

"No. Just not standing for you treating me like this," she replied over her shoulder.


"The truth of the matter is not a little embarrassing," Iroh said as Bolin assured him there was no one close enough to hear them. "Despite my reputation now, I was a little less... careful? Shall we say? In my youth." He swallowed. "Yuzu's mother is Princess Yu." The name rang a bell and it took what felt like an absurd time for it to connect. Asami stared at Iroh with her mouth hanging open.

"Princess Yu?" she asked slowly. "As in-"

"Yes. Queen Hou-Ting's niece and the first princess of the Earth Kingdom." He fell silent as Bolin felt like his brain had just stalled. "We were not together any longer when- When it happened. We had not seen each other for some years now, but I still mourned her when I learned of her passing. Yuzu will be told eventually of course. When she is older."

Bolin's stomach churned. He must have seen her in that sea of gore; Yuzu's mother lifeless along with all the other members of the family. And Kuvira unrepentant in the centre. "I... I shouldn't have asked."

Iroh shook his head. "It was just a question. And you have earned my trust in this matter."

"Who else?" Asami asked. "Who else knows?"

"The truth? Not many. My family know about Yuzu of course; a few of our retainers and longer serving servants as well. Tenzin and his siblings - all prepared to guard her if need be. Her parentage?" Iroh shook his head. "You two join the rare company of my immediate family alone. And Yue of course. If anything happens to me - I humbly ask for you to do whatever you can for her."

"If Kuvira ever found out..." Asami shook her head. "I will do everything I can. I promise," she said seizing his hand.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"Her mother was a princess. You're a prince..." Bolin said as he stared at Iroh.

"Yes," Iroh said simply. "Yuzu is uniquely placed now to inherit the monarchy of either tribe. She is the rightful heir to the Earth Kingdom throne. She also has essentially the only claim on the title of Firelord in the future."

Bolin's head spun from the sheer scale of the revelation. "Will she become the queen?" he asked weakly.

"Of course not!" Asami snapped. "A five year old as the queen? That's no kind of life for her. She's not some political pawn!"

"But-"

"No," Asami said. "Just no. Not after what Kuvira did before. She's not going to let Yuzu's youth stand in her way. And I doubt others with their eyes on the throne would either."

"I am aware of the issues," Iroh said. "Putting her on the Earth Kingdom throne will of course resolve nothing. But she deserves to know the truth - and have the freedom to make her own choices. I would only hope the world is a kinder place if the time comes."


Zuko blinked at her. "I'm not sure what you expected from her?"

"I know. I just... It's constant. She enjoys it when I get angry. She looks down on my tribe. She might be the best lightningbender but I cannot respect her as a master," Korra said icily.

"I do understand how you feel," Zuko said. "It is no different to how Azula has treated me since as long as I can remember. No one can force another to have patience - and certainly not when it involves her. She is a produce of her time and upbringing; very difficult to change. The best we can hope for is making peace with her."

"Guess that's it for training then. I messed up big time," Korra said sinking lower into her seat.

"You stood up for yourself," Zuko corrected. "That deserves respect."

"But the fate of the world is at stake! I need that technique!" She groaned and put her head in her hands.

Zuko sighed. "I guess... Well. If you have nothing more to lose; make her think you owe her for the skill. I mean; make her think that without it you will fail. Have her think she's the hero for teaching you."


"Be honest," Korra said to herself. Azula was at the turtleduck pond again. She turned at her approach and wordlessly watched her. "Master Azula," Korra said at the top of her voice.

Azula winced. "You don't need to yell, my hearing is fine," she snapped.

"I need you to help me. I want to continue my training," Korra replied.

"Insolent child!" Azula replied, her voice cold. "You walked away from your master without being dismissed. Now you come back here without the slightest shred of respect and demand-"

"We can work together. I respected you and received nothing in return. You're the one holding us both back!" Korra said.

"Ah, blaming me? What you learned before is as nothing to what you could possibly discover in your entire lifetime. You learned the most when you stayed quiet," Azula replied.

"Don't you care about the world? When Kuvira marches into Republic City with an ancient spirit giving her power?"

Azula paused a moment before replying. "A problem for the Avatar, not-"

"Fine. So Kuvira will kill me. Who else gets to fight her when she comes? How about Iroh?" Azula flinched. "He already tried that once and look what happened there. So maybe I am weak, and maybe he would be better placed to fight her. You could train him instead." The scowl on Azula's face did not change; her weakness. "But you bear responsibility for all of this. If you and your father had not marched right into the Earth Kingdom, Iroh wouldn't be in this position! He's cleaning up after your mess his whole life. And when he falls, who's next in line?"

"Show me then. Attack me with your lightning." Azula snapped.

"What?" Korra gaped.

"Show me what you can do. If you are unable to muster an attack you are a waste of my time," Azula said.

"Look, I don't want to-"

"Maybe you can't then. If you cannot strike me now, then you never will be able to-"

"But, the turtleducks?" Korra tried desperately.

Azula barely glanced at them. "Considerate of other life when facing your nemesis? That will only serve to get you killed." Korra took a deep breath and ran through the drill from start to finish. But no sooner had she produced the spark then it exploded once again. "I grow tired of this, Avatar." Korra tried again, and for a moment the spark worked, jumping from her hand and into the ground. "Aim at me."

"I'm not going to kill you," Korra said shaking her head.

"You think me so weak? In any case, if you can not aim at me, how then can you aim at the Great Uniter? She was once your friend, no?" Azula asked. Her hand flicked and a barrage of blue fire threatened to overwhelm Korra. It took all her concentration to continue evading the strikes; to bend lightning at the same time? Impossible. "Attack!" Azula snarled, her attacks coming quicker and ever more relentless. Smoke filled the air, parts of the palace on fire once again. "I will let this place burn with everyone in it if you can't do it!" Korra clenched her teeth, searching for an opening, an opportunity. Nothing. "As weak as he was! Even he could stand up to my father. Better than you. You deserve to lose!" Korra tumbled around the other side of the pond as Azula slowed her attack for a moment. "I could end you here Avatar. Advance the cycle; I could teach your earth kingdom-self to lightningbend. Maybe she'll have more of a backbone!" Korra screamed and stabbed her arm forward the spark snapping straight at Azula. A touch of a grin there as the bolt arced up into the sky. "Two out of one hundred." She shook her head. "You would be dead long before your third attempt. Neither will your opponent give you so many opportunities to strike. That is all for today. We resume tomorrow, but if you show no improvement - there is little more I can teach you."

"Master Azula, thank-" Azula held up a hand.

"Save your thanks. I am not doing this for you," she said pointedly. Azula stared at something over Korra's shoulder; she turned to find Zuko beside Asami, nervous smiles frozen and hands paused mid-applause. The old woman sneered at them. "Don't celebrate too soon. The Great Uniter will strike her dead before she can get one hit in." Azula stalked away leaving an awkward silence in her wake. At Zuko's gesture servants darted around the garden extinguishing the smoldering fires.

"Again, I would stress the importance of not training here. And preferable somewhere without wood," he said.

"Sorry," Korra grimaced.

"Still, despite my sister's words, I do feel congratulations are in order. You have done very well Korra," Zuko added.

"Thank you."

"If I might ask you to keep the situation with my sister calm enough that the risk of the palace burning down is minimal?" He added.

"I certainly hope it will remain so. At least I can lightningbend - even if it's not very well yet." Korra grimaced. "Sorry about the mess."

Zuko chuckled. "A necessary burden I am sure we can tolerate. You are privileged to see her like this you know. Even talking to her as you have been would be nothing short of impossible before you were born. I admit it is sometimes difficult to see just what her intentions are, but at least she has helped you."

"Think I was just lucky," Korra replied.

"Possibly. But until now it would be unthinkable for her to do something for the good of the world rather than her nation or her family."

"I still need more practice," Korra said smiling. She frowned. "But I need to return to my uncle for some important Avatar stuff. Not like I can control the Avatar State yet."

"Ah!" Zuko said smiling. "Your uncle is not the only one who may be able to help you there..."

Korra blinked. "Wait. Toph said. You? You can train me spiritually?"

"Indeed I can," Zuko said bowing. "If I might once again become a teacher to the Avatar?"

"Of course!" Korra said. "I'd be honored!"

"Just tell me once you're ready." Zuko said.

"Stunning achievement," Asami said smiling. She glanced at Zuko. "Any chance I can get Korra on her own? We need to talk about a few things." She seemed kind of excited.


The well had been part of the palace for as long as anyone could remember; a towering structure, set a little away from the main building. The builders seemed reluctant to recognise the necessity of water to everyone - even the firebenders who ruled the palace. Bolin sighed and leant back against the the storage drum at the top. How long would he hold out? No way was she going to come. "Bolin"? His heart lurched. So anxious he had paid no attention to any of the sensations on the ground nearby. He could feel her now, her heart beating a little faster than normal.

"Korra..." She peered up at him and clambered up the side before he could reply. "I was hoping we could talk?"

"Is this about the fight?" Korra smiled gently. "I'm sorry about that."

"It's not about that. Well, not really. Sorta. But-" he shook his head. "There's something else."

"Go on?" Korra prompted as she settled beside him. She smelt so good, felt so warm even just sat beside him.

"I... I know you want to keep me safe, but... Korra, I really am glad you want to make sure I'm okay, but I want to live my life. So, please don't hold me back. I'm strong and I can protect myself now." He took a deep breath. "When we go back to Republic City, I'm going to join the United Forces."

Korra blinked at him for a moment. "That's what you want to do?" she asked.

"Yeah. I've rested long enough. I need to help the Earth Kingdom and everyone still there. The war is far from over. I figure I'm strong enough again."

"That's... Well. If you need to." She smiled. "I'm sorry I held you back." Korra looked at him carefully for a moment. "You're too much of a hero. I... I can't tell you I won't be worried, but I support you. I'll miss you though."

"I'll miss you too," Bolin said, and fumbled for her hand. "And you're still my hero."

"It's not like we can't see each other though? I mean, you're just across the bay, and I can fly out to see you - probably. I should try that..." she mumbled.

"There's more too," Bolin said and took a deep breath. "I really liked you. For a while," he said. Korra's face flushed but she did not look surprised? But now he had finally said it after so many fantasies of how and when. And predictably it was not proceeding how it did in his favorite fantasies. She had not swept him off his feet or kissed him or told him she loved him or hurried him to a bed... "I want to go out with you and see things." He sighed. "But-" Her face fell as soon as he said it. Now his chest hurt as he forced himself to keep going. "I can't do that yet. I need more time first. The past few months have been hard and it's not over yet."

"I... I understand," Korra replied. "I can't do something like that yet either."

"But I don't know how long I will need and so... don't wait for me. Be free." Was there any way to ask her? If she did feel the same way about him he did about her?

"I'm already free," Korra smiled. "But if you need it, take all the time you need. When you come back, I'll be there for you."

"Thank you," he said, startled as Korra leaned into him and caught his lips with hers. Korra's scent enveloped him, her lips softer than anything he had ever felt. Her hand pressed against his chest as her lips moved, his moving with them. Her breathe tickled his cheek and he tried vainly to decide what to do with his arms. She pulled back; he must have looked mystified.

"Just to make sure you do come back," she said. "And... Could you stay with me? Tonight?"

Bolin blinked. Had she really just...?


Bolin liked her. He had said it without prompting in complete earnest. And his words somehow made her body heat up. Just like Asami had when they were kissing or cuddling or-. And now spending a similar time with Bolin was sounding pretty good. This was how it worked wasn't it? When you liked someone? Bolin kept glancing around as they walked hand in hand back to her room. They saw no servants, none of their friends. It was like they were the only people in the world. Somehow being alone with her made him calmer even as her heart raced. He was staring at the bed oddly. Similar thoughts to her then. But how to start this? Kissing? Asami always started with kissing. And after the kissing was more kissing; more and more to the point Korra felt she might melt. She wanted that for Bolin. She could do this.

Korra lead Bolin to sit on the bed with her, Bolin flushing crimson. Somehow asking as she had with Asami was too much. Why? Why could she not simply ask Bolin to have sex with her? She cupped his face with her hand. No. It had been different with Asami; neither of them had been wearing a thing at the time. Maybe she should get undressed first? Bolin touched her hand and smiled; kind and shy. She smiled back and he looked too happy. Far too happy to add something complicated like sex to proceedings. No lust in his eyes. Was this not good enough? "Let's lie down," Korra suggested.

She shuffled up the bed, still fully clothed and Bolin squeezed onto the remaining space. Korra curled around him as he faced away. Idle conversations, sleep not welcome just yet. So many questions; what would it be like to join the army? Sadly there was little chance of Bolin being under Iroh's command - he would likely wind up in a special team thanks to his lavabending.

"Team?" Korra asked. "Aren't you the only one in the world?" Bolin just smiled over his shoulder. "You'll come visit, right?"

"During leave. But... I don't think I get that for like two months," he replied. She could visit him, but maybe it would be best to let him concentrate.

"We could write! Tenzin has a hawk and I can probably ask to borrow one?" Korra said.

"We'll do that," Bolin said. "I'll write whenever I can." This was turning into one of Asami's romance novels. Well. Not quite. If it was one of Asami's romance novels, Bolin would have gotten all her clothes off by now and turned out to be some kind of latent sex god and she would have woken up the entire palace with her moaning. Korra buried her head against Bolin's neck as her cheeks flushed. It sounded fun at least. Or maybe it was like one of the other amazingly chaste novels? Like the other story about the eighty-nine letters and the girl who never gave up on the soldier. Ever after five years without any kind response. Korra grimaced. She did not want that fate. That one had annoyed her no end.

"Hope I don't disappoint them," Bolin murmured.

"Disappoint?" Korra said raising her head a little. "Why would you?"

"I don't know. Just nerves, I guess."

"Bolin, after everything you did in the Earth Kingdom you'll be fine. Most people people seem to enter the army around your age so it's not like you'll be on your own or be left behind," Korra said as she lay her head back on the pillow.

"I keep forgetting you're only a year older," Bolin replied.

"That's me. Just a nineteen year old Avatar. Shame I never did get a normal life; school might have been fun. We might have been in the same school - and made a career out of pro-bending too," Korra grinned. "But... I really do admire you."

"Me?" Bolin asked confused. "What for?"

"You've done so much and become so great despite your past. All your problems and set backs. It's just... amazing. Like, I might be the Avatar, Iroh might be the Fire Nation prince and Asami was all set to inherit her father's company- But we had all that arranged for us. It was waiting for us to get to it. You didn't have anything like that. Just like your fortune; you forged your own destiny."

"Korra... I... Thank you," Bolin squirmed back against her and she squeezed him tight. He seemed to drift off soon after. Kuvira would likely attack at the peak of Harmonic Convergence. But if she attacked before then, she might need to go to the Earth Kingdom alongside Bolin. No. No thinking of that tonight. Now it was just the two of them alone together.


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Thank for the reviews last week; Guest, AJ, Shadowman20, Kradeiz, Tbone511, Dreadking73, curiousmaq. Captain Knight, thank you for your first reviews and I hope you finish the story.

The remaining chapters

Are written in an agonizingly slow pace. My personal life isn't very cool lately, but I shall do everything I can to finish it without more delays.

Next Chapter: Raava