Authors notes: Thank you TheToasterMarketingBoard for editing this long chapter!
Hope everyone is staying safe!


Asami felt the kink in her back as she rose from the driver's seat of her Satomobile. The board-stiff beds at the Air Temple, paired with Korra's limited mobility, had made it quite difficult for Asami to get comfortable last night. She started to regret her decision to leave Korra there this morning, but then again what would she do all day in the apartment? The temple was as much Korra's office as the corporate tower she was about to enter was hers. Asami wondered if a good night's sleep would be worth the extra effort of shuttling Korra back and forth from Air Temple Island moving forward.

Lost in thought, Asami did not notice the cluster of janitorial employees out in front of the Future Industries corporate tower with buckets of soapy water and tall scrub brushes. At first, she assumed they were simply cleaning the windows, but they were clustered together ferociously scrubbing just one area. As Asami got closer she could see it was red paint they were trying to excise from the company's first-floor windows.

Asami sped up her gait until she was on top of them. "Step aside," she commanded, pushing through the workers.

"Miss Sato please, you don't need to see-" one of her workers started, but it was too late. Asami could see the characters in bright red paint smeared across her building.

"Dyke Industries," Asami read silently to herself. Her stomach fell.

"We were trying to get it cleaned up before you arrived Miss Sato, but the paint's dry. We should have it lifted within the hour. We're getting paint thinner from one of the factories driven over now," one of the janitors commented.

Asami breathed an audible sighed, then wordlessly walked away from the custodians and into the building. Kali was right inside the door to meet her.

"Miss Sato, I am so sorry," Kali started. "I called the staff out there as soon as I got in this morning but-"

Asami held up a hand and continued to march towards the elevator. "I've already heard it from them and moving forward this isn't something I want to be hidden from me."

"I would have of course briefed you on the incident when you got into the office. Do you want me to get them to put a tarp out over it while they wait for better cleaning supplies?" Kali asked as she pushed the button for the floor Asami's office was located on.

"No, leave it. I don't want to slink away from this incident like I'm ashamed."

Kali bowed. "Understood, Miss Sato."

Asami gave her a nod and then stood for a few moments in silence as they rode up to the top floor. A bell rang and the elevator doors opened. Asami powered towards her office. Kali kept pace beside her

"As a friend now, are you okay?"

Asami bit her lip and considered the question. "Yes, it's just…"

They made it to Asami's office door. She opened it for Kali and waved her in. Once the door was closed behind them Asami let out another breath. She carelessly lobbed her work satchel onto her desk with a thud. Kali stayed by the door while Asami began to pace around her office.

"I was foolishly starting to feel optimistic about the whole thing. The article dropped a few days ago and there hasn't been a peep from anyone. I spoke with Raiko yesterday and he's going to release a written statement today signaling his support of us. I was starting to believe we had fretted and fussed for no reason but that was wishful thinking."

"Do you have any idea who could have done it?" Kali asked as she watched Asami pass by.

"No. I doubt anyone with real power since it was such a crude job. Someone with influence would try to hurt me with published words. It could have been an employee for all I know…" Asami said, stopping by one of her large windows. She looked down at the streets and buildings below. "But I'm scared if this gets out that those who were afraid to make any sort of move will be emboldened now that someone has drawn first blood."

"I can still request the tarp…" Kali started.

Asami shook her head. "No, I have to take the gamble. If it's seen, it's seen. All we can control is how our reaction to it is viewed."

Kali stepped more into the room and decided to lean against Asami's desk. "Raiko is putting out a statement today in the positive, right? People take orders from the top and if the President says it's okay-"

"Half this city doesn't give a shit about what Raiko thinks!" Asami snapped cutting

Kali off. She winced instantly regretting the action. "I'm sorry. I'm getting too worked up over this. It was just some dumb words on the building. A petty dig from a petty person."

"Exactly, and if this is the worst of it, then you're getting off pretty darn easy."

"Here's hoping," Asami sighed and stopped next to Kali at the desk. She reached into her work satchel and pulled out her drafts for the roads around the portal. "Can you schedule a meeting this afternoon with the department heads? Raiko has approved the road plans and I want to get started on this as soon as possible."


Korra sat around the dining room table with Ikki, Meelo, Jinora, and Rohan. The three older children were quietly working on their writing lessons. Since they were not enrolled in school, Pema forced her children to practice reading, writing, and arithmetic at least a few times a week.

Korra had a book open in front of her too, but she was not absorbing any of it. A mystery novel borrowed from Bolin to pass the time. She was learning reading about other people's adventures wasn't nearly as thrilling as going on your own.

The conversation with Suyin last night came back to her. Traveling to Ba Sing Se, sorting out corruption and supporting Suyin's candidacy wasn't usually the kind of challenge she'd be eager to jump on, what with it being politics and all. But given her circumstances, that sounded better than the alternative of loitering around Air Temple Island waiting for her friends and girlfriend to come home each day.

Could she go to the Earth Kingdom in this state? It was a question she could ask the nurse who was scheduled to come by today and check in on her. It's not like they didn't have doctors in Ba Sing Se.

Lost in thought, Korra didn't notice all the children except Rohan had left the table, their books closed and pencils left carelessly beside them. Pema came in with a cup of steaming tea in her hands.

"I was going to turn on the radio, do you mind?" Pema asked between blowing on the hot liquid.

Korra flipped her book shut, not caring to save the page she was on. "Go for it,

I've long given up on pretending to read this."

Pema nodded and turned the radio's switch from off to on. She then fidgeted with a second knob to find the channel she was looking for. "I like getting the afternoon news."

"I should probably tune into what's going on too," Korra said with a sigh as she leaned over the table and propped herself up by the elbows.

"It's good to stay informed." Pema collected her children's books to correct and then sat down next to Rohan. He was in a small chair that clipped to the table so he could not get out unless someone released him. Rohan didn't seem to mind. He had a large piece of parchment and wax crayons to doodle with.

"Good afternoon Republic City! Shiro Shinobi here with the news. Police Chief Lin Beifong made a statement last night that all the displaced citizen's homes have been assessed and those that are not safe will be torn down. About one-eighth of the population who were evacuated will need to be put into temporary housing. The tents the city set up downtown are just for the short term. Citizens with extra space available to rent in their homes are encouraged to come forward and the city will broker a lease. Not a bad way to make some extra cash if I don't say so myself. Ever dreamed of running a boarding home, what about a bed and breakfast? Now's your chance to give it a try!"

Korra shook her head as she listened. She was never a big Shiro Shinobi fan, but she knew many people in the city were, so perhaps it would lead to more citizens offering to rent their extra rooms.

"Miss Asami Sato, Chief Executive of Future Industries has donated her family home to act as a shelter and resource center for the most vulnerable citizens who have been displaced. Reconstruction of the mansion is planned to start immediately. Speaking of Asami Sato, in case you haven't read the Republic Magazine article, which how could you have not? She and Avatar Korra announced they are a couple! President Raiko has released a formal written statement that he has no objections to the relationship and commends the two women's courage and integrity by being honest with the public. He encourages the citizens of Republic City and I quote 'that this revelation should just be a footnote in our minds when we think of these two women who have done so much for our city.' Surprisingly direct response from President Raiko who often plays both sides of an issue until he can determine the winning perspective. But you heard it here, Raiko is siding with the Avatar and Miss Sato, not that I blame him. I wouldn't want two of the most influential women in Republic City and in Avatar Korra's case the world, to have reason to conspire against me! But what do you my lovely listeners of Republic City think of our new power couple? We will be taking calls until the end of the business day and then broadcasting real feedback from real callers on tomorrow's broadcast!"

When Shiro signed off, Pema dared a look at Korra from her stack of paper. Her eyes were locked on the table. After a few long moments of silence, Korra nodded her head a few times and looked up.

"Well then, I guess we'll have to catch the show tomorrow and see what people think."

Pema put down some papers she was holding. "Remember Korra, it doesn't matter what they think because we all love you two, so very much."

Korra felt the corners of her eyes start to burn. "Stop, you're going to make me cry." She wiped at them, in hopes of stopping any tears before the start.


After the news, Korra stuck around inside for a while longer waiting for the nurse. When half an hour passed from when they said they would arrive, Korra wheeled herself outside to the courtyard for some fresh air and to wait for them. No sooner had she arrived than she could see Xaiver coming up the docks with a small medical bag in tow. It was likely just a regular size bag, but next to his hulking form it looked small. When he caught sight of her, his face lit up with a smile.

"Avatar Korra! How's the leg feeling?" He called out across the courtyard.

"Sore, but I'm getting used to the dull ache."

Xaiver tapped his bag as he continued towards her. "Well I brought you some more pain medication, but once it runs out that is it, okay?"

"Yeah that's fine," Korra replied with a shrug.

"It's not great for the liver, but sure does help with the pain."

"Right."

Xaiver dropped down to look at Korra's leg. He gingerly touched the cast. "I see you've had a little work done on this?" He said with a giggle. "Did you hear Shiro's show?"

"I don't usually listen, but I happened to catch it today."

"Don't worry, I doubt anyone would call in and say anything bad. And in case they do, Jon Yuen and a bunch of other people at the hospital are going to call in," Xavier said as he stretched out Korra's bad leg and then bent it back towards her, testing the flexibility.

"That's sweet of you," Korra replied with a wince. The movement was uncomfortable. "I am curious, albeit scared of what the public really thinks…"

"I hear you. Still, I can't imagine how they could find any fault that wasn't just homophobic!" Xaiver said, rising from his kneeling position at Korra's feet. "Speaking of the hospital crew, I may have promised them a signed copy of your magazine as payment for calling in…"

"So, these favorable calls are bribed?"

"No, no. They are with you one hundred percent, I just wanted to give a little incentive. Besides, if they didn't approve why would they want a signed copy of a magazine all about it?" Xaiver said, pulling out a stack of magazines out of the medical bag with his platypus-bear sized paws.

"I dunno, to sell on the black market?" Korra replied sarcastically as she accepted the magazines. "It's okay if Asami doesn't sign these? I don't know when she's getting back tonight."

Xavier sheepishly passed Korra a pen. "No problem, I only promised Avatar signatures."

Korra let out a little sigh and looked down at the cover trying to decide the best place to sign. She settled on marking next to her head; there was plenty of space, and she probably shouldn't sign on Asami's side in case these fans ever got the opportunity to collect her signature too.

"The leg is healing nicely by the way," Xaiver offered.

"How far out do you think I am from being able to switch to crutches?" Korra asked as she moved a signed magazine to the back of the pile.

Xaiver blew out some air, fluttering his chestnut bangs. "Couple weeks, honestly. It's only been a few days since you broke it. We're still in the 'avoid putting pressure on it at all costs' phase. I have a healer scheduled to come by tomorrow, that should expedite things a little bit if we do it regularly. Why?"

"I might need to go to Ba Sing Se," Korra started.

Xaiver slapped his large hands together. "Ooh for Avatar stuff?"

"Yeah, but I worry they won't take me as seriously this way."

"Mmm, that's just ridiculous. You're the Avatar seated or standing. I think you need to give yourself a little credit, you mean more than what you can physically do. Think about, like the elderly Avatars, were they disrespected because they weren't as strong as they used to be? You're only human."

Korra nodded and bowed her head down. Xaiver put a hand on her shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.

"And I know that. Believe me, I had a major lesson on the subject… I guess I just have never had to put it to practice."

Xaiver crouched back down to Korra's eye level. "You should go to Ba Sing Se and show them nothing can keep you from important Avatar business! We can even send you off with a copy of your medical file and recommend a treatment plan!"

Korra smiled. "I'd appreciate that."


Prince Wu rapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair as he stared down at his phone. He wanted to give Mako a call, just to see how he was doing. They hadn't spoken since Mako left. There was no reason why Wu couldn't just pick up the phone and call him, they were friends, after all, right? Friends call each other on the phone to see how they are doing. But, Mako wasn't that kind of person.

Wu wasn't even sure why he wanted to talk to Mako now of all times. Wu shook his head. That was a lie, he knew. Tu never contacted him yesterday after they briefed Suyin on the magazine. Only with Tu's absence did Wu notice how much time they had been spending together. They had been joined at the hip since Mako's departure. It was becoming clear to Wu that he was not very good at being alone.

Tu, in many ways, was better company than Mako. Tu talked without having it dragged out of him. They shared an interest in fashion and food. Tu was appreciative of Wu picking up the tab most of the time, without making him feel like he was being used in any way. He knew Tu would pay more if he could, but he was one of the few financial supporters of such a large family. Tu's giving nature was inspiring. It made Wu want to do more himself.

Had he blown it with Tu, Wu wondered? That wasn't fair, he didn't do anything wrong. The article was going to make its way to Tu and the rest of Ba Sing Se eventually. When Wu saw it, he was a bit relieved to have a conversation starter about the subject matter. Wu hadn't tried to hide his preferences, but he did make a point to acknowledge women he found attractive around Tu.

Wu let out a long sigh. It just wasn't going to work out between them. Better to accept that now. Hopefully, Tu hadn't figured out his attraction to him.

Wu reached for the phone, determined. "I'll give Tu a call, pretend everything's normal and hopefully we can just return to the way things were."

It rang a few times before someone picked up. An elderly woman's voice answered on the other end. "Hello?"

"Grandma Yin, it's Wu."

"Ooh!" Yin said with a squeak. "Prince Wu! What an honor to have you call!"

Wu felt his cheeks flush. "Is Tu around?"

"No dear, he hasn't come back from closing up the fruit stand with his father."

"Oh," Wu sighed. Whatever courage he had mustered started to drain from him.

"Want me to tell him you called?"

Wu hesitated.

Yin didn't wait for an answer. "I'll let him know. You are both making me so proud of the work you are doing in the government. Thank you for making my grandson a part of it. Maybe he could get a good government job someday?"

"I will take care of him; don't you worry Grandma Yin."

"I know you will."

Wu could feel her warm smile through the receiver. It brought one to his own lips.

"Then, you'll just need to find some nice girls and settle down! I've got some lovely granddaughters if you want to officially join our family," Grandma Yin said with a chuckle.

Wu's smile fell slightly.

"I will let Tu know you called. Have a good evening Prince Wu."


The business card from Shey led Bolin to an office building not too far from Little Ba Sing Se. The whole building wasn't theirs, just a small basement office.

Eventually, he was facing the door. On it was a plaque that said, "City Streets Productions." Boling knocked on the door and it was answered by a mousy young woman who blushed as it registered who was standing in front of her.

"Bolin!" she squeaked.

Bolin rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Hi-uh?"

"Goodness, I'm sorry! My name is Lan. I operate the camera and I'm a big, big fan of your work."

Bolin relaxed a little and held out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Lan reached out a shaky hand and placed it in Bolin's.

"Is that Bolin?" Shey asked, moving towards the door.

Lan could only muster another squeaking sound in response.

Shey pulled the door the rest of the way open to see Lan was still holding onto

Bolin's hand. She rolled her eyes and motioned Bolin inside the room. "Please come in."

Bolin started to move, so Lan finally released his hand and trailed behind him and Shey back into the office.

It wasn't very impressive inside, just utilitarian. There was a meeting table in the middle of the room, and then lining the walls was equipment and boxes that

Bolin assumed were filled with more equipment or reels. The far-left corner was curtained off with thick dark fabric for developing the film.

This wasn't going to be a Varrick Industries Production, Bolin thought to himself. But maybe this would be better. Varrick was all about style and no substance. The lifestyle was great in many ways, but he lost a lot of his friends and especially his brother's respect during that time. This was a chance to be an actor with something worthy to say.

At the table, the third crew member Izzi was already seated and Lan sat down in one of the other two free chairs at the table. Shey motioned Bolin to the last free chair and then started clearing off a fourth that was at the table. It was obvious that the chair hadn't been sat in for quite some time considering the layers of random equipment resting on it.

Bolin sat down and folded his hands together. "I wanted to come by and tell you all I accept the role."

Shey shoved the last item off the fourth chair and enthusiastically sat down. "Amazing! We are all so excited!"

Bolin looked to the other two women to confirm their enthusiasm. They both appeared to be beaming as well.

"The Bolin has agreed to star in one of our movers! Your name will bring prestige to the project!" Lan said with her hands firmly clasped together.

"It really will," Shey agreed.

Bolin blushed and batted a hand at Shey. "Oh please, I'm not that big of a deal anymore."

"This could elevate all our careers," Izzi chimed in. "So, what did you think of the script?"

"Great stuff," Bolin said, pulling out the script he had tucked in the back of his pants and sliding it onto the table. "Who-ah, who's playing the second leading man, Lao Gong?"

Shey steepled her fingers. "I was waiting to see if you were going to sign onto the project first. I want to find an actor you have good chemistry with. Believing you two are a couple is going to be the most important aspect of this mover. People have to believe you are in love so they can sympathize with you."

"Well, it's a good thing I'm getting married. If this is going to be as convincing as you say." Bolin grinned and scratched at his cheek. "Sure you don't want to just change the story to two women? You could just have Korra and Asami play the lovers." As soon as the words were out, Bolin's eyes widened in horror as he went over what he just said.

Izzi and Lan's eyes also bugged out, their faces turning white. Bolin and the other two dared a look at Shey, whose expression was remarkably one of stone.

Bolin bowed his head. "I'm sorry, that was, really dumb. "

Shey let out a long breath. "Don't apologize, why would that-"

"No, it was," Bolin started interrupting Shey. "We should clear the air about this if we are going to work together. I know your history with Asami. I was starting to wonder if maybe something had been up based on our interactions. Then she saw I was reading one of your scripts last night and she told me the truth."

Izzi and Lan relaxed a little bit back into their chairs but kept their gaze locked on Shey, whose face was still impossible to read.

"The truth…" Shey murmured. "I feel like I didn't quite get that from her…"

Bolin puffed up his cheeks with air then blew it out making his lips flap, sounding not unlike an ostrich horse. He looked to Izzi and Lan, who were choosing to remain silent.

In his mind, Bolin weighed the pros and cons. Should he tell Asami's truth to Shey as a sign of good faith between them? Was it his place to speak on Asami's behalf, would that be betraying her trust? Did he even know the whole truth? Would the truth actually help?

"No, I don't think you quite did," Bolin said, settling on agreeing with Shey. "I asked Asami for permission to work with you and she has no objections. I guess I need to extend you the same courtesy?"

"Avatar Korra won't be coming around all the time, will she?"

Bolin shrugged. "I don't think so, she's pretty stuck on Air Temple Island at the moment."

"Then it should be fine," Shey replied, crossing her arms. She paused and shifted in her chair. "No, it is fine. I don't hold any ill-will toward Asami or Avatar Korra for that matter. I'm a professional."

Bolin, Lan, and Izzi all physically relaxed as Shey spoke. Just as they let down their guard Shey slapped her hands on the table, grasping the sides. She jumped out of her chair, knocking it over behind her.

"It was just so weird! Everything was going great. I was even going to meet her 'chosen' family and then she just suddenly cancels the plans and breaks up with me! I thought maybe she got cold feet about coming out, but clearly, that is not an issue for her!" When she was done Shey smoothed back her hair. "I'm sorry, it's just a fresh wound again."

Lan and Izzi shrunk back down in their seats.

"I know how crappy it feels to lose romantically to someone," Bolin said with an awkward chuckle. "I had a big crush on Korra when I met her, but she liked my brother Mako. Mako was dating Asami at the time, then he cheated on Asami with Korra. Then cheated on Korra with Asami. Then Korra and Asami started dating each other…"

"Asami never mentioned all of that." Shey narrowed her eyes. "What's with you people?"

Bolin leaned back in his seat and considered her words. He looked up at the ceiling, thinking back to when he, Korra and Mako were all pro-bending. It felt like a lifetime ago. All the fronting, cockiness and hormones. "We were teenagers back then. Messy, messy teenagers…"

"I think that's relatable," Lan offered.

"Right? Who wasn't a mess at some point in their life?" Bolin said back to Lan with a grin.


That evening on Air Temple Island, Korra, Asami, Bolin, and Opal were hanging outside by the gazebo with Jinora, Ikki and Meelo. Bolin, Asami, Ikki, and Meelo were engaged in some sort of dice game, while the other three chose just to watch.

Bolin dramatically shook a knitted satchel containing dice and poured them out onto a large square piece of colorfully decorated leather laid out on the stone pavement. The two children leaned down to inspect the roll.

Meelo pointed to four of the six of the dice. "Bolin, that means you have to give Ikki five of your chips now."

"Really?"

"She bet correctly on your roll," Meelo said, now pointing at Ikki's game pieces.

Ikki held out her hand. "Pay up."

"You little grifters! Asami, I'm starting to think they're making up rules because we've never played this game before."

Asami touched her modest pile of colorful chips. "I don't know, I'm doing pretty well."

Tenzin approached the group. "Are you playing that gambling dice game Bumi brought back from the United Forces?"

"It's fun Dad," Meelo moaned. "Besides, we're not playing for real money."

"I am very relieved by that fact," Bolin said, chiming in.

"Korra and Opal, could I speak with you for a moment?" Tenzin asked.

The two looked at each other, before nodding to Tenzin. Opal got up from her seat and moved behind Korra's wheelchair. Meelo intensely watched as Tenzin turned and led the girls a few yards away from the group.

"Meelo, it's your turn now," Ikki said, dropping the dice sack in front of her brother.

Meelo ignored Ikki and kept watching where Korra, Opal and his father were walking to.

"Meelo-" Ikki nagged.

"Calm down, I'll roll in a second!" Meelo barked.

"You can't possibly hear what they are saying."

"Hey, now guys no need to get-" Bolin started but was quickly cut off and shouted over.

"Doesn't it bother you that Dad never lets us do anything anymore?" Meelo snapped his head to look at Ikki beside him.

"That's not true," Jinora scolded from her seat on the Gazebo.

"Shut up Jinora. You're Dad's favorite. You get to do whatever you want."

"Hey!" Ikki whined.

Bolin shot Asami a helpless look. She mirrored one back to him before looking between the children. Before she could think of anything to say, Meelo got up and

followed after his father.

Once out of earshot, Tenzin spoke. "Opal, I think it might be getting near time you go and check-in with Kai and the boys over in the Earth Kingdom. I spoke with your mother and she made me aware of the continued imbalance of funds and support some of the smaller states are dealing with."

"She hasn't seen the group of airbenders?"

"If they are doing their job, they would be spending little time in Ba Sing Se," Tenzin replied.

Opal let out a sigh. "True."

"Is something going on with my Mom? Seems she's been scheming on the phone with everyone but me."

Tenzin gave a slight nod. "Suyin is planning some political maneuvers. I don't know if she has discussed any of them with the rest of your family, but she is planning on pushing for electing a president of the Earth Kingdom and will be running for that position."

"Hold up. You remember the stink she made when that position was offered to her a few years ago?" Opal asked, looking between the other two. "What's suddenly changed her mind?"

"I think the fear of another Kuvira-like figure seizing power. It appears corruption is still rampant in the capital," Tenzin replied.

"I can see her feeling some guilt over what happened with Kuvira, but that was no one's fault. Kuvira made her own decision to not turn back over her temporary power." Opal slumped. "And what does Wu think? Does this fall in line with dismantling the monarchy?

"I spoke to him as well; he agrees with her position. The states will still run mostly independently but having one central figure in power can help curb major imbalances. It is a gamble though, because whoever ends up being elected could be corrupt themselves. I would prefer Suyin to be the first president and set the standard. I trust her desire to do right by the Earth Kingdom, which is why I think it would help tremendously if you went to the Earth Kingdom to help support her, Korra."

Korra nodded. "I was coming to that conclusion myself."

"So, you want me to escort Korra to Ba Sing Se and then go check in on the boys?"

"Precisely."

"It's going to be just the two of us though," Korra said with a sigh. "Bolin can't go since he agreed to do the mover. Asami needs to stay here to oversee her mansion's reconstruction and to avoid being in the politics I'm involved in."

"And Mako is missing in action," Opal added.

"Should we bring Jinora?"

"No, I would prefer she stay here," Tenzin replied swiftly. "But you could bring Zhou Rhen, he is your advisor after all."

Korra wrinkled her nose. "I don't want to take Jinora's apprentice away from her... He can stay here."

"I insist, take Zhou Rhen. I need Jinora to focus on some other things."

"I think Jinora should be allowed to come along if she wants…" Korra muttered.

"Alright Korra, guess we've got marching orders. When are we pulling up anchor?"

"Opal that analogy doesn't make sense, you're starting to sound like Bolin-" Korra started but was interrupted by Meelo.

"Dad, let me go with Korra and Opal!"

The three turned to the young boy. No one had noticed he had joined them. Behind the boy, they could see Asami, Bolin, Ikki, and Jinora staring.

"No Meelo, you are staying here."

"C'mon Dad, I'm ready to do something to actually help," the young airbender said, standing up as straight as he could, puffing out his chest.

Tenzin straightened up his posture, making him loom even higher over his son.

"You are too young for the mission."

"But I wasn't too young to go off with my sisters to find Korra?"

Tenzin slouched, exasperated. "How many times do I have to remind you, that was in a time of crisis and you had Jinora with you."

Meelo stomped his foot. "I'd be with Korra and Opal; don't you trust them?"

"They will be too busy to look after you. I will likely be going over there soon and when I go, I will take you with me."

"But you're going for like, political stuff, that's boring."

Tenzin gestured to Korra. "That is what Korra is going for. Sometimes the fight is not done by bending, but by words. You need to learn how to fight both ways."

"Fine!" Meelo stormed off. "I don't need your permission to do something great!"

"Meelo wait! What about our game?" Ikki cried out.

"I'm sick of games!" he snapped back.

Ikki's face scrunched up in anger. "Don't be such a brat!"

Meelo didn't stick around the courtyard long. A burst of air sent him into the evening sky. The breeze scattered the small colorful chips from where they rested on the game mat.

"Aww, I was just starting to catch up…" Bolin moaned looking down at his where his pile of chips once lay.

"I mean, we could probably take him and it would be fine…" Korra tentatively started.

"No, he should stay here. Those were dire times when I let my children into the fray, but we now have plenty of capable adult airbenders to answer the call."

"I think he just wants to be included," Korra offered.

"His focus should be mastering his element."

"Speaking of, how close am I?" Opal asked, leaning towards Tenzin. He cleared his throat and started to walk in the direction Meelo took off in.

"I need to go see if I can track down my son."

Opal and Korra watched Tenzin leave with a swoop of his robes. Opal took Korra's wheelchair's handlebars and moved to push her back to the group at the gazebo.


Despite her intentions to get Korra back to her apartment to sleep, Asami found herself settling in for the night in Korra's room in the dorms.

"Do you think it would be terribly rude if I had a new mattress delivered for us?" Asami asked as she began unlacing her boots.

Korra, who had gotten into bed first, thought for a moment. "Maybe? Something wrong with mine?"

"You're kidding, right? You don't find it dreadfully uncomfortable?"

"It's a little firm but…"

Asami let out a sigh. "Never mind then."

"I mean, if you did it discreetly, no one needs to know."

Asami sat down on the foot of the bed. "Maybe just some sort of extra padding we could lay on top of it. That would be easier to smuggle in, could even use your leg as the excuse…"

"Don't go roping me in on this," Korra muttered, pulling the covers up a little higher on her chest.

"Which bed is more comfortable, mine or yours?"

"Yours…It's roomier too…"

Asami smiled satisfied. "I'll see what I can get us tomorrow." Instead of moving into the bed beside Korra, Asami stayed at the foot and fidgeted with her hands. "So… something happened at work today, but I don't want you to worry."

Korra cocked her head. "Okay…"

"Someone vandalized the outside of my office building with paint…"

"What did it say?"

Asami let out a breath. "Dyke Industries."

"That's horrible!" Korra said with a scowl.

Asami patted Korra's uninjured leg. "My staff were able to clean it up by lunchtime."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes," Asami said with a heavy sigh. "They're just words..."

"Any idea who wrote them?"

"No."

Korra fidgeted with the handful of the blanket in her lap for a moment. "Shiro Shinobi is airing a show tomorrow with feedback from the citizens about our article. I was feeling pretty assured no one would say anything negative, but now…"

"I know," Asami whispered, scooting back so she was in bed beside Korra.

"Nothing anyone could say would change how I feel about you."

"Pema told me a similar sentiment. She said everyone loves us, no matter what."

Korra looked down at her hands, still clenched in the fabric. She loosened her grasp, letting the blanket slump on her. She turned to look at Asami beside her. "It's just so frustrating. No one else's relationship is up for debate! I just don't understand what the big deal is. We're no different."

Asami pressed her forehead to Korra's. "No, we're not."

Korra closed her eyes and leaned into the contact.


** The next day**

The sun had just about reached as high as it was going to get that day, sometime shortly after eleven. Meelo crept out across the courtyard with his brother Rohan in tow.

"Alright little bro, I know you have this in you, we just got to tease it out," Meelo said quietly to Rohan as he carried him behind the wind gates. He swiveled his head around to make sure no one else was around. "Gotta have silence to concentrate."

Meelo pulled a small old-looking book out from his satchel and flipped to a section he had marked with a feather. He removed the feather and handed it to Rohan. The toddler happily took it and began to wave it around. Meelo observed his brother for a few minutes before reaching into the satchel to pull out a small toy. He put it in front of Rohan but he continued to play with the feather.

Meelo referred to the book in front of him. "An Airbender will have a preference for items associated with air. Generate a breeze, the Airbender will close their eyes and embrace it. Do it long enough and they should not be able to help themselves and start to bend it back to you."

Meelo removed a fan from the satchel, unfolded it and started to wave it at his brother. Rohan giggled as the breeze hit his face. Meelo fanned his brother for a few minutes, but all he did was giggle at it. Meelo put down the fan and conjured some of the air around them to blow at Rohan a little harder. The stronger breeze knocked the feather from Rohan's grip and it started to blow into the cluster wind gates. Rohan cried out and chased after the feather. Meelo stopped bending air and observed his brother.

Rohan clumsily followed the feather as it darted between two wind gates. He called out to it in his garbled toddler speak. "Fweather com bwak!"

Rohan dipped out of Meelo's line of sight, so the older boy had to get up from his seat and follow his brother into the gates. "Rohan, come back," Meelo called out as he darted between the gates. He could hear Rohan's little voice, so he wasn't worried, he just wanted to be able to see what was happening.

Suddenly a single gate started to spin. Meelo stopped and watched it go. Rohan stepped out from behind it, the feather in hand. Meelo bent down to eye level. "Rohan, did you do this?"

The toddler giggled in response and waved the feather around like he was making it fly. Meelo furrowed his brow and got back up. He went back to the book and began flipping through it until he found a page to stop on. "Airbenders can be very coy if all tests fail to give you confident results. There is a last resort true test…"

Meelo thought for a moment. The true test made him nervous, but he was so close to unlocking Rohan's airbending, he could feel it.

Meelo tucked his hands under Rohan's armpits and hoisted him off the ground. He pulled him up and then eased him back down. Rohan giggled as he was lifted over and over again.

"Okay, Rohan I need you to catch yourself. I'm going to lift you up," Meelo said as he raised his brother once more just a foot off the ground. "And then I'm gonna let go and you're gonna use the air to catch you."

Meelo lifted Rohan two feet off the ground and then pulled his hands swiftly out from under Rohan's armpits. The toddler fell to the ground but landed soundly on his feet. He appeared a bit stunned for a second, but then let out another round of giggles. He raised his arms back up anticipating Meelo would raise him again. Meelo obliged, lifting him a little higher and dropping Rohan again. Each time the small boy was able to land on his feet, bending his knees each time a little bit more due to the increased impact.

"C'mon Rohan I know you have it in you," Meelo urged giving his brother a little shake.


Inside the temple, Ikki was watching her mother and Korra prepare lunch. The young girl was slumped on at the table, elbows out, hands holding up her chin.

Pema scooped up a spoon full of pan-fried vegetables and poured them onto two of the many rolled-out circles of dough in front of her. She slid one circle of dough in front of Korra, who was seated beside her. She then picked up the other dough circle and pinched it closed around the mash of veggies.

"Now Korra, press your thumb into the dough and pinch the dough around your thumb together and move it to the side. Then you keep doing this until you close the hole."

Korra attempted to do what Pema said with shaky hands.

"This is a great meal for kids. Easy to make and easy to eat," Pema said with a smile. She shot a wink to Ikki, who stuck her tongue out in return.

"Perfect for all those children I don't have," Korra said sarcastically.

"Perhaps someday, you never know... Till then you can make it for Asami and impress her with your newly acquired culinary skills."

Korra chuckled. "Asami makes the dough and I fold it into little buns."

Pema leaned over to inspect Korra's work. "Those folds are kind of big, you'll only get three or four and it will just look like a bindle."

"Mmm steamed bindles, my favorite," Ikki said from the sideline.

"How about being a help and go find all of your siblings and tell them it's time for lunch?" Pema asked. "Jinora should be meditating with Zhou Rhen and Meelo is watching Rohan somewhere outside."

Ikki pulled herself up off the table and sighed. "Surprise, surprise, Jinora is hanging out with her boyfriend."

Pema nearly dropped the bun she was closing. "He isn't actually, is he?"

Korra let out a nervous chuckle. "She's kidding Pema, I hope."

"Okay good. Zhou Rhen is far too old for her. That would not be appropriate," Pema replied, slapping down the finished bun and reaching for the spoon again.

"Don't worry, no one is dating outside their age range," Ikki muttered as she slinked out of the kitchen.

Pema stopped her cooking and looked up just to catch her daughter leaving. "No one else better be dating, period!"

Once outside, Ikki looked around for signs of any of her siblings. She could make out two forms in the gazebo, confirming her mother's assumption about Jinora's location, so she decided to take on the harder task of locating her brothers first.

"Meeeeeelooo, Rohaaaaan it's time for lunch!" Ikki cried out as she strolled around the grounds of the temple. "Where the heck did they go?"

As if they heard her, Meelo flew out from the trees. Ikki heard the rustle of the branches and instinctively looked up. Above her was Meelo, which was no surprise, but hanging from him was Rohan. Meelo was holding Rohan under the armpits and the toddler had his arms stretched out like he was flying too. She could faintly hear his little giggle as they soared through the sky.

"Meelo it's time for lunch! Get down here," Ikki called out.

"In a minute, we just really started to make some progress."

Ikki cocked her head. "What are you talking about?"

"Rohan's airbending!" Meelo shouted back.

"Rohan doesn't bend yet, what are you talking about?" Ikki asked, her head still bent to the sky as she followed them around.

"I think I saw him move a wind gate. Look how he takes to the air, he's a natural."

"You're making me nervous. Bring him down, you've made your point!"

"Wait watch this!" Meelo cried out. "Do Benderman!"

At Meelo's command, Rohan kicked his legs out straight, making his torso parallel to the ground. He now really looked like he was flying with Meelo. Rohan's little body couldn't hold the plank-like pose long and his legs and torso swung back down. The inertia pulled his armpits from Meelo's grip and Rohan fell towards the ground below.

Ikki saw Rohan's little body hurtle towards the ground and let out a scream. For a few seconds, she was in shock, unable to move, only able to watch her brother fall.

Then her legs began moving before her brain caught up towards the direction of Rohan.

Meelo felt his brother slip but was not quick enough to grab him before he was instantly feet below him. Then Meelo tucked in all his limbs to speed down after his brother's falling form. Neither he nor Ikki was fast enough. Rohan's small body collided with the hard stone of the temple courtyard.

When Ikki saw her brother's body make contact she pivoted and ran back towards the house screaming her mother's name. Meelo followed his flight path down to Rohan.

Jinora, who was deep in meditation, heard her sister scream. Her eyes popped open and she looked around for Ikki.

Zhou Rhen, who was beside her, opened his eyes as well. "Did you hear that?"

"Yeah, that sounded like Ikki."

Zhou Rhen felt around for his glasses "It sounded bad."

Jinora quickly pulled herself up and began to run back towards the main temple building. Zhou Rhen far less gracefully rose from his seat and stumbled after her. In less than a minute they were in the courtyard. There they found Meelo crouched over a small body. Zhou Rhen stopped, but Jinora kept running towards them. At the same time came Pema. They both reached Meelo and Rohan at the same time.

At the sight of his mother, Meelo's eyes welled with tears. "It was an accident! It was an accident!" He moaned over and over.

Pema's hands shook as they hovered over Rohan's body. Unsure if even touching the small boy would cause more harm than good.

Knowing there was nothing she could do for Rohan, Jinora turned to Meelo. She pressed her hands to Meelo's shoulders and gave him a shove. "What did you do?" she commanded.

"It was an accident!" Meelo cried back, slapping Jinora's hands away.

"Children please!" Pema moaned.

Jinora pursed her lips and shoved Meelo again. "Go get Dad!"

Meelo violently shook his head. No sooner did Jinora tell Meelo to go, Ikki appeared sprinting from the building with their father and uncle Bumi. Trailing behind them were a few acolytes. One had a medical bag, the others were carrying blankets.

"Why don't you children come over here with me?" Bumi asked, wrapping his arm around Ikki and Meelo. "You too Jinora." The three obeyed but kept their eyes fixed on the spot where Rohan landed. He was now obscured by the backs of their father and acolytes.

Two of the acolytes unrolled a blanket beside Rohan's small body and the one with the medical bag gingerly picked up the small boy and transferred him to the blanket. The acolytes grasped their end of the blanket and hoisted Rohan up and then started to shuffle in the direction of the docks. The acolyte with the medical bag kept pace beside them, while Tenzin and Pema trailed closely behind. Another acolyte appeared from the steps down to the docks and flagged them.

"The boat is ready!" They cried out as they waved.

In minutes they were all to the dock and loaded onto a boat. The captain sounded the boat's horn a few loud and long times as they sped out of port.

After they were all gone, Korra appeared in the courtyard in her wheelchair, her forehead drenched with sweat. "Frickin' ramps," she muttered to herself. She looked around to see the courtyard empty except for Bumi with the three other children, and Zhou Rhen keeping his distance near the other side of the building.

She let out a tired sigh and wheeled herself towards the group.

Korra was about to ask what happened but Ikki threw herself into her lap, wrapping her small arms around her neck.

"Oh Korra, he's going to die, I know it." Ikki moaned.

Jinora followed behind ikki, not into the chair but grasped the other two for comfort.

Korra's eyes widened and she looked to Bumi and Meelo. Meelo's face was violently pressed into Bumi's side, his hands clutching the fabric of his uncle's bodysuit.

"I need to get the boy out of here," Bumi started, breaking his silence. "You can tell Tenzin he is with me. Let him know I will be in touch soon."

"Bumi, I don't know if that's such a good idea…" Korra warned.

"When something like this happens, its best people don't talk until they've had some time to calm down." Bumi put a hand on Meelo's shoulder and gave him a shake. "C'mon Meelo, we need to go."

Meelo shook his head and continued to cling.

"No discussion. We've got to be brave now."

Meelo let go of his uncle and gave him a weak nod. He looked back to his sisters, they were still draped over Korra and her wheelchair.

Free from his nephew's grasp, Bumi took the opportunity to shoot into the air.

"I'm sorry," Meelo muttered to the girls before joining Bumi in the sky.

To be continued…