Ember nights

by Cametoxwin

Sikenna and her twin brother, Kona, have spent their whole lives on the islands of the fire nation, never stepping foot on the mainland. Mako can barely remember any part of his life before his parents were killed. But when pieces start coming to him in dreams, will he start to remember his old friends? Or the pretty, fun fire bender who was his first kiss?

8. Chapter 8

A/N: Phew, this ones a long one! almost 10k words, 18 pages! it had to be, though, in order to clear some things up while also progressing the story long. Sorry if the size isn't your cup of tea! I usually try to stay around 6k words average. :) Thanks for the likes and follows!

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar or anything in its universe, I only own my OC's.

•Eight•

Sikenna trotted up the stairs of the Pro-bending arena with determination on her face. Bolin had taken off so fast after watching Mako and Korra kiss last night, she ended up losing him once they hit the busy city streets. The sounds of the outside world; Satomobile's honking, police sirens, people shouting on the streets trying to sell their goods, all drowned out when she swung open the golden doors of the building and stepped inside. Sikenna let her eyes travel around the walls of the arena as she walked, taking in the historical bending pictures spread throughout. She made a mental note to have Kona take a look at them the next time he came with her. Kona loved history, especially bending history, and the pictures would make his secret nerd heart burst with excitement. The closer she got to the gym she could hear someone in there training. She could make out the grunts and huffs when the person training landed a blow or shot a particularly strong blast. The whoosh of the element flying through the air was unmistakable to just about any bender worth their salt. Sikenna slid her hands into her jacket pockets as she sped up her pace, hoping it was Bolin.
But why would she ever be so lucky?

She rounded the corner and walked in without looking first, and instantly regretted it. Mako flung fire into a punching bag, alternating between appendages. He was quick with his hands and light on his feet, able to maneuver into a different stance without much effort. If Sikenna was being honest with herself she would admit they were impressive combo's, but he didn't deserve any compliments right now.
Sikenna gulped and stood up straight, preparing herself for the first time she's talked to Mako since she was 7.
"Hey." She said, loud enough for him to hear over himself. She inwardly cringed at how lame it sounded; not exactly the reunion she always imagined. Mako froze, the smell of fire flakes and mangoes hitting him like a wall. His shoulders seized up as he slowly turned towards the direction the voice came from. His golden eyes met her ocean blue ones for a moment before she nodded towards the apartment stairs.
"Bolin up there?" She asked him.
Mako stayed quiet, just staring at her. Was this it? was he officially losing his mind? He was able to convince himself last night that it was dark, and his mind and the light were playing tricks on him. This had to be a figment of his imagination. had he manifested the girl in his dreams? Confused, Sikenna looked over both shoulders to make sure nothing was behind her. Her eyes met back at his and she raised an eyebrow at him.
"Uh.." she started, not sure what to say to him silently staring at her.
"... Alright. So. I should, just…" she took one hand out of her pocket and pointed at the apartment with her thumb.
"I should just… check for myself, then?" Mako's chest was heaving from the training, Sikenna noticed how chiseled he looked under his training shirt. With a quick shake of her head she pushed the thought from her mind.
"Right. Well. Good talk, Mako." Sikenna scoffed and turned towards the stairs, shaking her head in disbelief. He was either a very good and dedicated liar to stick to his 'I don't know them' façade, or Bolin was right and Mako truly couldn't remember anything about her. Suddenly she halted to a stop, feeling a warm hand wrap around her wrist.
"Wait…" she heard Mako's voice by her ear. She froze.
Oh, Spirits...
Sikenna gently pulled her wrist away from Mako and took a step back to put some space between them, standing at her full height. Which, still wasn't much. Mako had about a head and a half of height on her.
"What's up?" She asked him nonchalantly. He blinked at her a few times and then shook his head.
"Uh, sorry. You just look familiar. What's your name again?" He asked her, not taking his eyes off her face. She raised an eyebrow at him once more, but she could feel the corners of her mouth turning up.
"You haven't gotten it yet. It's Kenna. Or, I guess, Kin, Bolin calls me to you?" She said awkwardly, glancing over her shoulder towards the apartment. Would it be too much to ask for Bolin to come and save her right now?
"Oh." Mako said dryly and she turned back to him. She wasn't totally convinced he wasn't playing some weird type of game, she couldn't help the annoyance building up in her chest at his lame answer.
" 'Oh?' Really? That's what I get?" The girl crossed her arms in front of her chest.
"Figures. You never learned to write and now all I get is an 'oh.'" Sikenna rolled her eyes.
"I wish you would learn to write." Mako heard a young girl's voice say jokingly in the back of his head. Mako took a step back in shock. He hadn't had another episode of the voices in his head since last night, after he and Korra kissed. Sikenna looked at him, a little shocked that he was so taken aback by what she said.
"Sorry, you just seem… really familiar…" Mako trailed off, licking his lips.
"uh, yeah. You mentioned that..." Sikenna answered him. this was the oddest, most awkward conversation she's ever had.
"Bolin's told me a lot about you."
"Yeah? How much?" She challenged him. Maybe it was wrong, but him being uncomfortable around her after what he did to Bolin was almost too satisfying for Sikenna.
"Uh, I guess, that you live over the bakery that makes the moon peach muffins?" He scratched the back of his head. That wasn't exactly… a lot.
"And that, you know, you guys hang out a lot. You're a fire bender, You live with a couple people, have a fire ferret… you know, just that kind of stuff." He hurriedly tried to add to cover his awkwardness. Sikenna laughed and the hairs on the back of Mako's neck stood up. This was her. It had to be. This wasn't a dream, he was sure he was awake. She was real, he had felt her warm, soft skin when he grabbed her wrist.
"Yeah, well, If that's all he has to say about me I guess I don't make that big of an impression." She joked.
"I wouldn't say that." Mako said quietly before he could stop himself. His eyes went a bit wide as he made eye contact with the girl. She tilted her head at him and smiled a smug smile, as if asking him to repeat himself.
"What?" She asked with amusement in her voice. Mako had a brief moment of panic. What was he going to say? "Oh I've dreamed about you since before I met you." Like that was something a sane person said to someone they just met.
"I just mean he talks highly of you. You mean a lot to him, is all. I can tell." He smiled at her and Sikenna allowed herself to genuinely smile back at him. A part of Mako melted, but he pushed it away.
"He's a good guy." She softly said to him, her blue eyes boring into his. She hoped he had caught her double meaning. Bolin was a good guy, a good brother. He didn't deserve what Mako did to him. Sikenna knew Mako saw her see what happened with Korra, if he had more than one brain cell he would understand what she meant by saying that. Mako's eyes went to the floor.
"Yeah… I know. Speaking of impressions, that wasn't exactly the best first one." He tried to lighten the mood, unwilling to discuss this matter with a stranger who didn't know his side. Mako plastered a smile on his face and shot his hand out to shake hers.
"I'm Mako. Bolin's idiot big brother."
"Nice to meet you again, Mako. Bolin's idiot big brother." Sikenna said with a smirk as she shook his hand.
"What?" Mako asked.
"What?" Sikenna answered, furrowing her brows in mock confusion, pretending she had no idea what he meant.
"Kin?" Sikenna heard from the apartment. Her eyes shifted upwards towards the loft. Saved by the Bo.
"Yeah, its me, Bolin! Got a little bit to talk?" She called up to him.
"Yeah, come on up." Bolin answered sadly, his voice cracking. Sikenna frowned before turning back towards Mako.
"Can I have this back?" She said to him teasingly, pointing to their hands, still embraced from the hand shake. Mako dropped her hand quickly.
"Yeah, sorry. It was nice meeting you, Kenna. 'Again' " Mako smiled at her as he walked backwards towards the punching bag, not taking his eyes off of her until she turned away. Sikenna felt her stomach turn into a puddle.
"Oh, BoBo." Sikenna cooed to Bolin in sympathetic jest when she saw the state of him. He sat in the dark on the couch, a blanket wrapped around his shoulders tightly. Tissues surrounded him on the couch, Pabu had made a bed of them in one corner. Sikenna cringed as she made her way over to where he sat. Bolin sniffed and looked at her, his eyes red and puffy.
"Kenna…" he said softly before his lip trembled, and he started crying again.
"Oh, Bolin…" Sikenna said as she rushed to sit next to him, pulling his head onto her shoulder. He nuzzled into her and cried as her hands rubbed up and down his arm comfortingly. She didn't say anything, just held him and let him cry.
"Why would he do that to me? He's my brother." Bolin mumbled into her shoulder when he calmed down enough.
"I don't know, Bo. Have you asked him?" She could feel Bolin shake his head against her chin.
"Well, when you're ready, you'll find out. When you're ready, you can ask him why he did that. But, Bolin-"
Bolin raised his head at the way she said his name.
"You didn't do anything wrong. This isn't because of you." Bolin's lip trembled again but Sikenna stopped him, shaking her head and putting her hands on his shoulders.
"No. Stop. You didn't. If anything, this proves that Korra doesn't deserve you. The Avatar, doesn't deserve you. Do you know how special that makes you?" She asked him seriously, an encouraging smile on her lips. Bolin sniffed and looked at her, his eyes slightly brighter than they were moments before.
"Wow." He said quietly.
"Yeah. I know, right?" Sikenna said as if even she was impressed by how special that made him.
"You, are the sweetest, funniest person I know. You're a great Earth bender, and an even greater friend. You're kind, and care so much about the people you love. Plus, you have one hell of a jaw line. And those eyes- oof. Forget about it." She huffed, fanning herself off to appease to his ego. Bolin smiled and wiped his eyes, his ego effectively fed.
"I am pretty handsome." He said.
"And very funny." Sikenna added.
"Oh I'm hilarious, no doubt." Bolin added quickly. He took another tissue and blew his nose.
"You make some excellent and true points, Kin." He said as he tossed the tissue at Pabu.
"I know." She said cockily, flipping her hair over her shoulder for effect. Bolin nudged her shoulder with his, and let a gentle laugh escape through his lips. Sikenna thought for a few moments, eyeing Bolin curiously. When she was younger, before her mother died, and her father still acted like a father, he used to do this thing with his bending. Whenever one of the twins got mad and had a hard time controlling their element because of their temper, he would sit with them and meditate, their hands in his. Then, she would feel a warmth that wasn't her own spread through her body, and it began to calm her. As she grew older she learned her father was sending out his calming chi to their chakra's, to balance them out with his. Sikenna had only ever tried it with Kona, and didn't know if it worked with other elements, but it was worth a shot.
"Can I try something?" She said, tilting her head at him. Bolin nodded and Sikenna turned towards him, sitting criss cross on the couch facing him, motioning for him to do the same.
"On the rare occasions it's not me who makes Kona mad, I do this with him to calm him down. I just want to see if I can do it with you." She stuck both hands out, palm up, waiting for him to put his hands on hers.
"Ooooookaaaaaayyy…" Bolin trailed off as he did, an eyebrow raised suspiciously. She rolled her eyes at him.
"It doesn't hurt. Just, come on. Close your eyes, and take a deep breath." Bolin fixed his posture and listened to her instructions. Sikenna watched him and nodded once she was sure his eyes were really closed. Then, She sat up and shook her head, letting her long dark tresses fall behind both of her shoulders.
"Okay. Just stay quiet, and focus your energy into your hands. " Sikenna licked her lips and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath.
"This might get a little warm, but it wont burn. Nothing you can't handle. Okay?" She didn't wait for an answer. Taking a deep breath, she focused all of her energy into her solar plexus. A ball of warmth began to gather, and she let it simmer there for a bit, swirling around inside of her. Sikenna focused on the energy she could feel coming from Bolin's hands and took one last deep inhale through her nose. She slowly exhaled the breath, gently releasing the warm energy within herself outward towards Bolin's energy waiting in her hands. She felt it travel through her chest, up her shoulders and down her arms. It felt like tiny micro sun's rushing through her veins, striking her nerve endings with a familiar and comforting fire. She couldn't help herself from smiling, relishing in being able to feel it move through her. The warmth gathered in her hands, twisting through her fingers. Bolin's hands soon grew warm with hers and she felt the energy transfer over. Sikenna continued to breath methodically, trying to keep her focus.
"Woah.." Bolin whispered softly.
"Shhhhhhhh" Sikenna stopped him, taking another deep breath. This was harder than it was with Kona, it drained her more. The second she felt the last bit of her chi leave her finger tips to Bolin's body, a fatigue started to set in. She focused as hard as she could, picturing the energy dispersing through Bolin's body in search of his chakras, swirling around them like a magical band aid when it found their target. She pictured it swirling around his chakras for a minute or so, pushing and pulling the chi from point to point, hugging and mending what she could. Sikenna squinted her eyes, a slight headache forming behind them from exerting so much energy. She gulped and took a deep breath in with her lips, slowly calling the energy from Bolin back to her. The headache started waning the closer the energy got. Sikenna inhaled gratefully when she felt the familiar warm tickle on her finger tips. The energy danced through her fingers as it all gathered in her hands, then shot back up her arms like shooting stars . Her arm hair stood on end as it did and she inhaled as if to suck all the energy back into her. Sikenna sighed, happy to be rid of the headache. her chi swirled into her solar plexus and relief flooded through her. that was definitely much different than when she did that with Kona, and not exactly in a good way. She felt exhausted, honestly, and wanted nothing more than a nap or some fried food on a stick.
"What… was.. that?! Kenna that was amazing! I feel great!" Bolin laughed cheerfully. Sikenna took a couple more deep breaths as the energy settled back in to her body, and she slowly opened her eyes, panting a bit.
"Hey, you alright?" Bolin asked her, genuinely concerned.
"Yeah." She nodded, avoiding eye contact.
"Yeah I'm fine. It's easier with Kona because i get a constant flow of energy back from him, because it matches mine, i think. I guess since you're an earth bender I wasn't able to get much back." She laughed out, still trying to catch her breath.
"Kenna, that was…." Bolin blinked at her.
"So… COOL. I could feel it travelling through me! My head got warm, between my eyes, even my BUTT!" Bolin laughed out in amazement. Sikenna laughed lightly as she watched him talk, glad she was able to make Bolin feel better. Bolin took a deep breath, held it for a minute, and released, a large smile spreading across his face.
"You're right, Kin. I'm still hurt, but you're right. This does mean I'm pretty damn special, huh?"
"Yeah but don't, like, let it go to your head or anything." She winked at him.

•¥•
Pro-bending arena, later that night.
(Bold is Pro-bending announcer.)

"And Mako plunges into the pool!"
"OH, COME ON!" Sikenna yelled over the railing she was leaning against. If she thought the last match was a disaster, this one was even worse. All three Fire Ferrets were bending terribly, probably the worst Sikenna had ever seen them bend.
"...and the Ferrets are bailed out by the bell! They had better pull themselves together for round two, otherwise they can kiss the finals goodbye!"
"This is… physically painful to watch." Kona groaned from next to Sikenna.
"They're a mess! It doesn't even look like they're trying!" He shouted, making her wince. Sikenna cupped her mouth with her hands to project her voice.
"Pull It together, Ferrets!"

The bell sounded for round 2 and almost instantly, Mako was knocked back a zone. He shot a blast of fire forward but got Bolin in the back instead. Sikenna gasped and went on the tip of her toes to see them better. What an absolute nightmare of a match. She watched the Wasps' water bender shoot a stream of water at Bolin as he turned to snap at Mako, and he flung off the platform. Sikenna groaned loudly and threw her hands up in disbelief.
"What even is this?!" She shouted more to her brother than anyone else.
"Ooh, and a blatant hold by the Avatar!"
"WHY. WOULD. YOU. DO. THAT?!" Kona shouted out to Korra, his hands flying out in front of him with each word.
"Mako seriously fucked up. Can you imagine?! Throwing a chance like this over a girl?!" Kona said to his sister.
"Shhhhhhhut up!" Sikenna hissed at him, eyes wide. Kona shrugged and waved her off, not caring if anyone heard him. Not his Hog monkeys, not his festival. The two looked back at the match just in time to see Bolin getting smashed in the shoulder by an earth disc. He cried out in pain and Sikenna gasped loudly, covering her mouth.
"Shit." Kona groaned from next to her.
"And Bolin takes a zinger to the shoulder! Looks like it's a clean hit."
Mako turned to check on Bolin, but he was blasted off the platform by an opposing fire ball.
"Mako's in the drink and out of the match. And Bolin keeps playing with one good arm! I gotta hand it to him, this kid's got grit! But how long can he keep it up?"
Bolin got slammed almost the instant he stood with a stream of water and another earth coin, sending him into the pool.
"...Apparently, not very long."

Sikenna's eyes scanned the water, waiting to see the boys pop out. Who knows if Bolin could swim with his shoulder like that. Mako's dark head of hair popped out of the water and made it back onto the platform. Bolin resurfaced soon after. Sikenna sighed in relief as she watched him lamely swim to safety.
"Kenna... Kenna look!" Kona jabbed her ribs with his elbows to get her attention back to the platform. She nudged him in the ribs with her own elbow, annoyed by his painful pestering, and looked up to the platform, and her jaw dropped. Amazingly enough, Korra was somehow dodging every attack gracefully, and with ease. Sikenna felt her lips pull into a smile- she might just save the match!
"What an unbelievable effort here by Korra! She's dodging every element the Wasps throw at her!"
Sikenna's eyes darted around the platform, watching Korra hit each opposing team mate just the right way to form them all into a line. Then, with some quick footwork, Korra lined herself up with all 3 members of the Buzzard Wasps and blasted all 3 off the platform with one blast.
"It's the big kibosh! What a knockout! It didn't seem possible, folks, but the Fire Ferrets are headed to the finals!"
Sikenna jumped and screamed with her brother at the top of their lungs in celebration. The arena erupted into a roar with them at the hat trick victory of the Avatar.

•¥•

"Bolin!" Sikenna called as she hopped over the heads of the crowd. Bolin heard his name and searched for whoever called it, bursting into a smile when he saw her. He ran forward, weaving through the crowd to get to his friend.
"Did you see that hat trick Korra did?!" He asked when he reached her.
"Where did she even pull that from?! You guys played like trash!" Sikenna laughed loudly. Bolin straightened up and put a hand out in front of him, offended.
"Uh, okay, Kin. Rude." Bolin cocked an eyebrow at her, but she shrugged.
"I'm not wrong, though. Oh! How's your shoulder?!" Sikenna remembered and reached for his shoulder, rubbing it gently as he rolled it around.
"It's fine now. Korra fixed it in the locker room." He replied cheerfully. Sikenna raised an eyebrow at him.
"Are you guys good now?"
"Yeah! I mean, I guess. Mako and I sort of made up, and whatever you did earlier helped a lot. But she apologized, and we're cool now. There will be other ladies." Bolin said jokingly, wiggling his eyebrows at Sikenna and nudging her with his elbow. Sikenna was only able to roll her eyes before they heard a Satomobile honk and Nero shout for her.
"Kenna! Let's go!"
Sikenna looked over her shoulder at him and held her pointer finger up, singling to hold on for a minute.
"Is that Nero in a Satomobile?! When did he get one of those?" Bolin waved enthusiastically at Nero as he asked, but got no response from the boy.
"Yeah. Something to do with work, he only has it for the day. That's so good to hear that you got over that so quick, Bolin! I would have held the grudge way longer." Sikenna said happily to her friend, trying to change the subject from Nero as fast as she could. Nero honked the horn again but Sikenna ignored him. Bolin noticed she was and decided to follow her lead, and would ask her about it later.
"Yeah! I mean, what else am I going to do, right?" Another honk and Nero shouted for Sikenna. But again, he was ignored.
"Besides, we made it into the finals! The FINALS, Kenna!" Sikenna started to laugh at the goofy grin on Bolin's face when she heard yet another honk.
"Si-KENNA!" Sikenna whipped her head around at the sound of Nero using her full name.
"I SAID ONE MINUTE." she shouted at him, eyes narrowed. Nero crossed his arms over his chest and glared back.
"Uh… is everything okay?" Bolin asked the girl awkwardly. So much for waiting. Bolin had never heard Nero talk to her like this, and it was concerning.
"Yeah. Everything's fine." She gritted through her teeth.
"I just wanted to say congratulations on the match. And I'll see you tomorrow?" She smiled brightly at him, stepping in front of his view of Nero and the Satomobile as it honked once more.
"Yeah!" Bolin nodded as he turned his attention back to her.
"I'll see you tomorrow after we beat the wolf bats." He winked at her again, and another honk came from behind her.
"Kenna, NOW." Nero yelled towards her. Sikenna locked her jaw and closed her eyes, trying to stop the warmth of her element travelling down her arms to her hands.
"See you, Bo." She said when she opened her eyes. Sikenna wrapped her arms around Bolin's neck and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Be safe celebrating." She hummed in his ear as she hugged him.
She could feel her fire start up again the second she looked at Nero and the Satomobile.
"About time. Have a nice chat with your little boyfr-" Nero started, but Sikenna shoved him hard in the chest once she got to him. He fell back onto the Satomobile and put his hands up, narrowing his eyes at her. Her finger sparked as she pointed it in his face.
"I am not your pet, or some polar bear pup for you to train and order around. And I never, will be." Her narrowed eyes stayed locked on his as she spoke. Fury built up in the back of her neck, and she quickly pulled her hand away.
"I'm not going anywhere with you. Leave me the hell alone." She spat at Nero. With a quick pivot on her heel, Sikenna turned towards the trolley station that would take her back to their house.

•¥•
Ember Island kid's apartment, Republic City.
The next day.

It was one of those rare, sunny mornings Sikenna adored so much. Raiko and Nero were out working, she and Kona had the day off, the house was quiet from everything unpleasant and upsetting. Sikenna sat in her favorite oversized chair by the big window facing the city street. The sun beat down on her face, her head tilted back as far as she could, soaking in it's rays. Lotus was curled up in a ball on her lap, sleeping peacefully like the dainty princess she acted like she was. Kona sat across the room reading one of his history books, his foot matching the beat of the song playing on the radio. Sikenna quietly hummed along with the song, enjoying the charge running through her body as she baked in the sunlight.

"You're listening to "The Music Hour"! Brought to you by Cabbage Corp, Republic City's trusted name in technology for over fifty years." The radio announcer said when the song ended. Another upbeat tune started to play and Sikenna's lips tugged into a smile thinking of the first time she heard it. The five of them, Sikenna, Kona, Raiko, Nero and Bolin were out as a group for the first time. Raiko had finally started to enjoy himself after Sumi stopped talking to any of them. It was a good night, overall. There were lots of laughing and joking and getting to know one another.
The radio started playing static loudly out of nowhere. Lotus looked up and squeaked, Sikenna furrowed her brows at the noise interrupting her peace.
"Good morning, citizens of Republic City. This is Amon" Sikenna's eyes shot open and she whipped her head up, making eye contact with Kona from across the room. They both froze.
" I hope you all enjoyed last night's pro-bending match, because it will be the last."
Sikenna gulped, her eyes not leaving her brother's. What was that supposed to mean?
"It's time for this city to stop worshiping bending athletes as if they were heroes. I am calling on the council to shut down the bending arena, and cancel the finals, or else there will be severe consequences."
The radio went static again, and then there was nothing but silence.
"Kona…" Sikenna started to speak, but Kona stood up quickly. She had never been so grateful for the twin connection.
"Come on. Let's go make sure he's okay." He said quickly and turned to the door. Sikenna shot to her feet and ran out after him, Lotus wrapped around her shoulder.

•¥•

"Look, there he is! BOLIN!" Kona yelled. Sikenna followed Kona to the front steps of City hall, where Bolin trotted down the steps towards them.
"What are you doing here? Are you guys okay? Did something happen?" Bolin asked them seriously. Sikenna shook her head, catching her breath.
"No. We heard the broadcast and wanted to make sure nothing happened to you guys. Is everything okay with you guys?" Bolin inhaled deeply and nodded.
"Yeah. Yeah, I think so. They're not closing down the arena. Beifong promised her and her metal benders for extra security, the match is still on."
Sikenna's eyes widened in shock.
"You cant be serious? You're happy about this?" She asked him, pulling her brows inwards in frustration.
"Of course I am. We can't give him what he wants, Kin. We have to show him he isn't in control here."
"He's right, I agree with them." Kona added with a defining nod. Sikenna thought about it, and nodded.
"You're right. You're right, i know." She muttered more for herself than to them. Mako appeared behind Bolin, his eyes stuck onto Sikenna. The girls breath hitched, but she smiled politely at him over Bolin's shoulder. Mako nodded his head to the side a bit, and walked away from Bolin and Kona talking excitedly about the match tonight. Sikenna looked between the two as they made fun of Tahno from the Wolf bat's hair and took a deep breath, following Mako.

"Yeah?" She asked when she got to him.
"Sikenna, right?" Mako asked her. Sikenna blinked back at him in shock.
"Uhm. Yeah? Did Bolin tell you my-"
"You're from an Island somewhere?" Sikenna stared blankly at him.
"...yeah. Ember Island. What are you-"
"Were you my first kiss?" Mako asked suddenly, interrupting her for the third time in a row. Sikenna's big eyes blinked at him, a blush creeping into her cheeks briefly before she choked out a soft laugh.
"Spirits, we were 7. It's not a big deal, Koko."
The second she said it, memories came flooding back in. Vibrant, vivid, and louder than they were before. They crashed into him so quickly he felt like he couldn't breathe. Scenes of dinners with the girl and another young boy with his parents, sleepovers, playing on the beach at night, fire bug tag, the old witch game, more details then he had been able to get so far hit him like a tidal wave. He felt dizzy and light headed, like all the air had been sucked out of his lungs.
"Mako?"
Mako snapped back to reality to meet Sikenna's worried eyes, brows furrowed in concern. Her hand rested on his arm gently, and he glanced down at it, feeling it's warmth. He looked back at her face again, a look of shock.
"Kenna." He breathed.
"Uh, yeah, we already estabAH-" She was cut off by Mako swooping down to her, crashing her body to his in a tight hug.
"I'm so happy you're real." He whispered with a laugh, truly relieved that he wasn't losing his mind.
"What? What does that even mean- Mako, put me down." She breathed out, tapping his shoulder lightly for air. Realizing he had just sprung a hug on this girl, he dropped her quickly and put his hand to the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry I never wrote. I'm sorry I forgot. I'm sorry I didn't listen to Bolin when he tried to tell me. I just- I just thought I was going crazy, you know?" He spoke quickly.
"Hey, woah. Slow down. No, I don't really know. So you really did forget? That wasn't just something you told Bolin?"
Mako looked at her, eyes wide, offended someone would think he would do that.
"No it wasn't something I just told Bolin!" He shot back at her. Sikenna put her hands up by her chest in surrender.
"Well how would I know?!" She defended herself.
"You wouldn't!" Mako's chest heaved heavily, overwhelmed once again by the newest wave of memories. He didn't fully remember everything, but he remembered her, and that he did go to Ember Island to see her and the other kids every summer until his parents died. Awkwardly enough the only memory he really felt like he could remember was the kiss, and the one time she almost set a field on fire because Kona made her mad. he still had details missing, and more questions then he had before, but at least he knew he wasn't having a nervous breakdown and seeing and hearing things.
Sikenna noticed his obvious anxiety and rubbed her hands together for a few seconds before resting them on Mako's elbows.
"Mako it's okay. Just breathe." Sikenna cooed gently. She sent out the energy resting in her palms through Mako's arms. This time was much easier than it had been with Bolin, it took barely any energy to push her chi forward to calm him. A warm, calming wave washed over Mako slowly. He kept his eyes closed, allowing her touch to calm him.
"It's okay. We can talk about all of it after the match if you want. Okay? I'll answer any questions you have. You're alright."
Mako nodded quickly, his chest becoming lighter the longer her hands stayed on him. He was able to breathe again, and he took a deep breath as Sikenna removed her hands from his arms.
"Yeah. Yeah I think we should." Mako nodded at her. Sikenna smiled at him and returned his nod.
"Okay. I'll go to the apartment after the match then, we can talk there. Kona can help too." Mako looked over to Bolin and Kona, his eyes wide.
"That's Kona?" Mako asked in bewilderment. Sikenna laughed loudly at his tone.
"Yeah, that's Kona."
"Shorter than I thought he would be." Mako mumbled to her, a look of genuine shock hung on Mako's face. Sikenna burst out in laughter again, quickly trying to hide it when Kona and Bolin turned to look at them suspiciously.

•¥•
Republic City Bending Arena, that night.
Fire Ferrets Vs. The White Falls Wolfbats
Championship match.

"The anticipation is palpable as we are just moments away from the championship match. Will the Wolfbats' ferocity help them repeat as champs? Or will the underdog Fire Ferrets serve up a surprising bowl of smackdown soup?"

Sikenna, Kona, Nero and Raiko found their seats just as Shiro Shinobi announced the start of the match. A spotlight swiveled around the arena until it shone on Pabu on the platform. The Fire ferret walked on his front paws, and hopped through the center of an earth disc. Sikenna squealed at his cuteness, being a sucker for the creatures herself. Kona rolled his eyes at her as the White Falls Wolfbats started their overly dramatic and obnoxious entrance onto the platform. Sikenna surveyed their surroundings, making herself aware of the exits. When they had come in, the arena was surrounded by metal bending police ships. Security had been tighter than most matches, and though she was assured by everyone around her that they were fine, because Beifong was a force to be reckoned with, she would rather be safe and know her exits than sorry. Luckily, their seats were at the end of the front row, right next to the entrance of their stadium was sat in the middle row with Kona next to her, then Nero, and Raiko at the end. She was furthest away from the door, but she knew she could make it to the Exit in time.

DingDingDing
The bell rang, and the match was on. Instantly, Tahno tried a cheap shot on Korra. She was able to dodge it, but it was clear they were not there for a clean fight.
"Oh, shit, this is bad." Raiko swore. Sikenna bit her lip and watched the match nervously. Bolin kicked a couple earth discs towards Shaozu, who flipped to dodge. To his surprise one of Bolin's discs bounces off the ropes, slamming into him.
Kona and Sikenna erupted into cheers over the hit as the announcer spoke.
"Shaozu gets fancy, but Bolin ricochets a disk off the ropes and says 'No, thank you sir!'"
The celebration was short lived, however, as Tahno hosed Bolin back into zone three.
"What?! That was a hosing foul!" Kona shouted, he and the boys started booing at the ref's call. A feeling of dread washed over Sikenna. This was going to be a disaster.
The rest of the round played out much like the beginning had. The Wolf Bats cheated with every move they threw at the Fire Ferrets, and the ref's allowed all of it. At one point, Tahno froze the water underneath Bolin, causing him to slip back and get knocked off the platform by a blast of fire. Kona had to hold Sikenna back from the railing she leaned uncomfortably far over in order to yell her frustrations properly. With a blast of water, Mako and Korra were both knocked off the platform shortly after, ending the round.
"It's a knockout! The Wolfbats win the championship for the fourth year in a- "
"Bullshit!" Sikenna stomped angrily.
"LOOK!" Nero yelled, pointing between the twins to the platform. Korra hung over the edge, holding a dangling Mako by the hand. They hadn't touched the water- they were still in the match!
"... No way." Sikenna and Kona said in unison.
"Scratch that! The Ferrets are still alive, but just barely."
With unbelievable strength, Korra flung Mako up and back onto the platform. Mako punched a powerful blast of fire at Tahno, knocking him down as the bell rang. For a second Sikenna melted at watching him bend like that. The pure strength and determination packed behind the punch was undeniably sexy, Sikenna could feel the heat of the blast from her seat. She immediately scolded herself for having a typical fan girl moment.
"What an unbelievable move! These Ferrets aren't just bending the elements, they're bending my mind! The underdogs survive to see round two."

Round two started and both teams were really going for it. Sikenna gripped the railing in front of her tightly as she watched intensely. She could feel Kona next to her, peering over her head.
"The opening salvo is a brutal call as both sides give it their all."
Tahno got Korra back a zone with ice, Mako dodged some seriously illegal head shots, but the Fire Ferrets held their own against the cheating Wolfbats by playing fair the whole round, ending it with a tie. Korra decided to take it, and Sikenna sighed in relief that they let the Avatar take this one. She might only be able to use one element, but she was probably one of the better water benders out there.
Sure enough, with just two shots Korra knocked Tahno's helmet right off his smug little face. Sikenna and her friends cheered loudly at the victory and the sense of revenge they felt with Korra.

"One round apiece: who wants it more?"
Like rapid fire the Wolf Bats sent their elements at the Fire Ferrets.
Sikenna bit her bottom lip watching the Fire Ferrets strike back, trying their hardest to defend themselves from illegal attacks and not resorting to street bending rules.
In the blink of an eye, Tahno sent a stream of water filled with a crushed earth disc towards the Fire Ferrets. First Mako, then Bolin, then Korra got slammed with the earth disc water, flinging them off the platform and into the water.
"Well, folks it's a controversial call but the Wolfbats notch a nasty knockout to win the match! For the fourth year in a row, they'll be crowned tournament champions."
"NO!" Kona and Raiko yelled out to the refs.
"RIGGED MATCH!" Sikenna shouted out with the rest of the crowd. In the angry uproar of the arena due to the match outcome, it took Sikenna a few seconds to hear the terrified screams mixed in.

Kona furrowed his brows at his sister and looked around confused, hearing the screams just about the same time she had. Sikenna felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, and turned to her right. There, she saw an equalists with some sort of glowing, electric glove coming at them. Sikenna Stood on front of her twin and felt her hands erupt in flames before she could help herself.
"Kenna!" She heard Kona yell as he grabbed her arm. The fear in his voice distracted her, it being such a foreign sound. Before he could pull her back, the equalist reached forward and slammed the glove to her other shoulder, sending a pulsing electrical shock through her body. She screamed in pain and dropped to the floor instantly, feeling Kona slam down next to her. He must have gotten shocked too, since his hand was still on her. Terrified screams erupted immediately around them, people ran away and scrambled over the two fallen teenagers. She could feel hands grabbing at her between the stomping feet that sometimes hit her, but they couldn't keep their grip. Sikenna could hear her heart beating in her ears, the screams becoming muffled by it.
"Come on, Kenna, stay with me." She heard distantly. It sounded like it was coming from under water. Something cold touched the side of her face, and her heart beat started quieting down.
"Good. Raiko, more ice. Get Kona!"
Sikenna felt Nero lift and drag her to the side somewhere as the cloud in her head started to clear. The screams started to quiet, an eerie silence filled the air. Sikenna looked around her. The people that were still trapped in the stands stared terrified at the gloved, masked equalists staring back at them, daring anyone else to move.
"What are they doing?" Raiko whispered over to Nero and Sikenna. Sikenna blinked a few times, straining her eyes to see what they were talking about. By the time her eyes focused, she noticed, to her horror, Amon and a few of his henchmen were on the platform. Tahno dropped down into a water bending form and sent a blast of water at them.
Kona nudged Sikenna with his foot. She looked over at her twin and he nodded over to the doorway. They were close enough to it. They could, if they were quiet enough, sneak out Into the hallway one by one, and get out of here before anything else happened. Sikenna looked up at Nero and Raiko, making sure they were paying attention and seeing what Kona was saying. They both nodded their head once silently, keeping their eyes forward as to not arouse suspicion. Nero slid out first and the quickest, being the closest to the exit. Raiko silently slid over toward the exit, waiting for his chance to slip out.
Sikenna looked forward to keep her eyes on the equalists and to check on Tahno on the platform. The girl widened her eyes in shock, seeing two henchmen holding Tahno down on his knees as Amon approached him. She could feel her heart pace quicken as she watched . Then, as if he wasn't doing anything at all, as if it was as easy as breathing to him, he put a thumb on Tahno's forehead for a few moments, and the waterbender went limp. Tahno's bending successfully gone, Amon turned to the crowd as his henchmen threw the Wolf Bats off the platform and into the water. Huge Equalist banners dropped down from the stands, covering the arena in the non-bending revolutionists logo. Sikenna looked at her friends in horror, her eyes urging them to move towards the exit faster.

"I believe I have your attention, benders of Republic City." Amon began his speech, and all eyes turned to him.
"So once again, the Wolfbats are your pro-bending champions. It seems fitting that you celebrate three bullies who cheated their way to victory because every day, you threaten and abuse your fellow non-bending citizens just like the Wolfbats did to their opponents tonight. Those men were supposedly the best in the bending world and yet it only took a few moments for me to cleanse them of their impurity. Let this be a warning to all of you benders out there: if any of you stand in my way, you will meet the same fate."
The crowd filled with gasps of shock and terror. By the time Sikenna looked behind her to tell Raiko to get out, he was already gone. It was just her and Kona now. A person on the other side of their stadium box shuffled uncomfortably, causing the equalists with gloves to direct their attention to that side quickly. Kona took the chance and dashed out into the hallway.
"Now, to my followers: for years the Equalists have been forced to hide in the shadows, but now we have the numbers and the strength to create a new Republic City. I'm happy to tell you that the time for change has finally come. Very soon, the current tyrannical bending regime will be replaced by a fair-minded Equalist government. You and your children will no longer have to walk the streets afraid! It's time to take back our city."
Sikenna shuffled over towards the exit door as quickly and quietly as she could. She might have gotten out of some sticky situations back on Ember Island, but nothing like this, and they were always under the cover of night.
"For centuries, benders have possessed an unnatural advantage over ordinary people. But thankfully, modern technology has provided us with a way to even out the playing field."
The equalist closest to her turned over their shoulder to glance at Amon, and Sikenna saw her opening. As quick as she could, she turned and dashed out of the exit.
"Now anyone can hold the power of a chi blocker in their hand. My followers and I will not rest until the entire city achieves equality, and once that goal is achieved, we will equalize the rest of the world. The revolution has begun!"
Amon finished his speech. Back in the hallway, Sikenna heard glass breaking and everyone started shouting again, running to the nearest exit. Sikenna backed up against the wall and scanned for where the Spirits Kona and her friends could be hiding as chaos erupted, and people filled the hallway.

"Kenna let's go." Through the sea of moving bodies around her Kona appeared, Raiko and Nero pushing through the people behind him.
"What about Bolin and Mako?" She asked her brother, eyes wide once he reached her. He looked at her as if he was expecting her to say that, but hoped that she wouldn't.
"What are we doing?!" Raiko asked loudly, frantic to leave.
"Let's get out of here!" Nero tried to tug Sikenna by the wrist, but planted her feet, refusing to budge. He looked at her, confusion written all over his face.
"I can't leave yet." She said hoarsely. Nero was going to be so mad at her for this, but she couldn't leave without knowing they were safe. She needed to see Bolin safe.
"What?!" He asked her, astonished. She just shook her head and looked at her brother for help. Kona's shoulders dropped as he looked at her; she had already made up her mind. There was no changing it.
"I'm coming with you." Kona said to her.
"Going where?! We're leaving! Let's go!" More glass broke and people screamed, rushing out faster than they were before. The stampede of feet and screams got louder than Sikenna knew was possible.
"I can't. I have to make sure they're okay."
"Kenna, you're not seriously-" Nero started angrily, but Sikenna stopped him.
"I am, Nero."
"No! You're willing to risk your life for him?!" Nero shouted at her, shoving past a person who pushed him away from her as they ran.
"Them, Nero. And yes, i am. just like i would for you guys!"
"Kenna, choose! NOW!" Nero yelled at her, eyes narrowed. Sikenna glared at him, disgusted that he could give her an ultimatum to choose right at this moment. Ignoring him and his request completely, she turned to Kona.
"Go, get out of here. Wait for me across the street. I'll be out in 10 minutes." She smiled at her twin and he shook his head.
"Kenna, no-"
"Go, Kona!" She said forcefully, shoving him to Raiko.
"Raiko, get them out."
Raiko nodded and grabbed both Nero and Kona as they yelled her name, one angry and betrayed, the other concerned, not wanting to leave his sister behind in the chaos. Sikenna smiled at her twin as reassuringly as she could as he was dragged away by Raiko, then took off to the pool level of the arena.

•¥•

Luckily, Sikenna only had to "fight" one equalist on the way down to the platform. He must have been low ranking, because one round kick of fire had him down and out, and it wasn't much of a fight at all.
She reached for the door handle to get onto the platform where the boys would be just as it swung open, and they ran out. Mako slammed into Sikenna, making her bounce back towards the wall.
"KENNA!" Bolin shouted when he saw her. He dashed past Mako and scooped the fire bender girl up.
"I was so worried. I figured you would fight them, because you know, you're Kenna, and something bad would have happened and you would have gotten hurt-" Bolin gasped loudly as he pulled away from her, scanning her over at arms length.
"Wait- are you hurt? Is anyone hurt? Are you okay?"
"Bolin," Sikenna laughed lightly at him.
"I'm fine. Kona and I got zapped with the gloves because... i tried to bend... shut up- But we're all fine. Are you okay? Are you guys okay?" She asked, looking over to Mako. They both nodded.
"Yeah, we're both okay." Mako answered her dryly. Sikenna nodded gracefully just as a huge explosion came from the arena. She flinched, grabbing onto Bolin's arm.
"We have to go." Sikenna started to say, but froze. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and she knew from last time what that meant.
No, not again.
She turned sideways and kicked a stream of fire down the small hallway that would be their exit. An equalist fell with a loud groan. This called the attention of more lurking equalist, and they rushed towards the three teenagers.

Sikenna threw her head back and groaned dramatically.
"Spirits, I hate these guys." Bolin chuckled as he got into stance.
"Come on, Kin, this'll be fun. We haven't fought anyone together yet." Bolin mumbled to her. She smirked and turned around, punching a combo of fire blasts into an equalist coming up from behind Bolin.
Mako ran down the hallway, taking out a a couple of equalists skillfully.
"Watch out for chi blocking punches!" Sikenna shouted over the commotion to remind the brothers to stay vigilant. Mako was busy fighting an equalist when another came running at him. Sikenna ran at the unseen attacker and did a flip, bringing down a thick, hot stream of fire on the unsuspecting equalist. Her foot slammed to the ground and she punched a few fire balls at him, knocking him out.
"Kenna, behind you!" Mako called to her as he slammed the equalist he was fighting to the ground with a loud crack. Bolin slammed his foot down from across the room, making a pillar of rock rise from the floor right where the equalist was, slamming them into the ceiling.
The three watched as the equalist's body dropped down front he ceiling with a loud thud.
"OOH, ouch." Sikenna laughed lightly as she nudged him with her foot, making sure he was knocked out.
"Nice work, team." She smiled at the brothers before they took off down the hallway to safety.
"We have to get to the arena and make sure Korra doesn't need us." Mako said as they ran. The three of them burst into the arena just in time to see Korra and Chief Beifong roll onto the stands.
"Korra!" Mako shouted, running towards her, Bolin not far behind him. Sikenna followed them slowly, watching from a distance as they hugged the Avatar, telling her how glad they were that she was okay. Her arms found their way across her chest as she leaned against the wall, a smile on her face as she watched them. She took the time to catch her breath and try to quell her shaking. She had been electrocuted, she wasn't able to bend or defend herself. She had watched a man get his bending taken away feet away from her, like it was the easiest thing in the world to do. Sikenna shut her eyes tight and forced herself to stop thinking about it, at least until she could get home and fully reflect about what happened. But not here.

It didn't take that long for Bolin to pull Korra over to Sikenna, relief and excitement dancing in his big green eyes. He had been through this before, Bolin was used to fighting along side The Avatar. He had been kidnapped, held captive on stage, next in line to get his bending taken away. He didn't seem effected at all, and Sikenna felt guilty about the pang of jealousy she felt for his ability to be perfectly fine right now.
"Kenna! Meet Korra! Kenna, Korra, Korra, Kenna." He said briskly, presenting them to each other. Sikenna put on her best act and stood with a smile, bowing a classic, formal fire nation bow to Korra.
"Avatar Korra." She greeted her respectfully, a dash of sarcasm dancing on her lips. Korra bowed back, catching and matching Sikenna's tone. Korra pointed to Sikenna's hands when she was done.
"Fire nation bow, huh?"
"Yeah, one of those books you can't really judge by their cover type of gals." Sikenna laughed, creating a small flame in her palm. Korra's eyes widened in excitement.
"Finally! A strong fire bender to spar with." Korra said, a hand on her hip.
"Hey!" Mako spat, offended.
"Korra? We have to speak to the police, let's go." Councilman Tenzin called over to Korra gently. Korra looked at the teen's and pointed with her thumb over her shoulder.
"That's my ride. I'll see you two tomorrow, and it was nice meeting you, Kenna! Sorry it wasn't under better circumstances!" She waved to them as she ran towards Tenzin.

Bolin found Pabu and ran to him, calling out to him affectionately. Sikenna and Mako laughed as he ran off, watching him for a few moments.
"So," Mako started. Sikenna turned her eyes towards him as he finished his thought.
"Probably not the best night for that talk."
"You weren't getting it." Sikenna scrunched up her nose at him.
"I'm exhausted, no one's getting anything out of me tonight."
Mako laughed at what she said, letting them fall into a comfortable silence.
"I don't have all the memories, you know." He said after a moment. Sikenna looked up at him, head slightly tilted.
"I only have a few, enough to know I'm missing some, and you're a key part." Sikenna nodded slowly, knowing what he meant. He didn't want her to get offended if he didn't remember everything.
"I may not know how it works, the whole… forgetting an entire part of your life, thing." Sikenna began with a flourish of her hand.
"But I can imagine it's not the most comfortable thing in the world. I'll try my best to be patient." Mako smiled at her answer, and she smiled back. She kept her eyes locked onto his for a moment too long for her comfort before clearing her throat, pushing herself off the wall she found herself leaning against again.
"I have to go meet Kona before he freaks out anymore than I'm sure he already is." She said loud enough for Bolin to hear. He looked at her from the floor, Pabu in his lap.
"Oh, okay. You want me to walk you out?" He asked as he yawned. Sikenna giggled and shook her head.
"I can find my way out, Bo. I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah! You working?" Bolin asked her as he stood, walking over and pulling her into a hug. Sikenna relaxed into his arms and hugged him back tightly, taking a deep breath. She was glad he was okay after what they just went through, she was glad she decided to go back and make sure he was. She couldn't live with herself if she didn't, knowing she had the option to, and something had happened to him. Hugging him now, it felt like she could relax a little bit.
"I am. So you know where to find me." She smiled at him as she pulled away. With two fingers to her forehead she saluted both Mako and Bolin as she walked out of the arena, and out of the building to find Kona pacing across the street. Police directed people where to go, medics dashed around frantically helping anyone who was hurt or scarred either mentally or physically. Blue lights swirled around, lighting up the street. The police were everywhere talking to people, she could see Korra and Councilman Tenzin giving their official statement. Sikenna kept her eyes down, not wanting to answer any questions from anybody, be it police or medic. They had enough information without her tiny tid bits. With shaking knees she wobbled across the street to her twin brother. The second her eyes locked onto his, everything she was holding back in the arena came rushing to the surface. She raised her chin to try and stop herself from crying as tears starting to build in the corner of her eyes.

"Kin! Thank spirits!" Kona said as he saw her. His brows furrowed immediately at her stoic expression. He reached a hand out to grab hers, pulling her off the street and onto the sidewalk.
"Kin?" He asked her softly, clearly concerned.
"Where's Raiko? Nero?" She asked him, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Nero took off like an angry idiot, Raiko followed him to make sure he didn't get into any other trouble." he answered her question. Suddenly, her lip trembled and she felt herself break, letting a sob escape her. She could fake a smile in front of everyone else, pretend she was fine, shake anything off and let it roll off her shoulders smoothly if she so chose. But when it was just her and Kona, the only person who knows and understands her at her very core better than even she does, she felt safe enough to become vulnerable.
Kona pulled her into a hug and that's when she collapsed, pulling him down onto the sidewalk with her as she did so, releasing all the adrenaline and shear terror from the night through her sobs into her brothers shirt.