Hey guys thanks again for your patience, things have gotten more and more complicated with and without the pandemic and the election craziness. Either way I hope this makes up for the wait, because this is a bit lighter than the last chapter.

Here we start off with Bataar and Lin, they talk and plans get made. We'll then flip over to our group and see what the new plan is, and someone else comes along for the ride.

I don't own Legend of Korra, and neither does MusicPlayer86 who helped inspire this fic.

Enjoy!

Republic City Jail, Bataar's cell:

"Hello Bataar." The gruff, stern voice of his aunt made Bataar look up from the book he was reading. He now had an entire shelf of books and journals to write in, all sent over by his father and Huan. It was a decent way to pass the time, even if the days went on what felt like forever.

"Hello chief." Marking his place in the book he got up from his chair to greet Lin. He hadn't seen anyone minus his dad and brother beforehand, but he received letters from them so this visit was a slight surprise. "How are you?"

"I should be asking you that kid." He gave a slight smirk.

"I'm fine, better than I was the last time we saw each other." He noticed how quiet it was around. "Guards changing shifts?" she nodded. "Is something wrong?" she sighed.

"Has your dad told you about Su?" he nodded.

"She's torn with grief, but she's conflicted with guilt and anger about everything, it's not her."

"No it's not, your brothers are worried, and Opal…"

"How is she?" Bataar felt guilty he let his temper get the better of him the last time he saw Opal, while she may have deserved the truth he could've done a better job holding his tongue. It was Raiko's fault for egging him on, but nothing could take it all back now.

"She's better than Su, she has Bolin and the other air benders to help her get through this." Neither said anything for a minute or two, it was Bataar who broke the silence.

"I can tell you didn't just come here to discuss the family, what else is going on?" Lin stared at him for a few seconds.

"They've set a date for your trial, and while I know you intend to plead guilty your dad called me this morning." He waited to listen. "Su is trying to have you brought back to Zaofu on house arrest." His eyes closed in frustration. "The courts will take it into consideration, and she is a world leader so her word has effect."

"How long am I looking at?"

"Fifteen years max, plea bargain could get you ten with a chance of parole in five years."

"I don't want to go back home; I can't handle it."

"I know, you don't want to be pitied or ridiculed by your own citizens. Your dad asked me if I could do something, but he doesn't want you to stay in jail like this." He stared at her.

"And what did you say?"

"I told him I could try something, but I'll need your help to do it." He leaned in closer to the bars.

"Tell me." He didn't mean to make it sound like a command, but Lin probably sensed the desperation in there.

"You're legally an adult, and you have a clean record despite this." She motioned to the cell. "You're capable of working from home, and I doubt you'd ever be lead away or run off."

"Where could I possibly go? The soldiers loved Ku…. or Chin or I don't know…" he ran a hand through his hair and paced a couple of times in the cell.

"I know you loved her, and I know you feel guilty, but you couldn't have known…" his heart ached at the vague mention of Kuvira.

"Love blinds even the clearest of eyes, I got fooled by a spirit, a damned spirit!" he gripped at his shirt.

"We all did, the entire nation, the soldiers, the family, that thing knew her mind and he used her memories to take her over."

"She…she was changing I saw it, but I thought it was just because of the empire, the labor, the work, it hardened her but it kept her going."

"She was a tough woman, was she always like that?" he nodded.

"Ever since she was a kid, it didn't matter if she got hurt or if she was hurt, she always kept it to herself. In the years we were gone, I was there when she needed me, and vice versa."

"You messed up kid, big time, but you aren't a violent person I can see it, and so does everyone else."

"And so, what?" Lin sighed.

"I have a friend who's a lawyer, he's due soon for retirement but he's helped many of my officers in crazy lawsuits and he's particularly good at his job. You can meet with him to discuss terms of house arrest, and you can choose from the few properties our family owns." His eyes widened slightly.

"Owns? I thought all the properties were sold off after Poppy and Lao died, grandmother had no need for them."

"You're right on that, but she didn't sell them off. Grandpa and Grandma knew Toph had no need for them, so they left them and part of the Beifong fortune to me; years later I found out Toph transferred whatever fortune she inherited to me and Su, after she retired she had no reason to use it."

"What properties are there?"

"Well, the little beach house Poppy bought near Yue Bay was sold since neither of us really like the idea of living on a beach; but if you want my best suggestion, there's the estate in Gaoling." His eyes went wider than saucers.

"You…" he sputtered a bit, trying to speak. "I-I thought mother never…"

"She didn't like it there, I had some fond memories so I kept the place up to date over time. It's big enough for you, the town is peaceful, the mayor even agreed if the courts allow it. My friend can help you set up employment, and a curfew so you'll be allowed outside but you'll have guards watching."

"I…I don't know what to say…" he was near speechless.

"Just say you agree and I'll set up the meeting, the trial is two weeks. My friend can get things prepped in just a few days."

"But why?" he stared into her eyes. "Why are you helping me?" she shrugged.

"You could say I feel a bit guilty myself, when I found out you and Kuvira had left Zaofu the first go round, I should've made Su go after you. You may have been an adult, but you were nowhere near ready to fight a war. Plus, that house has been empty for years now, it's time it had a resident to live in."

"You don't use it?"

"I go there from time to time, but it's been six years since I last went. I'll help you get settled in, you'll just have to put up with myself and my girlfriend for a few weeks." He nodded.

"I can do that." He felt a bit relieved his aunt was doing this for him, though he still second guessed her reasons. His father probably had a hand in this too, he could only imagine how furious his mother would be once she found out. "I agree to this, I'll be indebted to you." She shook him off.

"Think nothing of it kid, you're family and it's time I helped family out." She reached her hand into the cell to shake his hand. "I'll contact my friend, he'll come see you in a few days."

"Thank you." They shook hands. "My dad, can you pass a message to him?"

"No need, he's coming up in a few days…he might be there in the meeting. Huan will be with him."

"Good, thank you again." He would be forever grateful for this, and he felt happy part of his family wanted this too.

"Thank me when it's done kid, and don't worry about Su I'll handle her."

"That's probably a good idea, tell my dad thank you please." She winked and left him alone, Bataar went back to his chair and pulled out the book again. In a matter of days, he would be able to start anew, the only downside was after his aunt and her girlfriend left, he would be alone…once again.

'Kuvira…I'm sorry.' A single tear fell down his cheek.

Meanwhile:

They'd been flying for few hours on Pepper, but the bison wasn't bothered by the flight and neither were any nearby spirits. Everyone was still on edge, but with the new information given they were going for a little optimism. Now that they knew the Mother of Faces was the next to see, Zuko gave them some reassurance the spirit might be a better help than her son.

"Jinora, we've been flying for a while now, do you want me to take the reins for a bit?"

"No, it's ok." Jinora looked back and gave a light smile. "We're getting a bit closer; I can feel it."

"Are you sure? It's not that I doubt your skills, spirits know your own are stronger than mine, but it feels like we've gone in circles." Korra sighed and stretched her legs, her body was starting to ache from long periods of sitting, and she wanted to desperately get down and walk a bit.

"I don't think it's much further, Iroh told us we just had to head west and go past the tallest mountain with a face carved at the top, and on the other side should be a forest." From what Iroh had said the spirit world in some ways was like the human world, or at least some parts of it were. The Mother of Faces lived in forest marked with faces everywhere, and she resided in sacred pools, which needed to be undisturbed, but there was a forest like Forgetful Valley in this world, but a little less terrifying.

"I know, and I've been keeping my senses on guard, but how will we know if we're close?" Korra looked at Zuko, the man had been quiet since they left Iroh's place. "Lord Zuko, when you went with Aang into the forest, Forgetful Valley, did anything happen before you reached it?" Zuko didn't respond. "Lord Zuko?" still nothing. "Zuko!" Korra raised her voice a bit and leaned over to shake his arm.

"Huh…?" Zuko jolted out of his stupor, slightly startled. "What…are we there?" Korra shook her head.

"No, no not yet but I've been trying to get your attention for a few minutes here." Zuko relaxed.

"Oh, forgive me, I suppose I got lost in some old memories. Seeing my uncle again, brings back many good ones." His smile returned, soft and kind.

"I'm glad you got to see him again, I can tell he enjoyed the visit."

"I did as well, I may be an old man now but I'll always cherish the time I shared with Iroh."

"I'm happy to have you reunite with him, he's a good man I wish I could have known him as you and Aang did." He chuckled.

"Oh, don't worry, uncle is always there if you need him. He was for me, and he will be for you if necessary. Now, what were you trying to get my attention about?"

"Yeah, I was asking you about your journey to Forgetful Valley, did anything happen before you arrived?" Zuko went quiet for a moment, and then laughed slightly.

"I remember, just as we got closer to the forest Aang started making faces, angry, odd ones."

"Faces?"

"I believe it was something with the spirit connection he had, it didn't last too long though. It didn't affect the rest of us, me, Katara, Sokka, or Azula, only him."

"So if Jinora and I start making faces then we'll know…"

"Too late…" the two adults turned and jumped a bit when they saw Jinora's face. Her eyes were in a sharp, mad glare, and her mouth looked like it was in a mid-snarl. "I can't move it…it's like i-it's f-frozen…" Jinora tried to move her mouth but it seemed she had some trouble.

"That's the same face Aang made, so I think we're close." Korra leaned over the edge of Pepper's saddle, seeing a heavy bit of misty fog up ahead. She felt the muscles of her own face moving, to where one eye was wide open, her mouth curled halfway upwards, and her jaw clamped shut. "Oh yes, we're close."

"L-Let's go Pepper." Jinora slapped the reins and Pepper continued forward. In some odd minutes Korra spotted a large mountain tip through the fog, and right at the top, she spotted the face at the top, just as Iroh said.

"T-That's…that's it!" she got it out, came out like a biting retort. "Up ahead!"

"I see, hang on." Pepper flew a little faster until they reached the peak, and Jinora gasped. "There's the forest, c'mon Pepper let's land." The bison flew down and they found an open space near a brush of trees. Korra and Zuko unloaded with a couple of packs, and Jinora joined them.

"Ok, we just have to find the pools, I saw at least two when we flew in."

"Good, hey I can feel my face again." Korra's face muscles relaxed, Jinora's went normal as well. "That felt weird…"

"Ditto." Jinora let out a sigh. "I'd say follow the spiritual energy, but we're surrounded so…"

"Jinora shhh…." Korra interrupted her.

"What…"

"Shh, listen." Everyone went quiet, and the sound of heavy footsteps coming in fast hit their ears. "We'd better move…"

"No need, look out!" Zuko grabbed Jinora and pulled her out of the way as something large and blue ran up and stopped dead fast in front of Pepper. The bison growled, and the beast, the wolf, growled back and stared the other down until he stopped.

"Whoa…whoa easy…" Korra held her hands up, walking slowly towards the wolf as she turned her attention towards her.

"Korra, that's the wolf…" Zuko whispered in awe.

"The one who marks the path for the mother?" Jinora's eyes were wide in fascination, and Zuko nodded.

"Then let's hope she'll listen…" Korra continued to slowly approach the large wolf, and those red eyes never left hers. "Spirit, we mean no harm." The wolf continued to stare. "We have reason to visit this forest, but we promise not to cause any trouble…"

"Spare me the pleasantries mortal." Everyone jumped back at the sharp tone of voice.

"Y-You can speak…?" Zuko was stunned. "But you…you didn't speak before…" she turned her eyes on him and glared.

"Before, have I met you before old one?" Zuko gave a low, slightly awkward bow.

"My apologies spirit, I-I came to a forest like this in the mortal realm some decades ago with some of my friends and my sister. I believe you'd recall Avatar Aang; I was with him at the time." The wolf thought for a moment.

"Oh yes, that troublesome human who demanded more than a single favor of my mistress and defiled her sacred pools. Not to mention that deranged female who shot lightning at me." She snarled at him.

"You also shot moth wasps at us, but I am deeply sorry for that, Aang was only trying to help someone else but my sister at the time was going through a lot. I cannot apologize enough for the trouble she caused you and your home." She stared again.

"At least you seem to have grown, in more ways than one. You were much younger then; I remember your scar."

"Yes, I was seventeen at the time." He gave a small smile. "I know we are lowly mortals to your mistress, but we have need of her again."

"I know." All eyes went wide. "My mistress has foreseen your arrival; she knows of your reasons and she is expecting you."

"S-She is?" Korra was stunned and confused, but at this moment she wouldn't dare question it.

"I will not repeat myself, I see you are the new avatar." The red eyes glared again. "I know the elder one has become a well-mannered being, but let's hope you and your airbender friend aren't as disruptive as the last avatar." Ignoring the insult Korra just nodded. "Your beast will stay here; he is not permitted to come."

"But…" Korra tried to speak up for Pepper but Jinora's hand on her arm stopped her.

"We understand…" Jinora bowed. "Pepper means no harm, but he is exhausted so perhaps it's best he remains behind." Jinora turned and stroked Pepper's nose. "Sorry we have to leave you, but you should rest." Pepper licked her hand and laid down, not bothering to fuss as he yawned.

"T-Then I guess it's settled…"

"Enough, grab what you must and let's go, while my mistress is a patient being, she has been waiting long enough." Korra stared for a minute.

"O-Of course, just a minute." Jinora climbed onto Pepper's back and tossed down their packs, in a manner of minutes they were ready.

"Climb onto my back, don't pull on my fur." They did so with a little help of airbending, though Zuko yelped when a gust of wind carried him up. Jinora took the front, Korra in the middle, and Zuko held tight behind her as the wolf charged into the dark forest. Korra could hear the eerie echoes and whispers around them, barely audible but it was clear one could easily get lost in a place like this. The Mother of Faces had been around far longer than before the avatar existed, Korra only hoped to be on her good side.

"Korra, up ahead!" Korra looked and saw to where Jinora was pointing. Her eyes went wide as her eyes caught site of a large, tree-like being, light emitting around the body from the pool it stood in. When the wolf closed in, she stopped at the edge of the pool, and bowed before the godly being.

"Mistress, I have brought these mortals to you, as you requested." A large, branchlike hand reached out and stroked the wolf's ear.

"You've done well my dear, as you've always." The wolf leaned into the touch. "Let them down, I will speak with them." The wolf laid down and everyone carefully got down from her back; Zuko was the first to greet the spirit, standing close to the pool's edge and bowing.

"Mother of Faces, it's been so long."

"A good seventy years, you have aged with time Zuko, but you are still warm in heart and soul." A faint blush crossed the former fire lord's face.

"Thank you, I apologize for our intrusion into your home, again."

"Consider this an invite, we have much to discuss…" the eyeless face turned to Korra. "Do we not, avatar?" Korra bowed.

"Yes, mother of faces, thank you for inviting us here."

"I've heard about you avatar, you are next to nothing like your predecessor. You are known to be stronger than him yes, but you are also hot-headed and stubborn. You were confined for years away from the world's eye, and it took you years to connect with this world. You have grown though, that I see, but you are still filled with pain from your past." Korra felt her stomach clench, her anxiety building up but pushed it down.

"I know I haven't been a great avatar mother of faces, but I hope to become better in the future."

"No avatar is perfect, but you still have much to learn even now. You are still mortal, and mortals are naturally flawed beings, even if Raava beats inside you, it's in your nature to grow and evolve." Korra wasn't sure what to make of that, but she nodded. "Now, young one…" the spirit turned to Jinora.

"Greetings to you, mother of faces." Jinora bowed.

"Your energy matches that of your grandfather's, you are quite powerful at such a young age."

"Thank you."

"I see him in your face as well, I only hope you have better manners than he did at your age." Jinora couldn't help but give a tiny smirk, remembering Zuko's story. "Now to why you're all here, you have come seeking information about my eldest son, Kong."

"We have, w-we spoke with Koh before, and he wasn't exactly forthcoming."

"I'm not surprised, my sons have always been rivals from the time they were young. One could assume I once favored Kong over Koh, but I love both of my sons." Korra coughed.

"Koh mentioned to us something about Kong returning, being up to his old tricks again, could you please explain his meaning?" the large spirit held up a hand.

"All in good time avatar, I know this is not the only reason you've come seeking answers from me." She paused. "You have come about Kong, but you're not just doing this because of him. You also wish to get justice…" Korra's eyes widened.

"You know about…?" she nodded.

"Word travels fast in this realm, I may remain in my pools and travel between the worlds, but my companions often hear of events around us. All know of the fate of that poor girl he used, my own son…" the spirit's hands began to shake.

"Yes, one of the most horrible acts a human can do." Korra's own hands clenched into fists, her blood began to boil. "It's unforgivable, what they did to her…" she dug her fingers into her skin so hard they began to pierce through.

"Korra…" Zuko's hand on her shoulder snapped her out of her daze, and she unclenched her hands.

"I'm sorry, forgive me." She bowed her head.

"Your anger is understandable, Kong has used humans in his sick games in the past, there's no light left in his heart." the spirit spoke mournfully. "I sense his power growing as well, I believe he will soon return."

"He will, but how…why?" Korra didn't mean to sound panicky, she couldn't hold back the small sense of fear in her voice. She feared what Kong could do, she'd already seen part of it and Koh, his brother, she dreaded thinking what could be coming their way.

"I will reveal to you all soon, but for now, there's something I must show you first." Before anyone could ask the mother's branch like hands reached down into the pool, right up to her elbows. She let out a breathy sound, and the pool glowed a bright white. All three couldn't stop staring as her arms slowly rose out of the water, and revealed in her hands a large, glowing white bubble that shined brighter than the pool itself before it slowly began to fade. The bubble's glow went away in seconds, but the bubble remained and once their eyes caught sight of the inside, Korra about felt her heart jump out of her ribcage.

"Wh-What…h-how…?" she looked at the mother of faces with shock and disbelief, there was no way, it just wasn't possible. The spirit leaned down revealing the bubble a little closer to them, Jinora looked ready to pass out, and Zuko was beyond confused.

"This is the woman you seek justice for, I believe you've all known her as…Kuvira."

Sorry sorry sorry for the cliffhanger, I had to end it here though. Next chapter all shall be revealed, along with the next plan of action with Kong. I might throw in something else with Lin and Kya, not sure yet.

Comments are much appreciated!

Later!