Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Korra or Avatar the Last Airbender. I only own my own characters and ideas

Chapter Seventeen: Friends?

Suyin sighed as she thought about the last week. She didn't know what she would do anymore. She felt like she needed to protect her family better and that included Khari. Jia couldn't figure out what was wrong with Khari so she had told Suyin to just keep an eye on her. Suyin made her way to Khari's room to check on her again, hoping for some different reactions. Khari could make complete sentences that did make sense but that was when she actually did talk. When Suyin opened the door, she saw Khari sitting at the desk. Suyin approached Khari to see she was sketching a picture of Yun grabbing her by the throat. Suyin stared at the picture for a moment as the image flash through her head. Suyin blinked a bit before she went to grab the sketch but Khari grabbed a nearby dagger and cut her with it. When Khari heard Suyin yell out in pain she looked up, dropping the dagger. She stood, knocking the chair to the ground. Suyin reached out for Khari as she sprinted out of the room but Khari didn't stop. Suyin looked at the wound on her arm before she grabbed the sketch and made her way to find Jia. She quickly found Jia and informed her on what had happened. Suyin stared at the now bloody sketch as Jia stitched up her arm. Jia took a quick glance at the sketch then at Suyin before she turned her attention back to the wound.

"She is still terrified from what my brothers have done to her. There will probably be more sketches like that. More nightmares and maybe some injuries along the way. That might even explain the other day. She is just a young girl and they already took so much from her. I hope one day she can leave what they did to her behind." Jia said.

Suyin sighed as she threw the sketch in the trash. Khari had amazing talent but she didn't want Khari to have that laying around to remind her of anything Yun did or could have done to her. Jia placed her hand on Suyin's shoulder as she tried to give her a smile. Suyin tried to think of what she could possibly do to help Khari but she couldn't think of anything. She ran her hands through her hair as her pounding headache got worse. She was having problems juggling all of this at one time. Every time she thought she managed to have something under control something happened. She looked up when she heard a knock at the door. She saw Khari standing there with her head hung low as she entered the room.

"Aunt Suyin I'm... I'm really sorry. I-I didn't know it was you. I didn't mean it," Khari apologized.

When Khari looked up, she saw a smile on her Aunt Suyin's face. She gave her a slight smile before she hugged her. Khari let a tear fall but quickly wiped it away. When Khari pulled away, she nodded and quickly left the room. She didn't want to tell them about what was bothering her. It was her problem really and her Aunt Suyin already had so much to worry about. Khari was so lost in thought she walked straight into Kuvira, knocking the young girl over. Khari smiled as she helped Kuvira up and apologized. Kuvira gave Khari a worried looked as she started to rush off again. Khari just needed to stay away from other people right now. She soon felt someone grab her wrist, making her turn around to hit them. She covered her mouth as Shen Tao covered his now bleeding nose.

"I'm sorry. Umm I didn't know it was you. Can we talk later?" Khari asked.

Shen Tao nodded as Khari ran towards her room. She just had to avoid people and make it to her room. She heard her name but continued to run. She saw the entrance to her room but when she reached for the doorknob someone else grabbed it. She looked up to see her Uncle Baatar standing there. She gave him a small smile before she moved his hand and entered the room. She locked the door and started to pace around her room. She didn't understand. It had been weeks since everything had happened and she was still having problems dealing with it. Maybe if she left Zaofu things would get better. Maybe she only needed to talk to someone. She heard a small knock at her door which made her look at the door to see if it would open. She saw that whoever was on the other side attempted to enter her room but were unsuccessful. She sighed as she down at her desk, staring at the letter she had received from the United Forces at the beginning of the week. She had never opened it but she did keep it. She figured it was fear of some sort due to the last time she touched a letter. She gently touched the letter as she smiled a bit. There was a noise near her door, making her turn her attention to the door to see that a piece of paper and a letter had been slid into her room. She stared at it for a moment before she went to retrieve the things that had been slid under her door. She smiled at the folded-up piece of paper that was from Shen Tao asking if she would join him dinner. She noticed that the letter was from the Sothern Water Tribe. She thought maybe her Gran Gran or Aunt Kya were trying to check on her or give advice but when she opened it, she gasped. She received a letter from Avatar Korra. She wondered what was going on that she received a letter from the new avatar.

Dear Khari,

I know we aren't really friends and I'd like to change that eventually but I'm worried about everyone here. I may be young but there is something wrong with your friends and family here. Master Katara has become so protective of me. When I train if Naga or I leave her sight she freaks out. Kya always keeps an eye on things such as food, paper, drinks, and surroundings. Prince Iroh doesn't eat as much as he did before and he plays with his food. Your Uncle Bumi doesn't even joke with me as much as he did before. Do you know what happened that they are all acting so strange? Chief Sokka is the only one acting kind of normal. Please let me know if you can help me. I hope you come to the Southern Water Tribe soon. I look forward to it.

Korra

Khari put the letter down for a moment as she thought about what Korra had written. Maybe she should go to the Southern Water Tribe. Maybe they are acting that way because of her. She sighed and threw the metal figurine that was on her desk at the wall. She glanced at the letter from the United Forces. What if Iroh was acting weird because she didn't respond? She grabbed the letter, taking a deep breath before she opened it.

Dear K,

Hey it's been a while. We are really worried about you. I mean you never do combo letter like that so something has to be wrong. Will you tell me what is wrong? I'm here for you no matter what. We are all hoping you come down to the Southern Water Tribe soon. Khari, please don't shut me out. Not again because I don't think I could handle it again. Please let me know you're okay.

Iroh

Khari felt her eyes sting a bit before her vision started to get blurry. She felt the tears run down her cheeks but she didn't care. She grabbed both letters before she ran to find her Aunt Suyin. When she found her, she was sitting in her office discussing things with her Uncle Baatar and Grandma Toph. Khari stood in the entrance of the room as the three gave her a concerned look. She tried to walk in the room but her knees buckled. She continued to cry as she held the letters as tight as she could. She saw Iroh and Korra's names through her fingers. Someone soon placed their hand on top of her hands, covering the two names. She looked up to see her Aunt Suyin, trying to give her a smile. Khari stuck her shaking hands out to Suyin as she tried to give her the two letters. Suyin took the letters from Khari, carefully reading them. When she finished, she placed the letters on the floor next to her and pulled Khari close. Khari stared at the letters as she thought about what to do. Khari wiped the tears out of her eyes as she grabbed the letters. She smiled at the three before she left the room. The three sighed while they thought about Khari. Khari knew exactly what she had to do. She started to grab as many pieces of paper as she could and a pencil. She started to sketch what had happened to her since she had been in Zaofu. She sketched the fight with Kuvira, the fight she had with her Aunt Suyin before she tried to leave Zaofu the first time, and when Yun beat her. She stopped for a moment before she continued to sketch some more. When she was done, she had sketched being poisoned, the interrogation, and the last fight she had with her Aunt Suyin. She also wrote a letter to both Iroh and Korra, shoving them into envelopes. She shoved the sketches in with Iroh's letter. She opened the door to see Ling and Shen Tao talking with two other guards. She handed her letters to Shen Tao, smiling at him before she asked him to send them for her. He had agreed, quickly taking the letters to be sent. Khari looked down the hallway when she heard the Beifong children laughing. She started to slowly walk towards the noise to see the children playing a game. She leaned against the doorway as she watched them play but soon images of herself and Mica started to appear. She blinked a few times when she heard her name and she smiled at the children. She turned to leave the room but Kuvira followed her. Khari had never heard or sensed her until Kuvira grabbed her wrist. Khari took her other arm and slammed Kuvira into the ground.

"Kuvira, spirits don't do that! I could have really hurt you. Are you alright?" Khari asked.

"I didn't even know some of these parts of my body could hurt," Kuvira groaned.

Khari giggled a bit as she assisted the girl off the floor. The two soon started to laugh at each other. Khari and Kuvira made their way for Khari's room. When they arrived, Khari grabbed her staff and cables. She gestured for Kuvira to follow her with a smile on her face. The two ran towards the training area as they laughed. Once they got there the two faced each other and got in their fighting stances. Kuvira pulled three boulders out of the ground and threw them at Khari. Khari moved swiftly, jumping over one boulder and jumping on the other boulders. When Khari landed, she smiled at Kuvira but she could tell the young girl was already getting frustrated. Kuvira threw another boulder at Khari but she hit it with her staff, splitting it in half. The Beifong family came out to see the two girls sparing. A few guards and Jia gathered to watch as the girl continued to spar. Kuvira sent her cables at Khari but grabbed her staff instead. Khari tried to get her staff out of Kuvira's grip but she failed. Kuvira yanked her cables back, pulling Khari's staff out of her hand. Kuvira smirked as Khari looked at her hand. Kuvira threw the staff to the ground before she started to send metal strips at Khari. Khari pulled her cables out and spun around quickly, knocking a few of the strips down. Khari felt a sharp pain come across her face and she smiled a bit.

"Does she always have to fight like Sugar Queen and Twinkle Toes? Why can't she fight like an earthbender once and awhile? Would it really kill her to use those techniques?" Toph asked.

"It does make her a good fighter when she opens herself up to other options you know," Suyin pointed out.

Toph sighed as Khari and Kuvira continued to spar. Kuvira picked up a chunk of earth and threw it at Khari, knocking her down. Khari stared at the ground, making Kuvira drop the chunk of earth she had raised a bit. Everyone soon became concerned but their concern soon vanished when Khari punched the ground, sending pillars up everywhere. Kuvira tried to avoid every pillar that popped up but she was soon knocked down. As Khari stood, she lowered the pillars and watched Kuvira. When Kuvira finally stood Khari sprinted in her direction, throwing the young girl off. Kuvira started to throw chunks of earth at Khari which she easily avoided. Khari soon got close enough to Kuvira she sent her cables at the young girl, knocking her back several feet into a wall. Everyone stared at the young girl as she tried to get up off the ground. Khari slowly made her way to Kuvira, sticking her hand out in her direction. When Kuvira looked up Khari smiled at her. Kuvira smiled at Khari as she took her hand. After Khari helped Kuvira off the ground the two started to laugh. Suyin smiled at the two, happy that the girls were bonding in their own way. Khari soon started to show Kuvira a few of her moves. Khari watched as Kuvira repeated the moves, laughing when she got caught in the cables. Khari showed Kuvira again, telling her to focus on the fact she had to be light on her feet. Kuvira tried again, focusing like Khari had told her. Khari smiled and laughed a bit as Kuvira did the move correctly. Khari laughed as Kuvira jumped up and down. Khari looked up at her Aunt Suyin for a moment before she was knocked over by Kuvira hugging her. The two laughed again and Khari informed Kuvira that after she had dinner with Shen Tao, they could hang out some more. When the two girls got off the ground Khari looked down at her now dirt covered outfit. She gave Shen Tao a look who nodded at her. Khari and Kuvira walked over to the Beifong family as Khari made faces.

"Khari, sweetheart what is with the faces? What's wrong?" Suyin asked.

"Khari's got a date!" Kuvira yelled out.

"I don't have a date, Kuvira. It isn't a date. It is just dinner with Shen Tao but I look like this and smell disgusting. Plus, I have nothing to wear," Khari sighed.

"Khari, I don't want to be the one to say it but if you worry about all that it's a date dear," Suyin pointed out. "It's alright I will help you."

Khari gave a slight smile as the Beifong children started to laugh. She sighed as she took one final glance at Shen Tao before she entered the Beifong Estate. Khari made her way for her room, quickly closing the room to her bathroom. When she entered the shower the water instantly turned dark. Khari started to sing in the shower but soon stopped when she heard something. She poked her head out but saw nothing. When she finished, she grabbed her towel and walked towards her bed. She saw a short olive dress with a slightly lighter sash. She ran her hand over the dress before she placed her hand on her necklace. She sighed and plopped on the bed, still holding her necklace. She stared at the dress for a moment before she grabbed the dress and got ready. When she had finished braiding her hair and putting her shoes on, she left for Shen Tao's home. Khari knocked on the door and waited for it to open. When Shen Tao finally opened the door, he stared at Khari. She gave him a look before she looked down at her dress. He shook his, head for a second before he invited her in.

Southern Water Tribe

The messenger continued to search around the Water Tribe for both Korra and Iroh with very little success. The messenger finally found Iroh with Bumi strolling around the tribe. He smiled as he handed Iroh the thick envelope and continued his search for Korra. Iroh and Bumi both stared at the envelope before they looked at the messenger again. Iroh ran his hand over the envelope before he opened it. He saw all of Khari's sketches before he saw the letter. He started to flip through the sketches examining every detail on each one. He shoved them at Bumi before he started to read the letter.

Dear Iroh,

As you can tell my visit to Zaofu has been quite eventful to say the least. This is why I haven't been writing anyone. I was scared, angry, and embarrassed those types of things could happen to me. I know you would be here for me if I needed you to be but the thing is, I need to learn to handle these things on my own. I think other than being beaten and poisoned I am doing okay. I do really miss my best friend though. It's okay I'll see him soon as long as he isn't told he has to change bases again. Oh, and secret between you and me. Korra thinks there is something wrong with you guys. You guys are concerned about me but maybe I should be the one concerned about everyone down there. I'll be there soon and we can get in trouble together again. I promise. Take care of yourself and make sure everyone is taking care of themselves for me.

Sincerely, K

Iroh continued to stare at the letter for a few minutes. She had been poisoned and beaten. She felt like she should be embarrassed. Khari had been hurt and he wasn't there for her. She could have died. When Iroh finally looked up Bumi was simply staring at the sketches with the occasional tear drop falling. Iroh placed his hand on Bumi's shoulder as he tried to give him a smile but failed. Iroh glanced at the sketches one more time before he looked back for the messenger. The messenger continued to search for Korra. He soon found her training with Katara not too far from Katara's hut. He approached Korra, extending his arm towards her as he tried to hand her the letter. Both Katara and Korra stared at the letter for a moment before Korra grabbed it. Katara thanked the messenger and he left. Korra stared at Katara then her letter. Korra opened the letter, making sure Katara couldn't see what it said. She was thrilled to see Khari had written back.

Dear Korra,

I wanted to thank you for your letters. I know we don't know each other but we both already know so much about each other. I can't wait to meet you when I come to the Southern Water Tribe. At first, I didn't want to believe you were the avatar because I was still upset about Grandpa Aang but I have learned to accept it. You make the people I care about it the Southern Water Tribe happy so I guess we are on good terms for now. I don't know if my Gran Gran told you exactly what happened when I got hurt but I was beaten and poisoned. That is probably why Aunt Kya and Gran Gran are acting the way they are acting. Iroh and Uncle Bumi probably just really miss me. I wasn't writing and they didn't know what happened. They will be okay. I promise you they will be. I will be there soon. Take care of them for me. Thank you so much Korra.

Khari

Korra sighed and folded the letter back up. She was hoping that the letter would say that Khari would be coming now not later. Korra didn't know if she could continue training and try to do what Khari had asked her. Korra wondered when soon was for Khari anyway. Korra smiled at Katara for a moment then at Naga.

Zaofu

Khari and Shen Tao laughed as the two made dinner. Khari made the table while Shen Tao continued to make dinner. When they sat down to eat Khari tried to enjoy the meal and forget about the letters, she received earlier. When she heard the clicking of Sken Tao's chopsticks on the plate she smiled at him. He reminded her so much of Iroh she told herself. Khari felt something brush her leg, making her look under the table. She gave Shen Tao a look when he started to laugh at her. She shifted the earth under his chair, making him fall back. Khari jumped out of her chair and ran to him. She crouched down to him with a smile on her face as he rubbed his head. She helped him off the ground and apologized. He reassured her that he was okay so she gave him another smile. After the two had finished their dinner they started to clean up but they bumped into each other, knocking a few dishes out of each other's hands. Khari moved her hands and right foot quickly catching the dishes. Shen Tao stood there in amazement before he took the dishes from her. Khari started to giggle at the look on Shen Tao's face. She had done moves like that since she was a little girl so it came like second nature now. Shen Tao turned to Khari, sticking his hand up towards her hair. He soon showed her a few pieces of rice that he had pulled out. Khari laughed a bit when she noticed she wasn't the only one who managed to somehow get food in their hair. She moved a bit closer, gently pulling the rice from his hair. She held her hand out in the small space between the two. Khari felt his warmth on her face but she only looked at the rice in her hand. She felt his hand under her chin, making her look at him. Shen Tao leaned closer to Khari, making her drop the rice. Khari soon felt Shen Tao's lips touch hers but she had a brief flash of Iroh before she saw Shen Tao again. She took a step closer to him, closing the space between them. She started to run her hands through Shen Tao's hair. He picked her up and took her towards his bedroom. After they entered his room, he started to take her dress off. By the time they had reached the bed Khari was out of her dress. Shen Tao started to take his shirt off as Khari tossed her bra on the floor. Shen Tao began to kiss Khari again, slowly moving along her jawline. Khari soon felt Shen Tao tugging on her underwear. After he had tossed them aside, he started to kiss Khari's neck.

"Iroh," Khari gasped.

"What did you call me?" She Tao asked pushing himself away from her.

"N-nothing. I didn't say anything," Khari managed to say as she sat up and pulled the blankets up.

"You called me Iroh. Is that who you think about when you are with me?"

"N-no. I think about you. I... I don't know what you are talking about."

"Are you sure about that? I heard you say his name clear as day. You know what, just leave!"

Khari stared at Shen Tao for a few minutes before he yelled at her again. She grabbed her dress and quickly slipped it on as she left his room. She started to sprint back to the Beifong Estate when she had left a few things behind but she didn't want to go back. She ran right past her Aunt Suyin and Uncle Baatar without a word. They looked at each other before they looked in Khari's direction. Khari slammed her bedroom door shut before she started to look for new underwear. When she found some, she took the dress off, throwing it in the corner of her room. She quickly got into some pajamas and made her way for Kuvira's room. She opened the door to see that Kuvira was still awake. She plopped on the bed and groaned, staring at the ceiling. Kuvira raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms and stared at Khari.

"I'm an idiot. Ugh, why am I such an idiot?" Khari groaned.

"It must be a Beifong thing," Kuvira responded.

Khari turned her head and glared at Kuvira. Kuvira laughed a bit but stopped when she realized Khari was serious. Khari started to tell Kuvira what happened with her date. When she was done Kuvira sat there in silence, thinking of how to respond. She covered her mouth as she thought about the whole situation. Khari pulled Kuvira's pillow over her face and screamed. Kuvira lifted the pillow a bit, making Khari push her back.

"They are so going to kill you. Especially when Shen Tao tries to bring that stuff back."

Shen Tao started to throw things around his home in anger. He didn't understand how he could think a Beifong could ever fall for someone like him. He was just a guard for the Beifong family in Zaofu. In his frustration he soon noticed Khari left he underwear and bra behind. He sighed as he picked the two items up and grabbed some presentable clothes in case, he ran into the Beifong family. He shoved the two items into his pocket and made his way for the Beifong Estate. He started to mumble to himself as he reached the estate, hoping he wouldn't run into anyone. He stopped when he saw Suyin and Baatar standing in the hall talking to each other. He tried to walk past the two but Suyin cleared her throat. Shen Tao stopped where he was and turned to face the two. Suyin took a step away from Baatar, making Shen Tao nervous.

"Umm Khari forgot some ugh stuff at my place and I wanted to return it," he mumbled.

"I see, well I think maybe it would be for the best if we gave it to her. She didn't seem too happy when she came back, so she might not want to see you right now. I will take whatever you have," Suyin responded.

"No, it's okay I think it is really for the best if I give it to her."

Suyin stuck her hand out as she took a few steps closer to Shen Tao. Shen Tao stared at Suyin before he looked down at her hand. He thought about leaving and giving Khari her stuff at a later time but he felt eyes on him. He nervously reached in his pocket, slowly grabbing her stuff. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he pulled Khari's underwear and bra out. He slowly placed them in Suyin's hand but refused to look at her. He could feel the two staring at him but he couldn't look at them. He started to walk away but Suyin grabbed him. He could see the worried look on her face but all he could do was shake his head and tell her not to worry. Suyin simply looked at the items that she was handed then at Shen Tao again. She turned towards Khari's room before she looked back down at her hand.

Khari continued to vent to Kuvira. Making the young girl sigh. Kuvira knew eventually someone would eventually know. That is how this family works. They know everything, even when you don't want them to know. Khari stopped talking when someone knocked to make sure that no one heard what was said. When the door finally opened, she saw her Aunt Suyin standing there for a moment before she pointed at her and gestured for her to follow her. Khari and Kuvira both looked at each other before they turned their attention back to Suyin. She once again gestured for Khari to follow her which made her slowly get up. When Khari and Suyin were finally out of the room Suyin pointed towards Khari's room, making her drop her head a bit. Khari glanced back at Suyin before the two entered her room. Khari turned around, only to have her bra and underwear thrown at her. The tears started to run down Khari's cheek as she stared at her hands. She didn't know what to say that could possibly make this situation look better. She didn't even think giving her any type of look would help her case. She sat down on the bed, still refusing to look at her Aunt Suyin.

"I am so sorry. Nothing happened and I know with what is in my hands it may seem hard to believe but I promise nothing happened. The only thing that happened was I was naked and he was shirtless. It happened so fast and I know that isn't an excuse but I am so sorry. Please forgive me," Khari cried.

Suyin sighed and smiled a bit. Khari finally looked up to see the small smile on Suyin's face. Khari hugged her, smiling a bit. She soon started to think about what happened at Shen Tao's house. She knew he probably didn't want to see her right now. She knew that she did call him Iroh but she didn't know why. She sat on her bed again as she thought about Iroh. She hoped he got her letter. She felt her Aunt Suyin staring at her which made her glance up. The two gave each other a small smile before Suyin left the room. Khari laid on her back, tossing and turning for hours before she sat up again. She grabbed her pillow and a blanket and make her way for Kuvira's room. When she entered the room, she saw Kuvira fast asleep. Khari started to play with her necklace for a minute before she made her way down the hall. When she opened her aunt and uncle's door, she saw that they already had visitors. Khari pulled her pillow close as she felt a tear run down her cheek. She started to walk down the hallway, opening the door to her Grandma Toph's room. She slowly and quietly walked into room, hoping not to disturb her. When she finally got to the bed she climbed in, placing her pillow down. When she laid down, she started to silently cry into her pillow, only to stop when she felt Toph run her hand through her hair. Khari turned around, hugging her Toph as she thought about everything. It didn't Khari long to fall asleep. The next morning when Khari opened up her eyes, she started to slowly look around the room. She wiped her eyes as she started to stand up. She looked back at Toph who was still asleep and made her way out of the room and down the hall, leaving the Beifong Estate. Khari started to make her way for Sken Tao's house but was worried how he would react. She knocked on the door, staring at the ground while she waited. She looked up when she saw Shen Tao standing there. She could tell like herself he had also had a horrible night. She gave him a small smile but she knew it wouldn't change what happened last night.

"Can I come in or could we at least talk about last night?" Khari asked.

"How about we just talk right here," Shen Tao replied.

"Shen Tao, I am sorry about last night. You're right I did call you Iroh but it wasn't because I was thinking of him. Not like that anyway. Here you get the chances to make so many friends but I lived on an island for ten years. My only friends were the royal siblings. Then I stayed at the palace and traveled the world. My point is I don't have many friends and I miss the ones I do have. I sent Iroh a letter right before our date. I really did have fun last night with you. I hope you can forgive me," she said.

"Spirits, I hope you aren't gonna be like this all the time," he laughed.

"Friends?" she asked sticking her hand out.

"Friends, unless we decide we mutually decide to change it and not in a heat of the moment thing," he responded, shaking her hand.

The two started to laugh as Shen Tao told Khari about his experience with Suyin. Khari told him about her conversation with Kuvira. Shen Tao raised his eyebrow for a second. Khari hit him before she invited him to join her for a morning walk. The soon walked to the outskirts of the city. Khari smiled as she looked at the scenery. She smiled as she thought about her travels and how it has changed her. She knew right now this is where she wanted to be. She knew that Iroh would understand if she made him wait a bit longer.

(Author's Note: Sorry for the extremely long wait. So, Khari started to branch out to everyone again. She finally reached out to Korra. Her relationship with Kuvira has gotten better. Still not handling things to well. As you can tell she is not the best with relationships. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Reviews are welcome and appreciated.)