"How is that possible?" Bolin asked, now facing me from where he sat on the floor, his face full of disbelief.

My mother stepped forward. "Your mother gave Shai up for adoption for a reason." She took a deep breath, about to continue, when Mako interrupted.

"We're leaving," He said, reaching for Bolin.

My heart stopped. "No, please," I begged. "Please don't go."

Mako said, "It's been a long night already. We have practice in the morning."

"Will you come back?" My face must have looked as desperate as I felt.

Bolin's face softened. "Of course we will."

I gripped the hem of my shirt, nodding and walking the two boys out. I watched them walk down the street to the train, hoping this wouldn't be the last time I see them. Bolin promised they'd come again, but my stomach was still tied in knots.

Suddenly, I wished I had something I had faith in. Oh has his lucky coin, and I have nothing. Only myself.

Several days passed without seeing Bolin, Korra, or Mako. I was either downstairs practicing my boxing and mix martial arts training, or with Oh in the tree between our houses. He wanted to give me the silent treatment for not letting him get Mako and Bolin's autograph, but gave up when I offered to buy him something at the bakery.

"I'm thinking about getting someone to teach me water bending," I told him.

He gazed at me. "You're a water bender?" I stared at him for a minute, letting his memory come back. "Oh yeah!," he said finally. "Sounds cool. Who are you gonna get to teach you?"

I shrugged. "I'm thinking about asking Korra if she'll teach me a couple things."

He shifted his weight, his elbows leaning on the branch behind him, and his feet resting on the branch I sat on. "To learn from the Avatar. Do you know how lucky you'd be?"

"Yeah." I nodded. Korra has mastered three of the four elements so far. "I just hope she has time."

"That reminds me!" He said, continuing on about how his dad is taking time off soon for another trip to the Earth Kingdom. We talked for a couple more hours until his mother began calling for him.

I climbed down the tree and headed down the streets.

"Thanks," I said, as I got of the boat that took me to Air Temple Island. I walked down a stone walk way, glancing around for any sign of Korra. A young girl looked up from where she sat on a bench reading.

"Can I help you?" She asked, suspiciously.

"I'm looking for Avatar Korra," I mumbled. There were so many trees and the place had a older feel to it. Much different then Republic City, or even the Earth Kingdom.

The girl walked towards me. "I'm Jinora."

I looked at the orange and yellow clothing she wore. "You're an air bender, aren't you?"

She smiled. "Yeah, come on. I'll show you where Korra is."

We walked down the stone path until we stopped at the edge of a building. Jinora pointed towards the entrance of the building, turned, and walked away as she opened her book and began reading. I looked where she pointed and saw Korra sitting on the steps rubbing Naga's stomach, and Bolin stood next to her.

As I got closer I heard Bolin saying, "Good, that sounds better. I like that better."

"Like what better?" I asked, smiling.

"Oh hey, Shai," Korra said. Beside her was a cupcake, a flower, and a large basket full of stuff.

I nudged Bolin. "Hey, Bo."

He put his arm around me, grinning. "I like not being the youngest in the family."

Korra started giggling. "Bo?"

I shrugged. "I was trying it out."

"I like it!" Bolin said. "Like instead of calling me bro, it's Bo!"

Korra and I looked at each other. "Yeah, sure."

"Whatever you say," Korra agreed.

For a moment we were all laughing, reminding me of the day we had lunch together. I turned to Korra. "Actually, Korra, I came here to ask for a favor." She raised a brow, waiting for me to continue. "Well, I was wondering if you would teach me a couple water bending tricks?" I asked, my eyes on my feet.

She sat up. "Wait, you're a water bender?"

I nodded.

"How is that possible?" She asked.

Bolin said, "We don't know yet. Mako and I haven't been back to hear the rest of the story. Sorry about that."

I waved off his apology, hoping to get off the topic. "Anyway, will you teach me."

Korra frowned. "I don't know, I'm pretty busy right now with training with Tenzin and training for the championship."

"I don't think there will be a championship," Bolin said. When I mentioned the money I had, he said it still wouldn't be enough.

"I'm sorry guys," I said, my arms hugging myself. "I really am. If only I could help."

Bolin smiled. "Thanks. I'm going home. Stop by later, Shai?"

I agreed, and Korra and I watched him leave. I scooted over the giant basket that was heavier then it looked and say down next to Korra. "So, no for the bending?" I asked.

"Yeah. I wish I could, Shai." Korra sat with her elbows resting on her knees. Something in her eyes seemed off. I couldn't tell what it was.

"That other night with Amon was scary," I said.

Korra looked away. "I guess." She stood up, turning to me. "I have to go practice air bending. Can you find your way out?"

I nodded. Korra left, and I sat at the temple's steps for a couple minutes. I couldn't help feel discouraged. I had so much hope to find someone to teach me water bending. Then I remember I had plans to meet up with Bolin later. That made me smile. Any amount of time with them was precious. Who knows how long I'll have them in my life?

I was walking up to my front door when I noticed boxes being moved into a home only two houses over. I walked over to the woman telling the men where to put the boxes. "Excuse me," I said. "What happened to the Lees?"

The woman wore a dark blue dress with white fur on the edge of the collar, sleeves, and bottom. "They moved a month ago. My name is Raya. My family and I just moved here."

I placed my hands together and bowed. "Welcome to the neighborhood. My name is Shai, I live right there." I pointed to my house. "Are you new to Republic City?"

She nodded. "We moved here from the Northern Water Tribe."

"Really?" I couldn't help but keep from grinning. "Are any of you guys water benders?"

"Yes, my husband and my son are. I am a healer."

I couldn't help myself but ask, "Can any of you teach me water bending?" I was practically begging these strangers to teach me.

Raya turned and called, "Moki!"

A boy about Bolin's age came over. His brown hair was pulled back and he wore a necklace with a whale tooth on it. He wore tribal clothes like his mother. "Yes?"

"Do you think you can teach Shai over here some water bending? She is our new neighbor of course."

Moki looked at me, sizing me up. He was tall, and very muscular. His blue eyes in the sun light almost looked clear. He shrugged. "Sure."

I jumped in excitement. "Yes! Thank you! You don't know how much this means to me! If you need anything let me know! I'm your gal!" I stopped when I realized I was rambling, my cheeks turning red. "Uh, I mean, thank you." I bowed. "If I can assist you with anything you need around town, let me know."

Raya, who was smiling, said. "Not a problem, dear."

I turned to head home, my skin tingling with excitement.