AN: Hey everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the story. Just giving you a heads up that this ch is probably the most of this series. It is very very very GRAPHIC, compared to what you have read before. Anyways, as always thank BG-13 and don't forget to check out Into the Grey and We're Friend's now, Aren't we? ENJOY!

"The ego is a fascinating monster."- Alanis Morissette

Iroh's POV

For some days now Asami had been coming home late. At first I hadn't really thought much of it but when the BAU didn't really have any cases to work on I'll admit it I was a bit puzzled by her late work hours. She'd simply tells she was working on something and would be going to the gym before going home. My wife and I used to take all the opportunities we could to be together but now it almost seemed like she didn't want to. Even today when Senna told us she'd taken Henry to the pediatrician for a slight fever she hadn't left the job. I called her as soon as I picked him up and she assured me she'd be home before midnight but our son refused to go to sleep unless his mom read to him. Asami said she couldn't leave her work but would read to him over the phone like she did when we had away cases. I sighed at that but relented, putting her on speaker.

"Hey buddy," I told him. "Guess who's on the phone."

"Mommy!" Our son cried out.

Asami chuckled over the phone. "Hi! Hi, little man. How... How are you?" she asked. "I heard you went to the doctor."

"Are you coming home, Mommy?" Henry asked. I knew he missed his mother. Hell, I did.

"Not yet, buddy. Um, later today. I promise. So, are you ready for story time?"

"Yeah!"

I laughed at his enthusiasm and tickled him in before sitting next to him with the book. "Daddy, are you ready?" my wife asked before she began. "Bedtime For Baby Star. Once there was a baby star. He lived up near the sun. And every night at bedtime, that baby star wanted to have some fun. He would shine and shine and fall and shoot and twinkle, oh, so bright."

Henry's eyes drooped almost immediately and I smiled as I heard the story. Asami had dug the book out of a box of stuff she had put away when we thought Korra was gone. Since our son was born she read it to him and he wouldn't go to sleep unless one of us read him the bedtime story.

"And he said, 'Mommy, I'll run away if you make me say good night.' And then his mommy kissed him on his sparkly nose and said, 'No matter where you go, no matter where you are, no matter how big you grow, and even if you stray far, I'll love you forever, 'cause you'll always be my baby star.'"

"Good night, Mommy," Henry mumbled sleepily.

"Good night," Asami whispered. I covered him up, turning on his night light before sneaking out of the room. "I'm sorry I'm not there. I'm just...I'm helping someone put a case together. It's probono."

I sighed as well. "Just...try to be here soon," I answered. "I want to be with you. Hell, Korra is a workaholic and she leaves early with Hotch."

"I know. I'll be there before midnight," she assured. "Love you."

"Love you more," I replied before hanging up. I huffed.

She wasn't going to be here before midnight.

Asami's POV

I had been thirteen, it was fall, and class had just ended. For some time I had observed the small brunette. She was quiet in class, but we all new she was bright. After all, how many nine year olds did you know that were in seventh grade? Of course being that smart came with unwanted attention. The bad kind of unwanted attention. Teachers would often reprimand us for our low test scores, pointing out how Korra did much better being as young as she was. I knew the kids bullied her, but it wasn't until one day after school that I realized how bad it was.

I had been on my way home when I heard kids yelling. At first I thought about leaving it alone but curiosity got the best of me and I saw none other than our class bully pushing the kid around. The girl didn't say or do anything to stop him, simply standing back up and trying to pick up her things before he knocked her down again. I had seen enough.

"Hey! Pick on someone your own size!" I yelled.

"Stay out of it, Sato!"

My jaw clenched and I took out one of the devices I had been working on earlier in the day in workshop, pointing it at him. "Back off, or you'll regret it."

A flicker of fear showed in his eyes before he scoffed. "It's just a toy."

I raised a brow. "You want to find out?"

His jaw clenched but he and his band of bullies picked up their stuff. "Next time stay out of it, freak."

"Ass-wipe," I shot back.

Once I made sure they'd left I looked over at the kid, watching as she inspected her knee. I got closer and she stiffened but I paid it no mind as I checked the injury. After a moment I pulled out a band-aid and placed it over the cut before standing and offering her my hand. The younger girl blinked at me, studying me and looking at my outstretched hand like she was unsure of its purpose. After a moment I shrugged and turned to leave.

"...thank you..."

It was quiet and small and made me pause before I turned back around to see her fidgeting and looking at the ground.

"Anytime." Just because she was younger than us didn't give anyone the right to pick on her.

The next day I was at lunch, sitting at my usual table by myself when someone sat down across from me. I glanced up to see the girl I had helped yesterday. She simply sat down and started to nibble at the food she brought from home, taking small bites of her sandwich.

I watched her for a moment, waiting to see of she'd say anything but she didn't. And I didn't necessarily mind. So I went back to the salad I brought. Even if she didn't talk, I could always use the company. For weeks this became our routine and as final exams approached I found myself staying for the after school programs to get help. The nine year old still tagged along and I could see her curiously watching me whenever I worked on my own personal projects. I'd never liked history so I was having a hard time studying for it and she must have noticed because she brought me a stack of index cards.

"The easiest way to learn history is through flash cards," she explained.

"What do you like to do for fun?" I asked randomly.

The younger girl blinked, her brow furrowing. "I...basketball...I like playing basketball," the blue eyed girl answered before continuing. "You write the historical fact on one side and the year it occurred on the other."

"Just so were clear, your name is Korra, right?" A nod. "I'm Asami. But I'm sure you already knew that."

Korra didn't say anything for a moment. "Do you really need help, or are you just trying to distract yourself?"

"I'm trying to get to know you. You aren't much of a talker."

"...there's nothing worth knowing about me."

"I don't believe that," I countered. She didn't say anything and I sighed. "Tell you what, you help me pass this test and I'll buy us some food and we can hang out at my place during the break. I get lonely. You think your parents would mind?"

Korra lowered her gaze before looking up at me. "Hang out?" she asked.

I nodded. "You know, like friends."

It was the first time I'd seen a real smile from her, a true, sincere smile. Needless to say she helped me study and by some miracle I managed to pass. I kept my word and invited her over, taking her to this pizza place around the corner from my house, a place she grew to love and what became her favorite food place. It was the start of something neither of us would trade for the world. And at the time, we hadn't a clue.

The hunter had become the hunted as I watched Unalaq. For weeks I had watched him case Korra's place, the cameras I had hidden around the perimeter invisible to the naked eye. I knew he'd come. He wouldn't just let Korra live her life. A monster like him would never let go of Korra, someone who feared him and someone he had once had in his grasp. And tonight I had made my move, and I'd make sure he never put his hands on Korra or anyone else again. It was time I kept my promise, the promise I had made all those years ago.

I would bury him six feet under.

After capturing him I led him to a car I'd stolen for the occasion. Being the daughter of a criminal had its advantages. I had learned a few tricks from his men, big goons that had no qualms about breaking a few laws. I opened the trunk and gestured for him to get inside. He chuckled, shaking his head as if he actually thought I was joking. I sighed before smacking his head with the butt of the gun, half of his body landing inside as I shoved the rest in. Once that was done and walked over to the driver's seat and drove to the abandoned warehouse that was scheduled for demolition in two weeks time. More than enough time for what I had in mind.

I led him inside, pushing him until we reached the furthest room from the entrance. which I'd furnished for the animal's stay. I uncuffed one of his hands, hitting him in the gut to make sure he wouldn't run before strapping him down to the only chair, making sure he wouldn't be able to move. The chair was made out of steel, nailed to the ground so he wouldn't try toppling over. After I finished I stepped back, still holding the gun as I studied my prey. Where to begin?

"I don't know what it is that you think you're going to do," Unalaq began. "But I can assure you, I am not afraid."

"Is that so?"

He smirked at me and nodded. "You are on the side of the angels, Miss Sato. You don't have it in you to kill."

I smiled stalking over to him, the barrel of my gun careening into his face. He cursed, throwing many unpleasant words in my direction and licking his split lip. I grabbed his chin, making him look at me.

"I may be on the side of the angels," I began. "But don't think for a second, I'm one of them."

I released him and he laughed, shaking his head.

"So Daddy's little girl finally came out to play."

"Unfortunately that means game over for you," I replied before going over to a cart where I'd placed different tools. I picked up a syringe and walked over to him, watching him struggle against his restraints. "I thought about drugging you, numbing the pain a little." I tossed it aside, leaning in close. "But then I asked myself why I should show you such kindness. I want you to feel everything I do to you, and I want you to beg for death when I'm done." I stepped back. "The next eleven days are going to be fun. For me, at least."

"Eleven?"

I didn't answer, hooking him up to a few electrical cords and pulling the cart closer so he could see what was on it. I saw the panic in his eyes but he forced a smile once again, trying to make it seem as if he wasn't afraid. I smiled back, the very feel of it more like a sneer.

"Now then, shall we begin?"

Mako's POV

I had taken Korra to get her stitches checked earlier in the day before going to the park with Jack. The doctor said they were healing nicely but that she should still be careful and to not overdo herself. I could tell this annoyed her because she knew I'd follow instructions and she hated to be babied. We took Naga on our family outing and for a while the white dog was enough to keep my son entertained as my girlfriend and I spent some time by ourselves. After a while she looked up at me and gave me a kiss before getting up and trying to snatch the ball away from Jack. I chuckled and joined him as we went against Korra, trying to score a goal on her.

After the park we decided to go home and she decided to make us some sandwiches, because we all knew my girlfriend couldn't actually cook to save her life. Korra asked Jack to put the mayo on the bread while I cut the veggies and she prepared the actual sandwich. We watched a movie as we ate and soon my son called it a night. I was on the bed watching as Korra undressed and I saw her catch my gaze in the long mirror.

"Like what you see?" she teased.

I laughed and stood, wrapping my arms around her and placing my chin on her non-injured shoulder.

"You have no idea," I answered. My girlfriend laughed and I kissed her neck, causing her to sigh. "Jack asked me the most curious thing today while you were in the bathroom."

"Really? What was it?"

"He asked when he was going to have a little brother or sister to play with."

Her change in demeanor was instant and she pulled away from me, pulling a shirt over her head. I turned and looked at her as she took off her pants and put on her boxers, sitting on the bed. I went over and sat next to her causing her to sigh.

"I don't want to talk about that."

I frowned. "Why not?" I asked. "We're in love, we live together. We can expand our family."

She stood and crossed her arms over her chest, turning away from me. I sighed and stood up again, making her face me.

"You don't want to have a baby with me?"

Korra sighed and shook her head before looking up at me. "It's not that I don't want to have a baby with you it's just..." She let out another sigh. "Unalaq. He's never going to leave me alone. If I have a baby...I give him a new target. And I refuse to do that."

"I thought you said he didn't matter anymore."

"He doesn't," she agreed. "But Mako...a baby is a huge responsibility that I don't think I'm ready."

"We'll we've been sort of working towards that..."

"I've been on birth control since I was twelve." Korra lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry that a baby is something I may never be able to give you. It isn't because I don't love you enough. I love you too much to see you in pain if something happened to them. I'm sorry."

I took a deep breath before nodding my head. She hugged me tightly and I did the same, kissing the top of her head, letting her know I wasn't mad at her. How could I be? Having a baby wasn't just my decision it was hers too. I took her hand and led her to her, wrapping an arm around her as she nuzzled her head against my shoulder. I wanted to have a baby, but for now I would let it go. It had been a hard road just getting here, and maybe in time, she'd change her mind. I could wait.

Asami's POV

The friendship between Korra and I grew as the months passed. She was still somewhat quiet but talked a lot more than she had in the beginning. The nine year old had come over to my house several times and she had even mentioned her current living arrangements with her uncle, though not in detail. As we spent more time together I started to notice how she always had bruises. The majority of the time she wore a sweater but during summer it would get so hot she'd push up her sleeves. I never asked her how she got them, I mean it was no secret kids from my class still pushed her around, and her cousins never did anything about it so I figured maybe they did too.

Something else that I noticed about Korra is that she never missed school. Ever. She'd come even if she was burning up with a fever, trying her best to stay awake in class until she was sent off to the nurse's office. So when she didn't show up two days in a row, I was a little worried. Spring break was next week and her uncle, Unalaq, had allowed her to stay with me while he went to take care of some business in the Northern Tribe. I didn't really have any way to contact her but when school was let out on Friday, I found her sitting on her suitcase outside the school.

My brow furrowed as I approached her and she lowered her gaze when she saw me looking at her bandaged arm hanging in a sling. I opened my mouth to ask her what happened but figured it would be better if we did that at home. She stood up and I grabbed her suitcase and we walked to my house. It was quiet the entire way and I couldn't help but notice how tired she was, as if she hadn't slept at all. Finally we arrived and I led her inside before calling our pizza place to get food delivered.

"Are you going to tell me what happened to your arm?" I finally asked. She gave me a halfhearted shrug and I raised a brow. "You don't know? How could you not know how you broke your arm?"

The nine year old lowered her gaze. "I fell off my bike," she finally answered.

I nodded my head, accepting the answer but knowing it was far from the truth. The rest of the day dragged by slowly but sometime later that afternoon I realized that when people had a cast, their friends would write on it. I got out my markers and drew all kinds of figures, writing 'get better soon' among other things. Korra simply watched, smiling at me as I worked. Night time came and since she started coming over I'd used a mattress from the spare room for her to sleep on but seeing that she had a broken arm...the floor didn't seem too comfortable so I asked her to take my bed.

It was a little past ten when I heard her sigh and I sat up to see what was wrong. "I can't sleep," she admitted.

"With that brain, who could?" I lightly teased. She laughed and I sat on the bed with her. "You know when I can't sleep I usually work on my electronic stuff but I don't think you'd like that, so...how about reading a book?"

"My mom used to read to me," Korra commented and I saw a look of longing in her eyes. She missed her mom, wherever she was.

I opened the drawer next to the bed, pulling out a couple of books I had there from when I was little. The brunette looked tat them, before one caught her attention and she opened it up. I smiled and put the other away, asking her to get comfortable as I leaned back against the headboard.

"Bed time for Baby Star," I began as I read the book.

Korra's eyes drooped immediately and by the time I was finished she was sound asleep. I smiled and covered her up, making sure she was comfortable before quietly getting off the bed and onto the spot on the floor, turning off the lamp.

I'd held Unalaq captive for six days. Six days during which I'd made him wish he hadn't been born, that he had never touched my best friend, that he hadn't tortured the both of us. I untied his hand, giving him bread and water to eat and drink. Couldn't have him die before I was finished with him, could I? Then the fun would be over. Once he was done I took the tray away and asked him to stand. When he refused I took out my tazer and jammed into his side causing his body to jerk and tense. After a moment I pulled it away and once again asked him to stand . He didn't argue.

Once he stood I shackled his wrists, throwing the chain connected to them over the wooden support beam above and wrapping it around the metal chair, locking it so it wouldn't move. I took out a knife, encircling him and he had the gull to grin at me, that same condescending gleam in his otherwise pained eyes. Even after all the fun I'd had he wouldn't get rid of the damn smirk. I unbuttoned his shirt, exposing the shredded skin underneath, some already having scabbed over. This is what he would do to her every night, and this is what I would do to him.

"You know, you'll have to grow tired of this little game eventually," he said. "You think that by replicating what I did I'm going to kneel and beg for mercy." The animal chuckled. "I hate to disappoint you."

"You're going to do more than beg when I'm through with you," I answered as the blade dug into his skin, drawing blood. His jaw clenched, a hiss escaping between his teeth. "You're going to plead for me to end your life."

A scoff, forced, but this bravado of his was starting to piss me off. "I wouldn't hold my breath." He paused as I sliced his skin once more, blood trailing down his chest. "You know, you got lucky the night you caught me," Unalaq began. "That's the only reason I'm here."

"I knew you were planning something. I'd been watching you stalk Korra."

"I was going to remind her who she belonged to," he continued. "I knew she wouldn't be able to stand herself after I defiled her again. I was going to go in there, lock the little bitch in a room with me, and enjoy every minute of her writhing underneath me as I pushed into her wet heat. Maybe she would be just as tight as the first time. She felt so good then. And I'd have her say my name. I would've had her begging for me to take her harder, faster and longer until she couldn't feel anything else but me, taking her over and over and over again."

My whole body was shaking in barely restrained rage, and I pressed the blade deeper into his skin, feeling as it knicked a bone. His face contorted in pain but he still managed to seem somewhat in control. He leaned in close, his face now inches from mine.

"Go ahead, do it. You want me to tell you about the time you took her to your apartment?" Unalaq questioned. "About what I did to her the night before?" I didn't answer and he continued. "She had been a little more aggressive that night, my little spitfire. But she settled down once I reminded her who was in charge, and I pinned her to the bed."

This sick bastard.

"I pinned her arms above her, I was rough that night. She screamed and yelled, always cried. There wasn't one time she didn't cry because she was weak." He leaned closer to my ear, his breath brushing against the shell of flesh. "I made her beg for me to be rougher and she did, oh she did." His voice was husky, and I could tell the memory was exciting him. She enjoyed every minute of it. You saw her hips, didn't you?Those bruises were my claim on her skin, on her body."

I'd heard enough. I pulled the blade out, holding the blade against the column of his throat, watching blood trickle from the new wound.

"Don't you like hearing my stories?" he inquired, his tone mockingly shocked at my appalled countenance. "If you're going to do everything I did to my niece perhaps we can have a little fun ourselves? I never did get to see what you hide underneath all those clothes."

I pulled away, trying to reign in my anger before tossing the knife on the cart and grabbing steel rod I had planned on using later on the week. It was long, with a spear like tip at the end, serrated like a knife. I held it up to his face before my hands went to his pants, unbuckling his belt and pushing them down. He seemed to like where this was going before I walked behind him and traced the tip of the rod down his spine.

"What are you doing?" I didn't answer and he asked again, a slightly tremble in his voice. "What are you doing?" His voice had a slight twinge of hysteria to it as I put the tip at the entrance to his ass.

"You've been Korra's waking nightmare for years. Now it's my turn to be yours," I answered before shoving upwards.

Howl's POV

Since I was welcomed into the team, we hadn't really had any cases but tons of paperwork to do. I often found myself staring at my former partner till she would leave her office or her boyfriend walked in, closing the blinds. I still couldn't understand how she was with him, but even I couldn't deny that he looked happy with Hotchner. For the past couple of days I had been trying to talk to her and ask her how she was doing. Her arm was still bandaged but she seemed to have no problem moving it...until she'd get tired and run her side, which was probably full of stitches.

I saw our supervisor go inside her office, jacket on and briefcase in hand, ready to go. Korra stood and he kissed her, causing me to look away. When we had even together she hasn't wanted anyone to know and would often get upset if I kissed her during work hours. Guess because he was her boss she didn't mind. I watched them leave but moments later she came back. Alone. I took the opportunity and went in after her into her office.

"Howl, what are you doing here?" she asked, clearly unhappy to see me.

"Just wanted to ask you how you were doing," I answered. "Your watchdog won't back off."

"Don't call him that."

I sighed, shaking my head. "Korra, I'm still in love with you. Why don't you give me a second chance? We can work things out, go back home-"

"You really don't get it?" she asked. "I'm not interested in anyone but Mako. I don't have feelings for you anymore."

"Prove it."

Korra opened her mouth to speak but my lips crashed on top of hers and I gave her a kiss. She pulled back and slapped me right across the face. I blinked and she huffed irritably before leaving. Well that had gone better than I expected. I started to make my way back to my office when I felt someone tap my shoulder and I sighed. Guess Hotch and I were finally gonna have that talk. However, when I turned I found the Sato tech instead, arms crossed over her chest.

"She doesn't love you," Asami told me, point blank, no small talk. "Right now I don't think she even likes you."

"Mind you own business, Agent Sato," I replied.

"Korra is my business." The raven haired woman took a step closer, and I almost felt small compared to the tall woman as she leaned close so only I could hear. "She is the happiest I've seen her in years. With that being said, you do anything to upset her, anything to make her unhappy, and I will make you regret it."

"Is that a threat?" I asked.

"It's a promise. And I never break my promises."

Asami's POV

Two nights after Korra jumped off the pier she came back, but the sight that greeted me was something I'd never wanted to see, and nothing I ever, ever wanted to see again. It was two in the morning when I heard a knock on the door. I groggily sat up, checking my phone for any missed calls or messages to find none. She'd gone home after Unalaq had left that night, fearing what her uncle may do if she didn't. I hadn't wanted her to go, but she'd assured me she'd keep in touch which she had. I put on a sweater and opened the door, my eyes widening at the horrific sight. The sixteen year old's face was bruised, her right eye almost completely swollen shut and she had a busted lip. Her arm was wrapped around her torso as she leaned against the door frame. Upon seeing me she wheezed a sob and I ushered her inside.

"Unalaq, he-he..."

I shook my head, bringing her close to me, trying to soothe her before I noticed the blood all over her shirt. Gently I lifted it up to reveal cuts and lacerations and my jaw clenched. That bastard. Korra whimpered and it took me a moment to realize she was holding a bloody knife in her left hand. Carefully I took it away and her wheezing grew harsher.

"I-I...I stabbed him...I...he...he was hurting me and I...I stabbed him..."

"Did you...?"

She shook her head. "Arm. I stabbed his arm."

The teen swayed back and forth, shaking, trying to control her wheezing. I'd had enough. She'd had enough. I got up, wrapping a blanket around her before I grabbed bag and started to fill it with spare clothes, and then started to prepare my own bag. Once that was done I went to my safe and took out some money before leading her through the back door where I had a car parked. I knew Unalaq. I knew this would be the first place he'd look and I needed to get her out of here.

Thirty minutes later we were at a hotel and I put her hoodie on before leading her inside, giving the man at the desk a large tip to keep our stay off the radar. I grabbed our door keys and found our room, asking if she wanted to shower. She nodded her head and, gently, carefully I helped take her clothes off, leaving her in her undergarments as I turned on the shower and let the water heat up. The teen stepped in and under the spray. I stayed in the bedroom, getting the bandages ready for when she came out.

For the next few days we stayed there as I made the necessary phone calls to get her out of the city. Just over a year ago I had fully understood my father's involvement with the criminal underworld and that had its perks. I emailed my contact person a recent picture of Korra to make a fake I.D. and passport while I looked for boats that were leaving the city. I knew Unalaq would be watching the airport.

Korra was curled into my side as I worked. She wasn't sleeping, she wasn't doing anything at all. Occasionally I'd run my hand through her hair, let her know that I was still there, and her body would relax. I had to beg her to eat but her wounds were already healing, the bruises fading. Luck seemed to be on her side and there would be a boat leaving the next day to the South Pole.

"Do you have any family there?" I asked, knowing that's where she had been born.

"Katara," she answered quietly before looking up at me. "She's a friend of my mom's." A pause. "I want to see my mom."

I sighed and sadly shook my head. "He would be waiting for you," I explained. "You're a minor and he's, unfortunately your immediate family. Unless you tell them-"

"I want to see my mom," Korra choked out, her eyes pleading for me to understand. "Please."

I laid down next to her, holding her close to me as she sobbed. It broke my heart not to be able to give her what she wanted. But if he got his hands on her... He'd abuse her, break her, and I wouldn't stand for that. Even now, moving was a difficult task for her, the pain he'd caused her still present, her torso bruised and so were her wrists...then there was the broken rib. He'd kill her, I knew he would. Slowly she drifted off and the next morning I got up early to meet my contact and buy the boat tickets. Everything was done in cash, under the table, no way to trace anything. I was going to get her out of here.

I went back to the hotel, waking her and helping her change out of her sweats and into some jeans and a hoodie, giving her a pair of shades to hide her bruised eye. I smiled at her before hugging her tightly and she fiercely returned the embrace. Moments later we were driving towards her ticket to freedom.

"'Sami?" she called quietly.

"Hmm?" I hummed as I parked.

"Promise me you'll never leave me," Korra began her voice wavering and I could see the tears trailing down her cheek from under the glasses. "Promise me you'll always be here."

"Of course." Always.

I hugged her tightly again before giving her her backpack and an envelope full of money. She tried refusing but I wouldn't have it. If this Katara person wouldn't take her in she had to have a backup. I gave her the fake passport, I.D., and her ticket before watching her leave. The person at the door took the passport, looking at her curiously before letting her inside. She turned back and I waved at her. And then she was sailing away.

By the eleventh day, Unalaq was no more than a limp little rag doll, still responsive to the torture but so cut up and drained that he no longer fought back. This was for Korra, so she'd never have to be afraid again, so I'd never have to see that look of such intense fear on her face ever again. This is what you did for family, this was how you protected the people you cared about.

I stood before him, studying him as I wait for the pain from his latest injury to fade before I continued where I left off. I didn't know how anyone could be afraid of this thing. He was a coward, a vicious animal that liked taking advantage of others. Korra was more afraid of him that she would admit. The mere mention of his name caused her to panic.

After he had entered Mako's home the night Bolin got into trouble I saw that fresh fear in her eyes. She had at first refused Mako's attempts at comfort, remembering only how this animal had groped her, but he was patient and after spending a night at her parent's home she had managed to calm down. But I could see she was more aware of her surroundings, always checking if he was around. I couldn't let him take away the happiness she had for herself now. I looked back at the subject of my thoughts, observing.

He was covered in blood, sweat and other bodily fluids, panting and huffing to try and catch his breath. My finger hovered over the switch on the wall, the one that would send a current through the wires attached to the chair, before I decided to walk over. I placed my hands on the chair, leaning in so we were face to face. He made no move to acknowledge me though he was more than aware of my proximity.

One hand moved to grab his chin, forcing his limp neck to turn in my direction. His glazed eyes started to focus on me again. "I can put you out of your misery. And all you have to do," I told him, removing the rag from his mouth. "Is beg."

"And..." he breathed. "If I don't..." It didn't have near the strength one was used to hearing from him.

The rag was immediately shoved back into his mouth and I moved back to the opposite wall, and flipped the switch. His body jerked and strained, the muscles in his neck bulging. His screams were muffled but I could almost make out the words I wanted to hear. So I flipped the switch off.

I pulled the rag out. "Say it."

He panted, nodding his head slightly. "Just do it...Kill me...Please. Kill me."

I smiled, sharp and satisfied. "Good boy."

I untied him, asking him to stand. When he didn't do it right away I used the tazer on him and he groaned, staggering to his feet. I kept pushing him forward as we left the warehouse until we were a block over in the next alley. There were trash bins all around, scheduled to be emptied the next day.

"Turn around," I ordered.

Unalaq did as he was told, hands in the air, the very act of standing looked hard on him and he winced with each step, still sore from what had happened five days ago. I clipped a silencer onto my gun and without warning shot his right leg. He yelped out many degrading words. Leaning against the wall, I fired another shot into his left leg, making him fall to his knees. He toppled onto the side, pressing his hands on both wounds before I shot his torso. Unalaq grunted in pain, looking up at me as I crossed my arms over my chest, simply watching this pathetic creature writhe in pain on the ground.

"So this is it?" he asked. "You're going to let me bleed out."

He wished. "I don't leave loose ends."

He opened his mouth to speak but I pointed my gun once more, firing a single shot right between his eyes. His body twitched and I watched as blood oozed out of his mouth. His head rolled to the side, eyes open, that damn smirk still hinted at on his face.

I felt like a great weight had been lifted from shoulders. It was over. Korra was safe.

Korra's POV

Work had been a pain. All we did was go to a bunch of seminars about protocol, crime scene procedure, everything we should already know. To top things, off I could feel Howl staring at me the entire time and if it wasn't for the Bureau lead members that were present I would have gotten up and slapped him across the face. Again. First he thinks I'm sleeping with Hotch to get a promotion and then the idiot kisses me. The moron. I was more than happy when we got home and I played with Jack a little before tucking him in. Once I made sure he was asleep I went to our room and started stripping down. Thankfully Mako got the hint and soon enough we were on the bed, his lips on mine.

A while after he sat up to do some paperwork and suggested I should do the same but I told him I'd work on it tomorrow. It was Friday and for the first time in months we had the weekend off. I pulled his shirt on over my head and curled up next to him as he worked, his arm rubbing up and down in a soothing manner. It seemed like I had closed my eyes for a second before I felt him shaking me awake. I shook my head, trying to get comfortable and heard him chuckle before he kissed my temple. I let out an irritated sigh as I sat up. Of all the damn times to be called in, when we had a weekend off.

While we were on our way I asked Hotch what the call was and he didn't answer, simply took my hand in his and gave it a kiss. I frowned but didn't think anything of it as he parked the car and we got out. Rossi, Iroh and Asami were already there and moments later Bei Fong walked over to us.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"We found a body."

"Clearly," my brother in law answered with a yawn.

Lin glared at him before her attention returned to me, her eyes somewhat soft, unsure. Like she didn't know how to tell me what she needed to say. What was going on?

"We think it's Unalaq."

I didn't say anything, and it seemed like everyone was holding their breath, waiting for my reaction. I shook my head, not believing what I just heard.

"What?"

"We're trying to I.D. him but it's a bit...difficult given his condition."

"I want to see him."

"Kid, you don't-"

"I want to see him," I repeated.

Lin sighed but nodded her head, asking me to follow her. I took Mako's hand and held it tightly, swallowing thickly as followed Lin into the crowd of detectives and medical examiners, the team right behind us. I could feel my heart pounding in my ears as I got closer. Bei Fong asked them to get out of the way and they did, and I got a good look at what was left of the body.

There, in the dirty gravel next to a dumpster, was Unalaq. He had a bullet between his eyes but that wasn't the worst of it. It was the mauled flesh on his face that made him seem so horrendous, more terrifying than before. But with half his face eaten away by what could have been rats he still had that smirk on his face. That stupid smirk that had haunted me for so many years.

"How fitting, a rat eaten by rats," Rossi said.

"I'll say," Lin muttered in response.

I turned around and walked away. I heard someone call my name, maybe Hotch or Asami, maybe both. I managed to take a few steps before my mouth opened and I threw up my dinner. I felt someone rub gentle circles on my back, asking me to relax as I gagged and emptied my stomach. A bottle of water was handed to me and I took a drink, washing my mouth and spitting it out before I stood up straight and nodded.

"That's him. That's Unalaq."

I felt Mako's arms wrap around me and I gripped his jacket tightly as I let out a choked sob and the tears came. Tears of relief, of joy, of never having to look over my shoulder ever again. Asami rubbed my shoulder, telling me that the nightmare was over, to not cry. I closed my eyes tightly, letting the tears fall before I heard my name being called and I opened them to see Saikhan.

"Korra, I'm going to need to ask you a few questions," he said.

"What? Why?" Mako asked, his grip tightening on me.

"The man that made her life miserable is dead, murdered. Why do you think?"

"Listen, you son of a-"

"If you're looking for someone to blame, the list of suspects goes on for miles," Asami interrupted. "It's not only victims who could have killed the bastard, but it could have also been family."

"Not to mention the M.O. is similar to Hiroshi," Rossi added.

"But if he did it, why?" Lin asked. "As far as I can tell, him and Unalaq were partners. They took pleasure in doing business together. Unalaq even went to some pretty extremes in order to find out where Hiroshi was ring held and broke him out."

"Not like Unalaq was short of enemies. Including a few people present."

"I'll conduct a personal investigation," our director assured.

"What for?" my best friend asked. "One less pervert roaming the street."

While they talked I couldn't look in the direction of the body, where Unalaq lay, dead, unmoving, unable to do anything anymore. He couldn't hurt me. Mako kissed the top of my head and I sighed. It was over. It was finally over.

I was free.

Hiroshi's POV

I smiled as she took a seat across from me. It was no secret what had happened, or rather, what was discovered a few days ago. Unalaq Morgan, my former partner, had been murdered. Of course, no one knew who did it but I did. Of course I did. When I had aligned myself with Unalaq he had told me of his activities with his niece, even showed me pictures and although I was uninterested in the subject I knew someone else would find it of more value than I. He had been a pawn in my game, a mere distraction for me. I had used him to make way for something that had been in the making for years, something that couldn't stay hidden for long for people like me. Given this information, I was not surprised when my daughter sat down in the booth across from me.

"I'm assuming you got my message," she said, her tone monotone. Devoid of any real emotion. A true business tone if I'd ever heard one.

I grinned and nodded, gesturing to the newspaper in my hands. "Indeed I did."

"Stay away from my team. Now you know what I'm capable of."

"I've always known, Asami." Always.

She stood but I told her to sit back down. I wasn't finished yet. She had to understand what this meant. How one killing had united a family that had been torn apart for years. Asami was my daughter, and I couldn't be prouder of what she had done.

"Most fathers are proud when their daughters learn how to drive, or graduate high school without getting pregnant. Me?" I began, shaking my head. "No. Our family is too special for such mediocrity. My daughter made me proud with her first torture and murder."

"Doesn't say a lot for us, does it?" Asami answered dryly.

"Mock all you want. But I finally can say I'm proud of you." I received no reply as she stood once more and turned to leave. "Your friend must be relieved now that her personal boogeyman is gone," I continued casually, causing her to stop. "Tell me, does she know it was you who killed her beloved uncle?"

"Korra doesn't need to know," my daughter answered stiffly.

"She doesn't need to know you murdered him or that you've turned into a beast?"

Her jaw clenched. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know exactly what I'm talking about. And so do you," I answered. "You keep telling yourself that it's just him, that it's just one less of his kind prowling the streets. But then you start seeing others like him, others that take advantage of people like your friend who are too weak to fight back."

"Korra fought back!"

"I'd like to see that."

Asami's eyes burned, emerald set ablaze. "You so much as touch her and you'll be the next body gracing the front page."

I chuckled. "So there will be a next time?" She stormed off, not before I could call out after her, "Welcome to the family business."

"Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster… for when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you." ― Friedrich Nietzsche