Well it looks like I'm back. This chapter was a pain in my butt to write, but none the less I had fun because you guys make it all worth it. Sorry I know it has been a week or so but I have been busy. But I made time to finish this chapter which isn't my favorite but it is still pretty important. A LOT of stuff goes down this chapter. I suggest you duck tape yourself to your chair if you don't feel like falling out of it at all the jaw dropping moments. Alright well I would like to extend a thank you to the individuals who have started following me on Tumblr and left me gracious messages! Thank you! Ok well I didn't exactly read over this chapter twice so if you see any errors if you would kindly point them out I will fix them. Alright enough of my babbling on to the story yes?
Disclaimer: I in no way own the Legend of Korra. Any characters that are familiar to you belong to Bryke, any new ones you see belong to SoulLikeABird. This story is for entertaining purposes only. The plot belongs to SoulLikeABird and you may not use it without my written consent. Thank you.
Enjoy. :)
*Edited 8/23/12 Apparent errors fixed. Page breaks inserted and Mako no longer has a boyfriend. (LMFAO)*
It's been four days, eight hours, and twenty-seven minutes since the news of Avatar Korra's death had been released. News casts were the first to broadcast, and like a ripple in the water it spread to newspapers, magazines and radio shows. The tragedy weaved its way into the minds of those who were hopeful for the Avatar, but others who stand by the Masked Man are elated by the news. Not one ear or eye has not consumed the black print or heard the voices of reporters who have desperation in their voices. Her picture is on the front page. She's smiling with her head slightly tilted to the right. And if they look hard enough they can see the flash that glared off her oceanic irises.
This is the second time the young girl has appeared in the papers. The only other time Avatar Korra was written in black ink was thirteen years ago when she was titled the processor of Avatar Aang. People consider that day the birth of peace. They always knew their Avatar was destined for greatness, but sadly such a precious life was cut short by a finger on a trigger. Now it is believed an infant in one of the earth nations is lying in his mother's arms wailing with the power to bend all four elements. This gives the Masked Man a greater advantage in time knowing the one person strong enough to defeat him is dead. So why doesn't he believe it?
He is no fool. He knows something is amiss and the pieces he has put together don't exactly fit as well as he wants them to. He gave one simple order. An order he might as well have taken upon himself. How hard could it be to bring down a young girl? Apparently, pretty hard. He sits at a dark wood desk with his elbows on the table and his masked face leaning on his fists. The room is dark with grey concrete walls and no windows. The only light in the room is a paper chandelier hanging from the low ceiling. The room is big enough to fit six men, including himself.
He weighs his alternatives and conceivable explanations. Nothing. He is angry. Behind his closed lips are clenched teeth. But he keeps his eyes closed and breathing even. He looks up to the line of uniformed men in front of him. They all stand pin straight with arms at their sides. They keep their faces blank and eyes forward. "Lieutenant." The masked man says as smooth as velvet.
The man at the end of the line steps forward in his heavy black lace up boots. The man has a pale complexion with sagging skin around his chin and lips. He wears dark shades over his colorless eyes. He has a thin black mustache that hangs past bottom lip. He is loyal and dangerous, but he is the Masked Man's most trusted soldier. "Sir?" Lieutenant asks broadly.
The Masked Man stands to his feet. "Get my best men together. We are going to the South Pole." He commands. Lieutenant nods once before turning to the four other men. "You heard them men. Go prepare while I gather the others men. Don't just stand there, go!" Lieutenant barks. The men scramble from the room. Lieutenant turns to the Masked Man. "What do you plan on doing at the South Pole sir?" He asks. The Masked Man turns his back to his confidant. "Ending my suspicions."
"So what brings you to the big city?" Mr. Tao Ran asks crossing his leg over. He sips aimlessly at his hot jade tea.
Korra drops the rim of her hot mug from her lips and sits it in her lap. "I don't really do back stories." She says dryly keeping her eyes down at the floor in front of her chair. She has no intentions telling a man she just met anything about Yuke Shen. The main reason for this she is done having to lie.
Mr. Tao Ran raises an eyebrow. "Why not?" He asks.
Korra sighs. "My past is…Complicated." She chuckles with a small shrug of her shoulder. That's an understatement.
"Ah…I see. Well closure comes with time. Trust me I know…" A look of anguish crosses his eyes then is gone and replaced with a smile. But Korra saw that flash of sadness and knows the source. "What was she like?" Korra asks quickly hoping he didn't hear him, but he heard.
A large smile laced with sadness creeps across his lips. "You want me to tell you about my passed wife but you won't tell me about your past?" He asks arching an eyebrow. He takes another sip of tea.
Korra frowns figuring her question was stupid. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be a hypocrite." She apologizes.
"Please don't apologize Miss Shen."
Korra looks around at the vibrant flowers around her and the serenity it comes with being in their presence. The sweet smell of nectar, the arrangement of colors, and the faint buzz of the bees are tranquil to the scenes. Being up here she doesn't feel like she is on a roof, or in a city for that matter. She secretly envies Mr. Tao Ran for owning something so beautiful and being able to call it his own. But she felt honored that he is sharing it with her. It has been two days since her fight with her Master Tenzin and things are far from simmering down.
She has gone without training, and has locked herself in her room every day when she gets back to the island from school. She has thought again about sneaking out but never makes it off the roof before she is spotted by the Sentries Tenzin has posted outside her room and below her window. Pema brings Korra her meals but Korra keeps her eyes on her homework thanking Pema quietly before she leaves. Tenzin has kept his distance knowing fully well Korra still needs time to cool her blistering temper before they are ready to talk things over.
Korra sighs and looks down at her small black watch clasped round her wrist. She takes one last sip of her tea before placing it on the small table beside her. She grabs her backpack from under her chair and slides it on her shoulders. "Thank you for the tea Mr. Tao Ran. I have really enjoyed being here in your garden for the past few days, but my friend wants me to eat lunch with him. I will see you tomorrow?" Korra stands to her feet and re-adjusts her grey tee shirt and smiles.
Mr. Tao Ran nods. "Of course Miss Shen. I have enjoyed your company I think your friend misses yours. I will see you in class.
She turns away and heads to the big metal door and pulls it open letting the blackness swallow her as it closes behind her. She lights a small flame in her palm to light her way down the winding steps. She lets the flame fade at the bottom of the steps and opens the door into the lighted hallway. She pushes her glasses up and heads left to the cafeteria.
"There you are! Thought you died on us." Bolin smiles as Korra takes a seat at the table beside him.
"Yeah Yuke, where you been? This is the first time all week you have showed up to lunch." Asami adds with a friendly gesture from across the table, Mako's arm around her shoulder. He glares at Korra unsure.
"Sorry. I'm behind in a class and I have been using lunch periods to catch up. Sorry." Korra quickly lies scratching at her arm.
"Don't say sorry Yuke. We're just making sure you're not replacing us, more importantly me." Bolin jokes pointing to his chest with both his long thumbs. Korra giggles.
"Replace you Bolin? Never! Asami though…" Korra winks. Asami playfully slaps Korra from across the table with a scoff. "Hey, I kid!" She laughs.
"So why did you run off after the tournament the other night? You looked urgent." Bolin asks
Korra sighs. "Well…I wasn't exactly supposed to be there…" Korra admits pulling her lips back.
Bolin gasps dramatically. "You mean you snuck out?" He gasps again and slaps his hand over his chest. "You naughty girl."
Korra chuckles. "Yes I snuck out. You handed me an opportunity I have been waiting for for a while and I took it."
"Did you get caught?" Asami asks running her fingers through her glossy spirals of hair.
"Yup." Korra answers popping her lips.
"Maybe you're not so ninja after all." Bolin laughs softly.
Korra rolls her eyes. "Apparently not enough to get past Tenzin." She sags slightly in her seat.
"Did you get in trouble?" Asami asks reaching in her brown tote and pulling out a bottle of tea.
"Lots." Korra breathes recalling the argument she had with Tenzin. Boy was that not pretty…
"What was you're punishment?" Bolin asks cringing melodramatically.
Korra shakes her head keeping her eyes on her lap. "I'm not allowed to leave the island anymore unless it is to come here…" Korra answers bitterly still plenty angry at Tenzin.
"That's rough buddy." Bolin comforts patting Korra's shoulder.
"Eh…It's not that bad of a punishment. I honestly think you deserve it." Mako mumbles indistinctively. But Korra heard. She narrows her cerulean eyes. "What makes you say that Hot Shot?" Korra barks. Asami elbows Mako with a look of disapproval.
Mako ignores it leaning back into his chair. "I think the punishment should fit the crime." Mako answers smoothly running a hand through his spiked hair.
Korra leans into the table glaring dangerously at Mako's fiery eyes. "You know nothing!" She hisses.
Mako cocks his head. "Don't I? Do remember what happened Sunday night?" Mako asks shrewdly.
Asami and Bolin watch in confusion. "What happened Sunday night?" Asami asks, clearly lost.
"N-nothing." Korra stammers then glares back at Mako. Korra lifts her backpack once more before dropping her glare.
"Yeah it's nothing important." Mako adds squeezing Asami's shoulder in an assuring gesture.
Asami rolls her eyes. "Whatever you say…" Then the bell rings and Korra jumps up saying her goodbyes then rushing out of the cafeteria with anger boiling in her blood. All of it aimed at Mako.
She doesn't say anything as she takes her seat. She has just about had enough of the man in the red scarf. She weighs the idea of turning around and cracking her fist against his cheek. That would satisfy her anger. It would be so simple to just twist around and throw her firm fist at his nose, and he would never suspect it. But she refrains. She sighs obnoxiously propping her elbow up on the table and leaning her cheek against it. "This needs to stop." Korra utters with a stressed sigh.
Mako rolls his eyes at Korra's statement and inhales an intake of breath. "I'm not following what you are saying." He replies trying to avoid conversation.
Korra snorts. "Of course you don't." Korra sighs heavily. "Look I don't need your attitude. I really have no idea what I did to make you hate me, but can't we just get along?" Korra asks dropping her elbow and looking dead on into his golden eyes. Still looking into those eyes made her uncomfortable but she stands her ground and keeps her expression hard.
Mako stares lightly back into her cerulean eyes. "Fine." He says softly ripping his eyes away.
"Cool." Korra sighs. The rest of class blows by like a cool storm, and the bell that ends the day soon rings.
Mako slips on his bag and strolls out of the room. Korra close behind. "Hey wait, Mako!" Korra calls from behind. Korra falls into step; struggling to keep up with his long strides. "Yes Yuke?" He answers irritably.
"What are you doing later? Do you want to go get tea or something?" She asks trying to keep the blush from her cheeks.
"I'm with Asami." He answers bleakly.
Korra reaches out and grabs his toned bicep. The feel of his hard muscle in her hand astonishes her as warmth ignites her blood. She quickly shakes the feeling "I asked to go get tea Mako. I'm not asking you on a date. I'm fully aware about you and Asami." Korra smiles genuinely. "If it makes you feel weird being alone with me then bring Asami." Korra says.
"I don't know Yuke…" Mako asks as he pushes the exit door open. Both are blasted with a cool draft of invigorating air.
"It's just tea Mako. It will take fifteen minutes at most." Korra rolls her eyes.
Mako halts on the campus lawn. The blades of grass itch Korra's ankles. "Why?" Mako asks turning to her. She is star struck by his beauty. She cranes her neck to look up at him and his melted pools of gold that are his eyes. His dark chocolate hairs sways with the rhythm of the wind, and his slightly tanned skin seems to glow under the radiance of the sun. His features are stoic which aggravates Korra further. "Why what?" She answers slowly.
"Why are you asking me to tea?" Mako rephrases imperturbably. He might as well be wearing a mask. Korra thinks nibbling at her cheek.
Korra plants the toe of her shoe in the grass and pivots it into the soil. "Well I want to get to know you more." Korra admits keeping her eyes down on the emerald grass glossed in water from the sprinklers. The tip of her suede boots darkening with water as she drags her toe back and forth.
"I don't think that is a good idea Yuke." Mako sighs looking away at the emptying parking lot.
Korra cocks her head and arches a slim eyebrow. "Why?"
Mako sighs and looks down at her. The way his expression hardening into something almost frightening. "Don't you get it? I don't like you. I thought I made that pretty clear." Mako snaps.
Korra flinches back as her eyes gloss over. She fights her face from contorting to sadness. Instead she slims her eyes with offense. "Fine. Sorry I bothered you." She twirls on her heel and stomps away through the slippery grass feeling surprisingly hurt from the resentment. She doesn't wait for Bolin to walk her home. She speedily takes longs strides back to the docks.
"Korra!" Tenzin yells from outside her room for the fifteenth time. Korra groans exasperated and pulls a pillow over her head as she falls back on her bed. "Korra please come out here! I have something for you." Tenzin requests. Korra throws the pillow from her face and into the wall across her bed. She jumps to her feet, and swings her door open then plods out to the courtyard.
"What do you want Tenzin? I'm really not in the mo-" Korra demands but is rendered speechless at the big creature sitting several yards away with fur white as frosty snow. Her mouth hangs open with her lengthy pink tongue hanging between her spire like teeth, and her floppy ears perk up. Her round black nose is shiny with a cold wetness and her brown eyes are full of excitement. She wags her tail happily and it beats loudly against the flagstone as her eyes fall on her owner.
Korra feels she is dreaming. It can't be. Then Korra is sprinting across the courtyard to her best friend, screaming her name in bewilderment. The creature breaks into a sprint too. Korra throws herself at her as tears roll down her cheek. Korra holds the polar bear dogs head to her chest tightly, fearing if she let go she will be gone. "Naga!" She exclaims savoring the feel of Naga's smooth fur against her flushed skin.
Naga had been missing Korra and every day of absence has worried her. She has howled into the stars and tried to free herself just to be caught by sentry guards almost hours later. But the feel of Korra's arms and just mere presence is home. Naga pulls her head back and flicks her tongue out at her, covering Korra's cheek in a thin layer of affectionate saliva. Korra booms with laughter as Naga nuzzles Korra's chest and is knocked to the ground. Naga continues her assault of love until Korra is gasping for air. She reaches up and cups Naga's snout in her hand. Korra kisses her moist nose and burrows into her neck. "I missed you girl! I'm so sorry I had to leave you." Korra cries in a hushed whisper. Naga understood every word and responded with another kiss to the face. Korra chuckles and crawls out from under Naga.
She then remembers Tenzin who is grinning at Korra from behind. Korra runs at him and throws her arms around his waist. Tenzin stumbles back in surprise at the sudden burst of affection but slowly returns the hug. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" Korra cries into his waist.
Tenzin nods. "You're welcome." He pats her back and she pulls back and looks up at him. "But there are rules." Tenzin informs.
Korra nods still caught up in the spur of the moment to let anything make her unhappy. "Naga is not permitted to leave the island. If there are guests on the island, Naga must stay in the temples stables. Are we understood?" Tenzin instructs rationally.
Korra nods and throws herself back into Tenzin. "Yes, understood! Thank you! Thank you, thank you! I'm so sorry I have been difficult! It won't happen again! Thank you Master Tenzin!" Korra exclaims crushing his haps. Tenzin tries not to groan in pain from Korra's crushing hold.
Korra releases him and Tenzin places a hand on her shoulder. "And I'm sorry that I didn't apprehend how despondent you were. I have decided that you are allowed to leave the island as long as you ask permission first. I will have no more late night sneak outs. Am I clear?"
"Crystal!" Korra gives one last bone crushing hug before returning to Naga to be showered in more kisses to make up for lost time.
"Korra!" Jinora calls from outside in a tone of urgency. Korra jumps up from her bedroom floor leaving Naga to follow behind as she swings her door open to reveal the small pre-teen frowning. "Jinora, is everything ok?" Korra asks knitting her eyebrows.
Jinora shakes her head and gestures Korra forward. "Dad needs to talk to you in his office." Jinora says softly before walking back to her chambers. Korra can't help but feel her stomach drop. She runs to Tenzin's office and pounds on the door before hurling it open. "You needed to talk to me?"
Tenzin nods sharply. "Yes. Please sit Korra." Korra obliges and falls into the brown leather seat across Tenzin's cherry wood desk. Korra eyes Tenzin immediately sensing that something is wrong.
"Tenzin, did something happen?" Korra asks leaning forward in the chair.
Tenzin nods slowly and drops his eyes. "I'm afraid so."
Korra's stomach twists as all of the worse possible problems she feared could go wrong course through her thoughts. "What happened?"
Tenzin sighs and shakes his head. He fidgets in his seat uncomfortably. "The Masked Man attended your memorial service in the South Pole. I fear he is catching on." Tenzin explains with concern
A sharp dizzying pang of fear shoots through Korra as she falls back against the chair. "What?" She chokes. Mom, Dad… "Was anyone hurt?" She asks as her chest tightens.
Tenzin nods sadly. "Some of the Sentries of the White Lotus were purged of their bending."
"My parents?" Korra bites back burning tears. "Are they ok?"
"Senna and Tonraq are fine I assure you." A wave of relief hits Korra as her heart rate returns to normal. Thank the spirits. "So what now? Did the Masked Man figure anything out? Tenzin I need answers!" Korra shouts as anxiety fills her emotions. She jumps to her feet and presses her palms to the cool wood of his desks.
"Calm yourself Korra." Tenzin instructs motioning his hands down.
"No! What happened at my memorial Tenzin!?" Korra demands her eye brows knit and icy eyes glimmer with worry.
Tenzin sighs and closes his eyes. "They opened your casket. There was nothing in there."
"You mean… He knows?" Korra chokes out in horror. She falls back into the chair suddenly short of breath.
"No. As of now he is clueless, but I have no doubt of mind that he won't come up with a possible conclusion." Tenzin explains trying to keep his voice mellow and calm.
That safe feeling Korra had been feeling for the past week was now severed. "How long ago was the sabotage?"
"Three nights ago."
Korra gapes. "Three nights?! Wha- Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I just found out myself. They we're too preoccupied cleaning up the mess to bother contacting me." Tenzin explains rather annoyed with the late awareness.
"So what now?"
Tenzin inhales an intake of breath. "We wait."
Korra hates the sound of that. She worries that she is already being tracked down, or worse, Already found. "Wait? Wait for what?! To be almost killed again? I can't do that Tenzin." Korra shudders.
"Think rationally Korra. There are no leads on where you might be. You are safe. No one is going to touch you, let alone find you." Tenzin assures. This calms Korra slightly but the thought is still there.
Korra nods once more before saying good night and treading back to her room where she will not sleep, but instead lie awake itching with paranoia.
"I'm sorry."
Korra drops her pencil and turns in her seat to face Mako. "Come again?" She asks cocking an eyebrow. She is questioning if he is hearing him right. The stoic, emotionless Mako apologizing? This I have to hear! Mako stifles an annoyed chuckle and turns his head to face the cerulean eyed girl beside seated on a stool him. "I'm sorry." He repeats. Korra purses her lips and studies his blank molten eyes.
She decides to have a little fun with this. "For?" She holds back a smile of satisfaction.
He chuckles again and rolls his eyes. "You know what for."
Korra grins. "Yeah, but I want to hear you say it."
"Really?"
"Yes, really." Korra nods.
"I'm sorry for behaving like a compete jerk to you." He bites out between his teeth. Korra waves her long slim fingers forward. "And,"
"Are we really doing this?" Mako questions. "You're pushing your luck." He hisses.
Korra runs her fingers through her short waves of hair. "I realize this but I think you have more to be sorry for than being a complete ass." Korra simpers folding her hands over chest.
Mako scoffs. Opening his mouth to object, he quickly closes it before saying something that will set the both of them off. He sighs sharply and instead clenches his jaw. "Fine. You didn't deserve the way I have been treating you. I would like it if we could start over…Again." Mako extends his hand to Korra whose eyes are glittering beautifully in the rays of sun leaking in through the blinds. Korra looks hesitant but takes his large hand in hers, and that surge of warmth and joy sparks beneath the skin of her palm. "I'm Mako."
"Ko-Yuke." Korra's heart skips several beats at the slip up she just made. She tries to hide the horror with a friendly smile.
Mako arches an eyebrow. "Right…"
Korra turns her head quickly mentally kicking herself. The bell ending the day rings and Korra snatches her stuff up before hurrying out the door. Korra makes it halfway across the lawn before she hears Mako calling out her name. She bits her lip and swivels around on her heel to see Mako in his light tan crew neck tee shirt with his tattered scarf of red swathed loosely around his neck. She can't help but find him sickly attractive. The way the bright city sun ricochets off his skin, and his chiseled features she can trace under his shirt. She shakes the feeling and smiles lightly. He has a girlfriend! Control your hormones! She scolds herself. He stops less than a foot away from her. "Does your offer for tea still stand?" Mako asks shrug.
Korra steps back baffled. "Thought you said it wasn't a good idea." Korra retorts folding her arms over her chest.
"I would like to get to know you more Yuke." He shrugs. Korra narrows her eyes questionably. "Seriously, what is the catch? Do you have a fever or something?" Korra steps forward and paces her flat palm to his warm forehead. Mako swats her hand away.
"Again I'm trying to be nice."
"I don't get you." Korra seethes. "One day you seem mad at the world, the next you can be kind of sweet. Do you have some kind of multiple personality disorder or something?" Korra continues.
"No I don't! I'm sorry Yuke. Ok? I really am." Mako says. Korra studies his eyes for sincerity. Nothing.
"You're just one giant contradiction to me Mako."
"Why can't you just believe me?" He asks quickly getting annoyed with Korra's defiance.
"Cause we always end up back here, back to yelling and fighting! Spirits we're like an old married couple!" Korra exclaims. You wish. Korra teases herself. Mako rolls his eyes.
"So Tea?" He tries one last time with a smoldering smile.
Korra shakes her head. "Sure…" She trails.
"The Boiling Jasmine? Six-o-clock. See you then." Mako walks past her leaving Korra twiddling her thumbs with the anticipation to seeing Mako in four hours for tea welling up inside her. You're just one giant mystery to me Mako.
She has gotten light on her feet and twirling has come easier to her. She keeps her arms positioned in front of her as she twirls through the gates that are spinning rashly around her. She keeps her breathing even and her eyes closed as she lets her mind and spirit guide her.
"Good job Korra. You're doing well." Tenzin says from outside the gate. Korra acknowledges the compliment with a smile but in doing so loses her focus and the last gate she spins through hits her curtly on the shoulder. She grunts in pain and loses her balance and falls to the cobble. She rubs her shoulder and jumps back up to her feet.
"That was an improvement. You are getting better at this." Tenzin nods in praises and Korra smiles.
"Thanks Tenzin."
"That will be all for the night. You are excused. Go wash up for supper." Tenzin instructs.
"Actually…I was wondering if I could maybe go meet a friend." Korra asks teetering on her heels.
"What friend, and for what occasion?"
"Mako. He's from school. He invited me for tea." Korra explains.
"Like a date?" Tenzin asks looking skeptical.
Korra jumps back a deep crimson staining her cheeks like a burning fire. "What? No. He's just a friend Tenzin." Korra assures.
"You sound as if you are trying to persuade me to think otherwise." Tenzin raises an eyebrow playfully.
"Just a friend Tenzin." Korra assures with a grin. "Even if I was interested it wouldn't matter. He has a perfect girlfriend." Korra mutters inaudibly.
"What was that?"
"Nothing." Korra chuckled embarrassed. "So may I go?"
"I don't see why you can't, but I expect to see you back on the island by seven-o-clock."
"But that only gives me an hour!" Korra protests.
"Drink quickly." Tenzin advises before stalking off back to his office.
"No Naga you need to stay. I will be back in an hour." Korra instructs Naga kissing her on the snout. She rubs Naga's neck as she senses the persistency in Naga's large dark eyes. "I mean it Naga. Stay." Korra hugs her one last time before leaving her room.
She hugs her grey cardigan close as she looks over the side of the boat watching the indigo waves ripple under the bow. She feels strangely nervous and licks her lips in excitement.
The walk downtown was short considering she was swallowed up in her own thoughts most of the walk. Before she knew it she was standing in front of the Boiling Jasmine. She makes last minute adjustments to her hair and clothes before swallowing sharply and pushing the door open to the small tea shop. The shop is dim lighted and still has that quaint feel to it. Light jazz music plays out of the radio sitting on the counter. Scanning the shop, Korra's eyes immediately fall on Mako who is seated in the back with two steaming cups of tea in front of him. He has the newspaper in his hands and the way his eyes scan the paper back and forth tells Korra he is moderately engaged in what he is reading.
She exhales then walks over to the table. She sits down across Mako in the leather booth. Her eyes meet the headline behind the page he is reading and she swears her heart stops.
Avatar Korra's body missing from Casket.
Mako sets the paper down and studies Korra's almost disturbed expression. "You all right Yuke? You don't look so good."
Korra shakes her head and forces a smile. "I'm fine. Sorry. Just lost in thought."
"Right…I uh got you Jasmine tea. Hope that's ok." Mako pushes one of the cups of tea over to her. Korra nods and hooks her fingers on the handle.
Awwh! He ordered for me…Snap out of it. He's with Asami! "Yeah, perfect. Thanks."
A perpetual silence fills the air. Korra pulls at the ends of her hair with her eyes adverted to her lap while Mako rubs his scarf in-between his fingers. "This is more awkward than anticipated." Korra lifting her tea to her lips and taking a long sip.
Mako nods in agreement. "So what do you want to talk about?" Korra asks feeling incredibly uncomfortable.
"Well we we're originally doing this to get to know each other." Mako takes a lingering sip of his tea.
"ok?"
"So tell me about yourself Yuke." He stares dead on into her everlasting cerulean eyes.
Nothing much to know Hot Shot. "Well aren't you presumptuous." She rolls her eyes. "What do you want to know?"
"Anything."
Why do you look so intrigued to know about me? "Not much to me. I was born and raised in Ba Sing Se. My parents are both watertribe and my father works. Mom stays home." Korra explains keeping her lies equivalent to those she told to Bolin.
"Why did you move from Ba Sing Se?"
Uhhh…."My parents thought I needed a different learning experience." She lies quickly satisfied with her logical fib.
"I thought Ba Sing Se had the top education?" Mako recalls.
"They do…Err… I just couldn't stand it cooped up within the cities walls. I needed out." And she meant it. She walls of the compound were claustrophobic but she would have rather had a more inviting opportunity to run away.
Mako arches an eyebrow and folds his hands on the table. "Did you run away Yuke?" Mako asks.
Korra flinches back. "No. I didn't run away. My parents know where I am!"
"Chill. It was just a question."
Korra shakes her head. "There are just some places you shouldn't stick your nose Mako." Korra snaps folding her arms over her chest and slumping back in the booth.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to invade your private life" Mako apologizes shifting his eyes to the ceiling.
"What about you? What's your story?" Korra asks bobbing her chin up.
"Isn't much to me either? I was born here and I'm a pro-bender. That's it really."
"Your parents?" Korra perks up in her seat.
"Not a subject I'm willing to discuss." Mako sinks into his scarf as his lips disappear behind it.
"I answered your questions. Why won't you answer mine?" Korra asks incredulously.
"There are just some places you shouldn't stick your nose Yuke." Mako retorts leaning into the table. Korra purses her lips and looks away from Mako "So err…What changed your mind?" Korra asks scratching at the fabric of her denim jeans.
"What do you mean?"
"Why did you change your mind about having tea with me?" Korra rephrases. Something's off.
"I don't know. I guess it was just the spur in the moment decision. I felt bad for how I have been acting." Mako explains quietly.
"You're hard to figure out." She presses her lips.
"I could say the same about you... There is something about you." Korra stiffens in her seat. Mako leans further into the table with his expression as hard as stone. "What are you hiding Yuke?" Korra's face pales and rips her stare from Mako before stealing a glance at her watch. Six-forty-seven. "Well I have a curfew so I must be going." She says quickly before reaching into her back pocket and pull out a small black wallet.
Mako holds his hand out and shakes his head. "No need. It's on me"
Korra pulls out a couple of Yuans and leaves them on the table despite Mako's insistence. "This should cover it. Thank you for the tea Mako. I will see you in class." She doesn't look back before leaving the shop and walking along the almost vacant sidewalk. She watches her booted feet as they patter along the white cement. She keeps her head low and hands shoved in her jean packets. Am I that readable! I can't believe this! She screams in her mind.
She cuts through a slim dark alley between two brick buildings to avoid a trafficking area ahead a few blocks. She keeps her eyes forward on the small slit of light at the end of the alley. She tugs her cardigan closer to her body as a small chill crawl down her spine. Goosebumps begin to rise on her skin and she hears heavy foot steps behind her. Without missing a beat she spins around to face a familiar tall boy with light blue eyes and dark hair tied back at his neck.
"Kai?" Korra squints into the dark. "What are you doing here?" She takes a full step back.
"Oh hey Yuke." Kai chuckles rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm walking home." The tone in his voice is hoarse.
Korra perches her hands on her hips and shifts her weight to her right leg. "Are you following me?" Korra accuses with a frown. Kai flinches back and shoves his hands into his grey jacket pockets.
"No, of course not!" He insists. Korra narrows her eyes, secretly feeling kind of small under his eyes. There's something about him.
"I'm not finding it a coincidence that you just happen to be in the area the same time as me." Korra steps forward while Kai steps back. "
Nor do I find it a coincidence that you are walking down the same alley as me."
Kai's eyes fill with a slight alarm. "I-I was walking home." He stammers then walks quickly past Korra exiting the alley and disappearing around the corner.
What the hell? Why was he following me? She wonders looking ahead to the peak of light Kai just rounded. She chews on her lip and keeps her eyes peeled suddenly feeling alert. She continues forward slowly, kicking pebbles as she goes. This time there are no footsteps following behind her; just the small patter of rat feet against the cobblestone sidewalk.
The thick puffs of grey clouds hide the sun like silver guardians. The atmosphere is humid and warm. From where the citizens stand the morning is colorless. Except for the vivacious flowers. She is back on the roof with the sweet empowering aroma of flowers filling her nostrils, and is bent over planters watering the thirsty flowers in the dry soil. Mr. Tao Ran is behind her doing the same but with his bending. Then he asks a question she was never expecting to hear from him or anyone for that matter. A question that twists her gut. A question that shatters everything she has worked for.
"You're from the Southern watertribe aren't you?"
Korra's eyes widen and her heart hammers violently in her constricted chest. "W-what? No I'm from Ba Sing Se." She informs trying to keep her shaky voice smooth. She keeps her back to him, daring not to turn around to face him.
Mr. Tao Ran laughs lightly. "I'm not daft child. I recognize you. I am too from the Southern Water Tribe."
No. No. No. No-"Y-y-you are?" Korra stammers. She wants so bad to run, run and never return.
"I am. And so are you, aren't you Avatar Korra?"
The second her name fell from his tongue, the cup of water slips from her fingers and clatters to her feet. The remaining water douses her shoes and the ends of her jeans. Her breath accelerates and she goes completely still. Please. Sprits no… She bites down on her cheek hard and soon begins to taste a thin stream of blood on her tongue. Her palms begin to sweat heavily. She knows she can deny it but she has already gone rigid with shock and covering it up would most definitely be a hard thing to do. So she gives in. He charade of Yuke Shen shatters like glass. "H-how did you know?" Her voice is guttural and quiet like a small child after waking up from a nightmare.
Mr. Tao Ran laughs from behind her. "I know your mother and father. I'm surprised you don't remember me. I guess I don't make lasting impressions."
Her thoughts freeze over and she runs. She snatches up her backpack and sprints to the door and down the spiral steps; not bothering to light a flame to see. Once on the landing she heaves the thick wooden door open. She runs out into the hallway infested with socializing and walking students. With her vision swimming in a pool of shock she slams into a hard torso. The grunts on impact and staggers back losing her footing as her whole body seems to go numb. A warm hand grabs her by her bicep and holds her up before she can fall to the floor. She glances up through her eyelashes at a familiar pool of fiery molten irises. "Yuke you alright?" Mako asks holding up Korra who seems almost limp.
Korra nods before ripping her arm away and running down the hallway ducking past students and teachers who watch as the new girl makes a beeline for the exit.
Korra doesn't recall him. Most of her childhood consisted in a compound, locked away from the rest of the world. The first four years before she was titled the Avatar is a muddled memory. Seeing her mother and father came vaguely and meeting her neighbors is something she just can't remember. Sure she was like a celebrity back home and everybody knew who she was. She never knew who her people we're. Seclusion was her ally, and her masters were her friends. That was it. Everything else is hazy.
So who is he? She questions if he is lying or is a truthful man? The question came so suddenly she had no time to process an answer. It fell from his lip as soft as a rose petal but hit her like a thousand spiny thorns, She gave away her identity. He could go straight to the press and tell them all about how the Avatar is alive and well residing in Republic City. Again she could become an instant target for the Equalist and their leader. She could be dead by the end of the week. Once they know, a battle she isn't ready to fight could be heading her way.
All because she made one faulty slip, and she ran from it. She lets her head fall back against the trunk of the tree. She stares up through the tawny spring leaves that hang tight on the branches. She takes deep breaths and tries her best to gather herself, but she can't help but feel severely irritated with herself and the world. How did I even get here? She asks herself. One bullet, one finger on the trigger, one simple motive changed everything. Like a ripple in the water the conflict expands into something greater.
She knows sooner or later she will have to go back to face him. Mr. Tao Ran knows who she is.
She weighs what she can say. She thinks about lying but she has already made the truth obvious and he claims to be a family friend. So now the question is can he be trusted?
She lays under the tree of Republic City park for what seems like hours before picking herself back up and pulling her backpack on. She steals a glance at her watch to find lunch has just ended and decides she has time to attend her last two classes of the day without angering Tenzin too much about ditching all her classes. On the short walk back to school she tries her best to shove her worries under a mask. She keeps her emotions in check, her lips straight and her eyes down.
"We're you ok this morning?" Mako asks as the two work on an assignment. Korra goes taut and chuckles. "Yeah. I was fine." She mutters keeping her gaze down on her notes. Mako tugs on his scarf as he recalls that disturbed expression she had this morning as she slammed into him.
"You were not fine. You looked terrified." He turns in his seat to look at her. She dares not turn her head. She clenches her fist. "I don't want to talk about it." She says then un-tucks her hair from behind her ears, letting it hide and frame the side of her face.
He sighs and shakes his head. "Fine."
Mr. Zhi turns to the class and runs a hand through his slicked back raven hair. "Alright class today you are being assigned you quarter project. You do require a partner which will be the individual sitting next to you. I will not give you time to complete this project during class so I strongly suggest you exchange information to get together to complete it. This project will count as twenty percent of your quarter one grade." The teacher explains. Korra hunches her shoulders. Great. She thinks. The project requirements are set down in front of Mako and Korra. Korra slides the paper over to herself and sighs.
"So how do we suppose we do this?" Mako asks taking the paper from Korra. She shrugs.
"We can meet up at my place and do it. Though I can't promise we won't be bothered by Tenzin's kids."
"We can do it at my place. There won't be any distractions." Mako offers. Korra accepts. "Alright. I guess we will get started tonight?" Mako asks.
"Sure. Sounds good to me." She mumbles. The bell rings and they walk out of the school, Korra trailing behind Mako a few paces.
"What are we doing at the Arena?" Korra asks staring up at the vibrant gold building of elaborate architecture. She arches an eyebrow.
"Silly Yuke. We live here." Boiln answers ruffling Korra's hair. She shoots him a glare and pats her hair back down.
"Wait, you live in the arena?" Korra asks looking at Boiln and Mako who are already ahead of her walking through the doors. She runs to catch up. Never would she guess they lived in the arena. She expected a quaint little house in a small neighborhood, or an apartment in a high-rise. Not a shaggy attic with a rickety loft made of boarded wood. The furniture is tattered and looks worth less than a dime. A small orange sofa with coffee stains spotting the fabric sits snug in the far corner of the room. A glass table cluttered with magazines lies in front of the sofa. And a little box TV sits on a wooden stool a few feet away from the sofa. A white stove, fridge, tall wooden cabinet and small wooden table with two chairs makes up the kitchen. And a ladder that leads up to a landing Korra guesses is where they sleep. The walls are a bleak grey splattered with water stains, but the windows are tall and allow the sun spill in freely. The floors are a dark loose wood that creaks when walked on.
Despite the insignificant look to the place, she could tell this was home for Mako and Bolin. She stands to the last step of the stairs that lead up to the small apartment. Mako and Bolin step aside her and drop their bags by the ladder. Mako shrugs off his jacket to reveal a tight black tee-shirt. He hangs his jacket up on a lopsided coat rack against the door. He looks over at Korra who looks a little uncomfortable.
"Come on Yuke. Don't be shy. Make yourself at home." Bolin gestures her off the stairs. She smiles and steps up onto the landing. Korra drops her backpack next to Mako's and Bolin's.
"You hungry Yuke?" Boiln asks swinging open the tall wooden cabinet to a small variety of breads and small snacks. She sees how vague their food is and shakes her head. "No thanks." She smirks.
"Suit yourself." Boiln pulls out a small bag of potato chips and falls back on the orange sofa with a grunt. He kicks is shoes off and rests his socked feet on the table then clicks on the TV.
"We can work on the project upstairs." Mako says pointing up at the ladder.
Korra nods and follows after Mako up the ladder with her backpack in hand. He flicks on a small light bulb hanging from a chain on the low ceiling. The loft is small with two full beds on either side of the room. One made up in red blankets the other in grey quilts with fluffy black pillows. In the far corner of the room is a small bathroom with a single sink, toilet, and shower. Against the wall is a bare square, wooden table. Mako pulls the table out to the middle of the small room and invites Korra to sit down with him to get to work.
She plops to the floor and pulls her binder out of her backpack before placing it open on the table. "It says we need to explain the steps and formulas of the method of integration by partial fractions." Korra reads off the paper. Mako pulls out a fresh notebook of paper. He rips out a sheet and hands it to Korra.
She takes it and slams it down on the table. "I don't get why we need to do projects. Or homework for that matter." Korra mutters wrestling her textbook from her back pack. She opens it and begins jotting down steps and formulas.
"You have two and a half more years of homework Yuke. You're going need to deal with it." Mako snorts.
"You deal with it!" Korra flicks her pencil at Mako and it hits him between the eyes before falling into his lap. "Ow!" He grunts with a frown, rubbing in-between his eyebrows.
Korra giggles loudly. "Now can I have my pencil back?" She asks reaching her hand out. Mako picks the pencil out of his lap and holds it up to Korra. "What this one?" He asks raising his eyebrows. Korra nods. "Yes, now gimme."
Mako takes the pencil in both hands between his thumb and index finger before pulling the wood down till it breaks under the pressure. Korra gasps. "Too bad. It looks like it's broken." He throws the two halves of the pencil onto the table. Korra narrows her eyes.
"You jerk! That was my only pencil!" She hisses.
Mako shrugs and begins writing down more formulas. "What a shame."
Korra lunges over the table and tries to snatch Mako's pencil away. He swiftly lifts his pencil up and out of Korra's reach. She pushes against his chest and reaches up to seize the pencil, but in the process Mako falls back. "Whoa!" He cries out as he teeters back and lands on his back. A small weight is pushed against his abdomen.
Korra lightly gasps as Mako's hand grips the bottom hymn of her grey blouse and pulls her down as he falls back. Her legs lightly straddle his waist as the flat of her hands rest on his chest. Her forehead barely grazes his as she feels herself drowning in pools of golden molten. She feels his sweet hot breath on her face, and by impulse she shoots up to her feet and steps around the table before falling back to her original spot on the floor. "Sorry…" She breathes breathless. She tucks her hair behind her ear nervously.
Mako pushes himself back up and clears his throat. "No It's fine." He assures with a nod. He reaches into a small pouch and produces a new black mechanical pencil. "Here," He slides it across the table.
Korra takes it without making eye contact. "Thanks."
They work in silence occasionally asking for a formula but other than that, continuous silence. Korra shuffles through her textbook with a slowly growing headache as she continues to write down problems, and easily solving them.
"What time do you need to be home?" Mako asks ruining the cool silence. Korra huffs as she looks at her watch. "No clue. Before sun down?" She shrugs hunching over her paper.
"That's soon." Mako closes up his textbook and binder before shimmying them back into his messenger bag. "We better wrap things up. We can continue tomorrow if you like." He suggests.
Korra nods and begins packing up her books and binders. She returns his pencil and Mako slides the table back against the wall. They both climb down the ladder to find Bolin sprawled across the couch with a small striped tailed creature lying on his belly. Bolin shifts his head to Korra. "Leaving already?" He asks.
Korra nods slinging her backpack onto her shoulder. "Wait!" Bolin exclaims jumping to his feet with the small creature clasped in his hands. Korra admits it's incredibly cute with its big beady black eyes, small white snout, perky round ears, and little wet nose. Its fur is a slick dark red with dark rings rounding its puffed tail. Its back is slightly arched and has a long torso. Its squirms in Bolin's grip as Bolin carries it over to Korra. "This is Pabu, my fire ferret!" Bolin announces. The creature stretches its neck out and casually sniffs her before licking her hand in approval.
Korra pets Pabu lovingly. "He is so cute!" Pabu squeaks. Korra pets the fire ferret one last time. "Well I better be going I will see y-" Korra is silenced as her eyes catch the man on the TV screen. He's dressed in dark attire. A heavy jacket with a red emblem stitched to the arm. There is a hood pulled over the back of his head but his face is covered by an intricate designed white mask with a distinct red dot on the forehead. His eyes are shadowed by the mask and a small slit at the bottom of the mask allows him to breathe. His hands are folded behind his back.
She has only seen pictures, but seeing him breathing- moving on the TV screen makes her heart race and her vision dizzy.
He stares back at her and she feels hot tears of horror prick at her eyes. She feels like he is staring back and he knows she is watching. No…
Then he speaks. His voice is dark but carries like a symphony with perfect pitch and pronunciation. "Good evening Republic City, my name is Amon."
Oops! Seems like I have dropped my cliffy! Sorry don't hate me! So Korra was reunited with Naga by Tenzin in hopes that will make Korra happier! That was sweet of Tenzin! Ok so what's going on with Mako? Why is he acting all nice all of a sudden? Why was Kai following Korra? Mr. Tao Ran knows...Uhhh Ohh...Is this good or bad? What is Amon doing in Republic City? So many questions! AHHH! Ok so any guesses on what will happen next?
This ending was so hard to write. I re wrote it like THREE times...I was having some major writers block. Ugh! But it is all good now and I am happy with the ending. I bet you guys aren't huh cause it is a cliff hanger. But I added some Makorra moments cause what Makora shipper doesn't love Makorra moments? I LOVE THEM! So I added some Makorra!
Ok now here comes the sad part. I will be going back to school starting Monday. I will be taking AP classes and you know what that means? HOMEWORK, and lots of it. This means updating will unfortunately come vaguely. I'm so sorry guys, but I will need to be making sacrifices to keep up with my work. I will try my uttermost hardest to update as frequently as I can but this will be that last update for a long time until I get settled into my school schedule and classes. Wish me luck. If you have any questions or concerns about anything please don't hesitate to drop me a P.M. They get e mailed to my phone and I answer them immediately. I'm really sorry guys. I really am. I will try to update as much as I can but be patient with me. Please?
Also thank you for ALL the reviews, favs and follows! We're still so early in the story and you guys are already hooked? I guess that means I'm doing my job right huh? I read all them reviews and I squeal, jump with joy and some I even cry! You guys are too great and I am so thankful to have readers like you! You guys make the long nights, writers block, and stress worth it. So really Thank you! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING ME SMILE.
So I think that is it for now. Again Thank you for reading and I hope this was a satisfying chapter for you guys.
I hope to write for you guys very soon. Much love,
~Megan~
