****PLEASE READ AUTHORS NOTE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT****

Please hold your pitch forks and torches. I know that I have been gone for the longest time without so much as a peep. And I know some of you are very upset with me... I understand and I don't blame you. But may I have a chance to explain myself? School was getting overwhelming for me and my grades started slipping. When my dad noticed my struggle, he got rid of the distractions which included my laptop, notebooks, internet, ect. The only access to the internet I had was my phone. So after school ended, I got my stuff back, but my life kind of spiraled down hill. I fell out of love with writing and I was in a funk. But on top of that, if I wanted to write, I couldn't because my laptop hard drive crashed and burned and a majority of my writing was POOF! GONE. This upset me further because a lot of my hard work, which I spent hours on, was gone. I recently got a new laptop and my love for writing has returned. But not so much for my fanfiction which I had put on the back burner. But for the past month, I have gone through this fan fic in particular and edited it. Also, THE ENDING FOR CHAPTER 9 HAS CHANGED SO PLEASE GO BACK AND READ THE END OF CHAPTER 9 IF YOU HAVENT DONE SO ALREADY.

The ending just wasn't working for me. But anyways, that is my explanation for my absence. And I am really sorry that I had abandoned my story for the longest time. It was wrong of me and I hope you guys aren't too mad and forgive me. I hope your interest wasn't lost within the gap I have been gone. I hope you guys are still excited for what I have in store.

Though this chapter isn't my favorite, it's kind of a bridge to a coming conflict/climax. This chapter is based loosely on "Leaf in the Wind" "The Revelation and "Voice in the Night". This chapter was REALLY hard for me to write. I had to go back many times to make adjustments, but I got it done and I am happy with the way it turned out.

To those who have been pasient with me, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I made this chapter EXTRA EXTRA long for you guys to tide you over for the next week or so as I write ch.11. I hope 14 pages is enough ;)

Also, for those who haven't heard, Legend of Korra is coming back in September. I have seen the first episode and OMG IT WAS AMAZING! ^.^

I am SO EXCITED.

Ok, now I'm just rambling. I'll let you guys get onto the story then.

Disclaimer: Legend of Korra belongs to Bryke. This story is for entertainment purposes only. The plot and anything else you do not recognize belongs to SoulLikeABird and may not be used without my written consent.

I introduce to you, Chapter Ten.

Enjoy. :)


Tenzin has never been too fond of councilman Tarrlock. Tarrlock may have come across to others as kind and level minded, but behind that likable façade, Tenzin can see the manipulative man Tarrlock truly is. The two councilmen have never seen eye to eye, and they were both polar opposites in their own right. They both have a long standing rivalry, and everyone on the board was aware of this.

Tarrlock had locked his place on the Republic City Council at a young age. Due to his charisma, people listen to him and respect him. He is a treasure to the city. Representing the Water Tribe, he wears his long brown hair strung in blue wooden beads that hung to his back. His eyes are a crystalline blue, his skin russet and his jaw sharp and defined. He wears a modern style light blue suit with a tie around his neck.

Tenzin tries his best not to sag his shoulders as Tarrlock, across from him at the table that curves around in a sturdy wooden "U", takes his turn to speak.

"There is a madman running around our beloved city, threatening to tear it apart." Tarrlock announces with poise and professionalism that a lot of people admire about him. "We need to create a task force whose sole mission is to find Amon and bring him to justice."

Tenzin furrows his eyebrows, clearly seeing the stupidity and recklessness in his statement. "Absolutely not." Tenzin declares with shoulders square and his smoky eyes glaring at Tarrlock. "A move that aggressive would only further divide benders and non-benders. We need to approach the situation more strategically and peacefully."

Two of the five council members nod their head in agreement to Tenzin.

An elderly woman whose round face is aged with wrinkles and faded gold eyes, turns her head to Tarrlock. She wears her traditional Fire Nation colors in an elaborate dress. Her long silver hair is pinned to the top of her head in clips adorned in pearls. "Tarrlock, I'm inclined to agree with your proposal," She spoke with her sophisticated rasped voice. She is unconvinced of Tarrlock's idea. "But who would lead this task force?"

Tarrlock stands to his feet and bows gracefully with a charming smile. "It would be my honor and privilege to accept such a duty."

Tenzin fights the urge to roll his eyes. The severe dislike for Tarrlock boils his blood." This is just another one of your ploys to gain more power, isn't it?" Tenzin indicts slamming his compressed fist down on the surface of the table.

Tarrlock scoffs softly and grins persuasively. "All I'm trying to do is help." He replies defensively." Think back, forty-two years ago, Republic City was threatened by another dangerous man. Yakone." Tarrlock jabs his finger in Tenzin's direction. "Your father wasn't afraid to deal with him head-on."

Tenzin reels back in his chair and jumps to his feet. He points his finger at Tarrlock. "How dare you compare yourself to Avatar Aang!" Tenzin was always sensitive when it came to the subject of his passed father. And never could Tarrlock be compared to the greatness of Avatar Aang. "Tarrlock, understand many have tried to stop Amon before, and many have failed. What makes you think you can stop him?"

"Have some faith Councilman Tenzin." Tarrlock turns away from Tenzin and faces the rest of the council members. " Amon is not going to stop with the bending triads. Eventually, he will come for all us benders. Our friends, our families. " Some of the councilmen cringe. "Vote for this task force and I will stop Amon before it's too late." All in favor?" Tarrlock raises his hand with the others placed over his chest.

Delivering empty promises again. Tenzin thinks bitterly as he watches his fellow council member hands rise in agreement. Tenzin keeps his hands to his side.


I can do this.

Korra felt overrun by a sharp frustration that burns in her chest and clenches her teeth. But at the same time she was determined to make her way through those fast spinning wooden gates.

They are mocking me. Korra bites down on her tongue then is sprinting towards the gate with her fists clenched. It was almost like the gates sucked her in, but in a fraction of a second Korra is being thrown around between the wooden panels. They struck her at every part of her body making her grunt out in pain and scream out in livid annoyance.

"Patience Korra!" Tenzin barks with irritation interlacing with his hard voice.

That is not what Korra wanted to hear and any little patience Korra had left in her shriveled up and is swallowed up with exasperation. A cry tears free from Korra's throat and her hands are swallowed in flames, then an explosion of sparking fire burst around Korra. The panels are knocked loose from the cement and are sent rocketing in every which direction. Some reduce to nothing but splintered and shattered planks of wood that shower down over Korra, Ikki, Meelo, Jinora, and Tenzin. Falling embers rain down and the smell of a burning forest now swirls around the island.

Panting hard with her lips pulled back in a snarl, Korra assess the damage made with her vision tinted red.

Tenzin though, stands flabbergasted with his jaw dropped open and his eyebrows raised high in surprise. "That was a two-thousand-year-old historical treasure…" Tenzin breathes. His face grows red with heat and like Korra, any patience he has snaps in half. "What is wrong with you?!" Tenzin exclaims gazing down at Korra who had made her way down from the smoking panels, and now stands in front of Tenzin.

She narrows her burning cyan eyes. "There's nothing wrong with me! I've been practicing just like you taught me, but it isn't sinking in, okay?!" Korra adverts her eyes down to the ground which is peppered in ashes. "It hasn't clicked like you said it would!" She adds raising her intense gaze back to Tenzin who looks about ready to burst.

Excuses. Tenzin thinks annoyingly boring down at the hot headed teen . "Korra, this isn't something you can force. If you would only listen to me—" Tenzin scolds but is curtly cut off by Korra.

"I have been! But you know what I think?" Korra barks with a tight chest. "Maybe the problem isn't me! Maybe the reason I haven't learned air bending yet is because you're a terrible teacher!" Korra hollers jabbing Tenzin in the chest before stomping away back to her room.

"Yeah daddy, you're a terrible teacher!" Meelo echoes with an ear to ear grin as he kicks around planks of wood with his tiny feet.

Tenzin frowns, saddened and discouraged. Jinora walks over to her father and hugs his waist. "You're not a terrible teacher dad." She whispers tightening her grip. Ikki joins in and hugs her father's leg gingerly. "Best teacher I know." Ikki smiles and Tenzin rests each hand on his daughter's shoulders with a weak and pallid smile.


He was in a surprisingly good mood today. Waking up to a rising sun and cloudless purple sky was always a content way to start the day. Cracking his green eyes open, they instantly adjust to the vibrant rays of sun spilling in through the shutters. A quiet cooing from his chest brought a grin to Bolin's face and he raises his arm and pets the sleek fur of his fire ferret.

"Good morning Pabu." Bolin yawns then stretches out his legs and arms till he hears a satisfying pop. Feeling relaxed, Bolin pulls Pabu to his chest and rises from bed.

"Bolin, you awake up there?" Mako calls from below with a duffle bag thrown over his shoulder and his eyes supporting heavy bags of a sleepless night.

"I'm up!" Bolin shouts, his lively tone muffled by the toothbrush protruding from his lips.

"Good, hurry up. We only have the gym for an hour." Mako yawns then combs his hands through his spiked hair. His morning is not too exuberant as his freshly awake brother. All night was a restless battle for comfort in a desperately failed attempt to tame his jumbled thoughts. Mako feels as if last night was a dream—an illusion played out by his imagination. It was just over whelming to think that the hot headed and rather quiet new girl in his Calculus class is the Avatar. It was unreal that Mako was one of the few who knew the truth, and it was unnerving that she had asked him to keep it a secret. That meant that he had to hide the truth from his little brother and his girlfriend. But it would ensure the Avatar's safety from anyone wishing to exploit her. It would protect her from Amon.

This brought Mako to his next set of troubling thoughts. This masked man. He wishes to strip the city of its bending. Sure Mako has heard of Amon before, but very scarcely. If what Korra said was true, Mako and Bolin were very likely targets to the Equalists. Him and Bolin are famous pro-benders after all. And that genuinely scares Mako, not for his safety, but for Bolin. There was no way that he would ever let something that horrible happen to Bolin—not ever. He would rather lie down on a bed of nails then be ran over by a Sato Mobile.

Mako's stomach twists painfully and he intakes a shaking breath. Shoving all his thoughts away he leaves his apartment and strides slowly down to the gym.

Bolin joins him minutes later, and then Kai arrives. They all practice with minimal talking.

An hour later practice ends, and all three boys are coated in sticky sweat. "Good practice today, guys. Best one we've had in a while." Mako cracks a small smile then unbuckles and pulls it from his head. He shakes his head, his hair spraying small beads of sweat around him.

"I think you mean great practice! You're a natural Kai!" Bolin exclaims shimming out of his helmet and perching it between his arm and hip.

Kai nods with a smile then tears free from his helmet, his brown hair damp and hanging in his face. "Thanks guys."

Mako huffs and walks over to his duffle. He yanks his bottled water from a pouch and takes several satisfying guzzles. "Bolin, c'mon we got to get ready for school." Mako ushers, stripping free from his padded gear and putting it away in his duffle.

The gym door is thrown open and steps in a middle aged man with dark skin and brown eyes. He wears a wealthy man's clothes— a dark green suit, a silk brown necktie, matching olive green slacks and brown leather loafers. He sports a perfectly trimmed mustache. His hair is as dark as his eyes and is combed back neatly from his face. His smile is blindly white and extensive.

"There are my little hard-working street urchins." The man greets stopping just in front of the three sweat swathed boys.

Mako and Bolin frown at the sight of the greed ridden man. "Oh, good morning Butakha." Bolin sags his shoulders.

"Look alive, Bolin. I come with the winnings from your last match." Butakha proclaims pulling a thick wad of bills from his inner jacket pocket.

Mako's eyes light up at the sight of his well-deserved money. Butakha extends the money to Mako who eagerly snatches it and moves to shove it in his back pocket. Butakha waggles his index finger at Mako who raises an eyebrow questionably. "Ah, ah, ah, not so fast." Butakha pinches away a few bills from the stack. "First you owe me for the new waterbender's gear." Butakha snatches away another twenty five bills. "Gym and equipment rentals from last month ." Mako frowns at the reduced stack of cash. He once again moves to put it away, but is stopped again by Butakha's hand gathering more of the money. "Can't forget the rent on your apartment," Mako, dismayed sighs and goes to put the remaining ten bills away, but the rest of the money is taken away by Butakha's thick hand. "and a personal loan for groceries."

"Personal loan for groceries wha—"Mako cranes his head to Bolin with his eyes tightened. "Bolin…"Mako hissed.

Bolin defensively held his stomach. "What, I'm a growing boy." Bolin huffs. Mako rolls his eyes.

"One more thing boys, you need to dish out thirty thousand yuans for the championship pot." Butakha admits with his lips slightly pulling down in a frown. Butakha pats Mako on the shoulder. "Sorry kids. Maybe next year."

And that was enough to ruin a thousand of Mako's morning.


"You look like you're ready to burn down a small town." Bolin states with eyebrows rose as he fell into step with Korra who is stomping down the hallway of Republic City High.

Man, this just doesn't seem to be anybody's morning… Bolin thinks with a mope.

"Try a whole country." Korra seethes gripping the strap of her backpack tightly in her clenched fist.

"What has you all heated up?" Bolin questions craning his neck to get a look at Yuke whose short hair is frizzed, messy, her glasses hand low on her nose, and her eyebrows are pulled down.

Korra shook her head. "Don't worry about it."

Bolin presses his lips. "Mako's pretty mad too." He states

Korra arches a brow. "Why is Mako pissed?"

Bolin sighs in disappointment. "Y'know we won the quarter championship right?"

Korra nods and halts her walking as she comes to her locker. "Yeah, I was there Bo, remember?" Korra states grabbing her Chinese Literature and trigonometry text books.

Bolin leans his shoulder against the locker next to Korra's and crosses his legs. "Right, well anyways, in order to be in the championship tournaments we have to put money in this pot." Bolin explains his voice heavy and stressed.

"A pot? What does that mean?" Korra nudges up her specks and shuts her locker. Bolin follows next to Korra as she saunters to class.

"It's where both teams dish out some serious cash and whoever wins the championship gets all the money." Bolin explains as he rakes his hand through his hair and pushes the other hand in the pocket of his corduroy pants.

"And you and Mako don't have the yuans to put in the pot?" Korra guesses with a sigh.

"You are correct." Bolin shrugs his broad shoulders. "You don't happen to have some secret bank account over flowing with cash do you?"

Korra snorts and heaves her hands in her pockets before pulling out the empty liner. "I got nothing, sorry Bo."

"It's ok, it's just Mako and I have worked so hard to get to the championship and it would totally suck cow frogs if we don't get to play in the tournament. Being broke sucks." Bolin huffs then kicks a dropped pencil across the tile.

"Hey, don't count yourself out yet. You guys will figure it out." Korra comforts patting Bolin's shoulder. Korra and Bolin arrive to Korra's class. She turns to Bolin who is flashing his pearly whites. "I'll see you at lunch ok?"

"Yeah, and thank you Yuke. You're a good friend." Bolin blushes then watches as Korra turns away from him and disappears into the classroom.


Korra was putting away her binder and textbook in her backpack when her Uncle's voice interrupted her. "Miss Shen, can I have a word with you?" Mr. Tao Ran requests from his desk in front of the sun lit room.

Korra mumbles a curse under her breath and stands to her feet. She thinks about filing out of the room with the rest of the students, but she finds herself curious of what her uncle has to say to her. She drags herself to Mr. Tao Ran's desk. Folding her arms over her chest, Korra glares at Mr. Tao Ran who is looking back at her with concern. "What do you want?" Korra teems.

"To make sure that my niece is ok." Mr. Tao Ran says softly with his limpid eyes weaved with apprehension.

"You don't need to worry about me." Korra jeers back tapping her foot impatiently.

"I am concerned for you and if you want to talk I'-"

"I'm going to lunch." And then Korra was gone and out of the class room and Mr. Tao Ran exhaled a heavy breath of sympathy.

Cross and dangerously on the edge of losing her temper, Korra dropped down at the lunch table next to Bolin with Mako seated in front of her. If training with Tenzin wasn't stressful enough, being hounded by her uncle was fueling Korra's anger.

"Still wanting to burn down a country I see." Bolin asserts twirling a curl of his hair around his finger. "You ready to talk about it yet?"

"Not now Bolin." Korra answers, biting vigorously down on the inside of her cheeks. She shifts her gaze to Mako who seems to be studying her. She looks away instantly and focuses on the empty seat next to him. "Where is Asami?"

"Her dad pulled her out of school so she can attend a business trip with him." Bolin says pulling a peanut butter sandwich, unwrapping it and taking a bite. "So did you guy hear that Takashi Sojo went missing?" Bolin says with a mouth full of food.

Mako cocks an eyebrow. "Missing?"

Bolin swallows the food in his mouth and licks his lips clean of creamy peanut butter. "Yeah, he didn't come home from school yesterday. His family and friends haven't heard from him since then."

"Who is Takashi Sojo?" Korra inquires feeling a little lost.

"He's a firebender in my first period." Bolin replies a little sad.

"Let's hope he turns up soon." Mako perches his elbows up on the table and leans forward. "Bolin, we need to figure out a way to come up with the thirty thousand yuans." Mako utters with extreme palpable stress tingeing his tone.

Bolin perks up, ready to produce an idea that had been swirling around in his head all morning. He swallows the food in his mouth and grins. "I've been training Pabu to do circus tricks. Now people would pay good money to see that!" He exclaims having confidence in his idea and hope that Mako will support it.

Mako rubs his temples. "Come on Bolin." He groans. "We need serious ideas."

Bolin's smile vanishes. "I was being serious." He almost whispers.

Korra pats Bolin on the shoulder then turns to glare at Mako. "Well, have you come up with anything better Team Captain?" Korra challenges.

Mako scoffs at the Avatar. "I'm working on something." He inhales an exhausted breath, throws the strap of his messenger bag over his shoulder and stands easily to his feet. "I'm going to the library. I'll see you guys later."

It wasn't like Mako felt Bolin's idea was useless, but slow. By the time they earned enough money from street performing, the Pro-Bending season will be long gone. They needed a quick and easy way to get the money.

Then it dawns on him and he has the right mind to throw himself into the lockers. The Fire Ferrets have a sponsor—a wealthy sponsor.

Why am I so stupid?!

Mako leans against a wall of lockers just outside the library and fishes out his flip phone from his coat pocket. He dials the number and holds it to his ear. Asami picks up on the third dial tone.

"Mako, hey!" Asami chirps.

Her voice brings a crisp smile to his lips. "Hey Asami."

"Everything ok, you sound a little sad." She had always been good at picking up on Mako's emotions.

"I have a favor to ask."

"Ok, what do you need sweetie?"

Asami listens to Mako as he explains to her the situation. He sounds a little bit embarrassed and ashamed? Asami knows that Mako has never been comfortable asking things from other people. He has always worked his hardest to get what he wants on his own terms and most importantly, by himself.

"So do you think your dad can help us out?" Mako asks hesitantly while biting down on his bottom lip.

"Of course! He does sponsor you, it would be wrong for him not to help you. I'll talk to him when we go to lunch later." Asami promises and a wide smile spread Mako's thin lips.

"Thank you so much Asami! You have no idea what this means for our team!" Mako exclaims with utter happiness.

Asami laughs her perfect golden giggle. "Oh, I think I do. It means you get to play in the championship, and I know that has always been a dream of yours. I'm so happy for you Mako." Asami replies with delight. "Hey, Dad is about to get out of his meeting, I have to go. I'll talk to you later. Bye sweetie!"

"Bye Asami, thank you." And the line went dead, but Mako suddenly felt some of his stress pull free from his shoulders.


"So, you figure out what you're going to do about the championship pot?" Korra whispers tapping her pencil on the desk.

Annoyed with the tapping sound, Mako snatches the pencil from her fingers and slams it down. "Stop with the tapping, and yes I did." Mako replies quietly, careful not to attract the attention of the teacher.

"And what did the genius Mako come up with?" Korra challenges with a smug grin.

"Why do you want to know?" Mako encounters.

Korra furrows her eyebrows. "Don't answer my question with another question."

"Whatever you wish Avatar." Mako hissed with his molten eyes in slits.

Korra's jaw clenched and she refrained from popping Mako in the gut. "Don't call me that."

"Mako and Yuke!" Mr. Zhi shouts from the front of the class. His expression is pure annoyance. "Do you two have something to add to the lesson?"

Mako shakes his head quickly with heat rising to his cheeks. "No sir."

Korra though, slams her notebook shut and stands to her feet, her confidence and bad temper at a new high. "Actually yes, I do have something to add. You assign too much homework, that project you assigned was completely pointless, your lessons are so boring, I would rather watch the grass grow than sit in here and listen to some grandpa with a stick shoved up his ass!" Korra bellows and around her erupt gasps, snickers and a few dropped jaws. Mr. Zhi's face is a searing red, the dark wrinkled skin under his eyes are twitching aggressively, and he is shaking in anger.

"Leave my classroom at once! Both of you to the Principal Saikhan's office, now!" Mr. Zhi booms with fury.

Mako's mouth falls open in surprise then his eyes are exploding with anger for the Avatar who can never seem to keep her mouth shut.

Korra collects her belongings and throws her backpack over her shoulder. "Anything is better than here!" Korra called over her shoulder as she exits the classroom. Mako trails in loud angry stomps a few paces behind her.

First she almost gets me arrested, and then she gets me sent to the principal's office. The Avatar is definitely more trouble than she is worth.

"What, you have nothing to say?" Korra hisses as she stomps down the hallway.

He scoffs and buries his hands in his pant pockets. "And risk angering you more? I don't need any more of your Avatar wrath, thank you v-"Mako huffs and drags his feet along the tile, but instantly he finds himself slammed up against the lockers with the tip of his sneakers kissing the ground. Korra edges up to her tippy toes and growls. Her nostrils flare. "Stop…" Korra chomps down on her tongue in an attempt to tame her aggressive antics. "Calling me that." She reduces her voice to a dry whisper.

Mako notices the desperate and earnest aspect to her cerulean eyes. Before Mako can choke out an apology, Korra releases him and is darting away from Mako. He doesn't pursue her, but slowly makes his way to the front office.


"I am at my whits end with you Korra!" Tenzin shouts as him and Korra step off the ferry and onto the dock of Air Temple Island. Korra brushes off Tenzin and walks with heavy feet past him. "Korra, I am not finished talking to you!" Tenzin roars rigorously at Korra. Korra halts halfway down the dock. She turns on her heel with eyes blazing and fingernails digging into her palms.

"Well, I'm done talking to you! I'm sure whatever you have to say to me, I have heard it before!" She spits back.

"I've tried being patient with you. I tried to make you happy by bringing your polar bear dog to the city, I've tried everything I can think of, but there is no getting through to you!" Tenzin howls, his vocal chords drying out and straining. "You are unfocused, reckless, and disrespectful! What you said to your teacher was insolent, and I am very disappointed in you! Suspended, Korra, you got yourself suspended!"

"Well guess what Tenzin, I could care less what you think! My existence doesn't revolve around impressing you!" She hollers across the dock. Her face is beat red and she is shaking in outrage. Korra spins around to stalk off, but she pauses and pivots once again to face Tenzin. "And I've been thinking, I haven't been able to learn airbending because maybe I don't even need it! I'm not 'peaceful' enough you say. I'm not 'patient' enough. You're right; I'm neither of those things, and I never will be! And y'know what, I'm better off without airbending!" Korra bellows in pure resentment.

"What? That's a ludicrous suggestion!" Tenzin tramps towards Korra. "The Avatar needs to learn airbending! It's not optional!"

Korra's nostrils flare with every shaky breath. "I'm going to my room." She fumes and swivels on her sneaker before stamping away.

Tenzin inhales a deep breath of crisp air. Patience Tenzin, she will come to her senses eventually.

Scrubbing chalk boards wasn't exactly Mako's superlative idea of an after school activity. But he counts his lucky stars that it was only a few days detention instead of suspension like Korra so hastily received. The worst Mako got was a half an hour lecture from Principal Saikhan about being a disturbance in class. It was tedious but he survived without as much as a dent to his perfect student record.

Mako huffs. Korra always seems to be getting him in trouble. She just doesn't know when to quit does she?

Isn't the Avatar supposed to be calm, collected, well-mannered and respectful? Korra was the polar opposite of what Mako thought the Avatar to be. Korra was brash, ill tempered, rude and violent. Being slammed up against the wall last night and into the lockers an hour ago left Mako's shoulders bruised and sore.

But there was a side of Korra that showed vulnerability and Mako could tell that not many people have seen her so fearful. He had seen that part of the Avatar last night as she hallucinated something unknown. After he had promised the Avatar that her secret was safe with him, she left immediately. But that look in her cerulean eyes was penetrating horror that crippled her tough façade. He told her that it was true, she had been targeted for an attempted assassination by Amon. Then she was forced from her home, dropped her in a foreign city where they cut her hair, and changed her name.

Mako has this strange inkling that maybe even the Avatar isn't who she seems to be on the outside as she is on the inside.

Mako drops the dirty rag caked in dust and chalk in the bucket of water beside him.

This is all just too confusing.

Half an hour later, Mako is released from detention. He takes a few minutes to go visit Mr. Zhi to apologize. He accepts his apology. "You're a promising student of mine Mako. I appreciate you taking the time to apologize for your actions."

"Thank you sir. Have a good evening." Mako nodded and put his hands in the pocket of his brown coat. He leaves the classroom with a grumbling belly.

Mako lifted up the hatch to his apartment and lugged himself up the remaining few steps. With a bag of take out in his hand and his eyes heavy with stress and fatigue. "Bolin, I'm home!" Mako calls dragging himself across the creaking wood floor of their apartment.

"I'm up here!" Bolin replies from the landing above.

Mako falls back on the battered orange sofa with his arms and legs sprawled. He reaches into the plastic bag and digs out a takeout box. "I picked up some of your favorite dumplings." He calls out and once again.

Bolin is sliding down the ladder in an instant. "Oh goodie!" He sings. He falls down next to Mako on the couch. Mako hands Bolin the takeout box and hands it to Bolin who digs in instantly. Pabu scurries across the floor and leaps up onto Bolin's shoulder, waiting for a handout.

Mako pulls out his own box and pops a meat dumpling in his mouth. The sweet taste brings his taste buds to life. "So I got some good news."

Bolin cranes his head to the side. "Yay, I love good news!"

"Well then you will love this. We're playing in the tournament!" Mako announces proudly.

Bolin's mood bursts into nothing but sheer happiness. He grabs Mako's shoulders and crushes him in a suffocating hug. "Yes! Are you serious?"

Mako wheezes as Bolin crushes his lungs. Pabu nuzzles Mako's neck. "Bolin, oxygen is a necessity." Mako rattles. Bolin releases Mako.

"Oh, sorry, sorry." Bolin beams. "Where did you get thirty thousand yuans so quickly?"

"We do have a sponsor Bo."

"oh, right…Yeah, I forgot." Bolin admits with his thin lips puckered. "So has us covered?"

Mako nods.

"So where were you after school today bro?" Bolin questions holding up a piece of dumping for Pabu. The fireferret snatches it from Bolin's fingers and dashes off his shoulder.

"Detention." Mako answers drearily.

Bolin gasps dramatically. "Detention? You? What did Mako the perfect student do to get detention?"

Mako chuckles and rolls his tawny eyes. "It's what I didn't do."

"What do you mean?"

"Yuke lost her temper in class and I got caught in the middle of it."

"Really? What did she do?" Bolin asks intrigued.

"Yelled at ."

"Dang. I mean I knew she was upset today but geez, girl needs to take a chill pill." Bolin plops another dumpling in his mouth.

Mako shrugs. "Well she got suspended."

Bolin frowns, suddenly immensely sad. "So she won't be in school?" Bolin utters.

Mako nods his head. "Not for six days."

"Man, this blows." Bolin mutters with his eyebrows knotted together.

Mako chuckles and playfully punches his little brother on the arm. "You'll survive. Besides if you miss her so much, go visit her at Air Temple Island." He suggests.

Bolin frowns and drops his shoulders. "I can't tonight. I have an essay to write then I need to give Pabu a bath. He is filthy!" Pabu who is still nibbling on his piece of dumpling, perks up his ears and whimpers. He snatches up the remaining dumpling in his mouth and sprints off to hide. Bolin scoffs. "I'll find you Pabu, I always do!" Bolin shouts. "So what do you think of Yuke?" He probes changing the subject.

Mako stiffens and turns his head to Bolin who is beaming. "Why do you ask?"

Bolin's cheeks tint pink. "I don't know…" He shrugs and sighs star struck. "I guess I was wondering how you think Yuke and I would look, y know, together…"

A unexplained feeling tugs at Mako's chest. He doesn't even know who she is…Bolin and the Avatar? "I don't know Bolin…" Mako respires. He shouldn't be getting tangled up with Korra.

Bolin lifts up a brow. "What do you mean?"

"I just don't think you should be getting involved with Yuke romantically."

Bolin glares at Mako with his emerald eyes confused. "And what makes you an expert on Yuke?"

Mako scoffs. "I never said that Bo. It's just my brotherly instincts and you should listen to me, ok?"

"Yeah, whatever." Bolin mutters unconvinced. He struggles up from the sofa. "I'm going to go work on my essay." Bolin climbs up the ladder to the landing with a determined attitude to ignore Mako's brotherly instincts.

What does he know anyway? Bolin thinks bitterly as he steps up onto the rickety wooden landing.


"Akari Sage, a junior at Republic City High has been reported missing when she didn't arrive home from a friend's house yesterday evening." The female reporter's voice announces from the radio. The reporter then proceeds to explain the appearance of the young girl. "Police ask that you contact your local station if you know anything about Akari Sage's whereabouts.

Tenzin reaches across his desk and turns the radio knob till it clicks off. "That's the second one this week…" He mutters. These can't be coincidences…

Knuckles rapping at Tenzin's office doors draws his eyes away from his paperwork and thoughts. He clears his throat. "Come in."

He is surprised when he sees Korra slowly opening the door with her eyes cast to the floor. She closes the door and looks up at Tenzin. She holds her arms and shifts nervously foot to foot.

"Korra, how can I help you?" Tenzin inquires folding his hands in front of him.

"I'm here to apologize…again… I'm really sorry for the way I have been acting. I realize I haven't been the best student here and in my classes. I was out of line to speak to my teacher and to you that way. And if you're still willing, I would like to continue our usual training sessions. I promise to take it seriously and stay focused."

Tenzin marvels at the sincerity in her light eyes. She is finally addressing the wrong she has done. I am proud. He nods his head. "I accept your apology. I would be honored to continue teaching you, Korra. We will start tomorrow morning."

Korra smiles broadly. "Thank you so much Tenzin. I won't disappoint you this time around!" She says as she bounds from his office. She opens the door, but before closing it behind her, she peers over her shoulder. "And for the record, I appreciate all that you have done for me Master Tenzin. Thank you."

Tenzin smirks warmly. "You're welcome Korra."


"Don't force your movements. Clear your mind and move with the flow of the breeze." Tenzin instructs. So far he was impressed as he watches Korra whirl into the newly replaced air gates. "Stay light on your feet."

Korra heeds Tenzin's instructions and takes a breath before relaxing her muscles and letting her body flow with light and airy movements. Her feet carry her through the maze of gates —twirling her, moving her. It's not suffocating like the last time she tried to go through the gates and failed. But it came easy to her with her mind clear and eyes shut. She trusted her instincts and let it guide her.

Tenzin felt elated when he saw Korra jumping out easily. "Good job Korra. I knew you could do it."

Korra leaned over and rested her hands on her knees while exhaling heavy breaths. She wants to feel cheerful and proud, but she finds that she feels the exact opposite. "Thanks Tenzin…But I still can't airbend." She dreads.

Tenzin pats her shoulder. "One step at a time Korra."

Korra straightens up and nods. "Let me try again." She presses as she walks around Tenzin and positions herself back in front of the gates. She was about to step in, but an unfamiliar voice stops her.

"Good evening Tenzin."

Oh, terrific. What does he want? Tenzin thinks as he hears Tarrlock's voice from behind him. Tenzin swivels around. "Evening Tarrlock, to who do I owe the pleasure of you gracing your presence at my home tonight?" Tenzin replies sarcastically.

"Oh, I am not here to see you Tenzin." Tarrlock glances over Tenzin's shoulder to Korra who is glaring back in suspicion. Tarrlock shoves Tenzin out of the way. "Hello Avatar Korra. It's an honor to finally meet you." Tarrlock extends his hand. Korra eyes his rather large hand, but does not take it.

"And who are you?"

Tarrlock straightens his posture and pulls on the collar of his light blue suit jacket. "I am Councilman Tarrlock."

Korra folds her arms over her chest. "Right."

"What do you want from Korra Tarrlok?" Tenzin questions feeling a little uneasy.

"Please Tenzin, this conversation is between me and the Avatar. " Tarrlock turns back to Korra. "Avatar, I am assembling a task force to go after Amon and the Equalists and it would be an honor if you would consider joining."

"Absolutely not! Avatar Korra is supposed to be in hiding! Going after Amon would be suicide! She is simply not ready for such a war."

Korra was bound to agree.

Tarrlock reels his azure eyes. "Tenzin, Korra can make her own decision. I am not pressuring you Avatar. The choice is entirely yours."

Tenzin looks down at Korra and can see the fear interlacing her calm eyes. He has faith she will choose the right preference.

"I appreciate the offer, but no thank you." Korra steps away from Tarrlock. "Now if you will excuse Tenzin and I, we are busy."

Tarrlock's charming smile contorts to a glower for the quickest moment, and then he was smirking once more. "Yes, of course. But if you change your mind," Tarrlock flicks out a small paper card and holds it between his fingers. Korra hesitates but takes it. "please contact me."

Tarrlock leaves after that, and Korra debates ripping the flimsy paper card into a million tiny pieces.

Korra felt a little more at ease without the weight of getting caught sneaking out boring down on her shoulders. To her surprise, Tenzin actually allowed Korra to attend the Pro-Bending tournament without much argument. Although she was tied down to a tight curfew.

"You may attend the tournament, but you must come straight home afterwards."

Fine by Korra. She felt strangely joyful knowing Tenzin was trusting Korra out in the city without his supervision.

"And the Fire Ferrets knock the remaining two Buzzard Wasps right off the back of the platform!" Shiro Shinobi announces in his booming pulsing with charisma. The hundreds of citizens gathered in the stands are crying, cheering, screaming, some booing, and booming simultaneously in an ear-drum splitting roar.

Korra is among the cheering fans, standing on 'the best seat in the house' Bolin had put it. "Yeah, Go Fire Ferrets!" She screeches throwing her fists above her head.

Meanwhile the Fire Ferrets are waving to their fans proudly with ear to ear smiles and thundering hearts.

"The Fire Ferrets will be, moving on to the next round of the Championship!"

"Yeah, Mako!" Bolin carols throwing himself at Mako and hurling his arms around him. "We did it!"

Mako returns the hug and barks a laugh. "Yes we did Bo!" The bending brother's break the hug and congratulate Kai each with a high five.

The three pro benders are returned to the dressing room. Instantly Bolin is assaulted by Korra with a solid punch to the arm. "Ow!" He winces.

"Congrats, you're going to the next round." She exclaims with her adrenaline running. Her smile falters though as Mako stalks past her without so much as a side glance. She clears her throat timidly. "Congratulations to you too Mako."

Mako opens his locker and begins to strip of his padded gear, the outline of his burly muscles becoming visible under his tan jumpsuit. "Thanks."

Asami bursts through the door in exuberant grace. She pitches herself at Mako and smashes her red painted lips into Mako's who responds instantly. His arms snake around her waist and he draws her closer. They mutually end the kiss and touch noses. He can smell her sweet perfume and mint gum on her breath. Her jade eyes glisten and her purple dusted eyelids flutter. "You did great champ!" Asami said softly while biting down on her lip between her white teeth.

Korra feels an insane jolt of jealousy tear through her veins ruthlessly. But the sad look on her face said nothing of jealousy. She snaps her head around when Mako's eyes break from Asami and find Korra's earnest cerulean eyes.

He pulls away from Asami and returns to ridding himself of his padded gear. Hiroshi Sato enters the room shortly after to offer his felicitations. "I would like to invite all of you out to dinner to celebrate your victory." He announces with brown eyes optimistic.

Korra silently judges the dimension of Hiroshi's appearance. He dressed like he had the world's money in his back pocket. The watch clasped simply around his bulky wrist is probably worth a hundred houses and homes. His suit was pressed pleated and a faultless burgundy. A black silk bowtie adorns his neck. Round specks made of gold are worn low on the bridge of his round nose. His loafers are polished and shine noticeably even in the faintest light.

He looks nothing less than a billionaire should look. He does own a famous sports car and motor company.

"Are you going to come too Yuke?" Bolin asks with hopeful eyes.

"Not tonight Bolin. I have a curfew." Korra shrugs her shoulders. "Next time for sure."

"I'll hold you to that." Bolin winks.

"Ok, Bo. I should be heading out then." Korra steps around Bolin to leave.

"Wait, I'll walk you." Mako offers Korra raking his fingers through his sweat tangled hair. Asami standing beside him, raises a perfectly plucked brow. And Bolin's shoots a dangerous glare Mako's way.

"No, it's ok. I'll be fine." Korra insists, tucking a tuff of her short hair behind her ear and nudges up her glasses with her knuckles.

"I'm not comfortable with you walking alone this late." Mako argues. Mako had always been over protective.

"I think I can handle walking a few blocks." Korra remarks, folding her arms over her chest.

Hiroshi steps in and places a hand on Korra's shoulder. She shivers under his touch. "Miss Shen, I am bound to agree with Mako. It isn't safe for a young girl like you to be out walking alone."

Korra detects a suggestion of sarcasm to his voice. "Mako, please escort Miss Shen home and the rest of us will meet you at Kuang's Cuisine" Hiroshi instructs taking his hand from Korra's shoulder.

"B-but—"Bolin begins to inject but he bites his tongue. "Never mind…" He mutters

Mako excuses himself to get dressed. Korra waits for him in the grand lobby of the arena that is still clustered with people. He returns minutes later in a light grey hoodie that hides his muscle physique, tattered blue jeans and of course his red scarf draped over his collar bones. His hair is damp and spiked up in its usual common style.

The walk started very quiet. Mako strolls beside Korra who keeps her eyes cast to the ground, and occasionally he would notice her kicking a pebble with the tip of her grey sneakers. The night was relatively calm and not many people were out. The streets were vague with cars and the city's usual rumble was noticeably quieter.

Probably because they are too scared to leave their homes. Mako guesses.

A little bit into the walk, only then did Korra's hoarse voice shatter the demeaning silence.

"I guess I owe you an apology from a few days ago." Korra rubs the back of her head tensely.

"Uh, I guess." Mako stammers.

"It wasn't my intention to get you in trouble too. I lost my temper and I didn't mean to drag you into it." Was apologizing supposed to be this nerve wracking?

"It's ok Yuke. I forgive you."

Korra looks up at Mako who has his head directed at the stars above, his head slightly bobbing with each step he takes. "You can call me Korra y'know. Well, when no one's around I mean."

Mako drags his head away from the twinkling stars and down to Korra who is now looking forward. "You told me not to call you that."

"I told you not to call me Avatar." She strains her eyes back up to Mako's.

"Isn't that the same concept?"

Korra blows a chilling swirl of silver air from her lips. "One is my given name and the other is a title." She remarks. "They are both completely different concepts."

"Aren't you cold?" Mako questions examining Korra's thin blue tee shirt and dark grey capris.

Korra snorts. "I was born and raised in the South Pole. Your winter is my summer. It actually feels kind of nice." She breathes in the cool air with ease and cherishes the feel of the breeze brushing her skin.

"You're going to catch your death wearing only that." Mako scolds jostling his hands in his hoodie pockets.

"Have you always been this naggy?"

"From what I have been told, yes I have." He remarks with a mocking smile.

Korra coughs and clears her throat, another apology burning in her belly. "Uh, so look, about the other night… I'm sorry you had to see me that way. "Korra's face flushed pink with embarrassment, rips her gaze from Mako and aims it back at her feet. She pulls at the tips of her hair with her fingernails which she notices are in need of a trim. "I, uh, am also sorry that I firebent at you."

She is just full of apologies tonight isn't she? He sucked in a breath of chilling air. "It's ok, really. No harm done."

"Right, no harm done…" She echoes in a whisper that the cold wind carries to Mako's ear.

He could perceive the uncertainty intertwined in her ambiance. "You don't need to worry you know."

Korra shifts her gaze up at Mako. "Huh?"

"You're worried I'm going to tell someone." Mako says blatant.

"I-" Korra begins to deny but she sighs and slacks her shoulders. "Well you really haven't given me a good reason to trust you Mako."

"We've been through this already. I promised you that I wasn't going to tell, and I am a man of my word." Mako has legitimacy in his eyes. He was never going to tell anyone about Korra if it meant any harm to her. He would take it to his grave if that was what it meant to keep Korra safe.

"Ok." Is her reply.

They fall silent once again and neither bother talking till they reach the docks that are rocking lightly with the movement of foamy waves.

Korra circles around to Mako who towers above Korra with his hands stuck in the pocket of his hoodie. His skin looks like pale porcelain under the glowing rays of the moon. His almond shaped eyes are warm pools of molten gold that strangely shimmer, and glisten in the shadow of a lamp post casted over him. His bowtie lips are straight, showing no sign of any emotion and strands of his dark hair tumble in the wind.

Why does he have to be so beautiful? And why is he always so hard to read? "Right, well thank you Mako for walking me home. Even though it wasn't necessary." She can't help but roll her eyes. I'm the Avatar for crying out loud. I don't need to be walked home…But I think I actually enjoyed this, despite the awkwardness.

"Goodnight Korra." Mako nods, turns and stalks away.

She smiles at the sound of her name. It is refreshing to hear.

Korra boards the ferry and enjoys the misty air and cold but relaxing chill of the climate on the short ride back to the island. She takes her time walking up stone path to the temples with Mako on her mind.

That giant contradiction of a person and Korra was slowly falling. He was one of the few who knew, and was she comfortable with this? Not entirely. But there was a part of her—a radiant and sure part of her that knows she can trust him. And nowadays, trust was a hard thing for Korra to come by. But it didn't matter if no part of her trusted Mako. She had no choice but to trust him. He knew who she was and there was no taking it back.

"Korra!" Korra hears Tenzin call and then he is running to her with a horrified look contorting his features. Tenzin grabs Korra by her shoulders and scrutinizes her as if looking for some sort of damage. "Are you alright?"

Korra cocks her head to the side. "Yeah, I'm fine." Her heart skips a beat. "What's wrong, did something happen?"

Tenzin's dismayed eyes look into Korra's worried ones. "They found the two students who went missing."

"That's great news, then why are you looking all worried?" Korra asks, goose bumps arousing her skin.

"They found their bodies, Korra."

Korra's heart thunders as her mouth falls open and a gasp hisses from her throat.

Bodies?


Who saw that one coming? Anybody? What do you think is going on? Two dead students. Yeesh...

Well if it wasn't obvious already, Cerulean is about to take a dark turn. I AM SO EXCITED TO SHOW YOU WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

So shit is about to go down... Are you guys ready? I'M NOT D: JKJK

Anyways, please leave me a review to tell me what you think. Don't be afraid to critique. I do use critique to improve my work, so please don't hesitate to tell me your opinion. Also reviews make me really happy and I appreciate them with all my heart. They inspire me to write more! And wow! I got over 30 reviews late chapter! That is crazy! Speaking of Reviews, I will get around to replying to them later today if I find the time. Sound good?

I recently checked out the traffic count for Cerulean and guess what? OVER 13,000 PEOPLE HAVE READ THIS STORY. WHAAAAAAA? THAT IS UNREAL AND THAT MADE ME SMILE SO WIDE I DON'T THINK YOU GUYS UNDERSTAND HOW BLESSED I FEEL. THAAAANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR STICKING WITH ME AND BEING PATIENT. I APPRECIATE IT MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW.

I love you all so very much and I'm glad to be back!

Have a flawless day

~Megan~