Mako and Bolin parted from the girls as they found what room they'd be staying in for their week adventure. Room 404 came into view as it was only two doors down from the girls. They didn't see much of this glorious Island yet because of the hotel sitting on the coast of the beach. "Wooo." Bolin let out as he opened the door to their suite like room. There was a small kitchen, a nice sitting area and then two beds. He quickly claimed the bed by the window as it was the best for the view. As if there wasn't a balcony waiting to be used on the other side of the window. Mako only shook his head and sat his bag down next to his bed. He sat at the foot and turned the tv on. Nothing much showed but the "exciting adventures of Amber Island!' and 'Must see stops before you leave!' Mako wondered if any of the island advertisements showed what they would be doing. He wanted to get an insider's peak at how to answer the question. But the way Kya talked about it seemed deeper than these shallow activities. Oh well, he thought, it didn't make sense to try and figure something out he'd haven't experienced yet. He opted to lay down for an hour or so before getting ready for the dinner. He changed the channel to something a little more interesting and slid back to the top of the bed, crossing his feet. He put both hands behind his head and rested his eyes.

About 30 minutes into his nap knuckles rapped against their door. Bolin jumped to get and Mako got up and sat on the side of the bed. In those 30 minutes he dreamed a forgotten dream. Nothing more than luminescent colors dancing on the wall of a cave, or maybe wallowing in the night sea upon the shore. Either way he couldn't pinpoint anything other than the colors. Korra and Asami came in and plopped down on each of their beds.

"You guys like your room?" Mako asked as he rubbed his left eye. He blinked a few times and focused back on Asami.

"Yeah! It's really nice and we have a good view of the ocean! Probably Korra's favorite part." Asami replied back.

"Yes, other than the huge shower." Korra said with a wink. Asami rolled her eyes and Mako fake puked

"I am thoroughly disgusted." Bolin mocked.

"Bo where's the last place you had sex? Uh a Porto pot-"

"CHILL." Bolin said, running to cover Korra's mouth.

"Okay now I'm really disgusted." Mako said

"How does that even happ- you know what never mind." Asami said, cutting her own question off.

"More IMPORTANTLY," Bolin emphasized to change the subject "what are we all wearing to dinner tonight?"

"Probably just a nice dress. Nothing fancy, I don't think Kya gave a dress code. But I def think we should dress up on the last night though." Assmi said, giving her input.

"Yeah I was just gonna wear a nice shirt, some jeans and shoes." Korra added.

"Yeah nothing too much, I wanna go down to the beach afterwards." Mako said.

"Yeah that'd be pretty cool, huh?" Bolin asked the group.

"Yeah, I'm down." Assmi replied and everyone else agreed too.

"Alright see you guys down in thirty." Korra said as she let her and Asami out. Mako started to go through his bag just to find something that looked alright for dinner and the beach. He opted for some cargo beach shorts and casual button up. He stepped out side on the balcony and took in the setting sun, and how it illuminated the water burning an orange mixture in the blue water. He heard the door slide back open and saw Bolin peek his head out as he stepped onto the balcony. He came and leaned on the railing and smiled his big goofy grin.

"What's up bro?" Mako said leaving next to him.

"I don't know man, I just feel like after this trip we may get everything we wanted. Not sure what that is but this trip will be our start"

"Ahh look at you lil bro dropping some depth." Mako said, patting his shoulder. "But yeah I've been having a feeling since Kya told us about the trip not sure what or who it is but I feel a certain drawn feeling to this place."

"Well, the adventure starts now!" Bolin let off a loud 'Wooo' and got a few echoes from the beach goers.

"Let's go meet everyone in the lobby." Mako motioned as he stepped back inside.

A quick ride down the elevator and they were greeted by the warm lobby. They found the closest seat as they waited for everyone else to come down. Once a few moments passed Mako caught eye of Kya and the girls and motioned for Bolin to follow.

"Looking very good ladies," Mako said as he greeted them.

"Not too shabby yourself Mako," Kya said, patting his shoulder. " Sung should be here very soon. I hear he may have a new partner with him also please be mindful of that too."

"Where are we eating?" Bolin asked.

"Just hold your horses now, but we are eating at the Amber Chava. Very good food." An older looking truck pulled up at the car port and hopped out Sung. His hair stood taller than he was. He greeted Kya and the gang and escorted them into the truck. "Ah, I thought you said you had a partner coming along?" Kya started.

"Yes, yes they will be meeting us tomorrow for the first tour, they weren't able to make it tonight."

"Ahhh what a pity!" Kya exclaimed.

"No worries, old Sung here will make y'all night worth the while."

LOK

Once seated at the restaurant you could see why this was a tucked away island gem. Mako had never seen anything like it before, it encapsulated all that was spiritual and historical. A winding tree stood on the nearest wall and its branches snaked their way around the restaurant. It stood as if it was breathing life into the building and as if the building was breathing life into it. The waiter passed around the menus and gave them a minute to look around.

"The Chava noodles are the best" Sung suggested as he read over the menu. Everyone signed it to thought while scanning the menu. Moments passed and the waiter was back. He took everyone's orders and left.

"So Sung, what's first on the list, for tomorrow?" Korra asked getting the table conversation started.

"Well I'm glad you asked girly. Cause it beats me!" He slapped the table and let off a chuckle. "If you haven't noticed I'm not that well structured. I'll figure it out when the day comes." He said smiling.

"Uh- well, okay?" Korra said, scratching her neck, not really sure how to respond. She side eyed Asami who tried to stifle a laugh.

"But what about the general structure of what we are gonna be learning or seeing?" Mako asked, somewhat confused. He was more of the structured kind of guy, what did he mean no structure?

"Mako isn't it? Well Mako what makes history structured?"

"I mean-"

"Exactly, the dates and how it will be retold is what makes it structured. Some history isn't planned in its creation Mako. We sometimes think and do without structure." Sung finished.

Mako wasn't sure how right Sung was about what he said but he did have a point that some history does just happen. " That's a great thought prospective Sung, when you think about it some history just happens and somebody was just able to record the date and details of it." Asami said.

"Yeah I guess that makes sense, just like this trip, the trip may have been planned but I just grabbed the pamphlets without second thought and knew it was meant for us. Maybe this is our history right here! Something we'll think about 10 years from now ya know." Korra added.

"Well said Korra!" Sung praised. Kya nodded her head along smiling to herself happy that these four were the ones who were able to experience this.

The night went along great, they all sat and pondered the 'question' and spoke only of what was to come.

LOK

Sung dropped them off at the hotel and hollered he'd be back around 9:30 am. Kya motioned her goodbyes and let them know to be back around 12 since they were going to the beach. The gang walked along the shore as the moon light lit up the dark blue water. They found the perfect sand spot and gathered around. They sat in silence for a moment as they gazed across the rolling ocean. Something tranquil and calming about this scene made the silence even more comforting.

Korra pulled at the hems of her shirt showing her sports bra. "You guys wanna get in?" She said getting up, kicking off her shoes.

"Hell yeah!" Bolin stripped to his shorts in no time and ran into the crashing waves. Korra followed behind him jumping into the waves. Mako and Asami looked at each other and shared a 'why not?' look and quickly got down to their skippys. Korra was waiting arms open for Asami as she jumped right in with her. Mako jumped half flipped into the ocean and felt the luke-warm water surround him. He exhaled and watched the air bubble around him. He broke the water with a gasp and noted the sound of the ocean. He heard the loud wail from Asami as Korra acted like she was going to dunk her in the water. He watched as she held tightly to Korra clinging to her as if that was her life beam. It somewhat reminded him of the winding tree in the restaurant. How the tree and building supported each other and without the other they may not be able to stand on their own. It also reminded him of the non structure of some history. Maybe that tree wasn't planned to be a part of the building, maybe they decided to build around it with no second thought because they knew what it would mean for that tree and building. Just like Korra and Asami they didn't plan to fall in love but they did and their history (the dates and years) is what gives the relationship a structure.

He never really gave relationships a second thought. He thought you'd have to plan to make time to see your spouse, plan for dates, plan this and plan that. But it's not about the planning or structure of it, it's just the moment of it and the thought to do it.

He was broken from thought when a heavy body landed on top of him pushing him back in the water. He rose back to the surface again to see a laughing Bolin point at him. Mako grinned and splashed water in his face. They started wrestling a bit in the water until Mako was able to push him down under the water too. Bolin popped up laughing, wiping the ocean water from his face. Asami and Korra swam over to the boys and started splashing the water in their face. After the fun they just wadded in the water, relaxing and feeling the water around them. Mako leaned his head back and opened his eyes. He caught sight of a figure walking the beach. It was a girl with striking hazel eyes. It was quite surprising to him that her eyes burned that bright in the dark. She caught his state and smiled. She kept walking and disappeared into the night. Mako felt somewhat embarrassed for staring but something drew him to her in those few moments.

"You guys ready? I'm starting to prune up." Korra laughed.

"Yeah I'm starting to look old." Bolin joked. They all wadded out of the water and gathered their things. Once on their hotel floor they parted for the night. Mako hopped in the shower rinsing the beach and salt water off of him and out of his hair. Once cleaned to his liking he hopped out wrapping the towel around him. He stepped out of the bathroom and found Bolin sitting in a chair.

"Your turn man."

"Cool thanks bro." Bolin hopped up and went to the shower. Mako dried off and put on his night clothes and laid in bed. Sleep found him easy that night.

LOK

They waited at the car port and the van arrived in no time. They all piled in and Sung drove off. "Oh as for my partner they will be waiting for us at the Cave."

"Cave?" Bolin asked

"Ah yes that is where we will be today, Amber Island crystal spirit cave. It was said to be here long before the islander came. If you have any questions please just ask my partners as they know everything to know about this cave." The cave site was about 30 minutes out from the hotel. Main road turned to a dirt road that dipped and jumped with every possible rock known to mankind. With a slowing stop they sat in front of the cave entrance. They all filled out and waited for Sung. Sung stood in front of them and started to tell them more about the cave.

"Flashlights are not needed for the cave. The reason being is that the cave is lined with crystals and even though the cave is hidden from light the crystals reflect off each other's light. One major thing you will notice from your time here is that natural things, spiritual or not, help each other. Without the reflection of one the other one cannot shine. And-" Sung was cut off

"And the cave shows the reflection who you are versus who you want to be." A girl said finishing off.

"Ahh June you're here. Everyone this is June she is my partner and who you will get to know well for the rest of the trip. This Cave is her baby and she knows everything there's to know." Sung finished. June introduced herself to them, Mako eyed her and turned his head. She looked very familiar. As the rest of the crew followed behind Sung, Mako found himself in the back. June came up next to him.

"I see you still have a staring problem." June said as they entered the cave. Mako then realized she was the girl from last night.

"Ahh you're the girl from last night." Mako said.

"Yes sir and you're the waterboy who stares." Jun said, smiling looking over at him.

"I-I," he stammered

"It's okay," she chuckled at him. "So what brings you all here?" She asked

"Well at first my friend Korra the one up there," he pointed, "thought this would be a good trip before our senior year." He finished.

"She doesn't look like the historical type." June said

"Ahh well she isn't really, I don't think any of us really are to be honest. We really came to do the beach activities, but once we got here we thought the historical part of it would be way better than the beach fun." He finished.

"Well I'm glad you all had a change of heart. Hope you guys enjoy it." She said as she walked off. She looked back and flashed a beautiful smile. Mako felt his neck starting to heat up. He was just glad the lighting was low enough not to show his blush.

They carried on through the cave passage until it opened up into a crystal cavern. Brilliant colors bounced off each wall and they all felt a sense of belonging in here. Mako couldn't quite put a finger on it but something in him really wanted to change. He felt at peace really. He didn't feel logical or realistic, he felt carefree and more emotional. Not to say he wasn't but he felt really connected. He looked up and saw the amazement in the rest of the gang's eyes. Everyone seemed to be on the same rhythm of breathing. The gang all looked at each other as if they only shared a singular thought and everyone knew what it was. It was breathtaking and dare I say, mind blowing, in the least.

June broke the silence "Do you all feel that? It's silent but you all have just changed your breathing to match the caves rhythm. This place is alive and it beats within your own body." Not one said a word, the cave was taking over no one could even utter in amazement. They all just felt translucent as they let the cave's breathing and light passed through them. June kept talking " We usually see our outter shell change, and that's what others usually see too. But just as this cave ages so does the inside. These crystals you see today aren't the same as when this cave came about. The rhythm of breathing this cave has right now isn't the same as it once was. When you change, small things change also, you may breathe better than you once did before, your mind may think differently than it did before, just as this cave has done and will do until the end of its time. But unlike this cave you have the cognitive ability to change who you are, what you think and how you breathe. As you can see things change on their own and with your own will. You unconsciously let the cave change your breathing, control can come from outside sources and yourself also. What I want you to do is feel as you are now, let this cave control you for a few moments." A few minutes went by as June surveyed how everyone looked. She began again.

"Feel as you are now and begin to breathe on your own again, it may be tough for a second but remember this is your body and you have control."

Mako visibly gasped and he tried to regain control of his breathing. The euphoric feeling he felt couldn't be explained. It honestly felt like everyone and the cave were one. This is probably the first time he let himself feel that vulnerable with no thought process at all. It honestly felt relieving as if he were just a vessel with no singular mind. He started to breathe on his own now and felt his sense come back to him. He looked around at everyone who seemed to regain their composure also. He looked at June who flashed him a sweet smile. He felt light.

"Now then how's everyone?" No one spoke but just nodded in response.

LOK

Mako squinted his eyes and they walked back out to the beaming sun. He covered his eyes with the side of his hands and he stood in the opening of the cave. They all faced Sung. "Okay gang, as I and June mentioned this cave has been here before us, all we can do is imagine what the first islanders thought and felt as they entered this cave and how the cave reacted to them. The visitors of this cave come out changed and all we can think about is how we changed the cave. As we said, the rhythm of the cave is not the same as its first beat. But for a thought for you all to take home is how did you change the rhythm of this cave just as it changed yours." Sung finished and guided them to the van. Once again Mako found himself in the back with June. He looked over at her, "So has the beat changed since you've come to the cave?" Mako asked.

"Well I visit the cave regularly, so I really don't know, me and the cave will always have the same beat because of how much I come. No matter what changes the rhythm of the cave when I enter and when I leave the rhythm stays with me. I guess that what happens when you're one with something."

"But how do you still gain control of your own breathing?"

"I always have control, but I gave up some control. I breathe independently and dependently. If that makes sense" she laughed slightly.

"It does make sense, kind of like how if you depend on it too much then it's not really your breath huh?"

"Exactly, then you can't stand on your own." June agreed.

"But if you-"

"If you're too independent then you'll never know how to breathe or stand with help. It's always better to have help then none." She said. He made it to the van and they split away and he kept the thought of their lingering conversation.

LOK

Mako lay in his bed thinking about the cave and June. Bolin had gone to the girls room to play cards but Mako didn't wanna go. He just wanted to think. He had a strange feeling to go to the balcony and look at the ocean. He really wasn't sure what was drawing him there but it's something he felt he had to do.

He slid the door open and stepped out.

There she was…

A/N

Here is part 2 of Mako's Arc one more chapter and will be back with Korra and Asami. Please R and R! Thanks!