the thief and the airbender

lost and found

{for Queen of Logical Nonsense}

"So Korra's somewhere in this swamp?" Kai has to duck to avoid hitting his head on a low hanging branch, vines spilling off of it and tangling themselves up. In order to help with the search for the Avatar, Kai and Opal had headed to the Swamp. To cover more ground the airbenders had split up, Opal, Ikki and Meelo going with Lefty in one group, Kai and Jinora going with her sky bison Pepper in another. And having alone time with each other wasn't half bad either. If you counted trudging through a foggy, wet swamp as 'alone time'.

"This place has so much spiritual energy it's messing up my honing skills," Jinora explains. "I wouldn't be surprised if Korra's spiritual energy isn't as strong as it used to be, either."

Kai slips his hand into hers. "Well, as far as dates go, this isn't our worst... Remember?"

Jinora scrunches up her face, cringing and grinning at the memory. "Spirits, don't even mention it!" she laughs, letting out a snort. Kai smiles at her while she flushes, obviously embarrassed; she needn't be though, he thinks her snorts are adorable. Sharing one last smile, the airbenders continue on their journey.

"We do have to be careful here though," the airbending master adds. "According to my GranGran visions and mirages can happen here, your mind playing tricks on you."

Suddenly, Kai freezes, and Jinora who has been in the lead, turns back to look at him. His hand slipping out of her own. "Kai?" She stares at him; his expression blank and scared.. no scared wasn't quite right. A look of longing? "Kai?" she repeats uncertainly.

The young teenager takes a step forward, practically tripping over his own two feet. He has a faraway look in his eyes. "Dad..?" he gasps out, voice thick with emotion. It's barely even a whisper. His head spins to the left. "Mom?" Tears fill his eyes. "Mom!" Kai stumbles forwards, water sloshing up and down his suit, his front; he trips, even, and Jinora doesn't know where he was running to but he doesn't stop.

Then, just a few yards away, he does. His shoulders start shaking, his hands, previously thrown out, withdraw to his chest. He crumples like a piece of paper, and it breaks her heart to walk over to him; she can hear him sobbing. Hesitantly, she puts a hand on his shoulders; he's trembling. Then she kneels down in the water and pulls him into a hug.

He cries into her like a little boy. "I thought," he gasps in between sobs, "I thought..." His parents. Here. Wanting him. Caring about him. Having come back after abandoning him all those years ago.

She rubs circles on his back, like her own mother did when she was young and upset. "I know," she says soothingly, "I know."

When he finally pulls away, still sniffling, he looks at her. He looks so fragile, like he'll fall apart in her hands. He cracks a wobbly smile. "At least I have you," he manages out, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

Jinora smiles tearfully at him. "You always will," she promises, returning his kiss for a few moments before pulling away herself. She laces her fingers through his. Slowly, he stands up. The bottom halves of their uniforms are soaked, uncomfortable, but they keep walking through the Swamp. Although, Jinora notices, he keeps a tighter grip on her hand this time.

I love Kai but I also love his potentially painful past so... seriously though *wraps Kainora in a blanket* don't hurt my babies, Bryke. I don't know about all of you but I am SO excited for this week's Korra episode. Mention of Kainora...? Pleasepleaseplease!

The next chappie is within the role reversal street rat!Jinora/Tenzin's son!Kai verse so for those of you who wanted more of that, you shall be getting! Also this is chapter 50 - booyah milestone!

Once again, big thanks and hugs to all of you for getting this fic to over 300 reviews. I hope you all have a great day! :3