Thank BG-13

Korra's POV

My arm was still a little sore from the last encounter with Dead Shot or Combustion Man Jr., whatever that thing was called. Well actually, it was still swollen from the damn poison dart that hit it. I swear, when I get my hands on him, he'll be a dead shot alright.

Before I came to Republic City, Howl's father had told me about another branch of the White Lotus, one that was run by an elder that provided much wisdom. He said he was located in the Jasmine Dragon, not far from where we were. But in my condition, I would need a distraction to get away from my sentry body guard.

"Hey, Asami," I said after we finished our meal. "Want to do me a favor?"

She put down her drink and raised a brow. "Depends," the Sato heiress answered, looking at me suspiciously.

"You see, I have a date with this guy," I began. "But I don't want my…body guard to, you know, interrupt."

A small smile spread across her face and she shook her head. "Now I know why you're so ok with Mako and I going out," Asami said with a chuckle. "Alright, I'll help you."

I grinned at this and let her know the plan. She sighed and nodded when I was finished. We told Howl we were going to go to a dress shop next door and as I expected he would, he tagged along. Once we were inside, Asami distracted him, asking his opinion on a dress she'd picked out and I took my opportunity and slipped away unnoticed.

When I arrived at the Jasmine Dragon, I asked if they had any Pai Sho tables. He looked me over curiously before slowly nodding and taking me to the back of the tea shop. At the very end, there was a hooded person sitting on the other side of the Pai Sho table.

"May I have this game?" I asked, sitting down.

"The guest has the first move," a male replied, signaling me to start. I nodded and placed the White Lotus tile in the middle. "I see you favor the White Lotus gambit," he noted. "Not many still cling to the ancient ways."

"Those who do can always find a friend," I answered.

"Then let us play."

We both began to put pieces on the board, one after another until the form of a White Lotus could be seen. When we finished, I could see a small smile appear on the elder, whose face was covered. I pulled up my shirt and showed him the tattoo I had, or rather a burn that was in the shape of a white lotus.

"Welcome, sister," the man replied, standing up and leading me to another set of doors. "The White Lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets."

I nodded and followed him inside. There was a table and two chairs and he gestured me to sit down. I did as I was told and waited for him to do the same. When he sat down he took off his hood. I gasped.

Zuko's POV

I had meant to visit the young Avatar after she was found, but I hadn't wanted to get…unnecessary attention. After a few weeks of being in the city, I read the newspaper which spoke of the Blue Spirit and I had a hunch of who was behind the blue mask. I knew it would only be a matter of time before the girl would come to me and I had been right. I looked at the momentary shock on her face before she quickly composed herself. I couldn't help but smile at that.

"So, Avatar Korra," I began.

"Korra," she interrupted. "Just Korra."

I raised a brow at this but said nothing. "Korra," I continued. "What brings you here?"

"My former master, Howl Sr. said that I would be able to go to any Jasmine Dragon shop if I wanted to seek guidance," she replied.

I nodded thoughtfully. "How is he?"

She lowered her gaze at this, letting it settle on her lap. "He didn't make it," she whispered.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I replied sincerely. I really was. Howl had shown great loyalty to the Order, always doing what was best, no matter the consequence. I always did admire that, and I could see this trait in Aang's successor.

Korra gave me a sharp nod. "This guy, Dead Shot, how can I take him down?" she asked.

I chuckled at this. "Right to business," I noted. "You do resemble your former master."

Her jaw flexed, her teeth clenching together and I frowned. I knew what Howl had been capable of when trying to get his point across, but I was beginning to think he had literally engraved it into her. "Did he give you your tattoo?" I asked.

"Yes," Korra replied. "Along with other souvenirs." There was a slight bitterness to her voice but other than that it was all business.

"Howl was a good man," I said.

"I'm not saying he wasn't."

I leaned back against the chair. I'd had the chance to meet the young Avatar when she was a teenager. She had been…different then; nothing but a snotty girl with a God-like complex who cared about no one but herself. The girl in front of me, however; reminded me of a younger version of myself.

"Korra," I began once again. "You know, it's ok to let those who care about you help you."

I saw her clench and unclench her jaw a few times before answering. "What makes you think I need help?" she asked, her voice a bit chipped.

"You remind me a younger version of myself," I replied simply. "It looks like you borrowed more than just the mask, though I have to admit, I like your approach. It's a lot more direct than Aang's. Speaking of which, have you talked to your past lives?"

"I'm not the Avatar anymore," Korra stated.

"What you mean to say is that you can't Bend three out of the four elements," I said. "Being able to Bend is not what defines the Avatar."

"I'm not qualified to be the Avatar," she whispered, a flicker of emotion spreading across her face.

"Then why help the city?" I asked. She looked up at me. "You know what's coming. You can easily run away from it, but you don't. You're staying here to fight. That's what an Avatar does. They protect."

"Howl gave me a mission," Korra simply stated. "Once it's done, I'm leaving and never coming back." There was a finality to the way she said it, as if she'd decided this long before she came back to the city. "Now are you going to help me or not?"

I nodded. "I'll help you on one condition."

"And that is?"

"Once Dead Shot is out of the way I want you to go to 'The Swamp.' It's located in the Earth Kingdom. I will provide you with an escort."