It was another sunny day in Republic City.
However, it wasn't a happy day for most.
What was supposed to be a great pro-bending final match, turned out in the end to be an attack by the Equalists.
Due to the destruction they caused, it was decided to shut down the arena until repairs were completed, but there was a downside to that and that was what made Korra and Izuku grieve.
Their friends, Mako and Bolin were living in the arena because of their financial situation and now that the arena was closed, they were homeless and surely don't have enough money to stay somewhere for a season.
Right now, Korra and Izuku were with Tenzin and his family having breakfast, although the first two didn't take much due to their friends' situation.
"Korra, Izuku, what happened at the arena wasn't your fault or anyone else's." said Tenzin.
"That's right, who knew there would be Equalist members in the audience?" asked Pema.
"No, it's not that. It's about Mako and Bolin." said Korra.
"They've been living in the arena for a long time and now that it's been shut down, they have nowhere else to go." said Izuku.
"I'm sorry about your friends, but I don't know how you can help them." said Tenzin.
It was then that an idea crossed the Avatar's mind.
"Wait, what if they come to stay here?" asked Korra.
"Hey, that's a good idea!" said Izuku liking his 'sister's' idea.
"What? Wait a minute. This is a temple, not a lodge." said Tenzin.
"Please, Tenzin. They have nowhere else to go and they're our friends." said Korra pleadingly.
"Besides, Dad, wasn't it part of the customs of the Air Nomads to take in those in need?" asked Jinora.
"Yes, that's what you taught us." said Meelo pointing a finger at his father.
"He said it. He said it." said Ikki pointing a finger at his father.
"You said it. You said it." said the young airbenders pointing at their father at the same time.
Tenzin understood that they were right in what they said and let out a sigh of defeat. "It's okay, they can stay."
"Thank you, Tenzin, you're the best." said Korra.
"I'm sure they'll love the news." said Izuku.
Later, Korra and Izuku, who were riding Naga headed to the pro-bending arena that was under reconstruction with a group of policemen guarding the main entrance that had a police tape.
The two got off Naga and went through the tape to meet up with the two brothers.
"I still can't believe they're shutting this place down." said Mako as he put his things away in a box.
"Yeah. We had some good memories here, didn't we?" asked Bolin.
"Guys! Great news. You don't have to go back on the streets." said Korra as she and Izuku made their way up the stairs to the penthouse.
"We talked it over with Tenzin and arranged for you to come live in the air temple with us." said Izuku.
"Oh, we'd love to, but..." began Mako rubbing the back of his head.
"Asami already invited us to live in her dad's giant mansion!" said Bolin excitedly, surprising both the Avatar and the green-haired boy. "From here on out, it's gonna be the lap of luxury for us." said Bolin giving his brother a side hug.
"Oh hey, Korra. Hey, Izuku." said Asami appearing from the loft with Pabu in her hands, causing Korra to show a disgusted face.
"Oh, hey, Asami. Did you come to help them with the move?" asked Izuku.
"That's right." said Asami letting Pabu go before getting down from the loft.
"Well... I guess since you're all set, we'll have to be going. So, I guess I'll see you guys around, some time." said Korra leaving, discouraged at being overtaken by the engineer as Pabu approached Bolin who grabbed him and lifted him to his height.
"Why not tomorrow? I'd love to have you come visit the estate." said Asami.
"I don't know. I have some… Avatar stuff to do." said Korra making up an excuse.
"Really?" asked Izuku suspecting that his friend was lying.
"Really." said Korra giving the green-haired boy a scowl as a sign not to ask about the matter.
It was then that Bolin lifted Pabu up to face level.
"Come on, Korra. We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness. We could swim in Asami's pool. It'll be fun!" said Bolin in a high-pitched voice as he moved Pabu around like a puppet, pretending it was the fire ferret talking.
That made the Avatar and the green-haired boy laugh at the earthbender's performance.
"All right, Pabu." said Korra with a smile and accepting the engineer's invitation.
"We'll be happy to see your estate, Asami." said Izuku.
"Great, we'll see you tomorrow." said Asami saying goodbye as Korra and Izuku left.
Just as the two left the arena and mounted Naga to return to the Air Temple Island, Izuku decided to broach a subject.
"Tell me the truth, Korra. Did you really have 'Avatar stuff' to do?" asked Izuku.
"Of course I did." said Korra turning her head to look at the green-haired boy.
Izuku gave her a questioning look, as he could clearly see she was lying.
"*Sigh* It's okay. I don't have them." said Korra.
"Then why didn't you want to go to Asami's mansion, do you hate her because she's with Mako?" asked Izuku.
"No, I don't hate her. It just frustrates me that she has a mansion, a swimming pool, a very important company… And what do I have? A polar bear dog." said Korra receiving a slight growl from Naga. "Sorry, Naga. I didn't mean to offend."
"It's true that Asami has a much better life than anyone else, but I didn't mean to brag about it. I just wanted to help them in the same way you thought. They don't care what each of you have, you're both good friends of theirs." said Izuku.
"Yeah, with the difference that Mako is dating Asami." said Korra.
"Now that's a point in her favor." said Izuku before they both shared a slight laugh.
Meanwhile, a police vehicle rolled up to an abandoned warehouse and smashed the doors as it entered just as several police officers came swinging through the windows.
Once inside, they saw that it was empty of people.
Investigating the place, they found a printing press and a stack of Amon pamphlets, plus a box full of electrified gloves.
"Looks like our intel was good." said Lin, who was at the site.
"There's enough evidence here to bury Cabbage Corp for an eternity." said Saikhan.
Later, at the main building of Cabbage Corp, there was a group of journalists in front of the main gate as Saikhan escorted the handcuffed company director to the police van.
"This is an outrage! I'm innocent! " said the director as he was led away by the policeman.
"Yeah, yeah. That's what they all say." said Saikhan as Lin stood in front of the reporters and photographers.
"Is it true that Cabbage Corp is conspiring with the Equalists?" asked a reporter.
"The evidence points in that direction, but the investigation is ongoing. For the time being, we have frozen Mr. Gan-Lan's assets and are closing Cabbage Corp." said Lin.
"No! Not my Cabbage Corp!" said the director as he was led to the police van.
The next day, Korra and Izuku were on the octagonal training field, performing airbender moves and spins.
"Kids." a voice interrupted them and they both turned their gaze to the stairs to see Tenzin coming down them.
"What is it, Tenzin?" asked Korra.
"I need you to come with me to the police station." said Tenzin.
"Why? Has something happened?" asked Izuku.
"They want to ask you some questions about what happened at the arena, since you came so close to catching Amon and his lieutenant." began Tenzin before turning his gaze to the green-haired boy. "Especially you, Izuku, since you're the only person who was able to hit Amon directly."
Izuku recalled when he encountered Amon after rescuing Korra from his ambush and punched him in the face, cracking his mask and then remembered when Amon appeared in the arena and revealed to everyone that he was the one who did it with the intention of using it as a means to gain more followers.
In fact, when he passed through the streets of the city, there were people hailing him as a hero for beating Amon, there were even non-benders among those people.
Needless to say, Izuku felt good.
Not because of the people's cheers, but because of the fact that he was becoming a hero to them, that they felt good about the fact that he was there.
The same way it was happening with All Might.
"Well, if that's all, let's go." said Izuku.
When they arrived at the police station, Korra and Izuku were taken to separate rooms where they were answering various questions about what happened at the arena and what they did.
After a while, the two were taken to the waiting room where they had to wait for the final formalities.
That's when all of a sudden...
"Hey." they turned their heads to the side to see Tahno sitting on a nearby bench totally depressed.
"Tahno?" asked Korra surprised to see the former waterbender and pro-bending rival.
"What are you doing here?" asked Izuku curiously.
"I'm here to be asked questions about the attack on the arena." said Tahno in a sad, muffled voice.
Korra and Izuku felt sorry for him.
No one deserved what happened to him after Amon's arrival.
Korra sat next to him on the bench while Izuku sat on his other side.
"Listen, I know we're not exactly best friends, but I'm sorry Amon took your bending." said Korra.
"Me too. Were you able to find a way to get your powers back?" asked Izuku.
"I've been to the best healers in the city. Whatever Amon did to me, it's permanent." said Tahno.
Izuku wanted to tell him something that could cheer him up even a little bit and that's when he remembered a certain person.
"You know? I know a person who went through the same thing you did." said Izuku to the surprise of the former waterbender and Avatar. "She used her powers to help people, but one day, a bad man kidnapped her and stole her powers." recounted Izuku remembering Ragdoll, a professional heroine whose Quirk was taken from her by All For One.
While Tahno understood half of what Izuku told, Korra understood perfectly, as she knew about his world and All For One.
"However, that didn't stop her. Even though she can't do the same as before, she keeps going forward as long as she helps people with a smile. If she could do it, I'm sure you can too." said Izuku with a smile.
Those words shocked the former waterbender, who was wide-eyed with shock.
Korra smiled at how Izuku always knew what to say to cheer people up despite his bad history.
"Don't worry. We gotta get him for you. We won't let other benders go through what you did." said Korra.
At that moment, Tenzin and Lin were arriving in the area with Hiroshi.
"Mr. Sato, if you remember anything else about what you saw during Amon's attack, be sure to let us know." said Lin.
"I'm happy to help any way I can. I want these Equalists to pay for what they've done." said Hiroshi before sending a nod by way of greeting to the Avatar and Izuku which they returned.
"We're ready for you now." said Tenzin to Tahno as the former waterbender stood up from the bench and gave them his trademark salute.
"See you around… 'Ah'vatar" said Tahno before turning his gaze to the green-haired boy. "And... thank you, Deku." said Tahno with a weak smile.
"Take care." said Korra.
"And good luck." said Izuku before Tahno followed the two adults to another area, but Tenzin paused for a moment before turning back to the Avatar and the green-haired boy.
"You can go now. We're done with you." said Tenzin before following Lin and Tahno.
"What you did for Tahno was very good." said Korra.
"That's how I want to become. A hero that makes everyone smile even in the worst situations." said Izuku.
"That just goes to show you'll be a great hero someday." said Korra ruffling the green-haired boy's hair, much to his amusement. "Well, now that we don't have anything to do here anymore, we'd better get going."
"That's right. We had arranged to visit the Sato mansion." said Izuku before the two got up to leave.
Soon after, Korra and Izuku arrived at the Sato mansion and needless to say, the place was so big, so huge that Izuku's mouth dropped open.
From what he had been told, Momo, a classmate, lived in a mansion, but it was surely an apartment compared to the dwelling before him.
Had it not been for the butler who guided them on their way to where the others were, they would have been lost as if they were in a maze.
Finally, they came to an indoor pool where Mako, Bolin and Asami were enjoying themselves for a while.
"Earthbending bomb!" shouted Bolin over a statue, which was spouting water from its mouth in a waterfall-like fashion, before diving fully into the water.
"Avatar Korra and the hero, Deku… have arrived." said the butler in a serious, neutral voice announcing the arrival of the Avatar and the green-haired boy.
"Hey, guys!" said Mako who was standing in the water and leaning back against the edge.
"Glad you made it!" said Asami who was sitting on the edge of the pool.
"Welcome to paradise!" said Bolin surfacing before putting his hands behind his head and swimming backwards with Pabu on his stomach.
"This place is amazing, Asami. It's so big that all the U.A. students would fit in here." said Izuku.
"Hehe. Thank you." said Asami.
"Looks like you guys settled right in." said Korra sitting down on a nearby lounger as Mako and Asami swam over to them.
"Pretty much, except someone forgot to ask her father if we could stay here." said Mako.
"Yeah, but I smoothed it over with him. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission." said Asami.
"It's possible, but it would have been the right thing to have informed him." said Izuku.
Korra let out a small notch of annoyance at what the engineer said, as she felt she had outdone her once again.
Meanwhile, Bolin climbed out of the pool beside him with Pabu soaking wet on his head.
"This is the greatest place in the world! Watch this, watch this. Fetch me my towel, good sir." said Bolin in a serious and polite tone.
"Yes, Master… Bolin." said the butler before taking a towel.
"Master Bolin! Ha, I love this guy." said Bolin pointing at the butler with his thumb before stretching out in a Christian cross position. "Now pat me dry."
"As you wish." said the butler bowing before quickly rubbing the towel across the earthbender's back as he moved to ease him into the job.
"Don't forget Master Pabu." said Bolin.
"Wouldn't dream of it, sir." said the butler placing the towel over the fire ferret and beginning to rub him quickly.
Removing the towel, Pabu was seen to be completely dry before his fur swelled up.
The butler had his back to them, folding the towel, when Bolin decided to dive back into the water, causing the butler to groan a little in frustration.
"I think the rich life might influence Bolin negatively." commented Izuku.
"I think so too. I hope he won't get used to it. We won't stay long." said Mako agreeing with the green-haired boy.
After that, Asami swam until she was close to Korra.
"So, what do you have planned for us today? Let me guess, shopping, makeovers…" asked Korra sounding bored at the thought of doing such girly things.
"Ooh, Ooh! I vote makeovers!" said Bolin as he and Mako played in the water, with Mako pushing him under the water.
"I had something a little more exciting in mind." said Asami coming out of the water with an amused smile.
Soon after, the entire group found themselves on some bleachers near a racetrack where a couple of vehicles were having a race.
"Pretty cool, huh?" asked Asami.
"Way cooler than a makeover." said Korra.
"Reminds me of Formula 1 racing in my world." said Izuku.
"This is where Future Industries test-drives their Satomobiles. Ever been behind the wheel?" asked Asami to the Avatar.
"The only thing I know how to drive is a polar bear dog." said Korra.
"And sometimes she's the one who drives it." said Izuku.
"Hehe. Right." said Korra.
"You want me to take you for a spin?" asked Asami, to the Avatar's surprise.
"Let's do it!" said Korra with a smile.
The two girls got up to go get ready.
"I'm glad they're becoming friends" said Izuku.
"And so am I." said Mako.
Later, the two girls were in one of the vehicles with Asami behind the wheel and the other vehicle beside her.
Both drivers started engines and when the referee waved the white flag, both vehicles accelerated.
Both vehicles were evenly matched until, on a curve, the other vehicle made a turn that put it in first place while the girls' vehicle skidded a bit.
Fortunately, Asami was able to stabilize the vehicle and continue the race.
Asami smiled as she accelerated the vehicle to try to catch up to the other vehicle.
As the race was going on, both the two brothers and the green-haired boy were cheering their friends on.
The other vehicle was still in first position and when the driver saw the girls' vehicle approaching him, he put his vehicle in front to prevent them from moving forward.
Asami frowned at him before shifting gears and stepping on the pedal, managing to pull alongside the other vehicle, even though it was still in second place.
Asami smiled as she tried to overtake her opponent, despite the fact that in the process, the wheels collided with the barrier, releasing sparks in the process.
As the other vehicle was lagging behind, its front wheel collided with the rear wheel of the girls' vehicle, causing it to end up skidding and spinning in circles.
That made Korra smile.
Soon after, the girls' vehicle passed the finish line before coming to a stop in a secluded area of the racing lane.
Korra got out of the vehicle as Asami stood on top of the vehicle and removed her helmet.
"That was amazing! I didn't think we'd make it." said Korra.
"Well, you can't be afraid to mix it up sometimes." said Asami.
"I gotta admit, I had you pegged wrong. I thought you were kind of… prissy. Eh… No offense!" said Korra hoping she hadn't upset her or something, but the engineer gave a little chuckle.
"It's all right, people usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself. I mean, I've been in self-defense classes since I was this high." said Asami using her hand to point out how tall she was at the moment. "My dad made sure that I would always be able to protect myself."
"Smart guy." said Korra.
"By the way, is it true what I was told? You and Izuku are siblings?" asked Asami curiously.
"Well, we're not related, but we know each other so well that we're almost like siblings." said Korra.
"That's very nice. I'm a little envious of you." said Asami with a sad little smile, something that confused the Avatar, as she didn't understand the reason for that sadness.
Sometime later, the group returned to the mansion and when the butler opened the door for them.
"Emergency, emergency coming through, beep beep!" said Bolin as he ran towards the bathroom.
"Uh, is there another bathroom I can use?" asked Korra to Asami.
"We have a lady's powder room upstairs, first door on your right. You can freshen up in there." said Asami before Korra left for the restroom.
Korra was in the bathroom washing her hands.
After drying them with a towel, she noticed a powder puff.
Feeling curious, she picked it up and stared at it for a few seconds before stamping it on her face, causing a large cloud of dust that made her cough as she walked out of the bathroom, just when…
"No, no! No, I assure you, everything is going exactly as planned." suddenly, she heard Hiroshi's voice from outside his office.
Making sure no one was around, she walked over to the door to hear what he was saying and peeked through the keyhole, from where she could see Hiroshi talking on the phone.
"Uh-um, yes… luckily, the Cabbage Corp investigation has bought us enough time. Trust me, by the end of the week… we'll be ready to strike!" said Hiroshi hanging up the phone.
Korra horrified at what she had just heard, for that could only mean one thing and she couldn't believe that.
Seeing that the mansion wasn't a safe place, she quickly ran out.
In the main hall, Bolin was striking poses while the butler sprayed perfume all over him, with the others beside him.
Just then, Korra walked past them, catching his attention.
"You're leaving? But I-I thought…" began Asami.
"Uh, sorry! I forgot, I'm supposed to airsit, I mean babybend, I-I mean babysit the airbender kids." said Korra as she went backing towards the door.
"Really?" asked Izuku before Korra grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her.
"Yes and I'll need your help for that." said Korra as she dragged the green-haired boy towards the exit.
Izuku was very confused by his 'sister's' behavior.
It was as if she knew something terrible that she didn't want to tell anyone, like when she was afraid of Amon and refused to admit it.
It was clear that he would only get answers if he went with her.
"Okay. See you later." said Izuku before he and the Avatar left the mansion.
A couple of minutes later, when the two children met halfway to the mansion, they stopped, as Izuku wanted answers.
"Korra, what happened? You were like when you met Amon the first time." said Izuku.
"Something like that." said Korra.
"What do you mean?" asked Izuku.
"When I came out of the bathroom, I heard Mr. Sato talking to someone on the phone. I don't know who it was exactly, but he said that the Cabbage Corp investigation had given them time and that at the end of the week, they would attack." said Korra.
"Cabbage Corp? I think I heard about it on the radio. It was a major company that they shut down because the police found evidence linking them to the Equalists." said Izuku.
"That's right and I think Mr. Sato planted that evidence to frame them." said Korra.
"Why would he do something like that?" asked Izuku.
"Because I think he's in league with the Equalists." said Korra, surprising the green-haired boy.
"Are you sure, Korra? That could be a very serious accusation." said Izuku.
"I wouldn't think so if it weren't true. Please, Izuku, you have to believe me." said Korra thinking that her 'brother' didn't believe her.
Despite the fact that she couldn't accuse anyone without physical proof, Izuku knew the Avatar well enough to know that she wouldn't lie about something like that.
"I believe you, Korra." began Izuku, much to the Avatar's delight. "It's just… I find it hard to believe. Mr. Sato seemed like a nice person. He sponsored the Fire Ferrets. If it weren't for him, you wouldn't have gone to the championship."
"I find that hard to believe too." said Korra before looking down. "Worst of all, I don't think Asami knows anything about it."
She may not have initially liked her because of the fact that she was dating the person she loved, but after today, she knew she wasn't such a bad person and now that they knew that her father was probably with a group of criminals, that could come as a terrible blow to her.
"I think we should report this to Master Tenzin and Chief Beifong. They will know what to do." said Izuku seriously.
"Right." said Korra seriously before the two continued on their way.
Later that night, Korra and Izuku were with Tenzin and Lin on the roof of a building talking about what he had discovered at the Sato mansion.
"So, you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists then framed Cabbage Corp?" asked Tenzin.
"That's a bold accusation, but what proof do you have?" asked Lin.
"Well, I don't exactly have proof." said Korra.
"But I trust her. If she says that, then, it has to be true." said Izuku, making the Avatar smile as she saw that he had her support. "Mr. Sato, surely, he's up to something."
"He does have the means… and he has a motive." said Lin thinking about the information received.
"That's right." said Tenzin agreeing with her.
"A motive?" asked Izuku.
"What is it?" asked Korra.
"Twelve years ago, the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A firebender killed Sato's wife during the break in." said Tenzin telling the story of the Sato family.
Korra and Izuku were horrified to learn the tragic story of the Sato family.
Now Korra understood why Asami was like that after that race.
It was because her mother was no longer with them.
She may not have known what it was like to lose a parent, but surely, it must have been very painful.
"That's terrible." said Korra.
"It was tragic." said Tenzin.
"If so, it's possible that he's been harboring anti-bending sentiment all this time." said Izuku.
"He's right. Maybe we should look at Mr. Sato a little more closely." said Lin.
The next morning, the butler of the Sato mansion opened the doors, only to be shocked when he saw Tenzin, Lin, Korra and Izuku.
The four of them walked up the stairs, passing Mako and Asami, the firebender being the one to stop Korra and Izuku for answers.
"What's going on? Why are they asking Hiroshi more questions?" asked Mako.
"I overheard him on the phone yesterday." said Korra.
"Asami, I don't know how to tell you this, but it's possible that your father is involved with the Equalists." said Izuku.
"What? I don't believe this." said Asami indignantly before following the two adults.
"You spied on Hiroshi? What's your problem?" asked Mako angrily at her before following Asami, leaving the green-haired boy and the Avatar who lowered her head in sadness.
After that, the two continued on their way to Hiroshi's office, who was having a conversation with Lin and Tenzin.
"Mr. Sato, we just have a few follow-up questions for you." said Lin.
Just then, Asami entered the office very angry.
"My father is innocent. Just because we're not benders doesn't mean we support those awful Equalists." said Asami defending her father as she stood next to him.
"Equalists? Is that what this is about? I can assure you I have nothing to do with those radicals." said Hiroshi.
"Yeah, you don't know what you're talking about, Korra" said Mako looking at the Avatar with a frown before turning his gaze to the green-haired boy. "And I was hoping you'd think the same, Izuku."
"I overheard you on the phone." said Korra pointing her finger at Hiroshi. "You said the Cabbage Corp investigation bought you time, and you're getting ready to strike."
"Can you explain that?" asked Izuku.
Hiroshi let out a small laugh.
"This is all just a misunderstanding, resulting from the young Avatar's overactive imagination. My number one competitor was knocked out of the game. It's providing me an opportunity to strike the market with a new line of Satomobiles. It's just business. Nothing nefarious." said Hiroshi explaining the Avatar's story.
Tenzin and Lin looked at each other, doubting Hiroshi's story a little.
"In order to put all suspicions to rest, might we have a look into your factories and warehouses?" asked Tenzin.
Asami let out a low, angry sigh and was about to say something when her father raised his hand in a halting gesture.
"If you feel it's necessary, you're welcome to search all of Future Industries." said Hiroshi.
For the next few hours, Lin, the police, Korra, Izuku and Naga were inspecting the factories of Future Industries.
They checked every box and every nook and cranny of every Future Industries facility.
It was already getting dark when the policemen returned to the airship after investigating the last of the Future Industries factories.
Unfortunately, after all that time searching, they found nothing.
At that moment, Korra and Izuku arrived in the area, where Tenzin and Lin were also present.
"I can't believe we didn't find anything." said Korra.
"Or they hid the evidence well…" began Izuku.
"Or Hiroshi is innocent." finished Lin.
Just then, Asami and Mako arrived on the scene.
"Okay, you did your search. Now you can all leave." said Asami in a hostile tone.
The engineer and the police chief stood looking at each other for a while as Mako pulled Korra away from the others to have a private conversation.
"So, I hope you're convinced now." said Mako.
"No, I'm not! I don't care how cooperative Hiroshi is being, I know he's lying." said Korra.
"Why are you doing this? Are you that jealous of me and Asami?" asked Mako, causing Korra to gasp at that accusation.
"What? Don't be ridiculous! That has nothing to do with it!" said Korra.
"If you don't drop this, consider our friendship over." said Mako giving the Avatar an ultimatum.
Korra was taken aback by that before lowering her head with her eyes closed.
"I'm sorry. Hiroshi is not the man you think he is." said Korra giving Mako a serious look.
Mako gave her a small growl before walking away to join Asami, passing Izuku in the process.
"What about you? Don't tell me you agree with her." asked Mako.
"Mako, I don't believe Asami's father is with the Equalists either, but I believe in Korra and what she says." said Izuku.
"I guess that was to be expected from her 'brother'." said Mako before leaving with Asami.
Korra lowered her head in sadness after losing two good friends of hers and Izuku approached her to try to cheer her up.
"Don't feel bad, Korra. It's just that after everything Hiroshi did for him and his brother, he finds that hard to believe." said Izuku.
"I know, if I were in his place, I'd be angry too, but I don't want things to end like this. I wish we could find some clue even if it's a small one." said Korra.
"I'm sure we'll end up finding it." said Izuku with a small smile that Korra returned.
Suddenly, one of the employees walked past the Avatar and discreetly dropped a piece of paper in her hand, something she noticed at first glance.
She looked around for the person responsible, but couldn't find him.
Korra opened the paper and what she and Izuku found on it rather surprised them.
"I think you guys should hear this." said Korra drawing Tenzin and Lin's attention. "'If you want to find the truth, meet me under the north end of the Silk Road Bridge at midnight.'" said Korra reading the contents of the paper.
"It seems that the clue we were looking for has found us first." said Izuku.
Later in the evening, the group gathered at the agreed location to meet the person who left the message.
"Psst. Over here." said one of the Future Industries workers who emerged from behind a pillar. "Listen, I joined the Equalists because I believed in what Amon said. I thought he could make life better for us non-benders. But I didn't sign up for this… this war."
"What do you have on Hiroshi Sato?" asked Lin.
"He manufactured those gloves for the Equalists." said the worker.
"I knew it!" said Korra.
"And there are rumors he's working on something even bigger. Some new kind of weapon." said the worker.
"We searched all of Future Industries and found nothing." said Tenzin.
"That's because he has a secret factory." revealed the worker.
"Where?" asked Izuku.
"It's right underneath the Sato Mansion." said the worker, causing the group to gasp in surprise and horror.
After all, who would have imagined that such a secret was hidden right under their noses all that time?
Soon after, the group was in a police blimp headed for the Sato mansion.
"Raiding the Sato Mansion is a risky move with Tarrlok breathing down your neck. If we're wrong…" began Tenzin with concern for his old friend.
"I know. I can kiss my job goodbye. But protecting Republic City is all I care about. We can't let Amon get his hands on this new weapon." said Lin.
Meanwhile, Mako, Bolin and Asami were hanging out in the mansion as if nothing was wrong.
That was until several policemen entered the room they were in.
Instinctively, Bolin raised his hands in surrender accompanied by a small cry of surprise.
"What are you doing here?" asked Asami as Lin entered the room along with Tenzin, Korra and Izuku.
"We have a reason to believe that there's a factory hidden below the mansion." said Lin.
"I think I would've noticed if there were a factory underneath my house. The lies you people come up with just to persecute my father." said Asami.
"Where is your father?" asked Tenzin.
"In his workshop, behind the house." said Asami.
The whole group went to the workshop and entered it along with a few policemen, but they found nothing and no one.
"Dad? Hello?" asked Asami trying to call her father.
"Chief, the estate's been secured. No one has left the workshop since we arrived." said one of the policemen.
"Impossible. He couldn't have left without us knowing." said Izuku.
"Unless he went another way." said Lin standing in the center of the workshop.
She lifted one foot, which she freed from her shoe with metalbending, and stomped it hard against the floor.
She spent a few seconds using seismic sense to check the entire workshop and what was around it.
"There's a tunnel beneath the workshop running deep into the mountainside." said Lin.
"What? There's no tunnel." said Asami not believing the police chief's words.
Instead of saying anything, Lin turned around and used metalbending to lift a metal plate from the floor which revealed a hidden passage leading to an elevator platform.
"Do you think your dad knows about this tunnel?" asked Bolin to Asami whispering softly.
"I don't understand. There must be an explanation." said Asami unable to believe that what they were saying about her father was true.
"Maybe you don't know everything about your father." said Izuku.
"I'm sorry." said Korra.
"Officers, into the tunnel. Be cautious." said Lin as several police officers entered the tunnel heading for the platform.
Mako, Bolin and Asami intended to follow them, but...
"Uh-uh, you three stay up here." said Lin stopping the three teenagers. "Officer Song, keep an eye on them." said Lin going into the tunnel as the aforementioned policeman gave a military salute.
Even though it could be a dangerous mission, Korra and Izuku wanted to be with their friends for support as they had just discovered a terrible secret about a person they trusted.
Mako looked down in sadness, thinking about what he said to Korra earlier.
Now, Lin, Tenzin, Korra, Izuku and several policemen were on the platform that was sliding down like an elevator.
"Where will this lead to?" asked Korra.
"I don't know, but we'd better be prepared for anything." said Izuku.
Finally, the platform stopped and the group arrived at Hiroshi's secret factory, where they could see a couple of posters with Amon's image.
But what caught everyone's attention the most were the strange objects lying around.
They looked like some kind of giant robots with caterpillars for feet, pincers for hands and a kind of capsule for a head.
Seeing them, Izuku quickly remembered the robots that U.A. used in the academy entrance exam.
"Not your average backyard workshop." commented Lin.
"And I'm guessing those are the new weapons." said Korra looking at the mecha tanks.
"Considering the technology of this world and mine, I'm not too surprised." muttered Izuku under his breath.
"Hiroshi was lying all right, but where is he?" asked Tenzin.
Suddenly, a metal wall rose from the floor, completely blocking the only entrance and exit to the room, which went dark in the process.
The sound of the door blocking the entrance was heard by the others in the workshop.
"What was that?" asked Bolin.
"We need to get down there and see what's going on." said Mako.
"Absolutely not. You're staying put until the chief comes back." said Officer Song.
The two brothers looked at each other and made a joint decision.
"All right, we'll stay put. But could we wait outside or something? It's so dusty in this workshop." said Mako.
"No! We're waiting right here!" said Officer Song looking immovable.
"Okay, but don't blame me if I start sne… if I start sn-sn-sneez…" began Mako with his hand to his nose as Bolin casually rubbed his foot on the floor.
"What's your problem, bub?" asked Officer Song in confusion as Mako leaned back.
"I'm about to... ACHOO." spat Mako as he sneezed a small stream of fire in front of the policeman, causing him to stumble backwards.
Bolin then raised a small wall of earth underneath him, causing him to trip and fall on his stomach before Bolin jumped on top of him.
Quickly, the two brothers bound and gagged the cop.
"Sorry pal, we know you were just doing your job." said Mako.
"Yeah, just stay put until the chief comes back. That's sounds very familiar doesn't it, why? Because you said it." said Bolin.
After that, the three of them set out to enter through the secret tunnel.
"Asami, you should stay here. We'll check it out." said Mako trying to stop his girlfriend from seeing something that would hurt her a lot.
"I have to find out the truth about my father." said Asami.
"I understand. That's why I'm going down, to find out for you. Please." pleaded Mako.
"All right." said Asami regretfully before Mako followed his brother down the stairs, who pressed the button that made the platform go back up. "Be careful."
Even though she agreed not to go down, the fact that her father, who had raised her all those years, was in league with terrorists, hurt her heart deeply.
Despite all the evidence she was seeing with her eyes, a small part of her still believed that her father wasn't evil, that there had to be some logical explanation.
Back in the room, Lin tried to use metalbending to knock down the metal wall, but nothing happened, much to her surprise.
"Let me try." said Izuku standing in front of the metal wall.
He activated his Quirk to the highest amount of power he could manage and pulled back his fist before impacting it hard against the wall.
However, all he managed to do was create a dent in the wall, which was a big surprise to everyone, especially Izuku.
"I'm afraid you won't be able to metalbend that wall, Chief Beifong." said Hiroshi as the lights of the mecha tanks came on. "It's solid platinum." revealed Hiroshi as the 6 mecha tanks began to move, surrounding the entire group. "My mecha tanks are platinum as well. Not even your renowned mother could bend a metal so pure." said Hiroshi from the control booth of one of the mecha tanks. "Besides, I reinforced the walls with more layers of platinum, so your monstrous strength won't be able to bring them down, Deku."
"Hiroshi, I knew you were a lying." said Korra.
"So you really are an equalist. Get out of there right now!" demanded Izuku.
"And do what, Deku? I'll face the Avatar's powers of bending? Your special and unique power? No. I think I'll fight from inside here where my odds are a little more… equal." said Hiroshi with a wicked grin.
"That source was a set-up! You lured us down here!" said Lin realizing they had walked into a trap.
"Guilty as charged." said Hiroshi as the mecha tanks advanced towards them.
Hiroshi shot from one of the mecha tank's grappling hooks a grappling claw towards them, but Tenzin, Lin, Korra and Izuku dodged it.
One of the mecha tanks tried to hit the policemen, but they moved out of the way in time.
Three policemen threw their metal ropes and wrapped them around the mecha tank's arms, preventing it from moving.
The other two did the same with another mecha tank.
Lin dodged another grappling claw before using earthbending to propel herself into the head of a mecha tank while using metalbending to extend metal blades from her sleeves.
While the mecha tank she was on was retreating, Lin stabbed the glass of the capsule with her blades with the intention of hitting the pilot, but he dodged all the attacks.
The mecha tank kept retreating until it crashed into the support pillars.
A mecha tank shot its grappling claw towards Izuku, but he, who had his Quirk activated, dodged it before shooting towards the mecha tank while pulling back his fist.
"Detroit Smash!" shouted Izuku slamming into the mech tank, causing it to dent before sending it flying until it crashed into the wall.
Another mecha tank tried to attack him from behind, but Izuku jumped high to dodge another grappling claw before putting pressure on the fingers of both his hands.
"Delaware Smash!" shouted Izuku firing a pair of wind blasts that hit the mech tank, knocking it down in the process.
Hiroshi advanced his mecha tank towards the Avatar, who was attacking him with fireballs, but they were having no effect and as he was about to hit it, a blast of wind from Tenzin pushed him back.
Meanwhile, the policemen tried to keep the mecha tanks tied up, but their ropes weren't going to last long, not to mention that the mecha tanks' strength was superior.
Suddenly, the mecha tanks coiled the metal ropes between their claws and launched an electric shock that coursed through the ropes until it hit them, causing them to scream in pain before fainting and releasing the mecha tank.
Lin noticed this and before she could go to help them, a grappling claw grabbed her and threw her against the ground, knocking her down in the process.
Korra and Tenzin continued their barrage of air and fire attacks, managing to knock Hiroshi's mecha tank backwards.
Pissed off at the two, Hiroshi shot his grappling claw at Korra, but she dodged it before throwing a rock at him, but suddenly, another grappling claw caught her from behind and pushed her until it sent her crashing into a pipe, ending up unconscious in the process.
"Korra!" shouted Izuku leaping towards her and grabbing her bridal style before landing on her feet on the ground.
However, that left him open for a mecha tank to shoot a strange disk that deploys three whips at him.
Before Izuku could react, the whips coiled around him and released an electric shock that made him scream in pain before falling unconscious.
"Izuku!" shouted Tenzin before ducking to dodge a grabbing claw from Hiroshi.
Hiroshi continued to launch his grappling claws along with another mecha tank, but Tenzin dodged them as he created a wheel of air to quickly glide with before leaping to dodge another grappling claw.
Suddenly, Hiroshi shot out his whip-whipped disk.
Tenzin was about to attack, but the whips coiled around him and electrocuted him, knocking him down in the process.
After taking down the last opponent, Hiroshi stepped out of the control booth, along with the lieutenant, who had piloted another mecha tank.
"Well, I'd say that was a near flawless test run. Load everyone into the transports and deliver them to Amon!" said Hiroshi.
Soon after, the Equalist soldiers were loading the bound, gagged and unconscious policemen into a truck.
To one side were Korra, Izuku, Tenzin and Lin still unconscious and bound.
Suddenly, near them a hole formed in the ground and through it, Bolin and Mako peered out and were shocked at what they saw.
"Oh, no." said Bolin at what he saw.
"They were right. We gotta do something, quick!" said Mako.
Quickly and stealthily, the two brothers ran towards the group of four to free them.
Bolin charged Tenzin while Mako charged Korra, but before they could take another step…
"Not so fast, young ones." said Hiroshi with a pair of electrified gloves and with the lieutenant beside him with his electrified sticks.
"Hello, Mr. Sato. Wow! What a really swell, scary factory you have here under your giant mansion." said Bolin with a nervous smile hoping that stupid performance would do some good.
"Sponsoring our team, supporting the Avatar and Izuku. It was all just a big cover." said Mako.
"Yes, and the most difficult part was watching my daughter traipse around with a firebending street rat like you!" said Hiroshi causing his gloves to spark with rage.
Mako gritted his teeth in anger, but not at the insult, but at the fact that he trusted him and it was all a lie.
Hiroshi and the lieutenant prepared to fight with their electrified weapons.
"Dad, stop!" Hiroshi turned around in shock to see his daughter looking at him in sadness and pain. "Why?"
"Sweetie, I wanted to keep you out of this for as long as I could." began Hiroshi as Korra and Izuku were waking up.
"But now that you know the truth, please, forgive me. These people, these benders. They took away your mother, the love of my life. They've ruined the world, but with Amon we can fix it and build a perfect world together." said Hiroshi as Asami listened to her father's words and looked away, thinking about what he was saying.
"We can help people like us, everywhere!" said Hiroshi as he took off one of his gloves and handed it to his daughter. "Join me, Asami."
Asami stood contemplating her father's words as she finally came to a decision.
Asami approached her father and stared at the electrified gauntlet.
"Asami..." began Korra hoping she wouldn't make the wrong decision.
Asami ended up taking the glove and put it on, much to her father's delight and the others' horror.
"No." said Mako not believing his girlfriend had joined the bad guys.
"I love you, Dad." said Asami sadly before hitting her own father with the electrified glove, causing him to scream in pain before falling unconscious.
The lieutenant tried to hit her with one of his sticks, but Asami kicked it away.
He tried to use the other stick, but she dodged it, grabbed the arm and made him hit himself with his own stick, causing him to scream in pain from the electricity before falling unconscious.
Needless to say, Korra, Izuku, Mako and Bolin were wide-eyed and open-mouthed as they watched their friend attack her own father and take down the lieutenant very easily.
Suddenly, the mecha tanks prepared to attack them.
"Let's get out of here!" shouted Mako as he and the others ran into the hole, Bolin being the last one to close it with earthbending just as he entered, managing to avoid a few electric disks from hitting them.
Later, the group gathered at the police airship.
Asami stood looking out the window at what was once a place where she lived happily with her father.
It was then that Izuku approached her.
"I'm so sorry about your father, Asami." said Izuku.
"I still don't understand. I understand your anger given what happened with my mother, but joining the Equalists…" began Asami before turning her gaze to the green-haired boy, showing that she had tears at the corner of her eyes. "You said it yourself. Amon doesn't want to bring equality, he wants to bring war and now it turns out that my father is the one who creates the weapons they're going to use." said Asami before lowering her head. "It's my fault. If I had noticed it earlier, I could have stopped him and…"
Suddenly, a hand landed on her shoulder and she raised her head to see Izuku giving her a look of sympathy.
"Asami, you shouldn't blame yourself for your father's decisions. He is doing all this because Amon used his hatred of the benders to his advantage, just like with the other members of the Equalists." said Izuku.
"But… what will happen to me? Surely no one trusts me anymore. What makes you think I'm not manipulating you in the same way my father did? That I won't betray you to hand you over to Amon?" asked Asami feeling like she was about to cry.
"If you were really manipulating us, you would have helped your father sooner instead of us. That's what sets you apart from your father. You don't judge people by their abilities or origins, but by what's inside them. That's why you're a great friend of ours." said Izuku with his trademark smile.
Asami smiled in happiness before launching herself into a hug for the green-haired boy, who was a little surprised before returning the hug.
A few seconds later, Asami broke away and wiped the tears from her face with her arm.
"Thank you, Izuku. I feel much better." said Asami.
"You're welcome. And… since you don't have a home at the moment, I had thought you could come to Air Temple Island with us. We have envelope space and I'm sure Tenzin and Korra would agree with me." said Izuku.
"I'd love to." said Asami.
Meanwhile, Lin was lying on a bench due to the injuries she received, with Tenzin standing near her.
"My metalbenders are on their way to Amon, and it's all my fault. Tarrlok's right, I've failed as chief. First thing in the morning, I'm handing in my resignation." said Lin.
"No! You can't give up like this!" said Tenzin.
"I'm not giving up. I'm gonna find my officers and take Amon down. But I'm gonna do it my way, outside the law." said Lin with an expression of pure determination.
Elsewhere, Mako approached Korra.
"I'm sorry I didn't believe you. But Asami's dad being an Equalist is not an easy thing to believe. Even now." said Mako.
"I know. I would be the same in your place. I'm sorry this whole thing happened." said Korra.
"So… does your offer to live in the Air Temple still stand? " asked Mako wanting to change the subject.
"Of course it does. And Asami's welcome, too. " said Korra with a smile.
"Thank you so much." said Mako.
It was then that Izuku walked up to them and put his hand on the firebender's shoulder, getting his attention.
"After everything that's happened, he's going to need you, Mako." said Izuku before Mako, with a serious expression, went to Asami's side, who snuggled against his chest.
That saddened Korra a bit, as she couldn't help but feel bad seeing the one she loved with another.
Izuku put his hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her and Korra put her hand on his as a sign that she appreciated his support.