Hello everyone and welcome back to story. Sorry for the long wait. There's isn't much in this chapter as I want to get some things out of the way before going back into progressing the plot. I hope it is enjoyable either way.

Comment Reply Section

Brolyk445: Thanks.

3DJoker: There's no plan on bringing in the original Decade or Zi-O at the time since my stories are mostly OCs.

WallopMan816: Thanks so much for the effort of posting such review. Greatly appreciate it. I hope I could continue on delivering.

Raximus: Amon may or may not have plans. He's a smart guy, he could use the situations to his advantage on the spot.

DaftMerc39: Not going to lie, I have thought about it. It's something I want to do myself but not right now.

iSee21 & Random65: Really does look like it the way I build it up huh? XD

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Pachu72lee: I hope you enjoy the bike chapter.

UnknownGOD66: Here's the new chapter.

TheOKWriter: Looks like I have to turn Shen up a bit.

BOOK 1 CHAPTER 10 COUNTDOWN TO MIDNIGHT

It was early morning on Air Temple Island. The Air Acolytes had just finished their morning meditation and immediately proceeded to their daily chores. It was very early in fact that Shen could not remember the last time he was up around this time.

He was sitting at the table in his room, scribbling down something in a notebook. Ever since he moved to Air Temple Island, he kept one to write down his plans for the day. The plans were mostly tasks he could help with, like cooking and cleaning but for today and the foreseeable future, he needs to change it slightly.

"I should try to squeeze some time in here to visit mother and father…for at least 30 minutes. Yeah, that should do."

"That's the third visit already and it's still morning…" Korra's voice came from beside him.

Shen slammed the book shut as he twists his upper half of his body towards voice behind him.

"Spirits, Korra. You scared me." Shen shook his head and properly placed the book neatly on his table.

"Shen, you know you don't have to write and plan every time you want to go see them. Just go, nobody is going to accuse you of slacking off even if you lessen your chores."

"I know. I know. It is just…."

Korra stepped forward to help him out of his chair and straightened the wrinkles on his clothes.

"Look, you don't have to explain it. I know you Shen. You care what others think of you and always want to show others you appreciate them."

She planted a light kiss on his lips.

"Thank you, Korra. By the way, you need something?"

Korra blinked dumbfoundedly at him.

"Seriously? Have you forgotten? Mako, Bolin, and Asami will be arriving today, in a few minutes. The Airbender kids are already at the docks."

Shen mentally slapped himself and looked at his wall clock.

"It completely slipped my mind. I was so busy readjusting my plans, I forgot. Let's go."

The two make their way to the docks to greet their friends. Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo waited patiently for both parties.

"Morning Shen." Jinora greeted him.

"Morning Jinora." Shen happily greeted her back.

"I seriously thought you were going to sleep in." Jinora jokingly teases him.

"I woke up early to plan for the day, and I must have forgotten, if not for Korra I would still be in my room."

Ikki took this opportunity to crash into their conversation, "Actually, Jinora's the one who offered to get you…mph!"

Jinora clamped on Ikki's mouth and Shen awkwardly diverted his gaze from the two wrestling sisters.

"They're here! They're here!" Meelo jumped up and down excitedly while pointing to a ship sailing towards them from the horizon.

Shen walked closer to Korra and could make out the outline of people on the ship. His smile grew wider as the ship approached the island. The moment they docked; Shen knew his friends would be safe from the threats in the city.

The ship docked without trouble and Bolin was the first to walk onto the dock with his bag tucked on his shoulder as Ikki approached him giddily.

"You're finally here. Welcome to Air Temple Island. Your new home." Ikki cheerfully welcomed them with slight wrinkles on her clothes and slightly unkempt hair from the physical contact with her sister minutes ago.

"Yes. Welcome to my domain." Meelo boastfully said.

"Well, aren't you sweet, little monk child," Bolin said to him as Pabu jumped off his back and scurried between Meelo's legs to sniff Naga, who was sitting nearby.

"What's that fuzzy creature?" Meelo pointed at Pabu.

"That is a fire ferret. An arboreal mammal common to the bamboo forests of the central Earth Kingdom." Jinora explained.

"He's so cuuuuute!" Ikki shrieks before chasing Pabu around the docks. Meelo decided to be himself by airbending onto Naga's back tugged on her ears, as if the latter was flying bison but Naga remained motionless.

"Yip yip! Fly sky bison! Fly!"

Shen snickered at the kids' antics as Mako approached him and Korra.

"Thanks for sending the Air Acolytes to help us with the move."

"They were amazing. Such tireless workers…" Asami said to Shen who was standing beside her.

Korra casually waved it off.

"No problem, but…"

Korra stopped herself as a pair of Air Acolytes hauled several huge bags off the ship.

"I thought you guys were just bringing a few…THINGS!"

Korra shrieked as the bags almost toppled over her but the two Air Acolytes managed to regain their composure and stopped the bags from crushing the Avatar.

Asami crossed her arms.

"I did what you asked of me. I brought the necessities. Clothes, makeup…."

Mako intercepted her. "Trust me when I say, there's a lot more if Detective Yaozun didn't persuade her to only bring the 'absolute' necessity."

"Hmph" Asami scoffed.

"That's okay. We want all of you to feel as welcome as possible." Korra assured them.

"Where is the detective anyway?" Shen asked as he eyed the ship.

Just as he asked that, Detective Yaozun, in full G3 armor, from head to toe, stepped out of the main cabin, walked onto the ship's deck and casually used the ramp to get onto the dock. The armor's heavy footsteps indeed shook the entire platform they were standing on.

"Morning everyone" G3 greeted them. "You guys up early."

"We used to get up earlier." Korra countered. "Well, love to stay and chat, but we got guest to help settle in."

Shen almost get ready to leave with others but G3 stopped him.

"I need to talk with you Shen for a while."

"Of course, detective. Meelo, could you show Mako and Bolin the guy's dorm? They will be sharing the room next to mine, the one with the two beds."

"Ai, ai, captain. Follow me boys." Meelo took a few steps forward before turning to a confused Asami. He stretched out his hand and gave her a sly smile.

"What?"

"You're pretty. Can I hold your hand?"

Everyone tried their best to hold laughter as they walked to their respective destination. Mako turned to a stunned Asami. Their eyes met briefly but he quickly turned away as his girlfriend's glare pierced right through his soul.

With everyone gone, the two stood at the edge of the dock. After a few minutes of inhaling fresh air, stared into the horizon and letting the calm breeze blew away any drowsiness he might had, Shen started the conversation.

"Anything going on detective? What is it you want to talk about?"

G3 flinched at Shen's question, likely forgotten he was there in the first place. G3 removed his helmet and tucked in under his arm.

"Oh, that's right. It's about the evil spirits. Since we're going to be working together to fight them. I believe we should, you know, train with each other. Know our strength and weaknesses."

Shen was shocked to hear this. Whatever sleepiness were lingering, in certainty, had completely vanished with the revelations.

"What? You will be joining the fight as well? Did Chief Beifong tasked you into this?"

Yaozun shook his head. "No, she did not say or ask anything. Haven't seen her since the night at hospital. It was my own idea. I am completely useless against the spirits as the way I am originally, with just my bending. But now, the armor helped me in many ways."

He let out a few air punches and kicks and Shen could 'see' the force behind it.

"The armor makes me more durable and not to mention the arsenals this thing came with it. It's almost like it was design to fight the spirits in one way or another."

"Maybe that's because it was made to fight me." Shen mumbled.

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing. You were saying, detective?"

"I said, not only the armor durable enough, with the arsenal I have on me. I could do more damage than just bending fire. What do you think? Shall we join forces and help each other out?"

G3 extended his hand.

Shen bit his lips. He worried for the detective but he saw what he capable of when single-handedly fought a group of Equalists. Not to mention, he knew the armor could do serious damage. He was on the receiving end at one point and at the time, it was worn by a half-competent fighter.

Yaozun was different, he maybe young and a bit of a klutz at times but he is someone with his head in the game.

"Sure."

They shook each other hands, signifying their alliance and friendship despite being years apart in age. Their feel like brothers already but will never admit it to avoid feeling awkward.

"Just don't force me to drag you back here, Detective."

"Was that a challenge I heard?"

The two laughed for a while as a group of White Lotus soldiers approached them. The one in front of the group, an older man several noticable scars, greeted Yaozun with a respectful bow.

"Good morning, Detective Yaozun. I'm Captain Kiran of the White Lotus stationed on the island. I was informed you will be in charge as head of security from today forward. My men and I will be at your command."

"Wow. Really? I thought I will be under your command since I'm new here." He admitted honestly.

"No, sir. We've heard of your prowess and believe you have more experienced in fighting these Equalists and spirits than any us. Please, feel free to issue us your command." The captain calmly told him.

"Very well. Thank you for your trust. I'll do my best. For now, return to your normal post and patrol the perimeter. We'll have a meeting later this evening."

The White Lotus nodded in understanding and returned to their original positions. Shen was at aww with the command Yaozun gave and wished he could give out orders with such authority.

BANG!

The detective collapsed to the ground in an instant. He was in sitting position with his head down.

"Detective?" Shen began to panic. "What's wrong?"

"That's was so nerve-wrecking. I never give out any orders of that scale my life, let alone command my own unit. This will be the death of me."

Shen silently stood there, right beside his new ally as birds flew over them.

"Seriously?"

"I'm sorry if the room isn't what you're used to." The two girls arrived in a neatly prepared room. Obviously readied for the ex-heiress's arrival.

"I think it's really charming." The taller girl stood in the middle of the room. Taking in the new environment. "What's best about it, nothing here reminds me of my father. I again, thank you for your hospitality."

"No problem. The least we could do."

"So, Korra, how are things between you and Shen? Been patching things up?" Asami wondered as she inspects a nearby wardrobe. Korra was opening the drapes to let the wind and fresh air blew into the room.

"We're getting closer every day, faster than I thought. We both admitted our faults and we decided to start anew."

Asami faked a gasp.

"You mean to tell me, the Avatar, admitted her faults? Where's the real Korra?"

Korra lightly hit Asami on the shoulder. "It's not funny. I know when I make mistakes. I'm humble like that."

"I know. I know." She closed the wardrobe. "What I'm more interested in is how are you living under the same roof as your rival?" Asami smirked and sat on the bed.

"Argh. Asami. Not this again. Jinora gave up on Shen some time ago. Plus, he's too old for her and vice versa." Korra groaned as she plopped next to her best female friend on the bed.

"Only a couple of years. Just wait until she is fully developed. Plus, there is nothing stopping Pema and Tenzin."

"Shut up!"

Korra jumped on her and wrestled Asami onto the bed. She picked up a pillow and wacked the former heiress with it, as the latter just laughed uncontrollably.

"Ahem"

The two girls sprang back up as Tenzin stood at the door. The Airbending master glanced around the room before stepped inside.

"Tenzin. What a surprise." Korra nervously laughed.

"Good day ladies. Detective Yaozun informed me that all of you just arrived. Asami, welcome to the island."

Asami replied with a bow, "Thank you for having us."

Tenzin bowed himself and turned to Korra.

"Beifong's replacement, Saikhan will be inducted as the new Chief of Police tomorrow. It was meant to be announce to the media at the last minute but Detective Shou managed to pull some strings and get the info to us just now. It seems Tarrlok tries to get the jump on us."

"Good ol' Detective Shou." Asami smiled.

"I advised you Korra to take the day off today and try to relax. It will only get busy from here on out."

"Understand Tenzin. I was planning on visiting Shen's parents later."

"Good. Just let me know if you need anything. I'll take my leave now, ladies."

As Tenzin left the room, the two girls weakly smiled at each other.

"They don't waste any time in inducting a new Chief of Police." Korra sighed.

"For the public, it is necessary but we know the real reason behind it." Asami crossed her arms.

Shen knocked on the door and entered when Bolin gave him the okay. Shen opened the door and saw his friend alone shirtless doing pushups.

"Claiming dominance already?"

Bolin finished the set strongly and jumped onto his feet. "Just a little workout, since I'm all alone anyway. This is such a nice environment. I haven't experienced a place feel so 'homey' before. The arena's attic was nice but you know what I mean."

He opened the window to let the breeze hit his bare muscular chest.

"Glad you like it here, I was afraid…"

Shen was cut off when he heard giggles coming from the yard. The two boys turned to see a group of female acolytes smirking and blushing at Bolin.

Bolin awkwardly closed the window.

"Well, that was awkward."

The room's door suddenly burst open with Korra and Asami standing there.

"Here I thought these acolytes were vegetarians!" Korra roared.

"Kyaa! Korra! Don't barge in like that!" Bolin screamed as he covered his body with his hands.

"Relax Bo," Shen smiled. "She saw you shirtless lots of times during pro-bending practice, remember?"

"That's not the same." Bolin hurriedly put on a shirt. "By the way, you guys got plans for today? Or there's a task for me to do? Mako and I don't want to feel like freeloaders."

"We don't have any plans yet," Asami admitted. "But, speaking of Mako. Where is he?"

"He said something about wanting to see Detective Yaozun. He did not say what about though."

Mako calm himself down as he stood right outside of a small workshop specially for Detective Yaozun to work on his G3 armor whenever he needed. The armor was still beyond their understanding and needed regular tweaking to keep it from falling apart, especially mid-battle.

Since he was using the enemy's arsenal, under former Chief Beifong's suggestion no less, he could not always get the police mechanics to fix it up. After tirelessly persuading the mechanics, they agreed to teach him the bare minimum of maintaining the armor with whatever tool he managed to smuggle to a workshop on the island.

If the new Chief of Police finds out, he'll be fired for sure, that is if he's lucky.

The teen firebender knocked on the door and entered when the detective's permission was heard behind the door. In the workshop, he met with Yaozun as he was finishing the final touches such as cleaning the helmet and making sure the suit itself filled with energy.

"Mako, I wasn't expecting you out of all people. Need anything?"

Mako knew he hardly talked to the Detective and they weren't exactly on bad terms, at least that was what Mako thought. The detective never treated him like an ignorant kid even though he was back then.

Maybe that one time at the park with Korra but he wasn't about to relive that memory.

"Detective, I've been thinking lately. During the fight in Hiroshi's underground factory. I realized; I wasn't much help. To Korra, Asami, to anyone."

"I wouldn't say that. You had the right idea to follow your guts and help them evacuate." Yaozun said as he wiped the helmet without looking at the teen. He lifted the helmet and turned it around to examine the back, now the big red eyes were facing Mako.

The young bender started at his reflection in the helmet. He kept reminding himself how strong Yaozun was while wearing that armor. The fight he had with the Equalist in the hospital was something he wished he could do as well.

"But, I'm sure you're not here to tell me that specifically. What's on your mind?"

Yaozun put down the helmet on the table and listened carefully to the teen for whatever he had to say.

"So, I was wondering, if you could train me?" Mako asked the adult.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me. I want you to train me in fire bending."

"Let me get this straight, you want me," Yaozun points to himself, "to train you?" he points back to Mako, "in firebending?"

"Yes. What do you say?"

Yaozun puckered his lower lips, in thought. He looked at the G3 helmet and the armor on a rack nearby.

"Mako, I'm flattered, sadly, you're asking the wrong firebender to train you here."

Mako's smiling expectation turned into a frowning disappointment. He was surely the detective would take him under his wing.

"Detective, you are the only firebender here other than me. You're my only option, to be honest. If there are any other firebenders, I still would want you to teach me."

Yaozun smiled meekly at the compliment he received. He couldn't believe this kid actually looked up to him. Either that or it was just a desperate attempt to convince him. Either way, Yaozun feels he's in no position to take on a student in any shape or form.

"Look here Mako. I thanked you for the confidence boost but I'm not quite the level to be teaching anyone, especially the ones that will put their lives on the line in a war."

Mako was stunned.

"How did you know…"

"…that you're going to join the war? Simple, I get the feeling every bender will either flee or join the war. Knowing you, I feel you rather die or have your bending taken than running away."

Mako balled his hand into a fist and took a step closer.

"Well? Isn't that all the more reason to train me? You're a detective, you were trained in martial arts and advanced fire bending. It makes sense for you to train me. Please, detective. I need to get stronger."

Mako walked up a few steps. Now he's up against the table where most the G3 parts were on. He lightly bumped into the table, displacing some of them.

"For Asami, for my brother, for Korra, for Shen. Spirits, for everyone that's been genuinely treating me like a real family and not some dead leaves on the sidewalk."

Mako continued.

"I need to be there for them and be strong enough to protect them. To stand beside them. I'm not asking you to make me a super soldier here. If there's any way for you to help me improve, I'll take it."

Yoazun let out a sigh. He picked up the helmet and walked over to the rack.

"Detective? I'm sorry if I sound disrespectful…"

"We'll see."

"Huh?"

Yaozun turned to Mako, with the helmet still tucked under his arm.

"I can't give you an answer right now. I know my limits when it comes to guiding others, but when you put it that way. I can't forgive myself if anything happens to you or anyone while I'm here and could make a difference."

He picked up the G3 gauntlets and tossed it over to Mako.

"Help me put the armor on and come to practice in a bit. There, I'll see where I could help you improve."

Mako looked at the gauntlets and smiled.

"Yes sir."

The six people met up at a small clearing on the island. Shen told them, he and the detective would be sparring. The others excitedly decided to join in. Once everyone gathered, Yaozun, in his G3 armor, placed the hand-held weapon dubbed the 'Hand-Canon' on a table they brought along.

Asami picked it up and examine it. She fiddled every inch of it. From the body to the handle to the muzzle. The more she held it, the more tears threatened to fall.

"Asami?" Mako put his hands on her shoulder.

"I'm fine Mako. It's just, knowing my father created such destructive weapons is just so hard to take in."

"You don't have to be here Miss Sato," G3 told her.

"No. I'm fine. Please, just call me Asami." She placed the weapon back on the table.

"What are we doing again exactly?" Korra questioned.

"Shen and I decided to practice a bit. To see where our skills hold up. Since we would be working together." G3 placed the Hand-Cannon in its holster on the right thigh.

"Woah, I got to see this." Bolin raised a fist.

"Where is Shen anyway?" Korra asked for her boyfriend.

"I'm here!"

The five people turned towards the other end of the clearing to see Agito Ground Form standing tall and confident. He puffed up his chest in a comical manly manner.

"Looks like someone eager to go," Mako commented as he and Bolin threaded over to their friend. "By the way, Shen, what does it feel like to transform?"

"Yeah." Bolin lightly punched Agito's chest. "Must be such an experience."

Agito chuckled and tapped on Bolin's chest which sent the earthbender pummeled into some nearby bushes.

"Transforming huh? Well, I feel some immense drive of power. The only way I could explain it with words is, 'Zoop'.

"Zoop? What's that?" Korra joined in.

"The feeling of transforming. 'Zoop'"

"Zup?" Asami's turn to ask.

Agito rolled his eyes. "Not 'Zup'. 'Zoop'. Nice and sharp. 'Zoop'."

"Zoop! Did I get that right?" Korra tried to say it.

"A bit more relaxed but forceful. 'Zoop'."

"Zoop'" Bolin said as he jumped out of the bushes.

"Bolin gets it," Agito affirmed it.

"Let me try again," Asami said, not liking the feeling of being left out.

Mako and G3 stood by each other watching the whole conversation.

"Want me to train you firebending for a bit? It seems they will be busy 'zooping' for a while." G3 offered to the boy.

"Sounds good."

The two head off to a nearby clearing where there is less greenery. The last thing they want is for their harmless sparring session to cause the portion of the island to be on fire.

G3 would watch as Mako demonstrates his firebending moves and stances and try to give any advice in any way he could. For the most part, Mako's skills were solid, except….

"Why is your upper body a bit weaker?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your upper body. I could sense you are stronger than average but your…"

G3 panted Mako's shoulders, chest, arms, and back, causing the teen to flinch.

"…are softer than the noodles Shen served."

"Hey, I worked out you know." Mako defended his pride but G3 just stood and stared at him.

"Really?"

G3 took a couple of steps backward to get some distance between them. Mako begins with a fireball toward G3 but misses as the metal man dodges to the left.

'His legs.'

Mako thought out and kicked a torrent at G3's half-bend legs, only for him to bend backward and lift his entire body with a single right hand. With a flick of his legs, G3 sent out his fireball and it clashed with Mako's.

Mako flinched backward, only to be ambushed head-on by his opponent. The boy saw G3's hand formed a fist and knew an attack coming for his chest. He blasted fire from both of his fists to propel him backward, seeking some ground.

"See you late…."

Mako was stopped in his tracks as G3 immediately grabbed his wrist. With a single swift movement, he pulled and threw Mako over his shoulder and down to the ground.

"I give. I give."

"See what I'm mean? Wet noddle. Easily pushed around in real combat."

The older man helped the younger firebender up. A few pat on the shoulder was all that needed to let Mako know the detective mean no harm.

"That's the first step. If you wished to fight, you need more combat experience. Too bad, pro-bending cannot cover even a small percentage of it."

"So you mean, I'm the weakest bender here?"

"For now." G3 glanced at the others. "Unless you want to keep it that way."

"No sir."

"Next, we'll…"

"Hiyahh!" Agito's battlecry rang out as he side-tackled G3 down to the ground.

The group practiced for several hours into the late afternoon, forcing them to skip lunch…

That was a complete lie.

Their sparring session only lasted into the early afternoon.

Korra and Agito were the last two standing as Mako, Asami and Bolin laid under the shade, accompanied by glasses of water brought by the Air Acolytes.

G3 left an hour ago when Tenzin came looking for him, saying they need to meet up with Detective Shou.

Shen sluggishly drag his feet towards them and plopped on his stomach, face down next to Mako, with the firebender just gently pat the guy's back.

"I'm beat!" Korra cheered and laid right on Shen's back, effectively squishing his face further onto the hard ground.

"Nice work everyone." Asami handed two glasses of water for the two newcomers. "Why don't we get lunch? My treat."

"I'm surprised you still have money." Bolin replied, earning a smack on the arm by the ex-heiress.

"I still have money on me. My dad did not take everything."

"Please take this to Mr. and Mrs. Xiang's room." A female Air Acolyte politely asked her friend to place fresh flowers in the guest's room.

"Sure." The woman immediately made her way there. As she opened the door, she felt her heart dropped at the sight. Lying still on two separate beds were a married couple in their early to mid-forties. She was told of the incident and cried her eyes out for hours afterwards, imagining as if tragedy had struck her own parents.

This isn't the first time she's in here and every time she would silently pray for these two for a quick recovery. After placing the flower, she makes sure the window above the beds opened to allow fresh air and a light breeze to enter the room.

"No one should have gone through this." She sighed.

Her legs turned around to leave the room. Before a step could be taken, she felt something brushed against her right hand.

Detective Shou sat on a bench in one of the gardens on the island, he took in the scenery as he drinks tea that was served to him.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet us again on short notice."

Tenzin and Yaozun approached the bench and sat down.

"No problem, Councilman. I should be thanking you for putting trust in a little non-bending officer like me. Was not easy to find chances to escape the higher up's eyes without solid reason. They had the whole police force under surveillance."

"Tarrlok." Yaozun guessed.

"Yup. It's only been a day the Chief of Police's position been vacant, he will try to nab every opportunity to pour in his influence in the forces."

"Tomorrow Saikhan will be elected as the new Chief and his influence will only grow from there." Tenzin lowered his head.

Yaozun crossed his arms, "Saikhan is good officer and police captain but he's no Chief Beifong. That man is easily pressured."

"He looked up to Chief Beifong. Too much that he tried to be her and forgot to be his own person." Shou commented.

"I feel like Lin didn't send you to me?" Tenzin guessed.

"A little bit of both. She openly criticized you for lacking awareness but mentioned how inconvenient if you missed out of this crucial info." Shou smirked as Yaozun just gave him a glare, not on board with snide remark towards the councilman.

"There isn't much we can do now. We just have to wait until tomorrow. I hope Korra will be ready for whatever Tarrlok has in store for her."

Yaozun nodded in agreement.

"We need to make sure she has the confident to face Tarrlok and object anything that could harm her reputation and limits her chances to help people any further. Right now, the people starting to believe even the Avatar could not solve the inequality in this city."

Yaozun poured a cup of tea and brought it to his mouth…

"Shen! Wait!" Korra screamed from somewhere within the compound

"Blurrh" Yaozun spat and coughed out the tea onto the table including the two men in front of him.

"What's going on over there?" Tenzin and the two detectives followed in pursuit.

Their footsteps thundered through the halls of the house. As they round the last corner, Tenzin bumped right into several male Air Acolytes before the two detectives crashed into him, staggering them forward.

"What going on here? Why is Korra shouting?"

"You see Master Tenzin…" One of the Air Acolyte began to explain.

"Shhhh…" Pema rushed in between them before escorting Tenzin towards the door, where his kids, the teens and Korra were standing outside.

As he approaches the room, he could hear…weeping? Who is crying?

He carefully peeked into the room, trying not make any noise.

"By the spirits…." Tenzin felt an overwhelming emotion ran over him. He has difficulty breathing as he witnessing the event before him.

On the left side bed, was Shen, embracing his mother, who was still lying on it. His face nested beside her own as her right hand lovingly caressed her son's hair.

"Mother…. I thought I lose you."

Shen whimpered as he raised his head to meet his mother's gaze. Both of faces were drenched by their own tears.

"Do not cry now. Everyone is watching." Talah giggled.

Shen ignored the comment. The tears and emotions completely taken over him. No words came out except for some non-cohesive sounds.

"Talah." Tenzin walked in, smiling.

"Councilman" She smiled back.

Shen stood up immediately to let Tenzin move in closer.

"Sorry, Councilman."

"No need to apologize, Shen. It is only natural. Korra, could you take Shen out for a while? I need to examine her."

"Sure Tenzin. Come on Shen. We can see them later."

Korra carefully took his hand and guide him out of the door. The others clear a path for them and watched the Avatar led her boyfriend to a destination of her choosing.

Talah smiled at the pair. Knowing they will be fine as long they have each other.

Several other Air Acolytes entered the room and closed the door. As they prepared the necessities, Tenzin turned to Bilan, whose still unconscious on the other bed.

"I'm sorry about what happened to your home and also almost losing your family."

Talah shook her head, "No need to apologize Councilman. Accidents happened."

Tenzin eyed Talah as she follows instructions given by the Air Acolytes to begin the examination. A horrible realization came over him. Talah did not know the source of the fire and who was behind it.

'Should I tell her? Now? Soon? Ever? The man responsible is already behind bars and in investigation'

He shook his head and stroke his beard, letting the information go for the time being and joining in the examination to get an update on Talah's current condition.

Korra led Shen away from not only the people of the island but their friends as well. Wanting him to have some space from the inevitable questions from them. She chose the spot where he brought her to relax that one afternoon. The place they share a great afternoon nap.

She sat him down and watch over him. Siting, he stared straight on ahead, hardly blinking. Not saying a word, she sat down next to him.

"Wow. Your mother has recovered."

"Yeah. I hope father would too soon."

"A good step in the right direction?"

"I think so, yeah. By the way, how is the city? Anything new?"

Korra rubbed the back of her neck and stared at the ground. Piecing together words in her mind. Cursing the circumstance as the only news she received today would be so hard to deliver.

"Saikhan will be appoint as the new Chief of Police tomorrow."

"New Chief of Police already?"

"Tarrlok's been busy."

"Looks like you will be even busier. Good luck. Let us know if you need anything."

Korra stood up and give one big stretch. Loosen the joints all over her body.

"Thanks. So, what about you? Got anything in mind to handle the spirits other than just waiting around?"

Shen rested his body on his left arm and looked up to the sky. He curled and uncurled his right fist a couple of times.

"The night that I saved you guys from the bunker. I almost had the Lizard Spirit."

"You almost kill it?" Korra lurched forward to meet Shen's face.

"Almost yeah. But it wasn't enough. I was not strong enough. I might need Detective Yaozun's help but…."

"But what?"

"I know he offered to help me but I'm worried with all the things happening in the city, he might prioritize that over the spirits."

"Shen, I know he would not go back on his words. He'll be there for you. I will too."

She proceeds to help him up onto his feet.

"Thanks Korra. My body quite sore from the training. I will be hitting the showers, take nap before lunch and seeing my parents in the evening. Bye."

Shen took a couple of steps towards the general direction of his dorm, only to have his right arm grabbed and twisted upward.

"Argh! Korra?"

"Relax." Korra assured while flashing a smile. "This is a traditional Water Tribe massage to help relax the joints."

She pulled Shen's arm backward causing his back to arch forward, forcing the boy to let out a high pitch scream.

"Eeeeeee!"

Korra grumbled under her breath. Shen's squeals getting annoying and she needs to concentrate figuring out the next step.

"Stop being a baby. My previous bending mentors used this on me to help me relax lots of time. I can't concentrate with you making so much noise."

"How many times have you practice this on others exactly?"

"None? You are my first time. Now hold still. I think this is how you should do it."

"Korra!"

SNAP

"Oops."

That's it for this chapter. Sorry for the long wait and this chapter just being a filler chapter. I hope this chapter will help spark interest of any readers this story might still have. Those that start reading after the hiatus, welcome. Canon story plot will continue in the next chapter.

Stay safe and healthy everyone. Until next time.