Hello everyone, welcome back and Happy New Year. I hope everyone's having a great first week of 2021. Let's begin.
COMMENTS REPLY SECTION
DCDGojira: Thank you. Glad you enjoy it. I start reading it, it's nice. I like it so far.
Raximus: Dangerous mortal men to be exact. Lol. I knew something like this will come sooner or later.
TheBeatles211: Thank you. I'll do my best. You safe and healthy too.
Austin: To me, Shen doesn't have the risk of staining his reputation at this point like Korra. He still have some edge over Tarrlok to refuse any form offer from him. His identity is still safe. Shen's parent will play a role in helping Shen's growth.
Bangetsugo: Like I said before. They will help Shen grow even stronger.
Cobalt Striker Gundam: True. Everyone should unless their sure there's only friends present.
GokaiSilver3511: He'll ride soon.
BOOK 1 CHAPTER 5: The Love for Competitions
A loud knock the door shook Shen out of his concentration of sweeping the floor of the restaurant. He was tasked to sweep the floor before opening time. He put the broom against the cashier as he opened the door.
Outside stood a group of Talah's friends from the neighborhood. They all wore a slight dissatisfied expressions on their faces.
"Hello there everyone. Are you all looking for my mother?"
"Yes, we are. Is she here?"
"No. I'm sorry. She went to meet with a client. I'll relay the message that you're looking for her as soon as she gets back."
"You better." One of the woman snarled at him.
Shen closed the door and make sure they actually left. Shen walked towards the back stairs that lead upstairs.
"Mother. They're gone."
Talah slowly walked downstairs with sad expression. She tied her long black hair into a ponytail and put on an apron.
"Thank you for lying for me Shen. I shouldn't have done that but I can't face them right now."
"No worries mother. But, what was that all about?"
Talah refused to answer as she just starts cleaning a pile of dirty plates.
"Is this about the Equalist?"
Talah remained silent and just turned the tap on to the maximum capacity. The sound of rushing water hitting the plates in the sink and the clanking noise drowned Shen's attempt of asking further questions. Shen knew it was his mother way of saying 'This conversation is over' without the need to raise her voice, something Talah never like to do.
Shen continue on with the sweeping the floor until opening time.
Later, he arrived at the Pro-Bending Arena. As usual, he was invited as an honorary member of the Fire Ferrets. It was Bolin's and Korra's idea. Mako was against it but it was two-against-one, so Shen was allowed to come if he wished. He arrived and the trio was just finishing their last set of training for the day, once again, early in the morning.
"Man. It's been great having you at so many back-to-back practice." Mako grabbed a towel to wipe off his sweat."
"It's good to be back, although, Tarrlok isn't too happy with me taking a leave from the task force." Korra, helped by Shen, did a few after practice stretches.
Bolin walked over to them, "Hey, you joined the Fire Ferrets before you joined his task force." He turned to Shen and rubbed his hands giddily. "Okay Shen. Let me have it."
Shen rolled his eyes and tossed a small paper bag to him. Bolin opened it and devoured a few sandwiches in it.
"Okay, team. Hurdle up."
Korra and Bolin did just that.
"It's our first match of the tournament tonight. I know the three of us haven't been a team for very long, but even so, the Fire Ferrets have never been this good. Are we ready?"
"We're ready!"
"Yeah!" Shen gave them two thumbs up. "You guys will win for sure."
"You can't win without wearing these." Asami entered the gym with Future Industries sponsored gear. She put two of the shirts in Shen's arms as she showed the third one off to the team.
"What do you guys think? I think the Future Industries logo really stand out, which is good. People tends to support the team with the better sponsors anyway."
"Those looked amazing, sweetie." Mako greeted her with an affectionate hug. Korra rolled her eyes as Shen blushed, his eyes zoomed all around the room, not knowing of the proper etiquette of where to look if your friends doing a bit of P.D.A.
To make things worse, Shen turned around when Asami and Mako decided to kiss in front of them. This earned him a giggle from the couple.
"Sorry about that Shen." Mako apologized.
"No. It's okay. I don't mind. Pretend I'm not here."
Korra forcefully turned Shen back around. "Well, we ARE here. So, you better tone that down a bit mister" She told Mako.
"Fine. Jeez. What's gotten into you? Well guys, I'll see you guys later before the match starts. Asami and I have a lunch date."
"Mako, wait. How about your sandwiches?" Shen asked.
"Oh, Bolin can have it if he want. I don't want to ruin my appetite. Bye guys."
"See you guys later." Asami waved at them as she and Mako left the gym.
"Oh okay." Shen tossed the bag to Bolin, who devoured the content of the bag. After Bolin devoured the content of the second bag, he slide over to Korra, who was picking up her things.
"So Korra. There they go, here we are, all alone in the gym, just you and me, two alone people. Together. Alone."
"We're not alone. Shen's here." Korra, missing the intention, innocently pointed at Shen, who was having a hard time trying to lift two earth disc in each hand.
"Oh, right." Bolin realized. "Anyway…"
"Sorry Bolin. I got to head back to Air Temple Island. Tenzin's going to flip if I'm late again. Let's go Shen."
Korra grabbed Shen's arm and headed towards the door.
"Wait!"
"Yeah Bolin?" Korra stopped in her track as Shen slammed against the door due to momentum.
"I need to talk to Shen about something."
"Can it wait? I need him for a test dummy."
"Did you just call me a test dummy?" Shen raised a brow at her as Korra furiously shook her head.
"Please. It's really important. Guy's stuff."
"It's okay Avatar Korra. I'll be your 'test dummy' some other time."
Korra reluctantly agreed and left, leaving the two boys there.
"This is about Avatar Korra isn't it?" Shen asked straight to the point as Bolin's eyes popped out in surprised.
Later, they sat on a bench while eating ice-cream. Both of them have two cones in their hands. One vanilla while the other is chocolate.
"So, let me get this straight. You want to ask Avatar Korra to be your girlfriend?"
"Yes. Do you think we're suitable for each other?"
"I can't really say. You're both nice and great to have around but that doesn't really mean guarantee happy ending. In the end, that is something for you to find out on your own."
"Hmmm." Bolin though long and hard as he licked the two cones of ice cream in his hands. "Well. If I do go for it, no hard feelings?"
"Why are you asking me that?"
"Because, it's you. I know you're and Korra are just friends but, you met her first."
Shen licked the running trail of melted vanilla ice cream on his hands. "Me meeting her first doesn't have any special meaning, Bolin. You're free to do whatever you want."
"Really? You approved?"
Shen sighed hard, "Yes. I'm approved. I haven't realize that my words has any weight. The only approval you should be seeking is her parents'."
"Right. You're right."
The two of them gulped down their ice cream in one bite.
"Dahhhh! Brain Freeze!" Both of them screamed out.
After the pain numbed down, Bolin stood up. "Thanks for talking with me Shen. You're a real pal. Sometimes, I wished Mako was this good of a listener. Oh, here."
Bolin took out a ward of cash.
"What's this for?"
"For the food I bought on our first meeting. Here, take it."
Shen slowly take the money. "Thanks. I already forgot about this."
"Good thing I remembered. We may be on the poor side but we pay our debts. Oh, got to go. I need to get some supplies to bathe Pabu for tonight's match. See you later Shen."
With that Bolin ran off. Shen could watched his friend's back as he disappeared into the crowds. He took a minute to look deep inside his own heart. His thoughts and feelings on Avatar Korra.
"I'm sorry Bolin. I'm not the pal you think I am."
Few hours before the match, Bolin struggled to get Pabu into the tub of water. The little fire ferret refused to corporate. It struggled hard and even place its four paws on the mouth of the tab to prevent itself from getting wet.
"Come on Pabu. We need to get you clean. You want to look great in your uniform for tonight's match don't you? So Mako, what do you think of Korra, in a 'girlfriend' sort of way?
Mako was cooking dinner, "She's great Bo. But, I think it sense for me to be with Asami."
Bolin made a face, "I was talking about a girlfriend for me. Leave some ladies for the rest of us."
"I know. I know."
"Well…what do you say?"
Mako turned off the stove, "I don't know Bo. I doesn't seem like a good idea for you to date Korra."
"You just said she's great two seconds ago."
"Of course I did. But in a sense of a great athlete and Avatar, but I don't know whether she's a perfect 'girlfriend material'. She's like a pal actually."
"Bro, you're nuts. Korra and I are perfect for each other. We're both strong, we're both fun, she's beautiful and I'm gorgeous. To tell the truth, I don't care what you think, I'm going to ask Korra out."
"Look. You're my brother, I want nothing more than your happiness, but I don't think dating a teammate, especially during the tournament is a smart move. Keep your head out of the clouds and keep your priorities straight, okay bro?"
"Yeah yeah. I know. At least Shen's more supportive than you."
Mako glared at Bolin, "What was that?"
"I said, at least Shen's more supportive than you. He at least listened to me and told me to do what my heart tells me."
"You talked to Shen before me?"
"Well. I was going to but you ran off making kissy faces with Asami."
Mako wanted to say something but stopped. He took a deep breath and looked at Bolin. "Look, we don't have time for this. We'll talk later okay? By that time, I'll listen to whatever it is you want to talk about. Okay? Come on. Dinner's ready."
Bolin stayed quiet and sat down to have dinner with Mako.
Shen walked home from the delivery but saw two groups consist of men and women crowded in front of the restaurant. One group was led by the same women that was here earlier and the other group led by Talah.
"I'm telling you Talah. They evicting Mr. Ulaq from his shop." A short woman said as she held a piece of paper in front of her. "All we need from all of you to do is sign this petition to obstruct this injustice."
Talah took the paper but decided to get her word out. "But, I've heard Mr. Ulaq haven't paid his shop rent for almost six months. They have the right to evict him by now."
"Talah is right." Another women said from Talah's group. "From what I've heard, Mr. Ulaq refused to pay."
"Because we have an injustice landlords." A man shouted from the first group.
Bilan step forward "I don't see how our landlord considered to be injustice. We all knew him, he's a nice man. A reasonable man. He evicted Mr. Ulaq after six months of compromise and three eviction notes. That's a fairly reasonable amount of time."
"Our landlord is an earthbender!" Another shouted.
The second group gasped. Talah frowned and shoved the paper back into the hands of the first woman. "Take your paper and go. We know our landlord, he's not the type to oppress others. He a nice man and he helped each one of us for a long time. He never once lifts the earth towards us. We offer Mr. Ulaq to help him pay his rent many times but he refuses. We did our part. We wouldn't want to be any part of this."
"You'll regret this Talah. All of you. We'll make you regret conspiring with the enemy."
With that the group dispersed. Talah sighed and Bilan hug her. "You were great sweetheart. Good thing Shen's isn't here."
"Yeah. Let's go back inside. I still need to make dinner. Shen would be hungry by the time he got back."
The two happily talking as they entered the house, unaware their son listened the entire thing from a small alleyway besides their building.
A frown was on his face, his teeth greeted hard, his fist balled up with fury, accompanied by a single tear down his face.
Talah was setting up the table when Shen walked up the stairs to their dining room.
"Welcome back Shen. Just in time. Dinner's almost ready."
"Thanks mother. I'm starving."
"Go clean yourself. We'll eat together." Bilan neatly folded the newspaper he's reading and put it aside. Shen did just that and returned to the table afterwards.
They enjoyed a nice dinner together before they were needed to open the restaurant. For some reason he made up to his parents that he wanted to stay for tonight and let someone else handle the stand at the Pro-Bending Arena.
The restaurant was packed and Shen only could hear small sneak bits of the match between the Future Industries Fire Ferrets and the Red Sands Rabaroos. Long after the match ended, he was in for a surprised.
At the front door, was Korra and Bolin, waving at him.
"What are you two doing here?"
"We're here on a dinner date. Isn't it great?" Bolin enthusiastically answered while Korra's and Shen's eyes met. They smiled at each other.
"Well, in that case. May the lovely couple follow me to their table for two?"
"Hear that Korra? Shen called us a couple."
"I heard him Bolin." Korra replied amusingly.
They ordered two bowls of Seaweed Noodles and they chowed down like the glutton they were.
"Korra. Good to see you again." Talah arrived as she refilled their drinks. "And who is this nice looking young man? Your boyfriend?"
The two of them blushed a deep shade of red. "Oh no. This is Bolin. My fellow Pro-Bending teammate."
"That's right. I remember you now. The earthbender and Mako's younger brother right? How's is he?"
"He's doing great. He's out on a date with his girlfriend."
"He has a girlfriend? Good for him. I shouldn't be too surprised. A handsome man like that. I wish Shen would hurry up and find a nice girl."
Korra felt her eye twitched in annoyance. Shen with a girl? A female nobody clinging onto Shen's arm? In the name of spirits, not on her watch.
"Korra? Korra. You're shaking the bowl." Bolin called out to her as he saw her shook the bowl and the content spilling all over the table.
"Oh. Sorry. Just thinking of something."
They took a few more slurps of their noodles. "Man, I'm glad this place has some good food." Bolin admitted.
"Yeah. Shen's father really know how to achieve perfection. I didn't realize how much I miss Water Tribe grub."
"See? You love Water Tribe food, I love Water Tribe food. Just another reason why we're so great together."
"This food stinks!"
A loud clang and a loud cry was heard from the back of the restaurant. Everyone turned their heads to a table at the corner. A male waiter was on the flood, covered in hot soup and its content. The table in front of him occupied by a group of people. The most prominent was a man with girls in both arms. Behind him was a bunch of guys looking threateningly.
"I thought this place was one of the best in the city. I guess some people enjoy fraud marketing. Someone should burn this place down to the ground."
The waiter tried to get up but the soup on the floor came to life and caused him to trip.
The table roared in laughter as fellow waiters come to help.
"What is going on here?" Talah came over to inspect the situation. "Is everything alright Sir?"
"Who's that?" Korra asked Bolin.
"That's Tahno and the Wolfbats, the reigning champs, three years running. I heard he's a nasty dude."
Tahno smirked and looked at Talah, "Why yes. It's turns out, the food your pathetic employee brought over had gone bad."
Talah glanced at her workers before returning back to her customers. "I see, well, in that case, I would like to apologize…"
"Of course you should apologize…"
"…that I don't believe a single word you said."
Every customers in the shop gasped including Korra and Bolin.
"She did not just…" Korra started.
"…tell Tahno off?" Bolin finishes.
"Excuse me?" Tahno raised his voice.
"In this restaurant, we have a policy. Every meal that were send out to the customers will be personally checked by me, the manager and my husband, the head cook. No 'bad' food will be send out without us noticing it."
"Okay. Maybe the food isn't 'that' bad." Tahno admitted.
"That jerk!" Korra growled and almost get into the action but Bolin held her down.
"Is there any reason for you to harass my employee?" Talah asked once more at the her 'customer'.
"He's a sore to my eyes."
"Well. In that case, since my employee's a sore to you and not the other customers. I would like to kindly ask you to leave."
Tahno stood up and square Talah up. "You want me to leave?"
"Yes. Since you're a sore to my business."
"Well, why don't you look at that? An employer that protects and defend her employees."
Unrealized by everyone else, the soup on the floor and the water in their glasses began to move.
"Remarkable. Hard to find people like you these days. Sure. I'll leave. But first, let me show you some…RESPECT!"
Tahno bend the liquid into ice and send it straight towards Talah. Before it could reached her, Shen's fist collide with Tahno's face and sent the waterbender crashing into the wall. The ice fell and shattered as it hits the floor.
The crowd cheered and Korra and Bolin raced to their friend and his mother.
"Shen! That's was amazing!" Bolin cheered.
"Are you alright Talah?" Korra called out to her.
"I'm fine Korra. Thank you." Without delay she went over to Shen. "Are you okay dear? Are you hurt?"
"Mother, I'm fine. Now." He turned to Tahno's companions. "I want you guys to leave immediately, and take your friend with you. I already called the police, and they're are on their way. If the tournament officials caught wind of this, you guys could say goodbye to the championship."
Tahno's teammates quickly rushed out while carrying their unconscious leader, not before accidently hitting Tahno's head at the door.
After they left, everyone cheered and clapped for Shen's brave and quick action. While Bolin paid for their meals, Korra decided her own way of congratulating him, by punching his arm.
"Nice one. Couldn't react faster myself."
Shen rubbed his sore arm, "Thank you Avatar Korra. I don't know what came over me."
"Hey. Believe me, that's brave thing you did. Just when I thought you couldn't get any cooler."
Shen blushed at Korra's words. "You think I'm cool?"
Korra realized what she just said, a light blush appeared on her cheeks, "Well, yeah. You're a cool guy Shen. You're nice, friendly, and very protective of those you love."
"I'll take it as a compliment then."
"I'll see you later Shen. Bolin's taking me to the top of Harmony Tower."
"You too Avatar Korra. Have fun."
Without realizing it, they went for a quick hug.
"Good night." Korra and Bolin waved at him.
"Good night you two. Stay safe." Shen waved back before returning to his duty with Korra's tight embrace and her flowery scent still in his mind.
The front door opened once more.
"Welcome…detective?"
"Good evening. I'm starving. Long shift today." Detective Yaozun casually walked in and sat at once of the empty table, looking at the menu.
"You really did called the police." The same waiter appeared behind Shen.
"I was lying on that part though." Shen admitted.
It was almost midnight, and Shen was in his room. He was reading a book at his study table when a breeze outside of his window caught his attention.
"Haven't been a spirit attack for a while. I got a bad feeling."
In a few seconds, a heavy downpour began. Strong winds blew and moving the trees about.
ZHING!
A powerful force rushed into Shen's head. The warrior fell from his chair and clutched his head due to immense pain. He felt like his mind was being pulled by four different forces from four different directions. In his head was an extremely blurry vision.
Even more blurry than normal. In it were four figures. Shen knew they were the spirits but he couldn't make out what they look like. Most importantly, they weren't attacking anyone.
In a fast pace vision, it seemed that the four of them just stood motionlessly in the heavy pouring rain. In what it seems like a long time, the force stopped and Shen laid sprawled on the floor.
"What was that? Who were they?"
Shen tried to get up but he felt every bit of energy was sucked out of him. He struggled but succeeded of dragging his body onto the bed and placed his head on the soft pillow.
At the moment, he felt powerless. Sure, he could beat the spirits but at certain times like these, he has no clue who to turn to. No, he did have someone. Shen need to see him as soon as tomorrow comes.
On Air Temple Island, Tenzin was peacefully meditating with Korra and his children. An air acolyte came and called out to the airbending master.
"I'm sorry for the intrusion, but Master Shen requested an audience with you Master Tenzin."
"Shen's here? To see me?" Tenzin asked for confirmation and was given one by the acolyte.
"Sure. Asked him to come over."
The acolyte escorted Shen there and the two youngest airbenders were ecstatic to see him.
"Shen!"
Ikki and Meelo jumped on him as Jinora, at least, tried to return to her meditation.
"Good morning." Korra greeted him as he sat beside him.
"Morning. Sorry for the sudden visit."
Tenzin's expression soften at the sight of the young man, "That's okay Shen. You're more than welcome here. Now, what seems to be the problem?"
"I had a vision attack last night. It was raining heavily, suddenly flashes of images stormed my head. I couldn't think for quite some time. It hurts very badly."
"Is this the same pain you felt before?" Korra asked.
"The same but this is ten times more painful."
Tenzin listened well to the explanation, "Is there anything different?"
"Four figures stood motionless in the rain. They are not doing anything, just standing there. I suspected they are those spirits."
"I think you're right. Is there anything I could do to help? The way you put it, I'm afraid they might be preparing on something big and devastating. We could not afford such incident."
"I don't know what to do to be honest. Usually, I got the vision. I went there, save the victim and destroy the spirits. I still don't have any clue where these spirits comes from or want their goal is. It's not like we have any intel on them."
"I'll contact Chief Beifong and tell her to double police patrols. That's basically all we can do right now."
"Thank you Tenzin."
Korra stretched and stood up, "Well, that was fun. Bye guys, I need to go to practice now."
"Korra. We haven't finished our meditation yet."
"It's already 11 o'clock. Practice starting soon."
"Fine." Tenzin sighed in defeat. "Stay safe now."
Jinora also stood up, "Dad, you're promised that you'll be taking me to the book fair today right?"
"I know I did Jinora, but with the news Shen brought, I couldn't wait around. I'm sorry. Perhaps next time?"
"Awww. I see. It's okay." Jinora sadly left the meditation platform.
"Councilman Tenzin, I feel bad for making you broke your promise. If it's not a problem with you. I'll be more than happy to take Jinora there."
"What? Well I couldn't…"
"Are you serious Shen?" Korra appeared right beside him.
"You're still here Avatar Korra?"
Ikki turned to her dad, "Yeah dad. Jinora really looking forward to have Shen…I mean…go to the book fair today."
Tenzin squinted his eyes on his children but give in eventually, "Alright. Sorry for troubling you Shen. Please look after her."
"Thank you. I will. I'll go tell her now."
Shen was half way there when Korra caught up to them, "Shen wait."
"What's wrong Avatar Korra?"
"You're seriously going with Jinora?"
"Yeah. I feel bad for her. It's the least I could do."
"You're just going to the book fair right?"
"Sure. If there's anywhere else she wants to go, I don't mind taking her there."
"Oh."
"Is there anything else?"
Korra began to sweat, "No. Nothing else. I got to go practice. Big match tonight. See you tonight? At the Pro-Bending Arena?"
"Sure thing. I'll be at the stand as per usual."
"Great. Terrific. See you then."
Korra ran off to her practice, while Shen found Jinora by Koi fish pond.
"Jinora?"
The girl stood up straight and blushed as she saw Shen approached her.
"Shen. What a surprised. What are you doing here?"
"Your dad allowed me to take you to the book fair you wanted to go. I feel bad for making your dad work all of a sudden, when he already promised you. What do you say?"
What would Jinora say? A cute boy wants to escort her through the big city? Alone? Just the two of them? Like a date? Jinora know just what to say or in her particular case, ask.
"Can we…can we go get lunch afterwards?"
"Lunch? Sure. I know a great place."
Jinora smirked and raised a brow, "Your family's restaurant?"
"Hey. What's better than family?"
The two laugh and Jinora excused herself to get ready and tell her mom that she won't be home for lunch. Shen was waiting outside but heard their conversation through the window.
"Okay. Have fun on your date sweetie."
"Mom, it's not a date."
Jinora ran out of the house with a blushing face.
"You didn't hear that, did you?"
Shen scratched the back of his head and look away sheepishly.
"Hear what?"
Jinora blushed even harder before she ran by pulling Shen's arm along.
At the Pro-Bending Arena gym, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets were practicing but Korra was having a hard concentrating. They were passing a small ball to each other in high speed to keep their concentration sharp but Korra's mind couldn't get away from Shen's and Jinora's 'date'.
"Korra watch out!"
Mako's warning came too late and the ball hit Korra's face, sending her plummet to the ground. Asami dropped everything she's holding and rushed to Korra's side.
"Are you okay Korra? Careful now."
"What was that Korra? I thought I told you to focus."
"Come on Mako. Cut her some slack. Accidents happened." Bolin defended her.
"Fine. Ten minutes break." Mako and Bolin went to get some drinks as Asami stayed with the Avatar.
"Feeling alright?"
Korra rubbed her head, "A little. Thanks."
"What's been plaguing your mind?"
"You don't want to know. It's stupid."
Asami sat next to her and nudged the Avatar's shoulder, "Its Shen isn't it?"
"What? How did you…."
"I don't. Lucky first guess."
Korra buried her face into her knees, "Go ahead and laugh."
"Laugh? Why would I do that? I thinks it's adorable. Two people, having extraordinary abilities, found their way into each other's arms. That's pretty romantic if you asked me."
"What do you think I should do?"
"Well, how do you feel about him?"
"Well, I like having him around. I think he's very…balance."
"Balance? That's a weird way to describe someone." Asami raised a brow.
"I know it's weird but don't judge me. Shen's so 'balance'. He's…like Bolin and Mako smoosh together."
Asami frowned "Thank you for the weird imagery."
"Shen's not so serious like Mako or too playful like Bolin. He's kind hearted and thoughtful. He listens to my problems and gives great advice. He's…"
"Perfect?"
"Yeah. No! Wait!"
Asami broke into a laughing fit and Korra just crossed her arms,
"I understand Korra. In any case, I'm rooting for you."
"Thanks. Right now, I'm so disappointed in myself that I'm getting jealous over a kid."
"What? A kid?"
"Jinora, one of the airbender kids wanted to go to a book fair and Shen's taking her there."
Asami's smile grew larger, "…and you got jealous?"
In no time, the gym echoed with Asami's laughter.
Jinora and Shen arrived at the book fair in the city, many stands were stood up by booksellers. Jinora zoomed from one stand to another to seek out any book that interests her. If there's any, Shen offered to carry it for her. Bit by bit, little by little, the stack of books slowly starts to pile up.
Shen was carrying almost twenty books as Jinora looked through the stands, and they haven't even look at half of the stands yet.
"Are you sure you're okay Shen?"
"Sure I'm sure. Don't worry about me. Just enjoy yourself."
Jinora tried to but she felt bad about making Shen carried all of her books.
"I think we're done for today."
"Are you sure? We haven't even look at half of the stands yet."
Jinora put her hands up in protest, "No. no. it's okay. There's plenty of books for me to last until my next allowance. Besides, I'm getting hungry."
"Okay. Let's get going."
They went to Xiang's Delight and Jinora couldn't escape from Talah pinching fingers. The older woman couldn't stop gushing over how cute Jinora was. The two ate lunch together. They talked and laughed.
"I hope you like it here."
"It's nice Shen. This place is beautiful as ever. Shen?"
"Yeah?"
Jinora had a light blush on her cheeks, "Thank you for taking me to the book fair today."
"You're welcome. I have a great time. I hope I was a good company to you."
Jinora smiled at him, "You're the best Shen. Besides my parents."
Shen smirked, "Even more than your siblings?"
"Please. Those two couldn't stand being near books. I could never get away with buying all these books without those two wrecking havoc. They're so loud and obnoxious. I can't believe we're related."
"They're still your family, Jinora. They're a bit of a handful now, but, one day, they could be the only people you could rely on." Shen said.
"I know. Back to your question, yes. I'm glad to meet someone that doesn't criticize my reading hobby."
"Reading is good. I don't read as much as you do but I encourage people to read more." Shen simply replied.
They finished their lunch and Jinora survived another onslaught of Talah's pinches on her cheeks, forcing her to promise to come again.
They were on their way home when they took a seat at a bench to rest their feet.
"Shen?" Jinora weakly called out to him.
"Yes Jinora?"
Jinora couldn't face him as she continue to look away. Shen started to get worried.
"Jinora? Are you okay? Are you alright? Are you feeling sick?"
"Shen? Do you like Korra?" She asked sadly.
"Avatar Korra? Like her? I don't know."
Jinora stood up and faced Shen with a determine expression. The warrior saw her fists curled up into a ball. Clearly frustrated about something.
"Jinora, is there something wrong?"
"I like you Shen."
"What?" Shen stood up himself. After the confession, they both supported a blush on their face. Shen, despite a mature teen, he couldn't look at Jinora, a kid, in the eyes. Jinora was internally screamed at herself for confessing but she couldn't contain herself anymore.
"You like me? How? We hardly interact with each other. I couldn't make an impression on you to make you like me so suddenly."
Jinora shook her head as tears slowly rolled down her face, "Yes you did Shen. The moment I heard about you from Korra and even on the radio. How you helped others. You fought those spirits that you know nothing about, with an armor that you know nothing about."
"How's that…?"
"You know how selfless that was? How many people willing to do that? Answer me that."
Shen smiled at the girl.
"Look Jinora…"
"But, I could see how close you are to Korra. Not just you but Korra herself. The way she talked about you, how she gushed at how cool you are. Even, how you promised that you would be her shield. By that time, I knew this weird feeling I have when I thought of you was just a stupid crush. I'm sorry."
More tears fell and Jinora transformed from a calm bookworm to a girl displayed out her emotions.
Shen crouched down onto one knee and Jinora immediately went in for a hug. Shen let the little girl cried her eyes out. Tenzin will asked questions why Jinora's eyes might be all red and probably airbend him to the spirit world but that doesn't concern Shen a bit. Right now, he wanted the girl to let it all out.
"I'm sorry…" Shen stated.
"Yeah. You should be sorry, for making me like you."
"As for your question, I'm sure there's a lot of people that willing to do the same thing I did. You just never know, a hero could be around every corner."
"I don't think just anyone could be amazing as you Shen." Jinora had stopped crying and a smile had returned to her face. They stopped hugging and Shen smiled back.
"Anyway, Jinora?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm not just Avatar Korra's shield. I'm everyone's shield. Benders and non-benders. Remember that. Even yours."
Jinora wiped the remaining tears and nodded happlily.
Shen was about to pick up the books when a flash of image rushed through his mind.
ZHING!
In his vision was a familiar girl. The girl was standing right beside him.
"Jinora!"
Shen immediately hoisted Jinora into his arms as a rapier landed where the girl had stood. The Bee Unknown buzz angrily at its escaped victim.
"The spirits." Jinora looked at it in horror.
"Stay behind me Jinora."
Shen summoned the Altering and transformed. The moment Jinora saw the armored hero, she felt that feeling again. But now, as something else. Protection. Safety. Agito's not her shield or Korra's. It's everybody's.
"You again." Agito readied for combat as the Bee Unknown traced a finger along its rapier's blade as an intimidation attempt.
Agito ran in but the Unknown jumped into the air and made a dash for Jinora. Agito immediately jumped himself and tackled the Unknown to the ground.
"Jinora. Get out of here!" He continue to trade blows with the Unknown.
Jinora tried to but she couldn't move. She don't want to leave Shen alone, not even for a minute. She looked around for help until hearing a police siren in the distant. Her prayers were answered when the police vehicles stopped. Detective Yaozun and Detective Shou exited it.
"Detective!"
"Jinora? What are you doing here?"
The second detective looked at Agito and the Unknown fighting nearby. "That darn Bee." He growled before rushed in.
"Detective Shou wait!"
"Wait by my car. I'll help Shen." The detective told her and Jinora just nodded.
"Watch out!" Detective Shou jumped and went in for a kick at the Unknown. Agito dodged immediately as the kick connected.
"Make you dodge" Shou playfully nudged Agito's shoulder.
"Detective. Don't scare me like that. I thought you were coming for me."
"Ease up kid or you'll…"
A fireball flew passed them and hit the Unknown, sending it further away.
"Why don't we beat this things first before talking?" Yaozun prepared another fireball.
"Lighten up. You sure are tense rookie."
"Rookie? I served for almost 3 years…"
"Watch out!" Agito blocked the flying spike from going through Detective Yaozun's skull. He proceed to deliver multiple palm strikes at the Unknown. It might look like a weak nudge but each strike that contacted lead to the Unknown growled in pain.
"Nice. For a non-bender, you sure know earthbending stances well."
Agito nodded, "Thanks. My cousin taught me whenever we visited Omashu. Almost a quarter of my family members in Omashu and smaller numbers in Ba Sing Se are earth benders."
"You got an interesting family lineage. Now finish that thing off."
Agito readied in a crouching position facing away from the Unknown. It slowly got up and flew at Agito in high speed, ready its rapier for a strike. With a perfectly timed prediction, Agito delivered a roundhouse kick right into the Unknown's head. Killing it instantly.
Jinora airbend herself right into Agito's arm and hug him tightly.
"I never knew you two were close." Yaozun commented.
"We…we…"
"We bonded over books." Jinora quickly told them.
"That's nice. Kids should read more" Yaozun praised, while Shou scoffed, "Reading? Boring."
"Detective Shou." Yaozun warned him.
Agito looked at both of them, "Thanks for the assistance. Now I would take Jinora…"
"You won't be going anywhere."
The four of them were shocked to see Chief Beifong and a squadron of police arrived. She wore a scowled expression and not too happy being there.
Yaozun went to greet her. "Chief Beifong? What are you doing here?"
"I believed it is time for me to get to know this Agito in person."
"You're not going to arrest him are you?" Detective Shou asked, "I was about to ask him to go drinking with me."
"Thank you for the offer detective, but I don't drink and I don't think I will." Agito casually replied.
"No, I won't arrest him. As long he comply. Now, come along quietly and we don't have to get violent."
"Do I have a say in this?" Agito asked.
"No." Chief Beifong quickly replied.
"Let's go then."
Chief Beifong had been wrong in a few things in her life (not she would admit it) but she was never so wrong on so many levels. She's now sitting in front of a young teen with an innocent expression in an interrogation room. The boy looked and with awed at the interior.
"So this is what the inside of an interrogation room looks like. Chief Beifong are you alright?"
Lin Beifong was burying her head in her hands, "Give me a sec."
"Sure."
The door opened and Yaozun entered with a teapot and two cups. He poured some tea into it and slide it towards Shen.
"Please drink."
Shen took a sip and looked at the content of the cup with a weird face.
"What's wrong?"
"May I remake this tea? It tasted a little weird, like an amateur made it."
Yaozun looked at the teen with deadpan expression before silently left the room.
"Detective?"
Yaozun returned to the kitchen where Shou was smoking a cigarette, "Yo. Welcome back rookie. I hope the chief's not too hard on the boy. I'm surprised he was just a boy, I thought…Yaozun?"
Yaozun stayed silent before pouring all the tea into the sink.
This has Shou freaked out, "Woah. That's a waste of tea!"
Yaozun didn't hear his friend's cries as one word bounced around in his head, 'Amateur'.
Back in the interrogation room, Chief Beifong got her bearings and look at Shen with a serious expression.
"Who are you? What are you?"
"Like I said a few minutes ago, my name is Shen Xiang, I lived with my parents…"
"That's not what I meant, what I meant is who are you? What the explanation for that armor? What is your goal? You want to be hail as a hero like the Avatar?"
"I have no intention of…"
"No intention of what? Reap the glory? I don't believe for a second that a person would do something without expecting anything in return."
Shen don't know what to say. Chief Beifong is hell bent on finding a dark and deep reason that practically don't exist.
"What about you chief? I'm sure you don't expect anything in return either."
"My intentions are none of your concerns."
"Well, if your reason is to keep the city safe and uphold the law, then, that's my reason as well. Maybe not as noble, but my reason is almost the same as yours. I want to help." Shen said it with determination. "Those spirits killed people. I don't know why they only attacked benders but I could fight them. It would be wasteful if I couldn't use Agito to help. They attacked Jinora today, what would Tenzin feel if anything happened to her?"
The chief slammed a hand on the table. "Quiet! Just…shut up!"
"Chief? I'm sorry if I sound disrespectful but that's my thought on the matter."
"First the Avatar, now some goody two shoes came out of nowhere." Chief Beifong grumbled.
"I don't know why you hated the Avatar so much but that's not my business."
"Of course it isn't." Beifong spat.
"But, she's here to help the city. I lived here all my life, my parents too. No one could do it alone, even you chief. We need each other. There's certain things that only you do and there are certain things only the Avatar could do. Together, the city would be safer than ever."
"What about you?"
"I'm just doing whatever I could."
Chief Beifong stared at Shen with a judging look but Shen just sat there trying to finish the terrible tea that the detective had poured him.
"Just who are you?"
"Like I said before. My name is Shen Xiang…."
"Chief!" A police officer entered the room, completely out of breath. "Chief. Councilman Tenzin and the Avatar is here, including one very angry woman and one mildly annoyed man wanting to see you. The woman screamed about something about wanting to see their son."
At the lobby of the police station, one angry Talah and an annoyed Bilan waited. Tenzin and Korra was began to get annoyed as well.
"Where's my son?" Talah screamed at one of officers walked passed them.
Korra began to lose it, "That's it. I'm going in there!" Korra stomped towards deeper into the station when Shen, Yaozun and Chief Beifong appeared.
"Hi mother. Hi father. Hi everyone."
Talah pushed Korra aside and hug her son with all her might.
"Shen! Goodness, my baby is okay. Are you hurt anywhere? They didn't put you in prison right? They didn't feed you weird prison food right?"
Shen chuckled at his mother's antics. "I'm fine mother. They didn't do anything to me. Except the detective gave me some weird tea just now."
Yaozun couldn't even look at them and just looked downwards to the floor out of embarrassment.
Korra stomped her way in front of the Chief, "Okay. What's the big deal here? Why did you arrest Shen for? First me, then Shen? What do you have to say for yourself? Is there anyone in the city that you won't arrest?"
Talah pushed Shen behind her before coming toe to toe with the chief of police. "Okay. Listen here. Korra's right. I don't know what's going on but you better have a good explanation for this…."
"I'm sorry."
Everyone looked at Chief Beifong with a shock expression.
Korra scooted backwards a bit towards Tenzin. "Did she just apologized?"
"I think she just did."
"I'm sorry for arresting your son. I should have believed the reports given to me by Detective Yaozun about Agito being a non-threat rather than just straight up putting me under a bad light."
Talah scoffed at the women, "I believed it's not me that you should be apologizing to."
Shen walked up to the two women and smiled, "It's okay Chief. You just did what you think is right. You wanted nothing more than to keep the city safe. I can respect that. As for the detective, thank you for believing in me."
Yaozun blushed a bit and scratching the back of his head, "No problem. Just doing my job."
Tenzin coughed to get their attention, "I'm not going to lie. It's surprising to see you admitting your mistakes Lin. But, I shouldn't expected anything less from you."
"Zip it Tenzin. If you were more upfront about him when I asked why you want the police patrol to the doubled, I wouldn't be too suspicious. But, yet again, it is not your place to spill the beans."
"So, what now?" Korra asked.
Shen looked at the clock on the wall, "Shouldn't you get ready at the Pro-Bending Arena?"
"You're right! I got to go! See you guys later!"
Shen returned home and it would take another hour or so to convince Talah that Shen won't be arrested again if he went to the Arena. Desperately clinging on to her son, Bilan told Shen to go tomorrow night.
The next day, Shen was walking to the arena when he saw Bolin at a place called Narook's Seaweed Noodlery. He had an empty bowl of Seaweed Noodles and a glass of soda in front of him. He saw Shen and waved at him. Bolin's seemed worn out and sad.
"Hey Bolin. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the arena already?"
"Hey Shen. Glad to see they didn't put you behind bars. Could we talk for a bit?"
"Umm, it's almost time for the match."
"Please Shen. I really, really need to get this out of my system."
"The bathrooms over there." Shen pointed to a door at back of the room.
"Not that. Stop fooling around Shen." Bolin began to get annoyed.
"Okay. Okay. Sorry. What do you want to talk about?"
"I had a talk with Korra last night."
Bolin was walking towards the peer of the arena. He got a bouquet of flowers for the apple of his eye. He sniffed himself a bit before gave himself a confident nod.
"Okay. You got this Bolin. You look good, charming even. Here's how it gonna go down. You stride suavely towards Korra, confess to her and the two of you got together, married and have many wonderful kids. That's what I call a wonderful life Pabu."
The little fire ferret looked at its friend and titled its head to the side.
"Hey. Don't look at me like that. I just know this is going to work."
Bolin stride anything but suavely towards the peer where he saw Korra and Mako were talking.
"Oh~Korra~" Bolin called out to her.
The two stop talking and turned to him.
Bolin smiled at the girl but frowned when he turned to his brother, "Hey Mako. Say, if you don't mind. I really need to talk to Korra about something."
Mako raised a brow, "You do? Does it have to be now? Like right now, now?"
"Yes. Now, now." Strongly emphasized on the 'now' part.
"Okay." Mako said as he began to walk away, glaring at Korra while at it.
"What's up with him? Oh, Korra. This is for you."
Bolin gave her the bouquet of flowers. More like shoving it into her hands.
"Wow Bolin. Their beautiful."
"Like you." Bolin added but Korra just looked at him in shock. "Too soon? Too soon. Sorry."
Korra looked at him worryingly, "Bolin. Is this what I think it is?"
Bolin played with his fingers, "Well, if you think I was going to ask you to marry me than you're wrong big time."
"Oh thanked the spirits." Korra sighed of relief.
"I was going to ask you to be my girlfriend."
"What?!"
Bolin put both of his hands onto Korra's shoulders. "Korra. From the moment I saw you lost while looking for the woman's igloo, I knew you're the one for me. I like you Korra."
Korra broke into a small laughter but stop when she saw how serious Bolin was.
"You're not joking aren't you?"
"Why would I be joking about something like that with the most beautiful and amazing girl in Republic City? What do you say Korra? Would you be my girlfriend?" Bolin took one of Korra's hands and held it firmly. Not too strong, not to lose, just nice.
As much sincerity and honesty Bolin put into his words, Korra's smile never come. Korra knew what genuine confession looks like despite never been on the receiving end before. She bit her lips and closed her eyes.
"I'm sorry Bolin. I can't returned you feelings. I'm sorry."
Korra pushed the flowers back into Bolin's hands. Metaphorically, rejecting his feelings.
"What? Why? I thought we like each other." Bolin put the flowers back into Korra's hands.
"That's true Bolin. I do like you but not enough for me to accept your feelings for me. I'm sorry."
Bolin looked up into the night sky. He thought about it a bit before realization hits him, "I understand. You can't force a girl to like you. I learn that years ago when I once asked another girl out. She moved to the Fire Nation the very next day. But tell me, is it Mako?"
Korra shook her head.
"Oh." Bolin looked down in disappointment but his smile still lingers on his face. "It's Shen isn't it?"
Korra couldn't say another word but a blush on her face says it all. She covered her face with the bouquet in her hands.
"Well. I'm glad that I lose to a great guy. Just imagine if I lose to some nobody. That would be tragic."
"So, you're not mad?"
"Mad? No. Disappointed? A little. But hey, we're still friends and we both know Shen. He's a great guy. Promise me that you'll take care of him, when you two get together. If you two get together. He's starting to feel like a brother to me."
Korra nodded and the two shared an embrace, putting everything behind them.
"So, that's the full story. What do you say to that?"
Shen was now in the state of shock. He felt heat slowly creeping up his face. Avatar Korra liked him?
He slowly turned to Bolin.
"So. Avatar Korra liked me?"
"Yup." Bolin said it proudly before realization struck him hard. Colors ran down from his face. "I shouldn't have told you that didn't I?"
"Yes, you shouldn't." a voice came from behind him.
Bolin turned around to see an angry Mako.
"Mako!"
"What are you doing here Bolin? Most importantly, why did you just told him that Korra have feelings for him?"
"I'm sorry! Please forget about it Shen. Just act surprised when Korra confess, okay? Shen?"
Bolin shook the guy in front of him but he was silent and still.
"Mako! He's frozen in shock!"
Mako grumbled something under his breath. "That's why I told you not to interfere. Come on. Help me carry him."
The two brothers hoisted a frozen Shen and carry him to the Pro-Bending Arena. Once they arrived, they plopped him onto one of the seat in their waiting room.
"He can't be that shocked to the point of literally being frozen." Mako complained.
"Hmm, maybe this will help." Bolin did a little whistle before dramatically pointing at the door. "Shen. Korra's here."
Nothing.
Mako lit up a fire on his thumb. "Maybe a little flame will help?"
"No. No. No. We need him alive for Korra."
"Need who alive for me?" Korra asked as she and Asami stood behind the brothers.
"Korra? Korra! Shen look. Korra's here. For real this time." Bolin excited pointing both of his fingers at Korra.
Still no answer.
"Is he alright?" Asami asked as she poked Shen's cheeks.
"Shen. You're alive?" Korra knocked on Shen's head. "Shen. This is not funny. Don't make me hurt you." Korra said as she lit a small flame on her thumb.
Without any warning, Korra smacked the back on Shen's head, sending the boy to the ground.
"Ouh! What was that for?" Shen looked around for his assailant.
"For making us worried about you. Why are you all froze up anyway?" Korra pulled on Shen's collar.
The warrior was so closed to the bender that he slowly gained feelings for. Shen pushed Korra's hands away.
"Nothing really. Just being in my own world. Anyway, you guys have a match to win right? Go Fire Ferrets. Wohooooo!"
The four people in the room weren't actually convinced on Shen's word and behavior but decided to let slide for now.
After they got change, they waited for their name to be called by the announcer. Once the match went underway, Shen and Asami sat and watched their friend's match.
"So, what really happened?" Asami asked him out of nowhere. "What makes you froze like that?"
"Bolin accidently told me that Avatar Korra liked me."
Asami gasped and happily smacked Shen's shoulder, "That's wonderful news Shen. I'm happy for you."
"Why every girl I met keeping smacking me?" Shen rubbed his shoulder. "Yeah, but. I don't know what to do now."
"Don't you like her too?"
"I do, but, what do you do when a girl likes you back?"
Asami gave Shen a 'are you serious look'. "What's to think about? Just start dating, see where it goes, if you love her then marry her."
"You make it sound like it was the easiest thing in the world."
Asami flipped her hair with a smug, "That's how things with me and Mako."
Shen looked at the platform, he saw Korra, Bolin and Mako used every strategy they have practiced to win. A small fight did broke out but Korra managed to secure a victory for them. As the team returned to the room, Korra went in for a hug. Shen hugged her tight and even spun her around.
"Woah there. Ease up man. You give 'swept a girl of her feet' a whole new meaning." Korra laughed as Shen put her back down. "You were amazing. All of you."
"We're going straight for the finals. Championship, here we come." Bolin cheered.
Asami kissed her boyfriend's cheek. "We should celebrate. Dinner, on me."
Mako smiled and looked at the trio in front of him. Bolin, Korra and Shen talked and laughed with all their hearts.
"Mako? What's wrong?"
"I wonder. How did we get here?"
"What are you talking about bro?" Bolin asked. "Through practice of course."
"Not the championship. I mean us. It used to be just me and Bolin. Now, Asami, Korra and Shen. How did we all get here?"
They all flash back to the times they were still strangers. Shen and Asami figured it out, "It was Korra/Avatar Korra!" They screamed out.
The Water Tribe girl flinched at the volume of their voice, "Me? What did I do?"
"Don't you see Avatar Korra? You're the reason behind all of this."
"I don't remember anything about creating a club." Korra defended.
Asami joined in, "Don't you see Korra? Everything came together after you decided to 'create' your own Avatar destiny."
"Huh?" That's all Korra could got out.
"Let me explain." Shen began, "I first heard of you from our customers, then I met you. Which lead me to meet Mako, Bolin and Asami. I wouldn't have met them, let alone, befriended them, if it weren't for you."
"Wait, I thought you already knew Bolin before?"
"If you weren't there, there's no reason for me to hang around until now."
Korra turned to the two brothers and they nodded.
"What about Asami? I never met Asami until she almost ran over Mako. Explain that?"
"I was at that street corner after working at a factory for the entrance fee. I wouldn't have been there if you didn't showed up and help us get into the tournament a few nights earlier." Mako said.
"So, in other words Korra…" Asami said.
They all went in for a hug. They circled their favorite Avatar and initiate a group hug. "Thank you for bringing us together Korra." They all say in unison.
"Okay. Okay. I get your point. Stop suffocate the Avatar please." Korra pleaded and escaped the death hug.
"Alright team. Let's get to work for the championship!" Mako put his hand out.
"Yeah, rookie team for champion!" Bolin placed his' on Mako's.
"We'll be unstoppable." Korra joined in.
"Run down every obstacle." Asami chimed in.
"Strife for the top." Shen did the same.
"1, 2, 3. Fire Ferrets!"
They went to have dinner. Asami told them that she was paying but Shen, being the nice guy that he was, ate just the amount he needed and refused to splurge too much on Asami like the Fire Ferrets trio. Besides, they are the real one that should be celebrating.
Shen went to the bathroom to clean up a bit. The restaurant Asami choose was one of the most extravagant one in the city. Even the bathroom was clean enough to sleep in.
He exited the bathroom and returned to the table. There, only Bolin was present, stuffing his face with food.
"Bolin? Where's everyone?"
Bolin lifted his face that was stuffed with food. "Korra's outside. She said she wants some fresh air. Asami and Mako went to meet some people Asami knew from her dad's company."
Shen left the earthbender to his mountain of food and walked outside. There, he saw Korra standing outside on a small balcony as the moonlight shined on her.
"Having fun Avatar Korra? It's nice of Asami to treat us, don't you think?"
"Yeah. I see you don't eat a lot, bad stomach?" Korra joked.
"Hey, I'm just a bystander. You four are the ones who really should be celebrating."
"I'm glad that Chief Beifong let you go."
"She's not that bad. Just, a little over conscious."
"I also heard that you protect Jinora from the spirits."
"Yeah. It almost got her. I need to be more careful. If anything happened to Jinora, I couldn't forgive myself. I promised Councilman Tenzin that I would protect her."
"But you did."
"This time. What about other times in the future? As much it pains me to admit it, like I said to Chief Beifong, I can't do this alone."
"Shen."
"Sometimes I wonder, is there somebody else out there that were given the same power and situation as me to fight those who hurt others?"
"Somebody out there? You mean an Agito like you?"
"It doesn't have to be another Agito. Somebody else that was thrust into a situation that they figure out that they must help one way or another. I wonder how they feel. I wonder how they cope with such thing."
"I'm sure just like you, they will succeed. Besides, you have us, especially me."
Shen raised a brow at her, "A little too confident aren't we Avatar Korra?"
"Hey, I'm the Avatar. You got to deal with it." Korra smirked as she flicked Shen's nose.
They laughed and died down after a few minutes.
Korra walked up to him and took both of his hands in hers. These are the hands that punched many spirits in the past few weeks and even Amon himself. All for what? To protect others.
She caressed it slowly.
"Avatar Korra?
"Shen? Could we talk?"
"We're talking right now but sure. What's on your mind?"
"I like you Shen."
That's all for this chapter. Sorry for ending it like that but a cliffhanger sometimes helps me feel a bit more motivated to continue writing soon. I'm on my last few weeks of university for this semester and will be busy soon.
There's not much action in this chapter since in canon, this is the 'drama' episode as I sometimes called it and I said to myself, why not use this episode to work on their relationship? It's not much but but there's growth. Don't put too much thought on Jinora's crush on Shen. It was just a parallel for Korra's date with Bolin. I choose Jinora because I want to have that 'innocent puppy love' that I sometimes found quite adorable in certain stories.
If any of you want to ask me anything, and don't want to wait for the next update to get answers, you're more than welcome to send me a PM. I'll try my best to answer any questions without giving too much away (unless you ask for it and don't mind spoilers for future chapters). The only rule is, please keep the questions nice and civilized. (This apply to the reviews as well).
The statement above also applied to my other story, 'Building A Better Remnant.'
As always, please follow, favorite and review. It is greatly appreciated. Stay safe and healthy everyone and I'll see all of you wonderful readers next time.