"Woohoo!" Ryu shouted over the air rushing past him. "You never told me gliding was so much fun Juji!" Next to him, the iguana parrot was flying through the sky as fast as his wings could flap.

It had been several months since he'd started his airbending training in earnest and he was mastering it quick. The fact that he decided to fully embrace his status as the Avatar certainly helped. It made his connection to the elements even stronger. He flipped and tumbled through the air using quick bursts of airbending to keep himself afloat. It was when he saw Mari waving to him from the ground, that he came down for a landing.

"What's up, Mari?" he asked as he trotted to her. Juji landed on his shoulder a second later.

"We're late. We were supposed to be at the meditation ring five minutes ago," Mari scolded him with a firm flip of her tail.

Ryu slumped. "Ugh…I hate the meditation ring."

"I know it's not as exciting as airbending, but you still need to practice," Mari explained. "Besides, this is one of the few things we can learn together."

"Whatever. I guess I'd rather learn from the Chief," he replied.

"Papa's good, but you know he can only do so much," she said, matter-of-factly. She wrapped an arm around his elbow.

"Fine, I get the picture," he grumped and let her drag him to the meditation ring.

"I was wondering where you two were," Meelo said when they arrived. His other students was already seated around the quiet field that served as a meditation area. "I was about to send someone looking for you."

"Sorry we're late, Master Meelo," Mari said with a polite bow. "We'll be sure to be more punctual." She flicked Ryu with her tail. "Right, Ryu?"

"Right…" Ryu added as he suppressed his disappointment.

They joined the others in the ring, taking a spot opposite, and the farthest, from Master Meelo.

"Focus only on your breathing and let the world around you slip away," Meelo instructed.

Ryu closed his eyes tight and tried to concentrate. After his conflict with Korra, he wasn't interested in meditating. He'd rather be doing the Air Scooter, or gliding with Juji. On his back, he felt the bird's every step as it paced across his shoulders. Were Juji's claws always so sharp?

"Sit, Juji," he quietly hissed at the bird. Juji responded with a gurgle and tugged at his ear, wanting to play.

"Shhh…" Mari poked him in the ribs with her tail. "I'm trying to focus."

"I can't help it. Juji's bored…and so am I," he whispered in response.

A shadow fell over them. Mari peeked through one eye to see Meelo standing in front of them.

"If it wasn't obvious, meditation requires focus and silence," he stated. "I hope I don't need to repeat that."

"Sorry, Master," Mari said.

"Yeah. Sorry…" Ryu mumbled.

Meelo gave him a stern glare.

"…Master…" Ryu hastily added.

Silence fell over them as they returned to meditating.

This wasn't entirely new for Mari. When she was younger, she had tried meditating with her grandfather to see if she could cast her spirit like he could. It hadn't worked but, maybe in an area with more spiritual energy, like the temple, she could do it. While she focused, she felt a tingle up her spinal fur. It wasn't unusual. She always felt it when her papa was nearby. Had he come by to check on them? That wasn't unusual either as he often came around to see how they were doing. Well, more so to make sure Ryu was behaving himself.

"Papa?" She took a moment to look around. All she saw were the Airbenders, and Ryu sitting next to her. He was letting Juji chase a stick along the ground, unnoticed by Meelo who was now steeped in meditation. He stopped when she gave him a disapproving frown and quickly returned to "meditating." She returned to her own meditation and thought about what had happened. If it wasn't her grandfather, what had caused that sensation up her fur?

The Rabaroos have the Fire Ferrets on the ropes. Can Hua hold off the onslaught?

Koji stood on the couch, bouncing the entire time, while he and Mako listened intently to the announcer over the radio. Because of their nomad roots, the Airbenders didn't have a lot in the way of possessions or technology. They did, however, have radios which allowed them to stay in-touch with the outside world. It was also useful for Mako to catch the occasional pro-bending match.

There's a side dodge and another. Ohhh! Hua takes a rock hard to the chest and he's in the drink. That's the end of the game folks. The Fire Ferrets lose three to two...

"Woo. Yeah! I knew the Rabaroos would win!" Koji cheered while Mako groaned. It was a disappointing loss for his former team. "That's five Yuans!" Koji received a disgruntled look from the man which deflated his excitement. "I mean…Never-mind. You don't need to pay me, sir."

When the match started, Koji insisted that the Rabaroos were going to win. Wanting to defend his home team, Mako had countered the teenager. The discussion ended in a friendly five yuan wager. One that he had lost fair and square.

"Nope. A deal's a deal, Koji," he replied. He pulled the money from his wallet and handed it to the the teenager.

They were interrupted when Ryu and Mari returned to the bungalow.

"How did training go?" Mako asked. The looks on the teens faces were a mixed bag.

"Boring," Ryu immediately replied with an added snort from Juji. "I don't want to do all this meditation stuff."

"I know it's rough, but it's an important part of your training," he replied.

"Whatever, Chief," Ryu scoffed. He plopped himself on the couch next to where Koji was still standing.

"Were you at the meditation ring, Papa?" Mari asked.

"The Chief's been with me all day," Koji answered for him, finally using the couch properly. "After we did our morning routine, we came back here. We just finished listening to a pro-bending match."

"Why do you ask, sweetie?" Mako added.

"I just thought you were there," Mari answered.

That sounded strange to him. "What made you think I was there?"

"Well, whenever you're nearby, I get this tingle up my spinal fur," she explained. "It happened today when we were meditating."

This was the first he'd heard of her having such a reaction. Could it be she had inherited one his spirit abilities? "How long has that been happening?" he asked.

"I don't know exactly when it started, but I've noticed it happening a lot more recently. I just figured it's because we're both fetchlings, and we've been spending so much time together," she answered.

"I think it might be more than that," Mako replied. "Kid. I want you to find a spot to hide around the temples. Anywhere is fine." If his theory was correct, Ryu would be the best way to test it.

"Why?" Ryu asked.

"Mari's going to find you." He smiled at his granddaughter.

"Me?"

"That's right. I think that tingle you feel up your fur might be a spirit-sense similar to mine," he explained.

"Really, Papa!" Mari's tail happily wagged. "Are you sure?"

"One way to find out," he answered.

"Where are we headed?" Koji asked as he walked along with Ryu. He'd decided to tag along on this little game of hide n' seek. It sounded better than sitting alone in the bungalow. Any Airbenders or acolytes they encountered gave them polite nods as they passed.

"I don't know," Ryu replied with a shrug which made Juji bounce. "The Chief said anywhere."

"Do you think Mari really has a spirit-sense? That's pretty cool, right?" Koji stated.

"I guess. What does it matter?"

"It…It doesn't," Koji suddenly stammered. "I was just saying. I know how she feels about not being a bender and stuff. Maybe this will help her realize how special she is."

Ryu gave him an annoyed sneer and quickened his pace. "Let's just find a hiding spot."

"Hey, man. Hold up," Koji said as he hustled to catch his friend.

Mako gave Ryu plenty time to hide before escorting Mari around the island.

"What do I do now, Papa?" Mari asked as they walked.

"This is where things get a little tricky," he answered. "When I use my spirit-sense, it's almost automatic. I'm not sure I can explain it. But it usually starts with my spinal fur standing on end. I let it lead me from there."

Mari's tail twitched behind her while she stopped for a moment to think. "When I was in the meditation ring earlier, and felt the sensation up my fur, I thought it was you. Now that I'm walking next to you, I realize how different it feels. I think if I focus." She closed her eyes. In the darkness, she could "feel" her papa next to her. It was a warm glow behind her closed lids. Across the island, she felt another presence. This one was charged and dynamic, almost blinding. It had to be Ryu. As she continued to focus, a third presence came to her attention. It was blue, cold, and barely visible deep underground. It was also the same sensation she had felt at the meditation ring. Her eyes popped open.

"Papa. There's another spirit here. I think it's Toadman!" she stated.

His eyes went wide at the news. The game of hide n' seek was now a search and rescue.

"I don't want to pressure you, sweetie, but you need to find Ryu A.S.A.P.," he stated. "Can you do that?"

"I-I think so," Mari anxiously replied as her tail curled around her legs. It was a clear sign that she was doubting herself. "But, wouldn't it be faster for you to find him? You have more experience."

He knew she always looked up to him. He also knew that, putting him so high on a pedestal, was holding her back. She couldn't surpass her Papa. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Mari, even on my best days I have a hard time sensing Raava inside Ryu. I know you can do this."

That was enough to encourage her. She responded with a determined nod.

Ryu and Koji relaxed in the branches of a large tree along with Juji. Koji was a little nervous being so high, but he wanted to make sure he was hidden right along with his friend.

"How long do you think it will take for Mari to find us?" Koji asked.

"How should I know," Ryu huffed. "If you're so worried, why'd you come along?"

"Do you know there's not a single Televiewer on this entire mountain," Koji began. "And Mako's okay and all, but I miss hanging out with you and Mari."

"You could always come train with us," Ryu said with a shrewd grin.

"No way. One day in those hog monkey suits was enough," Koji responded.

"Ryu! Koji!"

Both boys turned towards the shouting to see Mari and Mako running towards their tree.

"She found us!" Koji stated with a wide grin.

"Not yet she hasn't," Ryu smirked. He spread the flaps on his wing-suit, ready to extend their little game.

"What? You can't abandon me!" Koji yelped. A gust of wind ruffled his hair when Ryu launched himself into the sky followed by Juji.

"Kid! Wait!" Mako hollered when he saw the teen burst out of the tree in a flurry of leaves. "Bufo's here!"

That got Ryu's attention. He quickly changed course to join the fetchlings on the ground. Koji also came out of hiding, his fingertips raking the bark as he slid down the tree. Once everyone was gathered, Mako explained what Mari had discovered.

"He must be waiting for nightfall to make his move," Mako finished.

"Why don't we just leave then?" Koji said. "He can't bother us if we're not here."

It was Ryu who answered. "Because then he'll attack the Airbenders. They shouldn't be put in danger because of me."

Mako was impressed that Ryu had come to that conclusion on his own. He really was starting to think like a true Avatar.

"Then, what do we do?" Koji asked.

It was earlier than Mako would have preferred to leave the Airbenders, but with Bufo at the front door, or basement in this case, there wasn't much choice.

"We evict Bufo on our way out," Mako responded. "And thanks to Mari, we have the element of surprise."

A short while later, they were on a lift against the side of the mountain. Koji and Ryu controlled the pulleys while Mari focused on finding Bufo's exact location. As they got closer, Mako began to sense the other fetchling…barely. The reason he hadn't noticed sooner was because Bufo was buried deep. The fact that Mari had sensed him at all meant her abilities already outstripped his.

"Here. He's almost straight across," Mari said. The boys slowly brought the lift to a halt at her command. Ahead of them, was a solid wall of stone.

"Koji. I want you to bend me a tunnel," Mako stated.

"Me? Why not Ryu?" Similar to Mari, Koji lacked confidence in his own abilities.

"I've seen you bend a rock down to a marble, and carve flowers out of stone pillars. I know you can bend a tunnel without alerting Toadman," Mako stated.

"I am pretty obnoxious when it comes to earthbending," Ryu concurred. He preferred to lob huge stones around as opposed to Koji's more subtle "mudbending."

"Okay, sir," Koji finally said. He took a moment to steady his nerves, then carefully began to dig.

It was slow going as Koji was being extremely cautious, but, eventually, they reached their target. In the middle of a small pocket, was a sound asleep Toadman. As Mako had suggested, he was probably resting up before confronting them under the cover of night.

At Mako's silent nod, Koji scampered back down the tunnel to join his friends.

Bufo stirred when he felt something poking him in the shoulder. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust in the darkness, but he soon spotted The Fetchling standing over him.

"How in the—?"

Juji took to the air, and the three teenagers had to hold tight to the lift, when the mountain spat-out Bufo in a blast of blue flames. They all watched the assassin fall to the ground, creating a large cloud of dust upon impact. Mako was at the tunnel entrance a moment later.

"Is he—?" Mari began. Even if Bufo was threatening to kill them, they had always been taught that retaliating in the same manner, wasn't the solution. Because of that, she was slightly relieved when Toadman got to his feet.

"Get me down there," Mako ordered. The boys obliged and wires squealed as they let loose the pulleys.

"You three get to The Rampage," Mako said once they were on the ground.

"But I can help," Ryu insisted.

"Rule number three, Kid," Mako stated as he prepared to face the scowling Toadman.

"But…"

"Go!"

Ryu gave him one last grumble before following the others to the cave that served as a garage. As the teens were about to leave the battlefield, Toadman launched a series of acid balls at them. He wasn't being particular about his target either as the wide spread threatened to hit all three. There was no way Mako was going to be able to stop all of them. A sudden air-blast forced the projectiles into the ground. Steam rose up from where they ate into the dirt.

The combatants looked up to see Meelo, and a group of Airbenders, descending on them.

"Still think you need to handle everything on your own, don't you Mako," Meelo said as he alighted next to him.

"It's not your fight, Meelo," Mako responded. "I didn't want to put you, or the Airbenders in danger."

"We may not be the first to strike, but we're always willing to defend our home, and our friends," Meelo replied with a wry smile.

Toadman glared at the group he was now faced with. Outnumbered, he decided his best course of action was retreat and began tunneling into the ground.

"Oh no you don't." Steam came from Mako's hands as he grabbed Bufo's slimy leg and heaved him from the dirt. He wasn't about to let the assassin chase after the teens. Bufo desperately pawed at the grass as he was dragged to the nearby Airbenders. Together the group created a small cyclone which suspended him in the air. While Bufo was being held, Mako charged-up. A streak of lightning came down his arms and a harsh gurgle came from Bufo as he was electrocuted. After several seconds, the Airbenders let him crash to the ground. The rogue's chest heaved, proof enough that he was still alive.

"Almost forgot you could do that," Meelo noted to Mako as they looked to where Bufo lay. "What do you want us to do with him? We don't exactly have a prison here."

"Any normal prison isn't going to hold him anyway," Mako replied. Considering Toadman had escaped a platinum prison, even the most secure cell wouldn't hold him. "Just give us some time to get back on the road."

"I think we can do that," Meelo said.

The Rampage came rumbling toward them a moment later.

"Ready to go?" Ryu hollered from the driver's seat with Juji returned to his shoulder.

"When did I say you could drive, Kid?" Mako huffed.

"When I snagged the keys from your coat pocket," Ryu replied with a smart-ass grin.

Mako just shook his head. He was nearly at the driver's door when Bufo suddenly came back to life and burrowed under the ground. The assassin had been playing possum. No time to argue about the driver now as Mako raced into the passenger seat.

"Floor it, Kid!"

Everyone held tight as Ryu stepped on the gas. Out the window, they watched a mound of dirt chase them. Toadman had apparently picked up a few tricks over the years. Although Ryu was pushing the vehicle, he had to be careful on the narrow mountain pass that connected the temple to the more conventional roads. One wrong move, and they'd be down the mountain the hard way. It was when Ryu was navigating a tight turn that Bufo caught-up to them. He popped out of the dirt and landed on the hood. The slime he was secreting from his fingers melted into the metal to give him a solid hold.

"I've told you before that I don't like hitchhikers!" Ryu yelled. Juji agreed with a loud hiss. Unfortunately, because of the narrow road, he wasn't going to be able to shake off their pursuer.

Toadman opened his wide mouth and a spray of acid coated the windshield. It dissolved the glass as it slid down the window like rainwater.

"That's new," Koji noted.

"And works for me," Mako added with an angry glare. He'd had enough of this assassin. He reached through the now non-existent windshield and grabbed Bufo's arm. Toadman retaliated with his tongue which Mako snatched with his opposite hand. Then, he yanked Bufo forward far enough to crack him in the head with his horns. It was enough to daze the other fetchling. While Bufo was temporarily incapacitated, Mako used his tail to help bend the biggest charge of lightning he could muster.

"You heard the kid. No hitchhikers!" he shouted.

Bufo flailed as he was electrocuted a second time, and slid off the front of the vehicle when Mako released him. The Rampage bounced on its suspensions as he fell under its tires.

"Wow. If that doesn't take care of him, nothing will," Koji stated.

They all looked to where Toadman was certainly injured if not dead. He was soon on his feet and they continued to watch as he disappeared into the ground.

"Toads are very resilient," Mari commented as they left Toadman, and the temple, behind.

Once they hit the nearby thoroughfare, it was smooth sailing. Enough at least that they were able to get The Rampage to a nearby truck-stop to be assessed without worrying about Toadman. He had really done a number on the vehicle. Besides the missing windshield, a good chunk of the hood was melted, and two of the tires were going to need to be replaced after hitting Bufo's slime. It was more than what Mako was going to be able to handle on his own. Time to call-in an expert. Asami had told him that, if things got too bad, she would send someone to help no matter where they were. Besides, she'd probably yell at him if he let some run-of-the-mill mechanic mess with the vehicle.

"Since it's going to take some time to get The Rampage fixed, can we get some food?" Ryu asked.

The stop had a small restaurant attached to it.

"After all we just went through, the first thing on your mind is food?" Mako could hardly believe it. After expending all that energy, he wanted a nap.

"We're growing teens," Ryu added with a firm slap to his stomach. "And, since we're not at the Air Temple anymore, I want the biggest, greasiest burger I can get."

Mako had long since lost his taste for beef, but if that's what the teens wanted.

"All right," he relented with a sigh. "You three get a seat while I make some calls. And Mari, make sure you cover up or we might not get service." When it came to restaurants, people weren't always willing to serve fetchlings.

"Yes, Papa," came the prompt reply.

After he made his calls, Mako scooted next to Mari in a booth. Like her, he made sure to hide himself under his long coat which meant he was going to have a cramped tail later. Especially since the booth didn't offer a lot in the way of wiggle room. He was still trying to get comfortable when a twenty something girl came to take their order. Mako perused the menu while the teens rattled off their choices. When it finally came to him, he waved the server close and pointed out his choice on the menu. The server hesitated, and squinted to get a good look under his hood.

"Here." He pulled out his wallet and gave the server a quick glance at his I.D., and only as much of the photo as necessary. Only then did they proceed to write down his order.

"I hope I look half as good as you do when I get to be your age," she smiled.

"I get that a lot," he simply replied as he handed over his menu.

"I'm going to put your order in, but I'm actually headed out for the evening. I'll make sure my replacement gets these out to you," she finished with a smile before walking away.

"That was a close call," Koji said once the server was gone. "How did Toadman find us at the Air Temple anyway?"

"Yeah, Chief," Ryu added with an accusatory frown. "I thought you said we'd be safe there."

Mako let out a sigh. "The Airbenders are the one nation that knows Bian is a fraud. It wouldn't be too far of a stretch that, whoever sent Toadman after you, would be watching the Air Temples." It was the most likely explanation since he knew Meelo would never rat them out.

"It's a good thing you found him, Mari," Koji added. "That's pretty neat that you can sense spirits too."

Mari blushed under her hood. "It was an accident really. I was just trying to find Ryu when I noticed Bufo. Papa could have done the same thing."

"Don't sell yourself short, Mari," Mako said. "He was too far underground for me to even notice. If you hadn't found him, it might have been too late before I even sensed him. With more training, I'm sure you'll be able to catch him before he gets anywhere near us."

"Thanks, Papa," Mari said. "I can't wait to tell Nana."

"I know she'll be as proud of you as I am," he said and gave her an affectionate squeeze around her shoulders.

They continued to converse until the new server came to the table with their orders.

"Which of you boys had the steak?" they asked.

Both boys pointed to Mari who flashed the server a polite smile. The server stood stunned for a moment before placing the plate in front of her.

"Umm…Of course. Here you are, Miss," they corrected themselves, then proceeded to place the near identical orders of hamburger and fries in front of the two boys. Last was Mako.

"And one senior platter," they finished as they set down the final plate of rice soup and roasted turkey sandwich.

A panicked expression covered Mako's face at the server's innocent faux pax while, across the table, a wicked grin spread across Ryu's.

"Senior platter?" the teen echoed.

"Did I say something else wrong?" the server said.

"Don't worry about it," Mako replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. The damage was done. The teen had his ammunition.

"Sorry," the server apologized anyway. "Anything else I can get you?"

"Can I get some maple syrup?" Koji asked. Even though he hadn't been a fetchling for months, he still had a sweet tooth.

The server glanced at his loaded hamburger and fries. "Umm…Sure. I can get some for you," they replied. A quick reach to a nearby table was all they needed to retrieve the item. Once the server was gone, Mako turned his attention to Ryu.

"All right, Kid. Get it over with," he sighed. Ryu had been harassing him about his age since the day they'd met.

"Senior platter?" Ryu chuckled over his food. "You really are an old man."

"There's nothing wrong with using my age to save a few yuans," he calmly replied while he poured some salt in his soup. "Especially the way you three eat."

Koji stopped pouring syrup on his fries and guiltily pushed the bottle away, as if that was somehow adding to the tab.

"Ow." Ryu jumped when Mari discreetly slapped his leg under the table with her tail.

"Why do you always need to make fun of Papa, Ryu?" she scolded him.

"C'mon, Mari. The Old Man can handle it," Ryu said with a sly smirk. "Don't dish it if you can't eat it, right?"

"That's right, Kid," Mako sternly replied over his food.

The group shared a brief laugh and returned to their meals while they waited for the mechanic to come fix The Rampage.