Authors notes: Thank you TheToasterMarketingBoard for editing!
Summary: Korra and Asami have their day in court.
Bolin and Opal slowly walked through the quiet streets of Republic City. Opal was not eager to get to Bolin and Mako's apartment only to wait around for the morning, so she suggested they walk the long way home.
The city's damage didn't really have a lot of rhyme or reason to it. Lots of long straight shots of destruction from the spirit cannon or pushed in buildings. Fortunately everyone had evacuated to the outer borders of the city and most remained there for now.
They reached Avatar Korra Park, which was mostly unharmed. Spirits had taken it over since there was currently no human competition. Many of the creatures gave off a light glow, lighting up their way. The pair stopped in front of Korra's statue. She stood eighteen feet, completely unscathed.
"Do you think she knows about this yet?" Opal asked as she readjusted her hold on Bolin's arm.
Bolin looked up at the Avatar's stern face. "The real question is does she know who paid for it?"
The couple had a laugh and moved away from the statue and continued on the concrete path. They fell silent once they started walking.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm...trying not to think about it."
"I'm sorry Opal...I-"
"No it's alright, you're just concerned." Opal separated herself from Bolin and took a few steps away. "I hate knowing there is nothing I can do, but what's worse is that I don't know how to feel."
"What do you mean?"
"My brother... I don't know what kind of outcome I want for him."
Bolin's eyes widened.
"I don't what him executed Bolin!"
"Sorry you didn't specify." He said with his hands up defensively.
"I know. I'm sorry...l... I want him to come home soon, for Mom and Dad's sake. But I am so mad at him and I think he deserves to be put away for a long time."
Opal wrapped her arms around herself as she spoke. "What he did, he did willingly. I can't even comprehend that fact. I know it's Kuvira who will be remembered through the ages, but my brother was that tyrant's bedmate, literally."
Bolin stayed a few steps back as he watched his girlfriend rage. He had never seen her so angry, even after Kuvira and her brother first left.
"How? How could he do what he did to hundreds of people? How could he do that to his own family? This trial is aging my parents. I know it has devastated my mother emotionally. How can people trust her as a leader when she raised a monster?"
Opal realized her company had gone quiet. She turned around to see Bolin slightly hunched up, like he was afraid of her. The airbender shook her head. How long has she been ranting? She shouldn't be doing this.
"Bolin, I need to go. I don't want to be like this in front of you."
"But...Okay..."
She walked up to Bolin and rested her hand on his broad shoulders. "It's nothing you did, I promise."
Opal got on her tip toes and gave her boyfriend a peck on the cheek. With a huge gust of air she was gone.
Bolin let out a long sigh as he watched her go. When his girlfriend was out of sight he bent a nearby rock across the park. It collided with some rubble and made a loud crash. Satisfied by the noise, Bolin bent a few more rocks. Each time they made contact the noise echoed through the park.
"Human!" A large spikey spirit jumped in front of Bolin. He let out a squeak and jumped back.
The spirit took a few steps towards Bolin until it was eye to eye with him. "Knock it off with the rocks; we're trying to sleep here!"
The earthbender leaned his body away from the grumpy spirit. "I'm sorry Mr. Spirit!"
"I'm female you little jerk!" barked the spirit as it leaned into closer to Bolin.
"Ah! I'm sorry Ma'am!"
"What are you doing slinging rocks around in the middle of the night? If you're trying to attract a mate, they're all trying to sleep like the rest of us!"
"I was just trying to blow off some steam because Opal is upset and I can't help her."
"What's an Opal?"
"My uh-mate?" Bolin said giving her a nervous grin "Her brother is on trial for the attack on Republic City. She's conflicted about how to feel and I don't know how to help her."
The spirit's eyes bulged as Bolin spoke. "Your mate is the sister the one who attacked? Then you must be one of them too!" The spirit said as it started growing bigger in size.
The earthbender cowered at its looming presence. "No, no, no, no, no! I helped; we helped stop him and Kurvira!"
The spirit ignored Bolin and continued to grow. He decided it was time to go and sprinted around the spirit. "Sorry, wish I could chat some more but I really gotta go!"
Bolin pumped his arms and sucked in huge gasps of air to get himself far away from the angry spirit. He dared a look back and saw it had started charging after him. The spirit had doubled in size; its eyes were dilated and wild. He snapped his head back forward to scan a way to lose her. Towards the end of the park he saw a skyscraper that had been knocked over. The top half was still intact, just on its side. The glass was shattered so he could enter through the frame. Bolin ran towards the building and then slid into one of the windows. Once he cleared the framework he bent a wall up in front of the windows he was near.
The earth wall made it dark inside the building. He couldn't see outside anymore, so he took his shoes off to feel the earth beneath him. His trick had worked, the spirit couldn't find him, but was still circling nearby. Bolin leaned against a support beam and let himself slide down into a seated position.
Bolin didn't know how long he had dozed off for, but long enough that the spirit had given up and gone back to bed. He slipped his shoes back on and gently bent the earth wall back down.
About fifteen minutes later he was out front of his apartment. Standing in front of the door and fussing with the lock was Mako.
"Mako!"
The firebender looked up at his name and stopped trying to get in. "Bolin? What are you doing coming home so late?"
"Oh man, I just had a weird run-in with a spirit in Korra's park. It got all pissed at me and chased me into a building. Then I fell asleep." Bolin said walking to the door to stand face to face with his brother. "Hey, what are you doing here so late? Don't you usually stay at Wu's when you're working?"
Mako looked back down at the door and successfully unlocked it. "Yeah...there's just been uh-change of plans." He walked inside and felt around for the lights.
Bolin trailed behind him. "Oh?"
Mako went into his room and pulled out his duffel and threw it on the bed. He then moved to his drawers.
"Moving out?"
Mako jumped, not realizing Bolin followed him into his room. He turned around to face his younger brother.
Bolin put his hands on his hips and raised an eyebrow. "You going to tell me what's up bro or am I going to have to keep on guessing?"
The earthbender shoulders slumped and he let out a sigh. "I'm going to the Earth Kingdom with Wu tomorrow."
"What? Why?"
"He realized that he's been here in Republic City too long and really needs to go back to the Earth Kingdom and help his people."
"Okay, but why are you going?"
"I'm going to go work with him and help rebuild the Earth Kingdom."
Bolin took a big step forward. "But Mako, this is your home. Republic City needs your help too and what about your police job?"
Mako mirrored Bolin and took a step to meet him. "I remember someone going away to help the Earth Kingdom and his brother never questioned that decision."
"Hey...that was different."
"Was it?" The firebender asked before turning back to his clothes drawer.
"Mako, what's this really about? Why are you leaving?"
Mako pulled out some clothes and laid them on the bed. He then went back to his drawers for more. Bolin watched his brother as he waited for an answer.
"Obviously something else is influencing your decision to leave." The earthbender pushed.
Mako stopped packing and lowered his head. He muttered something but Bolin couldn't hear him.
Bolin put a hand to his ear, "what was that?"
Mako turned around and faced his brother once more. "I said I'm still in love with Korra!"
Bolin flinched at Mako's volume and then it registered what his brother had said. Bolin opened his mouth to respond, but found no words.
"Yeah," Mako snapped with a snort and turned back to packing. When he finished with his drawers he moved to his closet.
"Mako...I..."
"There's nothing to say. It is what it is. I just need time away." The firebender said as he worked.
Bolin walked over to his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder. Mako stopped his packing at the contact. He wiped his nose with his sleeve.
"It was at the wedding… it just hit me and I realized that I still loved her... even then I could tell she didn't feel the same. I know Korra would date someone else someday, but..." Mako's voice quivered as he spoke. He turned to look at Bolin.
"I didn't think it'd happen so soon!" The tears Mako had been holding back finally broke through. Bolin pulled his brother into a tight hug in response.
Mako rested his head onto Bolin's shoulder. "I went to Air Temple Island tonight... I saw them out in front...together. I never saw that coming. Tonight was supposed to be my last night working for Wu...I drove right back and asked to leave with him."
"It's ok Mako. I get it now." Bolin said with a squeeze. "Just don't go away forever, okay?"
"I won't."
The brothers separated. Mako wiped his face a few times, getting rid of his tears. Bolin's heart tightened at the sight of his older brother. He couldn't remember the last time he saw him this sad.
"You're going to need another duffel, let me see if I have a spare." Bolin said leaving the room. Once he was in his own room he let out a huge sigh as he leaned against the door.
The two people he loved the most were hurting tonight and he felt absolutely useless. Why did this always happen to him?
"Raava...Raava can you hear me?" Korra called out in her mind. She opened her eyes to the dark ocean in front of her. Korra had been trying to reach Raava for over an hour, but she could not get her to answer.
The Avatar heard soft footsteps coming up behind her and she turned to see who it was. Opal gave her a small wave. Korra smiled and waved back.
"Trouble sleeping?" Opal asked as she took a seat next to the Avatar.
Korra leaned back in her seated position. "Yeah, I'm guessing you're awake for similar reasons?"
"Mmm. Would you be up for practicing some bending with me?"
"Love to." Korra said pulling herself up. Opal followed.
The girls took opposite sides of the gazebo. They each got into the basic air stance and began to circle the inside perimeter of the gazebo. Air began to build in between them. Korra changed directions and Opal changed in turn.
Opal collected the air between them and passed it. Korra caught the air and bent it back over. Silently the girls circled each other passing the air back and forth. The ease in which they could do the actions helped calm Opal's nerves and clear her mind. She loved this about the air stances. It felt more meditative to her than the classic form of seated meditation.
Opal let her eyes close and Korra followed. The girls felt their spirits guide their movements. Opal was reminded of the first time she and the Avatar practiced together. Korra was the first person she had ever air bent with, since no one else in Zaofu had gained the ability after Harmonic Convergence. At the time it was special because it was with the Avatar, but more so now because it was a memory with a dear friend.
The air passed into Opal's control once more and she released it back to the wind. The girls opened their eyes; the trance-like state was broken. Opal bowed and Korra bowed back.
"Thank you, I needed that." Korra said stretching her arms up over her head.
The airbender nodded and walked over to the gazebo's railing facing the sea. She leaned against it facing the Avatar. "Me too, I was in a terrible mood and I was taking it out on Bolin. I hope he's not too mad at me."
"Even if he is, he'll forgive you by morning. Bolin's not one to hold a grudge."
"That's one of the things I admire about him, his ability to let things go. And he's an earthbender!"
Korra moved to stretching out her legs. "You two make a good pair. You both seem to make up for each other's weaknesses with your different strengths."
Opal smirked. "I would say you and Asami have a similar dynamic."
The Avatar blushed and tried to focus on her stretches. "You don't... think it's weird?"
Opal raised an eyebrow at Korra's bashfulness and then let out a laugh. "You do know I have a gay brother, right? Even if I didn't, of course I don't!" Opal looked out to the water. "You are the way you are. People who think you should suppress that are the weird ones."
She looked back at Korra who was still a bit red. "Bolin and I want to go on a double date with you two sometime, our treat."
"Yeah?" Korra asked as she looked over to Opal.
"Mhmm. We realized we never would have met had it not been for you. We want to say thank you and let you know we're happy you found someone too."
Korra's face went red again. "Opal..."
"I'm serious. There is so much hate in the world that we need to celebrate the love that continues to exist despite it."
Opal paused and closed her eyes. She felt a moment of clarity wash over her.
"I want you to know that what you decide tomorrow will not affect our relationship. What my brother did was wrong, and threatened the freedom of so many people. What he did was not an act of love for Kuvira or the Earth Kingdom."
Korra watch Opal closely as she spoke.
"I just don't want your feelings for my family to stop you from doing what is right. And maybe selfishly relieved someone else has to make the unbiased decision for his punishment. Because no matter how hard I try, or how much I know he deserves, I can't stop loving him." A few tears escaped from Opal's eyes and she quickly reached up to wipe them away.
Korra joined her friend on the railing. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm relieved to hear that. You think your mother feels the same?"
"It would be pretty hard to lower my mother's opinion of you Korra." Opal whispered sniffing a few times.
Korra looked away unsure how to respond.
"Common, it's probably really late. We need to go to bed."
"Mmm." Korra said with a nod.
The girls started back towards the temple.
"So...which brother?"
"Wei."
"Really and Wing isn't?"
"Nope, interesting, huh?" Opal said with a grin. Korra nodded as they entered the building.
Suyin and Baatar Sr. once again were the first to arrive at the courthouse, accompanied by their three other sons. This time they decided to wait outside. Soon a large group of familiar faces started towards them. When Suyin saw the Avatar she moved to greet her.
"Korra, I'm so glad you came back. You don't know what this means to me." The matriarch said pulling the younger girl into a hug.
Korra squeezed back. "I'm glad I can help."
They separated and Suyin inspected the group behind Korra. "Where is Asami?"
"She's coming on her own. We're trying to establish her distance from the group."
"Good call." Suyin said patting Korra before addressing the group. "Thank you all for taking the time to come today. Let's all go inside and take our seats."
Korra anxiously looked around the courtroom. She didn't know what time it was, but it felt like it had been a long time since they took their seats. The audience was mostly full and the jury had begun filtering in. Maybe Asami got lost. Maybe she should go looking for her. Korra starting to tap her foot nervously.
To her relief Asami entered the courtroom like a woman with a purpose. Her outfit and briefcase said she was all business. Trailing behind her was a woman who looked to be about the same age as Asami, in similar formal wear. Jinora tapped Korra on the shoulder and she shot her head back forward.
"Remember, low profile." Jinora whispered.
Korra let out a big sigh. "I know, I know. Sorry..."
Jinora giggled at the frazzled Avatar. "You got it bad."
"Got what?" Korra said slightly alarmed.
"Puppy love."
"What is that?"
"Puppies are clumsy and excited all the time. They follow or watch their mommy everywhere she goes." Jinora said with a big smile.
The Avatar's eyes narrowed, "touché."
The girls turned back to the stage. Korra crossed her arms and slumped down in her seat. Jinora's description of puppies was way too close to how she behaved around Asami. When did it get so bad?
Korra snorted at little more audibly than she intended. No one seemed to pay her any mind. She knew when, as soon as Asami said she liked her too. All that angst and worry she had been holding onto was gone. That kind of weight off her shoulder had left her feeling pretty euphoric. Maybe because it happened in the Spirit World, it increased the feeling. Perhaps the connection of her mood went both ways there. The Sprit World reacted to her feelings and she in turn was influenced back. Korra sank further into her seat. Or she was just an over eager polar bear puppy.
Fortunately the Avatar didn't have to dwell on it any further because it seemed the trial was ready to resume. The prosecution still had a few more points they wanted to go over before the defense and Korra's turn began. It was decided that she and Asami were the only witness they were going to use at this time.
Varrick and Zhu Li had been considered but Varrick's past convictions and Zhu Li's having been a double agent made them a little too hard to be seen as credible, especially if they were cross-examined.
Once the prosecution rested, Baatar Jr.'s defense lawyer rose. He was a slight and balding man. He didn't seem too nervous about the man he was defending. Tenzin informed her this morning his lawyer was appointed by Republic City. He was not given the choice to hire his own. Suyin had to push for Asami and Korra to be brought to court as his witnesses. It happened so fast that there was no time to rehearse. Today was their only opportunity to speak on Baatar Jr.'s behalf.
The lawyer addressed the group behind Baatar Jr.'s. "Will Avatar Korra please come to the witness stand?" It was clear he wasn't a hundred percent sure who she was, because his eyes darted back and forth along the crowd.
The Avatar quickly rose from her spot and made her way out of the bench. She felt a pat from Jinora as she cleared the aisle. She looked back and the younger girl gave her a thumb up. Korra nodded and then proceeded to her seat on the stand.
Korra's eyes scanned the audience again for Asami. She found her on the opposite side of the court, towards the front. Her head was ducked down and it appeared she was speaking with the woman who accompanied her. Korra felt a strange feeling in her stomach form at the sight.
"Avatar Korra, could you please tell us your version of the events of the day of the attack, specifically your encounter with the defendant."
"Yeah, Tenzin and I-I mean Master Tenzin, his brother Bumi and myself successfully kidnapped Baatar Jr. from his airship. We brought him to a warehouse to interrogate him for information to stop the giant mech. We got him to try to call off Kuvira's attack only after I threatened to keep him away from Kuvria, forever. Kuvira lied and attacked us, knowing Baatar Jr. would die with us."
Korra stole a glance at Baatar Jr. but his head was hung down. She could have sworn she saw him trembling.
"That was when it was clear to me that Baatar Jr. was not on equal standing with Kuvira. He was another piece at her disposal in her game of conquest. An important piece, but still not as important as her."
"For those with us today who don't know the full nature of the defendant's relationship with Kuvira, could you please explain?"
"Uh yeah, Baatar Jr. and Kuvira met in Zaofu and left together to assist in reestablishing the Earth Kingdom. At some point during that time they got engaged. When their life together was at stake, Baatar Jr. quickly backed down. When I made that threat to Kuvira she quickly planned her next move against me." Korra said shifting in her seat.
"Would you have made good on the threat Avatar Korra?"
The Avatar thought back to that day. Her threats of violence were easily seen through and even his own mother couldn't talk him down. Desperate for a way to break him, this strange idea came to her. Almost like as whisper from her past life. It was a pretty twisted thing to do to someone and felt confident it would break him. She never took the time to think about what it would have been like for her.
"Yes." Korra felt a tinge of guilt at the omission. "I believe the results would have been the same. Kuvira would have cut her losses and moved on with her takeover and Baatar Jr. would come to realize she was not going rescue him and assist Republic City."
"One final question, as part of the defense you are calling for a lesser sentence than death. What do you suggest and why?"
The Avatar gulped. The moment she had been dreading. She looked around the room to seek out Asami's eyes, but they weren't available.
"Can I ask a question?"
"You may."
"What has been the sentence for other high ranking officers of Kuvira's army?"
"Ten to fifteen years."
"Then I would suggest a prison sentence of fifteen to twenty years. As one of the highest ranking member of Kuvira's army I believe he should serve longer than the average high ranking officers. But to be sentenced equal to the would-be-dictator herself, I don't believe is fair, because he was not equal to her."
"Thank you Avatar Korra, no further questions."
The prosecutor stood and addressed the judge. "The prosecution has no questions for the witness."
Korra reclaimed her seat next to Jinora.
"I call to the stand our next and final witness for the defense, Miss Asami Sato." Baatar Jr.'s lawyer said as he looked around the audience again.
Asami rose from her seat, passing a folder of papers to the woman with her. Asami took her seat, crossing her legs as she settled.
"Miss Sato, can you please tell us your version of the events of the day of the attack, specifically your encounter with the defendant."
"Yes. I was working at my office on two Hummingbird aircraft we were planning on using against Kuvira's mech. My office building had become a rendezvous point for Republic City's defense team. While my former business partners Varrick and Zhu Li were attempting to disable Kuvira's mech with electromagnetic impulses, Suyin Beifong came to my office with her son Baatar Jr. to seek relief from the attacks. Baatar Jr. was physically weakened and we needed to place to hold him. He stayed in my office with his mother until Varrick, Zhu Li and Police Chief Lin Beifong returned. Cheif Beifong brought my father, Hiroshi Sato with her. From Baatar Jr.'s information regarding the power source of the mech and how to turn it off, we were all able to come up with a plan of attack. My father, Varrick, Zhu Li and myself flew the hummingbird suits. Our mission was to cut a way in for the bender forces to get inside the mech. From there, they were able to take down Kuvira's mech from the inside. It was a team effort; we couldn't have done it without everyone's contributions."
"Did the defendant offer this information freely?"
"Yes."
"Miss Sato, as part of the defense you are calling for a lesser sentence than death. What do you suggest and why?"
"I agree with Avatar Korra's recommended duration of fifteen to twenty years. My father, as many know was a convicted criminal serving his time. Had he been executed we may be in a very different situation today. That day Chief Beifong took it upon herself to pull him from prison because she knew despite his crimes, he had a brilliant mind. My father came up with the idea to attach plasma saws to the hummingbird suits we had created. My father made it possible for team Av-I mean the Avatar led team to get inside Kuvira's mech by sacrificing his own life to cut inside. We never know what could threaten our city again, but I'd feel safer knowing that we preserved our great minds, because we never know when we might need them. Baatar Jr. clearly has a talented mind."
"No further questions," the defense lawyer said as he confidently took his seat.
The Prosecutor rose. "I have a few questions for the witness."
The judge nodded and motioned for her to step forward. The Prosecutor took a few confident steps until she was in front of Asami.
"Miss Sato, could you please describe your relationship with the defendant?"
"I don't have one. The time I just discussed has been my only interaction with Baatar Jr." Asami turned to the Prosecutor and gave a faint smile.
"You have been to Baatar Jr.'s home in Zaofu, have you not?"
"Yes, I visited Beifong home during a trip to Zaofu, but we did not meet at that time."
"What was the nature of that trip?"
"The trip was to meet with the Beifong family, specifically Miss Opal Beifong. She was discovered to be an airbender after Harmonic Convergence."
The Prosecutor took a quick glance at her notes. "Why were you on this trip to meet with new airbenders?"
"I had offered one of my air ships to the Avatar and Master Tenzin for their search for the new airbenders. I was there to manage the travel."
Korra winced at Asami saying her title. It sounded strange listening to her girlfriend speak about her so formally. Korra leaned over to Jinora. "Why is this lady doing this? She didn't ask me anything."
"To question you implies they don't trust or believe you. No one wants to lose favor with the Avatar especially right now when the entire structure of the Earth Kingdom is going to need to be rebuilt." Jinora replied.
Korra snorted. "And who does Republic City think is going to help rebuild our city? This is The Earth Nation AND The United Republic vs. Baatar Jr., right?"
"I think Raiko knows she'll still help despite the interrogation. It seems like the Earth Kingdom is out for blood and won't give Baatar Jr. up without a bit of a struggle. Don't worry, they clearly don't have anything, all they can do is plant the seed of doubt about her neutrality on the situation."
The Avatar sunk down into her seat. "This is dumb. This woman isn't even asking questions about the attack."
"And what was your interest is this trip? Finding new airbenders doesn't seem to have much to do with the production of Satomobiles."
Asami adjusted herself in her seat. "I wanted to lend my aid to the Air Nation. They are an important part of Republic City. Besides, my company is involved with many different charities."
"Do you always spend your personal time with your charities?"
"Not all of them, but this was a more complicated situation, so I wanted to personally oversee it. I brought in my records of all my charity related dealings since I took over Future Industries, if you'd like to see them." Asami said with a smirk.
"That won't be necessary."
The Prosecutor walked over to her station to check her notes. There was a few moments of silence in the courtroom. The Prosecutor put down her papers and confidently walked towards Aaami.
"Miss Sato, do you admire the Avatar? You sponsored the statue in her park, did you not?"
Korra shot up in her seat. Jinora looked over, startled at the sudden movement.
"You didn't know about that?" Jinora whispered.
"I didn't even know I had a park." Korra whispered back.
"Surprise, check it out sometime, I heard it survived the attack."
The Avatar sought out her girlfriend's eyes and held contact as she waited for her to respond. Asami leaned in closer to the microphone. "I do, she made a great sacrifice for the Air Nation and has saved our city many times. I thought the memorial statue was well deserved."
"Would you consider yourself a part of 'Team Avatar'?"
Korra shifted in her seat still trying to hold Asami's gaze, but she looked away and down at her hands.
"Not especially. As a non-bender I don't have much to offer in a big fight. I also am quite busy running my company. I admire all they do for humanity, so I just try to off resources when I can, but that is it."
The Prosecutor walked around Asami's seat on the witness stand. The engineer straighten up in her seat, feeling the woman's intense gaze.
"What is your motivation for speaking on the defendant's behalf today?" The Prosecutor asked leaning in closer.
Asami kept her head forward and address the audience, "my father."
"Could you please elaborate?"
"Baatar Jr. helped saved our city, I witnessed that first hand. Like my father he was a talented man who let his emotions steer him away from what is right. Had my father survived, I believe he would have come out of his time in jail a better man. I think Baatar Jr. deserves that chance."
The Prosecutor crossed her arms and walked away from Asami. "No further questions."
The judge hit his gavel a few times before addressing the room. "We will take a recess for lunch. Closing statements will begin when we return in one hour."
Asami got down from the stage and made her way to the woman who accompanied her.
"Thank you for coming with me Kali; let's go get some lunch before we go back to the office." Asami said as she tied up her hair into a more casual ponytail.
"Yes Miss Sato," Kali said collecting the folders they had brought.
Korra bolted up in her seat and Jinora pulled her right back down.
The young airbender sighed exasperatedly. "You have to wait."
"Right, sorry." Korra muttered.
The group gathered out in front of the courthouse to wait for Suyin and Baatar Sr.. They wanted to have a few words with Baatar Jr.'s lawyer before the break.
Korra looked around the group and noticed two faces were missing. She nudged Opal.
"I just noticed where are Bolin and Mako?"
As soon as Korra asked the question the boys started walking towards the group. The two girls jogged over to meet them. They slowed down when they saw the uncomfortable expression on their faces.
"Who died?" Opal asked.
Bolin put his hand behind his head and scratched nervously. "Hi Opal, sorry we're late. We just needed to take care of some things."
"What's wrong, what things?" Opal said walking up to Bolin.
Bolin looked over at Mako for support, but his brother was looking down at the ground. Korra walked over to Mako and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you okay? What happened?" Korra cocked her head so she could meet Mako's eyes.
The firebender took in a deep breath before meeting Korra's gaze. His heart started to pound as he looked into her bright and concerned eyes. "I'm leaving today to the Earth Kingdom for a while, to help Wu."
"Oh, well that's really good of you Mako." The Avatar said with an unsure smile. "Kinda sudden."
"It was a last minute plan of Wu's." Mako replied.
"That is typical Wu." Korra said convinced.
Opal inspected the firebender. "Really, I can't believe Aunt Lin is willing to let you go?"
"Go where?"
The four jumped when they heard Lin's gruff voice. She has somehow managed to sneak over to the group unnoticed.
Mako pulled at his collar. "Chief, I'm glad you're here. I'm joining Wu back to the Earth Kingdom to help things get set up there."
"Willingly?"
"Yes, I think I could really help out." Mako replied with a curt nod.
"He's not blackmailing you, is he?" Lin said with a smirk. "I mean you were begging me before to get out away from him and now you want to work for him."
"I know. I thought about what you said at the wedding and I need to take a similar approach to my situation."
Lin gave Mako a questioning look. The firebender darted his eyes over to Korra's direction. Lin followed his eyes and then what he was implying sunk in. The older woman moved over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "Understood Detective, it's good to get away for a little while, get a fresh perspective. There'll always be a job for you when you come back."
"Thanks Chief."
"Take care of yourself." Lin gave him one more pat and walked back to the other group.
Korra and Opal looked at Mako unsure of what had transpired between the two. Bolin stretched his arms up over his head. "Well, we better hit the road. Don't want you missing your ride big brother."
"Wait, Asami isn't even here to say goodbye. You really need to go so soon?" Korra asked taking a step towards the boys.
"I do. Let her know I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye."
The Avatar grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug. "Well take care of yourself! Don't let Wu boss you around too much."
When they separated Opal moved in for a hug. "Let us know where you're staying. Kai and I will be out there in a few weeks helping out. We'll catch up."
"I will," Mako said taking a few steps back.
Bolin gave Opal a quick kiss. "I'll meet you at the Air Temple later. You can tell me how the rest of the trial goes."
"Okay."
Bolin put his arm around Mako and started turning them away from the group. "Time to go."
"Bye Mako." Korra and Opal both said waving the brothers off.
Mako took a look back at Korra. She gave him a warm smile and a little wave. He quickly turned his head back forward. Soon the boys were out of sight.
"You think he's okay?" Korra asked turning to Opal.
The airebender stared back in the direction they boys left in. "Yeah, I think he's just a little sad to be leaving home. You know Mako, tough on the outside and a puddle on the inside. Com'on we're losing our lunchtime just standing around."
Opal looped her arm into the Korra's and started pulling her away. The Avatar took one look back, unconvinced.
To be continued…