Author Notes: Thank you all for your patience, Happy Holidays, I can't wait for a new year!
Also, thank you to TheToasterMarketingBoard for making this possible as always!

As planned, Korra, Bolin, Opal and Mako met in front of the spirit portal early in the morning. The group was still bleary-eyed as they huddled together beneath the glowing spiral tower.

"Should we synchronize our watches before heading in?" Bolin asked, winking at Korra.

The Avatar smiled and held a hand to her forehead to shield her eyes as she looked up to the sky. "I can't believe we can never really know what time it is."

"It's quarter after eight," Mako said drly.

Bolin's eyes widened and he moved closer to his brother. "No you don't understand Mako, yesterday we learned time is relative, meaning…" the earthbender paused and looked to Korra for help. She shrugged in response.

"Like Korra said, we can never really know the true time," Bolin finished lamely.

A crease formed on Mako's forehead. "Then why do we care what time it is in the Spirit World?"

"Cos there have been huge gaps in time. Asami and I thought we were gone for weeks, but it had only been days," Korra explained.

"That is pretty strange, but are you sure it wasn't because it just felt that way?"

Korra groaned. "Mako we've already gone over all of these details, we know something's wrong, we don't know exactly what, but today we're just rounding up any people that might be wandering around in there."

Mako held up his hands. "Alright, alright, I was just asking some questions..."

Bolin snaked an arm around his brother's shoulder. "No time for questions, we got varmints to wrangle."

Asami, Tenzin and Jinora stood awkwardly in the empty meeting room in President Raiko's office. His mousy secretary excused herself after leading them in, to go locate the President.

Eventually a second door to the room opened, and Raiko slipped inside.

"Hello Master Tenzin. Sorry, I wasn't expecting you, let me request another tea cup…" Raiko murmured, reaching for the conference room phone.

Tenzin cleared his throat. "Make that two more, my daughter, Master Jinora is here as well."

Jinora peeked from behind her father and waved to Raiko. The president's eyes narrowed and he continued dialing to his secretary.

Asami made the first move to take a seat at the table. She unpacked a few stacks of papers from her briefcase and laid a pen on top of a small notebook. Jinora and Tenzin followed suit and took the seats next to her. The two parties sat on opposite sides of the width of the long table, so they could speak more intimately.

"So, what is this meeting all about?" Raiko blurted out. His pointer finger and thumb fidgeted with the teacup in front of him.

Asami took a quick glance at the airbenders and then faced Raiko. "I know you are very busy, now that we are ready to begin rebuilding. During this time we would like to talk to you about how we approach the new addition to our city-"

"I'm assuming you're referring to the glowing beacon shooting from the tangle of vines in the middle of downtown?" Raiko cut in.

"Yes," Asami replied, almost as a sigh.

Raiko got up from his chair, and walked over to a window. He pulled back the decorative curtain, letting in a faint green glow.

"Is the Avatar able to turn that damn thing off? The glow is so strong it casts shadows in my office at night; who knows how bright it will be for the people living next to it?"

Tenzin cleared his throat before speaking. His eyes followed Raiko as the president stormed back to his seat. "Avatar Korra will not be closing the spirit portal. Its very creation is a miracle."

"Why does my city have to be the centre of spiritual events?" Raiko moaned, easing himself into his chair. The cushion let out a sigh in agreeance with its occupant's frustration.

"Have your forgotten who founded this city?" Asami asked, desperately wishing she could be more sarcastic towards the man across from her.

Raiko looked over at the unamused expressions of Tenzin and Jinora. He cleared his throat before speaking again. "Right... So what about the spirit portal?"

"We'd like to seal it off from the public while we do some investigating into the Spirit World," Asami quickly replied.

"Alright, why? Something going on in there?" Raiko asked.

"Well, we're not sure. There have been some major time discrepancies between the Spirit World and ours."

The creases on Raiko's forehead deepened as he frowned "That's it? Are you sure it's not just some regional difference, like a time zone?"

"It's a possibility. I believe we need to fully explore this new neighboring world and understand it. I'd like your support in securing the spirit portal indefinitely so we can properly study it."

"I'm not opposed to your suggestion, but I think exploring the Spirit World is a low priority at the moment, wouldn't you agree?" Raiko asked, leaning back in his seat and pointing out the window. "The city is a mess, and I think its citizens are far more concerned with where they will be living, than what time it is in the Spirit World."

Asami adjusted her papers as Raiko continued.

"We can block it with gates and some guards to keep the average citizen out, but that is it for now. Asami, I need your focus to be on Republic City's infrastructure, again. I'm sure you still have all the plans from the last rebuild. You have my blessings to build it back up as it was, and apply the same principles to the new vines… Though I don't know what the hell we are going to do about the thicket growing in ground zero..." As Raiko mused, his attention wandered from Asami to Tenzin. "Tenzin, you and I need to talk about your people providing aid to the citizens still camping in the outer limits."

Tenzin nodded. "Yes, I am designating a small group to continue aid in the Earth Kingdom, but the rest of the airbenders are committed to the citizens of the United Republic."

"Good, your people's ability to fly where our aircraft can't is of great value while Republic City's citizens are spread to all corners of the state."

"Um, before we change subjects, could I make a suggestion?" Jinora asked timidly, interrupting the older men's conversation. "Perhaps I could lead the investigation into the Spirit World instead. Asami mentioned to us last night what is needed right now is a lot of data collection, before we can make any accurate assumptions that something might be going on."

"Do you need anything else from me to carry on this investigation?"

Jinora shook her head. "No sir, I guess just your support."

Raiko eyed Tenzin. The older air master seemed caught off guard but gave Raiko a slight nod.

"Very well, you can head the investigation."

Jinora lifted a pointed finger, "and if I may sir, make one suggestion?"

Raiko impatiently gestured with his hand for Jinora to continue. She clasped her hands tightly in her lap before speaking.

"I think that the sealing off of the spirit portal, should not be temporary, but permanent. I don't think, and Korra agrees with me, that the citizens should have unregulated access to the Spirit World. And if we do it now, before they get a chance to explore it, it will be easier than trying to take it away from them later. I worry people will feel entitled to the Spirit World because it is now a part of our city."

"I think that is very wise Jinora," Asami said, with a small smile to the young woman. "We don't want citizens trying to move in there, claim land ownership or try to export goods. Like the spirit wilds this should be protected land, but even more so given how expansive it is. And for people's safety as well, there is a lot of possible danger lurking in the Spirit World."

"Do you think we could make an attraction out of it, like the spirit wilds?" Raiko asked.

Jinora shook her head. "No, this is different," she said, before looking to her father for guidance.

"The Spirit World needs to be off limits. Think of it as a sacred ground," Tenzin added.

"Very well," Raiko sighed, leaning back in his seat. "If the spirit portal and world are off limits then they don't require any more of my attention. Asami, I will leave it to you to start fixing the infrastructure, and you Ikki..."

"Jinora," Tenzin corrected.

"Jinora, you will be the unofficial head of… of Spirit World relations. You only need to brief me if there's anything wrong, otherwise until this city is back to fully operational, I don't have the time. Unless you have any other business with me Asami, you are excused."

"No, I think my next steps are clear. Jinora, do you want to come with me, I'll treat you to some lunch?"

Jinora nodded and began to rise from her seat. The two weren't even at the door before Raiko began unloading his grievances and plans onto Tenzin.

"So, we don't know if anyone is in here, right?" Opal asked, looking around the area outside the spirit portal.

Korra nodded. "Right, we're just making sure."

The group walked a little way through the neon field of flowers, getting a better view of the expansive plains before them.

"Is it even possible check all of the Spirit World?" Mako asked, looking to Korra.

The Avatar grabbed her chin. "That's a good question…"

"It is called the Spirit World, not the Spirit Town. There is no way we could check a whole world! This plan wasn't very thought through, huh?" Opal said in a snarky tone.

Bolin shrugged. "Well if anyone came in, they couldn't have gotten too far. They'd have to walk, and they'd know that if they went too far they might not be able to find their way back."

"You're putting a lot of faith in the general public to have common sense about this," Mako said.

Korra stopped walking and the other three took a few more steps before stopping too.

"Listen, I don't have all the answers for this. I'm just doing what Asami suggested, and that's check and see if anyone's in here. This is gonna be just a lot of wandering around cos we don't know if anyone is in here or not. If you don't feel like doing that, you're all welcome to leave now while the portal is right there," Korra barked, pointing to the exit.

"Easy Korra, we're just thinking aloud, right guys?" Opal replied.

Mako and Bolin nodded.

"I'm game for whatever happens, except exploring more of those woods we went into yesterday. If we could just avoid looking there," Bolin added.

Korra's body relaxed. "Okay, sorry guys. I don't like not knowing what I'm doing either."

Bolin walked to the Avatar and matched her pace. "I'm sure we'll find somebody we can beat up and drag out of here. Then it will all be worthwhile."

It took a few tries, but Asami and Jinora were finally able to locate something to eat at a vendor in Avatar Korra Park. It was the same steam bun cart she and Korra had ordered from to feed to turtle ducks, when they had come to the park on their date.

After collecting their food, the pair found a vacant bench near the pond. A few curious turtle ducks paddled closer, lingering on the edge of the water. Asami pulled out a wrapped, steaming bun and passed it to Jinora, and then took out another for herself.

"Thank you for lunch," Jinora said as she unwrapped her bun from its casing.

"It's only proper to celebrate a promotion."

Jinora blushed. "I'm worried what my dad is going to say to me about it later. I was relieved you asked me out for lunch, so I can delay the conversation."

"Why would he be upset?" Asami asked, cocking her head to the side.

Jinora looked down at her bun. "We've been butting heads lately about where I should be focusing my time… and the Spirit World is not high on his list."

"He wants you to train with Korra, right?"

Jinora shook her head. "No, he doesn't want me to do that either. I'm supposed to be shadowing him to learn about taking over his role one day as head of the Air Nation… but that's so far away, I feel like it can wait, ya know?"

"My father felt it was never too early for me to get started learning the family business either," Asami mused, leaning back a bit in her seat. "It's a lot of weight to be put on your shoulders, knowing someone is counting on you to take over their life's work."

"Dad's life works, and grandpa Aang's…" Jinora sighed.

"But you're not alone. You have three siblings who will be by your side when that day comes."

"I guess that's true. Dad hasn't really talked about what they're supposed to do. Hopefully they'll be mature one day, otherwise…"

Asami pulled out another bun for each of them. The bag was now empty, so she folded it up and put it beside her on the bench. Asami cleared her throat. "You know, I think Ikki has been showing signs of maturity… she could help accompany you while you're gathering data for me..."

"I know what you're trying to do, but you can stop. My mom already told me to ease off of her." Jinora stood up from the bench. "I promised I will, but don't make me work with her too."

"I'm sorry, I just…"

"I told you and Korra, you don't have siblings, you don't get it. I think it's great that you're spending time with Ikki, she's been underfoot less, and seems genuinely happier."

Asami slowly nodded.

"I need to go back to the temple," Jinora said holding up what was left of her steam bun. "I'll stop by tomorrow at your office so we can figure out what you need me to do for your research. Thanks for lunch,"

"You're welcome…"

Jinora walked a little way out of Asami's sight before taking flight.

"Here is the last of them, Miss Sato," Kali said, a bit breathless, laying out her armful of long rolled blueprints onto the meeting table in Asami's office.

Asami looked up from the map she was looking over, magnifying glass in hand, and offered a smile in response.

"I was thinking maybe next time we store these, we do so somewhere a little closer to reach. Who knows when the city will be blown up again?" Kali suggested.

Asami nodded. "In hindsight it was foolish to think we wouldn't want to look at these again. Maybe if I just leave them in my office, nothing will happen to this city again."

"Like when you bring an umbrella hoping it doesn't rain?"

"Exactly."

Kali bowed slightly. "Let me know if you need anything else."

Asami turned her attention back down at the large piece paper before murmuring 'Thank you.'

The door didn't shut as expected, and a new female voice was heard. Asami looked up to see Future Industries' head of public relations, Min Voh. Asami recognized her by her messy black bun and big glasses that glimmered with the reflection of the waning sun pouring into the office. The new arrival was casually chatting with Kali.

Min must have felt Asami's gaze, and shifted her attention from Kali. "Miss Sato, is now a good time?"

'No.' Asami thought to herself, as she looked at her buried meeting table, wishing Kali had caught Min outside the door. She found it easier to say no when she didn't have to say it to an employee's face. Asami was however, very curious about what her public relations team had come up with in regards to her and Korra's 'announcement,' and her curiosity won out.

"I'd like to hear what you have, please find a place at the table where you can," Asami offered.

Min smiled and turned back to Kali. "Friday night then?"

Kali nodded. "Yes, and I will make sure Tran dresses appropriately this time."

"Great," Min replied cheerfully, reaching out and squeezing Kali's arm. She then bounced over to the table and carved out a small spot directly across from Asami.

Min reached into her shoulder bag and pulled out a small notebook and pen. She flipped through a few pages, settling on a page filled with notes, and looked over to Asami.

"So," Min started casually, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I've been discussing with my team the best way to approach this. We did some brainstorming trying to think of how the public would react to your announcement." Min held her hand up to her mouth, shielding one side of it like what she was about to say was a secret. "Now, I want to assure you, this isn't our opinion. Personally, I think it's great, and I am so, so curious, but I know, that has to wait."

Asami shifted in her seat. The woman's intensity was making her a bit uncomfortable.

"Anyway, we predict that the biggest problem for people will be the timing of your announcement, which actually will play in your favor in the long run. If the public is more upset about you choosing to 'selfishly' announce your love while the city is in ruins, they will focus less about you both being women. So our approach to counter the public's complaint, would be a heavy campaign of you two getting involved in building the city back up. Highlighting both the corporate and personal contributions you plan on making to the areas most affected. You know, all that feel-good publicity stuff. Then the city is back to normal, and what negative thing can they say about the two women who fixed everything?" Min said, with a confident smile.

Asami contemplated Min's words, nodding to herself. "I don't hate it, but I worry about Korra. It's a lot easier for me to win over the people because I have the ability to pay my way into good favor. I am also not the Avatar, I'm just a private citizen. You've seen how the press rips her to shreds anytime something goes wrong."

Min nodded, chewing on the tip of her pen. "I've always thought the Avatar could use her own personal public relations team. Her public speaking is… " She looked up to Asami and remembered she was both the Avatar's girlfriend and her own employer, "She could use a little help."

"Yes, I fully agree, the trouble she gets herself into sometimes…" Asami sighed. "But it's important that it doesn't look like lines are being fed to her. People need to trust that what Korra does and says is genuine. We can only make suggestions, the words need to be her own, as awkwardly delivered as they sometimes can be..."

"Well, we can limit Avatar Korra's speaking opportunities. I figure just one major interview, with the two of you together, get all those pressing questions everyone's going to have out of the way..." Min suddenly got a distant look in her eyes as she brought her pen to her lips. "But should it be a print interview, or would radio be better…"

"I'd like to speak with Korra first, before we make any big decisions."

Asami's voice brought Min's focus back, and her face lit up. "Yes, we'd like to speak with Avatar Korra soon, if that's possible. My team can present what we have to the both of you, and get a feel of how you act as a couple. This will help us figure out the best way to coach Avatar Korra for the interview, and we can choose the form of media all together."

"Okay," Asami started hesitantly. "How about sometime next week?"

Min flipped through a few pages in her notebook, then stopped abruptly. "Next Thursday, after lunch?"

Asami forced a smile. "Sounds great, can you confirm it with Kali on the way out?"

"Marvelous," Min squealed. The young woman pushed her glasses back up her nose as she collected her things. She was halfway to the door, when she spun around on her heels to face Asami again. "I can't wait to meet Avatar Korra, I have so many questions I want to ask, strictly off the record."

Min gave a small wave and then shut the door. Asami let out a big sigh once she was alone.

Korra, Bolin, Mako and Opal had been walking for a little over an hour by Mako's watch, without any sign of human presence. They were following a small, lazy river, picking it up a half mile from the portal, figuring other humans might do the same to find their a way back.

Korra looked back towards the direction of the portal; it was no longer in sight. It didn't worry her, she merely needed to shut her eyes and the group could be back in front of it.

"What do you think Mako, the portal is out of sight, would the average citizen come this far?" Korra asked.

Mako matched his pace to the Avatar. "Probably not, we'd be more likely to find someone looking for a reward for the risk being taken. I'd wager it's pretty widely known that spirit vines are a powerful resource. With the city a wreck I wouldn't be shocked that some of the looters would find their way in here. Though I doubt any would be smart enough to know where to start."

"Yeah, I can just imagine Shady Shin skulking around the trees, wondering how he can make a buck from its bark," said Bolin, who had lagged behind the group.

"I'd be worried about Varrick pulling something like that if I hadn't kicked him out," Korra muttered, crossing her arms. As soon as her arms settled together, the the group heard a distant, but familiar voice.

"I told you we should have brought the hummingbird suit Zhu Liiiiiiii!"

"You so sure about that Korra?" Opal asked, pointing towards the now visible figure of Varrick. He was about a couple hundred yards away, and Zhu Li was running close behind. Hot on their tail was a large, multi-legged spirit. Its many legs were thick as tree trunks, covered in fur. It had the face of a tiger with the body of a caterpillar. Exotic orange, black and white stripes and swirls covered its long body.

The four stood for a moment watching the couple flee for their lives.

"Shouldn't we go help them?" Bolin asked as he drifted towards the direction the couple was running.

Korra flinched. "You gotta be kidding me, I told him he was banished from the Spirit World for a year!"

"Guess he didn't think you were serious," Opal remarked with a grin.

Bolin started jogging towards the action, waving his friends on. "C'mon guys."

Mako and Opal followed, and Korra reluctantly pulled up the rear. The four quickly matched each other's pace as they chased after the charging spirit.

"You think another dark spirit?" Bolin called out.

"I don't know, hard to tell when you first see a spirit, if it was dark it would have another form once we calm it down," said Korra.

"How should we do that?" Opal asked between breaths.

Korra eyed the charging spirit ahead of them. Its many legs were tearing up the terrain, carelessly kicking back bits of the Spirit World. "We'll have to try to stop it first. Bolin and Mako you take the left, Opal and I the right. Mako, try and get ahead of it and blast some fire in its face. Bolin you raise up the ground beneath it, try and trip it. Opal and I can blast air to try and knock it off balance."

The Avatar's companions nodded and they broke off into their pairings. Mako pushed himself to pass the spirit, but could not get any farther than its hind legs.

"It's too fast. Try tripping him first!" Mako called out to his brother.

Bolin nodded, clenching his fists and curling his arms towards the sky. A wall of rock burst through the cushy green grass carpet and under the many moving legs of the spirit. The long thick legs deftly used the wall as a stepping stone and continued on its pursuit.

"Again Bolin! Do more!" Mako coached.

Bolin thrusted again, raising two walls, but the spirit cleared them with ease.

"Go higher!"

"It's hard to do this while running Mako!"

Mako matched his pace to his brother's. "We'll hit it at the same time. Ready?"

Bolin nodded.

"Go!"

Bolin raised the ground while Mako threw fire under the spirit's belly. Opal and Korra heard them shout to 'go' and sent a powerful gust from their side. This blew back Mako's fire at the brothers. They yelped and both fell backwards, crashing to the ground.

The girls had stopped running in order to conjure the wind together, so they saw Mako and Bolin rolling in the spirit's wake. The boys tumbled a few more times before coming to a stop. The four had little time to acknowledge each other because they had finally caught the spirit's attention.

"HUMANS! GET OUT!" the large spirit shouted. Its heavy legs thudded as it pivoted around to face the group

Through the spirit's limbs, Korra spied Varrick and Zhu Li taking the opportunity to seek cover in a nearby cave. She shook her head, but was pleased the two were out of harm's way.

The Avatar then cast her gaze upwards to take in the spirit before many paws flexed in the dirt, its large claws peeking out from its toes, as it eyed down the four humans. Korra stepped away from the group towards the beast. "Spirit! Those two mean you no harm, and neither do we!"

The tigerpillar spirit flared its nostrils and then exhaled heavily, blowing debris on the group.

"THEN GET OUUUT!"

Bolin meekly tugged on Korra's shirt. "Maybe we should just grab Varrick and Zhu Li and go, sounds like it'll let us."

"OUUUT!" the spirit bellowed again.

Korra frowned and took another step closer. "As the Avatar I demand to know why you are so angry!"

The spirit's red-ringed eyes bulged and it thrusted its head down to Korra's level. Its lower fangs jutted from its frowning mouth, and the Avatar noted they were as tall as she was.

"As the Avatar you should know WHY I am angry. And you should be angry too! But I hear the Avatar is just as guilty as those mouthy little humans."

Despite feeling a bit intimidated, Korra widened her stance and crossed her arm.

"What am I guilty of?"

"Using the Spirit World as your personal vacation spot. You can't just loiter about the Spirit World with no purpose, thinking there won't be consequences."

"We're not-"

"THIS IS NOT A PLACE FOR HUMANS! Your presence in here affects everything, in little ways and big ways. So do the spirits a favor and GO HOME," the spirit cried, raising its head up and rearing back. Four of its paws were off the ground, their claws hanging like stalactites.

"I think we should listen to the tigerpillar and go home, Korra." Opal said, pulling at the Avatar's arm. Mako flanked the other side to help Opal's efforts in removing Korra as she resisted.

"Are we affecting time here?" Korra called out as she was being dragged away, keeping her eyes locked on the spirit.

"Humans affect everything here. You want to keep balance, stay out!" the tigerpillar spirit said, crashing back down on all of its paws. "And take those two hiding in the cave with you!"

On cue Varrick and Zhu Li poked their heads out from their hiding spot.

Bolin waved to them, and they scurried across the plain, dodging between the spirit's legs.

"He doesn't need to ask us twice!" Varrick murmured breathlessly as he reached the group.

Bolin put his arms around the couple and ushered them away towards the others. "We don't use pronouns with spirits until they tell them to us. Learned that lesson the hard way."

"Wha?"

"I'll explain it to you later dear," Zhu Li said, exasperated.

Once all six of them were safely together a few yards away from the spirit, Korra closed her eyes to transport them away, but not before giving one last sidelong look to the tigerpillar spirit. It hadn't moved from its spot, and she could feel its eyes boring into her.

Mako reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. "Let it go, Korra."

Korra nodded and closed her eyes again. She had to squeeze them tighter when she heard Varrick's reactions to what was happening. In an instant they were back in front of the portal.

Korra was about to open her mouth and demand an explanation when Opal cut her off.

"It's following us!"

They all turned to look where Opal was pointing. On the horizon they could see the tigerpillar swiftly worming towards the portal. A cloud of dust flowed behind it.

"They just wanted to make sure we left, so why don't we all leave?" Bolin suggested, grabbing his girlfriend's hand. "Come on people, lets go!"

The group began to dash for the portal, Bolin and Opal leading the charge. Varrick and Zhu Li were close on behind, followed by Mako, who noticed Korra had started to move, but was glaring back at the spirit.

"Damnit Korra, come on!" Mako cried, jerking her towards the portal. Korra tried to pull away but they stumbled into the portal and out into the physical world.

Bolin, Opal, Varrick and Zhu Li were all standing around them.

"Hey guys," Bolin said with a wave.

Varrick threw up his hands and puffed out his chest. "Aha ha ha! I can't believe we made it! I thought that was the end for sure this time."

"Thank you all," Zhu Li said politely, with a slight bow.

"You don't need to thank them, saving people, the world, that's these kids' job. Am I right?" Varrick joked, nudging Bolin.

Korra pulled herself up from the tangle of vines she and Mako fell upon and went right for Varrick's collar. "If you're not grateful Varrick, I can toss you back in there and let you work it out with that spirit on your own terms."

Varrick gulped. "I was only kidding, of course I'm grateful. We can call it even for your overreaction the other day."

"My overreaction? I'm just gearing up for a reaction! What happened in there is exactly why I told you to get out of the Spirit World in the first place!" Korra cried, pushing Varrick into the vines.

"Easy, Korra." Bolin urged.

"Asami and I caught these two," the Avatar paused for a second, the continued. "Messing around in the Tree of Time and I banished them from the Spirit World while we figure this whole mess out."

Varrick held up his hands defensively as he lifted himself back up. "Avatar, we already explained ourselves and we're sorry. And we have an explanation for this; Zhu Li and I did leave the Spirit World and made it to the village, but apparently I'm not welcome there still for encouraging tribal warfare. I was hoping one of my and Asami's old business contacts could at least get us on ship outta there, but we had no such luck. So our only option was to go back through the portal, in the dead of night I might add, disguised as two playful otters-penguins."

Opal crossed her arms and murmured to herself, "Oh brother."

Varrick continued; "So we traced our steps as best we could, but got lost. Fortunately we met a strange bearded dude wandering around, and-"

"Iroh?" Korra asked eagerly.

Varrick and Zhi Li shrugged.

Korra tried again. "Lord Zuko's uncle."

"You mean the ghost of Lord Zuko's uncle," Bolin interjected.

Varrick slapped his knee and turned to his wife. "You hear that Zhu Li, we met a royal ghost."

"He's not a ghost!" the Avatar moaned as her eyes rolled back in her head.

Varrick waved a hand, shrugging again. "Whoever he was, he pointed us in the right direction and we were almost home free till that angry spirit started chasing us for no reason."

"Well, we seem to know the reason now," Zhu Li added.

Mako sighed and shoved his hands into his pants pockets. "Well it looks like that spirit is going to do our job of clearing any humans out of the Spirit World for us, or it already did."

"So what now?" Opal asked to no one in particular. "Go back to the temple?"

The group exchanged glances, a few nodded.

"We probably should, I need to meditate on this or something," Korra said.

Bolin brightened. "Alright, back to the temple! It really is our place to go, for the good times and when things get rough! Where do we go? The temple! The temple-"

Opal smacked her arm around her boyfriend's and pulled him closer. "Sweetie, enough."

To be continued...