The airship's motors hum, placing Asami into a light trance as she stares out a window. The islands of the Fire Nation were just becoming visible from beneath the clouds. Asami had Kuvira's whole new life plotted out but still had yet to figure out a guise she could use to help her locate the former dictator.

Earlier that morning, while she ran a comb through her hair in the petite bathroom of her ship quarters, she noticed a few shared physical similarities between herself and Kuvira. Could they be enough to convince strangers they were long-lost cousins? Perhaps she was never close to her aunt and uncle, who had since passed but wanted to find their children and reconnect.

Asami didn't hate it, but she didn't know the name Kuvira was currently going by. Bolin advised that Kuvira had disclosed nothing about her plans for her new existence. Asami then wondered, who would believe that she didn't even know her cousin's surname? How would she not know Kuvira's name but still be looking for her?

Asami rubs her face with her palms. A runaway, perhaps? Kuvira was probably too old to be considered that. Adults can run away, too, typically from crimes. Asami wanted to keep as much distance as she could between Kuvira and crime.

Asami drops her hands from her face and folds them in her lap. She focuses on the propeller's steady thrum, letting in a deep breath and slowly releasing it. Asami had vowed before leaving to not let herself get worked up by Kuvira. She just needed to have faith she would be able to track the woman down.

The humid island air hit Asami as she stepped off the plane. They landed in Mizusaki. Bolin mentioned this was the exact province they chose to drop her off because it was the farthest point on the twin islands of Jiushu from the mainland. If Kuvira decided to migrate, she'd have some ways to go before being able to get to the mainland. It worked in Asami's favor because they had a large airfield. There would be no issues landing and docking her ship. If she needed to explore other regions of Jiushu, she could rent a vehicle.

Asami's hired airmen had accommodations near the airfield, while she made her own in town to be near the action. Her pedicab took about fifteen minutes to reach her bed and breakfast. A stooped-over old man met her at the door and went for her bags.

"It's okay, I've got them," Asami says, lifting them a bit higher to demonstrate her abilities.

The older man continued to silently gesture to her bags, so she relinquished one. Asami tried not to noticeably wince when he took the bag on his shoulder and slumped over a bit more than he already was. The old man points to the door. He waits for her to go in first, and he hobbles in behind her.

"Welcome," an older woman behind a small desk chirps, bowing. The many wooden bead necklaces she wore clank as she bent.

"Asami Sato."

The woman smiles. "Yes, we have you for six nights?"

"Correct."

"That'll be one hundred and fifty, Ban."

Asami reaches into her pocket and removes an envelope containing the payment for the room.

The older woman takes the glasses, dangling on a chain around her neck, and brings them to her nose. She unseals the envelope and dumps the coins on the counter. She takes her time counting them out. She finishes and smiles. "We have you in room eight."

Asami reaches out to accept the keys. "Great."

"That's a lucky number in these parts," the older woman beams. "Dear, will you show the young lady to her room?"

The old man silently brought Asami to her room, scurried inside to place the luggage on the bed, and quickly left. She tried to tip him but shook his head and shuffled back down the hall.

The room was small and clearly old, but Asami wanted to stay in an inconspicuous place. She sits down next to her luggage and leans back onto the mattress, flopping her arms over her head. She wishes Korra was with her. A tiny bed and breakfast in a remote part of the Fire Nation would be more fun with her girlfriend.

Asami closes her eyes and allows herself to fantasize about what that version of this trip would be like. Asami imagines herself in a loose red sundress. Korra in tacky, blue floral pattern button-down and her very fitted boy short swim bottoms. The older woman at the front asks if they really only want one room. Korra, blunt and wonderfully oblivious, would tell her they were on a romantic getaway. At first, the old couple would be a little scandalized, but Korra would win them over with her charm. She wouldn't reveal she's the Avatar, not until the very end of their stay. Because Korra wouldn't want the trip to be about Avatar stuff.

They'd spend the late mornings walking through the small town center. Korra would taste food from the local vendors while she shopped at small boutiques. Afternoons on the beach, catching the sun, playing in the surf. Nights some fancy little restaurants with outdoor seating and music. Then when they'd return to their room at night... Asami smiles to herself, a flutter in her stomach. She didn't need to spell it out to herself.

Late afternoon turned to dusk as Asami let her mind wander and eventually drifted off to sleep.

Asami got an early start to her day, considering she passed out so early the evening before. She let herself off the hook. What could she really have accomplished that night anyway? After eating the offered breakfast at the inn's small dining nook, she headed into town dressed like a mid-class tourist to do a little wardrobe shopping. Asami couldn't decide if sticking out or blending in would be the better approach, so she figured she'd try both as she moved about the province.

Asami found lunch at a small outdoor cafe and poured over her map while slurping up a spicy bowl of noodles. She was based closest to the ocean, so once she covered the villages along the eastern shoreline, she would divide the rest of the island into four sections and scour them portion by portion.

In the back lot of City Streets Productions office, Ikki giddily watched Bolin and Jon Yuen rehearse their 'big kiss' scene. They hadn't attempted kissing yet. They were still working on the dialogue. Ikki could tell they were both very nervous, but she was fascinated by the whole situation. Two men were going to be kissing and falling in love on the big screen for everyone to see. It was all pretend, but still.

Shey walks over to Bolin and Jon Yeun to give them notes. She speaks to Bolin, then motions towards Jon Yuen and grasps his shirt.

Ikki imagined herself being directed by Shey in her own kissing scene. Her co-star was bashful but excited to get it right. It wouldn't make sense for her role in this mover, but maybe she'd get a part like that someday.

A shadow cast down on Ikki. She looks up, confused since it was sunny all morning. Standing above her is Xaiver. His large form was big enough to block out her sun.

He looks down at her and smiles. "I wanted to see rehearsals."

"Who are you?" Ikki asks.

"Jon Yeun's boyfriend."

Ikki's eyes light up. "Really?" She jumps from her seat and stands directly beneath him. "That's so cool!"

Xavier blushes. "You really think so?"

"Mmmhm!" Ikki pauses for a moment, looks over to Bolin and Jon Yuen, and then back to Xaiver. "Are you jealous that he will be kissing someone else?"

Xavier put one of his giant paws to his chin. "Not really. They are just acting. Besides, I do believe Bolin has a fiance."

"He does. He's super nervous about kissing another boy."

"Aww, he's got nothing to be afraid of. Jon Yuen looks tough, but he's a big softy deep down."

Jon Yuen senses he was being talked about and glances their way.

Xavier waves. "Don't rush because of me. I got the rest of the afternoon off." He then looks down at the curious Ikki. "I'm taking him to lunch. You want to come?"

"Yes!" Ikki squeaks.

"Great, maybe Bolin will want to come with us too."

Bolin did join them, not that he didn't trust Jon Yuen and Xaiver, but if anyone heard he let little Ikki go off with two adult men alone, he might have gotten into big trouble.

He looks over to the young girl seated next to him in the restaurant booth. She was excitedly chatting with the couple across from her. Bolin had to admit that he was impressed by how well Ikki got along with strangers, especially adults. Bolin was shy when he was her age. It was Mako who did most of the talking to get them into better situations growing up.

Asami did disclose that Ikki has been having a difficult time getting along with her siblings. Being the middle child likely also made things difficult for the girl to get as much attention as she perhaps wanted. Now more than ever with Rohan injured at home and needing extra care.

Jon Yuen gets up from the table and goes to find the bathroom.

"So, Bolin," Xavier says, startling Bolin from his thoughts."You're having trouble conjuring up chemistry with my boyfriend?"

Bolin's face goes elephant koi red. "What?"

"How is that even possible? Is he not the sexiest man you've ever laid eyes on?"

"Well, uh," Bolin sputters, squirming in his seat.

Ikki's face explodes with laughter. "He's teasing you!"

"Jon Yuen thinks it's his fault," Xaiver confesses. "He's worried I'm going to get jealous if he's too convincing."

Bolin looks at his lap. "Really, you have nothing to worry about."

Xavier reaches across the table and pats Bolin's shoulder. Bolin, a good-sized man himself, feels small under his touch. "I know. I'm going to encourage him to relax."

Xavier removes his hand and settles back in his seat. "And if I'm honest, I kind of find it-"

"OKAY!" Bolin interrupts. "We have little ears here, and I don't need to know any of that either."

Ikki looks between the two men. "Don't need to know what?"

Jon Yuen reappears at the table and sits back down. He senses a need for subject change and looks to the youngest among them. "Ikki, you did an impressive job today. I am surprised this is your first time acting."

"Thank you. It really is." Ikki blushes and sinks down into her seat. "You're really good too, and you've never acted before either."

"I think I am very fortunate that my role is very similar to my own personality. Also, I did perform in a play in school."

Xavier swats Jon Yuen's shoulder. "You've never told me this!"

"It wasn't relevant."

"When I was convincing you to take the role, it was," Xaiver huffs. "He said he couldn't do it because he had never acted before."

"So you really are the mysterious type, just like your character," Bolin mutters aloud, unconsciously. His three tablemates all turn and stare. Bolin slumps in his seat and blushes.

The after-party at the Sighing Lotus was getting out of control when Korra decided to leave. Bingwen and Wu were seemingly competing to see who could be more generous with drink purchases. Korra knew Wu was likely celebrating his freedom, but the excess felt a little wrong as she thought about what Lian went through that day to achieve her own.

When she announced her planned departure from the party, Mako offered to escort her back. At first, she worried it was an awkward drunken attempt at gallantry, but when she studied his face, she could tell he was desperate for an excuse to leave. Yasmine had been glued to Bingwen's side the whole evening, and Mako had barely said a word unless prompted.

"Thanks for letting me tag along," Mako says in a whisper.

"Some of us will need to have our heads straight in the morning."

The pair come to an intersection with three different streets to decide between. Mako points to the one closest to their left. As they turn, the silhouette of the palace comes into full view. Hundreds of little windows glow enough light for them to see the way back. There was only the occasional streetlight, even in the Upper Ring.

"So I gather you are not getting back together with Yasmine?" Korra says after a few more moments of silence between them.

Mako nods. "She wanted to make that very clear."

"You okay?"

"Yeah," Mako shrugs. "I actually knew she was here before that scuffle in the courtyard."

"When? Why didn't you say anything?"

"It was only since yesterday afternoon," Mako starts to rub the back of his neck. "We kinda ran into each other and..."

Korra cocks her head to the side. "Yeah, and?"

"I can't believe I'm going to admit this to you, but we, you know..."

"Whoa!"

Mako's left hand joins his right at the back of his head, and then he uses them to pull his head forward. "I'm sorry, that's so embarrassing!"

"Mako, it's okay!" Korra starts to chuckle, then it erupts into a belly laugh.

"But you're laughing at me!"

"Cos, it's funny!"

Mako caught the mood, and he began to titter. "My poor life choices are amusing to you?"

Korra nods a few times, and when she catches her breath, she says, "Aren't mine too?"

"What did you do?"

"I told the whole world who I was sleeping with," Korra shouts, waving her arms.

Mako had spent a lot of time thinking about how potentially embarrassing the magazine would be for himself. He hadn't really considered if Korra and Asami might also have feelings of discomfort with their decision to be public. "Yeah, you did. I guess that is pretty embarrassing."

"Speaking of public displays, so Tu and Wu?"

Mako slaps his hand on his forehead. "I had nooooo idea!"

"What about Wu liking guys?" Korra asks.

"I have more questions about Tu liking guys."

Korra shrugs. "Prolly, not as many as he did."

Mako stops walking. "So, is like everyone, you know? I'm starting to feel like the odd one out."

"What about Bolin and Opal? Tenzin, Pema, Suyin, Zhou Rhen, Lin, Jinora, and-"

Mako holds up his hands. "You know what I mean."

"I do." Korra smiles. "Sorry it's kinda weird for you, but it makes me feel a little less lonely, knowing I'm not some anomaly. That other people feel the way I do." Korra turns to the right to look out at the lower two rings.

"Were you scared to tell Asami how you felt?"

"Terrified," Korra replies, turning back to face Mako. "Ran my mouth off, like I always do."

"She really liked you for a long time. She had this intensity about her when it came to you. Looking back, I think I was willfully blind to it, maybe? Didn't take it as seriously because you were both girls. I'm sorry I did that."

Korra shrugs. "Nothing to apologize for. Wouldn't have known that without you saying it to me."

"I want to be honest with you because we're friends."

Korra grins."I appreciate that."

Mako feels a genuine smile tug at his lips. "Should we get moving?"

"Lets. Otherwise, those drunkards will beat us back," Korra says, motioning to the palace. She starts walking, and Mako quickly follows. He notes a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time with Korra, not since they were looking for Airbenders. It was the feeling of being utterly relaxed around Korra. No pangs of heartbreak or regrets. Just comfortable. He was happy to have it back.

The following morning when Korra awoke and stumbled into the common area of their suite, Suyin was waiting for her.

"Morning, Suyin," Korra says with a groggy wave.

"Get dressed. I'd like to have breakfast, just the two of us this morning."

Korra nods and lumbers back into her room to get changed.

The meal hall was quiet. Only a few tables had representatives munching on their breakfast. Korra and Suyin silently selected their own meals, and then Suyin guided her to a table in a far corner.

"Did you kids have fun last night?" Suyin asks, breaking the silence.

"Not a bad time. I left a little early because I couldn't keep up."

"Excellent, so you're not hungover."

Korra shrugs."Not especially.'

There is a communal teapot at the center of the table. Suyin picks it up, pours Korra a cup, and then one for herself. "I have a favor to ask you."

Korra takes the cup and warms her hands. "Okay."

"I want you to escort Lian back to New Gaipan. I worked with Satchi and a few others to draft her exoneration certificate. Without a formal head of state, we will ask Wu to sign it along with the stamping of the royal seal. A duplicate will be kept here at the palace as a safety precaution."

"I can do that. Should I come back here after, or is it okay if I go back to Republic City?"

Suyin leans back in her seat for a moment to consider. "I'd love to have you around for the elections, but I think enough people know we are on very friendly terms by now. Some, namely Chi Gao, might see you as a swaying factor and cry foul if he loses."

"How are you feeling about your campaign?"

"Very good. The turn of events I think will play well in my favor."

Korra lets out a breath. "In all our favors."

Suyin shifts in her seat to glance around the room. No one seems to be paying any mind to their table, but just in case, she moves her body into a more relaxed and casual position. "I've been thinking about her . Where she is. How she is doing."

"I've asked Asami to pay her a visit."

Suyin reaches for her teacup. Before bringing it to her lips, she says, "Good."

A groggy Mako, Bolin, Zhou Rhen, and Opal make their appearance at the dining hall doors. Korra raises a hand and waves them over.

Korra didn't have much to pack, just one duffle. She took little care shoving her dress clothes in the bag, knowing they wouldn't be needed anymore on this trip. She had little patience for folding clothes, especially those requiring extra steps. She just wouldn't let Asami see her unpack to avoid the scolding she could already hear in her mind.

Korra slings the bag over her shoulder and steps out of her room into the sitting area. In the doorway to the Avatar Suite stands Bingwen. Korra gives him a small wave and then slings her duffle into the growing luggage pile near his feet.

"I wanted to come and say goodbye."

Korra holds out a hand and offers it to Bingwen. He gently accepts it and gives Korra's hands a few shakes and a squeeze.

"Thank you for everything you've done for us."

Bingwen smiles. "It's been a pleasure aiding the Avatar."

Korra rolls her eyes. "Please don't be like that now. We're friends."

Bingwen gives Korra's hand one more squeeze and releases it." So does that mean I can crash at your place when I visit Republic City...? How good of friends are we talking about?"

"I'm sure Tenzin can find a spot for you at the Air Temple."

"I have a cousin there I can crash with," Bingwen says, flitting his hand. "It's just not a penthouse downtown like I imagine Miss Sato has."

Korra wrinkles her nose.

Bingwen winks and snaps at her. "No shame in her being able to afford that."

Suyin appears in the doorway behind Bingwen. "Are you kids about ready to go? I got Lian boarded already."

"Just saying see ya later to Bingwen," Korra replies.

Suyin places a hand on his shoulder. "He's accepted my offer to join my campaign."

Korra's eyebrows playfully dart up. "Look at you."

"Suyin can be very persuasive," Bingwen says a little sheepishly.

"So can you," Korra quips back.

Zhou Rhen joins the trio, followed by Mako, a duffle in each hand. Suyin scowls as she waits for her daughter to emerge, but she fails to.

"Opal!" Suyin shouts so loudly that Bingwen and Korra, who are closest in her range, flinch.

Korra, Opal, Mako, and Zhou Rhen march towards the airship, across the rooftop landing strip, followed by a few palace attendants carrying their bags.

Three guards and a young man in an Airbender wingsuit stand by the airship stairs. As they get closer, they recognize him to be Kai.

"Kai?" Opal asks, trotting closer. "What are you doing here? And where's Lefty and the other boys?"

"Is he with you?" One of the guards asks, revealing they are holding onto Kai by his arms.

"Yes," Opal replies quickly.

Korra catches up to Opal and repeats the sentiment. Only at Korra's request do they let Kai go. Kai gives the guards a snide look before stepping closer to Opal and Korra.

"I need to talk with you."

Korra is about to protest, but Opal shakes her head. "Let's at least do this on the airship."

Korra nods and motions for Kai to be the first up the stairs. The group finds Lain sitting alone in the passenger's quarters. She's in an outfit they've never seen before, but it looks brand new. Much of the exposed parts of her skin have small bandages on them, covering up the cuts from Chi Gao's rock shrapnel.

The group awkwardly acknowledges her as they take their seats. It dawns on Korra how little they all know this woman. And still, she found herself for a brief second thinking it was Kuvria sitting before her.

"I want to know the truth," Kai demands.

Opal steps over to the younger man. "Let's go talk in another room."

Korra gets up, and Mako follows. The four step into a small storage room. Kai leans against the wall at the end of two rows of shelving. Mako closes the door with a soft click.

"You've all been lying."

"Kai, we talked about this," Opal warns,

"I know, and I've been thinking about that talk," Kai starts, crossing his arms across his chest. "I can't believe what you've all must have been through to rescue that monster. And all that's happened to this innocent woman?"

"This could have happened regardless..." Korra answers.

Kai lets out a huff. "Could it? If the government had watched Kuvira fry, you think they'd humor a Kuvira sighting?"

Mako takes a step closer to Kai and notices, to his surprise, is catching up to him in height. "For all we know, that could have left Lian to fend for herself in a mob of angry villagers."

"Still."

"Kai, I understand you're upset, but we did this because Kuvira's trial was rigged to kill her. She was never going to get a fair trial," Korra says in a softer tone than the rest of her peers. She looks at Kai directly so he can see she is sincere. Kai looks away and to the floor.

"So she gets no trial, just set loose."

Korra shakes her head, even though Kai isn't looking at her. "Kuvira has paid for her crimes, maybe not as harshly as we want, but trust me, she has paid."

"How?" Kai asks, looking back up.

"Korra took her bending away," Mako says swiftly.

"Mako!" Opal barks.

Mako's shoulders shrug up defensively. "Why is that a secret?"

Kai turns to Korra. "You can do that?"

"As the Avatar, yes," Korra replies solemnly. She still can't discuss the topic without chills running down her spine and the flash of a gloved thumb oppressively being lowered between her eyes. "But it's never done lightly. I've had my bending taken away. I know what it feels like."

"Kai, we didn't tell you because we didn't want you to be burdened with this information. We told as few people as necessary," Opal adds.

"Looking around, I feel like I'm kind of the only one who didn't know," Kai gestures to the older three. "Did Ikki and Meelo know too?"

"Ikki, only because she was there when Raiko let it slip the whole trial was rigged," Korra replies quickly.

Opal walks to Kai and puts a hand on his shoulder. He looks away. "That time with Kuvira wasn't about abilities or trust. Why don't you help us with this mission and get Lian back home safely?"

"I was hoping to do that. I already sent the boys ahead."

"Great."

The group touched down in New Gaipan late that evening. Exhausted, they slept on the airship, which had to dock overnight to give the aircrew a break as well. In the morning, they escorted Lian to her home in Gogai by the local palace forces stationed in the capital. It took two vehicles to shuttle the whole group. Korra made Mako, Opal, Zhou Rhen, and Kai pile into one vehicle so she could ride with Lian alone.

For the first half-hour of the ride, the two women sat side by side on the back bench seat in silence. Korra felt guilty for getting to know this woman so little after all she had been through. During their long ride together yesterday, Lian hardly joined any conversations. Korra wondered if perhaps it was hard for her to be the group's outsider on top of everything else.

Korra clears her throat before mustering the courage to break the silence. "You only recently moved to New Gaipan. Where did you come from originally?"

"A village in Chu," Lian starts, her eyes fixed outside her window. "On the riverside. I had debated going farther up the river instead of just crossing it. I wonder how my life would have turned out had I made that decision instead."

Korra ponders that sentiment for a moment but then stops herself. When she was recovering from her fight with Zaheer, she'd lay in bed several hours of the day, looking up at the southern palace ceiling playing the events that put her in that bed over and over. But you can't go down that road. What happened has happened. All you can do is learn from it. Korra considers sharing the sentiment but stops, knowing deep down that it's a conclusion you need to come to on your own. Someone telling you how to think and feel rarely works.

Lian turns away from the window to look at Korra. She wasn't expecting the Avatar to go quiet again.

Korra flinches, forgetting herself for a moment and thinking she is suddenly sitting with Kuvira. It seems to happen every time she gets a fresh look at Lian. She was like a glass of wine. The first sip hit you with Kuvira but had a Lian finish. "You really do look like her, has no one mentioned this to you before?"

Lian shakes her head. "No, but I've lived there my whole life. They all knew me a lot longer than Kuvira. We saw her maybe once, briefly, while she was on her tour of conquest."

"That makes sense."

"When I left my husband, I had never been so scared in my life. I packed up everything I could fit on my back and nothing else. I only left my house in the dark of night for three weeks out of fear he would track me down. Finally, I allowed myself to go out one morning. That very night, I heard the pounding on the door. I figured my husband must have found me. I never in a million years expected that angry mob."

"I'm so sorry for everything that's happened to you. I wish we could have done more to help you, but the situation was very delicate."

"I don't understand why anyone wished she was alive more than believing me."

Korra looks down at her lap. Korra felt the same way until Seok of the six shed some light on their simmering resentment. "Some people wanted to use the opportunity to be tough on Kuvira for political gains. Since she died in the crash, no one got that satisfaction until you presented an opportunity."

"You don't think that Chi Gao fellow will get elected, will you?"

"I think beating up a defenseless woman will only spell trouble for his campaign," Korra gestures to the bandages on Lian's arms. "Did they offer you a healer?"

Lian looks at her arms, remembering how many places she was sliced up. She shook her head in reply.

Korra hops over to the bench seat across from them, putting her directly behind the driver and front-seat passenger. "You got any canteens of water up here?"

The palace guard, not driving, turns to look at Korra. "Yeah," he murmurs, passing it through the small window to the back seat. Korra accepts the canteen and slides back over to sit beside Lian.

"Let's take care of all these cuts and scrapes," Korra says, unscrewing the canteen cap. "If you'll remove the bandages, I can heal you."

Lian starts peeling off the balls of cotton and tape. Some come off with dried bloodstains, so she is careful to collect all of them in her lap. Lian then brings her hands to her face and removes the bandage covering a good size lesion on her cheekbone. The dressing had hidden most of the bruising, so now Korra could see the blue and purple splotches painted just under her eye.

"Fricken Chi Gao," Korra mutters as she coaxes the water out of the container. Lian's eyes go wide as she watches the simple gestures of Korra's hand charm the water like a snake. She was from a remote part of the Earth Kingdom. She could count the number of times she had seen waterbending on one hand.

"Hold your right arm out," Korra asks gently. Lian obeys. The water swirls around Lian's arm, under Korra's steady hand. The wounds tingle and dissipate. Lian watches as Korra moves onto her left. Lian's eyes watch her left begin treatment and then go back to her right to marvel at how the cuts were gone entirely.

"I'm going to do the cheek now."

Lian closes her eyes and lets the cool water splash on her cheek. This time she could feel more of the healing processes. Maybe because she only had one wound to focus on, or perhaps it was the location, but she could feel the tug of her two pieces of skin knit back together.

"The bruise will have to run its course," Korra says, bending the water from Lian's cheek and holding it in the air for a moment in an undulating orb. "I can't undo those once they've had a chance to bloom."

"It's okay. Maybe it will make me look tuff."

Korra chuckles and waves the water back into the canteen. "I had a scar over my eyebrow for a moment, and my girlfriend said it made me look villainous."

"Maybe I should have left my cheek to scar," Lian looks in the window to catch a bit of her reflection. It's not the best mirror, but she can see that the slice in her cheek is gone. "I guess a silver lining is, my husband coming around for me won't be the scariest thing that happened to me. Maybe I can look into some martial arts training and learn how to defend myself a little better."

"What if I made sure your husband would never bother you again?"

Lian whips her head from the window to face Korra. "You're not going to kill him, are you?"

"No!" Korra waves her hands frantically. "I'd just let him know you have the full force of the Avatar on your side."

Lian looks down at her lap, considering Korra's offer.

"Let me make this up to you," Korra urges.

The gang's escorts brought them to the governor of Gogai's office first to present Lian and her paperwork. A journalist was there with their photographer to document the occasion, which at first they thought was a great idea. This way, all of the Earth Kingdom would be able to identify Lian as not Kuvira until Lian reminded them she was still trying to hide from her husband. In the end, they settled on a photo of the Korra presenting the document to the governor.

Lian said goodbye outside the governor's office, wanting to walk back to her home on her own to prove she had nothing to hide from her neighbors. They watched Lian disappear into the crowded streets, and then the palace escorts drove away in the opposite direction.

"Do we really have to go all the way to Chu now too?" Opal moans as she swats away some of the dust kicked up by the escort vehicles. " I want to go home! I miss Bolin and have a wedding I need to start planning, and I'm sure Mako misses his boring life."

Mako scowls as Opal but makes no comment.

"What about me?" Zhou Rhen asks indignantly.

Opal snorts and crosses her arms. "This might be your one Avatar adventure, so you soak up every moment of it."

Zhou Rhen's lips pout out like a little child. "Is that true, Avatar Korra?"

"What? I dunno, probably not," Korra stammers. She wrinkles her nose and stamps her foot at Opal. "We're getting off-topic. I promise Lian her husband won't ever give her a hard time again, and I need to make good on that."

"Fine," Opal says, tossing her hands in the air. "Let's go kill this woman's ex-husband."

"We're not killing him!"

Opal turns to Kai, "You coming with or you going to meet back up with your boys in Pen?"

"I'll head to Pen," Kai replies.

"Have an idea when we should expect you back at the temple?" Opal asks as she walks over to give the boy a hug. "Any message you want me to relay to Tenzin?"

"We still have so many places to check up on, I couldn't even say when. Just tell Tenzin we'll be in touch soon," Kai says, releasing Opal.

As the two part, a new vehicle arrives, similar to the palace military ones they drove up in. This one was an ivory white, its clue as to which organization it belonged to. Kai watches Korra, Opal, Mako, and Zhou Rhen pile inside. He waits till they are out of sight before he takes to the skies.

It's late afternoon when Kai arrives just outside Pen. He lands to walk his way into town. It felt strange being back where the mess had all started. He was even going to be staying at the same hostel if his boys were able to secure it again.

Kai was starting to wish he had just had the boys go to the next town on their list instead of coming back here. But when they made their plans, Kai had no idea what village in New Gaipan Lian was from and figured a place they all had been to before would be easier to find each other at.

Kai accepts he made the right call but makes a mental note to encourage them to leave first thing in the morning, but this who situation behind them. Even with the 'happy ending, the whole thing had left a bad taste in his mouth. Kai wasn't sure who he was more disappointed by lying to him, his girlfriend, his partner, or his Avatar.

They were all liars. Did Kuvira make liars out of them, or was this just who they were? Opal was raised by Suyin, who Kai had always gotten a certain vibe from, so he could maybe understand her deception. During the long ride to Gogai, Zhou Rhen had attempted to explain Korra's position on the situation. That it's challenging for the Avatar to be black and white. Korra has so many factors she must consider when making a decision. Kai guesses he could accept that. Which leaves Jinora. Why hadn't she confided in him? She could have at least once it was all over. They used to tell each other everything. When did that change?

The streets were active, even for how late in the business day it was. Up ahead, a large cluster of people gathered by one booth. Kai pushes past a few people to see what this vendor was getting everyone so excited about, and he sees a familiar-looking young woman.

She wasn't selling anything but instead taking dry goods or coin donations. She had two other young women working behind the stand with her, speaking with donors and accepting the items. The familiar-looking girl thanks a man, and as he walks away the girl's line of vision clears, and she sees Kai. Her eyebrows shoot up, and she gives an excited wave.

"Kai!"

Kai's cheek pinkens. She remembers his name. How come she can't remember hers.

"It's me, Yenay. I'm doing it!" Yenay calls out as Kai steps up to her at the stand. It all comes back to him, the girl from the festival. The one who wanted to make a difference in other people's lives.

"You really are," Kai starts, looking around at the pile of goods growing behind them. "That wasn't even that long ago when we last saw each other."

Yenay smiles shyly. "You really inspired me. I spoke with my sisters the next day, and we started this donation booth. I'm happy to see you for another reason, we've been using cards to bring these to nearby villages, but we could really use some air transport to the more isolated ones."

"I've got my air bison, Lefty, here. We can certainly help make deliveries."

Yenay claps her hands together and squeals. Her two sisters overhear and join Yenay's side of the booth.

"That's amazing!"

"Thank you so much!" The sisters' chirp.

Kai blushes and rubs the back of his head. "Let me just go find the rest of my crew, and I'll bring them back here."

"So you know where to find this guy, right?" Mako asks as the gang steps out of the White Lotus vehicle.

"Lian gave me all the details, got her old home address," Korra says, waving a small scrap of paper. "Looking for an Obar."

Mako, Korra, and Opal turn to the vehicle waiting for Zhou Rhen to join them. He's still sitting inside, finishing an animated conversation with the driver.

"Well, it's nice Zhou Rhen found a familiar face," Opal mutters.

Korra shrugs. "Small world, after all."

"Hopefully, that means he can sweet talk us into getting a ride to the nearest airport once we finish roughing up this guy."

"That's the plan," Korra replies, looking at the town. "I sometimes forget I have all the White Lotuses resources at my disposal when I travel."

"Wonder who has more money at their disposal," Mako starts with a girn. "Asami or the White Lotus."

"The White Lotus," Zhou Rhen confirms, stepping over to the trio. "The organization was built by old money. Miss Sato is quite wealthy, but not like dynasties are."

Opal holds up her hands. "That answers that. Let's get this over with."

The four reach the outside of Lian's husband's home after a short walk. It's in the main village, part of a row of dwellings all sharing the same exterior wall. After confirming the number out front, Korra takes the initiative to knock on the door, but there is no answer. Korra tries again, pounding harder. The entrance to the left opens.

A woman in her late thirties steps out, a scarf covering her hair and a baby at her hip. "Will you keep it down? Clearly, he's not home."

"Any idea where we can find Obar?" Mako asks.

The woman snorts. "Where you can always find him, the pub."

Mako takes a few small steps toward her. "Which one?"

"That's what it's called," she barks, slamming her door.

The group finds someone milling about in the street to ask for the directions to 'The Pub', and sure enough, that is the establishment's name. They look up at the tired sign before entering. Inside was relatively narrow since the bar was between two other businesses. It opened up a bit more as they reached the back where the bar was located.

Only a few people were inside, likely another hour before the after-work crowd would start to show up. Stooped over on a stool at the far end of the bar sat an oafish-looking man. His nose was punished and crooked, likely from one too many bar fights. His dark brown hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail, and the remaining uneven strands were attempted to be contained by a dirty green bandanna.

"That guy, right?" Mako asks, pointing to the man at the bar.

Korra nods. "Matches her description."

"Hey, Obar," Mako calls out.

Both the patron and tender at the bar look over. The bartender held up his hands which held a class and rag.

"The man just got left by his wife. He doesn't need any more trouble in his life right now."

Obar eyes Korra and company. "Those aren't the debtors I was telling you about."

The bartender leans closer to him. "Maybe some hired goons."

Obar grabs his drink, brings the mug to his lips, and swings his head back. Adam's apple bobs as he chugs the remaining beer. He slams the glass mug on the counter once he finishes. "Who's asking?"

Korra steps forward, separating herself from her group. "The Avatar."

Obar looks at her dumbfounded for a second, then starts to laugh. "Whose razzing me?" He asks the room, slipping off his stool. Obar stretches out his arms and gleefully looks around. "Whoever it is, I'll buy you a drink cos this is hilarious."

He ambles towards Korra, dramatically craning his neck to get a look at her. "What's the 'Avatar' doing in a shit hole of a town like this looking for little old me?"

"I'm here to send a message from your wife," Korra barks.

The amiable grin on Obar's face disappears and is replaced by a wild snarl. "Where is she?"

"It doesn't matter because you're never going to go looking for her. Ever," Korra says, taking a few big steps towards the man Obar starts charging, his right fist up, ready to take a swing at her. Korra closes her eyes for a moment, and when they reopen, they're glowing blue.

The presence of the Avatar state doesn't give Obar pause. He throws his fist towards Korra's face. Korra easily catches it with her left and holds his closed fist in her hand.

Obar struggles to free himself. Unable to do so, he tries punching with his other hand. Korra snatches that one up too. From behind, it looks like Korra and Obar are holding each other's hands, like a couple of excited school girls.

"Let go!" Obar cries, frustrated.

Korra stamps her foot, and the wooden floor bursts beneath them as the earth rises around Obar. Once he is encased in rock, Korra lets go of his hands.

"Okay," Korea replies, the blue light in her eyes fading.

Obar rattles his body against the rock encasement, but it won't budge.

Zhou Rhen shuffles up to Korra and passes her a rolled-up piece of paper and pen. Korra thanks him as she accepts it, and then she unfurls it in front of Obar's face. "This is a divorce decree. You will sign it and then come down with us to the courthouse and file it. And then after that, we're going to your house, and you're going to point out everything Lian had to leave behind, and I'm going to have it delivered to her new home."

Obar grimaces at the paperwork and looks around the room to the few other patrons and tender in the bar. No one is coming to his air. They all give him a little nod as if to say, take the deal.

Korra wiggles the paper. "You do this, and there are really no consequences for your terrible treatment of your wife, from my perspective." Korra's eyes glow blue, and a breeze blows her hair around. The air picks up, and starts flapping the paper in her hand. Soon anything light and loose in the pub starts moving as the air swirls around inside. "But if you ever lay a single finger on Lian again or go anywhere near here, even by accident, I will bring ten thousand years of Avatar power upon you."

Obar gives a defeated nod.

"I need to hear you say it," Korra booms, her voice deeper from the Avatar state.

"I understand!" Obar shouts over the blustering. The wind dies down at his word, and anything caught up in the storm drops to the floor.

Korra motions her free hand to release Obar's left arm from the rock. Zhou Rhen presses a pen in his palm and then turns around so Korra can place the paper on his back. Obar stretches out a shaking hand and signs the document next to his now ex-wife's signature.

The following day Korra, Mako, Opal, and Zhou Rhen made it back to Republic City just in time for dinner at the temple. Everyone was so excited to see each other and share what had happened since they were last together. It almost felt like a party. Korra couldn't even remember the last time Mako had stuck around for dinner. Even though not everyone was back with them that night, there was one person Korra of course, missed the most, Asami.

Korra sneaks away from the table after dessert to walk along the shoreline. When she hears soft footsteps catching up to her, she stops and turns around to see Jinora.

"Wanna skip some rocks with me?" Korra asks, bending over to select a few from the rocky beach. She finds a few skip worthy and flings them against the tide.

Jinora drops down to a crouch to examine the rocks, seeking out flat and thin ones. Once her hands are full, she stands up and joins Korra at the end of the beach. For a few moments, the only sounds are the raking of the waves against the rocky shore and the plop of stones into the water if they don't skip.

Jinora holds up her last rock and flicks it into the blue. It catches the ocean at a perfect moment of calm and flies across the water, kissing the surface for a second and then jumping farther from the shore. It does this maybe nine or so times, then it's too far gone to see anymore.

Korra had stopped her skipping to watch. "Cheater," she murmurs playfully.

Jinora turns to Korra and sees her smiling. She can't help but mirror Korra's goofy lopsided grin, but her eyes betray her and begin to fill with tears. "Korra, I'm so sorry," she cries.

Korra rushes over and places a hand on Jinora's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. I know you didn't mean it. You were upset about your brothers."

"Still, I know better. I knew that would hurt you, " Jinora sobs.

Korra uses her grip on Jinora's shoulder to pull her into a hug. She rests her chin on top of Jinora's head. "As someone who also grew up in many ways too fast, I'm here to tell you, you have got to cut yourself some slack. It doesn't matter how mature you are; being a teenager is messy. It can't feel like you're not always the one in control, and you just vomit out these unimaginably stupid things."

"I know, but," Jinora starts.

"You're no exception," Korra says, cutting the younger girl off. "Just because you are an Airbending Master and will one day lead an entire nation of Airbenders doesn't mean you aren't allowed to be a fourteen years old from time to time."

Jinora whimpers and clutches Korra a little tighter. Korra squeezes back.

To be continued…