Chapter 21

Sota gave a loud yawn as he stood at the pier, waiting for his sister to return from the Probending Arena. There was a slight chill to the air, his breath turning into puffs of smoke that vanished immediately while the waves around crashed against the icy rocks.

It had been two days since Amon's attack and his altercation with the glove wielding Equalists. And since he'd found out that his friends were hiding their bending abilities from him. He still hadn't fully wrapped his mind around that fact because every time he tried to, there were questions that he needed answers to, but the only ones with those answers were Mai-Ling and Jun. Why had they hidden their bending abilities from him?

"It's too early to be worried about that. It's too early for all of this," he mumbled to himself as the boat pulled in. Truth be told, he was still exhausted from that night, but Korra had commanded that he be ready to assist Mako and Bolin to move into the Men's dorms when she got back.

On any other given day, Sota would have willingly risked his safety by cursing his sister out in hopes of a few more hours (or even minutes) of sleep, but with the threat of being Earthbent out a window if he tried to refuse hanging over his head, he thought better of it. An hour later, and Korra had already made her way back, though as she stepped off the boat, alone, she looked unhappy.

"You're back sooner than I thought. Where are Mako and Bolin?" Sota asked, though the sour look on her face told him all he needed. "They turn down the offer?"

"Asami already invited them to stay with her and her dad," she said, crossing her arms.

"Oh. Well, that was nice of her," he said, reaching out to put a hand on her back. When she turned to him, he said, "I'm sure they appreciate the thought and would have accepted it if they hadn't already taken her up on hers. Try not to take it so personally."

Korra sighed but gave him a half smile. "You're right. She's just being a good friend." As she started to walk up the pier, him at her side, she added, "Oh, she invited us over to hang out tomorrow at her estate."

"She did?" he said, suddenly more awake as he felt his heart jump into his throat at the thought of having to face Mai-Ling and Jun. Why was he suddenly so nervous at the idea of seeing them? "What did you tell her?"

"I accepted the offer?" she replied, raising an eyebrow. Seeing the sweat start to build, Korra smirked before saying, "Don't tell me you're scared- "

"I am NOT scared," he cut her off.

"Good, because you can't avoid them forever."

Sota stopped in his place, watching his sister's back and biting his lower lip anxiously. "You know, forever isn't nearly as long as you make it sound like it is. Are you willing to accept a bribe?"

"Nope!" she called back with a laugh as she heard him groan.

Korra looked around, impressed with the quality of cleanliness at the Police Station as she and Sota waited around for their turns to be interviewed. The boy looked around as various workers, officers and civilians milled about, causing him to nervously run his right hand over his left wrist to ensure his gauntlet was secure.

"Hey, Korra," a tired voice called, drawing their attention to a pale boy resting on a nearby bench.

"Tahno?" Korra asked, both she and Sota shocked by his appearance that was once lively, but was now sickly and downtrodden.

"You look like you haven't slept since…" Sota said, though he couldn't bring himself to say the words.

Tahno looked down before turning away. He was right; he hadn't slept since the incident and the bags under his eyes were beyond heavy. But he didn't care; why should he? He was nothing without his bending, and everyone could see that.

Korra looked to Sota before carefully taking a seat next to Tahno on the bench.

"Listen, I know we're not exactly "best friends", but I'm sorry Amon took your bending," Korra said. Sota, though no fan of Tahno's, had to agree; what Amon did was unforgiveable.

"I've been to the best healers in the city," he replied. "Whatever Amon did to me, it's permanent." Looking to her, determinedly, he said, "You gotta get him for me."

Korra nodded, her feelings reflecting his, while Sota felt his lips press together in worry. No matter how strong she was, he would always worry about his big sister, and while he understood it was her job as the Avatar to take care of matters like this, he just hoped she wouldn't go around recklessly trying to avenge people. Especially not someone like Tahno. While he knew he shouldn't think so poorly of him still given that karma seemed to have struck him, Sota would hold Tahno personally responsible if something happened to Korra on his behalf.

"Mr. Sato, if you remember anything else about what you saw during Amon's attack, please be sure to let us know," Chief Beifong said as she, Tenzin and Hiroshi walked out of her office and into the lobby.

"Thank you again for contacting us immediately," Tenzin said.

"Of course, Councilman. As soon as I remembered, I made it a top priority. I'm happy to help in any way I can," Hiroshi said as they came to a stop before Korra, Sota and Tahno. "Had it not been for this young man, I dare not imagine what could have happened to my nieces. I am eternally grateful and want to see these Equalist pay for what they've done."

Sota felt his stomach twist; Hiroshi spoke so highly of him, but did he really deserve that much praise? While it was technically true that he had assisted in protecting them, had it not been for them, he'd have been taken out. He was only there now because they'd decided to reveal their secrets.

Unlike him. They still didn't know his true nature, and now that he knew they were benders, would that make them even more frightened of him once they found out?

Hiroshi gave them all a nod before making his way toward the exit. Tenzin turned, giving a similar nod of greeting before shifting his focus to Tahno specifically.

"We're ready for you, now," he said, following Lin back to her office.

Tahno stood, throwing a wave over his shoulder. "See you around, Uhvatar," he halfheartedly joked, pausing to smirk at Sota and say, "oh, and watch your back, Heartbreaker. Next time I see you, you'd better have that little tough guy scowl from before. I'm sure your girlfriend loves it."

Sota felt his jaw drop open as Tahno disappeared behind the closing door, and turned to his sister who was trying her best not to laugh at him.

"Korra?" Sota asked, face glowing red in embarrassment.

"It's pretty obvious, sorry," she apologized, pulling him into a sideways hug.

"Will you relax?" The Avatar asked her brother as he jittered restlessly while they walked down the hall behind the Butler. "You act like they're gonna murder you on sight or something."

"Knowing that Jun can Earthbend makes that a real possibility, just so you know," he replied, pulling at his collar nervously as the sound of water grew closer and closer. After arriving at the Sato Estate, the Southern siblings were brought to meet the others, their parkas taken and hung up before being escorted to the indoor pool.

"Earthbending Bomb!" Bolin cheered as he dove off the Lion Turtle statue that pumped water into the pool. The water splashed around, barely missing Mako, Asami and Jun as they rested at the edge.

"Avatar Korra and Master Sota have arrived," the Butler said as Korra and Sota looked at the beauty of the poo room. The walls were light grey, with all the adornments and sculptures made of gold. A few lounge chairs and a table had been placed at the front, as well as a few deck chairs opposite of the statue, one of which was occupied by Jun.

Korra smiled to their friends, while Sota gave a nervous swallow that he tried his best to hide.

"Hey, guys!" Mako greeted from the water.

"Glad you both made it," Asami greeted, aimlessly moving her feet in and out of the water.

"Welcome to paradise," Bolin said contently as he popped back up from the water and began to back float. Pabu, looking messy from the water, hopped on to his stomach to use him like a raft.

"Looks like you guys settled right in," Korra said as she took a seat on one of the loungers. Sota noticed the sarcasm in her voice, though said nothing, instead worrying more about not starring at Jun, something that would likely only irritate her.

"Pretty much," Mako replied as she started swimming toward them. Turning back to Asami, he mockingly added, "except someone forgot to ask her father if we could stay here."

"Yeah, but I smoothed it over with him," Asami said as she swam up to him. "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

"Mai-Ling would freak if she heard you say that, considering you never seem to apply that principle to us," Jun chimed in as she stood up to stretch. Her green one piece was covered by a light green robe that was tied around her waist with a gold sash and was covered in golden Lotus flowers.

"Do as I say, not as I do," Asami replied with a smirk as Bolin climbed out of the water and started walked toward the two siblings.

"This is the greatest place on Earth! Watch this, watch this," he said, standing up straight and adding a fake "fancy" accent to his voice. "Fetch me my towel, good sir."

"Yes, Master…Bolin," the Butler said, quickly grabbing a towel and bringing it to Bolin.

"Master Bolin! Ha! I love this guy," the Earthbender cheered before holding his arms out. "Now pat me dry."

"As you wish," he replied, making quick work of drying him off, taking extra time to also provide Pabu with service, leaving the small ferret looking like a fluffy toy. With a satisfied smile, the Butler turned with towel in hand to make his leave, but stopped as he heard Bolin cheer and jump back into the pool.

Sota watched the man's shoulder's slump unhappily as he grumbled and dropped the towel, feeling sorry for him before turning to his sister as she asked Asami, "So, what do you have planned for us today? Let me guess, shopping, makeovers…"

"Ooh, ooh, I vote makeovers!" Bolin chimed in as he dunked Mako under the water. Everyone ignored him, and his roughhousing was soon met with payback as Mako resurfaced and returned the favor, plunging his little brother under.

"I have something a little more exciting in mind," Asami answered as she stepped out of the water with a smile before turning to Jun. "Can you go grab Mai-Ling now that everyone's here?"

"Sure," Jun replied as she walked up to Sota and grabbed his wrist to start dragging him away. Feeling him tense up, she rolled her eyes at him, and said, "Will you relax? I'm not gonna hurt you, Sota. Well not yet."

"The fact that you said "yet" tells me plenty," he said as he allowed her to drag him back down the hall he came toward the mansion.

"Good, then the threat is implied," she replied, coming to a stop in the middle of the hall. Sota remained silent as she turned to face him, all humor having left her. "Listen. I know you probably have some questions, but you're gonna have to save them. And if you know what's good for you, you won't make any snide comments either."

"At the risk of my own safety, I'll just assume that wasn't a request and agree," Sota said, feeling his heart pounding in his chest faster as he creased his eyebrows pointedly at her and said, "But when it's time, no more secrets. From any of us. 100% honesty. Deal?"

Jun stared into his eyes for a moment, and it was only at that moment that Sota realized she still held his wrist in her grasp. Seeing his eyes move, Jun dropped it, but nodded her head in agreement.

"Satisfied?" Sota turned at the voice, watching as Mai-Ling appeared from-

"You climb like that around your house too?" he asked, both confused and elated to see her, his heart now beating fast for an entirely different reason. Mai-Ling didn't respond, instead rushing up and wrapping him in a hug. Though surprised, Sota returned it, her warmth bringing a smile to his face. "So…does this mean you're not mad at me?"

"Depends; should I be?" she joked back as they let go. Turning to Jun, she asked, "You coming to watch, or-"

"Pass. You all have fun out there. I'll be in our room," Jun said as she continued down the hall.

"Out where?" Sota asked, receiving a grin from Mai-Ling.

"We're racing cars!?" He shouted in excitement as the two stood next to a sleek black Satomobile.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Asami commented as she, Korra, Mako and Bolin sat in the stands.

"Way cooler than a makeover," Korra agreed, though she asked, "but are you sure it's safe for those to drive?"

"Absolutely. This is where Future Industries test-drives their Satomobiles, and since it's a private track, my dad's let Mai-Ling drive a few of the finished models that came back from the inspections."

"If you say so."

"Ever been behind the wheel yourself?"

"The only thing I know how to drive is a Polar Bear Dog."

"And she can barely do that," Sota commented to Mai-Ling, both laughing.

"Big talk coming a kid who couldn't even get a Penguin Seal to let him ride it until he was 8," Korra called as she and Asami started to make their way down to the track as well.

"That Penguin Seal had a nasty attitude, and you know it," Sota shot back as Mai-Ling handed him a helmet, hers already secured on her head though the goggles were still up. Turning to Korra, he said, "Besides, I'll bet you 20 Yuans that I'm a better driver than you think I am.

Korra's eyes widened immediately as she asked, "And where exactly did you get 20 Yuans from?"

"You'd be surprised how easy it is to beat a few cocky White Lotus Sentries. Especially Lee."

"Isn't he the one you said has a gambling problem?" Mai-Ling asked, receiving a very quick look from Sota that told her to keep quiet. "Or maybe that was someone else? Haha…" she added on, nervous laugh coming at the end.

Korra looked at them both, unimpressed with their obvious attempt to hide the truth, and said, "You know if Tenzin finds all, you're all as good as lemur food, right?"

"I won't tell if you won't," he proposed. His smirked widened as he added, "and if I'll even sweeten the deal; loser does the other's chore for a month."

A smile came to her face immediately because now he was talking her language. Turning to Asami, she asked, "You can beat him, right?"

Three Satomobiles were lined up at the start of the track, all three currently occupied. The first, a red car, was manned by one of the company's drivers. The second, a yellow one, was manned by Asami, Korra seated behind her. Both were sporting helmets, and their goggles were fastened tight as they waited for the signal to go. The third and final car, the black car, was manned by Sota, a huge smile on his face, while Mai-Ling, his co-pilot, finished adjusting her seatbelt behind him.

Before them stood one of the track attendants, white flag in hand to start the race.

"Are you sure about this, Sota?" she asked, turning to her cousin who was gripping her steering wheel tightly. "You really think you can beat them?"

"Oh no, there's no way we're gonna win," he said, turning to look over his shoulder at her. At the confused look she gave, he turned forward again, saying, "I just wanted an excuse to drive on the track. Best 20 Yuans I've ever spent!"

As the flag waved in his hands, the sound of tires screeching drowned out the laughter of the two young kids as they all took off.

All three cars were neck and neck though that changed almost immediately at the first turn. Sota hit his brakes lightly, slowing down just enough to prevent himself from hitting the back of Asami's car as the red car cut her off.

Korra gripped her seat tightly as the two skidded around the curve, taking a quick look back to check on her brother, who, much to her shock, was handling the car well. In fact, he was driving a LOT better than she would have expected for a first-time driver. As the road straightened out, she turned back forward, feeling the car start to pick up speed as Asami pushed them closer to the front.

From the stands, Mako and Bolin cheered for their friends excitedly in encouragement. Mai-Ling narrowed her eyes as she looked forward; they could still catch up, but it was going to be a close call.

"Faster!" she shouted as they flew down the hill and into another curve. "Stay to the left! There's more room there!"

"On it!" Sota called back, turning the wheel to do just that. To their surprise, it looked as though Asami had a similar idea as she moved into position, only to get cut off again as the red car swerved in front of her to keep her behind him. Mai-Ling's pupils shrank as she grabbed Sota's shoulder, and shouted, "Uh oh!"

"Why "Uh oh"? "Uh oh" doesn't sound good," Sota commented, keeping his eyes on his sister's car.

"You might wanna slow down! That guy just cut Asami off, and if there's one thing I know to ever do, it's to cut her off!"

Heeding her warning, Sota let his foot off the gas, letting the car gradually slow down as he watched Asami, gear shift her car to the right between the wall and the red car. He was starting to wonder what kind of crazy move she was attempting, but quickly got his answer as Asami forced her way forward and past the red car.

The driver, not ready to give up, locked eyes with Korra before attempting to speed up and go around them. Sota laid his foot down back on the gas, accelerating and pulling up to the right on the same path Asami had taken, making sure to keep space from the wall. Narrowing his eyes, he waited as the road began to straighten out; they were getting closer to the finish line, so it was now or never.

Smirking, he called back, "Hang on!" before hitting the gas as hard as he could, as well as laying into the horn of his car. The sudden loud screeching startled both drivers before him, though Asami was quick to adjust herself and prevent the red car from overtaking them.

Korra looked back as their back left tire met his front right, throwing him off and sending him into a tailspin that Sota was able to swerve and maneuver around with ease. Facing forward, she smiled as they crossed the finish line and pulled into the pit stop.

"That was amazing!" Korra cheered, turning to Asami as she hopped out. The heiress smiled as she stood in her seat and removed her helmet. Taking her own off, Korra said, "I didn't think we'd make it."

"Well, you can't be afraid to mix it up sometimes," Asami told her as Sota and Mai-Ling pulled in next to them. Turning to the young Waterbender, she complimented him. "Speaking of which, that was some driving you did out there Sota. Where'd you learn to do all that?"

"Yeah, that's what I'd like to know too," Korra said, narrowing her eyes onto her little brother as he and his friend hopped out of the car.

"What can I say? It's just natural skill I guess," Sota said, taking his helmet off and turning to Mai-Ling, "Though I can't take all the credit. If it weren't for Mai-Ling's call, we'd probably have gotten caught up in that spin out too."

"Yeah, but without your driving skills, my call wouldn't have meant anything," Mai-Ling admitted, placing both their helmets on the seats.

"Don't think I buy for a second that any of that was natural, buddy," Korra said, walking and pulling his beaded hair. "So, tell me; how did you get the keys to the car Tarrlok gave us?"

"Well…" Sota trailed off as he looked away, knowing the jig was up. "Suppose I had some help from a certain…Polar Bear Dog."

"You used Naga to find the keys that I hid?"

"Hey, don't say it like that. I didn't use Naga. I just called her a good girl and rubbed her belly….and then asked her if she knew where the keys were. It just so happened, that she did, and well, you can probably figure out the rest."

"We also gave her extra treats so she wouldn't feel bad if you got mad at her," Mai-Ling admitted.

"I figured you were in on this too. Of course, I couldn't stay mad at Naga. You, on the other hand," she said pointedly at her little brother, "Hand over the Yuans, and the keys to the car."

"Fine, a deal's a deal," he said, pulling the Yuans from his pocket while Mai-Ling pulled the key from hers. Holding out her hand, Korra looked at them confused. "She thought it was safer in her hands then mine."

"Only because the last time we took it, you dropped the keys into the water off the side of the island and had to go diving for it," Mai-Ling shot back, receiving a blush as a response.

"Pleasure doing business, little brother. Oh, and one more thing," Korra stated before punching him hard in the arm. The young boy cried out in pain, rubbing his now very sore upper arm, while Mai-Ling gasped before trying to stifle her laughter. "Remember that pain while you're doing my chores for the next month."

The group, mostly, conversed happily as they made their way back to the mansion. Korra had a triumphant smile as she, Asami, Mako and Bolin walked inside in front of Sota and Mai-Ling. The twelve-year-old bender had a look of contempt on his face for his sister as he rubbed his aching arm, already feeling a bruise starting to form.

"Emergency! Emergency, coming through, beep beep!" Bolin declared, whimpering as he held his groin and rushed off to the nearest bathroom on that floor.

Turning to Asami, Korra asked, "Uh, is there another bathroom I can use?"

"People who hit kids should have to use the bathroom outside," Sota said, walking past his sister. "Plus, those who need medical attention should get first dibs."

"And kids who steal from their sister and use her pet as an accomplice should remember that they have a perfectly good, not yet bruised left arm if they don't want a matching tattoo."

"We have a lady's powder room upstairs," Asami interjected, breaking up the bickering siblings while Mako moved to stand next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "First door on your right. You can freshen up in there."

"Thanks," Korra said gratefully and making her way up the stairs to it.

"You can use mine and Jun's bathroom in our room," Mai-Ling said to Sota, grabbing his left hand and leading him up the stairs as well. Leading him to the room, Sota was amazed by the decorative golden Fire Lilies and Moon Peach Blossoms symbols, one on each of the double doors, as both flowers he'd seen in one of Jinora's books. "Here we are."

Mai-Ling let go of his arm to grab the knob and open it, calling out, "We're back, Jun," as they walked in.

"So I've noticed," she called from her full sized bed, surrounded by a frame made of metal with the Earth Kingdom logo engraved into the post and sown into the blanket. The curtains around the bed were dark green, while the bedspread was a bright green, much like the colors she wore. On the side closest to the door was a green nightstand that had a golden lamp resting on top.

As his eyes swept across the room, he found the bathroom just to the left, before continuing to see the large window against the opposite wall, its curtains drawn back to allow the outside to illuminate the room. The view was amazing as Sota could see the mountains just to the left of the estate, before the view swept out to see the city.

Turning to his right, he found a similar bed, though the frame on this one was made of dark stained wood that was accented with golden rings on the top and bottom, as well as golden rods to hold up the red drapes. The Fire Nation logo was embroidered into the red sheets with black thread, though he could barely see it with the number of stuffed animals covering it. Mai-Ling also had a matching nightstand with a golden lamp, the wood a light brown in comparison to the rest of the set.

"Whoa. This is some room you guys have," Sota complimented, noticing another door on the right, opposite the bathroom door. "What's that door lead to?"

"That's our closet and vanity; I doubt you're gonna find any first aid in there," Mai-Ling joked as she sat on her bed.

"No, not likely," he agreed with a small smile, making his way to the bathroom. The bathroom was bigger than he'd expected, housing both a shower and bathtub, as well as a full sized mirror and two sinks built into the metal counter. Various scented oils, soaps, as well as toiletries, was scatted around the sink edges, and made sure not to bump them as he walked up to it.

Removing his tunic, Sota set it to the side, leaving him in just his tank top that allowed him to see the growing bruise. He grimaced at it before turning on the cold water and plugging the sink to let it fill a bit. While doing so, he spoke up and said, "Thanks for letting me use your bathroom, guys."

"What happened out there, anyway? I saw Korra punch you, and though it put a smile on my face, I'm kinda curious on what you did to deserve it," Jun said.

"Korra figured out we've been joyriding in the car," Mai-Ling answered, watching as Sota waved his hand a bit before lifting it out of the sink. The water that had been in the sink rose up and into his palm where it began to glow. Resting it to his bruise, he flinched at the initial pain, but relaxed soon after as he felt his bending begin to work and heal him. "That's a pretty big bruise."

"I've had worse," he replied reactively, not realizing what he'd said or how it may have come off to them, though neither seemed to comment on it. Walking out into the room, he noticed that both girls had a desk and chair against the wall on either side of the window, and so made his way to sit at Jun's near him. Taking his seat, he took a deep breath, trying to gather his words. "So, I never actually thanked you guys for saving me back at the Arena. So, thank you. Both of you for saving my life."

"Well, it's not like we had much of a choice," Jun said, looking at him. "Those Equalist freaks were out to get anyone they could with those stun glove things."

"Not to mention, you saved us first," Mai-Ling added on. "If it hadn't been for you, who knows what would have happened."

I know what would happen…He thought pessimistically but reframed from commenting on it, instead saying, "Well, still, I appreciate it. Though now that Amon's taken over the Arena, everyone's probably even more freaked out then they were before."

"Can't say I blame them. All these protestors are crazy enough as is, but now there's Chi-Blockers and people with Stun Gloves. Anybody could be an Equalist and as soon as they see someone bending…" Jun said, not needing to finish her sentence as the mood suddenly became very somber and heavy.

"Where do you think they got those from?" Mai-Ling asked the two of them.

"No idea. Tenzin refuses to talk to Korra about anything that she's not already a part of when it comes to the investigation," Sota said. "After what happened with her convincing the Council to keep the Arena open, he's keeping her at arm's length when it comes to information. It's anyone's guess where they're getting this stuff."

"You think Tarrlok would tell her anything if she asked?"

"Please; With the amount of contempt she has for him setting her up, she'd never go to him. Not that I think he'd actually tell her anything anyway," Sota said, narrowing his eyes as she looked at the floor. "I don't trust him. Something about him doesn't sit right with me."

"The feeling's mutual," Jun spoke up while Mai-Ling nodded. "That guy gives me the creeps. Not to mention you can't trust a word that comes out of his mouth."

"Even if he did know something, there's no way to trust that he's not setting Korra up again."

"Jeez, you really worry about her, huh? I can feel it from here."

"Of course, I do; she's my sister. She might be a sore loser and a sore winner, but she's still my sister."

"She's also the Avatar, which puts her in a lot of danger, I assume," Mai-Ling commented, receiving a nod from him before he got up to go back to the bathroom. Putting the water back into the sink, he unplugged it to let it drain and put his tunic back on.

"So, what did you mean by you could "feel it from there", Jun?" Sota asked, walking back into the room while putting his tunic back on. The girl in question sat up, crossing her legs as she did.

"I mean that I can sense the changes in you when I'm in contact with a metal or earth surface," she explained. "It's called Seismic Sense. It's a technique that Earthbenders can learn, with an added bonus that it helps them tell things like if someone's lying by seeing if there's a change in the way their body reacts."

"Seismic Sense? I think I've heard of that before. When Korra was learning Earthbending, I think they mentioned that Avatar Aang used to have that ability."

"It wouldn't surprise since he was taught by Toph Beifong," Mai-Ling said. "I bet Chief Beifong can do it too."

"So, what makes you so special?" he asked Jun who narrowed her eyes at him.

"I'm from Zaofu, that's what, smartass," she replied. "It's taught to all the kids there as a standard technique to help with learning Metalbending."

"Right, I guess that would make sense. Does that mean-"

"Do not ask if I've met Chief Toph. The answer is no. She didn't come to the city very often when I was there, though it was always a big deal when she did. But after I moved here, I haven't heard much so who knows."

"That's why we were amazed when you told us you not only know Master Katara, but also were trained by her," Mai-Ling said. "My Dad's met the Firelord so many times, along with all three of my brothers, and you know how many times I've met any of the Royal Family? Zero."

"Really? How come?" Sota asked.

"It all happened before I was born, and then my dad's work started taking him away from home more and more, so it just never happened. My brothers like to tease me about it even to this day," she grumbled, clutching one of her stuffed Turtle Duck toys.

"You're not the only one with sibling problems," Jun said to Sota, though this time, not in a malicious tone. "The two of us have had our fair share of issues back home too."

"Is that why you guys moved out here to the city?" The two grew quiet, looking at each other, before turning back to him. Sota immediately understood and said, "Right, that's a question for…not now. Sorry."

"No, it's ok. It's just…" Mai-Ling said, trying to reassure him but struggling to find the words.

"Listen, Sota," Jun jumped in, swinging her feet over the side of her bed. "With everything that's going right now, we need to know that we can trust each other, but until then, it's probably better that we all hold off on sharing secrets for now."

"So, you don't trust me, is what you're saying?" he asked, though he knew he didn't need to. As she fell silent, he nodded his head. "I guess I can't say I'm surprised."

"Don't take it the wrong way," Mai-Ling said, trying to soften the blow. "It's not that we don't trust you; we're…being cautious."

"You've been hiding a secret and so have we. The only difference is ours got out, and yours hasn't. Yet," Jun said definitively.

A sudden knock at the door startled them, making all of them jump in fright at the noise, not realizing how tense it had gotten.

"It's open," Mai-Ling choked out, trying to calm her nerves as Korra rushed in and turned to Sota.

"Come on, Sota. We're leaving," she said quickly, looking uncomfortable for some reason.

"Already? But we just got here, didn't we?" he asked as he walked up to her.

"I forgot I have to babysit the Airbender kids and you're gonna help me, so, let's go," she replied, turning and rushing back out the door, leaving him no chance to argue.

With a heavy sigh, Sota turned to his…acquaintances? (Could he really call them his 'friends' anymore if they didn't even really trust each other), and said, "I guess we'll have to Raincheck."

When neither girl said it back, he made his way out, head hanging as he followed behind his sister. The ride back to the port and on the boat was completely silent, something that was starting to become too common for Korra's liking.

Night had settled by the time they had reached Air Temple Island, and as they stepped off the boat, Korra placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Listen, Sota-"

"Why do you keep doing this!?" Sota shouted, pulling away to turn to Korra who was startled at his outburst.

"Look, I know you're mad because you had to leave your friends, but this is serious, and-"

"Why do you keep ruining my life?!" he shouted at her again, tears starting to come to his eyes, breaking her heart. "Every time I want to spend time with my friends, or have a normal day, you come in and ruin everything!"

"Sota," she said, gently, taking a step toward him, and when he didn't resist, she pulled him into a hug, letting him cry his feelings out. "I didn't know you were hurting this bad. I'm sorry, and I'm not trying to ruin your life. But I do have a reason why we had to leave." Pulling back, she knelt and looked him in the eye. "I know this is going to be hard to believe, but…I think Hiroshi might be working for Amon."

To be continued…