Hello everyone, and welcome. If you're new here, please go back and read "Legend of Sota: Book 1 – Air" as this is the sequel to that story, and you will need to read it first for the full context of who some of the characters are and their situations.

If you are coming from that story to this one, then I won't keep you any longer. Enjoy this next chapter in the story!

Chapter 1

Everyone was quiet as the Rai-Ling walked back and forth in front of them with a letter in hand. A stack of discarded and unopened mail was piled in front of them on the table, leaving the three girls speechless. How had Hiroshi hidden this from them for so long?

"After you left to head to the South Pole with the Avatar, my platoon was assigned to assist in efforts on this side of the city," Rai-Ling said, bringing his eyes up from over the paper. "I came looking to investigate what all happened here and if the rumors about Uncle were true."

"Unfortunately, it is," Asami said as she sat between Mai-Ling and Jun with an arm wrapped around each of them. Jun was watching him closely, not sure how she felt about him given this was their first time meeting. His abrasive demeanor was making her uncomfortable, and based on how Mai-Ling had refused to bring her gaze from the floor, she must have been feeling the same, if not worse. "We were there when they found the secret tunnel under his workshop. He was helping to supply the Equalists with weapons and equipment."

"I see. I'll have to get in contact with Dad and let him know, then. He's been worried since he hasn't heard from anyone in weeks so I'm sure this won't sit well with him," he said before turning to Mai-Ling. "Eyes, forward, little sister."

The girl did so, slowly looking up, but still not being able to meet his gaze. Why was she so scared of him?

"Tell Uncle Yaisi that I'm sorry and that I'll have Mai-Ling call him as soon as possible," Asami said as she got to her feet, trying to take some of the tension out of the room. "Why don't I make some tea and you can tell us more about-"

"No need," he said, holding a hand up and shaking his head. "I need to meet up with my platoon and get back to helping with the city reconstruction efforts. I'll be back to check on you all in a few days." Walking up to Asami, he handed her the letter he was reading as well as a card from his pocket. "You'll want to read this one. If you need any assistance, dial this number and tell them you're trying to reach Private Sato."

"I understand," she said, accepting both and watching as he walked out of the door, closing it behind him. Asami let out a sigh of relief. "Well, that was uncomfortable."

"Tell me about it," Jun said, scooting over to Mai-Ling and tapping her. "Hey, you ok? You look scared out of your mind."

"He's gonna destroy me," Mai-Ling mumbled nervously, balling herself up. "I could see it in his eyes."

"What? Mai-Ling, don't be ridiculous," Asami said in an attempt to calm her while Jun took the letter from her. "I doubt your brother is still upset about an incident from six years ago."

"Yeah, maybe you're just paranoid because you don't know how to apologize for it," Jun offered as she began to read the letter.

"Mai-Ling, I love your brother, but Rai has always been a stickler for rules and procedures," Asami said as she walked over to her and put her hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry so much. When you're ready, you'll know what to say." Mai-Ling sighed, knowing Asami was right though that didn't stop the nauseous feeling she had.

"Uh, guys," Jun said, a nervous edge to her voice as she now started to panic. "We've got bigger problems. I think I figured out why your brother is really here…."

"What's it say?" Asami asked, worried.

"Dear Hiro. The news of what's happening in the city has us worried. Min is worried about Mai and Jun and thinks it's better that they come back to the Fire Nation with us."

"WHAT?!" Mai-Ling cried out in disbelief. "They can't be serious!"

"We'll be in town for the wedding in a few weeks, so we can discuss it further then," Jun continued.

"What wedding is your dad talking about?" Asami asked, receiving a shake of the head from Mai-Ling.

"Zhao is getting nervous about the preparations and is demanding we check them beforehand, so we'll be there the day before to see it."

"Wait, Zhao is getting married?! Since when was that happening?" Mai-Ling asked looking through the mail to find two fancy sealed letters with her and Asami's names on them. Opening it, she pulled the fancy card from inside and looked over it with surprise. "You are cordially invited to the blessed union of Zhao-Ling and Cho. We ask that you and your guest of choice come to celebrate with us on this most joyous occasion."

"I can't believe he's getting married," Asami said in amazement as she read her own invite.

"I can't believe he actually gave her a plus one," Jun joked, receiving an eye roll from Mai-Ling.

"Clearly it's meant for you, genius," she replied before looking at the date. Her face went pale as she reread it before dropping the paper in a panic. "The wedding is in 3 weeks!"

"3 weeks?!" They cried in unison before Asami checked and confirmed that it was indeed scheduled for just three weeks from then.

"These invites are dated from four months ago. My dad must have thought they'd have won the city by now and hid them," Asami said, shaking her head before turning to the two. "Well, what are you going to do when your parents come?"

"I don't know," Mai-Ling groaned, rubbing her temples at the oncoming headache.

"We need to come up with a plan to convince your parents to let us stay here in the city," Jun said, pacing back and forth as she tried to think of an idea.

"I'll get started on figuring out the logistics of the company," Asami said. "It'll help our case if I can prove that I can still take care of you guys."

"You mean you'll help us?" Mai-Ling asked, receiving a smile from her cousin.

"Of course. You think I wanna live in this big house all by myself?" she joked, receiving a smiled from both girls.

"98..99..100," Sota panted before dropping his hands from behind his head. His thighs were burning, as was his ankle, leaving him thankful for the sweat running down his forehead. "I think I understand why they call them Hot Squats now."

"Indeed. But we need to get your legs up to par. Especially if you want to be a Probender," Katara said as she sat on a bench nearby. The Compound training field was empty except for them and Korra who was standing by to help oversee her brother's recovery training before she left to head back Republic City.

The Avatar had gotten word not too long ago that numerous people in the city had been subjected to Amon's "cleansing", which meant that she would was needed to help restore it to quite a few people. At least to those that were demeaned worthy and trustful. She knew for a fact she wasn't returning the bending to any of the gang members in the city.

"She's right. Besides, it'll help amp that speed you're so proud of too," she said, walking over to him as he sat down and took his boot off. Kneeling, Korra examined his ankle, seeing that it was swelling a bit but didn't seem to be worsening. Seeing him wince as she touched it lightly, she bent some snow into water and began applying aid. "Better?"

"Much. Thanks," he told her gratefully as he rested his training gloves on the ground beneath him. "You leave first thing in the morning, right?"

"Yep. Which means I should be back in the city before the end of the week. Try not to hurt yourself while I'm gone."

"I don't think it's me you should worry about causing my pain," he smirked, giving a side glance in Katara's direction. "I have no idea what's going on in her head, but ever since I told her about Princess Yue, she's had some kind of plan that she won't tell me about. The only thing she said was I'm gonna be doing muscle exercises for the foreseeable future."

"I'm sure whatever it is, Katara has a good reason," Korra laughed as the woman walked over to them.

"I do indeed have my reasons, and if you continue to question them, you're more then welcome to do so this evening once the sun goes down. I'm sure the extra cold would do wonders for you during those Hot Squats," she offered, making him sweat. Receiving a mighty shake of his head, she nodded. "Good. Now, 100 sits up, on the double. But be careful of your ribs. They're still a bit bruised."

"Yes, Sifu," he sighed, dropping to the ground and beginning his first set of slow curls.

Asami looked over the numerous piles of legal documents for her father's company as well as her home. She frowned as she tried to organize them between ones that were safe to put away, and ones she would need to contact her lawyer over.

With her father arrested and soon to be put on trial, ownership of all his assets became hers, which meant that she needed to find a way to save the company. By no surprise, many of the stockholders and business partners were deciding to pull out and cancel their relationship with Future Industries with the reveal of her father's recent activities.

"Maybe I can use some of Dad's designs and find a way to introduce a new product," she pitched to herself out loud before sighing. "I've certainly got my work cut out for me, but I guess it's worth a shot."

The ringing of the doorbell caught her attention, prompting her to exit the office and head toward the door. As she came to the top of the stairs, she found the girls already there waiting to see who it was as well as a servant opened the door and guided the guests in.

"Madam, you have visitors. Your friends, Mako and Bolin, as well as two White Lotus Sentries," he said as the Ferret brothers walked in with a particular set of twins.

"Hey guys," Essa waved with her good arm, bringing smiles to the faces of the two pre-teens. Mai-Ling and Jun rushed down the stairs and embraced her and her sister. "It's good to see you both."

"It's good to see you too. What are you guys going here?" Mai-Ling asked as they separated.

"These guys told us they were packing there stuff up to move back in over here, so we figured we'd come with and check up on you," Tula told her before grinning proudly at them. "I heard you two were out there kicking Equalist ass."

"Got that right," Jun said, flexing her muscle. "We were pretty great out there."

"I'll say. You two were looking like real superstars out there," Bolin complimented as he carried his bag in with Pabu on his shoulder. The fire ferret jumped from his shoulder to the ground to scurry over to Ma-Ling, who happily picked him up to spoil him with affection. "Thanks again for let us move back in Asami."

"What are friends for? You guys remember where your rooms are, right?" She asked as she walked down the stairs to join the group.

"Sure do. You guys hear that Mako's studying to join the police?" Bolin said proudly, though still teasing his brother as he jabbed him in the elbow.

"Beifong recommended me herself, and since Saikhan stepped down as chief, she told me my chances are pretty good as long as I can pass the exams," Mako said.

"Well make sure you make time for practice," Jun said sternly with her hands on her hips. "I don't want any of that nonsense from last season."

"Should a rookie really be critiquing a pro?" Mai-Ling jabbed, causing Jun to blush as she rounded on her.

"Whatever! It's not like it matters. We can't even compete until we're sixteen anyway, so until then, I'm gonna critique the hell out of them," she replied, crossing her arms.

"Wait, you haven't heard?" Essa asked, surprising the two before smiling. "They're creating a Junior Probending League."

"They are?!" the two shouted, turning to Bolin who was nodding his head.

"Yeah, I just talked to Toza about it yesterday. He gave me this flyer," Bolin told them as he dug around in his pocket and pulled it out. Jun grabbed it and began to look over it, Mai-Ling doing the same as she looked over her shoulder. "He said he pitched it to the Council, and they agreed upon it as their last act before disbanding."

"Wait, the City Council is disbanding?" Asami asked. "Then who's gonna be in charge of things?"

"Master Tenzin said that the Council has agreed that the city would be better left in the hands of an official elected by the people. So, they're going to be holding elections in a few months for the United Republic's first President," Tula explained.

"Toza had the idea that the Junior Championship game could be held in celebration of the new President. He says this would be a good way for everyone to recover and come together after everything that's happened. He's also called upon Pro's to volunteer as coaches," Bolin said as Pabu returned to his shoulder.

"This is amazing! Bolin, will you be our coach?" Mai-Ling asked excitedly.

"Wait, really? You want me to coach you?" he asked in shock.

"Of course! You made it to the finals in your first season, and you guys are our favorite players after all," he complimented before turning asking Mako, "Will you give me some pointers?"

"Of course I will," he said, smiling and patting her on the head.

"Slow your roll, Mai-Ling," Jun commented, holding the paper out to her. "Look at the last date to register."

Mai-Ling accepted the paper and groaned as she read it. "It's the day after my brother's wedding. Which means we may not even still be in the city to join."

"Not to mention, we're still missing Sota. We don't even know if he'll be back in time to sign up."

"What do you mean? Are you guys leaving town?" Tula asked.

"Not exactly," Asami said with a sad smile. "One of Mai-Ling's brother's is getting married in a few weeks here in the city. Her parents are considering taking her and Jun back to the Fire Nation after everything that's happened here."

"We're not going anywhere," Jun protested. "I don't care what Rai-Ling says."

"That's the spirit!" Bolin cheered, pumping his fists. "Let's get to working on team names and strategies!"

"Yessir!" They cheered, following him up the stairs as the other four smiled and shook their heads.

"Tula, Essa, could I ask you a favor?" Asami asked. "I've got a project that I'm working on and could use your input."

"Have a safe trip," Sota told Korra as they finished hugging. Her parents and Katara were nearby, already having said goodbye and were now helping to see her off. "And good luck with all that Energybending. Sounds like you're gonna be real busy."

"Tell me about it," she said replied as she started to walk up the plank. "But an Avatar's work is never done and there are a lot of good people who still need my help. I'll see you in a few weeks, ok?"

"You bet. Bye Naga," he told the Polar Bear Dog as she nuzzled her head into him. "Don't worry girl, I'll see you again soon."

"Let us know when you reach the city," Senna told her as they all waved. They watched the boat get further and further until it was gone before they left the docks to head back to the compound. "I know it's selfish to say, but I wish she could have stayed for longer. I've missed having you kids around."

"I know you do, Mom. And I swear, we'll make more trips back now that the city is safe," Sota said as a White Lotus Sentry approached them with a letter in hand.

"Pardon my intrusion, but a message has come for you, Tonraq," he said, handing the communication to him. Tonraq accepted it, allowing the guard to take his leave while he read over it. Senna could tell by how her husband's face tightened into a frown that whatever it was, it wasn't news he wanted.

"What's wrong dear?" she asked as she wrapped an arm around Sota's shoulder as he too looked at his upset father.

"Who's it from, Dad?" he asked as Tonraq turned and sighed.

"Its from the North. The Chief and his children have decided that they will be attending this year's Glacier Spirits Festival," he said, surprising them both. "My brother and your cousins are coming."

"It's been quite some time since he's paid the South a visit," Katara said, her tone neutral.

"Why would Uncle suddenly decide to come this year?" Sota asked.

"It says that he wants to come "support my nephew as he takes the next step in life." He's coming to see you at the festival," Tonraq said, and Sota could feel his stomach twist into a knot.

"He's coming for me? I didn't know he cared so much."

"Knowing my brother, he's got other motivations in mind," he explained as he walked up and placed a hand on Sota's shoulder. His son looked at him and Tonraq smiled. "You let me worry about your uncle. You focus on getting better and preparing for the ice dodging test." Sota smiled and nodded his head in determination. "Good. Now then, I've got to head into the city and let everyone know that the Chief will be coming."

"I swear, I'll make you proud, Dad," Sota said, saluting him and elating a laugh from his father.

"You've already made me more then proud, son."

"Come on in," Essa said as she opened the door to let Loa in. The short-haired girl walked into the shared apartment with a smile, her green and tan tunic secured with a dark green belt that matched her shoes. "You're looking well."

"I should be saying that to you," Loa said as she took a seat on the couch. "It's good to see you on your feet."

"Thanks, but it's still gonna be weeks before I can even start actual physical therapy," she smiled as she locked the door and took a seat next to her. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"My brother and I have decided to stay in the city. Now that the threat of Amon is gone, we're gonna go back to looking for jobs around here. Even with all of this, he's still not ready to go home yet."

"Well, I can't really say that I'm upset by that. It'll be nice to have a non-work-related friend to hang out with," she smiled, causing Loa to blush a bit before her smile fell.

"I should tell you though, we heard from some of the former Equalists who are still around. Some of them are talking about going into hiding and trying to start fresh. Shu said he wants to try and stop them, but I know he's going to need my help."

"That sounds pretty dangerous for a kid like you," Essa teased, receiving an eye roll from Loa.

"Kid? I'm 18, thank you very much. And you're only 2 years older than me, remember?" She replied while shaking her head as Essa laughed. "Anyway, I was hoping that you might be able to help us and keep an ear out for anything."

"Sure thing. But It'll cost you," she said, watching as Loa's jaw dropped.

"Cost me what? Because I'm broke."

"The time will come when I will summon you, and when that happens, we will call it even. Deal?" she asked, hold her good hand out for a handshake. Loa looked at her with a suspicious eye before grasping it and shaking.

"Why do I feel like I've just made a deal with some kind of devil?" she asked.

"Because you have!" Tula called from down the hall to the bedrooms, startling her while Essa turned to glare at her sister's door.

"No one asked you!" she shouted back, blushing as her sister cackled away like a maniac.

To be continued…