Before we proceed with the chapter, I wanted to give a shout out to all the frequent reviewers of this story.

As your names are "Guest", I can't really address you by name, but I think you know who you are. While I won't confirm any theories here, you should keep a very sharp eye out for details and I hope that the coming chapters answer some of those questions!

I would also just like to say a quick thank you to all of you who've read up to this point and who have picked it up. When I got the urge to start this story back up, I never thought so many people would take a liking to it and it really makes me feel good knowing that you do. I hope I can continue bringing it to you!

And yes, in case anyone is wondering, there will be a Season 2!

-Blak-Ice

Chapter 33

For the first time in possibly the City's history, the night life of Republic City was non-existent. Shops were closed up with signs that warned of unknown return. Numerous buildings reduced to cinders thanks to the bombs that had dropped from Equalist airships, some still going with no signs of anyone to stop them. Vehicles remained abandoned where they were, doors open but no signs of life inside.

Shu narrowed his eyes as he scanned the streets quietly. His grip was tight on the steering wheel of the car, but he made sure to keep his driving as smooth as possible. Loa's head rested against the headrest, bobbing gently as she looked out the window sadly.

"I've never seen the city this empty before," she mumbled before facing forward. "You think we can get out of here unseen?"

"Maybe…if not, we can always try to talk our way past whoever they set at the city boarder," Shu suggested, though he did glance down to his hip where an Electrocution Glove was secured. Looking up again at the road, a small figure ran out in the distance. "What the hell?"

"I think it's a kid," Loa said, sitting up and narrowing her eyes as they drew closer. The boy continued to wave his arms in distress. "You think we should- "

"No," Shu said, knowing all too well what she was about to ask. "We're not stopping, Loa. I know how you get about kids- "

"Then you know that if you don't stop this car, I'll throw myself out of it. So, you decide how I get out," she threatened, unlocking her door. Shu rolled his eyes but obliged his sister and slowed to a stop at the curb, allowing the boy to run up to her window. With a victorious smile, she turned and rolled it down to address him. "Are you alright? What's going on?"

"Please, you have to help! My friends got stuck under some rubble in the alley!" he said, turning and running toward it. Loa looked over her shoulder at her brother before getting out of the car and beginning to follow. Shu grumbled under his breath but did so as well. His cloak bellowed in the wind as he ran up to and fell in line with his sister as they crept down the narrow path. The boy had vanished around the corner from them, his footsteps continuing as he cried out, "Hurry! They're over here!"

Shu narrowed his eyes, holding his hand out to stop his sister who looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Shu took a few cautious steps, his eyes moving from left to right, catching the gleam of the crowbar that came at his head. His hand shot out, his glove coming to life in a flash as he grabbed the metal tool, sending painful volts into the body of the boy.

"AHHH!" Skoochy cried out in pain as he let go of the crowbar and fell off the box. His body twitched, leaving him to groan on the ground as Shu knelt to sneer at him while Loa stood over him.

"Nice try, kid," Shu said before turning to his sister. "Come on, let's get outta here. We need to hurry and reach the bridge."

"You're wasting your time," Skoochy said, opening his eyes and gingerly sitting up as his body still felt like it was vibrating from the electricity. Grabbing his hat off the ground, he said, "Didn't ya hear the broadcast on the radio? You anti-bender freaks locked the whole city down. If ya ain't already outta here, there's no hope in getting out. You're stuck with the rest of us."

"Damn it!" Shu growled, standing to his feet and kicking a trash can. Biting his nail, he mumbled, "There's no way they're gonna let us pass without a fight, and Loa's too injured for that."

"There's gotta be another way out of the city," Loa said, though she had to bring her hand to her head as it began to throb.

"Hold it," Skoochy interrupted, finally back on his feet and hat secured on his head. After dusting himself off, he said, "Why would a buncha Equalists be trying to leave the city? Wasn't this the whole plan you guys cooked up?"

"It's none of your business, kid. So, unless you can actually get us to someone who can help, I suggest you scram," Shu threatened, gently touching his sister's shoulders to begin leading her back to the car.

"I can get you to the Avatar," he said with a wide grin as the two stopped and turned to face him in surprise.

Shu and Loa were on pins and needles as they followed Skoochy into the depths of the city sewers. The boy had sworn up and down that he really knew where she was and that there was a resistance building to fight Amon. In the back of his mind, Shu questioned why the kid would agree to help them when he knew that they were Equalist. He was worried at the possibility that this kid would betray them, but if push came to shove, they had enough tools in their belts to escape. He hoped.

A light could be seen from the end of the tunnel they were in before stepping into the open area of the lower tunnels. People and makeshift shelters had filled the area, small fires and lights illuminating the darkness. The siblings were shocked at the number of citizens down there but remained silent as they followed Skoochy over to a bonfire.

Shu immediately recognized Mako as he sat next to a girl in green who made Loa's injuries throb when she saw her. Two other girls sat around the fire, one with long black hair, and the other made Loa's eyes go wide as she recognized Mai-Ling.

"Mako! Good to see ya," Skoochy said, sauntering over and parking himself next to Jun who grimaced at his closeness. Leaning over into her face, he greeted her as well with a, "Miss me?"

"Ew, NO!" she said, shoving him into Mako who was getting annoyed at them before noticing the two.

"Sorry, ignore those two," he said, standing up and walking over to them.

"Can you help us? We're looking for the-" Loa started but stopped as Skoochy started shouting. The three turned to see him tumbling on the ground with another boy, his water tribe clothes getting dirty as the two crashed into random debris.

"I told you to leave her alone!" Sota shouted, punching Skoochy in the face and knocking his hat off.

"What's it too ya!" Skoochy shot back, punching him as well, which only seemed to aggravate him more beforee the two were yanked apart.

"Knock It off!" Korra yelled at both, pulling her brother off the boy and holding him to her while Bolin pulled Skoochy up to do the same. Looking down, she asked, "Sota, what the heck is your problem?"

"This rat is trying to steal from her!" Sota yelled, trying to pull away again.

"What?" she asked before squinting at Skoochy. "Bolin, check his pockets."

"What-hey! You can't do that, even if you are the Avatar!" he complained as he tried to escaped Bolin's grasp, a task that was wasted effort as the Earthbender easily kept him in place and proceeded to dig in his pocket. To his dismay, Bolin pulled out a small bag that Jun immediately recognized. Touching her hip, she was first stunned then angered that it was indeed hers. Korra narrowed her eyes at him, but Skoochy turned to look at Shu and Loa.

"Wait, you don't understand! I'm only here because these nice people wanted to talk to the Avatar," he said, pointing to the them.

"That doesn't explain why you stole from me," Jun said, cracking her knuckles.

"Let me deal with him," Mai-Ling threatened, walking up to him and grabbing him by the vest, but she was immediately separated from him as well as Skoochy used the chance to shove his way out of Bolin's grip and run off into the dark.

"Don't!" Asami commanded as her cousin prepared to chase after him. "Jun got her stuff back so just let it go, Mai-Ling." The Firebender deflated, pouting as she did as she was told and took her seat back. Jun and Sota did so as well, though he made a note to keep his head turned in the direction Skoochy had run off into. First chance he got, he was taking off after him.

"Wow…is he…always this vengeful?" Loa asked carefully.

"Please, excuse them. They've been having a bit of a rough week," Korra said before putting on a smile. "I'm Avatar Korra. You wanted to speak with me?"

"Avatar…Korra," Loa said, suddenly feeling nervous now that she was standing before the most powerful person in the world. "It's a pleasure to meet you. We- "

"Came looking for a way out of the city. Figured you might be able to help with that," Shu cut her off, not wanting to give them more information then needed. Loa looked at her brother from the corner of her eye.

"I'm sorry," Korra said honestly. "Right now, we have no way to get people out of the city without Amon finding out. But you're more than welcome to stay for as long as you need. We've contacted the United Forces, and they should be here in a day or two."

"Thanks," he replied, turning to his sister. "Come on. We should look for a place to-"

"Save it, Shu," she said shocking him, as well as Sota and Mai-Ling who looked at him with wide eyes. Loa, seeing their reaction, turned and gave the two a small smile. "Long time no see, huh?"

"I'm sorry, but…do you two know my brother?" Korra asked, though her question was more directed at Sota as he and Mai-Ling got to their feet and walked up to them. Shu locked eyes with Sota, not sure of what the boy would do. The two were silent, though that didn't last as Shu doubled over in pain.

"SOTA!" Korra shouted as she watched the man drop to his knees and clutch his stomach. Loa covered her mouth with her hand, shocked by the assault, but said nothing as Sota turned and walked back to his seat. "Ok, seriously, what has gotten into you?"

"These two are Equalists," he stated, immediately turning everyone to the two siblings.

"Wait!" Loa said, holding her hands up as Mako and Bolin looked ready to attack. "Please, let me explain. We're not Equalists. At least not anymore."

"Oh, so now that the city is under siege, you suddenly have a change of heart?" Mako asked. "Unlikely."

"Please, I…" Loa started before her vision started to get blurry.

"Loa!" Shu cried out, jumping up and catching her before her legs gave out. Cradling his sister, he lightly shook her. "Hey, Lo; stay with me."

"Lay her down over there," Korra commanded, pointing to a mat that was near the fire. Shu did as instructed, gently laying her down as Korra bent water out of a nearby bucket. Rolling it over her hands, she began to wave her arms up and down as she scanned her body with her healing. "Her injuries aren't too severe, but she's running a pretty high fever."

"The doctor told us she would be fine in a few days. I didn't know she was this banged up," he replied. "Can you help her?"

"I can, but this'll take some time," she replied before looking to her brother. "Can you grab me some extra water and a few blankets?" Sota nodded and got up to retrieve the items his sister requested while the others returned to the fire.

"Here, come warm up by the fire," Asami offered Shu. When he looked from her to his sister hesitantly, she placed a hand on his shoulder lightly. "She's in good hands, I promise."

Shu closed his eyes but relented and stood to follow her over to one of the empty seats near it. Mai-Ling and Jun sat across from her, their eyes watching him from over the fire, though the Earthbender would sneak a look at Loa every now and then. Asami sat next to Shu while Mako and Bolin took their seats as well.

"I'm sorry," Shu said, shaking his head. "This wasn't what I thought it was when I convinced her to join this with me. She's only hurt because of me."

"Why did you join the Equalists? Did the whole "erase all benders" thing not clue you," Jun asked aggressively. "And tell the truth because I'll know if you're lying."

"That wasn't how it started. It started with small things like talking about how unfair the treatment of nonbenders was," Shu explained as he starred into the fire. "Loa and I moved to the city two years ago. She and I had always dreamed of moving here and making it big so we could move our family out of Ba Singe Se. It was a stupid dream, but we wanted it."

"You're not the first ones to be drawn in by the alure of the big city," Asami said.

"It's what makes Republic City what it is. A city full of dreamers," Bolin said poetically, receiving a small chuckle from Shu.

"I suppose that's true. Loa dreamed about becoming a world class chef and having her own restaurant in the city. I never had a doubt she could make it here, and swore I would do anything to help her," he said, remembering how much work she would put into their meals, even when they were struggling. A few tears came to his eyes that he wiped away. "Sorry."

"No, it's alright," Asami assured him. "You seem to really care about your sister."

"She's all I've got out here, and she's always fixing my mistakes. Even when we were back home…" he was quiet for a moment before looking up. "I got into serious trouble back home and couldn't face the shame of bringing down my family name. So, when my parents offered us the last of their savings to send us here, we knew we had to make the best of it.

"We never expected it to be like this. Job hunting was hard as most places preferred that you be a bender, and those that didn't usually promoted them before nonbenders. I admit, it was rough, but I knew the world wasn't fair and kept telling myself that I was doing this for my family." His eyes took a dark turn as his whole demeanor turned sour. "We'd been here for six months when it happened."

"What happened?" Mako asked.

"We got a letter from back home. My father had been involved in an accident on the job. He was one of the only nonbenders on the whole construction crew, so when an ex-employee came back and caused a scene, he had no way to protect himself from the building they were working on when it came down. He survived, but the accident left him crippled and in a wheelchair."

The group fell silent at the news, especially Jun who could feel her body shaking at the very thought. Her scar gave a phantom throb, causing her to pull her arm to her chest reflexively. Mia-Ling wrapped an arm around her protectively, already knowing the past was bothering her best friend. Shu noticed, but said nothing, dropping his gaze back to the fire.

"It crushed Loa and she wanted to run home immediately, but…I was too much of a coward to go back. I…didn't wanna come back a failure again," he continued. "So, I convinced her to stay here. I started working my ass off and sending what I could back home, but eventually Loa stopped dreaming of being a cook and started looking for a job. It crushed me that it had to be that way, and all I could think was that it was the fault of benders…I see now that I was wrong, but at the time it was hard to know what was really right.

"Eventually, I fell in with a few others like me; even went to a few rallies before approaching Loa and telling her I was joining them. She hesitated and though I'd have preferred that she wasn't involved, she refused to let me join without her. Things got out of control I guess, and the hate just consumed me."

"What made you change?" Asami asked him.

"We got a letter from back him. My little brother just had his sixth birthday a few months ago and we missed it, so we didn't get to find out in person that…he's an Earthbender."

"So now you're worried about him," Asami pieced together, receiving a nod.

"I've done nothing but bring trouble to my family, but this…" Shu shook his head vigorously. "I can't let Amon get to my little brother."

Korra remained silent throughout the whole story, taking a glance at Sota at the end. His head was down as he watched the slow easing of Loa's breathing as her fever eased some, but she could tell he was listening intently to Shu's story. His fists were clenched tight in his lap, telling her that he was upset.

On the one hand, she understood all too well the anger he probably felt at these two with having lost his bending, only for them to now come asking his sister for help. On the other hand, she understood Shu's desire to protect his younger siblings. She felt the urge to go up to the surface right now and drown Amon biting at her, but she knew Tenzin was right.

She needed to be patient.

After checking on Loa a few more times, she gave the all clear to Shu that she would be ok but that she needed to rest if she wanted to heal properly.

"I'll check on her again in the morning. There's food and water for both of you to help settle in," she told him.

"Thank you," he said in sincerity. Korra turned, preparing to walk away when he said, "Wait." Taking his backpack off, he dug around and pulled out his Chi-Blocker uniform. He looked at the hollow eyes, his reflection bouncing off the glass with help from the fire nearby. A look of disdain came as he held it out to her. "Here."

"You're giving me your uniform?" she questioned.

"I want you to know you can actually trust us," he told he before bending down and retrieving Loa's from her bag as well as her glove. Korra accepted the gifts, ignoring the scoff she could hear from her brother and nodded to Shu.

"Thank you, Shu. Get some rest," she said before turning to Sota is displeasure. "March. Now." Sota sneered at her but did as he was instructed and marched over to the tunnel entrance. Korra waited until they were far enough away from everyone to not be heard to address him again. "What's going on with you? You're acting less like you and more like, well…"

"More like you?" he said, crossing his arms over his chest and turning away from her. "Look, I know what you're gonna say, but I don't care what his story is. I don't want anything to do with that guy."

"Is this about your bending?" she asked him, and when he didn't reply, she knew she was right. "Sota…I don't know what I can say, but you can't just take your anger out on random people who don't deserve it."

"I would argue that those two deserved it," he said, looking at her. "Especially him. He…he was the guard that I bloodbent to try and escape."

Korra's eye went wide at this, causing her to look over her shoulder quickly before turning back to him. "I…I didn't know."

"It's not fair, Korra. I…I never wanted to hurt anyone," he said, shaking his head angrily before growling in frustration. Korra walked up and pulled him to her in a hug that he didn't reciprocate at first but did as his anger slowly cooled.

"I know. I promise, I'll fix this, and-"she started when he suddenly pulled away. Korra watched him go sadly but said nothing more to him for the rest of the night.

She was the first person awake the next morning, or so she thought before she went to check on Loa. Entering the small shelter with a bowl of water, she was surprised to find her little brother inside. Sota looked up, shocked at first to see her before averting his gaze as a light blush colored his cheeks. Next to him was a bowl of cold water with a rag soaking in it, while a second was placed on her Loa's sleeping forehead.

"I couldn't sleep…so I came to check on her," he said quietly as Korra smiled and crawled in to sit next to him. Placing the bowl down, she began to waterbend and run her hands over Loa again, so Sota continued. "Her forehead was warm, so I used that trick Mom used to use. I…wanted to repay the favor. She risked her life to help Essa after we fought with Amon."

Korra gave him a nod, though she could tell that that wasn't the whole story. She had a suspicion that Loa had also been a victim of his escape attempt as well. Seeing her in such a state no doubt made his guilt stronger.

"That was really sweet of you," she said, putting her free hand on his head and rubbing it. "I'm sure she appreciates it."

"Korra…do you…do you think I'm weak without my bending?" he asked, and when she prepared to answer quick, he shook his head. "I want the truth. Do you think I'm weak?"

"Sota…No. I don't think you're weak, but I…I am concerned," she said after a small pause. "You're very skilled for your age, but you've never had to do any real fighting without your bending. Without it, you're an ordinary kid. But that doesn't mean you're weak. It just means you're in more danger and that's what scares me." When he didn't say anything, she asked, "Do you know why I let you stay and didn't send you with Tenzin?"

"No…though the thought had crossed my mind," he admitted, turning to face her.

"It's because I believe in you. Even without your bending, I know you're resourceful enough to survive. That…and I don't know if I could find the courage do this without you," Korra said. "Listen…when the time comes for me to fight Amon…I don't want you there." As he began to open his mouth and protest, she held her hand up to stop him. "Let me finish. Your place isn't by my side. There are other people who need you more right now."

Sota's eyes widened before his gaze went to the torn tarp that covered the doorway. Laying on the ground close to the fire, he could see his friends, still sound asleep. Though Jun had been holding it together down here, she refused to try to sleep without someone close by. Mai-Ling of course had no issue with this and offered to share her bed.

Korra followed his line of sight and smiled. "You three have been attached at the hip even more since you got back. They're here because they believe in you just like I do." Giving him a light shove, she added with a smile, "You're the brother of the Avatar, and the son of Tonraq and Senna. I'm pretty sure that makes it impossible for you to be weak."

Sota snorted, but nodded his head, taking his sister's words to heart. Getting up, he exited the tent to leave his sister to work but stopped when he saw Shu leaning against the doorway. The two glared at each other, though Sota added in sticking his tongue out for added effect. He smiled at the irritated look on Shu's face as the man pushed off the wall and marched up to him.

"You got a problem, you little punk?" he asked as he towered over the boy. Much like the last two times, he didn't back down, not even slightly intimidated by their height difference.

"Besides having to look at your ugly mug?" he shot back.

"You know that mouth of yours makes it really hard to like you. I'm surprised you even have any friends."

"That's funny because I don't like you," he said, the two now nearly eye to eye as he leaned on his tip toes while Shu bent down to meet him. "How does it feel to know you lost to a kid not once, but twice?"

Shu smirked before sweeping his foot and tripping Sota backwards. Before he could fall, Shu grabbed him by the front of his shirt to stop him and picked him up to hover off the ground.

"Maybe try talking that big when you actually hit puberty," he taunted. Sota swung, kicking Shu in the side and forcing him to drop him with a hard thud. The two growled at each other before lunging forward and meeting in the middle where they began to grapple around on the ground. Dust was starting to kick up, brushing the faces of his sleeping friends, waking them up. Neither seemed to notice however, until a fireball came right at them.

The two yelped and jumped apart, narrowly missing getting hit as Mai-Ling stood up and walked over to them, a nasty glare on her face. Her bedhead hair was fanned out in a rather impressive display as if it were flowing like fire, but Sota took little notice, instead worrying about the shining in her eyes. Sweat dropped down the side of his face as he stared fearfully into her gold orbs and a shiver accompanied it as she leaned over and growled directly in his face.

"I…I'm-"he started to apologize but was cut off as she growled again, pressing her nose aggressively into his, forcing him to close them in fear. He understood all too well what was being said and remained silent as she stood back up. Throwing another look and growl Shu's way, she turned and made her way back over to Jun who was also glaring at them and laid back down. The two pulled their blanket back up, backs turned to them while the boys looked at one another in fear.

"It was like staring into the face of an angry dragon…" Shu mumbled. Sota swallowed the lump in his throat, praying that he would live to see his next birthday.

"I swear on your life, if you actually hit me with fire, I'm going to make you regret it," Jun warned for the 5th time, receiving an eyeroll from Mai-Ling.

"If you don't wanna get hit, then don't get hit," she taunted before taking a deep breath. "Ready?"

"I guess so," Jun replied, shifting her stance to guard her face. Off to the side, Sota and Asami stood by to watch. Bolin was watching from near the fire, joined by Loa who'd mustered up the strength to come out and interact for a bit. Shu was nearby as well, sitting on a box to give himself a view that allowed him to both watch his sister and the sparring match.

"We sure this is a good idea?" Sota asked Asami, looking up at her from the corner of his eye. Crossing his arms, he said, "The last time Jun hit someone, well…"

Asami look to Loa with an apologetic smile who returned it. "I know, but they're not gonna get better if they don't practice. Though hope I she remembers to show some restraint." She added loudly as a reminder.

Mai-Ling rolled her eyes before charging at Jun. The Earthbender stepped back in surprise, narrowly missing getting jabbed as Mai-Ling went straight for her head. Jun stepped back before going in for a punch that hit Mai-Ling in the side.

"Make sure that you're not locking up until the last second," Bolin instructed as he watched Mai-Ling walk back to her starting spot. She nodded and the two started again, but it was clear her form was sloppy even compared to Jun's. Though neither practiced in years, it was obvious that Jun had spent more time studying than she had, something that was clearly frustrating to her.

"Ugh!" She groaned as she flopped on the ground after her sixth loss. "Why can't I do it!?"

"What exactly are you trying to do besides make a fool of yourself?" Shu asked, receiving a glare from her. "Because if it's fighting, then you've got your work cut out for you."

"Who asked you?" she said, standing back up. "You can't even fight, so why would anyone listen to you?"

"What makes you think I can't fight?" he challenged her.

"You use an Electrocution Glove. Anyone who uses one, clearly can't fight," she said. "Plus, I've seen how you throw a punch."

"Doesn't she have one?" he pointed to Asami. "And trust me kid, I've been in more fights than you can probably count."

"I hate to admit that, but he's not wrong about that," Loa admitted. "Shu was known in our neighborhood for fighting pretty much anyone. I'm the one who had to learn Chi-Blocking to survive out here."

"Chi-Blocking is so cheap!" Mai-Ling pouted, crossing her arms.

"Oh please. You're just mad because you're too dumb to remember where any of the spots are," Jun said, watching as Mai-Ling's face began to blush in embarrassment.

"I-I'm not! I just…haven't studied that in a while…"

"Wait, you know how to Chi-Block?" Sota asked, but Mai-Ling bit her lip as she looked away.

"I mean…technically, yes? When I spent that year with my grandma, she thought it would help if I learned a different way of fighting to "release my anger". Since firebending was off the table, I figured why not give it a shot. She didn't tell me I needed to learn all about the human body," Mai-Ling complained. Sighing, she said, "I could never hit her; old as she is, the woman is nimble…way more so than I am."

"It's because you don't stretch," Jun commented, receiving a growl from her.

"You know, if you want, I can give you a refresher course on where the pressure points are," Loa offered in an attempt to stop the arguing. "We'd just need a volunteer to be the model."

All three immediately turned to Sota who shivered as a sudden sense of danger rolled up his spine.

"Consider this payback for waking us up this morning," Mai-Ling said, grabbing his wrist and dragging him over to Loa. Pushing him down, Sota could only sigh and accept his fate before laying down in front of her. Mai-Ling held a wide smile as she kneeled on the opposite side of him. "Ready!"

The ground shifted and Sota yelped as he looked to see that his wrist and ankles had been bound to the ground with rock cuffs.

"Are these really necessary?" he asked, glaring at Jun who was also smirking.

"Wouldn't want you moving while she's trying to teach," she replied, leaving him to groan as Loa begin her lesson, trying her best not to laugh at his torment.

"Can you believe Hiroshi? "The Avatar's on the run." I'm not running from anyone," Korra complained as she and Mako made their return to the settlement. Using the suits Loa and Shu had given them, the two had decided to use them and go on reconnaissance in the city. As luck would have it, a rally run by Hiroshi in the park had been close by, allowing them to listen in on the speech. Stopping in place, she said, "Let's go back up there and knock some heads. They'll never know what hit them."

"Relax," Mako said, stopping her from doing so. "General Iroh's coming with an entire fleet of battleships. Then Amon will be the one who's running."

"I hate this being patient stuff," Korra said as they continued to make their way.

"You're not the only one. I think the kids are getting a little stir crazy," he said before pausing to asks, "How's he doing?"

"He doesn't talk about it, but I can tell he's still upset," she said. "He asked me if I thought he was weak so I can tell he's having doubts about himself."

"It'd be hard not to when you lose a part of yourself like that," he agreed as they finally made it back. Bolin and Asami were near the entrance, playing with Pabu as they waited for them to return. Spotting the pair, they rose to meet them, though Asami's smile fell as she did.

"You two were gone a while," she said to Mako, an accusatory tone to her voice as she crossed her arms.

"We were doing reconnaissance," he said in annoyance.

"Whatever." She turned away from him, not in the mood for his bull. Before anyone else could speak, Gommu jumped in, greeting them.

"Welcome back!" The hobo said cheerfully as he wrapped Korra and Mako around the shoulders. "Hope you worked up an appetite, cause dinner is served." The four were led over to a large tree stump that had been set up as a table, bowls ready and waiting to be filled. Three of the seats had already been taken by Sota, Mai-Ling and Jun, who appeared to have already finished eating. "Well, that was fast kids! What do ya say about seconds?"

The kids grimaced at the bowls in their hands, the sloshing of the ladle in the stew making them feel ill.

"I think we'll pass," Sota said, standing and wiping his mouth. The girls nodded, following his lead as the three walked behind a tent and sat down. "That was so gross…"

"I think I could have gone my whole life without ever knowing or tasting gruel," Jun said before heaving a sigh. "I hope the United Forces get here soon. I can't keep living down here like this."

"How are you holding up? I know you still get jumpy, but you seem to be ok otherwise."

"I am but mostly because we're not too deep in the ground. I can still see sunlight and there's enough metal overhead that it doesn't really feel like we're underground," she said before leaning forward and resting her arms on her knees. "Do you guys think we can win?"

"We don't have a choice. It's either that, or Amon takes over the world," Mai-Ling said before punching her palm. "And I'm not letting that happen."

"That's if they even let us fight. Truth be told, we're not exactly world class fighters here, and once back up shows up, we're gonna be sidelined anyway," Jun said. Mai-Ling nodded, but Sota looked as if he were lost in thought. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure. I just have a bad feeling about this. Like there's a pit in my stomach," he said to them.

Korra laid awake as she rested against Naga. The others were all asleep, leaving the Avatar with her own thoughts as the embers of their fire smoldered before approaching footstep caught her attention as Mako made his way over to her.

"Can't sleep either?" he asked.

"No. I have this awful pit in my stomach," she told him as he sat down. "It's so crazy. A few months ago, I was in the South Pole, practicing for my firebending test…and now I'm in the middle of an all-out war."

"It's kinda crazy. We didn't even know each other then, and now, I can't imagine my life without you in it," he admitted with a smile. "You're the most loyal, brave, and selfless person I've ever known."

Korra smiled, not sure if she deserved all that praise but appreciated it, nonetheless. "I think you're pretty incredible too, but you already knew that." Her heart was beating fast and though she wanted to continue this, now wasn't the time. The time for their feelings would be after all this as said and done. Turning away, she said, "I should probably try to get some sleep."

"Me too," Mako turned. He understood what she was telling him, and he agreed. This could wait. Standing, he added a "Good night."

"Good night," she said back, watching him leave before laying her head down on Naga and closing her eyes.

The fog was thick as Team Avatar crept up to the opening of the tunnel. The waters were calm and there were no signs of life anywhere that they could see. Mako leaned out, checking the opening for anyone, but there was nothing, much to their relief.

"Coast is clear," he called behind him, waving to everyone to follow. Korra, Bolin, Asami, Shu, Sota, Mai-Ling and Jun followed, the Earthbender pausing to take in the open sky once more. As she did, her eyes could barely make out the sight of Air Temple Island, leaving her to hope that Chief Beifong and the Airbenders were safe, wherever they were.

Climbing the stairs, the group crept to the edge of pier and kept their eyes trained toward the bay just past Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Pulling out a telescope, Shu handed it to Bolin, allowing him to look further but still only seeing fog.

"Once the United Forces arrive, we need to be ready to help in any way we can," Korra commanded.

"They're here!" Mako called, turning everyone's attention back to the water where just passed the densest part, a row of naval ships could be seen. Smiles came to a few faces, but Shu wasn't so sure.

"It's too quiet," he commented, standing up to look around.

"He's right. Where are the Equalists Airships?" Korra asked. Taking the telescope from his brother, Mako ran a bit further down and pointed it in the opposite direction to look across at the docks.

"I don't see any Mecha-Tanks either," he confirmed with a look of worry as he turned to them.

Mai-Ling's eyes never left the water as a frown of worry crossed her face. The ships were nearing the shore by the second but the ominously heavy silence in the air left her scared and on edge, causing her to jump even more when the first explosion went off.

Everyone gripped the rail in astonishment as numerous ships were seen breaking apart as the haul was destroyed by the water mines until finally, Korra had seen enough. Jumping over the side, she dove perfectly, bringing up some water to meet her in the air before she vanished under it.

Sota stepped forward, preparing to follow, but was immediately hit with the gut-wrenching reminder that he no longer had his bending. A growl of frustration came as he clenched his machete, but his attention was immediately brought upward as a low buzzing could be heard. Everyone looked up, trying to figure out what the sound was as Mako put the telescope to his eye again.

"What now?" he mumbled as he looked across the city.

"Hiroshi and Amon were working on something that they said would change the whole tide in the Equalist favor," Shu said as he stepped forward. "Washe was talking about upgrading the tanks? "

His, as well as everyone else's, jaw dropped as what looked like a flock of mechanical birds was swooping through the sky toward the ships.

"Where does Hiroshi find the time to keep inventing new evil machines?" Bolin asked in exasperation as they watched the planes approach the ships. In the center of the group was Hiroshi, a look of determination on his face as he pulled a lever on his console. The hatch below opened with a creak before releasing the bomb he's been carrying directly onto a ship below.

The whistling could be heard all the way at shore, sinking Sota's stomach as he watched others do the same. Flashes of light could be seen as well as explosions of water as the ships took heavy bombardment from all sides. He'd long lost sight of his sister and could now only hope that she was safe as two more ships exploded and started to sink. His hopes were answered as Korra sprouted out of the water on a spiral, raising shards of ice out to clip a couple of planes. Unfortunately, the broken ends of one hit her funnel and dropping her back into the sea. Not losing any momentum, Korra was able to quickly waterbend and turn an incoming torpedo to send it flying from the water and into another plane.

Mai-Ling was barely holding her composure as she held on to the metal between her fingers. Her eyes were wide in fright, and the temperature was starting to increase by the second around her.

"Mai-Ling, you gotta calm down," Jun said, drawing everyone's attention to her and the crazed look in her eye. "It's ok-"

"He's not out there, right?" She asked suddenly, startling Jun. Turning to look at her, she demanded, "Tell me my brother's not on one of those ships!"

Before anyone could reply, a huge explosion rang out as the last ship was destroyed, fires and debris everywhere as smoke plumed into the sky.

"RAI-LING!" She screamed at the top of her lungs before she lunged forward toward the edge.

To be continued…