Chapter 10: The Spark Before The Fire
[Probending Arena]
The energy inside the arena never waned, the roaring crowd just as electric as the night before. Even from the outside, the cheers pulsed through the walls, a constant, restless heartbeat of excitement.
But not everyone felt the same rush.
By the entrance, a lone figure sat on the steps, arms crossed, shoulders stiff.
The arena lights cast sharp angles over his face, the tension in his brow shadowing his eyes. He barely moved, save for the impatient tap of his fingers against his arm, a rhythm that spoke his mood.
MAKO
AGE: 18
STATUS: Annoyed
Though his wait wasn't long.
"Hey!"
a voice cut through the noise, light and easy. A young woman jogged toward him, waving casually, her bag slung over one shoulder. There was an effortless brightness to her, the kind that made it seem like nothing in the world could weigh her down now.
KORRA
AGE: 17
STATUS: Good Mood
"What's up?" she asked, stopping just in front of him. "Isn't the match about to start?"
Mako pushed himself up, tightening his expression. "I wanted to talk"
His tone wiped the playfulness from her face. She tilted her head, curious. "About?"
He exhaled sharply. "Do you mind not leading Bolin on?"
Blinking, Korra let his question sink in, then let out a short laugh, shoulders lifting in a light shrug. "I don't know what you mean?"
She met his gaze with wide, untroubled eyes, confusion written across her face—or maybe it wasn't confusion at all. She might have a small idea. Or not.
Mako frowned. "I mean, you know that he likes you"
Korra's smile didn't falter, but her expression flickered.
"You got him in a tizzy" Mako continued, irritation creeping into his voice. "It's messing with his head"
For a moment, Korra just stared at him, as if waiting for the punchline. When none came, she let out a sharp, incredulous laugh. "What in the world are you talking about?"
She tilted her head, raising a brow, as if he were making a joke—one she didn't quite get.
"Bolin and I are friends. That's it. Why would I hurt him? And what's this about 'leading' him on? I have never done that"
The warmth in her expression faded, replaced by something harder, sharper. Annoyance flared in her eyes, her stance shifting slightly, shoulders squaring as if she were preparing to fight.
Because right now, she felt like she was being accused of something she hadn't done.
Mako's jaw tightened. "Maybe not intentionally, but you're giving him the wrong idea. If you're with someone, it's better to just set things straight with him so he can move on"
Korra's brows shot up.
"Wait wait wait" Korra held up a hand, cutting him off. "With someone? What in the world are you talking about?"
Mako scoffed, his fists clenching at his sides. "The other night, I saw you. You and Zhen. There's just—Don't even try to lie your way out of this"
There was an edge to his voice—frustration, something heated—but it felt off, like he wasn't even sure where to direct it.
Korra's irritation evaporated, replaced by sheer disbelief. "What?"
For a second, she processed what he just said, half expecting him to say he was joking. But he wasn't.
"I don't know what you saw, but Zhen's a friend" she said, exasperation creeping into her voice. But as the words left her mouth, something else dawned on her.
Her expression shifted.
"Wait… How did you even know about that" a pause. Then her eyes narrowed. "Did you follow us?"
Mako pressed his lips into a thin line. He didn't want to answer right away. But his eyes answered for him, the slight shift away from Korra, and that hesitation was all the confirmation the young Avatar needed.
It made her stomach drop.
"Are you being serious?!" she accused, taking a step forward. "What business do you have following me?!"
"I—" Mako stammered from her tone. "It's not like that"
"Oh really?" Her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Because it sure sounds like you were spying on me"
"I wasn't spying" he shot back, but the defensiveness in his voice made it clear even he didn't quite believe that. "I just… saw you two walking together and—"
"And what? It's not like you haven't seen me walk home with him before" Korra scoffed, sarcastic, shaking her head. "Do you even hear yourself right now?"
Mako let out a frustrated breath, raking a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm just saying, if you're with someone, you should be honest about it"
"For the last time, I'm not with Zhen!" she snapped, stepping away. "And even if I was, it isn't any of your business!"
Mako flinched, just barely.
Korra caught it.
"Oh" she breathed, something clicking into place. Her posture eased, and her expression softened. "So that's what this is really about?"
Mako's gaze flickered away. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't actually care about Bolin" Korra went on, voice quieter now but no less sharp. "You're just mad because it's Zhen"
"That's not—"
"It is" she tilted her head, studying him like she had him all figured out, then broke into a triumphant smirk. "Ha! You're jealous. You do have feelings for me. You probably just thought it'd easier for you to move on if I'm with Bolin"
Mako mocked, waving a dismissive hand as if to end the conversation right then and there. "Jealous? Don't be ridiculous"
"Admit it" Korra pressed, stepping closer. "You like me"
And just like that, Mako bit the bait. "No. I'm with Asami"
"Yeah" Korra leaned in slightly, voice smooth, eyes half-lidded with confidence. "But when you're with her you're thinking about me, aren't you?"
Silence. Mako's lips parted slightly, but no words came.
For a brief moment, his expression wavered, caught between frustration and something else. Something he refused to admit. Then his pride slammed the door shut.
"Get over yourself" he snapped, voice rising.
Korra didn't flinch. She just shrugged, chin lifting defiantly. But then her own voice rose to meet his. "I'm just being honest"
"You're crazy"
"And you're a damn liar!"
The tension hung between them, crackling, neither willing to back down. But there was nothing left to say. The air was thick with tension that clouded their minds, a clash of stubborn wills.
Then, at the same time, they both turned sharply on their heels, stomping toward the arena through separate entrances, each door slamming shut behind them, sealing their separate paths—at least for now.
—————————————————————————————
[Republic City, Dragons Flat Borough]
Well, just like the moon, not all of Republic City shines.
Dragon's Flat was that shadow—a borough where crime festered, where even the streetlights seemed to dim under the weight of corruption. The Republic City Police had long since abandoned the idea of control, instead turning select buildings into small outposts, their presence less about protection and more about containment.
RUMBLE!
The walls shook as an explosion rocked the second floor of one such police hideout. Dust billowed through the cracks, debris cascading to the floor below.
A lone officer dangled precariously over the gaping edge, his boots scraping against air. A single hand clamped around his throat, lifting him with terrifying ease.
"Huek—W-Why…?" he choked out, his fingers clawing at the iron grip around his neck.
Whether he was trying to pry himself free or simply anchor himself, even he didn't know.
"So. We just gonna let her go?" The voice came distorted through a mask, each word hissing with the release of steam. "After all we've been through?"
"STEAM"
AGE: ???
STATUS: 5th Mission of the Day
His grip tightened around the officer's throat. The man twitched, fingers clawing feebly at the gloved hand choking the life out of him. His breath hitched—then thinned.
Shunk!
A wet, sickening sound cut through the air. A sharp exhale of pain.
"It's not like we can force her to stay"
"FACELESS"
AGE: ???
STATUS: 9th Mission of the Day
He stood over another fallen officer, boot pressed against the body as he wrenched his blade free. The steel slid past flesh, scraping bone as it withdrew. Blood slicked the edge, catching the dim, flickering light.
"We made that agreement fully expecting it will never happen" His was quiet behind, unreadable beneath his broken mask. He flicked the blade clean with a sharp motion. "I'm just glad one of us has an out…"
Crunch!
A sickening pop. bond grinding, ligaments snapping. The officer never even got the chance to scream before his body plummeted two stories, landing in a crumpled heap below. His head, however, remained firmly in Steam's grip.
"Still, we allow it" With a dismissive flick of the wrist, he dropped it.. "But will Mask allow it too?"
"He won't"
Faceless sheathed his blade, stepping over the carnage. He grabbed another corpse by the collar and dragged it across the floor, its dead weight sliding through the blood-soaked debris..
Steam just watched, arms crossed. "Hard to ignore a missing person"
"Fake her death" Faceless propeed the body up onto a couch, adjusting it like a mannequin. "I already got it handled. We just need an opportunity"
"Yeah… hard to do with Amon keeping his eyes on her" Steam huffed, a burst of mist hissing from his mask like a pressure valve releasing.
"One slip-up" Faceless grunted, hauling another corpse upright. "That's all we need"
With a grunt, he propped it against the wall before glancing at Steam and jerked his head.
"You mind helping?"
Steam let out a low, guttural growl but relented.
His boots struck the ground that didn't match his build—like a storm trapped in a frame too small to hold it. He grabbed a rusted metal rod from the debris, driving it through the corpse's shoulder with a sickening crunch, pinning it to the wall like a grotesque trophy.
"Why do you even bother?"
Faceless tilted his head, admiring? Or simply just trying to understand.
"I don't know… Like marking territory?" Even he wasn't sure.
Steam exhaled sharply and clapped a heavy hand on his leader's shoulder. "Let's go. Before their back up arrives"
Without waiting, he stepped through the shattered door frame.
Faceless sighed—a quiet, almost amused sound—before following. Their boots echoed through the ruins, fading into the dark along with their conversation.
"I'm craving something to eat"
"Later, we still have another place to raid"
—————————————————————————————————
[Outside the Probending Arena]
The Fire Ferrets claimed another victory tonight, but it was anything but clean. Their usual rhythm had been off—hits mistimed, movements clashing instead of flowing.
The tension between two of their players bled into the match, turning it into something messy, almost forced.
Now, one of those players, Korra, stood alone under a gazebo at the edge of a dock. The gentle lap of water against the pillars below did little to quiet her thoughts. Across the bay, Air Temple Island sat in the distance, its silhouette barely visible against the night sky.
She had come here hoping the sight would bring her some clarity, leaning her weight against one of the support beams.
The moment of solitude didn't last.
Footsteps thudded against the wooden planks behind her.
"We need to talk" His voice carried that familiar edge of stubborn pride. "Look, sometimes you can be so infuriating. I—"
"Save your breath" Korra cut him off, her voice sharper than the winter air. She didn't even turn to face him. "You've already made it clear how you feel about me"
Mako looked at her then, really looked. His frustration wavered, his pride faded, something else creeping into his gaze—something softer.
"No, I… I haven't" his voice lost its edge, quieter now.
His eyes flicked to the way she gripped her arm, a small tell of uncertainty she probably didn't even realize she was showing.
"What I'm trying to say is… as much as you drive me crazy, I also think you're pretty amazing"
Korra blinked, her expression shifting. For a second, her eyes glittered as she turned to face him fully. "So… you do like me?"
"Yes, but—" the answer came out too quickly, too easily. And just as fast, hesitation set in. "I like Asami too"
Mako exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair, his jaw clenching as if the weight of his own words exhausted him. Guilt. Confusion. Something tangled and messy, swirling in his chest.
"I don't know, things are complicated" he finally admitted, his voice laced with soft frustration—not at Korra, but at himself. "I've been feeling really confused and—"
His words faltered, the uncertainty in his voice trailing off into the silence.
He didn't even notice Korra had closed the distance.
Not until she was right there—so close her breath mingled with his, her expression unreadable in the dim light.
And then—before he could think, before he could stop her, if he even wanted to—Korra leaned in, pushing the distance to nothing.
Her lips pressed softly against his.
It wasn't urgent. It wasn't demanding. It was hesitant, unsure—a question more than a statement.
Mako froze.
A thousand thoughts tangled in his mind, every reason why this was wrong clashing against the undeniable pull in his chest. But then, as if something inside him had finally given up the fight, he accepted.
He kissed her back.
And for that brief, fleeting moment, everything else—his doubts, his guilt, his confusion—faded into nothing.
For just a second, it was simple. Just them. Just this.
Then, Korra pulled away, her breath warm against the cool night air.
A small, knowing smile tugged at her lips—like she had found the answer to something he was still trying to figure out.
But before Mako could even begin to process it, Korra's gaze flickered past him, her eyes widening in surprise as they locked onto an unfortunate witness.
She gasped, quickly looking away, her expression morphing into one of discomfort.
Mako's stomach twisted.
That's when it hit him.
He turned.
A distance away, standing frozen in the middle of the pier.
BOLIN
AGE: 16
STATUS: Well…
A soft sound of a whimper, the quiet patter of droplets hitting the wooden planks—whether from the ocean spray or from his own eyes.
In his hand, a bouquet. The petals trembled in the night breeze, some breaking loose, carried away before they could reach the person they were meant for.
Bolin's expression was blank, almost empty. But his eyes—his eyes were wide, glassy, his mind struggling to catch up with what his heart had already shattered over.
"Oh… uh" his voice wavered. "I-I'll see you guys… guys later"
Even his words stumbled over themselves, cracking at the edges as he turned sharply away, his grip tightening around what remained of what he held.
"Wait Bolin—"
Mako barely managed to reach out before Bolin took off, running.
"Great!" Mako snapped, throwing his arms up as he spun on Korra. "Look what you did!"
Korra's eyes widened before narrowing just as fast.
"You're blaming me?!" she shot back, stepping toward him, fully matching his tone.
"You kissed me!"
"You kissed me back!"
Their voices clashed like their own Agni Kai, their fingers jabbing at each other in accusation, neither willing to back down.
URGH!
Mako let out a frustrated groan, throwing his fists into the air. For a moment, he looked like he had more to say—but instead, he just let out an exasperated breath and turned on his heel.
He chased after his younger brother, leaving Korra standing there—her breath still uneven, her heart still racing. Only this time, it had nothing to do with the cold.
She watched Mako's figure disappear into the night before exhaling sharply, shoulder slumping.
"Well played, Korra" she muttered to herself, the fire in her chest dimming into something far less triumphant.
She had fought back, stood her ground, but deep down, even she knew she'd pushed too far.
"Well played indeed"
The unexpected voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
Korra's head jerked up, eyes locking onto the figure perched on the gazebo's roof.
Zhen.
He sat there lazily, legs dangling over the edge, as if he had been there for a while now.
"I leave you on your own for a few hours" he mused, tilting his head. "And this is what I come back to?"
Korra shot him a glare, crossing her arms. "If you want to make fun of me, go ahead. Not like like things could get any worse"
Zhen didn't answer right away. Instead, he tossed something her way.
Korra's instincts kicked in, her hand snapping up to catch it effortlessly. She glanced down at the item—a small bottle, cool against her palm.
She raised an eyebrow.
"Drink" Zhen offered simply, hopping down from the roof. The wooden planks groaned beneath his landing. "Let's get you home so you can clear your thoughts"
Korra let out a slow breath, her stance easing. Without another word, she cracked the can open, the faint fizz filling the quiet air. Tilting her head back, she took a long drink, letting the cold liquid wash down the small heat still burning inside her.
A satisfied sigh left her lips as the empty can crumbled in her hand.
"So… did you see everything?" she finally asked, casting him a sideways glance.
She had no idea how long he'd been there—how much he had heard.
Zhen tapped his chin, pretending to think as he started walking. "Hmm… since 'save your breath', I guess?'"
Korra groaned, running a palm over her face as she followed behind. "Since the start?"
"Pretty much"
"That's embarrassing," she muttered. "You must think I'm an idiot, huh?"
Zhen didn't respond right away, making his way to the edge of the pier.
He stared out at the water, lost in thought for a moment before answering. "Look, Avatar. I'm not really sure how things like that works"
Korra raised an eyebrow, watching him balance on the edge, one leg hanging over.
"So, I'm not much help in matters like that" his weight shifted to the other leg, his foot now fully over the edge. "Just do what you want. I won't judge or make fun of you. Though I don't think I really matter much in your affairs"
Finishing his sentence, he pushed himself forward, falling off the pier.
Korra widened her eyes. "Zhen?!"
Her footsteps bursted on the wood as she rushed to the edge, heart pounding, but there was no splash, no sound of him hitting the water.
Instead, she saw him below, sitting comfortably in a small boat, looking up at her with an amused expression.
"Get in!" he yelled out, cupping his hands around his mouth to make himself heard over the sound of the crashing waves. "Let's get you home!"
Korra couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips, but her eyes were sharp with mock anger. "You're stupid!"
Without missing her chance, she flicked her wrist, sending a stream of water surging toward him from the sea.
Zhen couldn't even react before the wave hit him square in the face, a loud gurgle escaping him as droplets sprayed in all directions. The water splashed back down into the dark sea with a soft hiss.
He wiped his face, his hair sticking to his forehead, then pushed his bangs back with a dramatic flourish, his grin never fading. "You could've toned it down a little!"
Korra chuckled, the irritation melting away as Zhen's laugh echoed in her ears. Even though her mind was still tangled in a storm of emotions, she couldn't help but smile.
Rolling her eyes playfully, she hopped down and landed on the boat, joining him with a light thud.
"Let me drive!" Korra declared, her fingers already gripping the wheel as she took control, leaving Zhen fumbling with his towel.
"Alright, alright" Zhen didn't resist, already seeing where this was going. "Just be—"
Korra slammed the throttle forward, sending the boat lurching. Zhen was thrown back, tumbling toward the rear of the boat with a surprised yelp.
Korra's grin stretched wider as she laughed, the wind whipping through her hair.
With a playful thought, she waved her arms forward, bending the water beneath the boat, lifting it momentarily off the surface, sending a thrilling wave crashing beneath them.
"Woohoo!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the roar of the engine, as the boat came back down into the water with a splash.
Her eyes sparkled as she pushed the boat faster, heading toward the island.
Zhen, however, couldn't take his eyes off her, watching her as she lightened with pure joy. Despite his usual guarded expression, a flicker of relief passed through him. He didn't show it, didn't know how to, but he does worry on his own.
Still, Zhen wasn't exactly relaxing. His face remained stoic, but his grip on the edge of the boat tightened, fingers digging into the edge as though anchoring himself for dear life.
He wasn't exactly a fan of the wild ride.
—————————————————————————————
[A Bit Later, Dragons Flat Borough]
After breaking away from Korra to chase after his younger brother, Mako found himself weaving through the dimly lit streets of Dragons Flat Borough. Despite his efforts, Bolin had slipped out of sight, leaving Mako searching through every alley and glancing into every window he passed.
"Bolin!" he called out, his voice echoing through the quiet streets as he cupped his hands around his mouth.
But only silence answered him.
With a frustrated sigh, Mako finally stopped, running a hand down his face. His exhaustion was catching up to him, the weight of the night pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Just as he punched the bridge of his nose, trying to clear his head, he felt a small tug on his coat.
Blinking, he looked down.
A young girl, no older than a child, stared up at him with wide, curious eyes, her tiny hands gripping the fabric of his coat.
AKAARI
AGE: 6
STATUS: Going Home
"Are you lost, Mister?" Akaari asked innocently.
"What? No" he replied automatically, his frustration making his voice sharper than intended.
But Akaari didn't seem fazed. "Then what are you doing out this late?"
Mako exhaled, glancing around the empty streets before looking back down at her. "I could ask you the same thing, kid"
The kid ignored him, turning around, but her tiny hand remained clenched around his coat, tugging insistently.
Mako barely budged.
"What do you think you're doing?" He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. There was no way a kid this small could actually move him.
Akaari glanced over her shoulder. "It's cold. Our place is warm. Come"
"I don't have time for this. Let go" he said it, but he didn't actually make an effort to pull away, maintaining at least a shred of dignity against a child.
Akaari, however, was undeterred. She planted her feet, gripping him with both hands now. "Mmmph! Come! Here!"
With all the strength her little body could muster, she yanked. Mako, utterly unphased, remained as immovable as a statue.
"Alright. Fine." Well, he relented in the end.
It was still just a kid, after all. And when Akaari beamed up at him, eyes bright with excitement, something about it softened his thoughts—almost made him feel like he was remembering something.
"Come. Our place is just over here!" She tugged at his coat again, and this time, Mako let her, watching as she eagerly pointed deeper into the alleyway.
What followed was a winding trek through narrow backstreets, past crumbling walls and dimly lit pathways. Honestly, it was a whole adventure of twists and turns—one Mako wasn't sure how he let himself get roped into.
By the time they reached their destination, he was expecting the worst. But instead of some rundown shack or another bleak corner of the borough, he was met with a surprisingly well-kept house. Bright. Fresh. New even. Almost out of place in such a sad, forgotten part of the city.
"This is home, Mister!" Akaari chirped, releasing his coat as she sprinted up to the door.
Without so much as a knock, she bursted inside, vanishing into the warm glow beyond.
Mako stood there, hands in his pockets, now suddenly aware that he was a complete stranger just outside someone's home. He lingered awkwardly at the doorstep, debating whether or not he should even be here.
He couldn't even decide to just leave now as the voices from inside grew clearer, moving toward the door.
"Bringing strangers here is dangerous Aka" a young man said—his voice more exasperated than scolding.
Was it even scolding?
"We brought you here!" Akaari shot back, a bit sassy.
"That's… different" a pause. "Well, I guess it's kinda the same"
Mako's brow furrowed. That voice—he knew it. Too well.
'Can't be…'
Before he could dwell on it, the door swung open.
Standing in the doorway was a young earthbender, wearing a pink apron, looking down at Akaari with a mixture of fondness and mild concern.
"Please be careful next ti—"
Bolin's voice lost its way the moment he looked up, his wide green eyes locking onto Mako's
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Both are just as speechless.
Mako blinked. "Hey, bro…"
Maybe he wasn't as speechless as he thought.
—————————————————————————————
[Harmony Tower]
Let's step back from the dark corners of Republic City for a change and into its more extravagant district—Harmony Park.
At its heart stood Harmony Tower, a beacon of modern luxury, where people gather to admire the cityscape glittering under the night sky.
But not everyone at the top was here for the view.
Beneath the bustling top floor, hidden within the support beams, two figures in robes crouched, tools in hands, eyes narrowed in frustration as they fiddled with devices.
"Why do I gotta be the one doing this…" Steam muttered under his breath, his fingers working swiftly over the contraption.
Beside him, another figure worked in silence, placing a similar device in carefully planned positions.
A sharp beep made Steam freeze.
"Damn it" he hissed, barely containing his irritation. "Gon have to redo now"
"I was wondering why you called me" the person beside him finally spoke up, finishing their work.
Click—
"I thought you were out with Leader?"
"PHANTOM"
AGE: 19
STATUS: 2nd Mission
Steam let out a short huff, his fingers moving more steadily now as he got the hang of the device.
"Left me for another mission" He muttered, irritation creeping into his voice. "Bastard likes working alone"
"Why don't Leader and Lieutenant get along?" Qoru asked as he swung to another support beam, a fresh device in hand. "I thought the Equalists were all on the same side, fighting for the same cause and all"
Steam let out a dry chuckle, correcting him. "You're getting things dead wrong if you think we're fighting for the same cause"
Qoru frowned. "I don't get it. Then why'd you join the movement? Isn't it to support the equalization of benders and nonbenders?"
Steam tightened the last component of his device with a sharp—
Click—
"Let me tell you something Newbie"
He pushed off the beam, swinging heavily to the next pillar.
"We are not Equalists" his voice was steady, but there was a weight behind it. "We're just the people Amon handpick to do the dirty work—so his movement stays clean"
Qoru secured his device tightly, then leaned against the support beam, his harness keeping him suspended midair.
Click—
"We'll just get left to collect dust as soon as Amon's plans come through" Steam muttered, his voice quieter, almost pensive. "That's why Leader wants me and Needle to bail before that happens. Needle's already got her exit covered. I'm just waiting for a chance to fight the Avatar again before I leave"
Qoru glanced at him. "What about Leader? Does he have plans?"
"Hmmm…" Steam finished his device and leaned back against the beam, folding his arms. "Didn't say anything to us. But I doubt he'll stick around"
It was an assumption—nothing more.
"Enough. Let's go" Steam gripped his wire and pressed a device on his belt, smoothly lowering himself.
"Are we done already? We haven't even gotten to my part yet" Qoru complained, following suit.
"Don't care"
"I'll tell Leader you were being an ass"
Their voices echoed beneath the tower as they descended, not bothering to keep quiet.
Not that anyone seemed to be listening.
—————————————————————————————
[Dragons Flat Borough]
After being invited inside for a meal, the children ran off to play, leaving Mako and Bolin alone in the living room.
Neither of them spoke at first. At all, even. It wasn't as if their anger was keeping them silent—just the unresolved boundary between them.
Mako leaned against the wall beside Bolin, shifting awkwardly with his arms crossed. He glanced at his younger brother, who sat on the couch, absently stroking a small feline curled in his lap.
"So… this is where you've been these days" Mako finally said, grasping for something—anything—to start a conversation.
Bolin nodded, eyes still on the creature in his hands. "Yeah… I… They're good people"
And just like that, silence fell again. Neither knew how to bridge the gap between them, and maybe neither of them was ready to try.
Mako exhaled, his gaze drifting to the kids in front of them. They played without a care, laughing as if the world outside this little home wasn't as cruel as it really was. He glanced back at Bolin—his little brother, no matter what had happened between them.
"Listen" Mako finally broke the silence, his voice losing its usual pride, softer. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry"
Bolin didn't move, but Mako pushed forward anyway.
"I know there's no excuse for what you saw"
His pride made the words stick to his throat, but he forced them out anyway—because Bolin deserved that much.
"It's fine…" Bolin finally answered, but his gaze remained fixed downward, avoiding Mako's eyes.
"No, it's not" Mako countered, though his voice stayed even. He wasn't here to push, just to be honest. "I knew how you felt about Korra… and what I did—it was a shit move"
Bolin stayed quiet, and just like his brother, his gaze started drifting toward the kids playing in front, their laughter filling the space between them. They didn't have a care in the world. Maybe that was why they didn't have the same issues he was having.
No matter what happened, Mako was still his older brother—the one who had raised him, sacrificed for him, protected him.
"You were huh" Bolin finally muttered. He exhaled, releasing a pressure he hadn't realized he was holding in. "Then again…. I thought it'd hurt more. But I don't know—I feel like someone picked up a huge boulder that's been sitting on my chest"
Mako listened in silence, for once not jumping in to explain or nag.
"I guess deep down, I always knew it would never work out" Bolin admitted, the small animal on his lap scurrying off. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Girls"
Mako huffed a laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Tell me about it"
Bolin hesitated for a beat, then asked, almost sheepishly. "So we're good?"
They had talked, sure, but he needed to hear it outright.
"Course we are" Without warning, the older brother leaned down, slinging an arm around Bolin's shoulder and pulling him in. "We're brothers. No matter what"
Bolin let out a surprised grunt, but then, after a moment, he leaned into the embrace. The weight between them wasn't completely gone—maybe it never would—but for now, it was enough.
"I see you two got things sorted out"
A soft voice broke their moment, prompting the brothers to pull apart. The warmth of freshly brewed tea filled the air as a young woman stepping into the room, carrying a tray with careful grace.
"Have some tea" she said with a smile, setting the tray down.
Mako straightened, a little embarrassed at being caught in the rare display of brotherly affection.
"Ah—yeah. Thank…" he hesitated, realizing he didn't know her name.
"Just call me Sera" she replied, her smile never fading.
SERA
AGE: 16
STATUS: "NEEDLE"
"Yeah, right…" Mako took in the tea's aroma before downing it in one swift gulp. The warmth spread through him, grounding him for a moment.
"C'mon kids, bedtime" Sera called out, her voice gentle as her smile.
To Mako's surprise, the children obeyed without protest, gathering their toys and stuffed animals before shuffling off. No complaints, no whining.
Bolin set down his cup, stretching as he got to his feet.
"We should probably head out now" He offered Sera a grateful nod.. "Thanks for having me… again"
"It's no issue. You're always welcome here" Sera responded with a warm bow.
Bolin rubbed the back of his neck, looking slightly sheepish. "Sorry for… showing an embarrassing side of me"
"You shouldn't feel embarrassed. I'm sure lots of people has had the same problems as you are" Sera's smile never wavered.
Mako placed his empty cup on the table, but something lingered—a scent, delicate yet familiar, clinging to the air.
His gaze flickered toward Sera as he followed Bolin to the door. Just for a moment, he caught her eyes on him before she offered him a small, knowing smile.
He stepped outside, the cool night air greeting him, but the scene lingered. It was stuck deep inside his thoughts.
"What are you doing?" Bolin stopped, eyeing his brother, who seemed lost in thought.
Snapping out of his trance, he shook his head and fell into step beside Bolin. "Nothing, just… just thinking about something"
For a moment, he considered asking Bolin—putting words to the strange feeling tugging at him. But he hesitated.
They had just gotten past the whole Korra situation. He wasn't about to dive headfirst into another mess involving a girl. Not yet.
So, he kept quiet.
At least until he could figure out what that was.
—————————————————————————————
[Probending Arena]
The night was alive with energy as a new match kicked off.
WHAT A KNOCKOUT!
Or ended.
The announcer's voice echoed through the arena as the Fire Ferrets had just secured a stunning victory in the semi-finals, punching their ticket to the championship match.
The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, fans leaping from their seats in excitement. The players roared in celebration, embracing their hard-fought win as the stadium pulsed with the electrifying energy of their triumph.
Though the Fire Ferrets' victory sent the arena into a frenzy, the energy inside the player's lounge felt… quiet—at least from the outside.
With a soft click, the door eased open, and Zhen stepped in. as expected, the usual scene greeted him. Asami was tending to Mako, her hands deftly working as she wiped him dry, while Korra sat beside Bolin, healing water wrapped around his shoulder. The soft blue glow reflected in her focused eyes.
Of course, the first to notice him was Korra.
"Zhen!" she turned at the sound of his footsteps
Zhen simply lifted a hand in a casual wave as he approached.
"Nice game" he complimented, though his tone was flat—it was obvious he hadn't watched a second of it.
Korra smirked knowingly. "Don't lie. You just got here, didn't you?"
Zhen just huffed in admittance, shifting his attention to Bolin instead. "You alright?"
Bolin, still melting under the soothing effects of the healing water, let out a blissful sight.
"Yeah, yeah, just~ fine... Oh~ that his the spot~"
A bit too relaxed.
Zhen eyed him for a moment before his expression softened slightly. His voice dropped just enough to be heard over the noise. "Are you two alright?"
"Yeah we're fine"
"We worked things out"
Korra and Bolin answered in sync, their voices light. Before Zhen could respond, a loud chime rang through the arena, followed by an announcement booming over the speakers.
YOUR WINNERS—THE WOLF BATS!
"What? How is it over already?" Korra abruptly stopped her healing and stood, moving toward the railing to get a better look.
Down in the arena, the Wolf Bats stood tall, basking in the crowd's deafening cheers. Their captain wore a smug grin as he waved theatrically, oozing in arrogance.
"Quite merciless" Zhen noted, nodding toward the lower part of the ring.
The others followed his gaze, their expressions darkening as they spotted the defeated team being fished out of the water, medics rushing to their aid.
I hope the Ferrets know a good doctor—'cause they're gonna need one!
The announcer continued, dripping with dramatic flair.
The Fire Ferrets exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of their upcoming match settling over them.
Well—almost all of them
Zhen, still unfazed, had his arms crossed and tilted his head slightly. "So… who're they?"
Silence.
Slowly, the group turned to stare at him, expressions collectively in disbelief.
It was as if it should've been obvious.
"It's Tahno and his Wolf Bats" Mako answered, his grip tightening around the railing. His knuckles turned white as he stared down at the celebrating champions. "They're the defending champions, and who we have to face next"
"They're assholes who went out of their way to provoke Korra. Probably just jealous cause we have the Avatar!" Bolin huffed, clutching his arm. His tone was dramatic, but from the look of his face, he didn't seem like he made it up.
Still, Zhen wasn't one to take things at face value.
He turned to Korra. "That true?"
She let out a small sigh before nodding. "Yeah, that guy just came to me and said all that weird stuff"
Her explanation was far milder than Bolin's, but the irritation in her voice was unmistakable.
"Doesn't matter anyway" she continued, rolling her shoulders. "I wanted to meet him in the finals and show him who the real loser is"
With a sharp exhale, Korra clenched her fist and smacked it into her palm. Her brows furrowed but her lips grinned, determination blazing in her eyes.
But she wasn't the only one with the flare.
Behind her, Zhen stood with a similar glare, his crimson gaze locked onto the stage below. Though his expression lacked the same raw heat, more focused.
—————————————————————————————
[The Next Day, Downtown District]
A break from all the drama and pro-bending leads us to one of the busiest districts in Republic City—not just crowded, but alive with industry.
This was the heart of business and innovation, where towering corporations shaped the city's future. And at the center of it all stood Future Industries—the very pulse of modern technology.
Inside one of its workshops, a young woman worked tirelessly, lost in her craft.
ASAMI SATO
AGE: 18
STATUS: Working
Tss—Tss—Tss
Sparks flew, scattering against her goggles. The heat pressed against her gloved hands, searing through the fabric—but she didn't flinch.
Her focus never wavered.
Phew~
As the whir of machinery came to a stop, Asami let out a tired breath. She wiped her forehead with her arm, her gaze sweeping over her work with a satisfied nod.
"Zhen!" she called, reaching a hand back without looking. "Mind grabbing me the screwdriver?"
Zhen, standing over the toolbox, frowned at his lack of understanding. "There's like… thirty different screwdrivers here"
Ever since he first helped out in the workshop, Hiroshi had been calling on him more often to assist his daughter. Not that he was much help—most of the time, he was just following behind her, bored out of his mind.
"It's the one that has a six-point star pattern" Asami clarified, glancing back at him.
Zhen squinted at the array of tools, scanning for the right one. With a small huff, he picked up the one that seemed right and tossed it her way.
'Should be this…'
The screwdriver landed neatly in her palm.
"Thanks" Asami said without missing a beat, already turning back to her work. "And… Done!"
Well, it seemed she was already finished.
"So what is it supposed to do exactly?" Zhen's boredom had finally given way to curiosity.
He wasn't exactly a tech expert, but anyone would be intrigued by an invention they'd never seen before.
"I'm trying to get a boost for my car" Asami, like every excited inventor, was eager to show her work. "So you just press this, and it redirects some of the gas from this tank to—"
She flipped a switch.
The engine roared to life, rattling on the table as flames burst from the rear. The entire setup trembled, sending a low vibration through the floor.
But something didn't seem right. The machine was moving a little too much.
"Is-Isn't this supposed to be strapped?" Zhen noticed a small, belt-like strap dangling uselessly off the side of the table.
Asami blinked at him, her bright smile frozen in place as she processed what he just said.
Then—
"Ah—"
VVVRRRT-BOOM!
As expected, the rogue machinery shot across the workshop like a possessed lemur, ricocheting off walls and slamming into every corner with wild, unpredictable force. Sparks rained down as workers scrambled for cover, diving behind workbenches and hastily assembled barricades of unfinished prototypes. The air filled with the sharp scent of burning metal and scorched wood.
The engine streaked past, leaving behind a trail of singed toolboxes, overturned carts, and fresh burn marks etched into every surface until—
BOOM!
The contraption met its final destination: a towering stack of carts in the corner, reducing them to a heap of splinters and twisted metal. The engine sputtered in protest, coughing out its last breath before finally falling silent.
For a moment, nothing but stunned silence.
Then, cautious heads began peeking out from hiding places.
"Everyone good?" One of the older workers called out, scanning the room.
A few murmured responses followed as workers emerged, dusting themselves off. Some hurried toward the smoking wreckage in the corner, while others turned their attention to the source of the chaos…
Oh right, Asami.
"Is Miss Sato alright?!"
The older worker didn't wait for an answer, rushing toward Asami's private workshop with a few others in tow. The door was broken open, revealing a thick haze of smoke curling through the air.
But oddly enough, most of it lingered near the entrance, while the inside remained surprisingly clear.
"Mfph. Oh? Are you guys al—Mfph?"
To their relief, Asami was unharmed… mostly. She sat in the middle of the room, dazed but intact, her face covered in ash and soot, her apron singed, and her gloves barely holding together.
Zhen, on the other hand, looked like he'd walked straight through an explosion—which, well, he kind of had.
His shirt was practically gone, the front half barely clinging to his frame while the back had been completely burned away, exposing a clear scorch mark trailing across his shoulder. His hair, usually tied back, was a wild mess, his tie either incinerated or lost somewhere around.
Despite his condition, Zhen remained unbothered, causally using a clean towel and wiping Asami's face. With each pass, clear skin reappeared beneath the soot, revealing her usual composed expression… though with less of her usual make-up.
"Nothing to—Mfph—worry about everyone" she assured them with a casual wave, barely fazed by the chaos. "Just get back to work"
Zhen kept her face still as she kept glancing around, more concerned about her invention than her appearance.
"Hold still" he muttered, running the towel over her cheek. "Why are you even wearing makeup…"
Asami, assuming he was making conversation, responded. "A girl's gotta look their best wherever, you know"
Zhen snorted. "You dad's going to kill me if something happens to you on my watch"
Asami huffed, a small smirk playing at her lips. "Nothing's going to happen to—Mfph"
She barely finished her sentence before she felt her cheeks squished by rough hands, tilting her face up to get the last streak of soot off her neck.
Satisfied, Zhen gave the towel a half-hearted dust-off before ultimately tossing it aside.
That's when the sting on his back finally registered—a sharp, raw burn that pulsed as he breathed.
He exhaled through his nose, rolling his shoulders as if that would ease the pain. With a resigned sigh, he peeled off the front of what remained of his tattered shirt, turning it into a makeshift rag to wipe the grime from his own face.
"Sit" Asami ordered, already rummaging through her drawers.
Zhen, still scrubbing his cheeks, didn't bother arguing. He simply dropped into the chair, waiting for whatever she had planned.
"Hey, be honest with me" Asami began, her voice suddenly much closer—just behind Zhen. "Does Korra not like me?"
Patting his face to finish up, Zhen set his ruined shirt aside. "Why ask me?"
"Because you're the only one I can ask" she gathered his hair, gripping the thick strands. It was coarser than hers, heavier too, but she still tried her best to manage it—though not without a grumble. "How do you tie this everyday?"
"I wouldn't say she dislikes you" he answered vaguely.
But as smart as Asami was, she wasn't letting him get away with just that.
"I don't know… she's quite distant from me" she barely managed to tie his hair, though she couldn't do it properly so it's a bit of a mess compared to his usual.
"I don't really know?!" he exaggerated, his voice rising slightly at the end—only to tense as a sudden chill spread across his burn.
"Sorry" Asami apologized, her tone light with amusement. "It's a burn ointment. Supposed to help cool it down"
She spread the lotion over his wide back—all of it—earning a visible shiver from him. Asami's brow quirked. The ointment had a minty tingle, but it wasn't cold enough to get a reaction. And in a workshop this warm, his reaction seemed… off.
"You good?" she asked, her previous playfulness slipping into concern.
Zhen didn't answer right away. Seconds stretched, nearly a full minute passing before he finally spoke.
"Yeah… yeah. I'm fine" he assured her, though his voice lacked its usual blankness. "Just a bit… colder than I expected"
Asami hesitated before nodding. "Alright… I'm gonna keep going, okay?"
He gave her a small, wordless nod before turning away slightly, his posture slouching just enough as if he was trying to keep warm in the snow.
Asami said nothing. For some reason, she felt like she shouldn't.
She continued applying the ointment in silence, tracing her fingers carefully over the burns. The warmth of the workshop should have made it bearable, but Zhen remained still, unnaturally so.
Even when she finished and wiped her hands clean with a towel, she kept her voice hushed.
"Done" A soft pat on his back, then she stood.
Tzz—zzzz—Tzzzz—
But their quiet was shattered by the sharp crackle of radio static.
Good morning, citizens of Republic City
A slow, eerie voice followed.
This is Amon
Both Zhen and Asami snapped to attention, their eyes focusing onto the radio.
I hope you all enjoyed last night's probending match… because it will be the last.
Zhen, sitting closest, reached over and dialed up the volume.
It's time for this city to stop worshipping bending athletes as if they were heroes. I am calling on the council to shut down the bending arena and cancel the finals… or else…
A pause. Letting the weight settle to the listeners.
There will be severe consequences
Then, just as suddenly as it began—
Tzzz—
The radio cut to static.
And then—silence.
"Oh no" Asami breathed, reacting first. "You think Mako and the rest are going to be alright?"
"They'll be fine" Zhen, however, remained barely fazed. "I'm sure the Avatar is making her way to the council right now"
Unlike Asami, his concern didn't manifest in urgency or fear. Instead there was a strange calmness to him.
"I'm sure they'll figure it out" he added, stretching as he stood. Then, after a brief pause, he glanced at her. "Do you… have anything I can wear?"
Asami had been so caught up in Amon's announcement that she completely forgot Zhen had been shirtless the whole time.
"Oh! Hold on. I'll grab you something from the office" she said quickly, brushing past him and disappearing into the next room.
Left alone, Zhen's gaze drifted over the cluttered table. His eyes landed on a stack of blueprints, partially unrolled. Curious, and frankly a little bored, he pulled one of them open, smoothing out the paper with his hands.
He scanned the schematics, his brows knitting together.
"Some kind of…" he muttered, trying to make sense of the technical drawings.
He wasn't an engineer, but he'd been around makeshift tech enough to recognize small components when he saw them. And this—this looked like a power source.
A battery.
And it was designed to hold a massive charge.
—————————————————————————————
[???, ???]
The air was thick with the scent of oil and smoke, the low hum of machinery filling the space.
Workers moved in steady rhythm, hauling crates, securing shipments, and making final adjustments to sparking devices. The dim light casting long shadows across metal walls, flickering against rising steam.
High above the organized chaos, a lone figure stood, watching. Completely still.
AMON
AGE: ???
STATUS: Equalist Leader
He did not stir, even as the faint sound of approaching footsteps echoed behind him.
"LIEUTENANT"
AGE: ???
STATUS: Right Hand Man
"I just got word. The council defied your threat" The Lieutenant reported, voice steady. "They're keeping the arena open"
A beat of silence. then—Amon's lips curled behind his mask, his satisfaction hidden from view.
"Perfect…" he murmured, a quiet amusement lacing his words.
His gaze remained fixed below, watching his loyal followers move with precision, each step bringing them closer to his vision.
Everything was unfolding exactly as he had foreseen.
"Everything is going according to plan"
"Are we calling in Faceless to join this one?" The Lieutenant asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
Amon fingers drummed against the railing as he mulled over the decision. A quiet moment passed before he spoke.
"Yes" he finally decided, turning to face his most trusted enforcer. "He and his force will join us. Their presence will be crucial in demonstrating the true strength of our revolution"
The Lieutenant hesitated for just a fraction of a second, then gave a firm nod. "I'll send word out immediately"
He turned to leave, but a shadow of doubt lingered beneath his obedience. He had faith in Amon's vision—he had sworn himself to it. And yet… something about involving the leader of the separate force unsettled him.
Regardless, his duty was not to question.
It was to act.
—————————————————————————————
[Afternoon, Probending Arena]
After Amon's blatant threat, the council had been ready to shut down the championship match—until Korra and her friends, with the backing of Chief Lin Beifong, convinced them otherwise.
Determined to uphold the event's integrity, Lin took personal charge of securing the arena, ensuring it wouldn't fall victim to the Equalists' schemes.
Arriving early with a full squad of metalbenders, she led the sweep herself. No corner went unchecked. Every hallway, every undercroft, every forgotten crevice—nothing escaped her scrutiny.
She stalked through the empty corridors with her officers, scanning for hidden traps or infiltrators. Even the underside of each chair was inspected, ensuring there was no place for sabotage or lurk.
If the Equalists were planning something, they wouldn't catch Republic City's Chief of Police unprepared.
Click
However, Chief Beifong had overlooked one thing.
Click
While her officers scoured the arena for threats—
Click
Others were planting them.
"Clear" a disguised officer murmured into an earpiece, securing a small device beneath the seat. His gloved fingers lingered just long enough to ensure it was in place. "Moving to the lower levels"
He slipped away, blending seamlessly into the patrols.
Click
"Clear here" another voice crackled in.
Click
"Set on my end" a third confirmed.
It wasn't just one.
End