[A Couple Days Later. Probending Arena]
A new day had begun, and already, another challenge greeted the Avatar: The Pro-Bending Tournament.
Mako, Bolin, and—finally, after a full week of lateness—Korra arrived early, starting their training. Every moment counted. They pushed themselves through drills, refining their bending, sharpening their skills, and, most importantly, strengthening their teamwork.
But no team could function without the people supporting them behind the scenes.
And in the quiet halls of the arena, two of those people crossed paths.
At an intersection, a young woman pushed a cart laden with neatly folded clothes.
Her striking green eyes were accentuated by precise makeup, and her long, dark hair—styled to look elegant—suggested it had taken hours to do. She wore her standard work uniform, custom-made for casual wear, letting her keep an air of professionalism while in comfort.
ASAMI SATO
AGE: 18
STATUS: Future Industries Heir
She paused mid-step, raising a brow slightly as she took in the sight before her.
"Zhen?"
A young man had stopped in the middle of the hall, glancing around confusingly. His dark hair, tied back, draped over his shoulder, shifted as he moved. He wore his usual attire: sleeveless shirt exposing toned arms, a traditional skirt layered over his pants, and heavy boots that looked well-worn from travel.
A bag of groceries rested against his hip, his fingers curled loosely around the handles.
ZHEN
AGE: 19
STATUS: Lost
At the sound of her voice, he turned, his face lighting up—relieved, almost happy.
But just as quickly, the smile faded, replaced by a carefully neutral expression. "Miss Sato"
"Are you… alright?" she asked, more so for the sake of just asking.
Ahem…
Zhen cleared his throat. "Just on my way to pick up the Avatar"
Asami took a good long look at him. He was avoiding her gaze, and if she looked closely, she could swear she saw a faint sheen of sweat on his face.
With a knowing sigh, she offered a warm smile. "I'm actually on my way to meet with them. Wanna come?"
"Yes!" His response came a little too quickly. Realizing it, he quickly composed himself. "I-I mean, sure. Need help?"
"Be my guest" Asami let go of the cart, smirking slightly as Zhen instinctively took over pushing it.
They walked in the familiar silence through the brightly lit halls, the walls the same dull color as every other corridor in the arena. It felt almost suffocating.
"Don't you have Task Force work today?" Asami finally asked, knowing Zhen wouldn't start a conversation on his own.
"Oh…. that" Zhen thought for a moment, debating on how much to say. "Councilman Tarrlok put a hold on all Task Force activities. He's probably getting chewed out by the Council right now"
"Is that so?" Asami glanced at him, concern flickering in her green eyes. "You've been doing okay?
Zhen gave a noncommittal hum.
"When I saw you at that press conference, you looked like you were about to fall over" she added, her voice softer now.
"Mostly fine" he admitted, shifting the grocery bag from his hand onto the cart. "Courtesy of the Avatar's care"
His tone was neutral, as always. It was hard to tell what, if anything, he actually felt.
For a moment, silence settled between them again, familiar—until Zhen, recalling their first meeting and the observation Asami had made back then, decided to make an effort.
"So… what's all this?" he gestured at the cart's contents.
Asami perked up, pleased by his curiosity.
"Uniforms" she said, picking up one from the neatly folded pile and unfolding it in front of her with a satisfied smile. "I had them made for everyone to wear"
"Well that's nice" Zhen gave a faint smile, a rare flicker of appreciation in his otherwise neutral expression.
Asami folded the shirt over her arm and let it rest there as they walked. "I wanted to do more, but I'm afraid it'd just distract them from the tournament"
"I'm sure they'll appreciate what you made them" Zhen replied simply.
"You think?" Asami asked, searching for reassurance.
"Probably. They're good people"
The conversation lulled as they reached the gymnasium. Inside, the trio stood huddled together, focused in deep discussion.
Without drawing attention to themselves, Zhen silently pushed the cart forward. The wheels squeaked against the floor, but none of the three seemed to notice, too caught up in their discussion.
Zhen was just about to call out—
"Av—"
—When Asami placed a finger over her lips, smirking playfully.
He caught on and remained quiet, following her lead as they stepped closer.
"READY!"
The Fire Ferrets broke from their huddle, their voices filled with determination—only to be met with amused interruption.
"Not quite~" Asami chimed in.
The trio turned their heads toward her.
"Asami!" Of course, the first to greet her was the oldest of the group.
MAKO
AGE: 18
STATUS: Asami's Boyfriend
"Good morning, Sweetie!" Asami happily returned the greeting as her boyfriend made his way over to her.
The couple had their own little ritual—rubbing noses affectionately. Cute to them, maybe, but not everyone was a fan.
One of the Ferrets made that abundantly clear.
KORRA
AGE: 17
STATUS: Avatar
Ugh~
Korra pulled a face, sticking out her tongue in exaggerated disgust.
Whap!
"Ow! Hey!" she winced, rubbing the back of her head as she spun around to glare at Zhen, who had casually positioned himself beside her.
"That's rude" he said flatly, flexing his wrist as if warming up for another.
Korra huffed, raising her hands behind her head as if ready to shield it, pouting all the while.
"You heading somewhere else, or do you wanna go back together?" he asked, making Korra lower her hands.
"Yeah, I'll just pack up" Korra nodded.
Zhen studied her for a moment, noticing the faint tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers twitched slightly at her sides. His gaze lingered just long enough for Korra to feel it.
"What?" she glanced up at him, raising a brow.
Zhen was quiet for a beat before speaking. "You doing alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine" Korra averted her gaze, her thumbs fidgeting against each other. "Just wait for a bit, yeah?"
She tapped her knuckles lightly against his chest before heading over to her bag by the wall. Zhen, meanwhile, walked back to the cart to grab the grocery bags he had left.
As she packed away her spare clothes, Mako spoke up, gathering attention.
"Well, teammates" he announced, sliding an arm comfortably around Asami's waist as she leaned into him. "I'll see you before the match tonight"
Asami smiled, wrapping her arm around him as well.
"We've got a lunch date" he added as he guided Asami out, pushing the cart along with them.
"Okay, we'll check you guys later" the younger Fire Ferret waved cheerfully. "You know, we'll see you when we see you"
Korra stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
As she adjusted the strap, the younger Ferret finished packing his things and cleared his throat before stepping beside her.
BOLIN
AGE: 16
STATUS: Single
"So… Korra" Bolin slid in smoothly, propping his head lazily against his hands. "There they go~ here we are~ all alone in the gym"
She glanced briefly before her eyes landed on Zhen, waiting quietly by the entrance. Then, turning back to Bolin, she raised a brow.
"Just you and me" he went on, gesturing between them with a wide grin.. "Just two… alone people. Together. Alone"
"Uh… I gotta head back to the Air Temple with Zhen" she awkwardly pointed toward the door. "Still need to train on my airbending. See ya!"
Before Bolin could get another word out, she gave a quick wave and darted toward the exit, leaving him standing there, shoulders slumping in defeat.
When she stepped into the halls, she looked around, expecting to see Zhen—but he was gone.
"Zhen?" At first, her voice held mild confusion, but as she turned her head frantically, searching the area, her grip on her bag tightened.
She didn't realize she was holding her breath until she felt a sudden tap on her head.
"Avatar?"
She spun around so fast she nearly stumbled, eyes wide, faint sweat beading at her temple.
Zhen blinked at her, surprised by her expression. "I just went to the restroom real quick. Anything wrong?"
Korra exhaled sharply, shoulders relaxing as she rolled her eyes.
"Nothing" she adjusted the strap of her bag as she turned on her heel. "Let's just go"
Zhen didn't push the matter, simply falling into step beside her. As they walked through the halls, the silence between them grew comfortable, though the slight tension from one of them was still present.
Then, just barely, he felt a light tug at the hem of his shirt.
He said nothing. He just let it be, subtly slowing his pace to match hers.
—————————————————————————————
[Winter Afternoon. Dragon Flats Borough]
Snow drifted gently from the gray skies of Republic City, muffling the world in a cold, quiet embrace. The sun remained hidden behind the thick clouds, and the chill in the air turned every breath into mist. Ice clung to rooftops and railings, shimmering faintly under the dull winter light.
It was the kind of afternoon where people huddled together, warmed by the firelight and steaming cups of tea.
And for the first time in years, the small orphanage in Dragon Flats Borough could finally share in that warmth.
The once-creaking foundation had been reinforced, the shattered windows replaced. The walls no longer groaned with age, and the draft that had once snuck through every crack had been sealed away. Inside, the air smelled of fresh wood and clean linens. Brand-new appliances gleamed in the kitchen, and the once-cramped space now stretched comfortably, allowing the children to run and play freely.
Laughter filled the halls. Some kids raced through the rooms in their new winter clothes, while others gathered in the kitchen, eager to help prepare the evening meal.
At the counter, a young woman expertly sliced vegetables into thin, even pieces.
SERA
AGE: 16
STATUS: Preparing a meal
She glanced up from her cutting board, eyes the boy stirring a pot on the stove beside her.
"So… you were planning on asking the Avatar out tonight?" she asked, her tone casual but teasing.
Across from her, Bolin tasted the soup, humming thoughtfully before answering.
"Yeah" he admitted, giving the broth another stir. "Well, I don't know… She doesn't seem to think anything of me. I've been giving a lot of hints… I think"
There was a flicker of doubt behind his usual confidence, subtle but there. Sera walked over, carrying the freshly cut vegetables and letting them slide into the pot with a soft splash.
"Well" she said, setting the cutting board down. "Why not give it a shot?"
Bolin paused mid-stir, resting his chin between his fingers as he mulled it over.
"I don't get it" he said, glancing down at her.
She chuckled, taking the ladle from his grip and effortlessly taking over "I'm saying, take her out and see where it goes. If she's interested, great. If not…"
She lifted the ladle to her lips, tasting the broth.
Mirroring Bolin's earlier reaction, she hummed, before adding with a quiet, almost reflective tone. "Isn't getting an answer now better than just blindly waiting for something that might never happen?"
Bolin watched her for a moment, then exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… I guess you're right"
Sera smirked, wiping her hands on a cloth. "Come on, it's time for dinner."
She reached for the large pot, lifting it with ease.
Bolin flinched, instinctively moving to catch it. "Wait—"
But before he could react further, she was already carrying it out of the kitchen effortlessly. He stood there, momentarily blank.
'She's strong…'
Shaking off his surprise, he followed her out and took a seat at the large dining table beside her. As Sera ladled steaming soup into the children's bowls, a thought popped into Bolin's mind.
"Oh right" he picked up a bowl, helping her serve. "Have you thought about that offer yet?"
The children, lost in their own chatter and laughter, paid no mind to the question. But Sera, despite trying to ignore it, couldn't.
"It would be a blessing to…" she murmured, her voice quit, holding back the slightest tremor.. "Education… a chance at normal jobs. A real future where they can hold their heads up high"
She sighed, her grip tightening around the ladle.
"But it's not a decision I can make by myself"
Bolin frowned, confusion flickering across his face. "Why? Mako already put in a good word with Mr. Sato. They just need your consent as their guardian, and the kids will be taken care of. You… will be taken care of"
It was a good deal—one that any rational person would take without hesitation. If it were up to her alone, she would've accepted it in a heartbeat. But it wasn't up to her.
"I'm sorry" Sera said softly, setting another bowl down in front of a child. "I just need more time"
Bolin watched her closely. He could've pressed further, could've argued that she was making things harder than they needed to be. But something in her tone—something uncertain—held him back.
He sat back down, the space between them suddenly thick with an unexplainable tension. He stared into his bowl, his murky reflection rippling in the broth.
Then, Sera spoke again, her voice quieter. "But… I'll make sure the kids at least get to see that future"
Bolin glanced up, catching the way her fingers curled up slightly around the edge of her bowl, how her eyes never quite lifted.
He gave a small, understanding smile. "I'll let Mako know you still need time"
Brightening up, he dug into his meal, making a show of savoring each bite, hoping to ease the heaviness between them. But Sera, lost in her own thoughts, only stirred her soup in silence, the steam slowly fading between them.
"...Thanks"
The word slipped out so softly, so faint, that even she wasn't sure she had spoken it at all.
—————————————————————————————
[Evening. Air Temple IslIt and]
Like Republic City, the quiet island wasn't spared from the grasp of winter. Snow blanketed the trees, the once-green ground buried beneath a soft white layer.
Near the cliffs, by the gazebo, four girls—Korra among them—talked and giggled, their breath curling into the crisp evening air. But soon, one of them excused herself, leaving the trio behind to mingle amongst themselves.
As she made her way back to her quarters, her hand instinctively cradled her belly, whether for warmth or in silent comfort for the growing life within her.
PEMA
AGE: 35
STATUS: Pregnant
Shhhkk!
The rhythmic scrape of metal against stone caught her attention. Course, she already knew who it was. As expected, the only person still working in the cold was exactly who she thought it would be.
Zhen stood a short distance away, wrapped in a thick blanket, methodically shoveling snow. The cleared paths and neatly carved walkways behind him suggested he had been at it for hours, working long after the others had retreated indoors.
"A bit late to be shoveling snow, dear" Pema called gently, stopping in the middle of the snow-covered path she was on.
Zhen paused, resting his weight on the shovel as he exhaled, his breath visible in the frigid air. He glanced up at her, the exhaustion barely masked in his sharp features.
"Well…" he muttered, stabbing the shovel into the ground. "Seemed no one really likes doing this type of work… Might as well"
The chilling breeze bit at his skin, prompting him to pull the blanket tighter around his body.
Pema noticed the slight tremble in his frame, the way his fingers clenched the fabric just a little too tightly. When he shifted, the large cloth slipped slightly, revealing his usual attire underneath—which was far too thin for the biting cold.
Achoo!
Zhen sneezed abruptly, his body curling in on itself as he hugged his arms for warmth.
Pema took a step closer, her voice laced with concern seeing the young man. "Let's get you inside, dear"
Zhen instinctively pulled away, shaking his head.
"I-Its fine" he insisted, but his words broke like thin sheets of ice. "Th-there's a fire back in my—in my place"
Another gust of wind swept through, making the young man shudder despite his stubborn stance. Pema could only sigh, folding her arms.
"Now now" she said, spinning Zhen around with a firm push as she guided him toward the temple. "You pulled the same stunt last year. And remind me—how did that turn out?"
Though her push was forceful, Zhen barely resisted, not really putting up much of a fight
"Please don't bring it up" he muttered, voice muffled under the blanket. "It was an honest mistake"
Pema scoffed, a teasing tilt in her voice. "Oh, sure. Because trying to take a dip in the freezing sea was just a little slip-up, right?"
Zhen groaned at the memory, his lips pressing into a small pout—one that didn't escape Pema's notice.
Smirking, she gave his back another gentle push. "Go on, stubborn. Let's get you inside"
The moment they stepped through the temple doors, the contrast was obvious. The warmth enveloped them, though Zhen still shivered from spending too long outside with barely any protection against the cold. His body was slow to register the heat, but he could feel it sinking in.
As Pema shut the door behind them, she led the way down the halls without a word. Zhen trailed behind, glancing around.
"Where's the kitchen?" he asked, his voice still carrying the slight tremor of lingering cold.
Pema didn't break her stride, though her steps were slow. "I know what you're trying to do. And it's a no"
"It—"
"No" she cut in before he could finish. "Let the acolytes handle the tea"
Zhen huffed but didn't bother arguing, stuffing his hands deeper into the blanket as they made their way to the dining area.
The low table sat at the center of the room, cushions neatly arranged around it. As Pema slowly knelt down, Zhen reached out, steadying her by the arm and hand. She settled into place with a soft sigh, resting her hands on her lap.
"Thank you, dear" she said warmly.
Zhen gave a small nod. He hesitated for a moment before finally lowering himself onto the cushion across from her, his movements slow, uncertain if he should sit on the cushion or the floor.
The quiet hum of the temple filled the space around them. The warmth of the room finally seeped into Zhen's stiff limbs, and he let out a long exhale. Across from him, Pema adjusted her sleeves, her gaze settling on him with quiet amusement.
"It's your first time inside, isn't it?" she observed, noticing the way he sat—rigid, like he didn't quite belong.
Zhen shifted slightly, adjusting his blanket over his shoulders.
"Not exactly…" He admitted. "I, uh… snuck into the temple the other night to bring the Avatar to her room"
"Oh~" Pema smirked, lifting her brows in amusement. "Speaking of Korra, I heard she was interested in a boy. Do you know anything about that?"
Zhen's gaze drifted upward in thought. He mulled over the question before settling on a name.
"Mako?" He guessed, still uncertain. "That factory boy?"
Pema's smirk deepened. "What's he like? Korra seemed head over heels for that boy~"
"Hm…" Zhen frowned slightly, as if thinking too hard about something that didn't require that much effort. "He's fine, I think? Handsome, yes"
An acolyte entered, setting a cup of tea in front of Pema before giving a short bow. She picked it up, taking a slow sip before responding.
"That's it?"
Zhen hesitated, rolling his shoulders beneath the blanket. Truthfully he hadn't spent much time around Mako—or even his brother, for that matter. Their conversations had been brief, usually just passing words in the background when they met. And then there were the looks—the subtle glares Mako sent his way when he thought Zhen wasn't paying attention.
It didn't bother him.
Not really.
But he noticed.
"I don't really know him well" Zhen admitted at last. "He keeps his distance from me. Not sure if that's just how he is, or if he doesn't like me"
Pema hummed, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Well, considering how close you are to Korra, I wouldn't be surprised if he felt a little… wary"
Zhen was about to brush it off when another acolyte set a cup of tea before him as well. The faint lack of steam made him eye it for a moment, but he drank it politely.
"I don't see why he should" he said finally, setting the cup down gently. "I wouldn't do anything to harm the Avatar"
Pema chucked, shaking her head. "That's not really what I meant"
She tapped her finger against the table, watching as Zhen took another sip of his tea. It was hard to tell if he actually enjoyed it or if he was just drinking out of politeness. His expression was more puzzled than anything, like he was trying to figure out what he was supposed to be tasting.
A mischievous glint suddenly flickered in her eyes. "So, any special girl in your life, Zhen?"
Zhen lowered his cup slightly. "Should there be?"
Pema hummed happily, resting her chin on her hand.
"You tell me~" she drew out the words playfully. "I want you to really~ think about it"
Zhen exhaled softly, his gaze drifting again as he considered her words. He took her request seriously, sinking into thought.
After a couple minutes of just silence, Pema blinked, slightly impressed. Most people would have laughed it off or given a quick answer, but Zhen was really thinking about it.
Not wanting to strain the young man's brain too much, she gave his arm a gentle tap. "Well, dear, if you do manage to find out who, let me know, okay?"
Zhen turned to her, and she met him with a warm smile—a knowing wink to go with it.
For a split second, something flickered in her expression. It was still Pema sitting across from him, but for the briefest moment, the curve of her smile, the light in her eyes—something about it wasn't hers. It was someone else's. Someone familiar.
The image vanished just as quickly as it came, leaving only a lingering warmth in his chest.
He let out a small chuckle, lifting his cup once more. "I'll make sure to let you know"
Pema nodded approvingly, taking a sip of her own tea.
The two sat in comfortable silence, the quiet hum of the temple wrapping around them like a soft embrace, the warmth of the tea settling in their bodies.
—————————————————————————————
[Probending Arena]
Folks, after a year of waiting, the Probending Championship Tournament is finally here!
As night fell, the city came alive. Snow drifted through the air, crisp and cold, but the energy inside the packed arena burned hotter than ever. Cheers erupted, the crowd's anticipation reaching a fever pitch as the announcer's voice boomed through the stadium, kicking off the event.
Tonight's match would determine whether the Fire Ferrets had what it took to compete with the best. It was their moment to prove they belonged in the big leagues.
High above the roaring crowd, in a VIP box with the second best view in the house, were two spectators—Asami and Zhen.
Asami shifted in her seat, glancing up at the person standing behind her. "Are you sure you don't want to sit down?"
Zhen stood rigid, arms crossed, his eyes focused onto the arena. "I'm fine, I'm used to just standing"
"Still…" Asami frowned slightly, debating whether to push it. But after a moment, she let it go with a small sigh. "Nevermind"
DING! DING! DING!
The sharp ring of the bell signaled the start of the match, and immediately, both teams clashed in an explosive exchange. A flurry of fire, water, and earth erupted in the middle of the platform, forcing each side to stagger back. But they recovered quickly, launching into another relentless barrage.
Zhen's eyes narrowed, tracking one fighter in particular despite only seeing a moving blur. "She's moving better than her first match…"
Asami nodded, her gaze following the whole team. "Yeah. They've been really at it in practice"
She failed to notice that Zhen was watching only one of the Fire Ferrets.
The match intensified. The Fire Ferrets pressed their advantage, their teamwork was seamless. Every time one of them was singled out, the others closed in to cover them. They wove between attacks, countered with precise strikes, and overwhelmed their opponents with sheet momentum.
The other team was no longer fighting to win—they're just fighting to stay on their toes.
Then—
Ding! Ding! Ding!
The final round ended with a splash as all three opponents tumbled off the platform and into the water below.
ALL THREE ROUNDS GO TO THE FUTURE INDUSTRIES' FIRE FERRETS! WHO WIN THEIR OPENING MATCH OF THE TOURNAMENT
The stadium erupted into cheers. The Fire Ferrets celebrated in the ring, their victory undeniable.
Asami shot up from her seat, beaming. "They did it!"
Behind her, Zhen gave a slow, deliberate clap.
Asami turned to him, eyes sparkling with excitement. "They won!"
Before he could react, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug, giggling as she looked up at him.
"Come on, let's go congratulate them!"
Zhen barely managed a "Sure, just—"
But Asami wasn't waiting for an answer. Still holding onto his arm, she pulled him along, her excitement propelling them out of the VIP booth and straight toward the Fire Ferrets' waiting room.
She practically dragged Zhen through the stadium corridors, weaving effortlessly through the empty halls, not hesitating when making each turn—she knew this place like the back of her hand.
Her grip on his arm was firm, and though Zhen could have easily pulled away, he didn't. Instead, he let himself be led, watching the way she moved with a quiet sense of amusement.
When they reached the waiting room, Asami slowed, hesitating just before the door. She smoothed down her clothes, took a steadying breath, then glanced at Zhen as if waiting for… something.
"I look fine, right?" she asked, running a hand through her hair.
Zhen, confused at the question, barely thought before answering. "You look the same"
"Not what I—ugh, nevermind" She sighed, shaking her head before turning on her heel and pushing open the door.
Inside, the room buzzed with post-match energy—or at least, it tried to. On the surface there was laughter, the rush of victory still fresh, but something felt… off.
Asami, caught up in the excitement, didn't notice. But Zhen, who followed behind her, felt the weight of it immediately. The awkward tension despite Bolin's celebration, the exhaustion between the two others—it settled thick in the air.
Asami, unaware, only had eyes for Mako.
"Congratulations, guys" she beamed as soon as she spotted him.. "You guys were so amazing out there"
She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and pressing an affectionate kiss to his cheek. Mako smiled, but something flickered in his gaze—affection, yes, but something else mixed in.
Trailing behind, Zhen entered more quietly, his presence slipping into the background. He stopped beside Korra, who stood apart from the celebration, staring blankly at something.
It didn't take him long to follow her line of sight—Mako. A moment of hesitation, then she looked away, shoulders tense as she gazed on the stone floor. She had won the match, but she looked like she had lost something else entirely.
Zhen tilted his head slightly, observing her for a moment before speaking.
"Congratulations, Avatar" it was the usual steady cadence in his voice, but this time there was the faintest undercurrent of something else—an attempt, however small, to pull her from whatever reverie had swallowed her thoughts.
Korra barely reacted. Her shoulders remained tense, her gaze still distant.
Only after a brief pause did she glance up at him. "Oh… hey Zhen"
And just as quickly, her eyes dropped back to the floor.
He waited, expecting her to follow up with something—an excuse, a brush-off, anything—but silence settled between them instead.
Zhen exhaled softly through his nose.
"You seem pretty down for being a victor" he noted, his words laced with quiet scrutiny. "You okay?"
Korra let out a weary sigh before shaking her head. "Its nothing"
A half-truth, maybe. Or maybe even she didn't have the words for whatever was gnawing at her. Either way, she ran her hand across her hair, rolling her shoulder as if trying to shrug off the weight.
"Let's just get back to the temple"
Without waiting for his response, she grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder as she brushed past Zhen. he watched her go, saying nothing, then fell into step behind her without letting the others know.
No one else in the room seemed to notice their departure.
Well, except one.
Mako's gaze trailed after Korra instinctively, his focus lingering on the doorway she disappeared through—past Asami, who was gently wiping the sweat from his face with a towel.
A few moments passed before the absence became apparent to the rest.
"Hey, you guys seen Korra?" Bolin finally asked, stepping away from where he'd been indulging the roaring crowd with waves and grins.
He glanced around the room, his cheer dimming as he realized she was gone.
Asami paused what she was doing and turned toward him. Her eyes flickered briefly to where she'd last seen Korra, a faint crease forming between her brows.
"She was just here"
"She just left with that Zhen guy" Mako answered, though his tone lacked much thought. "She was probably tired"
Bolin let out a quiet groan, rubbing the back of his head. "Aw, man. I was planning to ask her out for dinner or just to hang out, or something"
Bolin's embarrassed expression got both Mako and Asami's attention, though their reactions couldn't have been more different.
"Aw that's sweet" Asami's face lit up, being genuinely supportive. "You should totally ask her next time, maybe after your next match"
Mako, however, was the complete opposite. "No. I already told you—dating a teammate is a bad idea. We gotta stay focused on the tournament"
Bolin's shoulder slumped, his face falling into a pout.
"I know" he grumbled, sounding like a child being scolded. "I just needed to—Nevermind, you wouldn't get it"
He didn't bother finishing, already expecting his brother to shut him down. Instead, he turned away, heading toward his locker to grab his bag.
Asami watched the exchange with a slight frown before shifting her attention back to Mako, unimpressed. "Aren't you being a little harsh?"
Mako sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know… it's just, I don't want him to get his heart broken. Not right now. Not when we're this close to something big"
"I thought Korra you said was a good person?" She folded her arms, watching as he busied himself with packing his things. "Sounds to me your brother is in good hands"
Mako hesitated. "...I know. It's just—"
"You have to trust him" Asami interrupted gently, wrapping her arms around his waist in a warm embrace as she leaned her forehead on his back. "He's your brother, isn't he? And Korra's your friend"
Mako let out a slow breath, his hand drifting to rest over hers, fingers lightly brushing against her knuckles. For a moment, the tension in his shoulders eased, as if her warmth alone was enough to ground him.
"Besides" Asami continues, nuzzling closer. "Korra's a good person. Even if things don't work out between them, I'm sure she and Bolin would still be friends"
"Yeah… you're right" Mako said, his tone even, agreeable.
But his expression, hidden from Asami's view, darkened ever so slightly.
Because deep down, something didn't sit right. A feeling settled in his chest—something he couldn't quite name.
—————————————————————————————
[Republic City, Yue Bay District]
The night air was crisp, the faint scent of saltwater drifting in from the bay as Korra and Zhen walked in silence toward the city's port. Neither of them spoke.
Zhen didn't mind the quiet—normally, he welcomed it—but there was something about seeing Korra so visibly drained that unsettled him. She was always full of energy, brimming with confidence. Even when she complained about Tenzin before, it was full of fire. Now, her shoulders slumped, her legs dragged, and even from behind, he could see the exhaustion weighing her down.
Ha…
He sighed, louder than intended, and quickened his pace until he was walking beside her. Then, without much thought, he reached out and gave her a light tap on the arm.
"Avatar?" he called out, almost with his usual tone, but there was something mixed in—an attempt, however subtle, to pull her out of whatever thoughts had her so lost.
Korra halted and lifted her gaze to him, her expression tired. "What?"
Zhen hesitated for a beat before asking. "Want to go somewhere?"
He had no destination in mind, just a vague idea that maybe a change of scenery would help.
But Korra simply tightened her grip on her bag, shaking her head.
"Not really" she murmured. "...I just wanna go back and rest"
Her voice was quieter than usual, lacking its usual fire. Almost fragile.
For a moment, Zhen just watched her, unsure of what to say. The silence stretched between them uncomfortably. Then, almost on instinct, he spoke.
"Can we stop by somewhere to eat first?" it wasn't really a suggestion. More of an excuse. "I'm kinda hungry"
That was a lie. But Korra didn't need to know that.
She hesitated, shifting her weight between her feet. "I don't know… I'm not really hungry"
Zhen shrugged, playing it off as he twirled a set of keys between his fingers. "Didn't ask if you were. You're stuck with me 'til we get back anyway"
He dangled the keys slightly, reminding Korra that he was the one who brought them here. Not that it really mattered—Korra could easily find her own way back if she wanted to. He was just banking on the fact that, in her current state, she wouldn't think about it too hard.
She exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair before finally relenting. "Fine. Whatever"
"Great!" he said, slipping the keys away. "I know this amazing place that makes the best dumplings"
Before she could second-guess it, he took her hand and started leading her away from the port.
"I can walk on my own" Korra muttered, but didn't make an effort to pull away.
She could have. If she wanted to.
Zhen, however, didn't let go. His grip was firm but never forceful, his pace slow. He didn't rush. Didn't drag her along. Every so often, he glanced back—not to check if she was following, but to make sure she wasn't struggling to keep up.
Just enough to make sure she kept moving.
—————————————————————————————
[Harmony Park District]
Truth be told, Zhen did know a place. He just… had never actually been there openly.
So when they finally arrived at their supposed destination, he hadn't expected it to be in one of the most extravagant districts in the city.
The moment they stepped into the heart of Harmony Park, it was impossible to ignore the sheer grandeur. Towering buildings bathed in warm golden lights, storefronts lined with elegant lanterns, and the unmistakable centerpiece—The Harmony Tower, stretching into the sky like a monument to the city's wealth.
The brightest place he knew, the Probending Arena, couldn't compare.
It was blinding.
Zhen halted mis-step, momentarily overwhelmed. He had spent so much time in the shadows of Republic City, navigating its quieter streets, that being somewhere this bright felt like stepping into another world entirely.
Whoa…
A sudden squeeze on his hand yanked him from his trance.
"Are we there yet?" Korra asked, glancing around.
Zhen blinked, forcing himself to focus. He scanned the buildings, the bright signs—anything to confirm they were in the right place. But the truth was clearer than his eyesight.
They had been walking for hours.
And despite knowing the name of the restaurant, he had absolutely no idea where it actually was.
Which meant…
They were lost.
Zhen scowled, his expression darkening as he scanned the area. At first, Korra thought he was just being moody. But then it hit her—
He couldn't see all that well.
Her gaze flicked around until she spotted a small store tucked between two larger buildings. A massive eye symbol hung over the entrance, practically screaming what they sell.
"I think—"
Before Zhen could finish whatever excuse he was about to make, Korra tightened her grip on his hand and yanked him toward the shop.
Ting-a-ling!
The soft chime of bells rang out as she shoved open the door, dragging him inside.
A well-dressed clerk at the counter immediately straightened, their hands clasping together in polite enthusiasm.
"Welcome!" they greeted professionally, their tone refined—more poised than the casual city vendors Korra was used to. "How may I be of assistance?"
Zhen barely heard them. His eyes had already locked onto a nearby display case.
"Are these… glasses?" he asked, brows furrowing as he leaned in.
Korra, ignoring his question, jerked a thumb at him. "Get him something that fits"
—————————————————————————————
[Minutes Later]
"Ha~ I can't believe it took us twenty minutes to find you a pair of glasses that fit" Korra yawned, stretching her arms behind her head as she walked beside Zhen.
Meanwhile, the young man was still fiddling with the rectangular black frames perched on his face, adjusting them every few seconds like they were some foreign object trying to latch onto his skin.
"I can't believe how expensive these were" he grumbled. "And I paid for them!"
Korra shot him a sideways look, unimpressed. "Well, you're the one using them anyway. I can't believe it took you this long to buy a pair in the first place"
"They do help, at least" he admitted, adjusting them again. "Ah, there!"
Before Korra could react, he grabbed her wrist and broke into a jog, pulling her along.
"Hey—Wait! Zhen!" she yelped, stumbling slightly before catching up.
A short sprint later, they came to a stop in front of a massive building. Korra tilted her head at the sight, skeptical.
"A hotel?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Restaurant" Zhen corrected, already dragging her toward the entrance.
Korra resisted a bit, though she still allowed herself to be pulled. "Can we even afford this place?"
It was a fair question—she never really carried money, and while she knew Zhen did, she had no idea how much. And he'd just spent a ridiculous amount on glasses.
Zhen waved off her concern as they stepped inside, greeted by a space so polished and extravagant it almost made him second-guess himself.
"It's fine! I know the owner" he said confidently—before adding, under his breath. "I THINK he is, anyway"
Before he could take another step forward, a booming voice rang out from the second floor.
"AH! IF IT ISN'T ZHEN!"
A young man, slightly more muscular than Zhen, descended the stairs with open arms, a wide grin stretching across his face. His presence practically radiated confidence.
As he strode toward them, Korra tugged the hem of Zhen's shirt. "I'm guessing he's the owner?"
Zhen nodded, lowering his voice. "Now that I think about it, owner might be a stretch. His name's Kain, nice guy"
KAIN
AGE: 18
STATUS: Co-Owner of Fan's Dumplings
Kain stopped in front of them, his grin unwavering.
"What brings you here, friend?" His eyes flicked to Korra, a teasing glint in them. "And who is this you brought? Hm? Is spring finally blooming for you? Should I spread the word?"
Zhen sighed, already regretting this.
"Stop it, Kain" he lifted a hand, blocking Kain's view of Korra like a protective shield. "We're here to eat, of course. As if there's anything else to do here"
Kain chuckled, undeterred. "Of course! Come! Come!"
Without waiting for a response, he spun on his heel and strode off, expecting them to follow.
"You have otherfriends?" Korra teased, peeking out from behind Zhen.
Zhen flicked her forehead.
"Ow! Damn it! Stop that!" She shot him a glare, rubbing the spot.
"That's rude" he said flatly, before following Kain—still dragging Korra by the hand.
Though holding might be a better word than dragging, since she was willingly keeping pace with him.
Kain finally stopped at a small table, fit for two. "I'll leave you here"
He quickly snatched a small reserved sign, letting it tuck under his arm to clap his hands.
A waiter appeared almost instantly. "Sir?"
"Take care of these two" Kain ordered simply.
The waiter gave a curt nod before setting the table, and Kain threw up a casual wave.
"Enjoy~!"
And just like that, he was gone, disappearing back into the restaurant like a whirlwind.
Zhen and Korra watched him leave, their expressions equally unamused.
"He reminds me of Bolin a bit" Korra mused.
Zhen sighed, pulling a chair out of her. "Just sit down"
Korra rolled her eyes but sat nonetheless, and Zhen took the seat across from her, adjusting his glasses with another sigh.
As they caught their breath, Zhen leaned back in his chair, settling in, while Korra shifted, glancing around. Now that she wasn't being dragged across the district, she was finally taking in how fancy the place was.
The soft glow of lanterns, the polished wood, the quiet hum of conversations between people of class—it was far more upscale than what she was used to.
"So…" she broke the brief silence, crossing her arms. "Asami, Kain—you know some pretty rich people"
Zhen took off his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I can't really deny that"
Before their conversation could go any further, a waiter appeared, placing a covered plate in front of them with a smooth, practiced motion.
"This ours?" Korra asked, watching cautiously as the waiter lifted the lid, revealing a steaming tray of freshly made dumplings—a lot of dumplings.
The food made Korra's eyes glisten, though Zhen only raised an eyebrow.
"We didn't order yet"
"Master Kain has taken care of it" the waiter said simply before turning and walking away.
Zhen opened his mouth, maybe to protest, maybe to thank him—but in the end, he just sighed. Free food was free food.
Just as he turned back to the table—
"Whaf? Ish good!" Korra mumbled through a mouthful of dumplings, already three pieces in.
Zhen stared at her, then at the steam still rising from her plate. 'Isn't that hot?'
He picked up his chopsticks, amused. "I thought you weren't hungry?"
Korra gulped down her food before shooting him a look, defensive. "I can't say no to free food now, can I?"
Zhen huffed a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "I guess not"
As he picked up his chopsticks, Korra wasted no time diving back in, savoring every bite with an enthusiasm that almost made him forget how exhausted they both were. She had no hesitation, no restraint—just pure enjoyment, eating like she hadn't had a proper meal in weeks.
Zhen, on the other hand, took his time. Small, careful bites, pausing between each one, more interested in watching her than finishing his own plate.
He rested his chin on his palm, observing the way her face lit up with every bite, the way her brows scrunched in satisfaction, the way her usual sharp edges softened under the warmth of the good meal.
—————————————————————————————
[An hour later]
With their stomachs full—well, at least one of them—the two strolled through the district, letting the cool night air settle their meal.
"That was nice" Korra sighed contentedly, patting her stomach. "I could go for another round"
Zhen shot her an incredulous glance, adjusting the small paper bag in his hands. "If you did, they would've shut down for the night"
Korra smirked before noticing him muttering under his breath, his gaze lowering toward the bag and counting. "Is that for Pema and the kids?"
"Mhm" Zhen nodded, double-checking its contents with a careful hand. "Figured they might want a type of late night snack"
Their conversation flowed as smoothly as a river while they walked, the city alive with the hum of late-night chatter, the occasional honk of vehicles, and the warm glow of streetlights flickering off polished stone.
"Bit bright, isn't it?" Zhen muttered, adjusting his glasses for the hundredth time as they kept slipping down his nose.
His gaze drifted up to one of the district's tallest landmarks: Harmony Tower. Its lights shimmering against the deep night sky.
"Not that much" Korra replied, tilting her head as she admired the towering structure. Her eyes gleamed with intrigue. "I heard the night view from up there is incredible"
"Yeah?" Zhen mused, rubbing his temple as his eyes started to strain. "Too bad we're down here then, I guess"
It was a thoughtless comment, but it flicked something in Korra's mind. 'Wait a second…'
Without warning, she grabbed Zhen's arm. "Come on!"
"What—? Avatar?!"
His protest was swallowed by the buzz of the compacted crowd as Korra weaved through with effortless excitement, dragging him along in her wake.
"Avatar, slow—!"
Before he could even catch his breath, they had already slipped into the elevator, an earthbender operator sealing their fate with a simple nod. The ascent was smooth, silent, punctuated only by the faint hum of the machinery and the distant murmur of voices below.
When the doors slid open, the city unfolded before them.
The view was more than Korra expected. Republic City stretched wide beneath the snow covered sky, lights blinking like scattered fireflies across the vast expanse. The bay shimmered in the distance, reflections of neon signs rippling across its surface, while the skyline stood proud, silhouetted against the night.
Korra couldn't contain her excitement. She let go of Zhen and strode toward the edge, fingers curling over the railing as she leaned forward, eyes shining with wonder. The wind tousled her hair, carrying the scent of steel and the distant salt of the ocean. For a moment, she looked younger—brighter—untouched by the weight of expectation.
Zhen exhaled softly, watching her. There was something about the way she embraced the world right now, as if something left her shoulders, relaxing.
Shaking his head, he moved at his own unhurried pace, reaching into his pocket and drawing out a small carton. A cigarette poked out, and he caught it between his teeth with practiced ease, slipping the carton away before flicking open his lighter.
A brief spark, a quiet inhale—the tip glowed faintly in the dark, embers crumbling like dying stars.
Stepping beside her, he let the first tendrils of smoke curl into the night air, watching as they disappeared into the city below.
"I can see the temple from here!" The young Avatar pointed excitedly, her voice brimming with childlike wonder.
Zhen followed her gaze, though even with his glasses, he doubted he could make out anything that far. Instead, he let his attention, eyes unfocused as he simply stood there, letting the wind bite through his ill-fitted clothes.
The cold nipped at his skin, sinking past the fabric, but he tolerated it in silence.
"Enjoying the view?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Korra turned to him with a wide grin, her eyes bright. "Since I got here, I've never actually seen most of the city"
She leaned forward against the railing, resting her head on her folded arms as the excitement in her voice softened.
"It's always just training and probending…" a sigh escaped her lips, her body relaxing against the cold metal. "A breather like this once in a while isn't so bad"
Zhen glanced at her from the corner of his eye before leaning in, cigarette still balanced between his fingers. Just as Korra turned toward him—
He exhaled.
A thick cloud of smoke enveloped her face.
Koff! Ack!
She immediately recoiled, coughing and fanning the air wildly. "What did you do that for?!"
Zhen smirked, watching her struggle. "Helping you get a breather"
"I said breathe! Not suffocate!" she snapped, half-annoyed, half-wheezing as she covered her nose.
His grin only widened, waving his cigarette lazily between his fingers. "Sorry sorry~ I just felt like it"
Korra huffed, a pout forming—but her irritation quickly turned mischievous. Her eyes flickered toward the small ember, and with a subtle wave of her hand, she wanted to give it a harmless little combustion.
"Aha—!"
Before she could set her plan into motion, a firm grip caught her wrist.
"No"
Korra blinked, looking up to find Zhen staring at her, a bit impressed.
"C'mon!" she groaned, attempting to tug her arm free, but his hold didn't budge.
"I'd rather not go home with my face full of ash" he quipped, pulling her hand down with ease. "Just enjoy the view"
She blew out a sharp breath but ultimately relented, letting her arm fall limp in his grasp as her gaze returned to the horizon.
"Not like this view is going anywhere" she mumbled.
Zhen hummed softly, but his eyes drifted past the skyline, lingering on something else—surrendering to his thoughts.
"...Maybe" he murmured, tightening his grip just slightly. "But it might"
Korra felt it—the quiet weight in his voice, the way his fingers curled just a little more around hers. Without thinking, she mirrored him, her hold tightening as well.
For a moment, neither spoke.
She simply drew in a slow, steady breath, the cold air curling into mist as it left her lips. Beside her, Zhen took a final drag, exhaling a thin veil of ashen smoke that drifted upward, disappearing into the night.
—————————————————————————————
[Midnight, Underground]
BAM!
The metal door slammed open, the sound crashing through the dimly lit space.
A lone figure stepped inside, navigating through the dark with careful, deliberate steps.
Thud!
"Argh—! What in the—?!" Faceless stumbled, clutching their shin after colliding with something solid. A sharp inhale, a muttered curse under their breath. "Can one of you turn the damn lights on?!"
A deep chuckle echoed from somewhere in the shadows.
"Sorry~ Sorry~" came the drawl of a low, groggy voice, followed by the soft click of a switch. "I was taking a nap"
The dum bulbs flickered to life, casting an eerie glow over the room. By the wall stood a tall figure, clad in a hood, a half-ventilated mask covering his face.
"Took your sweet time. Leader" his voice came muffled behind his mask as he dropped onto a crate, arms lazily crossing over his chest.
Faceless strode to the lone table in the center of the room, dragging out a chair and sinking into it, facing the door. "You suddenly called me in the middle of a mission. I came as fast as I could"
A voice cut through the dimly lit space, sharp and cold. "Well, Needle said she had something urgent to report"
Both Faceless and Steam glanced up.
Perched high above, balanced on one of the ceiling's metal support beams, was a figure clad in an Equalist uniform, the low light not even reaching his form.
NAME: QORU
AGE: 19
STATUS: "PHANTOM"
"She insisted you hear it, too" Qoru continued, leaning forward, elbows resting on his knees.
Faceless tilted his head slightly, glancing at Steam over his shoulder. "Was she on a mission? I don't recall sending her anywhere"
Steam simply shrugged, arms loosely crossed.
"Not really"
A new voice slipping into the room, small and feminine. The faint tap of heels echoed against the concrete floor, growing louder as the figure stepped into the dim light.
Dressed in a small crimson dress, the color a striking contrast against her fox-like white mask, she stopped just before Faceless, her shoulder trembling slightly.
"I-I just wanted to go over… to go over our agreement" she stammered, her usual palyful tone wavering, replaced by something more fragile.
Even with the mask concealing her face, the way her body tensed, the slight tremble in her voice—it was clear. She was nervous.
"Agreement?" Qoru echoed, hopping down from the beam, landing beside Steam.
"You wouldn't know since you're new" Steam let out a slow exhale, faint mist leaving his mask. He shifted to the side as if instinctively putting distance between himself and Qoru. "But the three of us had a reason for joining the Equalists. So we made some promise—childish, really—"
His words cut off.
A cold, invisible pressure settled over him. A weight pressed against his chest, sent a sharp chill down his spine. His senses overtook him, halting his breath in his throat.
Danger.
"Careful" Faceless hushed, carrying more weight than a loud voice. "That childish promise is the reason we keep going"
Steam swallowed hard, bowing his head slightly.
"Sorry" he muttered, the oppressive atmosphere lifting just enough for him to breathe properly again.
Qoru, unaffected, merely tilted his head. He flicked his gaze between them, brow furrowing, clearly puzzled by Steam's sudden shift in demeanor.
Faceless returned his attention to Sera, adjusting in his seat. "The agreement… was for permission to leave when you find an alternative to protect your children, correct?"
Sera gave a small, stiff nod, biting her lip behind her mask.
"I see… If I remember correctly, you reported that someone had started helping your little orphanage" he mused, thoughtful, before he rose to his feet. He stepped closer, his presence looming over her small stature. "However, I don't recall you reporting that someone being a bender"
Sera flinched.
She tried to hold his gaze, but the weight behind his mask was suffocating. A tiny hiccup escaped her as his gloved hand reached toward her. Instinctively, her shoulder tensed, her fingers twitched. She squeezed her eyes shut, her head turning away, bracing herself—
But the touch never came in the way she expected.
Instead of cold restraint or reprimand, his hand landed gently on her shoulder. A warmth, firm, but not cruel.
"I'm glad…"
The words were so quiet, so impossibly soft, that she almost thought she imagined them.
Her eyes snapped open, searching his masked face, looking for a sign of what he truly meant. Hope flickered in her expression—just for a second.
But behind the mask, Faceless remained unreadable. Hidden. And yet, the slight drop in his voice, the way his fingers curled just slightly—there was something there. Something careful. Someone worried.
"But I want you to remember why you joined us in the first place…" he continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "The reason you stain your hands. If they'll accept the truth about you… then make your decision again"
Sera felt something in her chest tighten.
She knew what he meant.
Slowly, her gaze dropped to the floor. Her small hands curled into fists, nails biting into her palms as doubt gnawed at her.
"...Yes" she whispered, barely able to force the word out.
End