[Morning, Probending Arena]
The once roaring heart of Republic City sports was now silent, sealed off behind caution tape and guarded officers. After last night's chaos, the Probending Arena had closed its doors—repairs underway, and safety the new priority.
But no one told that to the massive ball of fur charging full-speed toward the barricade.
Naga skidded to a halt just a couple feet from the tape, claws scraping concrete, a low growl rumbling from her throat.
Her rider leapt off, boots hitting the ground with light ease, ignoring the patrolling officers as she passed the tape. Tired breath. Determined eyes. A familiar grin tugging at her face.
KORRA
AGE: 17
STATUS: Bit Early for This
Why would she show up to a now-abandoned, half-destroyed arena this early in the morning—with a smile that could light up the whole city?
Because she has some good news.
She jogged through the silent, echoing halls, up one of the still-intact corner towers, where two familiar figures were gathering their few remaining belongings.
"Guys!" she called out breathlessly, a proud grin stretching across her face. "Great news—you don't have to go back on the streets"
Mako and Bolin turned at the sound of her voice, half-surprised, half-expectant.
"I talked with Tenzin and made all the arrangements" she continued, bounding up the stairs two at a time. "You can come live on Air Temple island. With me and Zhen!"
The morning sun hit her face through the broken window panes, catching the gleam in her eyes. She looked genuinely thrilled.
But only one of the brothers smiled back.
MAKO
AGE: 18
STATUS: Is Glad They're Moving Out
Mako shifted uncomfortably, unable to meet her gaze. "Oh… uh…"
He scratched the back of his head, clearly fumbling for the right words.
"Well, we'd love to, but—"
"Asami already invited us to live in her dad's giant mansion!" Bolin jumped in, far more enthusiastic, arms thrown wide like he was unveiling a stage trick. "Like, giant giant"
BOLIN
AGE: 16
STATUS: Is Also Glad They're Moving Out
Korra blinked. Her smile faltered.
The sparkle in her eyes dimmed as the news settled in. She hadn't really expected that.
"Oh…" was all she could say, voice smaller.
Bolin, completely missing the shift in tone, threw an arm around his brother and beamed toward the windows. "From here on out, it's gonna be the lap of luxury for us"
Mako didn't say anything. He just stood there, uncomfortable and silent, like he wanted to vanish into the floor.
"Oh—hey, Korra"
The voice came from the upper deck. It was light and casual—but it hit Korra like a cold splash of water.
ASAMI SATO
AGE: 18
STATUS: Is Glad About Them Moving In
Asami leaned over the upper railing, smiling, her black hair catching the morning light.
Pabu wiggled in her hands before leaping down with a delighted chirp, scampering off to Bolin, Asami followed, climbing down the narrow steps with ease.
"I was hoping you'd stop by" she said warmly.
Korra barely glanced her way. Her expression didn't change.
"I was just leaving" she replied flatly, her tone a few degrees colder.
It should've landed. But everyone else was too wrapped up in their own excitement to notice—or maybe they just didn't want to.
"So, I guess I'll see you guys around…" Korra turned back to Mako and Bolin, her smile now thin, more polite than enthusiastic. "Sometime…"
She lingered a moment longer than she needed to, just enough to take in one last look at the Ferret brothers, before turning toward the stairs.
But Asami's voice stopped her.
"What about tomorrow?" she offered, ever the gracious one. "I'd love to have you come visit the estate"
Korra paused. The kindness in Asami's voice… it hit her wrong. It scraped against the lingering guilt in her chest, chipping away at whatever was left of her pride. It twisted the pit in her stomach tighter.
"I don't know" she responded, trying to keep her tone light. "I have some… Avatar stuff to do"
She hoped it sounded like a valid excuse and not a brush-off, though it probably came off as both. Mako said nothing, but Bolin wasn't ready to let it drop.
"Come on, Korra" said a high-pitched, squeaky voice.
She blinked as she saw Bolin—bless him—had lifted Pabu up, puppeteering him like a tiny doll. Pabu squeaked in confusion as Bolin worked his voice and arms with theatrical effort.
"We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness" Bolin continued, making his little Fire Ferret friend raise his paws dramatically. "We could swim in Asami's pool. It'll be fun!"
Korra let out a soft laugh despite herself, enjoying the small performance as Pabu chirped and flailed, clearly not consenting to any of this.
"I don't know, Pabu…" she smirked, glancing at the tiny ferret. "I'm kinda busy"
Still, she declined.
"That's too bad…" Asami added in, casually brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Zhen was hoping you'd be there"
That stopped Korra mid-step down the stairs.
"Zhen's going?" She asked to make sure she heard it right, her voice almost disbelieving.
"Yeah" Asami answered with that same calm, reassuring tone. "I met him while the police were questioning my Dad back at the station. Seemed they were questioning him too"
Korra didn't even give it a thought.
"I'll see if I can" though the flicker of a smile on her face suggested her mind was already made up.
"Great. We'll see you tomorrow" Asami said with a polite wave.
The Ferret brothers followed in their own distinct ways—Mako gave a weirdly formal salute, and Bolin, still puppeteering poor Pabu, made the fire ferret's tiny paw wave back despite the creature's obvious struggle.
Korra returned a quick wave before turning and hurrying down the stairs, her footsteps echoing until they finally faded.
A beat passed.
"Did you actually invite Zhen?" Mako asked, the moment Korra was out of earshot, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Meh. Not yet" Asami responded with a shrug. "But I figured he'd go with her anyway"
—————————————————————————————
[Morning, Republic City Police Headquarters]
"I guess that's it for now… if you remember anything else, please don't hesitate to give us a call" the officer muttered, scratching his head with the back end of his pencil.
He hadn't gotten much out of this interview, and it showed.
But who was he asking?
"I understand, I'll keep in touch with Chief Beifong" said a bland voice as the young man stood up from the interrogation table.
ZHEN
AGE: 19
STATUS: Being Questioned
Zhen offered the officer a polite nod before turning to leave the room.
Yes—Zhen is currently in Republic City Police Headquarters.
After being found half-dead last night, he'd been given a night to recover, thanks in no small part to Korra's heated protest to Lin and the rest of the officers. Only now was he being properly questioned.
As he moved through the corridors, the building felt… hollow.
The usual bustle of the HQ was gone.
After last night's coordinated attack, it was brought to light—many of the department's newest recruits, and even several ranking officers, had been replaced by Equalists. Moles hiding in plain sight.
Dozens of officers were still missing. And those who'd been recovered… were never able to see the light of day again.
The headquarters was left shaken—short on people, short on answers, and even shorter on trust.
Zhen turned a corner toward the main lobby, and was greeted by an unexpected person.
"Ah, young Zhen. So you were here"
Being escorted by a police officer, the progenitor of modern vehicles himself approached with a composed stride.
HIROSHI SATO
AGE: 50
STATUS: Also Being Questioned
Zhen paused and gave a polite bow. "Greetings, Sir Sato"
"Now, now—no need for formalities young man" Hiroshi said with a small wave of his hand. "We're simply witnesses today"
Zhen straightened, immediately dropping the formal tone. "So, how's Miss Sato?"
"She's doing fine. Last I heard, she was at the workshop, probably tinkering with another one of her little gizmos" His voice lifted with pride, the fond smile on his face unmistakable.
Ahem
The officer behind him cleared his throat—not aggressively, but just enough to get their attention.
"Apologies, but we should be moving, Sir Sato"
Hiroshi sighed, clearly displeased about being cut off, but didn't protest.
"Yes, yes… duty calls" he gave Zhen a reassuring pat on the shoulder as he passed. "I'll be seeing you, young man. Stay safe"
Zhen watched him walk away for a moment, let out a quiet huff, then turned to leave.
He stepped out of the building and into the daylight. The bright sun hit him square in the face, forcing a squint as his eyes adjusted.
And just as the world seemed to settle for a brief, quiet moment—
"Zhen!"
The recognizable voice snapped his head to the side. "Ava—Guack!"
Though whatever greeting he had prepared was cut short as a thousand pounds of fur and muscle barreled into him, knocking him flat on his back.
"Hi, Naga" he groaned, making no attempt to resist as the polarbear dog gleefully licked his face, her tail thumping the ground like a war drum.
Korra landed beside them with a chuckle, patting Naga's thick fur to get her to ease off. "I heard you were here—wasn't sure if you were still inside"
Naga finally backed off, still wagging excitedly.
Zhen groaned, sitting up slowly as he wiped a thick glob of slobber from his face "Who told you that?"
"Who else? Your mademoiselle did" Korra answered, planting a hand on her hip and speaking with dramatic flair. Her voice dipped in theatrical offense more than actual teasing. "Nice to know she knew where you were before I did"
"It's not like you were awake" Zhen replied, brushing the dust and hair off his clothes as he stood. "And I figured you'd be busy helping your friends move in the island"
"Well, I was—I was going to do that" Korra said defensively, crossing her arms and looking off to the side with a small pout.
"So… 'going to' means 'not ever'" Even as socially dense as Zhen was is able to pick up the hint. "What happened?"
He stretched his back until it cracked, wincing now that the pain of slamming into the pavement caught up with him.
"Don't—" Korra started, then caught herself, exhaling sharply to cool her rising temper. "They're staying with Miss Elegance"
She kicked a small rock and leaned her back against Naga's warm fur, grumbling under her breath.
"Like, sorry I don't have a giant mansion or a mountain of gold" she muttered, sulking in a way that could be mistaken for a tantrum—though not quite. Not really.
"Isn't it good they found a place already?" Zhen blinked. He sounded genuine—confused, but genuine.
Of course he wouldn't get it.
This was a guy who lived in a shack on the edge of Air Temple Island. To him, the only difference between a grand estate and a crumbling hut was whether it stayed warm in the winter. He'd probably be fine living under a bridge if it meant staying dry.
So, even as sincere as he was, he missed the frustration in her voice entirely.
"Nevermind" Korra muttered, brushing the conversation aside with a tired flick of her hand. Her voice had thinned into something hollow. "Let's just go back"
She climbed onto Naga's back with a heaviness that had nothing to do with her body. The polarbear dog whimpered gently, as if feeling the weight of her rider's thoughts, her steps slowing as she turned toward Zhen.
He gave Naga's nose a light nudge, a quiet gesture of affection, but his gaze lingered on Korra. Her eyes weren't on him, or the street, or anywhere—they were lost to thoughts she didn't want to say out loud.
Zhen sighed, resigned and quietly unsure what to do.
He scratched behind Naga's ear, managing a faint smile. "Wanna go somewhere, girl?"
RUFF!
Naga barked once—bright and eager. At least someone was.
"Alright, let's go Naga!" Zhen called out, swinging himself onto her back in one smooth motion, settling in just behind Korra.
She jolted slightly at the unexpected weight, her shoulders snapping upright.
"Wha—? What are you doing?" Her tone came sharp, laced with surprise and a faint edge of irritation.
She could feel him close as his arms slid forward, not to take the reins, but to wrap his hands around hers. His touch was steady, gentle, but she could still feel the rough calluses that formed from his training.
"Taking a little detour" he replied, all too relaxed, a wry grin hidden in the curve of his voice.
With a sharp tug of the reins, Naga bolted forward with explosive force.
Air howled around them, tearing at sleeves and whipping Korra's hair into a wild dance. The city dissolved into streaks of color—stone, steel, wood, blur. Instinctively, Korra leaned back to brace herself, her body drawn against his like a reflex, her spine meeting the quiet steadiness of her chest.
Zhen didn't shift, didn't flinch. He was like a wall behind her, solid and anchored like he belonged there. It made her feel… smaller somehow. Not weaker—just… not the one holding everything up.
They barreled through Republic City's veins—past clustered apartment stacks, smog-dusted factories, bussing open-air markets, and wide boulevards humming with pedestrians. People shouted after them, their cries swept away by the wind and paws.
Minutes stretched, uncounted. The sun began moving up above the rooftops, and the rhythm of the city shifted. It was only then Korra began to notice.
The streets weren't just unfamiliar—they were alien.
She blinked, scanning the intersections and signage. "Wait… are we lost?"
Her voice was low, suspicious.
No answer came. Just the pounding of Naga's paws.
She twisted slightly to glance over her shoulder. She found Zhen smiling, a thin, guilty curve of his lips. A single drop of sweat traced down his temple.
"...I think we are" he confessed, just a beat too late.
Zhen eased back on the reins, and Naga slowed to a lumbering halt by the roadside, her chest heaving with deep pants. The poor girl sank to her haunches, tail flicking lazily as if to say 'Finally…'
The young man swung off her back with ease, landing with a quiet thud against the stone sidewalk. He pulled out a pair of glasses, from who knows where, and slid them on. Though his feet were planted steady, his eyes roamed the street, then stopped.
"Oh, it's there" he said, tone too light. "What a coincidence"
The so-called coincidence was a tiny food stall tucked between two shuttered shops. Nothing flashy—just chipped paint, a crooked awning, and the faint scent of burning meat clinging to the breeze. But Zhen looked at it like it was the height of fine dining.
"Come on!" Korra barely had both feet on the ground before he caught her hand in his and tugged her along without warning.
She stumbled once, catching her breath, but said nothing. His grip was rough, but it was warm.
Naga followed a lazy pace behind them, her massive paws padding softly, tail swaying like she already knew the way.
"Hey, Lady!" Zhen called out, brushing past the ragged curtain that hung over the stall. "Anything new today?"
The scent hit instantly—roasted spices, sizzling oil, and something distinctly wild.
The old lady behind the counter raised a skeptical eyebrow, lips pursed like she was ready to chew him out. But the second her eyes landed on his face, her entire demeanor melted.
"Ah! Young laddy!" She boomed, voice as rich and loud as expected, like it could knock pans off a shelf. "Good to see you again. Got something special in for you—fresh Catgator, just hauled in yesterday"
Zhen inhaled deeply, eyes lighting up. "That smells amazing. I'll take a dozen to go"
He reached for his wallet, patting the side of his pants absently with one hand. The other… well, it was still holding Korra's.
She pulled the curtain aside just behind him, her gaze flicking from the food to the stall owner.
"Oh…" the woman muttered, narrowing her eyes like she'd just bitten into something sour. "It's you…"
Korra blinked. "Uh…"
"If you still got nothing to pay with" the old woman snapped, ladle raised like it was about to settle a score. "Then beat it!"
Zhen glanced up, halfway through pulling his wallet from his pocket, as the stall owner's voice cracked through the air like thunder. His eyes flicked between the woman and Korra, confusion quickly settling into concern.
"What? What's going on?"
"This lass tried to mooch a meal off me a month ago" the woman huffed, jabbing the air with her dripping ladle.
Hot oil clung to the edge like it might leap at Korra on command.
"I won't have none of that no paying brat near my stall"
Zhen reached up and gently nudged the ladle aside with two fingers, calm as ever. "Relax, she's with me. You know I'm good, right?"
The woman narrowed her eyes, looking at him like she was weighing his very soul. Then, after a beat, she dropped the ladle to her side with a loud clatter against the counter.
"Hmph. Only because you've never stiffed me" she muttered, turning back to start packing the order.
Her hands moved fast, practiced, but she didn't resist one last parting shot.
She tossed a sharp look over her shoulder at Korra. "Consider yourself lucky, girlie"
The paper bag crinkled as she folded it shut, the scent of roasted spice and oil rising warm into the cool street air.
"'Ere" she extended the bag toward Zhen, other palm already outstretched expectantly.
Still fumbling with his wallet, Zhen finally let go of Korra's hand to count out the bills, leaving her standing beside him, clasping her own hands like a kid trying not to get scolded again.
Once he handed over the money, the old woman gave it one last check with narrowed eyes, then nodded.
"See you next week" Zhen offered as he took the bag.
The old woman gave a slow, raspy laugh that creaked from her chest like worn hinges. "No you won't. Next week is seafood. That'll kill you"
Zhen grinned. "Ah. Then I guess you won't"
Their shared laughter trailed behind as he stepped away from the stall, food in hand. Korra followed, brows drawn, a little off-balance from the whole exchange.
"You know her?" She asked, falling into step just behind him.
Zhen rummaged through the bag, pulled out a steaming skewer, and casually handed it down to Naga. The polarbear dog chomped down, cleanly sliding the meat from the stick with one happy gulp.
"You tried scamming her?" Zhen replied with a sideway glance, his voice almost catching a chuckle.
"I didn't!" Korra huffed, sounding more flustered than defensive. "I was just broke when I arrived. I don't really carry cash"
Zhen nodded, feeding Naga another bite. "I know. I know"
He winced as Naga nearly swallowed his hand with the next skewer. He wrestled his hand free from her jaws with a grunt, then held out the bag to Korra.
"Thanks" she said, taking it without so much as a glance at his struggle. A quiet kind of payback.
She plucked a skewer from the bag, the steam curling around her face as she bit in. It was still how, but the burn only added to the flavor.
"Why are we even here?" she asked, chewing thoughtfully as they strolled down the busy street. "You could've just picked this up on your own"
Zhen, still flexing his finger from their recent mauling, gave her a sidelong look.
"Wouldn't have been hot by the time I get back" he said simply. "It's not like I have a big hunk of muscle to ride around"
"Sho you dragged me out here just for a phot meal?" She asked through a mouthful, trying to sound unimpressed, but her tone came off more amused than annoyed.
He shrugged, casual. "Also to cheer you up"
The words landed before she was ready for them. Korra choked slightly, surprised, caught mid-bite. She coughed, then glanced at him, eyes narrowing with suspicion—but he wasn't even looking at her. Just feeding Naga another piece.
"A good meal always made me feel better" he added, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Korra gave him a long, unreadable look before crunching down on the last bite of her skewer. "Say that after you've actually taken a bite…"
Well, he hadn't actually taken a single piece for himself, he just kept feeding Naga like some overworked servant.
"I know, I know…" Zhen sighed, digging into the bag and finally pulling out a stick.
He took a bold bite—real bold. The heat punched him in the mouth instantly.
He didn't spit it out, though. Just kept chewing with narrowed eyes and a grim determination, as if the meat had insulted his honor. Steam curled from his mouth like a dragon exhaling, his tongue sticking out in defeat.
"Happy now?" He mumbled through the pain, still trying to cool his tongue with exaggerated breaths.
Korra stared. Then the laugh hit her—sudden, sharp, breathless. She doubted over slightly, a hand at her eye as she wiped away a tear, her chest shaking with wheezy giggles.
"Sure" she said once she caught her breath, still grinning. "Let's say I am"
—————————————————————————————
[Next Day, Sato Estate]
It was as if the tragedy of the other night had never touched this place.
Sunlight streamed through the glass ceiling, glinting off the clear water of the Sato estate's indoor pool. Mako and Bolin had adjusted surprisingly well to life in luxury—helped, no doubt, by Asami's assistance.
"EARTH BALL!" Bolin shouted with unfiltered joy, launching himself from the fountain statue into the water with a dramatic splash.
The two had, as promised, taken full advantage of the estate's luxuries. Bolin, naturally, treated the pool like a personal performance stage, flinging himself from edge to edge in a whirlwind of laughter.
Their little gathering, however, was getting some additional guests.
"Master Korra has arrived" came the butler's formal voice, cutting through the splash and chatter.
All heads turned—except Zhen's, who trailed in just behind her. The butler strode past him without pause or acknowledgement, as if he were merely decor.
Korra's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the blatant disrespect.
"Could've at least mentioned him" she muttered under her breath, not quite low enough to go unheard.
Zhen, as always, wore the same boring expression. Either the slight had flown over his head, or he simply didn't care. It was hard to tell.
The sun finally caught Korra's features as she stepped into the glass-roofed atrium, making her presence feel almost staged—cinematic, even.
"Hi, Korra" Mako called, his voice cutting through the light as easily as it did the water.
Asami, lounging beside him on the pool's edge, lifted a hand in a wave. "You guys made it!"
"Welcome—" Bolin popped up from under the water with a grin, throwing his hands into the air before folding them comfortably behind his head and letting himself drift lazily across the pool. "—To paradise…"
Korra sank into one of the nearby lounge chairs, letting the leather mold to her with a sigh. "Looks like you guys settled right in"
Pabu scampered across the tiles and plopped himself on Bolin's chest, causing him to slowly sink like a weighted leaf. Meanwhile, Mako and Asami slipped back into the pool, cutting through the water as they swam toward Korra.
"Pretty much" Mako said, letting the coolness seep into his skin as he drifted closer. "Except someone forgot to ask their father if we could stay"
He flicked a look sideways at Asami, a smug grin tugging at his lips.
"Yeah~ but, I smoothed it over with him" She passed him with a graceful stroke, water catching in her dark lashes. "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission"
Korra didn't even pretend to be amused. Her eyes followed them flatly as she propped one leg up on the lounge, her elbow resting over her knee like she was surveying subjects her wasn't sure she approved of.
"I still can't believe you lied to her about me coming" Zhen crossed his arms, standing closely to the pool's edge.
His tone wasn't angry—just edged with that quiet disbelief that someone had managed to get him into something against his better judgement.
Asami, already gliding to the other side of the pool, threw him a knowing wink. "I figured you'd show up anyway if she did"
Korra shot Zhen a quick side-eye, her brow slightly furrowed as if trying to send a message with her eyes, but before she could even press, Bolin emerged from the water like a sea creature.
"This is the greatest place in the world!" he declared with dramatic flair, water cascading down his arms. "Watch this, watch this"
He turned to Korra, chest puffed, soaking wet and grinning ear to ear. Once he had her attention, he cleared his throat as if he was about to perform a speech.
"Fetch me my towel, good sir" he commanded in a regal tone, voice dripping with faux elegance.
The butler standing nearby exhaled deeply through his nose, the sound of a man who had already endured far too much nonsense for one morning.
"As you wish Master… Bolin" he replied, dragging out the title with the enthusiasm of a man approaching gallows.
There was hesitation in his step, but ultimately, resistance was futile. Bolin, of course, missed the strain entirely.
"Master Bolin. Ha!" He barked out a laugh, pointing his thumb toward the butler. "I love this guy!"
The butler approached with the towel, neatly folded like a gift. Bolin didn't even reach for it—only raising his arms theatrically.
"Now… pat me dry"
There was a silence. A long, painful silence.
Still, duty was duty.
The butler, with the same solemn grace one might reserve for bosses, flicked open the towel with a professional snap. Without a word, he began wiping Bolin down, like he was polishing a priceless vase rather than drying off an excited earthbender.
But Bolin, ever the opportunist, took full advantage of the benefits.
"Don't forget Master Pabu" he added, nodding upward to the tiny fire ferret draped over his soaked hair, fur.
"Wouldn't dream of it, sir" the butler muttered, flat and deadpan.
He briskly yet thoroughly rubbed him down with the energy of a man trying to saw through a tree trunk. Pabu gave a pleased chirp as his fur puffed out again, now fully dried and fluffed into a perfectly round crimson ball.
The butler, towel now neatly refolded, turned on his heel.
Splash!
A tidal wave of water splashed behind him, and the butler's shoulder tensed just slightly—his otherwise impassive expression twitching into one of deep, wordless annoyance—as Bolin dived back into the pool without a second thought.
As Bolin was busy making the butler's life a walking nightmare, Asami drifted effortlessly through the water, pulling herself to the edge of the pool near Korra with smooth, practiced grace.
"So…" Korra drawled, giving Asami a side-eye thick with sarcasm. "What do you have planned for us today? Shopping? Makeovers? Tea?"
Asami smiled, unfazed by the attitude. Before she could answer, a splash interrupted them.
"Oh! Oh!" Bolin shot up from the water, throwing his hand in the air while Mako sputtered beside him. "I vote makeovers!"
His victory was short-lived. Mako took the opportunity and yanked him back under, leaving a bubbling trail in his place.
Zhen, who'd been silent up until now, stood a few paces away, staring down at the pool with a strange intensity. "Whatever it is… Can we do it far away from here? Shopping, maybe?"
Asami pulled herself from the water with graceful ease, droplets trailing down her back like silver beads. She paused at the edge, water rolling off her as she cast a glance over her shoulder.
"I have something a little more… exciting in mind" she said, her voice velvet-soft, tinged with a quiet mystery.
Korra met her gaze, her expression unreadable save for the slight lift of a brow.
—————————————————————————————
[Afternoon, Police Headquarters]
While Korra and the others took the rest of the day to breathe, the city's undercurrent of tension never paused. Not everyone had the luxury of downtime—especially not her.
On the left wing of the gigantic police headquarters, behind reinforced metal doors, sat one of the less glamorous but vital arms of the force. A dim, orderly room lined with filing cabinets and reinforced lockers—where evidence was cataloged, stored, and sometimes forgotten.
The walls hissed open like liquid metal, admitting the steady steps of a man draped in traditional orange robes.
TENZIN
AGE: 51
STATUS: Helping the Investigation
His presence seemed to slow the air itself. With hands folded behind his back, he scanned the quiet room before speaking out, his voice calm but firm.
"Have you found anything that might help us?"
Only one other figure occupied the space, standing beside a long table cluttered with labeled items. She didn't turn right away.
But when she did, it was the weariness of someone who hasn't slept in a few days—and was planning to skip out on more.
LIN BEIFONG
AGE: 51
STATUS: Leading the Investigation
"Not much" she said, arms folded tightly over her chest. "Just the obvious"
Her tone was clipped, but not cold. Getting nowhere never sat well with her, and it frustrated her mood.
Lin stepped aside without further comment, granting Tenzin a clear view of the table.
Laid out under the sterile light were weapons—not the typical sort they've confiscated from Equalist raids. Tenzin stepped closer, studying them with a narrowing gaze.
Unlike the standard gear they've collected—electric gloves, smoke pellets, homemade bombs—this collection was chilling in its elegance. A set of needles, longer than ones used in acupuncture. A paid or curved daggers, their edges stained in hardened blood. And at the center, the broken sword Zhen held on after his fight with Faceless, it's black handle
Tenzin furrowed his brow. "Is there anything special about these?"
"They're platinum" Lin replied, tone flat. "And they're not off-the-shelf. Every piece here looks custom-made"
Tenzin picked up the sword carefully, running his fingers along the smooth hilt. It felt balanced—too well-kept for a common weapon. Something about it felt… personal.
"For executions…" he muttered, almost to himself.
His thumb brushed the underside of the hilt, pausing at a small, carved emblem.
He turned it toward Lin. "This symbol—does it mean anything to you?"
She leaned it, narrowing her eyes, but said nothing.
It was a symbol of a flower, burned into the metal like a brand.
—————————————————————————————
[At The Same Time, Sato Estate]
The mansion was grand, yes—but it wasn't the only jewel on the crown known as the Sato estate. Beyond its marble halls and glass-paneled walls, tucked behind the manicured gardens and stone walkways, lay something far more exhilarating.
A racetrack.
Engines roared like caged beasts, the sharp growl of metal and speed cutting through the afternoon air. Bolts of color blurred past in streaks—-sleek, polished vehicles phishing the limits around winding curves and straightaways. The scent of rubber and oil hung in their wake, carried by the pulse of adrenaline.
Asami leaned back against the railing, her eyes hidden behind tinted shades, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.
"So?" she called out over the rush of passing speed, glancing toward her friends with a flick of pride. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"Way cooler than a makeover" Korra admitted, her edge melting into an excited grin.
"This is where Future Industries test drive their Satomobiles" Asami explained, her voice raised just enough to carry over the din of passing vehicles.
She shot a quick glance at Korra, noticing how she leaned forward slightly, eyes following each blur of speed with barely-contained excitement.
Her boyfriend lounged beside her, arms folded, content to observe. Beside Korra, Zhen sat casually, focused on applying lipstick to a very cooperative Bolin, who had his eyes squeezed shut in dramatic concentration.
Between the high-octane spectacle and the fully expected makeover, the group was on their own waves—-only Korra seemed fully tuned in to Asami.
Noticing Korra's wonder, Asami's voice dipped, playful. "You ever been behind the wheel?"
"The only thing I've ridden is a polarbear dog" Korra quipped, her gaze landing on Asami for a beat before returning to the track.
"I pity whatever poor vehicle ends up on the receiving end of you behind the wheel" Zhen added dryly, not even looking up from his handiwork.
Korra punched him in the shoulder, flustered. "Shut up…"
The hit smudged the lipstick slightly, but Zhen barely flinched.
"Ugh, I was almost done" he muttered, tilting Bolin's face for closer inspection.
Korra clicked her tongue in mock annoyance. "Why are you even good at that?"
"None of your business" he replied with faux haughtiness, though the grin tugging at his lips gave him away.
Korra stuck out her tongue like a pouting child, and Zhen chuckled under his breath as he wiped the smudge off Bolin's face. The easy rhythm of their banter seemed to draw banter from Asami, too—light, genuine, but her attention lingered on Korra longer than Zhen.
"Want me to take you for a spin?" she asked, her tone playful but sincere.
Korra turned fast, the faint flush on her cheeks quickly overtaken by a gleam in her eyes. "Let's do it!"
"Let's go then! I might even let you drive if we got time" Asami rose from her seat with effortless poise, keys spinning around her finger, their metallic jingle barely audible over the engines.
Korra trailed after her, barely sparing the others a parting glance. Her ponytail swayed with each eager step, the same rhythm as the adrenaline already building in her chest.
"Don't crash" Zhen called, not even bothering to look up as he gave Bolin's freshly powdered cheeks a few final touches. "We can't afford it~"
Korra shot him a look over her shoulder as she reached the stairs.
"I'll crash into you" she warned, but there was no bite, nor sense—-just playful challenge in her tone before she disappeared down the steps toward the vehicle where Asami geared up.
The hum of engines filled the pause, punctuated only by the rustle of wind sweeping over the stands.
Bolin, too absorbed in the moment, blinked dramatically. "Am I radiant?"
"Blinding" Zhen sighed, voice as dry as sandpaper, though his sarcasm still leaked out.
—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-
[Afternoon, ???]
While the Avatar and her friends soaked up the rare luxury of free time, they weren't the only ones granted a brief pause.
Far from the sunlight and laughter, deep within the shadows of the city, even the Equalists had their own moments of stillness. Their version of rest was quieter, dimmer… but no less real.
"I thought you were leaving?" came a voice like gravel dragged across iron, dry and weathered.
The room was dim, lit only by the dull gleam of sunlight slipping through worn blinds. Tools, old maps, and scattered papers cluttered the wooden shelves. At the desk against the far wall, a broad-shouldered figure hunched over a notebook, his heavy breathing a soft hiss through the vents of his mask.
"STEAM"
AGE: ???
STATUS: Financing
Beside him, a girl sat cross-legged on a seat, delicate hands busy with a needle and a torn piece of fabric. Each of her movements was precise. It was hard to believe someone so young could thread with such patience and expertise.
"Leader said to finish up one more mission first" she murmured, not looking up as she pulled the needle through, tightening a seam in the robe Steam was still wearing.
"NEEDLE"
AGE: 16
STATUS: Sera
"Besides" she added, trimming the end with a small blade sheathed beneath her sleeve. "It's not like I can just disappear on you guys"
Steam leaned back in his chair, the old metal creaking beneath his weight. The motion tugged the fabric slightly under her fingers, disrupting her starting a new stitch. He didn't seem to notice—or maybe he did, and didn't care.
"Leader is doing his best to keep Mask and his Equalist off our backs" he muttered, tossing his pen onto the desk with a quiet clink. His voice, normally a growl dulled by iron and smoke, softened around the edges "But once they find out about your orphanage…"
Sera didn't respond right away. Her face remained composed, quiet in its calm. But her eyes—the way they flickered, the sudden stillness in her fingers. Her worries show, in more ways than she wanted it to.
Steam glanced at her, the tension in his brow less about frustration, more something closer to concern. For someone who was all about fighting, it was an emotion he rarely wore.
"You should just take this chance to leave" he said quietly. "For your kids"
The words settled between them like the dust in the room.
Sera gave a small, distracted nod, but her hands were still moving—working, trying to focus, to cling to the rhythm like it might tether her in place.
But her thoughts had already wandered, straying to the faces—the masks—she'd be leaving behind. The life she'd fallen into over the past year. The tight bandages wound around her body after every mission. The small fires they snuggle up together to keep warm when scouting the corners of the city. The blood she scrubbed from her hands at night, pretending it would come out cleaner the longer she tried. The hollow face she puts on beneath her mask, the one she could never seem to take off.
It had always been a performance—a lie she was told to continue to stitch her chances to survive together. And now, as a second chance loomed just within reach, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever earned it… or if taking it would only cause everything to break.
The weight of it pressed down on her chest, heavier than any missions she'd ever been sent on.
She lined up the next thread, but her concentration slipped. The needle jabbed into her finger with a sharp sting.
"Ah—" she hissed, pulling her hand back. A thin droplet of blood welled at the tip of her finger. Red against pale skin, trembling on the edge before it fell.
—————————————————————————————
[Afternoon, Sato Estate]
Creak…
The heavy door hadn't even swung all the way open before Bolin shot past it like a cannonball, barreling across the marble-floored hall with both hands clutching his pants.
"Emergency! Emergency!" he cried, leaving behind only a trail of dust and panicked footsteps.
Korra watched him disappear around the corner, then turned to Asami with a raised brow. "Do you have another bathroom I can use?"
"There's a ladies' powder room upstairs" Asami replied with a small smile. "First door to your right"
Mako stepped beside her, resting a casual hand over her shoulder. "You can't miss it"
"Thanks" Korra gave a grateful nod, but unlike Bolin, she took her time.
She climbed the grand staircase, each step echoing faintly through the space.
The moment she disappeared around the bend, the door creaked again—this time slower.
Zhen stepped through, one foot in, the other still outside. He stood there for a beat, as if a thought had just hit him mid-stride.
"Oh right" he muttered. "I had something to do later"
Asami turned back toward him with a slight tilt of her head. "Can't stay for dinner?"
Mako didn't say anything, but his posture stiffened subtly beside her, arms folding with practiced indifference.
Zhen glanced at him briefly, then ignored the tension in favor of answering Asami. "Unfortunately, I can't. Police work. Kinda urgent"
Asami frowned. "Korra's going to feel down if you just disappear like that"
The words hung in the air longer than intended. Beside her, Mako's jaw tightened—not visibly, but just enough for someone who knew him well to catch it.
"Just let him do his thing" Mako said at last, his voice flat. "It's probably important if he's just bailing like that"
That seemed to be enough for Asami.
She sighed softly, offering Zhen a polite wave. "Alright. We'll be seeing you"
"Just let her know. I gotta run" Zhen replied, easing a step back toward the door. "She'll probably understand. …Hopefully"
The last word slipped out quieter than the rest, almost lost to the space between them.
"Anyway, I'll see you guys when I see you" with a wave of his hand, he turned and slipped out, the door thudding gently closed behind him.
Within seconds, he was gone—vanishing into the gardens, swallowed by the fading light.
As the silence returned, Asami elbowed Mako lightly in the side.
"Ah—Hey!" he winced, hand instinctively grabbing his ribs. "What was that for?"
"You think I haven't noticed?" She shot him a sharp, knowing look. Her voice was calm, but the edge beneath it was unmistakable. "You've been nothing but rude to him. I let it slide when you ignored him all morning, at least you kept your mouth shut"
Mako's brow tightened. "I wasn't rude"
Asami shot him a glare, one brow lighting slowly. "Oh really?"
He exhaled through his nose, dragging a hand through his hair, already irritated. "I, well—I just. I don't trust the guy, alright?"
"I can't believe you" she said, her voice clipped and her arms crossed. "You're acting like he's done something wrong when all he's done is be nice to Korra. To us"
"Look, something is off about him" Mako insisted, tone sharpening. "Have you seen the way the police handle him? They're not doing it for no reason"
"I know how he's being treated" Asami snapped, her voice rising for once—still soft by most standards, but in the large, enclosed space, it echoed. "I saw it myself. I was there when they dragged him off like some criminal. Right after he saved me…"
She turned her face away for a moment, her green eyes dimming beneath the weight of the memory. But the flicker of shame didn't last—her fire reignited quickly.
She stepped in and jabbed a finger into Mako's shoulder, making him flinch back a pace. "So you don't get to treat him that way in front of me"
Mako raised his hands in quiet surrender. "Alright, I'm sorry. I'll… try to treat him a bit better"
It was half-hearted, but it was something. Asami gave a heavy sigh, her shoulders relaxing as she turned from him, the tension still thick in the air.
Mako lingered awkwardly, unsure whether to say more or just let the silence stretch.
Then, mercifully—
"I'm back~!" Bolin's voice rang out as he bounded from the halls, looking far too cheerful for someone who had just sprinted to the bathroom.
His arrival shattered the mood, pulling the weight out of the room like air from a balloon.
—————————————————————————————
[???, ???]
Even on their day off, the so-called rest of the Equalist elites looked an awful lot like work.
Steam sat hunched over a makeshift desk, the scratch of his pen barely audible over the creaks of his seat. Beside him, Zera worked in practiced silence, mending uniforms, and laying out freshly sharpened weapons like a ritual.
Then came the sound of boots crunching over debris. A figure stepped through the crumbling doorway, moving with the kind of ease only someone familiar—and unbothered—could manage.
"You guys are here early" came a voice that curled at the edges with dry amusement.
"PHANTOM"
AGE: 19
STATUS: Qoru
He swept a glance around the hollowed-out space, the flicker of light through broken windows casting fractured shadows across peeling walls and broken beams. With a shake of his head, he shoved hands deep into his uniform's pockets.
"I swear" he muttered to himself, kicking at a stray brick with the toe of his boot. "We need a new hideout. This place is falling apart faster than the Earth Kingdom"
A sharp snip cut through the air.
"Why are you here?" Sera asked, her voice cool as the dagger in her hand, which she just used to sever a thread.
Qoru stepped further into the room, the scent of damp rot and old ash curling around him like smoke. "Came to report on the mission Leader gave me"
Creak.
The desk groaned under his weight as he dropped himself to it, swinging one leg lazily. He snatched up a freshly written page Steam set aside, eliciting a dramatic creak from the old wood.
"Sorry" he mumbled toward Steam, though a groan was tugging at the corner of his mouth. Then, as if remembering why he was there. "Anyway—did you guys not hear?"
Steam and Sera exchanged a glance, brows lifting in synchronized suspicion. Either they'd miss something—or Qoru was playing with them.
"We've got a few runaways" he flicked a folded sheet of paper onto the desk with a loose wrist. "Apparently, the mess at the arena spooked 'em. Some of our own couldn't handle the thought of going to war. So, they bolted"
Sera didn't even look up. "And… that's our problem, how?"
She wasn't wrong to question it. Steam seemed to hold the same thought on the matter as well.
To the Equalist command, they weren't exactly an official part of the force. Elite in skill, yes—but still the first ones tossed into the fire when things go south. Cleanup crew, deniable assets, black ops. Sympathizing with the main force wasn't exactly in their list of priorities, much less deserters.
Even Qoru, who once counted himself among them, didn't seem to care either.
"Well, might it's just me" he said, dragging the words out "But the Leader actually—Ack!"
A blur passed behind him. A hand cracked against the back of his head, sharp enough to cut his sentence off. He winced and rubbed the spot.
"That hurt…"
A voice, low and muffled as if passing through smoke, followed close behind.
"Then maybe don't gossip about me when I'm here"
"FACELESS"
AGE: ???
STATUS: Leader
"To answer your question" he directed his gaze toward Sera—apparently the only one bold enough to have asked. "We've been tasked to dispose of them. I'm sure you understand what this means"
He tossed a stack of photographs onto the desk with a dull slap. They fanned out like a grim portfolio: blood-soaked, headless corpses frozen in final struggle. Faces contorted in terror, limbs strewn like shattered puppets. The images were fresh, still slick with red.
"I already handled a few" Faceless added, detached. "But there's a bit more than expected"
Steam leaned in, expression unreadable. If the gore unsettled him, it didn't show.
"You must be swamped if you're letting us in on the fun" he murmured, eyes scanning the photos. "You usually fly solo"
"Not this time" Faceless replied, patting Qoru's shoulder which made him tense up. "I've been pulled onto another assignment. I need you to prioritize this one"
Qoru tapped at the folded paper he threw earlier. "This has all the possible places they're hiding. We'll have to take care of this fast—if they talk, we're compromised"
Steam gave Faceless a long look, as if he could see through his mask. Then he sighed and stood, swiping the folded paper. "Fine. We'll handle it"
He moved toward the exit, brushing past Qoru, who trailed behind him with a smirk.
"Looks like we're working together this time, Senior"
Behind them, Sera had just finished packing her weapons when Faceless reached out and touched her shoulder—not forceful, but enough to halt her momentum.
"Hold"
It wasn't barked like a command. It was quieter, almost like a request.
"You're sitting this one out"
The silence that followed was sharp. Qoru and Steam both turned, expressions tightening with surprise. Sera, usually had a good control of her expression, looked as if the floor had shifted beneath her feet.
"What?" She snapped, the disbelief hitting first. "Why? I'm the most suited for this—why would you bench me now?"
Her hands tightened around the skirt of her dress, her voice trembling as if she had just been insulted.
"Yeah, I mean… we kinda need her needles for this sort of thing" Even Qoru's grin faded slightly.
Faceless exhaled through his mask, the sound tired more than anything else. With a quiet flick of his fingers, he dismissed them.
"Leave us"
Qoru hesitated, eyes darting to Sera, ready to say something—anything—but Steam caught his shoulder. A small shake of the head was all it took. Qoru's protest died on his tongue. He turned, and exited ahead. Steam followed, but not before throwing a final glance at Faceless, a look that wasn't defiance… but understanding. Faceless nodded once in return.
Then it was just the two of them.
He didn't speak at first. The silence stretched, oppressive in the hollowed-out room, until he finally broke it—his voice low, strained at the edges.
"Do you think we'll be forgiven?"
"...What?" Sera asked, blinking, as if trying to catch up.
He didn't repeat it right away. His voice had lost its sharpness. It sounded like something fragile, on the verge of cracking.
"With how much blood we have on our hands…" he said. "Do you think we'll be forgiven?"
She opened her mouth, half-formed words tumbling out. "I-I… It's not like we killed people who don't deserve it! We've only gone against thugs, corrupt bastards who take advantage of our type, people who've done more harm than good. Won't they understand that?"
But even as she said it, the conviction in her voice wavered.
"Do you think they'll understand?" he repeated, softer this time. "Do you think they'll care about your reasons, or mine? About our situations?"
He stepped closer, the dull light casting shadows beneath his mask.
"No matter our reasons, no matter how much we try to convince ourselves otherwise. They won't see us as anything else. We're murderers"
Sera's gaze dropped to the ground. Her hands curled into fists, knuckles pale.
"But you… you were given a way out" he continued, more gently now. "Don't throw it away by adding more names to your conscience. You were given a second a chance, even if you don't believe you deserve it"
There was guild in his voice now. Not loud. Not obvious. But buried in the space between words—like he was mourning something he'd helped build.
He reached up, fingers brushing the edge of the mask she wore—the white fox porcelain she'd used to hide for too long, and the facade she had behind it. His touch lingered, reverent.
"When the time comes" he said, voice rough. "Take it off… the mask I've forced you to wear"
She froze. Because in her heart, she never believed he forced her. She had followed him willingly. Believed in the madness. Laughed with them. Fought with them. Lied to her, maybe—but part of her had loved it all the same.
That made it harder to leave.
"Just one more mission" he tapped her mask with a small flick—mocking, playful, but filled with sorrow. "Then you're done. So escape… please"
His voice was quiet, empty in a way someone sounds when they've already grieved.
"Nothing here is worth staying for"
That… hurt. For her, it was worth something. The people. The act. The laughs she faked that started to feel real. It had become part of her world, even if everything was just behind a fake face.
Still—he was her leader.
And even if it tore something open inside her, she gave him the only answer she could.
So she nodded. Not because she wanted to. Just because she understood.
"Pack your things" he suggested, his voice breaking its edge as he walked past her. "Go home"
A pause. Then, quieter still—
"I'll contact you when your mission starts"
She turned, ready to respond, but he was already gone. Swallowed by the gloom of the room, as if the dim light had simply closed around him and carried him away.
And she was alone.
The silence pressed against her like a third skin. She let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding.
"...Yes, sir" she murmured, the words barely more than a whimper.
They hung in the air, unanswered.
And then—nothing.
—————————————————————————————
[Night, Dragons Flat Borough]
The city buzzed below, but up on the rooftop, the world felt still. Distant horns and muffled chatter faded beneath the weight of what Korra had just overheard. The moment Zhen left the Sato estate, she'd followed—her gut twisting with a sense of urgency she couldn't ignore.
Now, under the veil of the night and away from curious eyes, she stood before the two people she trusted most to hear her out.
"So you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists…" Tenzin repeated what he had just heard, his words containing measured disbelief. "Then framed cabbage corp?"
His tone was even, but the faint tension in his brow gave him away. He wasn't brushing it off—just trying to wrap his head around it.
Across from him, Lin crossed her arm. Her gaze didn't leave Korra, as sharp and probing as ever.
"That's a bold accusation" she said, her voice coarse—part skepticism, part smoke—but not entirely void of curiosity. "But what proof do you have?"
But there was no outright dismissal in her tone—just a weight behind the words, like she was already working out the possibilities in her mind.
Korra's shoulder tightened, but she didn't back down.
"Well, I don't exactly have proof…" the young Avatar admitted, the words tasting bitter. "But I know what I heard"
The rooftop air felt heavier now, like it pressed against her resolve. Still, she held her ground.
"Sato's up to something" she insisted.
Lin's hands rose to her chin, her eyes narrowing as her thoughts began to churn.
"He does have the means…" she murmured, barely audible.
Then something clicked.
"And he has a motive"
She turned toward Tenzin, a silent signal passed between them, and he caught on instantly
"That's right" he responded, his voice suddenly more certain.
Korra could only glance between them, not knowing what they were talking about.
"A motive? What is it?" she asked, a thread of curiosity laced in her voice.
Tenzin glanced at Korra with sympathetic eyes, as if reminiscing a memory. "12 years ago… The Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A Firebender killed Sato's wife during the break in"
"That's horrible…" Korra lets her empathy out as she focuses on Tenzin telling the story.
Everything made sense in Tenzin's head which made him draw the conclusion. "It's possible Hiroshi has been harboring anti-bending sentiment all this time"
Lin crossed her arms, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. The pieces had lined up well enough for her.
"Maybe we should take a look at Mr. Sato a little more closely" she said, already laying the groundwork for what comes next.
—————————————————————————————
[Same Time, Air Temple Island]
Pop—fsshh~
The soft crackle of fire broke the stillness of the night, its modest glow pushing back the darkness in a small, trembling circle. Shadows danced across the worn log where Zhen sat, his gaze empty as he absently rolled a coin between his fingers, the metal glinting in the firelight.
Snap.
The quiet was disturbed by the crisp break of a twig underfoot. Without looking back, Zhen spoke, his voice low and tired.
"It's late" he murmured. "You should be resting"
From the edge of the shadows, a warm light appeared—held aloft by a woman draped in flowing orange robes, her rounded belly just visibly in the flicker of the fire. She approached with an easy, playful smile and unhurried steps.
"I really thought I'd get you this time" she teased, settling across from him with a soft laugh.
PEMA
AGE: 35
STATUS: Pregnant
She settled onto the log across from Zhen, the fire brushing her features in a soft, golden glow. The familiar warmth of her smile greeted him, but tonight… it seemed brighter somehow. Lighter.
It stirred something uneasy in his chest, though he couldn't quite name it.
"Did something good happen?" he asked, his voice cutting through the enjoyable quiet, more out of a need to steady himself than anything else.
Pema only tilted her head, her smile turning playful, teasing.
"I don't know~" she said, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "You tell me"
Her gentle laugh, light and almost girlish, floated in the air between them.
Zhen arched an eyebrow, skeptical yet patient, unable to keep a slight smirk from tugging at his mouth. He had no idea what she was getting at—but for now, he chose to indulge the easy cheer she offered.
"Must be something really good for you to grin that way" he said, letting a rare trace of humor slip into his voice, even if his own smile felt faint, dulled around the edges.
Pema leaned forward slightly, cradling her small lamp between her hands. Her face danced with light and shadow as she gave a soft, amused laugh.
"It's cause you've been changing" she said, her voice full of quiet pride. "You've been going out more lately, for one"
"Only when it's about work" Zhen muttered, as if saying it aloud would keep it from meaning anymore.
Still, Pema's gaze held steady on him, warm and unwavering, the way a mother might look at a stubborn child who was finally growing into himself.
"Well?" she pressed gently. "How did it feel? Finally being able to see the city?"
The coin flipped once more into his palm with a soft slap. Zhen stared at it, closing his fingers around the cool metal as he searched for words.
"Like always…" he murmured, the words almost lost beneath the crackling fire "a large jungle…"
Pema hummed thoughtfully, rocking back slightly where she sat.
"Is that so~?"she teased, the warmth in her tone wrapping around him like a blanket. "I'm glad you warmed up to something"
Zhen stayed quiet, the fire snapping softly between them. When he finally lifted his gaze, Pema was still smiling—the same quiet, knowing smile that told him she didn't need to hear every word to understand him… even just barely.
Something twisted in his chest at the sight of it, sharp and aching. Still, he made himself smile back, the movement of his lips slow, a little stiff, like trying to stretch muscles he hadn't used in a long time.
"I guess so"
End