[Republic City's Pro-bending Arena. Late Night]
Republic City was a sight to behold during the day, its open streets bustling with energy. But it was at night that the city truly came alive. The glow of countless lights illuminated the skyline, casting the city in a warm, golden hue. The water below mirrored the sparkling lights, serene and still, as though the city itself was resting under the star-filled sky, while the hum of voices and laughter echoed through the streets.
Among these glowing structures, one stood out with its almost blinding brilliance. Perched on the edge of the city, supported by sturdy beams rising above the water, was a building full of energy. The sound of raucous cheers and applause were spilling out as if it were alive.
And like the beacon that it appeared to be, the building drew in a very unlikely guest. From beneath the deep waters, a completely different bundle of energy emerged. Her blue eyes scanned the structure above, unfazed by its dazzling lights or the chill clinging to her skin.
KORRA
AGE: 17
STATUS: Sneaking out
"Where is… Oh!" Korra's face lit up as she spotted an open window halfway up the building.
Without much thought, she twisted her body with practiced fluidity. The water below her churned, rising up to form a spiraling column that pushed her upward. In one seamless motion, she propelled herself through the opening, landing softly inside. Behind her, the column collapsed back into the bay, leaving only gentle ripples. She immediately bent the water clinging to her skin, sending it cascading away in a shimmering arc before looking around.
She was in a bright, greyish hallway, its plain walls and floors offering little in the way of directions. Unsure of where to go, she decided to simply follow the path.
After a minute of walking, the monotony already started to wear on her. The same dull walls, the same bright lights, and the same unremarkable floor stretched endlessly before her. She let out a quiet sigh, already feeling the boredom within her.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed an opening on the far left wall. There was no door to block the way, and the wide entryway led her to assume it was significant.
She jogged toward it, peeking in.
"Wow… look at this place" she muttered, her voice tinged with amusement
Air Temple Island had a training area, of course, but it didn't have the gritty, worn-out intensity of this one. The room is for all intents and purposes, built for combat training.
Stepping into the spacious area, Korra took in the scene. Weights were scattered across the floor, earth disks were piled haphazardly everywhere, punching bags hung with visible wear and tear, and charred targets lined the walls. Overhead, a second floor served as a balcony overlooking the entire room.
"Now this" she said, grinning "is more like it"
But before Korra could dive in and try out the equipment, the sound of heavy, stomping footsteps echoed through the space, followed by a booming voice.
"Hey! What in the blazes are you doing in my gym?!"
The shout reverberated through the room, snapping Korra toward the source. An older man stormed in, his face showing complete irritation.
Startled by his loud voice, Korra's mind raced to come up with a plausible excuse.
"I, uh… was just looking for… the bathroom!"
She blurted out, her tone a bit too eager to sell the poor reasoning.
"And then I got completely lost"
Her sheeping smile didn't exactly help her case.
"Ah, the classic 'I had to pee' excuse" the old man huffed, stopping directly in front of her with a skeptical glare
"You know, I'm sick of you kids sneaking into my gym without paying!" he snapped, jabbing a finger in her direction as if lumping her in with every other troublemaker who had wandered in uninvited.
"I'm taking you to security!" he declared loudly to her.
Getting handed over to security would mean Tenzin would find out, and that was the last thing she needed.
"No, wait—" Korra protested, panicking. But before she could say more, a loud voice interrupted her.
"There you are!"
A muscular young man strode toward them, grinning widely, and waving at Korra like they were old friends.
BOLIN
AGE: 16
STATUS: Probender
"I've been looking EVERYWHERE for you" he exclaimed, his emphasis obvious, though his over-the-top acting was hard to miss.
"You know this lass?" the old man, obviously skeptical, asked.
"Yeah, it's alright, Toza" the young man replied, his confidence radiating, making it hard to question the truth.
He stepped up next to Korra, offering a casual smirk "She's with me"
"Yeah, I'm with him" Korra quickly agreed, glad for the out.
"So, you see, we're together." the young man grinned, but then added a little too much flair.
"Well… Not 'together' together" Korra quickly corrected, feeling an odd tension.
"More like friends"
"Right, friends" he stammered, trying to backpedal.
"No, no I didn't mean to imply—"
"Oh you implied it." Korra, doubtful, raised an eyebrow.
The old man watched the awkward back-and-forth with an annoyed look on his face. He let out a huff to get their attention. Clearly, he wasn't interested in wasting more time with this.
"Look, I don't care what or who you are" he snapped, stepping back
"But get her out of here! I have work to do."
With a shake of his head, he turned and walked away, deciding it wasn't worth the trouble to keep pushing.
Once the old man was out of earshot, the young man turned to Korra, a grin spreading across his face as he gestured toward the exit.
"Right this way, Miss" he said with a wink.
"Thank you, Sir" Korra replied, flashing him a smile as they both started to head toward the exit.
As they walked, Korra leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.
"Seriously, thanks" she murmured in his ear, her tone more sincere.
————————————————————————————
[Meanwhile, In the Backstreets of Republic City]
Just as the wilderness conceals its caves, Republic City harbored its own dark corners that most citizens prefer to ignore.
These hidden veins of the city still pulsed with life, though. Behind the glow of streetlights and the hum of distant traffic, a completely different populace thrived. Away from prying eyes and under the radar of most citizens, there exists a group that even the Police Force approached with caution: The Triad.
This syndicate was one of the oldest and most infamous criminal organizations in Republic City. Known for their extortions targeting nonbenders, brazen thefts of shipments and cargos, and ruthless blackmailing of small businessmen. For years, they operated quietly, running the city's underworld away from the public eye. But under the current leadership of Zolt, their ambitions had gotten bolder. They were no longer content with small-scale operations and had begun extending their reach to public figures and the city's elites.
Of course, they didn't achieve this expansion on their own.
"I swear, I'll get the money! I just need more time!"
Inside one of their many bases, a dingy, dimly lit back-alley bar. One of Zolt's elites, Sio, was busy conducting business, surrounded by ten of his loyal men.
"I just need until tomorrow, I swear!" the man pleaded desperately.
What type of business? The personal kind.
"Hold it. Let the man speak" Sio ordered, raising a hand to halt his subordinates.
He leaned forward slightly from his seat, his sharp gaze looking down on the battered young man kneeling before him. The once-sapper suit he wore was now torn and stained with blood. His face, once proud and handsome, was bruised and swollen.
Sio's grin spread wider, dripping with obvious mockery.
"Here I thought we were partners. But it's been months since you last contacted me" he kept his tone light, almost teasing, but his eyes were intimidating the poor man.
"I'll get the money, I-I swear. Just give me time" the man pleaded, his voice shaking with desperation.
He kept his gaze fixed on the ground, too paralyzed by fear to meet the menacing stare focused on him.
Sio tilted his head, showing a mockery of concern.
"Now, what kind of partner would I be if I didn't give you a chance?" He said, his voice oozing with false benevolence.
"C'mon, up. Up!"
Without waiting for a response, Sio grabbed the man's arm in a vice-like grip, yanking him to his feet as he stood. The young man could only wince as Sio held him upright, his grin never faltering.
"Go on, off you go then. I'll see you tomorrow" Sio said, almost too friendly, though his grip on the man's arm remained.
As the battered man hesitated, Sio's demeanor shifted. He slung an arm around the man's shoulder, pulling him in close. The fake smile faded completely, replaced by a cold, steely glare that sent a chill down the man's spine.
"If you screw with me this time" Sio started, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I'll make sure your wife and kids pay what you owe. Got it?"
The battered young man nodded in silence, his fear obvious. Without another word, Sio unwrapped his arm from around the man's shoulders. The moment his grip loosened, the young man bolted out the building, fleeing into the night.
Sio watched as the doors of the establishment creaked open and slammed shut. Once the man was gone, Sio lazily dropped into one of the nearby chairs, a scoffing chuckle escaping his lips.
"God, can you believe the people these days?" he mocked, feeling offended as he grabbed a glass of beer from the table
With a sudden motion, he gulped down the entire contents of the glass, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before slamming it back onto the table.
"What's the… ugh… update on our missing people?" he asked one of his men, holding back a burp with a slight grimace.
"No news yet Bossman." one of his grunts answered, maintaining a semblance of politeness.
Sio's eyes narrowed, his patience running thin "Then do your damn job… And get some news!"
With a sift motion, he grabbed the glass from the table and hurled it toward the grunt. The glass missed its intended target, crashing into the wall with a loud smash, sending shards scattering across the floor.
The grunt flinched, clearly shaken, but he didn't dare say another word.
"I can't believe we're losing men! And we know nothing about what or who is doing this to us!"
Sio snarled, his anger escalating as he threw bottles across the room.
For several minutes, he raged, shattering chairs and tables in a fit of fury, all eight of his men stood in tense silence, watching their boss ruin the building.
But as he raised a chair to break it over a nearby table, something struck. Eight?
His eyes shifted around his people, his breathing heavy and erratic
"Wha-why does it feel like there's fewer of us?" he muttered, a flicker of realization crossing his face.
The tension in the building thickened as the rest of Sio's men instinctively heightened their vigilance. Firebenders among them conjured small, flickering flames in their palms to illuminate the now dim space, their faces now cast in a bright glow. Yet, none of them noticed the creeping darkness overtaking the room as lanterns along the walls were getting extinguished one by one, letting shadows slowly approach the Triad members.
"GAH!"
The seven remaining members, including Sio, instinctively crept closer to each other with their backs turned. They kept their wary eyes trained on the ever growing darkness.
"NGAH!"
The six huddled closer, forming a tight circle behind them. Their eyes darted widely, searching for any sign of movement, but all they could see was the shadows closing in from every angle.
"HRK!"
Panic crept into their breaths as they were still losing men despite their defensive formation. The five of them could only wait and hope they could catch a glimpse of their attacker.
"Who the hell is there?!" Sio finally roared, his voice echoing through the building. He thrust his flame forward, its light slicing through the gloom, showing a figure in front of them.
"There!" he screamed as he pointed in the direction of the figure.
The remaining four didn't hesitate. Survival instincts kicked in, and they launched their attacks in unison. Two firebenders unleashed straight shots of fire, flashing the space with faint light before dispersing. Another pulled water from the barrels stacked near the bar, freezing it and shooting it toward the figure like a spear. The last, earthbender, stomped, forming jagged projectiles from the floor and hurling the chunks of stone.
The room was chaotic for a bit, they weren't giving whoever they were attacking a chance to fight back.
"Keep it going boys!" Sio commanded as he kept his fury.
"That's right~ keep it going~" a soft, teasing voice suddenly chimed in from behind them.
"Who said that?!" One of the grunts exclaimed, his head snapping toward the sound, a ball of flame forming in his palm.
Before he could release it, a figure darted into his line of sight with startling speed.
The small girl stopped in front of him, slipping gracefully over in a fluid arc. As she passed overhead, her hands darted down, plunging two slender needles into the vital points of the man's neck.
The grunt froze mid-motion, his flame dispersing as his body stiffened. A moment later, he crumpled on the floor. The loud thud he made as he landed alerted the other three.
"What the—"
The water bender's words were cut short as a needle flew through the air, embedding itself deep into his neck. His body jerked, and he collapsed immediately.
Just as a girl prepared new needles to strike Sio, a heavy presence loomed behind her. Her senses alerted her, and she spun around to find the earthbender, his fist encased in solid stone, poised to strike downward the girl.
"Oh no~ whatever shall I do~" she teased, locking eyes with him in a mocking glance.
The earthbender's fist crashed down with immense force, sending a shockwave through the room. The ground beneath trembled, and dust exploded into the air. But as everything started to settle, the earthbender's sweat-drenched face twisted with confusion. His fist had stopped, and it was held firmly in place by another hand. A gloved, hooded figure.
"Try not to kill him" the girl casually called out, skipping and humming to the side with a smirk.
"What in the…" the earthbender muttered, eyes wide with confusion. He braced himself, quickly preparing his other fist, encasing it in stone.
But before he could strike, the hooded figure spoke, his voice low and deliberate.
"Punishment"
In that instant, his grip tightened, and the earth encasing the earthbender's hand fractured, splintering like brittle clay. Small shards of stone flew through the air, scattering in all directions. With terrifying strength, the figure crushed the stone gauntlet as if it were nothing, his hand wrapping around the earthbender's fist beneath it with an unrelenting, vice-like grip.
The figure shifted his stance, drawing his fist back with lethal intent, his cloak rippling with the motion.
"Damn you!" The earthbender growled, his other fist already encased in stone.
Determined, he braced himself, intending to meet the strike head on.
But the figure didn't unleash his punch. Instead, a low hum vibrated through the air. Steam began to billow from beneath his cloak, a cloud of heat and pressure swirling around him. His mask hissed, exhaling vapor as his muscles tensed with a force that seemed to radiate pure energy from his skin.
His fist tightened, and just as the earthbender's attack was about to connect to its target, the figure's punch snapped forward with explosive speed. It collided with the earth-covered arm, the stone shattering under the force. But the force didn't halt. The figure's fist barreled through, fracturing the bender's arm, letting out a sickening crack before slamming into his abdomen.
The earthbender let out a strangled gasp as the blow sent shockwaves all over his body. With a thunderous crash, he was launched backward, smashing into the wall behind him. The force was immense, blasting him straight through, leaving a gaping hole as he tumbled into the street outside, the debris falling onto him.
"Is he dead?" the young lady asked, her tone carrying a playful lilt as she skipped over to her ally, casually twirling one of her needles between her fingers.
"No" the figure replied, his voice deep and muffled.
A faint hiss escaped his mask, accompanied by a plume of vapor that dissipated into the air.
"Knocked out"
The girl hopped lightly over the debris and crouched beside the unconscious Triad member. Showing her experience with her craft, she pricked his neck with a needle, a wide grin forming her lips.
"All done" she said cheerfully, giving his cheek a light poke.
The figure's gaze focused toward her, crossing his arms.
"Sio?" he asked.
She pointed casually behind him, raising a brow.
He turned, and there was Sio. His body was trembling as he knelt on the ground. Needles protruded from his neck, arms and legs, their placement precise on each of his vitals, rendering him completely paralyzed but conscious.
"Good. Tie them up" the figure said, tossing her a bundle of rope.
"Why does it have to be me~?" she whined, catching the rope with an exaggerated pout. She stomped her foot in protest, it landed squarely on something soft.
A groan of pain shattered her playful mood, the man beneath her winching as the sharp edge of her heel dug deeper into his wrist.
"Needle, stop playing with prey" a voice came from the shadows under the nearby lamppost, keeping a commanding tone.
"Mask is rushing the orders."
The figure made his way closer to his two allies, dragging two unconscious bodies behind him., their limbs twitching.
"Is this the only hit for tonight?" the young girl, Needle, asked as she finished typing up the man beneath her.
"Feel like we're getting fewer jobs these days"
"It's because Mask is expanding" The other figure responded, his voice lowering in volume as he worked.
Instead of ropes, he used chains to secure the other Triad members
"Their forces are growing, spreading out to cover more ground. It's leaving less for us to do"
"Is that right?" Needle absently muttered as she took out the needle off the man's neck.
The trio moved efficiently, cleaning up the damage as much as they could and collecting the still conscious bodies from the scene. Needle, surprisingly, was able to carry two grown men on he brown, their two bodies slung over her shoulder unbothered. The supposed leader, hoisted three bodies, leaning slightly to his side to maintain his balance. The third one handled the remaining five, his steps rumbling the ground from his weight.
As they moved away from the obvious crime scene, things were peaceful. Needle, despite the weight she was carrying in comparison with her size, was skipping playfully in front of the two men. But it wasn't until they had cleared from the immediate area that the leader noticed something leaking from his ally's arm.
A faint bluish fluid dripped from a small rupture in his ally's sleeve, staining the dark fabric.
"Steam, is your capsule damaged?" The leader asked, his voice showing visible concern.
The person called Steam glanced down at the leak, a brief flicker of annoyance crossing his eyes before he shrugged it off
"Overloaded" he muttered, brushing his arm dismissively as if it were just an inconvenience.
"I'll have to check with Engineer tomorrow"
The leader did not feel the need to respond. He trusted Steam's words without question, and that was enough. They disappeared into the night, as if ghosts in the wind, the only sound was a young girl's rhythmic whistling and light steps. And by the following day, ten members of the Triad would be reported missing.
————————————————————————————
[Later, After the Probending Tournament]
After Bolin had saved Korra from getting handed over to security, he had offered to take her somewhere safe to watch the current match—his team's rest area. Now, after his team managed to secure the win, Bolin, in his usual confident manner, offered to teach Korra some of his bending techniques, completely unaware of her identity. His casual offer lef to Korra impulsively revealing that she was the Avatar.
Now, back in the gym where they first encountered each other, Bolin stood ready to teach Korra, while his brother leaned against the stair railing to the side, just observing.
Bolin, eager and full of energy, patted the stack of earth disks between them. With a bright smile, he looked at Korra, gesturing to the net at the other side of the space.
"Alright, let's see what you got" he said, full of expectations.
Korra, eager, quickly dropped into her stance. With a steady motion, she raised her arm, lifting one of the earth disks from the stack. As she extended her other arm outward with a fist, the disk shot forward in a swift, forceful motion. Before the first even hit the intended target, she raised a second disk with the same movement, sending both rocketing toward the safety net.
"That was great. Good power" Bolin praised, giving an approving nod toward the net before turning to his attention back to her
"But in a real match, you'd be a sitting turtle-duck"
Bolin dropped into his own stance with a serious look. Raising his fists near his face, he began to move lightly, his feet shifting beneath him.
"See? Not so upright and flat-footed" he explained, keeping his energy. "You just want to stay light on your toes, right up until the moment."
He demonstrated, hopping lightly side to side, showcasing smooth movements that traditional earthbenders didn't have. Once he was sure Korra was watching closely, he dug his back foot into the ground and pivoted forward.
"Then you need to dig in and strike. Then—pop! Pop!"
With two quick punches, disks shot forward from the stack, each one flying with sharp precision and noticeably faster than Korra's. The disks slammed into the safety net with an audible crack.
Bolin turned to her with a confident grin, gesturing toward the results thinking 'See what I mean?'
Korra's gaze followed the disks, her brow furrowing as she immediately noticed the difference between her technique and his, and she wanted to give his method a try.
"Okay, let me try again"
She glanced down her feet, lightly bouncing from side to side as she mimicked Bolin's more fluid footwork. After a moment, she was satisfied that she was getting the rhythm somewhat right, she returned her focus back to the target net.
With two quick punches, she launched the disks forward.
The improvement was clear, she shot the disks faster and more precise than her previous attempt. However, the result wasn't perfect. While the one disk safely hit the net, the other veered wildly off course, slamming into a metal railing. It ricocheted with a loud clang, bouncing unpredictable across the gym.
"Bolin!"
His brother shouted, springing to the side just as the disk smashed into the stair railing near him, sending sparks flying before it shot off in another direction.
The rogue disk hurtled toward the entrance, where an unsuspecting figure had just stepped into the gym.
"Look out!" Bolin shouted with urgency.
Just as the disk seemed seconds from impact, the visitor's hand shot up, catching it mid-air.
"Oh no…" Korra muttered, her stomach sinking as she recognized who it was. Her expression immediately shifted from startled to uneasy.
ZHEN
AGE: 19
STATUS: Also technically sneaking out
Zhen stepped forward, the earth disk spinning lazily on his palm. He kept a calm demeanor despite just narrowly avoiding a full concussion.
"Avatar." he greeted, seemingly unbothered.
It was a simple greeting but it struck Korra like a rush of cold water. She stiffened, her composure crumbling in an instant as she averted her gaze. She struggled to maintain her usual bravado as her unease got more obvious.
"So… what are you… doing here?" she asked, forcing a nervous smile, her voice a little too high-pitched.
Bolin and his brother exchanged confused glances, both silently questioning who he was and why he unsettle Korra so much.
Zhen, amused by her reaction, let the silence stretch for a moment before answering. He cast a brief glance at Bolin and his brother, taking note of their confused and curious expressions.
"We need a moment, if you mind?" he asked the two brothers politely before returning his focus to Korra.
Korra's eyes widened slightly in panic. She glanced at Bolin and his brother silently pleading for help as she mouthed "Help me."
Bolin hesitated, eager to back Korra up. But before he could act, his brother grabbed him by the collar and yanked him away, dragging him toward another side of the room. He knew better than to interfere in matters above what they can handle.
Once the brothers were out of listening range, Korra exhaled a resigned sigh, her shoulders slumping in acceptance. She turned her gaze up to Zhen, expecting to get scolded.
"So… Am I in trouble?" she asked, her voice quieter now as she gets wary.
Zhen looked down at Korra, raising an eyebrow as if the answer to her question was already clear. He remained silent for a few moments, his arms crossed, letting the tension between them grow. The longer the silence stretched, the more Korra's nerves began to shake, her unease growing with each passing second.
Finally, Zhen broke the silence, his lips curved into a subtle smirk.
"Well? Did you have fun with your little escapade?" he asked, his tone lightened, as if he were suppressing his amusement.
Korra wasn't the best at looking innocent, in fact she just made herself look more guilty by avoiding his gaze. Zhen could only stare at her, waiting for her answer.
"I just… needed to get out" she admitted softly. "I mean I just felt so cooped up. I come here just to get locked in doing nothing but train"
As Korra continued speaking, her voice slowly went from cautious to frustrated.
"I mean I know it's for my Avatar training, but all I've done is train, and train, and train some more. It's like I can't breath sometimes"
Her tone rose with her frustration, her words spilling out faster. Zhen stood still, letting her vent for a while.
"Relax" Just as Korra's breath hitched, he raised a hand to cut her off.
Korra blinked, startled by the sudden interruption. She clamped her mouth shut, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath.
"I'm not here to scold you."
"You're not?"
"Not my job." Zhen said with a shrug, assuring her doubts. "This is more of a Tenzin thing anyway"
Korra's shoulders sagged in relief, letting out a relieving sigh. But she kept her guard up for now while Zhen was around.
"So, you're not going to… you know… tell Tenzin?"
She asked to make sure, the worry was clear in her eyes. Zhen caught the anxiety in her gaze, and for a brief moment, his expression softened.
"Nah" Zhen admits casually. His tone was calm, detached even, as if her actions held no significance to him
"Good…" she muttered, trying to sound more at ease.
"Still, you need to get back before Tenzin notices you're gone" Zhen added, keeping his voice steady as he began to stroll around the gym.
His eyes wandered over the worn equipment and scattered training tools, crouching down to brush over a few weights as if inspecting them for no particular reason.
"Yeah, I know" Korra replied, trying to sound more composed.
She watched Zhen, moving around the space. He looked detached, distracted.
The two of them fell into a tense silence. Korra's thoughts drifted a moment when she noticed the two brothers approaching her from the corner of her eye.
"So… we cool?" Bolin asked, his gaze darting between Zhen and Korra.
"Yeah, we're cool" Korra replied with a faint smile.
Bolin stood next to Korra, his brother just behind him. He leaned in closer to her, lowering his voice in a not-so-subtle whisper.
"So, who's mysterio here?"
He tilted his head toward Zhen, who definitely heard him but didn't bother reacting.
"Oh, right. Uh, meet Zhen" Korra said, glancing toward Zhen briefly before looking back at Bolin.
"He sort of… trains with me?"
Her tone wavered, uncertain of her words. She wasn't entirely sure how to introduce Zhen, or what to make of their relationship. Are they friends? Or mere acquaintances? They haven't exactly known each other that long, a few days currently.
Zhen, sensing the attention on him, turned to face the group. His expression was neutral, giving away nothing. His sharp gaze, however, intimidated Bolin, who immediately tensed as Zhen walked toward them.
"Uh… is this where I start running, or…?"
Bolin muttered under his breath, barely loud enough for Korra to catch.
"Oh yeah, you better run" she teased, glancing at him.
Zhen's lips twitched slightly, the barest hint of a dry smile forming as he stopped a few steps away in front of them.
"Haha. Very funny, Avatar" he said, his tone carrying a subtle edge of sarcasm.
Zhen extended his hand toward Bolin in a gesture of greeting, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Though it didn't quite reach his eyes. It was an attempt to ease the tension, though it barely passed.
"As you heard from the Avatar, you can call me Zhen"
"I'm Bolin. Nice to meet you, then"
Bolin hesitated for a moment, but he still reached out and shook Zhen's hand.
Zhen just gave a barely noticeable nod before switching his gaze toward the other brother.
"Oh this is my brother, Mako."
MAKO
AGE: 18
Status: Probender
Bolin shot a quick glance at Mako, whose expression contrasted sharply with his own. But instead of offering a greeting, Mako simply brushed them aside.
"I think I'm gonna turn in. It's getting late" Mako said, his voice flat as he turned to leave.
Before walking off, he paused just long enough to give Korra a polite nod.
"It was nice meeting you, Avatar Korra" he added, keeping his words distant, like an afterthought.
Korra gave him a half-hearted wave, arching her eyebrow.
"Yeah, been a REAL pleasure" she replied, her dissatisfaction obvious with the sarcasm.
Mako didn't respond, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared down the corridor. Not even sparing a glance at Zhen's direction.
"He seems nice" Zhen remarked dryly, his voice showing a bit of humor.
Korra scoffed, rolling her eyes as she nudged Zhen with her elbow. "I really hope you're joking"
"Broody might be the right word, actually" Bolin chimed in, casually leaning an arm on Zhen's shoulder, the latter not minding.
"But he's a great guy once you get to know him"" Bolin continued, a wide grin spreading across his face.
Zhen gave a small shrug, his expression remaining neutral and unbothered.
"I don't really mind either way" he said, keeping his tone cold but not unfriendly.
Cutting the conversation, Zhen handed the earth disk he had been idly holding to Bolin. He was curious at how Korra was practicing here compared to the Temple.
"Now, how about you two show me what you were working on?"
"Alright, back to bending then!" Bolin replied, his enthusiasm returning as he took the disk from Zhen.
Without much thought, Bolin tossed it carelessly among the stack of others. Zhen, on the other hand, stepped back, giving the two space to move freely
"Korra, try doing that combo one more time." Bolin suggested, gesturing toward the target net with a grin.
Korra nodded, taking up her stance once more. She mimicked the footwork from earlier, this time slower and more deliberate. Her eyes stayed on her feet for a moment as she adjusted to the rhythm, letting the movements sink in. After a brief pause, she lifted her gaze to her targets, letting her mind focus. With a deep breath, she dug her heels into the ground, and in a fluid motion, she shot two earth disks from the stacks beside her, sending them hurtling toward the target.
The disks hit the net with perfect accuracy this time, landing softly on the ground. A wide smile spread across Korra's face as she turned to Bolin and Zhen, feeling the rush of succeeding in her second try.
Bolin exchanged a quick glance with Zhen, both nodding in silent agreement before turning back to her. With matching grins, they raised their thumbs in unison, giving her a silent gesture of approval.
Korra's face lit up with a bright smile, responding with a confident thumbs up of her own. Her eyes sparkled with joy, feeling a sense of accomplishment she hasn't had in a while.
————————————————————————————
[Later that same night]
After the brief but productive training session with Bolin, Korra and Zhen prepared to head back to the island before Tenzin notices Korra's absence. They exchanged a warm farewell with Bolin, with Korra enthusiastically promising to return soon.
As the two left the building, Bolin headed back to his quarters in the attic. There, he found his brother Mako sitting on his bed, reading the weekly paper by the soft glow of a lap, despite the room's lights working well.
The brothers exchanged a brief nod of acknowledgement as Bolin climbed onto his bed, yawning and running a hand through his unruly hair.
"So, mind explaining why you're so… grumpy today?" Bolin asked as he stared at the ceiling.
Mako didn't respond, keeping his attention on the newspaper in his hands. The sound of rustling pages filled the room as he flipped through the articles.
A silence settled between the brothers, stretching out for what felt like minutes. Finally, with a long sigh, Mako lowered the paper slightly, feeling Bolin's persistent gaze drilling into him, waiting for an answer.
"Look, I'm sorry." Mako finally admitted, setting the paper down on his bedside table as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"It's just… we almost lost the game back there" he continued.
"I know, but we won didn't we? We pulled through like we always do"
Bolin sat up from his bed to look at his brother, trying to lighten the mood.
"Barely" Mako countered. "But with our next match coming up we don't have time to mess around"
His words hung in the air as Bolin gathered his thoughts before responding.
"I get it, I'm sorry." Bolin said, his tone quieter than usual.
But then, as if a switch flipped, his face lit up, and he shot up with excitement as he bounced on his bed.
"Still, we met the Avatar! I mean, come on, isn't that, like, the coolest thing that happened all day?"
"Cool doesn't win matches, Bolin" Mako raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"Maybe not. But still, the AVATAR!"
Bolin was grinning widely, unfazed by his brother's lack of enthusiasm.
Mako sighed, already planning to ignore his brother's fanboying. Then, he suddenly recalled the other person there, the one who stood beside the Avatar, Zhen.
"What about that other guy?" Mako asked, his tone shifting with obvious curiosity.
"Other guy?" Bolin tilted his head, trying to recall.
A brief pause followed as he visibly struggled to place the person in question in his memory, it seemed his focus was entirely on Korra the entire time.
"Oh, yeah… uh, Zhen, right? The earthbender."
"He was an earthbender?"
Mako's mind wandered for a moment, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the details. He hadn't noticed anything that stood out about Zhen for the moment he saw him. Mako sifted through his memory but drew a blank. But in the end he just assumed he showed Bolin a few tricks after he left the three of them alone
"How'd you know he was an earthbender?" Mako asked, breaking the brief silence.
Bolin, now holding up an earth disk out of nowhere, grinned as he answered.
"When the disk was flying toward him" he demonstrated, mimicking the action.
"It was brief, but I saw it… like, shift? It moved to his hand. At least, I think it did"
But as he continued, his confidence wavered, and the explanation started to sound less convincing.
Mako, who was watching silently, wanted to make sure he heard it right.
"So you're saying you saw the disk move… towards his hand?"
Bolin scratched the back of his neck, his grin turning sheepish
"Well, yeah, but… maybe I imagined it."
Mako stared at him for a moment, processing Bolin's words. Then again he was getting overly caught up in the details of a total stranger. He sighed, leaning back against his pillow and staring up at the high ceiling.
"What's the deal anyway?" Bolin asked, curiously.
Mako didn't respond, as if he didn't hear him. His gaze fixed on the swaying cobwebs above as his mind wandered. Something about Zhen stuck with him, he was strangely familiar. It gnawed at him, even though he was completely sure that was the first time he ever saw him.
Bolin rolled his eyes at his brother's more common trait.
"You're doing it again. Ugh, I can't with you when you're like this" he muttered.
Bolin flopped to his side, staring at the wall, clearly done with his brother's silent brooding. The room fell into a quiet stillness, save for the occasional rustle of blankets.
Then, almost to himself, Mako muttered "His scent…"
It was as if something clicked, but it wasn't enough. Zhen's scent was familiar to him, but he couldn't shake why or what.
————————————————————————————
[At the same time, Old Crane Fish Town]
After their brief session with Bolin, Zhen and Korra found themselves strolling through the quiet streets of Republic City. Though the original plan was to head back to Air Temple Island right away, Korra's curiosity got the better of her. Excitement gleamed in her eyes as she tugged Zhen along, quite literally dragging him by the fabric of his shirt.
"Come on! We can't just leave after finally getting here!" Korra exclaimed as she led the way
Zhen followed without much resistance, deeming it unnecessary. His demeanor contrasted sharply with Korra's boundless energy.
The two wandered into a bustling night market near the city square. Stalls overflowed with different goods, from unfamiliar items to sizzling food. Korra's attention was immediately drawn to a stall displaying an assortment of skewers.
Just as she leaned closer, practically drooling, a realization struck her.
She began patting her pockets, checking and rechecking them. She didn't actually have any money.
With a heavy sigh, she was about to turn away, sulking, and with a growling stomach.
Before she could take a step back, Zhen stepped forward.
"We'll take three of these" he said, pointing at the skewers displayed upfront.
Korra's eyes lit up with surprise as she turned to him.
"You can pay?" she asked in disbelief. "Wait, where'd you even get the money?"
Zhen reached into his pocket, pulling out his small waller. He didn't answer immediately, handing the payment to the vendor instead.
"I technically work" he said dryly as he received the skewers from the vendor.
"Tenzin pays me, but I haven't really gotten a chance to spend what I've saved"
He held out two skewers to Korra while biting into the third himself.
She accepted them with a polite "Thanks."
It surprised Zhen, who half-expected her to just snatch them from his hands.
Korra wasted no time taking a bite, her eyes lighting up with satisfaction as the savory flavor hit her taste buds. Zhen couldn't help but stare at the unrestrained enthusiasm showing on her face.
"What?" she mumbled around a mouthful, catching his gaze.
"I've been craving meat for days now"
"Food at the island not up to standards?" Zhen asked, amusingly.
"Pfft, it's fine… if you're a rabbit" Korra shot back between bites, rolling her eyes.
"I mean, I know I'm training for airbending and all. But I didn't think that meant eating nothing but greens the whole time"
Korra gave a dramatic shrug, waving the half eaten skewer in her hand.
"Tell me about it. If you want I could share a bit of my meal?"
"You have meat? How?"
Zhen paused in thought as he tossed the empty stick into a nearby bin.
"Once a month, Tenzin gets a shipment of fresh vegetables and fruits from the city. I just ask the delivery guy to slip in a little something extra."
Korra's eyes narrowed as she finished the last bite of her short meal, savoring it before responding.
"So, THAT'S why you haven't been joining us for meals"
Korra smirked, licking her lips and recalling all the times Zhen had declined their meals.
Zhen didn't answer right away, his hands slipping into his pockets as he walked ahead. Korra trailed behind him, staying on his pace.
"I mean, I can't stand an all green diet." Zhen finally said, scratching his head in frustration.
"It was already suffocating enough being in the island with nothing to do, I do hope Tenzin understands it isn't just airbenders who live in the island"
Korra raised an eyebrow as she glanced at him. Hearing him complain was… unexpected.
'Huh… I guess he's human too' she thought, surprised.
Zhen didn't seem like someone who gets bothered much. So seeing him express such frustration, made him look normal, and it was oddly refreshing.
Encouraged by the easy flow of conversation, Korra chimed in with a light tone.
"Tell me about it. I'm starting to think the only seasoning they use is air."
Zhen's lips twitched in what might've been a smirk, and before long, the two found themselves exchanging stories. Korra shared her experiences growing up in the South Pole and her training before arriving in Republic City, while Zhen recounted amusing anecdotes about Tenzin's scheduling: Dates, times, and even rare occasions when Tenzin left he island for weeks at a time.
The conversation flowed easily, sharing their frustrations and experiences living on Air Temple Island. They wandered through the city's vibrant, glowing streets exchanging laughter and a small understanding of each other.
The two continued their stroll until they reached the wharf, where the city's energy gave way to the calm, rhythmic waved against the piers. As they walked along the wooden boards, Korra suddenly realized something.
"Wait…" she said, narrowing her eyes at Zhen "How'd you get off the island anyway?"
"Bit obvious, no?" He replied, pulling a small set of keys from his pocket..
Chirp!
The keys jingled as he pressed a button, and a soft beep echoes from one of the many boats docked nearby. Korra's jaw dropped slightly, staring at the blinking lights of a modest motorboat.
"You're telling me you just… have a boat?"
Zhen shrugged like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Without a word, he stepped onto the deck.
"Don't tell Tenzin" he said, flashing her a mischievous grin and a playful wink.
Korra crossed her arms as she inspected the vehicle before fixing him with a sharp look.
"Where did you even hide this? I've walked the entire island dozens of times, and I've never seen this"
"I'd much rather keep it a secret for now"
Zhen started the engine with no issues, the low hum disturbing the quiet of the dock. The faintest trace of smugness tugged at his lips as he glanced at her
"Hop in" he said, gesturing toward the boat's interior
"I'll drop you off on another part of the island"
Korra stepped aboard with an excited bounce, rocking the boat slightly as she settled in.
"Can I drive?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Not. A. Chance" Zhen denied firmly, though his tone remained soft.
"I still need to clean this thing later"
He stepped to the helm, expertly steering the boat away from the dock.
Korra let out a dramatic sigh and plopped onto a seat at the back of the boat, arms crossed in mock disappointment.
"No fun~"
"Rather not have you crash my only way off the island"
Zhen quipped, glancing back briefly with a wry smirk as he accelerated the boat. The vessel cut smoothly through the water, its motor humming steadily in the cool night air.
Korra stretched out at the back, leaning against the edge as she let the gentle rocking lull her to relax. Within moments, her eyes grew heavy, and she drifted off into a nap.
At the helm, Zhen kept his eyes upfront, the city lights behind them growing farther. Gradually, he slowed the engine and dimmed the lights, letting the darkened water and sky completely cloak their presence. Finally, he brought the boat to a gentle stop.
Glancing over his shoulder, Zhen noticed Korra, unguarded and fast asleep, her form resting against the cool metal edge of the boat. A quiet sigh left him as he stepped closer, his steps almost silent against the boat's deck.
He stood over her for a moment, watching her slumber. Then, with a soft exhale, he crouched down, reaching beneath her seat to open a small compartment. He retrieved a simple blanket, light but it was sufficient as a cover. As he carefully draped it over her sleeping form, he paused, noticing how peaceful she looked, untouched by the cool night air.
'Oh right.' he thought, a faint realization brushing his mind.
A remembers she was from the south, and that the temperature likely didn't bother her. Still, he kept the blanket on her, carefully stepping back to not wake her up.
Without casting another glance her way, Zhen stepped back to the front of the boat, starting the engine again. As the boat resumes its steady journey forward, a deep silence settles between them. The only sounds that broke the stillness were the soft splashes of the waves lapping gently against the hull and the occasional breeze.
————————————————————————————
[Next Day]
After the small escapade the night before, Zhen and Korra resumed their usual routine for the day: Training. However something seemed off. Korra was unusually tense, her frustration was clearly bubbling.
The morning went on as planned, except for one glaring absence: Zhen didn't join her for their daily sparring session. True to his word, he was busy cleaning his boat, something he informed Korra the night before.
As she faced the airbending gates, her irritation began to mount. The wooden gates spun relentlessly, battering her for every failure. Each attempt she made ended worse than the last, thinning her patience.
Finally, her frustration reached its breaking point. With a guttural shout, Korra unleashed torrents of fire within her surroundings. The air filled with the crackling roar of flames as the wooden gates erupted into charred remnants, smoke billowing into the sky
As the embers slowly faded, Korra stood amidst the wreckage, breathing heavily, her hands balled into fists. Her chest heaving as the aftermath of her anger echoed through the courtyard.
Now, after arguing with Tenzin about his suffocating teaching methods, Korra stormed off. She wandered aimlessly around the island, ranting aloud and gesturing her arms wildly.
"THWACK!"
The sharp, rhythmic sound cut her off from her tirade. Korra paused, ears perked and turned toward the direction of the noise. She pushed through a tangled cluster of bushes, stumbling into a hidden corner of the island.
Before her stood a rusted metal fence, its jagged edges nearly swallowed by the thick overgrowth
'What the…' she muttered, looking at both sides to see the fence extend.
With a flick of her wrist, she summoned a controlled flame, burning through the fence slowly. The metal groaned and buckled, creating enough room for her to slip through.
"I've been all over this island… How did I miss this?" she muttered, stepping into the hidden area.
HACK!
The sound rang out again, as if on a pattern. She followed the noise through a winding path until it opened into a clearing near the cliffside. There, perched precariously on the edge, stood a small, weathered shack.
THUNK!
A figure stood nearby the small housing, his back turned to her, an axe in hand. The blade struck clearly into a log before the man froze mid-motion.
"Hm? Avatar?"
The figure turned his head slightly, revealing Zhen's familiar face, showing a faint surprise across his features before his brow furrowed in its usual guarded expression.
Korra blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sight of him here, in such a secluded spot. Zhen straightened up full, resting the axe against his shoulder and wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel draped loosely over his neck.
"Didn't expect to see you here" he said flatly, his voice was indifferent though he still showed his surprise.
"I could say the same to you" Korra replied, crossing her arms as her eyes scan the area.
The clearing was surprisingly spacious, and Korra couldn't help but notice how much of the island seems to be here. It made her wonder how she had missed this place all this time.
"So… THIS is where you live" her gaze continued to wander as she slowly started walking forward.
Freshly chopped wood was stacked neatly beside Zhen, and from the several uncut logs remaining, it was clear he wasn't done. Nearby, a worn-out wooden man post stood, one of its arms snapped off.
To the side, tucked beneath the shade of a towering tree, was a smaller, better-maintained structure. It contrasted the older and more weathered building next to it, which Korra assumed was where Zhen slept. And in the center of the clearing, neatly arranged logs were laid out as makeshift seats, encircling a recently used campfire, its dying embers still sending a short tendril of smoke.
Zhen observed her as she took in his residence, or at least, what he considered his small corner.
"Why are you here, Avatar?" he asked, his voice carrying a faint exhaustion.
Korra, momentarily caught off guard, was suddenly reminded why she was wandering around aimlessly in the first place. Her anger from earlier boiled up again, but she held it in for now.
Zhen noticed the shift in her expression, seeing her tense up. Without a word, he swung his axe down onto the stump with a sharp crack, leaving the blade embedded in the wood.
"Sit down" he said, his tone surprisingly soft despite the weariness.
"I'll get you something to drink"
Korra hesitated but complied, taking a seat in one of the many logs.
Zhen left her alone for a moment, disappearing into the small hut. When he returned, he had changed into a fresh shirt and carried a small tray. On it sat a steel kettle, two cups, and a jar of tea leaves.
"I assume training went well" he asked, his tone adding a soft sarcasm to lighten her mood.
He sat across from her, setting the tray beside him. He placed the kettle on a makeshift stand over the empty fire.
Korra didn't answer. She watched in silence as Zhen fumbled with a flint, trying to start a small spark. Her gaze softened slightly, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards in the faintest of smiles. After a moment, she raised her hand, her fingers sparking a small but controlled flame. With a simple flick of her wrist, the fire caught, sending the kindling to life with a soft crackle.
Zhen, flinched as the flames burst to life in front of him, momentarily startled by the sudden flare.
"Thanks" he muttered silently, but enough for Korra to hear.
He added a few leaves to the fire, though it was already burning strong enough.
The silence between them lingered, broken only by the occasional pop of the fire. Korra stared into the flames, though she stole glances at Zhen as he prepared tea. The two of them tugged if they should speak first. It was clear both were waiting for the other to break the ice.
When Zhen finished, he poured two cups and offered one to Korra. She accepted it with a brief nod, immediately taking a large gulp despite the tea still being quite hot. Zhen, on the other hand, sipped his slowly, savoring the warmth.
"Tenzin?" Zhen cut through the quiet, inviting the conversation.
Korra set down her empty cup with a clink, sighing heavily as she raked a hand through her hair, keeping her frustration under control but obvious.
"Yeah…" she muttered with annoyance. "Tenzin"
Zhen leaned back slightly, observing her for a moment, gauging her expression. He didn't speak immediately, giving her space in case she continued.
"I just don't get it" Korra burst out "Something must be wrong with me! I did the other elements just fine! Why is air so hard?!"
Her temper flared as she stomped her foot on the ground, the force sending a subtle ripple through the earth beneath them. The kettle rattled over the fire, but Zhen just looked up at her, quietly letting her vent out.
"And Tenzin!" she continued, her voice raising with every word.
"He's always preaching about air being free, but all he does the entire time I've been here is box me in! Sticking me to some routine that doesn't even work!"
She paced in a tight circle, gesturing wildly as the sun dipped lower, casting an orange glow over them. Her voice echoed out to the empty clearing around them, her words spilling out in an unrelenting stream as she let out everything she's built up for days.
Zhen stayed silent, sipping his tea. He didn't interrupt, thinking she needed this to calm down.
Finally, with a sharp cry of exasperation, Korra threw a massive blast of fire into the campfire, bursting it to flames for a moment before dissipating back to normal.
As her energy burnt out, she stood still, her shoulders rising and falling with each heavy breath.
Zhen set his empty cup down and rose to his feet. He dusted off his hands and glanced at her, tilting his head slightly before speaking in a light-hearted manner.
"Feel better now?"
"Of course not!" she snapped, throwing her arms in the air.
"I've been here a week, and nothing!"
She paused mid-rant, her hand raised as she was about to unleash another blast of fire into the campfire. But as she glanced at Zhen, she caught the way he was looking at her. There was something in his expression, an understanding, almost quiet empathy, but she misread it, feeling as though he was pitying her. The thought made her stomach twist. Embarrassed, she quickly turned away, putting her arm down. She bit her lip as her words faltered into an uncomfortable silence.
Zhen frowned slightly, confused by her sudden shift. He glanced around for a moment before spotting a stick nearby. Picking it up, he tested its weight, giving it a few swings in the air.
"We never got to spar today, right?" he asked casually, twirling the stick
"Yeah?" Korra answers questionably. "But what's the point, really…"
As Korra was about to sit back down, a sudden surge of danger pricked her senses. Reacting instinctively, she threw herself back just as Zhen swung at her. The strike barely missed, but the gust of wind created extinguished the already fading campfire.
"Hey! What's the big idea?!" she exclaimed, landing hard on her knees.
Zhen gave her a calm, almost amused look.
"You wanted a spar with no restraints, right?"
He paused, planting the other end of the stick firmly into the ground with a soft thud. "Let's do it. No one's watching"
Korra raised an eyebrow, sizing him up with a sharp wary glance. She was wondering if he was seriously challenging her. Just as she opened her mouth to decline, Zhen smirked and added with pure provocation.
"Or can you not even beat someone who has no bending?" he scoffed, mocking her.
The jab caught her off guard, and she straightened, her jaw tightening.
"Alright, don't come crying when I crush you" she growled, her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.
A vein throbbed in her temple as her frustration bled into pure anger.
Meanwhile, Zhen could only think 'Crap, it actually worked'. He hadn't expected such a childish taunt to work so well.
Seeing Zhen's weapon momentarily planted in the ground, Korra seized the opportunity. She dug her feet on the ground, taking chunks of earth from beneath her. With a heavy motion, she launched them toward Zhen in quick succession.
Not missing a beat, she pivoted smoothly, her movements fluid as she drew a stream of water from a nearby puddle. Twisting her arms, she transformed the water into a powerful torrent, sending it hurtling toward him like a hose.
Zhen remained calm as the barrage closed in, he felt the wind against his skin, the change of flow. His eyes sharpened, focusing on the various trajectories. He simply stepped to the side, avoiding the first chunk of earth. Gripping the stick firmly in both hands, he swung it in a precise, downward diagonal motion, deflecting the next chunk of rock and guiding it back to the ground, planting it in place.
As the powerful torrent of water closed in, Zhen quickly stepped behind the discarded slab of earth, angling himself properly. The water slammed against the temporary shielding, splashing violently in all directions.
As the water dwindled, Korra wasted no time. Quickly shifting her stance, she let out sharp exhales and low grunts as she unleashed torrents of fire, each burst roaring toward Zhen in waves of searing heat.
Meanwhile, behind safety, Zhen stayed calm and planned his next move. In a swift motion, he snapped the stick he held against his knee, breaking it into two shorter pieces. Flipping the halves in his hands, he gripped them in reverse.
'I really hope she gets tired' Zhen thought, closing his eyes and steadying his breath.
Since he couldn't see Korra through the wall and smoke, he turned his focus inward, sharpening his other senses. He felt the rush of wind and the radiating heat against his skin, his ear attuned to the faint rhythm of her breathing and the cracking bursts of flame. He sensed Korra was slowly creeping closer as she attacked, so he waited.
"Get out here and fight like a man, you coward!" she yelled, hoping to provoke him to come out.
Korra, noticing Zhen hadn't moved from his cover, grew impatient. Lowering her flames, she darted to the side, hoping to flank him and catch him off guard.
But she was the one caught by surprise.
Zhen had been waiting, locking eyes with her as soon as she came into view. He kicked the pile of logs he left earlier, sending them flying into the air. The wooden pieces arced and fell chaotically, completely obstructing Korra's view.
The heavy logs thudded into the ground around her, forcing her to shift focus on defense. She planted her feet on the ground and swung her arms upward in a fluid motion, bending the earth on her sides to rise and form a barrier overhead, absorbing all the impact.
Zhen seized the opening. He dashed forward, weaving through the chaos and barely evading each wooden debris. He focused on Korra as he closed the distance between them.
Korra barely had time to react as Zhen advanced. His movements were too quick, and before she could properly brace herself, he swung at her legs. She jumped just in time, but it was a shallow leap. As she was mid-air, she instinctively tilted her head to the side, narrowly avoiding the sharp stick of one of the half-sticks Zhen used. Despite reacting to it almost instantly, the edge still grazed her cheek.
Before she could even properly land, Zhen was on her. With a swift and forceful tackle, he knocked the breath out of her lungs as she hit the ground. He stayed on his feet, looking down at her with a teasing smirk.
"Finished?" he asked, crouching in front of her.
Korra's response was silence and a growl. She planted her hands on the ground beside her head and kicked upward toward him with a powerful force, sending a full blast of fire directly at him. The sudden surge of heat sent Zhen tumbling backward, momentarily throwing him off balance.
She rolled backward, using her momentum to spring to her feet, stopping herself by raising a thick earth wall behind her for support.
"Dammit! Why can't I hit you!?" she groaned in frustration as she grabbed a massive chunk of the wall behind her and hurled it toward Zhen.
Still off-balance from the previous blast, Zhen saw the massive chunk of earth hurtling toward him. Without any other thoughts, he let gravity take over. He dropped to the ground, hitting it hard as the heavy earth sailed over him, missing by mere inches.
Above him, Korra leapt into the air, her fist engulfed in roaring flames. She struck down, aiming directly at him. But Zhen rolled swiftly to the side, narrowly avoiding the impact as it buried itself in the ground. He quickly got back on his feet, quickly closing the gap between them.
Now, they faced each other, a direct confrontation. Korra believed she had the advantage. They both struck simultaneously, their arms meeting in a powerful backhand. They felt the force of the impact ripping through their bodies, though Zhen reacted more to it. Korra was quick to follow up with a punch, flames bursting from her fist. Zhen twisted his body just in time, barely avoiding the flames.
The fight became a blur of relentless strikes. Korra unleashed a barrage of attacks, fire erupting from her fist with each swing and hab, pieces of the ground flying as she kicked and bent the earth into small projectiles.
She used every advantage her bending offered, pressing Zhen back with a constant onslaught.
But Zhen kept his calm, his movements precise. He deflected her fiery punches with well-timed parries, redirecting the flames off course. With the remaining half of his broken stick, he blocked the small earth shooting at him. When Korra kicked at him, Zhen would step to the side or sweep her legs away with a kick.
Slowly, Korra's attacks were becoming more forceful but less precise, her stamina clearly beginning to fade.
Zhen could see the strain in her eyes. He let out a small sigh, a calm, almost resigned sound.
"That's enough, Avatar" he said, trying to end the spar.
But Korra, stubborn as ever, wasn't ready to throw in the towel. Her jaw tightened, and she shot him a fierce look.
"Not until I land one!" she snapped, her body coiling with the last of her energy as she swung her fist toward him.
Zhen saw the urge to prove something in her eyes, to show that she was more than capable. She wanted to reaffirm herself.
With a swift motion, Zhen swung his arm and deflected her fist. As her arm lost its trajectory, a massive wave of fire shot up into the sky from her fist, a burst of red and orange. The flames roared, as if echoing her inner turmoil she had been carrying.
As the fire dissipated into the air, Korra stood there, chest heaving with exhaustion, the tension in her shoulders beginning to ease.
As her adrenaline began to ebb away, Korra's breathing steadied, and the tension in her muscles started to release. Zhen, noticing the shift in her energy, stepped closer. With a quiet gentleness, he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Feeling better?" he asked a second time, his voice softer.
Korra took a moment, glancing down before meeting his gaze. She gave a small, appreciative nod
"Yeah… thanks" she said, her voice quieter now.
————————————————————————————
[A bit later]
Zhen was quietly gathering the scattered logs he'd used earlier, stacking them into neat piles. Korra, unwilling to just stand around and let him do all the work, stepped in to help. She hoisted a tall stack onto her shoulder, keeping her strength despite being exhausted.
"I swear, one of these days, I'll beat you" she said, grumbling as she added another log to her shoulder.
Zhen glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"You WERE fighting better today." he admitted, picking up a log and tossing it onto the growing pile. "That day might not be too far"
Korra froze mid-motion, narrowing her eyes at him as she tried to read his tone. Was he teasing her, or was he actually being serious? She felt annoyed that he made it impossible to tell.
Deciding not to press it further, she returned to stacking the remaining logs. Only a few were scattered now, but the silence wasn't something Korra could tolerate for long, especially with a question nagging at the back of her mind.
"So…" she began hesitantly, unsure if her question was overstepping.
"Who… like, trained you?"
Zhen didn't even pause to think about it.
"Tenzin?" He answered casually.
But the response was an obvious lie. His tone was too flat, and even he wasn't sure of his answer.
Korra raised an eyebrow, immediately unimpressed.
"Ha. Ha. Very funny" Korra mocked, tossing the stack of logs on her shoulder onto the rest of the pile
"You think I don't notice how Tenzin looks at you?"
Zhen tilted his head slightly, feigning ignorance.
"How so?" he asked, though he already knew the answer
"Like he just doesn't want you around," Korra said with a shrug, furrowing her eyebrows as she thought about it.
"I don't know… like you're some problem he's stuck with?"
She wasn't exactly sure, but even she'd notice Tenzin obviously avoiding Zhen whenever possible. It wasn't something she could ask Tenzin about either, he was too focused on her airbending training to entertain her questions about someone else.
"Did you break one of his sacred rules or whatever?" Korra tilted her head, watching him closely
Zhen paused mid motion, staring ahead as if considering her question. After a beat, he looked back at Korra with a mischievous smirk.
"I stole his tea?" he answered, the words coming out with an almost joking air.
It made it impossible for Korra to tell if he was joking or being dead serious.
Korra blinked, her expression showing confusion and telling him 'Seriously?'
Zhen's grin widened slightly as he caught the look on her face.
"Keep guessing, Avatar" he teased, giving her a light tap on the shoulder.
"Ugh, I hate you" Korra scoffed, returning the gesture with a firm nudge that was just enough to make him stumble slightly.
As they finished cleaning up, Zhen kicked dirt into the smoldering campfire, extinguishing it with a soft hiss. While gathering the teacups and kettle onto the tray, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
"Hey" he said, looking up at Korra.
"Weren't you supposed to watch Bolin's match tonight?"
Korra blinked, her gaze shifting to the horizon. She hadn't even realized how dark it had gotten until now.
"Oh right, it's already dark out" she muttered, noticing the sun had fully set as Zhen put the fire out.
She glanced back at Zhen as he stood up, now holding the tray.
"You not coming?" she asked, almost disappointed.
"I might catch up later. I just need to speak with the White Lotus first" he replied, adjusting the tray as he made his way toward his small hut.
Korra watched him for a moment, then waved as she took one step back.
"See you there then?"
"I'll see you when I see you" he replied, not slowing his pace.
Satisfied with his answer, Korra turned and took off into the forest with a bright smile, the sound of her footsteps fading as she ran. Zhen, meanwhile, disappeared into his hut, which revealed a small, simple kitchen inside.
Korra didn't waste any time. She made her way to the edge of a cliff, seeing no one around. Like the night before, she took a running leap off the edge, bending the water toward her to guide her descent down into the sea.
End