The Aftermath - Part 1

"I still can't believe they're shutting this place down." Mako sighed, putting a shirt into a box.

"Yeah. We had some good memories here, didn't we?" Bolin smiled, distantly

"We sure did, buddy" Elira nudged his shoulder as she walked past with a box in her arms.

" Guys! Great news" Korra suddenly came running up the stairs excitedly " You don't have to go back on the streets. I talked to Tenzin and made all the arrangements. You can come live on Air Temple Island with me and El!"

Elira shared a look with the boys as Pichi jumped onto her shoulder" Korra, I already offered for them to stay with us but..."

"Asami already invited us to live in her dad's giant mansion!" Bolin finished with a huge smile

Korra's face fell in disappointment

"From here on out, it's gonna be the lap of luxury for us." Bolin grinned, his arm around his brother.

" Oh hey, Korra" Asami appeared on top of one of the platforms, holding Pabu " I was hoping you would stop by"

She let go of Pabu and climbed down the ladder, not noticing the irritated look that crossed the Avatar's face.

"I was just leaving" Korra turned to Elira and the boys, waving "I'll see you at home, El. And I guess I'll see you guys around, sometime"

"Why not tomorrow? I'd love to have you come visit the estate." Asami offered

"I don't know. I have some ... Avatar stuff to do." Korra replied

Bolin picked up Pabu and waved him in front of his face so it looked like Pabu was talking in a high-pitched voice.

"Come on, Korra. We all deserve a little rest and relaxation after all this craziness. We could swim in Asami's pool. It'll be fun!"

Korra and Elira laughed

"Alright, Pabu" Korra agreed

"Great, we'll see you tomorrow." Asami smiled, standing next to the others.

Korra headed back down the stairs while the others waved goodbye with Bolin still using Pabu as a puppet.

*

Cannonball!" Elira yelled, jumping off of a statue into Asami's pool the next day, landing in the water with a splash.

Pichi was laying next to Asami sat on the side and screeched when the water hit her. She climbed up Asami's shoulder and hid in her long dark locks. Asami chuckled and pet the lemur softly.

Elira resurfaced pushing her soaked hair out of her face grinning before turning and laughing as Pabu jumped into a pool after her squealing.

"Earthbending bomb!" The airbender quickly moved as Bolin belly-flopped into the pool, splashing the others in the process.

Elira laughed, jumping on her best friend's back when he resurfaced, trying to dunk him under the water again.

The butler then walked into the room, escorting Korra behind him.

"Avatar Korra ... has arrived" He announced

"Hey, Korra!" Mako waved, standing next to Asami in the pool.

"Glad you made it!" Asami smiled, Pichi still perched on her shoulder

Bolin surfaced from the water with his hands out "Welcome to paradise!"

He then put his hands behind his head and floated on his back while Pabu climbed onto his belly, purring when Elira scratched behind his ear.

" Looks like you guys settled right, in," Korra said, slightly sarcastically, sitting down on a bench by the pool.

"Pretty much" Mako began swimming over to her, followed by Asami "except someone forgot to ask her father if we could stay here"

"Yeah, but I smoothed it over with him. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission."

This made Elira laugh as she climbed out of the pool next to Korra "I'm defiantly using that from now on"

"Oh, I'm sure your dad will love that" Korra teased making Elira laugh again, fixing her ponytail as Pichi landed on her shoulder chittering.

Bolin climbed out of the pool next to them with Pabu on his shoulder" This is the greatest place in the world! Watch this, watch this"

He turned to the butler, speaking in a more formal voice " Fetch me my towel, good sir."

"Yes, Master ... Bolin" The butler grabbed a folded up towel and walked toward him.

"Master Bolin! Ha, I love this guy" He chuckled, Pabu climbing onto his head

"Now pat me dry." He held out his arms, grinning

"As you wish" The butler rolled up the towel and patted down Bolin as he moved to allow him to do that

"Don't forget Master Pabu."

"Wouldn't dream of it, sir" The butler put the towel over Pabu, who was still sitting on Bolin's head, and rubbed him dry. A moment later, Pabu's fur became bushy as he squeaked and Elira giggled.

"And also Miss El" Bo pointed to the airbender

"Certainly, sir" The butler turned to Elira, holding up the towel. "Miss?"

"That's okay, I can dry myself" Pichi jumped off Elira's shoulder as she placed her fists together, using her airbending to dry herself.

The butler cringed slightly, frowning as the gusts of wind ruffled his neatly combed hair, leaving it a mess.

As he turned around, Bolin and Elira laughed as they jumped into the water again right away and he scowled in annoyance.

"So, what do you have planned for us today? Let me guess, shopping, makeovers ..." Korra asked, looking somewhat dismayed as Asami swam over.

In the water, Bolin jumped onto Mako, pushing him into the water before raising his hand while speaking in an excited tone" Ooh, Ooh! I vote makeovers!"

Mako returned the favour, pushing Bolin under the water as he yelped.

"I second that!" Elira laughed before squealing as the boys pulled her under the water by her ankles.

"I had something a little more exciting in mind." Asami smiled, climbing the ladder out of the pool, and turning her head to face Korra.

*

Asami ended up taking them to a race track. They sat in the stands watching two Satomobiles race around the circuit.

"Oh wow! That looks like a blast!" Elira exclaimed

"Pretty cool, huh?" Asami smiled

"Way cooler than a makeover." Korra grinned

"This is where Future Industries test-drives their Satomobiles. Ever been behind the wheel?"

"My uncle taught me a few years ago cause I wanted to try it out" Elira smiled

"The only thing I know how to drive is a polar bear dog" Korra added, chuckling

"You want me to take you for a spin?" Asami offered "You and me vs El?"

The two girls turned to each other before looking at Asami grinning "Let's do it!/ You're on!"

The girls seated themselves into two Satomobiles stood next to each other on the track. Korra put on her goggles as she sat behind Asami.

Elira was sat in the other car and smirked over at her friends. "Ready to eat my dust, Sato?"

Asami smirked back at her " See you at the finish line, Master Elira"

A man in blue waved a white flag in front of the cars and the race began, the two cars zooming down the track.

Elira was in the lead, smirking when she saw Asami falling behind her.

However, Asami smiled as she began to catch up with the airbender.

Mako and Bolin cheered them on from the side-lines.

Elira glanced over her shoulder, seeing her friend right behind her and moved to cut her off. But, Asami turned and overtook the airbender, her back wheel grazing the wall.

Elira gritted her teeth and tried to catch up, but her front wheel and Asami's back wheel touched causing her car to spin out.

She fell behind as she tried to gain control over the vehicle again.

Asami zoomed past the finish line, winning the race and Elira skidded across after her.

Directing their cars off the main track, the girls stopped and jumped out.

"That was amazing! I didn't think we'd make it." Korra grinned

"Well, you can't be afraid to mix it up sometimes." Asami smiled, fixing her hair

She turned and smirked at El teasingly "But what was that you were you saying earlier, El? I can't remember. Korra, can you?"

"Yeah, I think was something along the lines of "Eat my dust" Korra chuckled

"Okay okay, laugh it up you two" Elira rolled her eyes playfully as her friends teased her.

"I gotta admit, I had you pegged wrong" Korra then smiled at Asami, taking off her helmet, " I thought you were kind of ... prissy. Eh-No offence!"

" It's all right, people usually assume that I'm daddy's helpless little girl, but I can handle myself. I mean, I've been in self-defence classes since I was this high" Asami laughed, holding her hand next to her waist "My dad made sure that I would always be able to protect myself."

"Smart guy."

*

Back at the mansion, the teens walked in and Bolin quickly rushed past them.

"Emergency, emergency coming through, beep beep!" He yelled, running toward the bathroom with his hands covering his groin.

" Uh, is there another bathroom I can use?" Korra asked

"We have a lady's powder room upstairs, first door on your right. You can freshen up in there." Asami replied as Mako stood beside her

"Thanks." Korra headed upstairs leaving the other three to venture into the living room.

"Hey El, can I ask you a question?" Asami inquired as she and Mako sat in two of the large plush chairs.

"Yeah, sure" The airbender smiled, sitting on another next to them as Pabu and Pichi climbed onto the large coffee table in front of them and began eating the fruit out of a bowl.

"Your tattoos, how did you get them?" Asami asked

"Oh, I got them when I completed my training. They symbolize that I've mastered airbending. My siblings will get them too eventually" Elira explained, pointing to the arrow on her forehead.

"Wow, how old were you?" Asami smiled, intrigued

"I was 12. The same age my grandpa got his" Elira grinned proudly "Though my dad needed some convincing. He thought I was too young for them till Gran-Gran brought up Grandpa Aang"

"Yeah and you freaked out me and Bolin when you turned up the next day bald" Mako playfully scowled and the girls laughed

The door suddenly opened and Korra poked her head in, looking a bit shaken.

"Oh, hey Korra" The airbender waved with a smile.

"Hey, El, can I talk to you for a second?" The Avatar pointed over her shoulder

"Uh, yeah sure" Elira looked confused as she got up and followed Korra outside.

As soon as the door shut, Korra grabbed her wrist, dragging her into a vacant hallway away from the others.

"Hey! Korra! What's gotten into you?"

"I think Mr Sato is working with the Equalists" The Avatar revealed

"The Equalists?!"

"Shh! Not so loud" Korra hissed, covering the airbender's mouth, looking around to see if anyone heard.

"Why do you think he's working for the Equalists?" Elira whispered when Korra removed her hand

"I overheard him on the phone" Korra replied

"That's it? You're accusing him over a phone call?" The airbender questioned

"I know what I heard, El" Korra argued

"Well, maybe what you heard wasn't what you think"

"You don't believe me?" Korra scoffed

"Hey, I'm just trying to cover all the bases. And if it is true, you think Asami knows?" Elira wondered, looking slightly worried.

"I don't know, but regardless we gotta tell your dad. Come on!" Korra grabbed her wrist again and they ran off into the foyer where the others had gathered, the butler spraying perfume all over Bolin as Mako and Asami stood behind them.

"Pichi, come on!" Elira called as she and Korra ran past them

"You're leaving? But I-I thought ..." Asami questioned, confused as Elira grabbed her glider leaning against the wall by the door.

" Uh, sorry! We forgot, we're supposed to airsit, I mean babybend" Elira nudged Korra to stop her stuttering

"I-I mean babysit the airbender kids. See you later!" Korra exclaimed and they quickly ran out of the house with Pichi chittering behind them. Leaving their friends behind in a state of confusion.

*

That night, Korra and Elira stood with Tenzin and Lin outside, explaining what happened.

"So, you think Mr Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists then framed Cabbage Corp?" Tenzin questioned

"That's a bold accusation, but what proof do you have?" Lin asked

"Well, I don't exactly have proof, but I know what I heard. Sato's up to something" Korra explained

"He does have the means ... and he has a motive," Lin muttered

"That's right."

"A motive? What is it?" Elira questioned

"Twelve years ago, the Agni Kai Triad robbed Sato's mansion. A firebender killed Sato's wife during the break-in." Tenzin explained

"A firebender killed Asami's mom?"Elira frowned

"That's terrible," Korra added

"It was tragic. It's possible that he's been harbouring anti-bending sentiment all this time." Tenzin theorised

"Maybe we should look at Mr Sato a little more closely." Lin declared

*

Later that evening, Elira sat outside under the gazebo, trying to meditate and clear her mind. Pichi lay asleep next to her.

"Sweetie?" The teen opened her eyes, turning to find her mother looking down at her concerned.

"Why are you out here? You're usually in bed by now" Pema questioned as her daughter stood up.

"I couldn't sleep" Elira muttered, leaning against the railing, looking out at the ocean.

"That's not like you. Even as a child, despite how much energy you had, you always slept like a log" Pema placed a comforting hand on Elira's shoulder "What's wrong, sweetie?"

"I'm just thinking about something"

"Careful, you know how bad that is for you" Her mother teased

"Haha" Elira rolled her eyes as Pema laughed

"So?"

"...Honestly, mom, I'm worried" Elira admitted "If Mr Sato is working for the Equalists, my friends could be in danger staying in that house. Not just Bo and Mako, but Asami too"

Pema stroked Elira's hair softly, something she always did to calm her daughter when she was young "Well, you'll find out tomorrow, but I'm sure they'll be alright for tonight, sweetie"

The teen nodded and turned back to stare at the water

"I hope so" She muttered

*

The next day, Elira arrived back at Asami's mansion accompanied by Korra, Lin and her father. The butler opened the door and they entered.

Bolin, Asami and Mako were all standing on the stairs as Tenzin and Lin went up.

"El!" Bolin picked up his best friend in a tight hug.

"What's going on? Why are they asking Hiroshi more questions?" Mako asked

"I overheard him on the phone yesterday. Asami, I don't know how to tell you this, but I think your father might be involved with the Equalists." Korra explained

"What? I don't believe this" Asami snapped angrily, turning and storming up the stairs.

"You spied on Hiroshi? What's your problem?" Mako scowled, going after his girlfriend.

Korra looked down at her feet before following.

"El, do you really think Hiroshi's working for the Equalists?" Bolin questioned as they began walking up the stairs as well.

"I don't know, Bo. I'm just going off what Korra told me" Elira sighed "But for Asami's sake, I hope she's wrong"

They caught up with the others just as Asami burst into her father's office.

"My father is innocent. Just because we're not benders doesn't mean we support those awful Equalists"

"Equalists? Is that what this is about?" Hiroshi scowled as Asami stood next to him" I can assure you I have nothing to do with those radicals."

"Yeah, you don't know what you're talking about, Korra." Mako glared at the Avatar

"I overheard you on the phone. You said the Cabbage Corp investigation bought you time, and you're getting ready to strike. Explain that!" Korra pointed at Hiroshi

The man just laughed "This is all just a misunderstanding, resulting from the young Avatar's overactive imagination. My number one competitor was knocked out of the game. It's providing me an opportunity to strike the market with a new line of Satomobiles. It's just business. Nothing nefarious"

Lin and Tenzin glanced at each other

"In order to put all suspicions to rest, might we have a look into your factories and warehouses?" Tenzin asked

Asami sighed in annoyance, hands on her hips, but Hiroshi Sato raised his hands to stop her from speaking further

"If you feel it's necessary, you're welcome to search all of Future Industries." He offered

*

Elira joined in the search on Future industries, standing with Korra as Naga sniffed at some boxes while around them Lin and her metalbenders searched through others.

After a long day of searching all of Future Industries, they came up empty. There was no evidence to confirm Korra's accusation.

Elira walked next to Korra on Naga, with Pichi on her shoulder, over to her father and Lin who were watching as the metalbender cops lifted into the police airship.

"I can't believe we didn't find anything." Korra sighed, jumping down from Naga.

"It would appear Hiroshi is innocent," Lin stated

Asami then walked up to them with Mako, looking annoyed " Okay, you did your search. Now you can all leave."

Lin glared at the girl "Hmm."

Mako signalled to Korra, and they moved away to have a private conversation. Tenzin and Lin also moved away, leaving just Asami and Elira.

"El, how could you side with Korra on this?" Asami glared, crossing her arms

"I'm not siding with anyone" Elira shook her head

"Then why believe Korra's accusation against my dad?"

"I never said I did! But I can't just sit on the side-lines when people I care about could be in danger" Elira cried

"Can't you just trust I'm telling the truth? I thought you were my friend?" Asami snapped

"Asami, I am your friend" Elira argued

The older girl scoffed, crossing her arms "No, you're not"

She glared at the airbender as she walked away, Mako joining her, wrapping an arm around her as they left.

Elira sighed as Pichi chittered sadly, not liking all the fighting. The teen turned and leaned against Naga's side as Korra stroked her snout.

"That went well" She muttered

"I know Hiroshi is lying, El. Please say you believe me?" Korra begged softly

"Korra, I don't know what to believe right now" Elira sighed, picking Pichi off her shoulder and holding the lemur close as she chittered.

Korra frowned and lowered her head, turning back to her polar-bear dog silently. She looked up suddenly, surprised when she felt someone place something in her hand.

"What's the matter?" Elira asked, seeing her quick movement from the corner of her eye.

"Did you just...?" Korra held up the small piece of paper in her hand

"No" The airbender shook her head

Confused, Korra looked around for whoever handed her the note, to no avail. She opened the message and read it.

"What does it say?" Elira questioned seeing the look of surprise on her friend's face.

"Come on" Korra grabbed El's wrist, dragging her over to where Tenzin and Lin were talking

"I think you guys should hear this" She held up the note, gaining the adults' attention "If you want to find the truth, meet me under the north end of the Silk Road Bridge at midnight."

Elira groaned in exhaustion, her shoulders sagging "Midnight?"

*

That night Elira Korra, Lin and Tenzin walked to the north end of the Silk Road Bridge, looking around for the informant.

" Psst! Over here" They heard, turning to see a Future Industries warehouse worker walking out from behind a pillar.

"Listen, I joined the Equalists because I believed in what Amon said. I thought he could make life better for us nonbenders. But I didn't sign up for this ... this war" He explained

" What do you have on Hiroshi Sato?" Lin demanded

"He manufactured those gloves for the Equalists" The man revealed

"So he is working for them" Elira gasped

"I knew it!" Korra scowled

"And there are rumours he's working on something even bigger. Some new kind of weapon." The man continued

"We searched all of Future Industries and found nothing," Tenzin said

"That's because he has a secret factory."

"Where?" Elira quickly asked

"It's right underneath the Sato Mansion..."