Winding Legacies: A 'The Legend of Korra' Rewrite

Episode 11: Night of a Thousand Stars Part 2

Mako flicked randomly through the few books in his lap. He scoured for something interesting to catch his attention when a jingle caught his ear. Smiling, Mako threw the books aside and gestured to his visitor to sit beside him on the cell bed. As the officer closed the door behind him, Mako giddily said, "So, how was the big premiere?"

Bolin had tried to stay calm and collected, not wanting to give away his surprise just yet, but he couldn't keep it in. He just had to tell his brother everything. "I saved the president! In real life!" Mako blinked incredulously. "You were right about Varrick. He was bad news and he tried to have Raiko kidnapped. Can you believe it?"

"I knew it!" Mako rushed to his feet, pulling his brother up with him in sheer excitement.

"But, obviously, the kidnapping didn't work because of me. And you and your detectiving. We both did good, and Beifong says you're free to go." Bolin waved for the officer to let them out, and headed off, Mako following him closely behind.

"I'm sorry I didn't fully do anything to help you before even if I basically believed you were right."

"It doesn't matter now, Bolin. As long as you and I are both alright, everything's just fine." Mako threw his arms tightly around Bolin's back and squeezed, stopping his brother for a much-needed hug. They pulled away and laughed, holding a mutual gaze that they both knew carried a challenge within it. Suddenly, they both took off, racing through the prison to their destination.

They stopped their race at the end of the hallway before the door into the visitor's area, claiming their breaths as they shoved each other into the walls beside them as they walked. Laughing, Bolin and Mako fanned out into the prison's visitor area after a short walk from the cells only to be met with cheering claps as they entered the room. Various people congratulated them both on catching Varrick, Lin Beifong apologizing personally for her past misgivings. "Forget the past, Mako, you're going to make a  great detective."

Mako smiled, but the joy in his eyes was for another reason than the offer. "Thank you, Chief Beifong. I appreciate the job, but I've been thinking while I've been in jail, and I just don't want to be spending my time clearing the streets in this way. I hope you can understand that." Beifong sighed and clasped Mako's hand in a firm shake, much to his surprise.

"I understand alright. Doesn't make me happy, though. Now I have no detectives left."

"But we're still here, Chief," Gang said, pointing to him and Lu.

"No you're not," Lin murmured before stepping aside to the lighthearted steps she knew were her nieces. Lu and Gang followed Lin, much to her annoyance, even after she disappeared to let Lemaya speak to Mako. Bolin had slipped from Mako's side to ask Asami where Korra was, not that Mako knew that, and Lemaya took his place as she and Mako surveyed the room from the doorway where the visitor's room met the cell blocks' hallway.

Lemaya raised her brow teasingly. "So, I guess you realized that the establishment does, in fact, not deserve you and your reasons?"

"I guess so. There's a little bit of it that's thanks to you," Mako said, giving her a curt nod.

"You're welcome. It was my pleasure." Lemaya paused for a moment. Then, she thought it best to say, "Did Bolin tell you that-" But, as she turned to Mako, her attention was quickly pulled away by Korra rushing into the room, mumbling a couple apologies about being late to everyone as she entered.

Korra immediately headed over to where Mako and Lemaya were standing, stopping before Lemaya first. As she caught her breath for a moment, Lemaya held hers, feeling as if everything had stopped in the room but Korra. Yes, she had seen Korra earlier, but for some reason, this time was different. And Lemaya couldn't think of why.