•• 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 •• (The Legend of Korra/Mako fanfic)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞

After the Harmonic Convergence, Republic City became the spirits' new home. They invaded every place possible and filled it with trees, bushes, and everything one would find in a forest or jungle. This was, once again, a problem the Avatar was expected to solve.

Korra hadn't had a day of rest since the defeat of Unalaq and Vaatu. A week after that brutal fight, she would be testifying in court in favour of Nike. A few days after the firebender left the city, the spirits began their invasion and now airbenders were appearing around the world.

Things were changing, but Team Avatar remained together and determined to overcome every challenge they were faced with. That included exploring every corner of the Earth Kingdom to find airbenders.

Mako had already simplified the Team's work by marking on a map every place he suspected could have airbenders. He had to read a dozen reports, but it was worth it. There was an airbender everywhere Future Industries airship landed. Unfortunately, none of the newfound benders were interested in leaving their lives behind to join the Air Nomads. Bumi seemed to be the only one who was thrilled about it.

'Well, I guess we should just go to Ba Sing Se and try our luck there,' Tenzin said with disappointment in his voice.

They had already visited every house Mako had marked and had no luck.

'I don't know what to do,' Korra sighed.

'If only Nike was here. She can always find a way to make things work out for the best,' Asami commented as she remembered that time Nike had saved her and Mako from the Triple Threat Triad.

'But no one knows where she is.'

'Beifong knows,' Mako corrected his brother. 'But she won't tell anyone.'

'I don't understand why she ran away!' Korra spoke feeling annoyed. Having the firebender's help would be a game-changer. 'Everything was working in her favour. She was acquitted of all crimes, and the newspapers referred to her as a saviour!'

'Perhaps, Nike needed some time for herself,' Tenzin spoke, assuming the role of the voice of reason.

'Yeah...' Mako agreed. 'She has been through a lot.'

A moment of tense silence formed between the group. They were all feeling defeated, and they missed having Nike around.

The firebender had only left a letter for them before leaving Republic City. And the only person who was able to get a proper goodbye was Lin. Nike told Lin where she was going, but she asked her to keep it a secret, and so Beifong never said a word about it to anyone.

The Chief of Police was just as sad as everyone else to see Nike go, but she knew the firebender needed to be by herself. Nike needed to find herself. Away from the spotlight of the pro-bending matches and the articles in the newspapers saying she was the descendant of evil souls but had a good heart.

Nike also wanted to be far from the Fire Nation's eyes. She noticed how Fire Lord Izumi had looked at her during the trial. Izumi was shocked and surely angry as well. How could she not be? Nike was the granddaughter of Azula, the person who had made her father's life a nightmare and had brought suffering to thousands of people.

Team Avatar understood all that. Nike made sure to explain her reasons for leaving in the letter she had left them. However, it was still hard to accept the fact that she wasn't with them anymore. Especially when everyone knew her help would be precious.

'Well, maybe you gotta do more to get them excited,' Bumi broke the silence, making everyone focus on the airbenders recruiting again. 'You need to add a little razzle-dazzle!'