The next day, the investigation on who let the criminals in Zaofu had begun. Mako and Lei were asked to be part of the investigation since they were detectives. They were in a small room, where they would interrogate all the guards from Zaofu. Aiwei would be the one to ask questions, since he can tell when a person would be lying. Su and Lin stood behind him, while Mako and Lei were standing at the side observing all the possible suspects. Aiwei kept asking the same questions over and over, and he was asking Varrick, right now. What's your name? Where were you last night? Do you have any knowledge of the people who tried to kidnap the Avatar?

"What was I doing last night? Same thing I always do. From nine to ten, I checked my body for ticks. Lyme disease is a serious killer. Then I did my nighty calisthenics followed by thirty minutes of breath holding. I filmed the whole thing if you wanna watch it," Varrick answered.

"That won't be necessary," Aiwei said, as he rubbed the side of his head. Varrick left the room along with Ju Lee.

"Maybe it wasn't a guard after all. Maybe it was someone a little higher up the food chain," Lin said, as she turned to her sister.

"Aiwei, why don't you question Su?" Lin added, Korra rolled her eyes.

"Stop, your sister wasn't involved," Korra said sternly.

"No, I'll gladly be questioned," Su said, as she confidently made her way to the empty seat in front of Aiwei. Lei deeply sighed, she knew that there was no point in doing this.

"What is your full name?" Aiwei started.

"Suyin Beifong, I am the daughter of Toph and the only sister to Lin, and I had nothing to do with the attack last night," Su replied.

Aiwei turned to Lin, "She is telling the truth,"

Korra groaned, "This is a waste of time, bring in the next guard,"

Su stood up from her place and stood next to Mako and I. Korra brought the next guard in, who looked really young. He stepped inside the room and took the seat in front of Aiwei.

"State your name and where you are from," Aiwei said.

"I'm Hong Lee, I was born and raised here in Zaofu," Hong replied.

"Do you have any knowledge of the people who tried to kidnap the Avatar?" Aiwei asked, Hong squinted his eyes.

"No," Hong replied, Aiwei leaned forward on the table. Lei interpreted that he might have gotten the culprit.

"Did you help the attackers enter Zaofu last night?" Aiwei asked.

"No, of course not," Hong replied without hesitation.

"You are lying," Aiwei said, Hong widened his eyes.

"What?! No, I'm not!" Hong exclaimed, Su glared at him and approached him.

"How did they get in and out? Where are they now?" Su asked angrily, as she pushed the guard up against the wall.

"What? I don't know, I'm telling you, I didn't help them," Hong said shakily.

"You're a traitor to this entire clan," Su spat.

"I suggest we search his place," Aiwei suggested.

After the small interrogation, they went over to the home of the suspect to search for clues. His home was small but it was beautifully furnished. Korra and Asami searched through the books, Aiwei searched the shelves, Bolin searched the kitchen, while Mako and Lei were searching his desk. Lei had laid out all the papers she gathered, then Mako started looking through it with her. After a few moments, Mako picked up a small piece of paper with a writing on it. Lei noticed he had found something.

"We found something," Mako said, then everyone approached him. Bolin came to his side with a mouthful of cookies that he had gotten from the kitchen.

"It looks like it's from them," Mako said, then he started reciting what the paper said, "Team Assembled. Ready to rendezvous,"

"And look at this," Asami said, as she handed Aiwei a small book she had found from the books.

Aiwei took the book and scanned through it, "These are the guard's log books, all their schedule and routes are in here,"

"That guard knows everything, we have to get him to talk," Korra said, Mako nodded.

"Let's go confront him with this evidence, right now," Mako said, as he looked at all the evidence in Aiwei's hands.

"No," Aiwei said immediately, Lei raised her eyebrow.

"And why not?" Lei asked curiously, starting to get suspicious.

"Let's give him a little more time to sweat it out, he will talk eventually," Aiwei replied, as he left the house. Mako and Lei exchanged looks, before following everyone else.

Aiwei had went back to his duties while Team Avatar decided to investigate the crime scene. Before heading to the crime scene, Mako and Lei had gathered simple information about the guard from Su and Lin. Korra and Asami were looking around the perimeter, of what used to be the lava lake, along with Bolin. Lei had gotten Kaya so she could track for any clues with Naga. Mako and Lei were searching in the same spot, trying to figure out the puzzle to this mystery.

"I don't understand why we aren't talking to that guard right now. Every minute we waste here, those guys get further away," Mako said impatiently.

"I still don't understand why this random guard would get involved with these types of criminals," Lei said, as she rubbed her chin, trying to think.

"What do you mean?" Asami asked, as the group huddled closely together.

"Lei and I went through his records and found out that the guard is only eighteen years old and has been living in Zaofu for his entire life. Zaheer and his gang has been in prison for more than thirteen years," Mako explained.

"I don't know, but we all saw the evidence. It's pretty overwhelming," Korra pointed out.

"Maybe, a little too overwhelming," Varrick said, as he and Ju Lee appeared from behind the broken metal panel, causing everyone to flinch.

"Oh, Hey Varrick! What are you doing here?" Bolin asked, as Varrick climbed over the panel.

"Collecting shiny stones with Ju Lee, that lavabender did a lot of damage but makes a nice exfoliating rock. And when you get calluses like mine, you need all the stones you can get your hands on. In my case, feet!" Varrick explained, then took out his foot to show to the group. Everyone had a disgusted look on their face except Lei, since her eyes were covered by Mako's hand. Once he put his foot down, Mako removed his hand from Lei's eyes and approached Varrick.

"What were you saying about the evidence?" Mako asked.

"I was saying that I could smell a conspiracy when I see one. Look, if I was trying to set someone up, I would tell everyone that he was guilty and then plant the evidence in his apartment, as proof," Varrick explained, Lei glared at him.

"Oh, you mean what you exactly did to me and Lei?" Mako said sarcastically, as he crossed his arms.

"Yes! Just like that! Remember, how great that worked?" Varrick exclaimed, "Well, not for you guys,"

"You're right, all the evidence are pointing to this guard but maybe he's just the fall guy," Mako said, as he started to realize what was going on.

"But for who?" Bolin questioned.

"The only person who could truly keep a secret in this city," Mako said, realization suddenly hit Lei, as she finds out who he's talking about.

"Aiwei," Lei finished, as she looked at Mako, who nodded.

"It makes sense, but the only way to find out if this is true is to check his place," Lei added.

After making a possible accusation, the group heard that Aiwei wouldn't be at his personal home because he was attending a meeting with Su and Lin. The group took this as an opportunity to search his place. They made their way to Aiwei's house that was at the edge of the estate. They were kneeling down under a window from the outside. Bolin took a quick peek inside and huddled back dow.

"He's not home, or he's hiding in there," Bolin gasped, "Or maybe he's in visible,"

Mako and Lei gave him an annoyed look, Bolin smiled innocently, "Probably just not home,"

"We have to find any evidence that links Aiwei to Zaheer. Otherwise, Su won't believe us," Mako instructed, the group nodded at him.

Mako stood up first, with Lei and the others following behind him. He slowly opened the front door and each of them made their way inside. Mako, Lei, and Bolin were searching the desk and the bookshelves. Asami and Korra were checking the living room. Mako was taking out a couple of documents from the desk, while Lei was going through them quickly. Bolin was standing in front of a wide bookshelf. Bolin took notice of an unusual looking vase.

He grabbed it and observed it, while saying, "Huh, it's like a desert in a jar,"

"Bolin, put that back! We don't want Aiwei to know we were in here if we can't find anything," Mako said sternly, as he looked back at his brother. Bolin turned back to the shelf and stood still, unsure of where he got it. Mako rolled his eyes and approached him. Mako grabbed the vase from Bolin's hands.

"You forgot where it goes, didn't you?" Mako said hotly, and placed it back on the shelf.

"I don't think there's anything in here, all these documents he has are nothing we need," Lei said, as she started gathering the papers and putting them back where he got them. Mako's attention turned to the markings on the floor, next to the edge of the bookshelf. He narrowed his eyes and kneeled down. He looked at the markings and glided his hands across it. Bolin and Lei were behind him, watching what he was doing.

"These scuff marks, I think this bookshelf slides open," Mako said, as he stood up. He started pulling the edge of the bookshelf that slid open like a door. It opened to reveal a staircase going down to another door. Bolin took a few steps down, while everyone else gathered around the door frame.

"What do you think is down there?" Korra asked curiously, Bolin looked up at Korra.

"Could be a storage cellar," Bolin said, Mako looked at Lei.

"Or it could how Zaheer got in and out," Mako said, Lei smiled, knowing he felt proud that he had solved another case.

"Aiwei is coming back! Quick!" Asami said, as she looked out one of the windows. Bolin ran up the stairs, and once everyone was away from the secret door. Mako quickly pushed the bookshelf back to its original place. They heard the door open and Aiwei quickly emerged from the hall, and looked at the group shocked.

"What are you doing in my house?" Aiwei asked angrily. "You are trespassing the property of one of the highest ranked officials in the city, you better have a good explanation,"

"We do, we do, we actually knocked on your front door, and thought we heard you say, 'Come in, I'm in the bathroom,'" Bolin smiled at Aiwei innocently, but quickly frowned.

"I don't know why I'm saying that, you know I'm lying," Bolin added, Korra walked up and stood in front of the group.

"We came her because things weren't adding up, and thought you might have some answers," Korra said truthfully, It was the truth but not the whole truth.

"Sit. If you want to talk, let's talk over some tea," Aiwei said, as he gestured to the couches behind him. They exchanged glances before going over to the couches. Asami and Lei sat on the couch, while Mako, who gave up the seat for Lei, stood behind her. Bolin and Korra took the two seats in front of the couch. Aiwei poured them some tea on the coffee table, before making his way to his small study desk.

"So, what exactly is not adding up? Hong Lee was clearly lying and we found evidence at his apartment," Aiwei said, not looking back at the group.

"But don't you think it's weird how young he is? How did he ever get mixed up with this group?" Mako questioned, slightly challenging Aiwei.

"Perhaps, maybe through a relative or a friend. You will find out these answers in time. But, if you don't think it was him, then who do you think it was?" Aiwei asked, as he slowly approached his bookshelf.

The group exchanged worried glances, Lei spoke up, "We don't know, but we are going to find out,"

"You don't think I had something to do with this, do you?" Aiwei asked slowly, as he held the vase that Bolin had moved earlier and slid it back to another place on the shelf.

"We're just looking for answers," Korra said.

"And you think you found something, don't you?" Aiwei questioned, as he looked to his feet to see a small space of the bookshelf not fully closed. Mako stood straight, feeling he caught on to their lies.

"You have no idea what's coming, Avatar," Aiwei said, as he lifted a metal door from the ground, separating him from us. Mako sent a fire punch at the door, but it was too late. Korra stood up and started metal bending the door at a slow pace, as the group gathered behind her.

"Come on! He's getting away!" Mako shouted, Korra looked back at him pointedly.

"I'm still a little new at this, so back off!" Korra retorted, before turning back to the door. She took a deep breath and metal bended the door, creating a hole for them to pass through. They went through the hole and made their way down the steps to the secret door. Korra was in front of the door, giving them a look before opening the door. Korra slowly opened the door to reveal a barrel-shaped bomb. Mako widened his eyes and did something out of reflex, as the bomb erupted and destroyed the whole house. They thought they were dead, but they realized Korra used her airbending to create an air sphere. Lei opened her eyes to see that Mako was holding onto her, with his back against the source of the explosion. Mako smiled lightly before letting her go. Korra let down the air sphere and groaned in anger. They cautiously walked inside the burning room.

"He's gone," Mako sighed deeply.

"Look," Korra said, pointing at a hole at the end of the room, covered in rocks and burning wood planks.

"Help me clear it out," Korra added, as she looked a Bolin. Together, they moved the rocks covering the hole using their earthbending. Just then, Lin and Su arrived.

"What happened? We heard an explosion," Lin asked, as she descended the stairs with Su.

"Where's Aiwei?" Su asked concerned.

"Your trusted advisor was the one who betrayed us, he was lying about the guard," Korra replied, Su widened her eyes.

"What? No," Su breathed out, not believing what she was hearing.

"We confronted him and he bolted through here," Korra added, as she gestured to the hole they cleared up. Lin took a couple of steps forward and slammed her foot into the ground, using her seismic sense.

"He must've collasped the tunnel behind him," Lin said, as she stood up straight.

"And he blew up any evidence in the house that would point to him," Mako added.

"This is where Zaheer got in and out, Aiwei was the traitor," Korra explained, Su felt a mixture of feelings between anger, sadness, and betrayal.

"I-I trusted him," Su stuttered, as she looked down on the floor. Then, Kuvira ran down the stairs and approached the group.

"Is everyone okay?" Kuvira asked, Lin turned to her.

"Aiwei is a fugitive, get all available guards to search for him outside and find out where this tunnel exits to immediately," Lin instructed sternly, Kuvira nodded and went up the stairs. Lin put her hand on her sister's shoulder, as a sign of support, Su smiled lightly at her sister.

Everyone headed back to the mansion, where they stayed in Su's office, waiting for news about the search. Korra was pacing back and forth in front of the door. Bolin and Asami were sitting patiently on the couch, along with Lin and Su. Mako and Lei were standing behind the couch that Lin and Su were sitting on. Mako looked at Lei, who was stared blankly and dazing off, he searched her for any signs of injury.

"Come with me," Mako whispered, Lei snapped out of her daze and turned to him. He went out the room, as Lei followed him out onto the hall, shutting the door behind her.

"Are you alright? You seem pretty shaken from what happened earlier," Mako asked, as he cupped her cheek in his palm.

"Yeah, I was just thinking about a lot of things, I mean, we did almost die today," she replied.

"Like what?" Mako asked curiously, as he put his hand down. She smiled.

"Well, the first thing I thought about was how you just jumped in front of me when the bomb exploded, then I thought the same thing happened when you saved me from that exploding building," she started.

"You just gave me another reason to love you even more," she added, as she wrapped her hands around his neck. She pulled him down to her and connected their lips. Mako was surprised at her actions, and responded lovingly by wrapping his hands around her waist. They pulled away after a few moments.

"We should get back inside," Mako breathed out, still out of breath. She chuckled and nodded. They entered the room and everyones gazes fell on the pair.

"Where did you guys go?" Korra asked curiously, as she stopped pacing to look at the two.

"Lei and I just needed a little fresh air," Mako answered casually, as he went back to his place behind the couch, with Lei following behind him.

Suddenly, Kuvira had run into the room with news about Aiwei and the tunnels. Lin turned her attention to Kuvira, who stood up straight.

"What did you find?" Lin asked.

"We located the end of the tunnel but there were no signs of him, just some fresh tire tracks," Kuvira replied. Lin nodded at her, gesturing that it's alright to leave.

"He had an escape plan, all ready to go," Mako stated.

"I trusted him with my life," Su said softly, "I thought we were family but it was all a lie,"

"Whoever these guys are, they are more powerful than we thought and more dangerous," Lei said, as she started thinking about the encounter she had with Zaheer.

"That's why we need to find them. We are going to hold off the search for Airbenders and hunt down Aiwei. Naga can track his scent," Korra said sternly, Lei looked pointedly at her, knowing this is a bad idea.

"If we can find Aiwei, we can find Zaheer," Asami supported.

"No, we're not hunting this group. There could be other secret agents at other parts of the world looking for you right now. I'm taking you back to Republic City, where I can protect you," Lin said sternly, as she stood up from the couch.

"If I wasn't safe here, then I'm not safe anywhere. I have to stop them," Korra countered.

"It's too dangerous, you are not going," Lin said angrily.

"Stop trying to control me! I'm the Avatar! This is my job!" Korra shouted angrily.

"Don't lecture me about jobs!" Lin shouted back.

"Enough!" Su shouted, as she stood up from the couch, "Korra, listen to Lin,"

"But--they--," Korra stuttered.

"Please," Su said softly, "Lin's just doing this to protect you. I promise that Aiwei and those criminals will be brought to justice,"

"Fine, if you really think it's best," Korra said, as she slouched her shoulders.

"I do," Su said, Lin smiled to her sister.

"Thank you, Su," Lin said, as she placed her hand on her sister's shoulder.

"Everyone should rest tonight, I'll have my people prepare your airship so you can leave first thing in the morning," Su said, Korra sighed.

After the small meeting, Korra gathered the group in her guest house. Lei was seated on the couch, in between Mako and Asami. Bolin was sitting on the step, playing with Pabu. Korra was sitting on a chair, upset that she had to go back to Republic City.

"I can't believe we're going home," Korra huffed, Lei sighed.

"Korra, this is for the best. It will ensure your safety, at least," Lei said softly, Korra groaned.

"I don't want protection. I wanna do what's right! Why can't--"

Korra was cut off by a knock on the door. They exchanged curious looks, for who could be knocking on their door, this late in the evening. Korra stood up and walked to the door, while the rest stood behind her. She opened the door to see Su outside.

"Su?" Korra said.

"Do you really think Naga could track Aiwei?" Su asked curiously, as she stepped into the room.

"Definitely," Korra replied confidently, Bolin stood up from where he sat and turned to Su.

"Then, here," Su said, as she handed Korra a key. "There's a jeep, packed with supplies near the east gate. It's all gased up and ready to go,"

"What? Why?" Korra asked, Lei rolled her eyes at her friend's ability to process what people say most of the time.

"Because, I want you to find Aiwei and bring him back to me," Su replied.

Bolin scratched his head, and said, "But you said--,"

"I said what Lin wanted to hear and I bought you guys some time, Go," Su said quickly.

"Thanks," Korra said truthfully, as she hugged Su tightly, who hugged back.

With that, the group gathered everything they needed. Lei went back to her room to grab her dao swords and Kaya, of course. She met everyone else down at the east gate. Mako, Asami, and Bolin were going to ride the jeep, while Korra and Lei were going to ride Naga and Kaya, respectively. Asami and Bolin were preparing the jeep, while Korra was checking on Naga. Mako took this as an opportunity to have a small talk with Lei.

"Are you sure you don't wanna ride in the jeep with me? You'll be much safer," Mako asked quietly, as Lei adjusted the dao sword straps on her side.

She rolled her eyes, "I'll be fine, Mako. Kaya's got me,"

Mako sighed and nodded. Lei mounted Kaya and adjusted the straps to the saddle. She hadn't rode Kaya in a while. Korra was mounted on Naga, leading the way for her to track. Asami started the engines of the jeep, which gave Korra and I the signal to ride ahead. Naga and Kaya started running, with the jeep closely behind them. They were going right where danger would be and they each hoped that they had the strength to face it.

✨•~~~~~~~~•✨
AUTHORs NOTE:
This chapter was edited but nothing from the storyline has been changed.

Hello again! Another chapter for the day before I go back into another week of hectic studies 😫 I'll probably start writing the next chapter in the middle of class like I usually do lmao. I forgot to mention last time but I added the part where Lei mentions her age cause a lot of you ask for some of the smallest details about her, so If you want me to answer a small detail about her and put in the book, feel free to message me about it 😊 Till next time 💛

PUBLISHED: October 20, 2019