The mountain ranges in the northern UDES (formerly the earth kingdom, but Koto supposed the newer name was more appropriate) were beautiful every time Koto passed above them. She had already been staying at the northern air temple for a few months now, yet the natural splendor of the area hadn’t ceased to amaze her.

“Koto, why are you taking us down?” Tashi asked from the bison saddle behind her. “We aren’t at the temple yet.”

Koto abruptly realized she had been leading her bison, Cloud closer to the ground than normal. She guided her bison upwards. “Sorry about that, I just got a little lost in thought.”

“No problem!” Tashi replied, her voice chipper. The younger girl went on to tell a long-winded story about what had happened in town that day, despite the fact that Koto had been there for the event.

The sight of the Northern Air Temple was a relief. Not only could Tashi talk to someone else while at the temple, Koto’s home was a welcome sight, despite the temple looking a bit hostile due to the ruin and incomplete construction. The many towers of the temple created a majestic silhouette, though the scars the buildings had endured were all too visible for Koto’s liking- the incomplete spires in the middle of being rebuilt, the lavacast leftbehind from years ago covering the temple’s foundation, the broken walls having yet to be reconstructed. Despite this, the sight of it brought a smile to Koto’s face.

“It’s nice to see you home” Uncle Rohan greeted he, Koto and Tashi walked from the bison stables to the temple. It was a rather steep climb, lit by a slow progression from crystal lanterns to open, ornate windows letting in the natural light of the

“It’s nice to be home.” Koto smiled. “Is there any news from republic city?”

“Republic city…” Rohan mused. “Yes, we received a call from them earlier. Everyone’s fine back home, your father specifically told me to tell you that the new Lazerbender mover isn’t very good.” Rohan said the words awkwardly, as if he was just now encountering the idea of a mover.

Koto laughed. That definitely sounded like her father. “I’ll be sure to call himback when I can, although with these crime rates, I don’t think I’ll be seeing any movers anytime soon.”

Rohan nodded. “Speaking of that, how’d it go in Beixi?”

“It went great!” Tashi interrupted. “We delivered our entire load and got supplies to nearly the entire town!” She waved her hands around for emphasis.

“It’s a rather small farming village.” Koto explained. “But it got hit rather hard by criminal activity during the Kuvira incident, and since its such a small town in the middle of nowhere the government forces don’t typically bother with it.” There was a chance Rohan already knew this, but Koto couldn’t be sure, and it was better to be safe than sorry. No one was expected to keep track of every town in the entire UDES.

Rohan sighed and pressed a hand to his temple, near his arrow tattoo. “If I can, I’ll get your Aunt Ikki to talk to the Prime Minister about that. She can’t rely on the air nation’s hospitality to fix all her problems. If Mira doesn’t listen, at least the Avatar might”

A brief thought of Hanuel Beifong crossed Koto’s mind. Despite having grown up alongside the new avatar, it had been nearly three yeats since they had seen each other. She wondered what Hanuel had been doing during that time. The airbender returned her attention to her uncle and Tashi, who were discussing a group of small children who were amazed by the presence of a sky bison in their village.

“Actually, something weird happened in town.” Koto said. The two other airbenders turned to face her. By now, they were standing in one of the temple halls, the evening sunlight pouring through the temple windows.

“While were in Beixi, I noticed we were being watched by the some local police.” Koto explained. “I didn’t pay it much mind, but they watched us the entire time we were there.”

Rohan placed a hand to his chin as he thought. “Hm… well I can’t say that isn’t concerning, but it’s probably just a local incident. Some people are just like that, wary of outsiders to no avail. Though contact me if it happens more. Also, I have your next assignment.”

“Already?” Koto asked, although she knew it was redundant. There was always more work to be done as an airbender. It was the price for vowing to help everyone you could.

“Yes, you two will deliver food and medical supplies to the Jing Zi region, near the Si Wong desert. The rail lines leading there were damaged and the people there will be cut off from trade networks.”

“Isn’t it a bit far from here?” Tashi asked. She was right, none of their assignments ever led them too far from the temple.

Rohan must’ve sensed their worry, he put one of his hands on each of their shoulders. “You two are some of the most capable benders we have, I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it.”

Tashi smiled and enveloped Rohan into a hug. “Thank you! We won’t let you down!” Koto joined the hug. “Thanks.”