Helping Others to Solve Problems

Let's make one thing clear, Phil did not hate the metalbenders as a whole. He just hated most of them with the Chief being the main exception. The rest were arrogant jerks and would tell him that he couldn't finish his cases without them. Nevermind the fact that protocol dictated Phil not attempt to raid a triad warehouse on his own. Since Phil was a stickler for protocol, well, he called them in. Even if he could handle it on his own.

Phil regarded the warehouse as he waited, keeping a close eye on any movement. He knew there were stolen goods in there. He knew that they needed to be dealt with and he'd called it in. The clang of a person landing next to him, caused Phil to tense up and he glanced toward the sound to meet the smirking face of Clint Barton, asshole metalbender extraordinaire.

"Were you briefed?" Phil asked.

"Bad guys are in there and you need some back up," Barton agreed. "We got this, Phil."

Phil bit his tongue and refrained from speaking.

"Everyone is in place, just waiting for you to give the order," Clint stated.

"Let's go," Phil said.

The thin metallic line snapped out from behind Clint and caught on the wire above. Before Phil could object, Barton had wrapped an arm around him and was swinging both of them toward the warehouse. Phil could just make out the movement of other metalbenders heading in as well. Phil took a deep breath, readying his own firebending for when Barton set him down.

*

"Nice work," Fury said, coming over to stand next to him.

Phil smiled, still watching as the various triad members were being rounded up and escorted to a chi blocker, who would temporarily take away their ability to bend. Then they were put into a police wagon to be taken to the station for processing and await their trials.

Fury was also a metalbender, but the Chief of Police was historically always a metalbender. Both Toph Beifong and Lin Beifong, arguably the two most famous police chiefs, had been. Toph being the first and Lin eventually succeeding her. Toph was also the first one to develop the metalbending technique. All metalbenders were also earthbenders, but not all earthbenders had the ability to bend metal. The same could be said when it came to firebending and lightningbending, with the lightning being the more advanced technique.

Unfortunately, the Beifong dynasty had ended before it began. Lin was childless, but her sister, Suyin, had many children. The only one that had expressed any interest in police work had been her son, Bataar Jr, and no one was about to allow that man to be in any position of power ever again.

Phil's eyes drifted to the center of Republic City where the beam of yellow light lit the sky. It was a spirit portal, one of three that were open on the planet. The other two were at the poles. This one had been opened when Kuvira's spirit weapon had ripped a hole between the two worlds. That weapon had been designed by Bataar Jr and he and Kuvira had tried to take over the former Earth Kingdom (now Earth Republic) together using it. Avatar Korra and her allies had stopped them then, but there was nothing to be done about the spirit portals. At least not for another 9,900 years or so, when the Avatar of that generation would be able to close them.

"Thank you," Phil said to Fury.

"We get 'em all?"

"Most of 'em," Phil admitted, because there were always one or two that got away. Ones that would go and either join one of the other triads or reform the one that they had just taken down. It was a never ending war.

"Burn up any of the evidence?"

"More concerned that your metalbenders buried it," Phil said, glancing back at the building. It was actually in good shape, considering that three types of benders had been fighting in it. Earthbenders had a tendency to crush things, firebenders had a tendency to burn things, and waterbenders tended to soak things or freeze them into a large chunk of ice until it melted and then became soaked.

"Well, they can unbury it," Fury stated. Then bellowed, "Barton!"

Barton appeared, popping away from where a waterbender was healing him. He'd lost the metal sleeves to his uniform, but that wasn't unusual. The typical metalbending uniform consisted of segmented metal armor and two cylandrilic spools, which contained a metal wire. Most metalbenders used the wire to swing around the city and sometimes to wrap around people. Barton had the tendency to break apart the metal plates of his sleeve and reform them into an arrow. He was unflinchingly accurate when bent arrow plates.

"Yeah, boss?" Barton asked.

"Go with Coulson, unbury his evidence," Fury ordered. Phil resisted the urge to sigh. "And find the rest of the metal that makes up your uniform, for Fuck's sake!"

Barton looked chastised, at least until Fury turned his back to Barton and then he grinned at Phil.

Phil stood. "C'mon, let's go see the damage that your team wreaked on the building."

"To be fair, the Triple Threats were flinging fireballs at us," Barton stated, falling in step with him.

"Right," Phil said, stepping back inside the building as Barton kept talking. "And rocks and ice knives."

Phil created a flame, to give them a light to see by as they made their way through the warehouse. He'd have Barton bend large stones back to where they belonged. Phil scowled, unable to find anything. "They must have cleared out during the fight."

Barton nodded, before closing his eyes and stamping his foot down. Phil caught the flicker of metal shifting away, so that Clint's bare foot made contact with the ground. Barton frowned, lifting his foot again as metal covered his foot, reforming around his boot. "Bring that flame over here."

Phil followed. "What are you…?"

Barton gestured and the rocks swept away, except for one piece of metal. He moved in and picked it up, Phil could just make out the sheen in the firelight. "It's platinum, I can't bend it."

Platinum was the one metal that metalbenders couldn't bend. The earth within it was too broken up unlike other metals, which the metalbenders could still sense. Barton liked to say it was only a matter of time before a metalbender figured it out. After all, metal used to be considered unbendable until Toph Beifong figured it out. Barton was no Toph though and Phil doubted he'd be the one to figure it out.

"Huh," Phil said, reaching out to take it. "What were they doing with platinum?"

"I don't know," Barton said. "You're the detective."

Phil resisted the glare, before looking at Barton. "Any more of it?"

Barton shifted, the metal sole moving out of the way again, before his foot came down. "There's a tunnel." Barton's stance shifted as he gestured, lifting the floor up to reveal a tunnel.

Phil hummed. "We'll have to get a full team to investigate this." He'd want to see where it led as well. It might be a good idea to see if the Air Nation could send someone.

Barton set the part of the floor down. "You sure we shouldn't go down now?"

"No, we don't know who and how many went down there," Phil said, shaking his head. "Nor do we know if they're benders."

"I'm pretty sure we could handle it," Barton stated.

Phil almost rolled his eyes at how cocky Barton was, but he shook his head. "Any more platinum?"

"It's hard to sense," Barton said with a shake of his head. "I found that one, because it was more a lack of Earth?"

Phil nodded, though he wasn't quite sure what he meant.

"Coulson," Fury called from the front. "Find anything?"

"Yeah," Coulson said, going to talk to Fury and leaving Barton behind him.

*

"Coulson, my office now," Fury growled as he passed through the bullpen. Coulson looked up from his report and glanced over at him. He was almost to his office. He looked across his desk to Jasper Sitwell, arching an eyebrow. Sitwell was good at two things 1) Office gossip and 2) Food.

"He was meeting with the council."

"Shit," Phil said, standing and heading toward the steps. He followed the Chief up to his office and shut the door firmly behind him. Armor was flying to the stand in the corner, but that wasn't uncommon. Most of the metalbenders did it. Barton would sometimes shrug his off as if he was shrugging off a cloak to pool at his feet, except Barton's cloak was bits of metal that made a horrible racket.

Phil took a deep breath. "Sir?"

"The Triad bust," Fury stated.

"It was a good bust. I know some got away, but…"

Fury waved his hand. "You found platinum there."

"I'm aware," Phil said. "I was putting together a proposal to search the tunnel Barton found."

"Council says we're not to touch it," Fury said, looking out the window.

"We?"

"Republic City Police Force," Fury answered. "They want us to drop the investigation."

"But procedure…"

Fury turned to look at him. "I just spent an hour arguing that with the council that we should see where that tunnel goes. See if there's more platinum there, but we've been ordered off the case. We're needed elsewhere."

Phil felt his shoulders slump. "How'd they even find out about it?"

"That's a good question," Fury agreed. "One I've been considering on the drive back here."

"We…"

"Coulson," Fury said, looking at him with his one, good eye. "We've been ordered not to use police resources and anyone caught in that warehouse will be arrested for trespassing. Do I make myself clear?"

Phil nodded. There was a loophole. He could go on his own time and investigate. He just needed to not get caught. Still, if he found something… He wasn't sure how he'd bring that up to the chief, but he'd cross that bridge when he came to it. "So, what should I be working on?"

Fury studied him for a long moment. "They want us walking the beat around their houses. Apparently, there have been some suspicious characters around."

"Suspicious characters?"

"Earth Republic people that have migrated into the city looking for work. Non-benders, mostly." Fury said, shaking his head. "Nothing has been stolen or vandalized, but they want my police force to scare 'em off."

"That's not what we're here for. If they want that, then they should hire their own security…"

"I know," Fury said, frowning. "All it's going to do is cause anti-police force sentiment and we have enough of that."

Phil sighed, shaking his head. "It's not right."

"I know," Fury said. "But I need to send some people that way for a bit. I'll pull you as soon as I can. At least with you, I know you won't abuse the situation and you're more likely to bring a bender in for misusing their bending."

Phil smiled. "We have a responsibility."

Fury grinned back at him. "Exactly, we have a responsibility to all citizens, especially to those down on their luck. Give out warnings to those that deserve them and see if you can help the rest using your connections."

"Yes, sir," Phil agreed, feeling his heart sink.

"You're dismissed," Fury ordered.

Phil nodded and exited the office and headed back downstairs to his desk where Sitwell was watching him.

"What happened?"

"Ordered off that warehouse tunnel," Phil answered honestly.

Jasper's eyes narrowed. "Huh, wonder why."

"The Council wants us to leave it alone. Feels we're of better use to the community elsewhere."

"Triad with platinum isn't concerning?"

Phil shrugged. "Apparently not as concerning as some non-benders around the council members' houses."

Jasper stared at him, before shaking his head. "What is the world coming to…"

*

Phil strolled down the walkway that overlooked the Yue Bay, heading to the small one bedroom apartment that he lived in. He was taking the long way, but after a long afternoon with Barton and the rest of the metalbenders, Phil needed a break. He could make out Air Temple Island where the majority of airbenders lived and trained while in the city. There were a few airships and he wondered if any of the airbending specialists were visiting.

The history of Airbenders was an interesting one. They were the only nation to be made of only benders and tended to live life in four main temples, though some travelled the world. The Hundred Years War dramatically changed things, but it had started with wiping out the all of the airbenders, except for the young Avatar, Aang.

Aang was forced to accept non-benders as Air Acolytes to carry on the culture of the airbenders until one of his sons inherited his bending ability. That son, Tenzin, became an air master and trained Avatar Korra as well as his four children in airbending. Then The Harmonic Convergence happened and Korra left the spirit gates open, resulting in people randomly gaining the ability to airbend. One of those had been Tenzin's own brother, Bumi, who had been a non-bender before that. Most of the newfound airbenders came to the Air Nation to learn airbending from Tenzin and his family. When Avatar Korra was brutally injured during her defense of the world, the Air Nation stepped in to try to keep the peace between nations. Now, there was a split among the airbenders. The benders who travelled the world trying to keep the peace in the absence of the avatar were considered Air Nation and then there were some that had taken up the spiritual beliefs and returned to the Air Temples, becoming the Air Nomads once more.

Melinda was a member of the Air Nation and one of Phil's closest friends. She was also highly regarded by the leaders of Air Nation, especially Rawa, who was a direct descendent of Aang. Phil eyed the island and wondered if Melinda had returned home from her most recent travels.

He was so intent that he almost missed the little thief attempting to pickpocket him. He caught her hand as it was going into his pocket and turned to look at her. She had dark hair and brown eyes, which widened as he gave her a long look.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Phil asked.

The girl glanced toward the island then the city and then back at him. "Looking for some food money?"

Phil frowned. "Were you robbed?"

"Not exactly," the girl said.

"I'm a member of the Republic City Police," Phil stated, letting her go.

Her eyes widened further and she took a step back and then frowned. "Wait, I thought they all wore metal?"

Phil sighed. "I'm a detective and a firebender, not a metalbender."

"You are?" the girl asked. "Me too, well, I did it once and I can't… My parents tossed me out, because well, they're both earthbenders, so… Mom must have… So I decided to come here and well, what little I had…"

Phil felt his heart sink a bit. "Once?"

The girl nodded. "Kind of need a teacher, but I can't… I'm too old to learn to firebend, apparently."

"You're not too old, just older," Phil said, but he knew most people wouldn't bother with someone of her age. She wasn't really a girl, a young woman really. She just looked like a girl to Phil.

"Know anyone who could help a gal out?" she asked, giving him a forced smile. It was utterly false; she was terrified.

Phil considered her for a long moment. At one point in his life, he'd considered joining the White Lotus. The group that served and helped the Avatar when they were alive and were primarily in charge of finding the next one. He'd had dreams of helping to teach the next Avatar firebending, but those dreams were unlikely. In order to be chosen to train the next Avatar, he would either have to be exceptionally skilled or be a member of the Fire Lord's court. "I might be able to help."

"Really?" The girl asked. "But I just tried to…"

"You didn't and you won't do that again," Phil stated. "Will you?"

"No," the girl shook her head. She leaned back, eyebrows rising. "You're going to forgive me, just like that?"

Phil nodded. "I'd be happy to help. I even know a place that will let you crash there and help you find a job to get on your feet."

"Seriously?" the girl asked. "Why?"

"Because I want to help people. I'm pretty sure that's in the job description, and if you can firebend, then you need training," Phil said. An untrained firebender would be very bad for the city. He certainly would rather get her the training she needed to control her bending, before something happened that he'd have to arrest her for being untrained. Prevention was always the better choice. "Now, how about some dinner?"

The girl nodded.

"I'm Phil Coulson."

"Skye," the girl said after a moment.

"It's nice to meet you Skye," Phil said.

"So this place, nice people?" Skye asked as they headed off together.

"Very nice," Phil said. "Maria Stark started up a foundation to help the homeless, give them a place to sleep. Mr. Stark has continued doing that. It's being run by one of the Air Nation with the help of a couple of pro-benders."

"Pro-benders? Don't they have like pro-bending to do?" Skye asked.

Phil shook his head. "Their firebender was hurt… badly. Firebending can be very dangerous."

"Can't like waterbenders heal that kind of thing?"

"A few can, I think Steve is attempting to learn, but…" Phil trailed off. Steve had been born in this city and really had no connection to either of the Water Tribes. "There's not many waterbenders that can heal in the city and he's not about to leave his best friend to go and learn."

Skye nodded as they reached the Street Trolley. The shelter was on his way home and Phil took the time to point out the familiar sites, such as the Probending arena that could just be made out, before they headed into the town. They reached the shelter and Phil led the way in.

"Sam?" Phil called into the building, nodding to one of the spirits sitting in the atrium. The building had been overrun with spirit vines, which was part of the reason it was available for those without money.

"Sam," the spirit repeated and took flight.

"Well, that was kind," Phil said, looking up to where it went through the wall.

"Yeah," Skye agreed, reaching out to gently touch the vines.

"Avatar Korra's legacy," Phil murmured.

"That a good thing or a bad thing?" Skye asked.

"I think they're a good thing," Phil said. "Others not so much."

"Coulson? That you?" Sam's voice came from up the stairs.

"It is, I have a guest for you," Phil said.

Sam appeared a few seconds later and it wasn't long before Skye was given a room and shown where the kitchen was. Sam and Phil headed down the stairs together. "Don't suppose Melinda is around?"

Sam considered it. "You want me to radio out to the island?"

Phil nodded. "We have a tunnel to follow and well, always nice to have one of the Air Nation with us. Please? Ask if she is available and could stop by my place in the morning."

"I can do that," Sam agreed. "So the girl?"

"Tried to pickpocket me," Phil admitted. "Dad kicked her out, because he and his wife are Earth Republic and she developed firebending."

Sam made a face. "Not good. She…"

"I'll be back to train her, but you might want to keep a couple of jugs on hand for Steve in the meantime."

Sam snorted. "Yeah, you know Bucky can't…"

"I'll be by after my shift to help her," Phil agreed. "How's he doing?"

"He's going to live," Sam said with a nod. "But those Hydra Assholes…"

"Should be banned and arrested for assault," Phil stated, thinking back to the fight. Stark's Starry Raven-eagles. "But it happened in the ring…"

"And therefore doesn't count," Sam reminded him.

Phil held up his hands. "If I brought them in, Fury would grill me multiple times to make sure my case was open and shut. He knows I'm friends with Bucky, but using my job like that would be immoral."

Sam studied him and nodded. "You're a good man, Phil. If Melinda is around, I'll get her to stop by your place or the station for a friendly visit."

*

"Not much of a place is it," Melinda said as they entered the warehouse the following day. Phil was technically on his lunch break.

"Well, earthbenders…" Phil pointed out.

Melinda snorted. "Please, earthbenders get fined so hard for moving big rocks. You should see them in the country."

"Well, that is their natural habitat," a new voice came from the shadows, but a familiar one.

"Romanov," Phil said. "I suppose that means that Barton is nearby."

"He's been mapping the floor plan," Romanov said, stepping out of the shadows. "He's almost done." She glanced over at Melinda. "Who's your friend, Coulson?"

"Melinda May," Melinda said. "Romanov? You must be Natasha, I've heard about you."

Natasha regarded her. "Must be close to Rawa then."

"Close enough," Melinda replied.

"You two aren't supposed to be here," Phil stated.

"Are you?" Natasha asked, looking at him steadily. "Because I think Fury would want a bender quad to look into this and I only see two of you."

Phil's shoulders stiffened. "Maybe we're waiting for the last two to arrive."

"You aren't," Barton's voice called out. He was clearly off duty since he was wearing a more modified version of his armor. "Checked the roster before I left."

"Maybe you weren't informed, because it's none of your business," Phil argued.

"You're right, I'll just head back to the office and let Fury know that I saw you here," Barton replied, giving him a smug look.

"I could do the same," Phil said.

"You could," Barton agreed.

"For Yangchen's sake, are you two done?" Natasha hissed. "You both can tattle to Fury and everything gets delayed or you both can keep quiet and we can figure out what's going on. What's it going to be?"

"I'm okay with working together," Barton said.

Phil sighed, but nodded. There wasn't a way around it.

Barton guided them over to where the tunnel was and they descended into it. Phil bent some fire into existence and held it up to provide them light.

"Melinda and I will take the lead," Phil stated as he headed down the ramp.

"No," Melinda said. "I think Barton should be in the lead with you."

"What?" Phil asked.

"He clearly has learned how to use Toph's Seismic Sense to read the earth around him," Melinda stated, looking at Barton.

Barton nodded. "Yeah." He lifted up his foot to reveal that the bottom was bare and dirty.

Phil grunted, but nodded. Together, they made their way into the tunnels. Barton stopped at every intersection and along the way to stamp his foot to get a reading. Sometimes, he would ask Melinda or Phil to bend or he would bend, disengaging a trap along the way until they came out by the river.

"Well," Phil said, looking up and down the river. "We'll never find them now."

"Or will we," Romanov said, looking upriver. "Both Hammer's Cabbage Corp and Stark Future Industries are up river."

"What are you thinking?" Barton asked.

"Either they got platinum from the black market or they're sending out the finished product through the black market," Natasha stated.

"Platinum is a closely monitored item and regulated," Phil pointed out.

He watched as Natasha and Barton shared a look, before looking at him with very similar looks. He glanced over at Melinda, who was shaking her head.

"What?" Phil asked Melinda.

"There's been a black market for platinum for a while now," Melinda replied. "Maybe they dropped something in the river. Think you can check the riverbed?"

Clint did his stomp and then another one, before shaking his head. "Too far away and it's too muddy. If we could waterbend the water out of the way and I jumped down, then maybe?"

They were silent for a long moment as they considered the problem.

"You know a waterbender - Rogers," Melinda said to Phil. "Think he'd come?"

Phil shrugged. "Maybe, but we'd waste an awful lot of…"

"Yeah, and your lunch break is almost over for the day," Barton reminded him. "Get your waterbender, we'll meet back here tomorrow?"

Phil's eyes narrowed, because how did Barton know that? Still there wasn't much he could do about it, but nod. They broke up, separating along the way.

*

Steve wasn't there when Phil stopped by, but he was there after Phil had finished with his first bending lesson with Skye. She was a natural and picked it up quick enough that he left her with homework, making sure a leaf didn't burn up when lit on fire, but also not to allow the fire to go out.

Phil was able to supervise her first few attempts, once letting it burn the leaf and the other going out. She was holding steady when he heard familiar voices.

"I think Steve is here, you keep working on that," Phil said, getting up.

"How long should I be able to hold it?" Skye asked, looking up at him.

"As long as you can, it's about control. We don't need a firebender going crazy with their abilities, do we? People could get hurt."

"No, I guess not," Skye agreed and then yelped, dropping the leaf and waving her fingers as she stomped on the leaf.

"Control, Skye," Phil said. "Let me know how long you're able to hold it for, okay? Practice your stance and your breath control, fire is all about breathing."

Skye nodded. "No firebending unless someone more skilled than me is around to put out the flames."

"Good," Phil said, getting up and going out into the hall. "Steve, you have a minute?"

Steve glanced over at him, glancing back toward Bucky and Peggy. Phil could see the long faces and had a feeling that their search for a healer wasn't going well. He held up a finger to his teammates, before stepping out and looking expectantly to Phil.

"I could use the help of a waterbender, off books," Phil said.

Steve crossed his arms. "Do I want to know?"

"We're looking for evidence and someone with clout has forced Fury to back off," Phil admitted.

Steve nodded and was quiet. "I hate to ask, but I'm going to need a favor in return."

"Favor?"

"You've got connections with Air Nation and they can get us a healer from one of the Water Tribes. The good ones are all at the poles and…"

"I can try," Phil agreed a bit reluctantly. "Sam couldn't…?"

"Sam is doing us a favor by letting us stay here." Steve glanced away. "Not that we haven't considered it."

"Fair," Phil said with a nod. "Okay, I'll try. I can't make a promise like that Steve, but I can try."

Steve regarded him with a nod. "When and where?"

Phil gave him the information of when he was meeting the others. They talked for a bit and then Phil took his leave.

*

Phil wasn't too surprised to see Melinda, Barton, and Romanoff already at the edge of the river when he arrived the next day. He greeted them as he approached, looking out at the river.

"Seems a little rougher today," Barton stated.

"Yeah, well I found a waterbender," Phil said. "So it should be no problem."

"Hopefully, they got stamina, I'm not sure how good of a read I'll get until I get down there. We might be doing this a lot to cover everything."

"How much do you normally get?"

"Depends on the substance, but a decent bit when I concentrate on it. Mud's difficult because of the water. Sand is a pain though."

Phil nodded. "It's a Beifong technique correct?"

"Yeah, Toph used it to kind of see the world," Barton agreed with a nod. "She's a hero of mine."

Smirking, Phil glanced over at him. "I'm not surprised. Nick got to meet her once."

"I know," Barton said. "He's mentioned it to me."

There was the sound of voices and they turned to see Steve along with Peggy and Bucky coming along. Phil made the introductions.

"Phil tell you what he agreed to for our help?" Steve asked Melinda.

She glanced over at Phil, before shaking her head. "I was talking with Natasha when he got here, we haven't had time to talk."

"We're hoping you or him can find a healer to help with Bucky's arm," Peggy said.

"I can't bend like this," Bucky stated, gesturing toward his left arm, which was wrapped and tucked against his chest. "No one seems to want to help us."

"Maybe, because they know they can't," Romanoff said. All eyes turned to her, even Phil was shocked at her lack of tact. She looked around at the group, looking over at Barton. Phil followed to see Barton shaking his head.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Bucky growled.

Natasha shrugged. "Everyone knew it happened and the announcer was… descriptive."

"Doesn't mean someone can't help," Steve stated.

"Besides, just what would you know about healing and bending?" Phil asked. "It's an advanced bending technique and you're…" He gestured at her.

Natasha's eyes narrowed. "I'm what? A non-bender, therefore less?"

"I'm just saying you don't know what you're talking about," Phil said. "Because you haven't had the training."

"I know there have been benders that have greater hardships than a single arm and still have been able to bend. Maybe you're looking at this in the wrong way," Natasha stated.

"Are you referring to Ming-Hua?" Steve asked.

"Or maybe she's thinking about the Combustion assassin that tried to kill Avatar Aang?" Bucky said. "You realize that both of these people tried to kill the Avatar?"

"Just because they used their bending to hurt people, doesn't mean the ability to bend that way has to be always used in such a manner. You're forgetting Toph Beifong was blind."

"You're non-bender, you don't get it," Bucky stated. He turned and shook his head. "Next thing, she'll be telling us not all bloodbenders are killers."

"Tasha!" Barton barked.

Phil glanced over at him and then at Natasha, who was looking at the river.

"Are we doing this or what?" Clint asked.

"Let's get this over with," Steve said.

Clint flexed and his armor was suddenly wrapping around Phil, except for the bit of wire.

"What the hell?" Phil asked.

"You don't expect me to jump in the river with armor on, do you?" Clint asked.

"No," Phil said, reluctantly. "But I thought we were moving the river!"

Clint smirked at him, before taking a deep breath, stomping his foot and creating a small pillar. "Ready when you are."

Steve nodded and bent the water out of the way. Clint jumped down, wire wrapping around the pillar. He landed and took a deep breath as he slammed his foot down. Then he did it again. He shook his head and gestured, wire pulling him back up. Steve let the water crash back into its usual formation.

"Were you able to get anything?" Natasha asked.

"I was, but not much. It's all muddy," Clint said, wrinkling his nose.

"You can deal with a little mud," Natasha stated, pushing him up the river. "Come on, find the next spot."

Peggy huffed, but smoothed out the stone walkway as she followed along. Phil clanged along after them. The armor was both lighter and heavier than he expected. Lighter in that Phil was surprised that he could even move in it, but heavier in spots that were unexpected. Especially the shoulder, which could be why Barton's shoulders were so broad.

Barton stopped, creating another pillar. He looked expectantly at Steve, who again moved the water out of the way to repeat the process. Barton pulled himself out and they continued onward. Finding nothing, but growing closer and closer to the factories. The bending was certainly taking its toll on Steve, who was visibly drooping as they neared the property line.

"I think I'm going to need a break after this," Steve said.

Clint nodded. "You good for this one?"

"Yeah, I got one more," Steve agreed with a nod.

"You sure?" Natasha asked.

"Yeah, I got this," Steve snapped.

Natasha's eyes narrowed, but she stepped away. Clint created his pillar and Steve bent the water out of the way. Clint hopped down and stamped his foot. His eyes flew open as he started bending. Pieces of armor flew off of Phil and into the bed and then back to Phil, clanging loudly as Steve lost control of the water. Reflexively, Phil cradled the metal ball.

"Bend him back!" Natasha snapped, looking at Peggy.

"How?" Peggy asked. "I can't metalbend. He'll be...'"

"He can't swim!"

Melinda lept into action, bending an air bubble that pushed Clint out of the water as Peggy bent the earth below the river to create an island that Clint was dropped on. Melinda leapt over, bending and helping Barton to cough up river water.

Clint rose to his feet slowly, bending the cord quickly with a jump that helped to pull him to the other side. Melinda jumped nimbly as Peggy pushed the pedestal back down.

Clint looked at Phil. "There's the reason not to wear armor when doing this. Woulda sunk like a rock."

"Well, when you put it that way," Phil said, wishing Clint had just said as much and asked. He probably would have agreed. Probably. "Will you kindly take it back now?"

Phil glanced over to see Bucky standing over Steve, encouraging the waterbender to breathe.

Clint nodded, straightening as he breathed deep. The metalbender's body was toned and muscular with his damp undershirt clinging to muscles. He looked over at Melinda. "Can I get an air dry first?"

Melinda smirked and launched an air bubble at him that quickly dried him off, tousling his hair. The metal piece fell off and then the armor came off Phil gently and wrapped itself around Clint. The metal ball was tossed to Natasha as he wandered over to Steve, speaking softly to the two men. Then he helped Steve to his feet, before going to wrap an arm around Natasha. He bumped his forehead against hers.

Phil was just close enough to hear him whisper. "I'm okay. We're good, Tash."

Natasha nodded.

"You found something," Peggy said, gesturing to the ball in Romanov's hands.

"Yeah," Barton said. "Platinum again. Kind of obvious hole when I looked." He then cracked the metal shell and bent mud away, revealing an oddly shaped item. Barton held it out for them to see. It reminded Phil of a boomerang, but one of the sides was a thin tube.
"What is that thing?" Steve asked.

"Not sure," Barton said, handing it over to Romanov. "Nat?"

Natasha glanced up at him, giving him a look. "I'm going to need some time to look at it." She turned to look at Steve. "Thank you for your assistance."

"Yeah, now I'm kind of curious, because I didn't really think you'd find anything," Steve said.

"This is police business," Clint said. "You're civilians."

"Yeah, well, I want to know what that is," Melinda said. "So, take a week. We'll meet at Air Temple Island and you can tell me what you know."

Clint and Natasha shared a look, before turning to walk away.

"You think that's a good idea?" Phil asked. "Letting them take it."

"I'm not sure I want to go up against Natasha in a fight," Melinda said.

"There were more of us than of her," Peggy pointed out.

"Steve's tired and Bucky hasn't used his bending abilities since his injuries," Melinda pointed out. "That left three of us against Clint and Natasha."

"Clint just almost drowned," Steve pointed out.

"He doesn't miss much when it comes to firing off those plates," Phil said, thinking back and that Clint had recovered quick enough. "C'mon, I want to check on Skye, I'll walk back with you."

The other three nodded and together they headed out.

*

Phil stepped into the station to see his fellow officers all staring at Fury's office. He headed over to Jasper, whose eyes were fixed on the glazed window. Fury was in there with someone, no, two someones.

"What's happening?"

"Not sure," Jasper said. "But it's Barton and Romanoff. The yelling just stopped."

The door slammed open as the duo stormed out of the office," Barton scanning the room. His eyes dark as they landed on Coulson. He advanced on the other man. "What the fuck, Coulson?! Had to save your own skin, by throwing Nat and I under the badgermole?"

"What?" Phil questioned, wanting to back up, but deciding he's not going to give Barton that satisfaction.

"Fury just fired us for working without his permission on the Triad case!"

Coulson's eyes widened as he realized what had happened. "I…" he wanted to object, but found a metal piece wrapped around his mouth, muffling him.

"Clint!" Natasha snapped. "He's not worth it, Come on!"

Barton growled, giving Phil a hard glare, before walking out of the station a few steps behind Natasha.

The metal fell off and Fury looked down at him. "Coulson, my office. Now!"

Coulson scurried into the office, glancing back at the door where the duo had just slipped out. He closed the door and looked at Fury, arching an eyebrow. "You fired them?"

"Had to," Fury stated.

"But, you like Barton!" Phil pointed out. He didn't quite get it, but Barton was a good cop.

Fury's eyes closed. "There are things you can't know. This is one of them."

"Nick?" Phil started, surprised.

Fury shook his head and shifted over a folder. "Burn this for me would you?"

Phil frowned and opened it, Fury nodded once, giving him silent permission. He glanced down to Fury's writing, 'We have a leak. Can't trust anybody else. You protest that you didn't do what Barton did, but for all intents and purposes, YOU DID.'

Opening his mouth to question the orders.

"No arguments," Fury stated. "I have my reasons."

Phil frowned, but did as Fury asked. He wasn't sure what was going on, but something was and Fury was refusing to talk. He lit the papers on fire with a breath and tossed them into a trash can nearby watching as they turned to ash.

The rest of the shift was quiet when it came to actual work, but when it came to gossip, well, he wasn't going to be left alone. Barton had made him centerstage as his fellow officers tried to pry information out of him. He was glad to be done for the day and decided to head to Air Temple Island. He was one of the few people that were allowed to be there and normally someone would be willing to take him to the island, so they could gawk at the airbenders.

It took him a while when he made it to the island to find Melinda, but she was training a batch of new recruits. Phil studied them for a moment and blinked, but no, it must have been someone that looked like Skye among the recruits. What would the girl even be doing out here? She was a firebender after all. They were dismissed when Melinda saw Phil standing there.

"That's a look," Melinda said.

"Not here," Phil said. "Know someplace quiet?"

Melinda nodded, gesturing for him to follow her. He followed her as best he could, but she liked to use airbender moves to get her ahead of things. Eventually, they made it to a remote section of the island.

"Anyone else around?" Phil asked.

Melinda shook her head.

"Barton and Romanoff were fired today because they were poking around things with us. The story is that I turned them over to save my job," Phil said.

"So?" Melinda asked. "I got the distinct impression that you didn't like them."

"Doesn't mean we shouldn't have the same punishment. We were all investigating and I don't…"

"You need to drop it," Melinda said.

"Me?" Phil questioned.

Melinda nodded. "What they found is bad. They brought Fury here and we discussed it along with Jinora."

"Jinora? As in Tenzin's daughter? She was here?" Phil asked, because that meant it was serious. Jinora did not leave the air temple anymore.

Melinda nodded. "We have a plan. Barton and Romanov are going to get new jobs. One at HCC and one at SFI. They're the only two companies that could make that item. You are going to keep doing what you're doing and if someone approaches you about being dissatisfied on the job. You will be very dissatisfied."

Phil frowned, but nodded. "What was found?"

Melinda looked away, her eyes going to the mainland and Phil followed them to the third spirit gate. It was hard to miss, since it was in the middle of the seat, a beam of light shooting up. "Something that shouldn't exist, something dangerous, something that needs to stay out of the Triads' or Red Lotus' hands."

Phil stared at her for a long moment. "So I'm just just supposed to sit here out of danger and let them put their lives at risk?"

"Yes," Melinda said. "Because if you try to interfere, you're going to put them at risk. It has to look like they've lost all contact with the police force."

Phil nodded. "I can do that, I guess."

"It might be better if we could find the Avatar, but now we have to keep looking in the Earth Republic and the Fire Nation. Not to mention that the longer we keep looking, the longer it takes to find them, the more people think the cycle ended with Korra."

"They didn't win. She didn't die in the Avatar state," Phil pointed out.

"She'd lost all connection to her previous lives, she was tortured by the metal poisoning her body for years. We don't know everything about the Avatar and how it works, it's possible that something was… missed. Maybe they did end the connection. We just realized too late."

"Maybe she died young?" Phil suggested.

"Doesn't make things easier. At least Firelord Iroh is working with us."

"So I… play dumb?" Phil asked.

Melinda nodded. "I'm sorry. I… I wish I could tell you more."

Phil nodded, taking a deep breath and mentally preparing for everything.

*

Skye was amazing, Phil decided as he watched her move through her forms. She was picking up firebending quickly and Phil was rapidly adjusting his lessons plans to keep up. She had good breath control and had gotten the basics mastered. The new forms that Phil had thought were going to need another session or two were mastered almost immediately. It was like she was born to it.

"Excellent," Phil said as she finished. "You've come a long way."

"Thanks," Skye said, giving him a wide smile.

"How about some tea?" Phil suggested.

"Sure," Skye agreed. They gathered their things and headed toward the nearest tea shop.

They were shown a table and Phil settled himself. "You've picked things up quickly."

"Thanks," Skye said. "I've been working hard at it."

"I can tell," Phil said. "Do you have any plans for what you're going to do?"

"Some," Skye said. "But I want to master firebending first and…" She smirked. "Maybe I can fill in for Bucky and do some pro-bending for a bit."

Phil snorted. "Pro-bending…"

"Is something Avatar Korra did, so you can't discourage the idea too much," Skye pointed out.

Phil sighed. "No, I can't. Korra was a fighter and for someone that changed the world so much spiritually, that was her area of greatest weakness."

Skye smiled. "Well, airbending was her weakest area of bending at least at first."

"She did master the other elements very early and Master Tenzin's other duties did not allow him the time needed to train her," Phil said.

"Might have been because she was so isolated at the South Pole, she was kept in a cage."

Phil nodded. "I know, I don't think it was best for her. The Avatar needs training, but needs to be part of the people as well. Korra struggled with that."

"I know," Skye agreed.

"Well, it's a concern for if a new Avatar is found," Phil said.

"If?" Skye asked.

Phil nodded. "The White Lotus is having to search two nations. It's been long enough that the Earth Avatar might have died in childhood and moved to the next, which would be Fire."

"Maybe she's hiding?" Skye asked. "Because she doesn't want to be cooped up in some compound. Going old school and finding her own trainers like Aang, Roku, and Kyoshi did."

"That's a nice thought," Phil said. "But the world needs its Avatar."

"The world needs a fully trained Avatar," Skye argued.

"That's the point of the compound," Phil pointed out. "To make sure the Avatar is fully in control of all four elements."

"She also needs to know what's going on in the world, not to be kept in a bubble," Skye said. "All the other Avatars lived in the world and trained until Korra."

"True," Phil agreed.

"So yeah, maybe it's for the best that she hasn't been found," Skye pointed out.

Phil nodded, relenting slowly. It was true. His eyes narrowed. "I don't recall you being this knowledgeable."

Skye shrugged. "Need something to do when you're working and you know, it's hard not to notice the mark Aang and Korra left on the city."

"That's true," Phil agreed, glancing toward the Bay, where they could see the statue of Avatar Aang. There'd been discussion of putting up one of Korra, but so far nothing, though there were smaller ones. "What else have you learned?"

Skye hummed. "Reading up on the spirits and that kind of thing."

"Yeah?"

Skye nodded. "Like airbending is considered pretty spiritual."

"I would say of the benders, airbending is easily the most spiritual. Jinora was able to pass over into the spirit realm and taught Korra."

Skye nodded. "And Korra's uncle taught Korra to spiritbend."

"He did. Unaloq, well, he did do that."

"I know the rest of the story," Skye said, grinning. "But Korra used that here in the city, so that there's a big section of the city that's spirit trees, but not everywhere."

"We made our peace with the spirits," Phil agreed.

"Do people live in that section?" Skye asked.

"I would imagine that some do. I know Sam chose his building because of the spirit tree growing through it."

"Yeah, so airbenders and waterbenders are definitely the more spiritual, but what about the other two?"

Phil considered it. He couldn't really argue with waterbenders being the second most spiritual. Especially considering the gates to the spirit worlds were located at the North and South Pole. "I lean toward firebenders being more spiritual than earthbenders. A more internalized bit of spiritual-ness."

Skye nodded.

"That's some pretty advanced firebending techniques, if you're going to want to learn, I'll need to find someone else to teach you."

"I'll think about it," Skye said.

"Earthbenders aren't known for their spiritual ways. Look at Kyoshi. Definitely not the most spiritual of avatars. Roku was far more so."

Skye hummed her agreement. "Think we could check out the Spirit Tree portion of the city sometime? It's kind of intimidating."

"Of course," Phil agreed. He did enjoy spending time with Skye. She was an apt pupil after all.

*

Work was quiet, almost too quiet. It was as if the city was holding its breath waiting for something to happen. Somehow, it made Phil feel a bit more worried about Clint and Natasha going into their new jobs. He wondered how they were adapting, if they were finding anything. What would happen if they did?

Nick didn't share any word with him, and Phil was left with Jasper as a partner as he investigated various crimes. At least he ate well, because Jasper knew where all the really good food was. It was the best Phil could hope for really. Well, that and reassignment, because he was tired of walking the beat where the council members' homes were located.

"Help! I'm being attacked!" someone screamed.

Phil took off in a jog toward it and wished that Jasper wasn't getting food. The nearest good place was a bit of a walk, because homes with people hired to do the cooking for them or they went out in satomobiles to a nice restaurant (which according to Jasper meant overpriced and bland). He rounded the corner to see a young woman screaming at a boy.

"Help!" The woman screamed.

The boy, well, teen, Phil realized as he approached had his hands up and was saying something.

"Republic City Police," Phil said, loud enough to be heard.

"Oh, thank the spirits above," the woman said. "This man attacked me!"

"I did not," the teen protested.

"Calm down," Phil said, gesturing with his hands. "I need to know what happened."

"This man has been standing outside of my house for hours," the woman said. "He's clearly casing the joint. When I confronted him, he attacked me!"

Phil frowned, because he didn't see any evidence of an attack.

"I haven't been here that long," the teen said. "I'm waiting for a friend."

The woman scoffed. "There's no way some Dirt brat from the Earth Empire has friends in this neighborhood."

"I was born in Republic City," the boy said, voice rising.

"Both of you calm down," Phil said, moving between them. Most of the homes were gated with fences. He looked back at the woman. "Did you see him on the other side of any of these fences?"

"I told you, he was casing…"

"Ma'am, was he on the other side of the fences?"

"No." the woman said.

"So he's been on public property this entire time?"

"Yes, but…"

Phil held his hand up and was grateful the woman fell silent. "We have no proof he's done anything wrong, but I will…"

"Robbie!" a voice came from down the street. Phil glanced to see a young woman running toward them.

"Hey Kate," the teen boy, Robbie, said. "Was beginning to worry about you."

The girl, Kate, slowed and blinked as she realized that Phil was in uniform. "Oh, for Yangchen's Sake. What's going on?"

"There appears to have been a misunderstanding," Phil answered calmly, casting a pointed look toward the woman.

"Does your father know who you're hanging out with Katherine," the woman asked.

"Don't really care if he does, Heather," Kate replied, stepping forward.

Robbie was pulling off his pack and offering it to Kate. "He said these should be easier to practice with."

"Oh, excellent, thanks for coming out all this way," Kate said, taking the bag. "I appreciate it."

"Yeah, next time we're meeting in the city, I don't care if it's super out of your way," Robbie said, glancing toward Heather and Phil.

Phil honestly didn't blame for that and thought it was a fair request. Based on the way Kate was nodding, she was in agreement as well.

"Well," Robbie said, glancing toward Phil. "Officer, am I free to go?"

"You are, have a good night," Phil said, ignoring the squawk the woman made.

"You, too, sir," Robbie said and hurried off.

"I'm going to crash at Cassie's," Kate said, heading across the street and leaving Phil alone with Heather.

"He tried to attack me," Heather said.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I don't see any evidence of an attack."

"Robbie's a bender, he'd wipe her out," Kate called from across the street.

Phil closed his eyes, because that really didn't help.

"He's going to destroy the lawn, just you wait," Heather declared. "Or the house."

"And if he does, we'll be sure to investigate, but there is no evidence of a crime," Phil said calmly and hoped for Jasper to reappear with dinner soon. Maybe, he'd be able to calm her down.

*

"I'm tired today," Skye said. "Could we do something else?"

Phil hesitated, because they really did need to finish her training. Eventually, he nodded. "What'd you have in mind?"

"I haven't been to the Spirit Wilds," Skye suggested. "I'd kind of like to see it."

Phil nodded and together they headed over to where the Spirit vines covered a large part of the city.

"Do you know how they got here?" Phil asked.

"Harmonic Convergence, it's how the new airbenders came to be," Skye said. "A lot of people just blame it on the Spirit Gun tearing a hole, but the vines were here first."

Phil nodded. "Korra defeated Vatu, who'd bonded with her uncle."

"She sacrificed her connection to previous lives to do it," Skye added with a nod.

"And now everyone wonders if the next Avatar will be able to connect to her or if that's gone," Phil added with a sigh. He paused, staring at the giant web spread across the street. "Huh, that's odd."

"Yeah," Skye said, stepping forward and leaning to look at the webbing."Some of these look metallic."

"Because they are," a voice came from above.

Phil glanced up to see a spider spirit, slowly making its way down toward them. He reached out and pulled Skye back away from the web..

"I'm sorry, we didn't mean to disturb you," Phil said.

"It's alright," the spider said. "But you're off the beaten tour guide path."

"Yeah well, I work for the city police," Phil said, trying to think if there were any laws or rules against this. Then again the spirits tended to be peaceful and didn't need policing. Still there was a giant web cutting off a part of the street. Granted Phil could see that the street had dead ended into a very large tree.

"So?" the spider asked.

"So I think he's trying to be intimidating, Pete." Barton's voice came from the building and a few seconds later, he appeared. "Hey Coulson."

"You know them, Clint?" the spider asked.

"I know Coulson, not the girl," Barton said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"She's my student," Phil said. "We're just taking a walk. She hasn't seen the Spirit Wild before. What are you doing here?"

Barton grinned. "I live here."

"In the Spirit Wild?"

"Well, yeah."

"But you're…"

"A rock headed metalbender?" Clint asked. "Just because I'm an earthbender, doesn't mean we're not spiritual. I mean, not like air and water, but still…"

"Sure," Phil relented.

Barton rolled his eyes, before looking over at Skye. "Want to see something cool?"

"Sure," Skye said.

Barton grinned and then made a few motions, some of the strands pulled away and hung in the air. "Come on in."

Skye glanced at Phil, seeking permission, but he could see the curiosity on her face. Phil nodded and followed her in.

Barton repeated the motion, sealing them back in. "Defensive measures. We've been having triad problems."

He led them down the street to where a group of people were gathered in a ring. There were two people in the ring, one was wielding a staff and the other was lava bending, a chain of fiery rock.

"Welcome to Bender Academy," Barton declared. "Robbie, our resident lavabender vs. Bobbi, chi blocker."

"You have a lavabender?" Phil said, staring in awe. Lavabending was a rareform of earthbending, even rarer than metalbending.

"Yeah, but Bobbi is going to kick his ass," Barton said.

"Only if she can get close," Phil replied.

"Care to make a wager, Coulson?"

Phil ignored him, watching as indeed Bobbi bounced on her feet until someone yelled out, "Fight."

Then Bobbi moved to one side of the ring, sliding underneath one of Robbi's attacks and coming up underneath his guard. She jammed the staff into his stomach and Phil winced as he realized there was a slight electrical pulse to it. She pulled back to strike again, but before she could Robbi's hands went up, "Yield."

Bobbi stopped, backing off with a twirl of her sticks as the crowd cheered.

Robbi got himself up and made his way over to the edge of the ring, where he was patted on the back by some others.

"Told you," Barton stated.

Phil narrowed his eyes. "She got lucky."

"No, she knows how to fight Benders. She's skilled."

"But why?" Skye asked.

"Because not all Benders are nice people. I mean, the Triple Threats are proud of the fact that they have three types of benders," Barton explained. "And society still tends to believe a Bender is better than a non-bender, even though they're fully capable."

"And you're fighting for equality?" Phil asked, not quite believing that's what Clint was doing.

"Not my fight, but I'll be there if they want me to and I'm certainly going to share skills that will help them in the long run."

"Phil, finally found your way through the spirit vines to us, hmm?" Natasha said, appearing next to Clint and resting her hand on Clint's arm.

"Yes, Skye wanted to explore the spirit vines. We were more than a bit surprised to find a giant spider web," Phil said.

"Unfortunately, despite our insistence, the Republic City Police doesn't really come down here," Natasha said. "We've kind of made our own force."

"So you're private security now?" Phil asked. "For this area?"

Clint snorted and rolled his eyes.

"No, we've lived here for a while," Natasha answered. "You were going to show Kate that trick she wanted to learn."

"Kate here?" Barton asked, looking at her. "Because normally…"

Something went through Clint who gasped and he shuddered as the spirit landed between the group of four. The spirit barked, turning back to look at Barton and Phil caught the flash of a missing eye.

"Hey boy," Barton said. The spirit's tail was wagging and it gathered itself to jump up, but Barton separated from Natasha and the spirit took off. "Well, gotta go…" Clint gave a quick wave and ran after the spirit.

Natasha watched him briefly, before turning back to Phil and Skye. "Clint makes friends wherever he goes."

"That spirit had a missing eye," Phil said.

"Long story, but part of the reason this neighborhood has such a good relation to the spirits. A lot of places consider them nuisances, but we don't."

"And you can communicate with them?" Skye asked.

"Benders are more successful, but everyone here does their best to get a basic understanding," Natasha stated. "Provided they don't have the brains of a winged lemur."

Phil arched an eyebrow.

"Some of the spirits aren't very intelligent," Natasha noted. "More like animals. Others can speak and talk. Lucky, which is what we call that particular spirit, seems more animal-like."

Phil nodded.

"Loves Clint though," Natasha added.

"Even though he's an earthbender?" Skye asked.

Phil almost winced at that and then did when Natasha shot him a glare.

"Probably, because he's an earthbender. Toph Beifong was able to connect to the whole forest through spirit vines and trees."

"I didn't know that," Skye said.

Natasha smiled gently at her. "I know all about the Beifongs, Clint speaks highly of them."

"Well, Toph did invent metalbending first," Phil said.

"Plus his history with the family," Natasha added.

Phil arched an eyebrow curious.

Natasha regarded him. "Clint's story to tell."

Phil nodded, letting it go.

"So Phil's apprentice?" Natasha asked, looking at Skye.

Skye nodded.

Natasha's eyes narrowed. "Well, if you're friends with Phil then you're welcome back here anytime. Both of you."

*
It was a couple of weeks later when Phil re-entered the Spirit Vines and headed to where Barton made his home. He'd chosen a time in the afternoon when Skye said she was going to be busy. Curiosity drove him, because Barton and Romanov didn't really live there, did they? Barton, certainly, didn't strike him as spiritual in the least. The whole city had spirit vines all over it, but there was a concentration of them in one part. Sam's home was overrun with vines and he was an airbender. The cul-de-sac was in an area that was overrun with them and that no one really lived in, or so Phil had thought.

Barton and Romanoff living there and with non-benders, it was unheard of. Non-benders typically avoided the Spirit Wild, they might visit and go on one of the sanctioned tours, but they tended not to stay.

Phil was thankful that he had a good sense of direction. Following the path and making his way back to the neighborhood to find the spider web of spirits. He waited until one of the spider spirits made its way down, a different one than before. The other had been red and blue and this one was white, black, pink, and a little bit of light blue. He was allowed in, the spider actually seemed to recognize him.

"Barton in?" Phil asked the spider.

"He is. Up in the tree," The spider answered.

Phil nodded, heading toward the tree in the center of the cul de sac. The fighting pit from the day before was gone, smoothed over. He dreaded the climb, but discovered that the tree seemed to have created steps going forward. About halfway up, Phil found Clint seated and he appeared to be meditating. The one eyed spirit was sprawled in front of him. Phil blinked as he realized that Clint didn't have any metal on him. Phil lingered, feeling uncomfortable with it. Just as he was about to go, Clint's eyes opened.

"Coulson," Barton said, in a wry tone. "What can I do for you?"

"I…" Phil started, suddenly unsure of why exactly he was here.

Barton arched an eyebrow as he moved to his feet. "Don't think you can claim that you're just passing by and wanted to say hello."

"I didn't tell Fury," Phil stated. "You know that right?"

Barton's jaw dropped slightly, before nodding. "You're supposed to figure out the leak in the force." He leaned against the tree.

"I don't have a clue who that is."

"It's okay," Barton said. "I'm sorry, but we had to make it look like you. You were the one that fit. Everyone knows that you don't like me."

Phil blinked. "Never seems to stop you from coming around and bothering me."

"Yeah, well, eternal optimist," Clint said with a shrug and rueful laugh.

Phil frowned. "What?"

"Don't worry about it, it's my problem," Clint said. "I know, it wasn't you. But it had to look like you."

"Why?" Phil said, shaking his head.

"Because that thing we found. It's dangerous and there's only two places it could have come from. We need to find out who made it and make sure there aren't any more."

Phil stared at him. "You told Fury yourselves. That's why Romanov is working for SFI. Are you working for Hammer Cabbage Corp?"

Clint smirked. "You're smart Coulson. You can't tell anyone."

"Of course not," Phil agreed. "But, isn't it dangerous?"

"Tasha and I can handle a little danger."

"Still, if you need backup…"

"We'll let you know," Barton said and it sounded like a promise.

Phil nodded, turning to head back down the steps.

"Hey," Clint called from above.

Phil glanced up.

"The kid?"

"My student?"

"Where'd you find her?"

"I… I didn't. She found me."

"She's Earth Republic."

Phil nodded. "She's of mixed heritage. Thinks her mom slept with a firebender, I guess."

"That what she told you?" Barton asked.

Phil nodded. "Why, you recognize her? Didn't think the Earth Republic was that small."

Barton snorted. "No, but… I've got a theory."

"A theory?" Phil asked, craning his head to look at Barton.

His face was hidden in shadow with the sun behind him. The light behind him. "Eh, I don't want to be wrong about this one."

"Well, now I'm curious," Phil admitted.

Barton chuckled. "Earth Republic kid that's a firebender that spirits like…"

Phil shook his head, unsure of where Barton was trying to lead him. "Sorry, I don't get it."

"Really?" Barton asked. "Your thoughts don't go there at all?"

"I am completely confused as to what you're talking about," Phil admitted. "Tell me."

"Nah, if I'm wrong about it. I'm going to sound real dumb," Barton replied with a bit of chuckle. "Let her come again, we'll see."

"I'll see if I can arrange that," Phil said.

"Don't think you need to do the arranging," Barton said, looking away from him. "Considering how she's flirting with Robbie."

Phil followed his line of sight and it took a moment, but yes, there looked to be Skye talking with someone. He glanced back at Clint. "You can see that."

"I see really well far away," Clint said. "That's why I got a theory or two."

Phiil blinked, glancing back toward the figures, before heading downward. As he neared, he found that Barton was right. It was Skye, talking with the lavabender from their first trip here. He almost went to interrupt them, but then decided not to. Skye was old enough to be responsible for herself. She wasn't some child and she was smart. She could handle herself. Phil glanced toward the tree and could make out Clint in the hole.

Clint gave a wave and Phil raised his hand back, before heading out. It was when he was almost home that he remembered Barton saying that he hung around him because he was optimistic. Everyone knew that Phil didn't like him, so Barton must be hanging around because he wanted Phil to change his mind. Barton was… flirty? Phil thought that he did it with everyone, but Barton had wrapped him in his armor. It made no sense. Why Phil? Bucky was injured and Steve was bending. That still left Peggy, Natasha, and Melinda as other options. Surely, Natasha would have been the better choice. They were close and friends, but he'd chosen Phil.

Phil stopped, turning to look back in the direction he came. Because, no, surely, Phil was wrong, but as he looked at the evidence and it all seemed to amount to one basic fact: Barton had feelings for him, Phil Coulson.

Phil almost turned to head to Air Temple Island, but he couldn't bother Melinda about this. At least, not yet.

*

"She's got good form," Bucky said, his eyes never leaning Skye as she demonstrated her growing firebending skills. "Came a long way real fast."

"I know," Phil said. "I feel like I need to find her a more advanced teacher or one that could dedicate more time to her." He would be asking Bucky for the help, but he was fairly certain that it wouldn't go over well.

"Going to have to see if she can lightningbend soon," Bucky noted. "That could get her work."

"She could give back to Sam's community," Phil agreed. "Not a skill I feel comfortable teaching."

Bucky nodded. "Yeah - Skye, get that foot higher!"

Skye paused looking at them, before looking at Phil. Phil nodded. "Bucky's right, get it higher, do it again."

Skye nodded and tried it again and would have stopped if Bucky hadn't barked to keep going. Phil bit his lip, because he was pretty sure Bucky wasn't as useless as he thought he was.

"She listens well," Phil noted as she repeated the move again, keeping her foot higher.

Bucky hummed and Phil risked a glance over at him. The muscles in his face were twitching and Phil let the silence linger, pulling his attention back to Skye.

"I might, might, be able to talk her through some more advanced fire bending techniques," Bucky said, voice low and halting.

Phil blinked and tried not to smile. "I think she'd like that."

"You're an ass, Coulson," Bucky said. "Peggy put you up to this?"

"No," Phil said, though both Peggy and Steve had expressed concern about Bucky in private. They all seemed to talk around his injury. "But I think it would be good for you."

"I can't bend like I am," Bucky pointed out.

"I know," Phil said, and refrained from pointing out that what Romanov said was technically true. While certain bending techniques were associated with evil deeds, it didn't necessarily make the bending techniques themselves evil. "But you can talk her through some."

"Yeah, we'll see if she's interested," Bucky said. "She disappears most days."

Phil turned and looked at him. "What?"

Bucky shrugged. "She goes out, comes back before you do, eats, takes a nap, and is up in time for you."

"I didn't know that," Phil said.

"Yeah, well, she doesn't sit around waiting for you and hasn't told any of us where she goes, so…" Bucky shrugged. "I'll offer."

Skye came to the end and she looked at them. Phil smiled at her. "Much improved."

She grinned, bouncing over to him. "I'll be a real firebending master in no time, huh?"

"Wouldn't say that much," Bucky said. "But you're getting better. If you want, while Phil is busy, I can try and talk you through some new things."

"Yeah?" Skye asked, eyes widening.

Bucky nodded once sharply.

"I'd love that," Skye said, before frowning. "When? I kind of made some other commitments."

"Other commitments?" Phil asked.

Skye's eyes darted between the two of them, before nodding. "Yeah, Robbie and some of his friends have offered to show me around the Spirit Wild."

"We'll find some time," Bucky said. "If not, you'll just keep working with Phil."

"Yeah, but you're a pro-bender. I've seen pro-benders, their techniques are different."

"You have?" Phil asked.

Skye nodded. "One of Robbie's friends is trying to put together a team and get sponsors."

Phil arched an eyebrow. "Did you try out?"

"No, the friend is a firebender," Skye said, crossing her arms and frowning.

Phil resisted the urge to chuckle.

"Hey, did we miss the demonstration?" Peggy asked as she came up the steps.

"You did," Bucky said. "How'd things go?"

Steve shook his head. "Haven't heard anything. I resent the letter. Maybe it got lost?"

Bucky nodded, frowning.

Steve looked at Phil. "You hear anything from Melinda?"

Phil shook his head. "I haven't seen her, but I told her to contact Sam, because he usually knows where you are."

Steve grinned. "If Pro-bending ever adds airbenders…"

"You'll still need another firebender," Bucky grumbled.

Steve smiled, going to wrap his arm around Bucky's shoulders and pull him in. "Nah, we're going to get you fixed by then."

Bucky grumbled, breaking free and walking away and Phil watched Steve's smile falter for a moment until Bucky turned back around. Then there was nothing wrong.

"What about that thing we found at the river?" Peggy asked. "You ever get any answers on that?"

"No," Phil shook his head. He couldn't mention that Barton and Romanov were sneaking around two different industries trying to find the answers. At least, not yet, but he decided he'd head to Air Temple Island within the week. He'd just have Bucky continue Skye's training that day, maybe Melinda would have some answers.

*

"You've got to be kidding me," Fury growled, causing Phil to come to a complete stop. He looked up the stairs to the plaza where Melinda liked to practice. She'd told him once that Avatar Korra had liked this spot as well. Phil couldn't see Fury and whoever he was talking to, and he shouldn't eavesdrop but his curiosity was piqued so he backed down a few more steps.

"I'm not," Barton's voice answered. "I wanted you to know in case something happens."

There was a long silence and Phil could see Fury glaring at Barton.

"You seriously think you found the Avatar," Melinda added.

Phil's eyes widened, because… how? Did HCC have them? Maybe HCC was overrun by Red Lotus and they'd captured the young Avatar.

"I think the kid wandered into my part of town and the spirits welcomed them," Barton stated. "I have suspicions and I've got my people watching the kid."

"Kid isn't suspicious?" Fury asked.

"Kid is making friends, one of those friends is Natasha's sister," Barton stated. Phil's eyes widened, because Romanov had a sister? Not that he knew much about Romanov or Barton's personal lives. He'd assumed they were together until Barton had left one day asking for luck, because he had a date and Romanoff had stayed behind to do some paperwork and told him he was going to need it. Jasper had made some comment, which had caused Romanoff to actually laugh and tell the station that if she dated Barton, she'd kill him within a month.

"I didn't know Natasha had a sister," Melinda replied, voice clipped. Phil kind of wished he could see them.

"Yeah, well, we found her when we went out of town a couple of months ago, turns out the White Lotus missed Uncle Dreykov in their sweep."

"Fuck," Melinda growled. "We'll handle that…"

"No need, we took care of it," Barton said coolly.

"We…"

"No, he was going to escape and do it again and again. Eventually, he would have been successful and then he would have repeated the process until he had a nice little army to go out and kill and no one would suspect that those little girls were killers."

Little girl killers? "What the…?" Phil breathed out, because surely that wasn't it. His mind reeled at the idea and suddenly there was a metal wire wrapping around him and dragging him upward.

"Coulson! What are you doing here?!" Fury barked as the wire pulled away.

"Came to talk to Melinda," Phil answered. "Didn't expect to find you two here."

"How long have you been here?" Fury asked.

"Barton thinks he found the Avatar?" Phil answered, glancing at Barton, who looked pale. "And he didn't give you any information on how to find them."

"Yeah, because if something happens, his people will find me," Fury stated.

"Sir," Barton said. "He…"

"Everything you heard, you are to forget, do you hear me, Coulson?" Fury said. "Tell no one. Don't even bring the topic up with anyone here. If we want you to be in the know, we'll be the ones that bring it up."

He glanced at Melinda and then back to Barton, both had a serious look on their faces, but he nodded his understanding.

"Coulson's a good man, Clint, and you're always careful with your words," Fury said, looking toward Barton. Barton looked away for a moment before nodding.

"Yeah, I know," Barton agreed. "Still we better break up this party."

"Be careful," Fury stated.

"Be smart," Melinda added.

Barton nodded and strode toward the opposite end of the plaza. "Yeah, yeah." He jumped a wire shooting up to grab a stone and disappeared from view.

"Show off," Fury stated, before heading toward the stairs.

Phil watched him go for a moment, before looking over at Melinda. "How much shit did I just walk into?"

"So much," Melinda said, sighing as she leaned against one of the stone outcroppings.

Phil arched an eyebrow.

"None of it is my story to tell nor do I have any reason to break that confidentiality," Melinda explained. "If I thought there was a threat I'd tell you. You trust me?"

"Barton just implied he killed someone," Phil stated. "Or Romanov did."

"A man who did very bad things," Melinda replied.

"So they're judge, jury, and executioner?" Phil asked. "That's not right."

"No, but what they did… Well, I'm not going to haul them in for it. They're good people who sometimes do bad things for the benefit of others. It's not an easy life they've chosen, but… I think someone has to walk that line."

Phil nodded and let the silence last for a moment. "You think he found the…?"

"Maybe. Clint has a healthy respect for Spirit Wild and because of that he's one of the most spiritually in tune earthbenders I know," Melinda answered. "He cares for his people whether they're bender, non-bender, or spirit."

"He made a comment, a bit ago. Well a couple comments, he knows I don't like him…"

"Yeah, I noticed that," Melinda said.

Phil looked at her, but she gestured for him to continue. "And that he still hangs around me because he's an eternal optimist."

Melinda snorted. "He said that?"

"Yes," Phil said.

"Well, I suppose it sounds better than glutton for punishment," Melinda muttered. "But please continue."

"Well, with those two comments in mind. It seems crazy, but I… I feel like he was trying to tell me that..."

"He really likes you," Melinda said, cutting him off and getting straight to the point.

Phil blinked. "Really?"

"You want to shut him up sometime, ask him out," Melinda said, smiling at him.

"I don't want to…"

"Phil," Melinda said. "I've seen him when he's not around you and yeah, he wants to impress you. He's also very bad at flirting. To be fair, his best friend is far worse."

"I wasn't aware that Natasha flirted with people."

"She tried to, with your friend Bucky."

"That was flirting?" Phil asked.

"They're both socially inept," Melinda said with a shake of her head. "Except when they're spying on others, then it's like they're whole new people."

"Are they doing okay with that?" Phil asked.

"Yeah, they think they know which one and… Well, Clint didn't go into details that way we can honestly say that we have no idea what they're up to," Melinda replied.

Phil nodded, looking toward the city where he could just make out the two buildings. He looked back toward Melinda. "Speaking of Bucky…"

"Part of the Southern Water Tribe Contingent includes a healer. Helen Cho is willing to meet with Bucky for a bit, but she says not to get his hopes up," Melinda said. "She specifically cited that Kya was unable to help Mako after his injuries. She said that sometimes the damage can be severe enough that there is nothing to be done."

"Was she trained by Kya?" Phil asked, because while Kya was the daughter of Avatar Aang, she had ended up being the one member of the family that had inherited her mother's waterbending abilities. She'd been trained by Katara and after her mother's death, Kya had been the premiere healer for the rest of her life.

Melinda shook her head. "Her teacher was, but the teacher isn't traveling. So unless we send Bucky down there...."

"I don't think they can afford the passage," Phil noted.

Melinda nodded. "She's also going to be looking for talented waterbenders to start training."

"Thank you," Phil said.

"You're welcome," Melinda agreed. "Now, how about you stay for dinner. Eat something healthy."

Phil smiled and nodded in agreement.

*

This is career suicide, Phil thought for the fourth night in a row. Still, he wasn't about to let Barton and Romanov go after who knew what without some sort of back up. He wished he dared bring Steve and Peggy, but if he did that, he'd also have to include Skye. They would give a reason for Bucky to come, too, and Phil was fairly certain that Skye would in fact figure out a way to call this "training."

He didn't know which place to hit, but at least the two factories were reasonably close together, if on opposite sides of the river. Maybe, he should have included Melinda, but he worried that she would have to report it to her superiors.

Phil took a sip of his tea, frowning when he realized it had gone cold. A little fire breath warmed it well; sometimes it was very useful to be a firebender. Even if he was wishing he was a waterbender and wasn't tied to the closest bridge as he watched the buildings.

Nothing seemed awry and the first two nights had been nerve wracking. He'd thought every sight and sound was whatever Barton and Romanoff were up to. Night four and he'd gotten used to the patterns of the factories at night. Almost four nights down with approximately three more to go. Barton had implied that it was happening within a week after all.

He took another sip of his tea and caught a flash of light darting away from Stark Future Industries. Phil considered its trajectory and, yeah, that light was heading toward the Spirit Wilds.

He dropped his tea without really considering it and headed toward where he'd seen the light, trying to figure out where it had come from. Racing, he eyed the area and then noted the lights flashing on in one of the bays as the large garage door was coming down.

Phil moved. Sliding underneath the door. He popped up, arms ready to find himself staring at an extra large mecha suit. It shined in the light and beyond it he could see Romanov and Barton.

It was Romanov that spotted him first, eyes widening just a bit, but her attention went back to the mecha immediately.

"Give it up, Stane," Barton yelled. "You know this isn't going to end well."

"Oh please," said a voice which Phil recognized as Obidiah Stane's. He was the current CEO of SFI as Tony Stark was currently working on other projects. "You're not going to do much against this."

The mecha's arm moved up, firing a pink-ish purple beam of something, which pulverized the rock as Barton pulled it up to protect himself and Romanov. Phil took a deep breath and gathered himself to generate and bend lightning toward the mecha, but that bounced off of it.

Barton pulled up another barricade as the mecha turned toward Phil.

"Who are you?" Stane growled, firing a wire at him. Phil dodged and broke out into a run, leaping over the blockade to land next to Romanoff and Barton.

"Coulson!" Barton said, looking surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Thought you might need back up," Phil answered, crouching low.

"Not going to do much good," Natasha said, glancing over the barricade.

"Guessing it is pure platinum?" Phil asked, glancing at Clint.

"Obviously," Clint growled. "Tasha?"

"I'm beginning to understand your frustrations," Natasha stated.

Phil arched an eyebrow, but the pair were sharing a look.

Clint sighed and shook his head. "So we need to make a hole."

"Possibly," Natasha said.

"Fuck," Clint groaned. "How'd Avatar Korra cut into Mommy bot again?"

Phil blinked and considered it. "Plasma Saw?"

"We don't have that do we?" Clint asked.

"We do not," Phil said.

"Fuck," Clint groaned, as they heard something clang as if two metal objects had collided. They shared a look, before Clint wrapped metal around his face and peered over the edge of the embarkment. He dropped down again. "Okay, bad news, there's now two of them. Good news is the second is fighting the first."

"Sounds like good news on both fronts," Natasha stated.

"Yeah, Two is a lot smaller, a lot," Clint said.

Natasha frowned. "So I think there's a shipment of the spirit guns in the far corner."

"Spirit guns?" Phil repeated.

"We'll explain later," Romanov said. "There's some in the crates over there."

Barton sighed. "We're covering her."

Natasha moved to the edge of the barricade. Barton nudged his shoulder, pointing towards Natasha's hand. 3 fingers, 2 fingers, 1 finger…

Phil popped up in sync with Barton as flame and rock were bent at the larger mecha, bouncing uselessly off of it, but giving the smaller mecha a chance to pound into it.

"Down!" Clint said, slamming him to the ground as the pink-purple light went over their heads. "Let's hope one of those guns has vines loaded into them."

"Vines… Like Kuvira's energy cannon?" Phil asked.

"Yeah, but smaller and hand held," Barton said, sliding off of him. "That's what we found in the river. We can't let the triads have that kind of weapon."

"It was Stane?" Phil asked.

Barton nodded and armor started coming off of him.

"What are you doing?" Phil asked.

"I'm dead either way if that thing hits me, I'm going to go with having the most flexibility," Clint said.

Phil nodded, frowning. He didn't like the idea of Clint going without the armor, but all he kept was the spools of metal wire and he shifted, peering over the barrier and then moved. Phil glanced over watching as he used one of the wires to pull himself upward and as he passed the large armor used the second to find purchase and pull the large armor off its feet.

The fire blast nearly caught Clint, but Phil reached trying to pull the fire back toward the armor.

Clint hung from the rafters, watching the two armors fight and Phil watched as he darted downward. Trying to pull the same maneuver. It didn't work. He tried a few more times, before landing back behind the barrier. Just as Natasha came back around.

"We've got one," Natasha said. "Any luck?"

Clint shook his head.

"Alright, new plan, Phil you go low and left, I'll go high and right. We'll try and draw Stane's attention. Natasha, when you've got a clean shot, you take it."

Phil moved into position, glancing back to see Natasha holding up five fingers, four fingers, three…

Phil turned his head, planning his route.

Two…

Phil shifted to his feet.

One…

Phil inhaled.

Go.

Phil took off, splashing through puddles. He could just see Clint in his peripheral vision, up high and firing bits of metal at it. Phil pivoted, sending a fire blast around Smallbot to hit Stane.

Stane turned as a wire snapped out wrapping around Stane's mech's arm and hauling him up by the arm. A purple-pink light shot, curving through and up the mech to melt the wire that held Barton a loft.

"Clint!" Phil yelled, watching Clint plummet toward the ground. The wire was spooling out and not quite reaching the crossbeams as he slammed into the ground.

The room was silent until Stane's scream pierced the silence.

"I'm going to give you one chance to eject yourself," Natasha growled. "Before I rip your body apart."

There was a brief pause and the mecha suit opened to reveal Stane. "I didn't know the New Republic Police hired Blood…"

Stane's body was pulled from the mecha and Phil winced, looking away. There was a change as the suit fell over and Stane was dropped in front of it.

"You'll shut up, if you know what's good for you," Natasha growled, before aiming the gun at the other bot. "You get out of there too."

The helmet lifted up as the arms did as well. "Yeah, I'll give you this much, but uh, no. I'm on your side, Natalie."

Natasha leveled a glare at the bot. "Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Stark," Natasha said. She looked over to Phil. "Keep your eyes on them." With that she went over to Clint's fallen body and then started gesturing. Phil watched the puddles he'd splashed through rise up and move toward her.

"Do I wanna know what she's doing?" Stark asked, looking at Phil.

"Looks like she's attempting to heal him," Phil stated, looking at Stane.

"Are you going to arrest him?" Stark asked.

Phil considered it. He didn't have all the evidence. "I believe so."

"Oh, good, because he's fired. Obie, you hear me, you are fired."

"You think you can run this company?" Stane asked.

"If I can't, then I'll find someone who can," Tony replied.

Stane chuckled. "I'd rather see this place burn."

There was a slight beeping sound.

"Oh no," Stark said, visor slamming down again as he rammed the suit into a door, denting it. "Don't suppose metal boy is healthy enough to bend this door out of the way, is he?"

"Out of the way," Phil ordered, letting Stark move. He took a deep breath and then unleashed a torrent of fire, trying to keep the stream small and hot enough to cut a hole. Stark pushed the opening and cleared out as an ice block with Clint's body slid out, followed by Natasha. Phil followed moments after. As river water flew up to reseal the hole as something exploded in the building. Setting it aflame.

"Self destruct," Stark remarked. "Nice work, keeping it contained." Phil let Natasha deal with Stark.

Phil moved over to Clint and found his eyes open. "Hey, Coulson."

Phil sighed, shoulders slumping. "You scared me, Clint."

"S'okay, Nat knows what she's doing, I'll be fine," Clint said.

"There's no cure for stupid, Clint," Natasha said, breaking off her conversation.

"Love you, Nat," Clint said, looking at Phil.

"You promise?"

"I'll be back and annoying you in no time."

"Yeah, you still have to tell me who you think the Avatar is," Phil said. "And the stupid idea you had that you didn't want to tell me."

"That was the Avatar idea and you haven't put it together yet. I mean, I asked you about her. What kind of detective are you?"

"One that needs to make himself scarce," Fury said, appearing out of the shadows. "Firefighters are on their way. Nothing I can do about you and Romanoff, but Coulson, get out of here. These two are technically fired."

"Technically?" Phil repeated.

"As in, I'm going to hire their asses back as soon as this mess is handled."

"Not if I steal them for private security," Stark yelled. "I like to have as many redheads around me that can kick my ass as I can."

Fury's eyes closed as he rubbed his forehead. He looked back at Coulson. "Are you still here?"

"You know where I'll end up," Clint said. "Go, don't get fired."

Coulson nodded and slipped away from the docks into the night. Actually, there was only one person that he'd discussed with Barton that he'd asked about recently, and that was Skye. Phil paused, because no, surely not. Skye wasn't the Avatar, but he had to admit things lined up. She was the right age for it and born in the Earth Republic. He'd never seen her bend anything but fire though.

Phil adjusted his path, not that he really needed to, but he decided to head toward Sam's instead. It was closer and he was tired.

He was surprised to see that there were lights on.

"Phil!" Peggy said, spotting him as he stepped into the courtyard.

"Hey, Peggy," Phil said. "Everyone up late."

"Spirits are in an uproar and apparently there was an explosion at SFI. Steve and Sam went to lend a hand," Peggy said.

"Skye up?" Phil asked.

Peggy nodded. "Her friend, Yelena, is staying the night as well." She paused. "Are you okay? You look horrible."

"I'll be okay," Phil said. "Think Sam will mind if I crash here?"

"Of course not," Peggy said. "I'll get you a room ready."

"Thank you. I'm going to check on Skye."

Peggy nodded, letting him by. He passed by Bucky heading downstairs, who arched an eyebrow at him.

"Later," Phil promised, going straight to Skye's door and knocking.

The doop opened to reveal an unfamiliar blonde woman. "Who are you?"

"I'm Phil, I'm teaching Skye firebending," Phli said. "Yelena?"

The woman looked him over before stepping aside and letting him in.

"Phil!" Skye said, getting up from the couch. "What happened to you?!"

"Long story," Phil said, letting himself be ushered into a seat. "And I'd rather not tell it now."

"Okay," Skye said. "Can I get you anything?"

Phil shook his head. "Just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay. Where'd you meet Yelena?"

"I'm standing right here, but sure talk about me like I'm not," Yelena muttered.

"She's from the Spirit Wild community. We've been hanging out the last few days," Skye said. "She's a waterbender."

"Oh? A friend of Clint and Natasha's?" Phil said, looking at her.

Yelena nodded. "Natasha is more like a sister, but…"

Ah, then yes, Clint definitely thought Skye was the Avatar. "You know where they were tonight?" Phil asked.

Yelena's eyes narrowed, but she shrugged.

"Clint's hurt, but Natasha is looking after him," Phil said. "Natasha is fine."

Yelena nodded. "Do I…?"

"They don't know I came here, no messages to pass along," Phil said.

She nodded, looking at Skye and taking a deep breath.

"If you need to go…" Skye said.

"No," Yelena said, quickly. "I'd only be in the way."

"You sure?" Skye said.

Phil let their voices drift over him and slowly drifted asleep where he was seated.

*

It took Phil a full week to actually make it to the Spirit Wild. The first day he slept long and hard. Thankfully, Skye told him that Peggy had gone into the precinct and told Fury that he'd eaten some bad food and was out for the day. Phil had gone in the following day and was promptly put on clean up and investigation. He saw Stark multiple times, usually having to chase him away from evidence. He saw Natasha briefly the fourth day; she was coming in to speak to Fury as he was leaving. Phil had discovered he had the day off on the seventh day when he found Peggy waiting for him and telling him to come along. Bucky was meeting with the healer and he should be there since it was his day off, which he hadn't had since he'd been sick.

Fury looked like he'd been stuck listening to this for a while and Jasper just plain looked in awe of her. Regardless, he was escorted out of the precinct and to Sam's where the group had gathered. He was a bit surprised to find Natasha there.

"I'm stealing you after this," Natasha said in lieu of greeting. "You can entertain Clint for a while."

Phil snorted. "He's not up and about?"

"Not yet," Natasha replied. "I'm not… It's not my strong suit, but he'll recover."

Phil nodded.

The group headed over to the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center where the visiting Council members made their homes. They were greeted and introduced to Helen Cho, who encouraged Bucky to sit as she looked over his arm with great detail.

She tsked softly under her breath. "They need to keep a better healer on staff at these events, if they're going to continue."

"To be fair," Phil said. "What he did was highly illegal."

Helen glanced over at him. "Yes, but still, better to have one on hand just in case. The longer an injury persists, the harder it is to heal."

"Can you heal him?" Steve said.

"Perhaps with access to spirit water," Helen said, looking at him. "But I can't make any guarantees of returning the ability to bend. Spirit water has its limitations and once the bending chakras are closed, well, that's not my area of expertise."

Steve sighed. "Where can one get spirit water?"

"Steve, it's not…" Bucky said, shaking his head. "We're chasing a pipe dream."

"I can get spirit water," Natasha said.

All eyes turned to look at her.

"I live in the Spirit Wild," Natasha stated. "We're friendly with a lot of the spirits there. Would the drool of a spirit have any healing properties?"

"I've never heard of that…"

"One of the spirits is intent on licking Clint's injuries, we've been stopping him."

"I don't think it would harm him," Helen said, slowly. Her eyes were wide as she stared at Natasha.

"When do you need it by?" Natasha asked.

"Uh, two days?" Helen suggested.

Natasha nodded. "I'll make sure it's here."

"Seriously?" Bucky asked. "What's the catch?"

Natasha's normally blank face, managed to somehow look even more blank. She glanced at Phil and then back at Bucky. "Bending."

"Bending?" Bucky repeated.

"No matter what, you have one good arm, figure it out," Natasha replied.

"You want me to bend?" Bucky repeated.

Natasha gave a firm nod.

"There have been one armed benders before, even one with injured arms," Helen said. "One of Avatar Korra's friends was injured defeating Kuvira's giant mecha suit. Kya couldn't heal him."

"See," Natasha said. "It's the bender, not the technique."

"Fine," Bucky said.

Natasha offered him a tight smile. Arrangements were made and they headed out. They separated part way and Natasha sighed as she walked.

"Was that alright to ask?" Natasha asked.

"Possibly, though I wasn't aware there was spirit water available," Phil said.

Natasha snorted. "I'll have to go to the spirit realm to get it. It's fine."

Phil paused, looking at her with an arched eyebrow. "No one is allowed…"

"No one will even realize, I can slip in and out easily enough. It's not even heavily guarded," Natasha stated.

Phil shook his head, but there wasn't any point in arguing this. For his friends, he'd probably provide the distraction. "Have you done it before?"

"I've gone before, but not for spirit water. Maybe Lucky will follow me and help me out," Natasha said. "Maybe Peter or Gwen…"

"It would be safer to send one of the spirits," Phil pointed out.

"Yes, but I'm not sure what I could offer in trade for it," Natasha said with a shrug. "Besides, Yelena should go."

Phil hesitated. "Is she also… like you?"

"In some ways, but not in others. Her training isn't as advanced as mine," Natasha said. "Only under the right circumstances can she do what I can do."

"Ah," Phil said. Bloodbending had been discovered by a captive of the Fire Nation during The Hundred Year War, but she could only do it during the Full Moon. There had also been a criminal that had figured out how to do it whenever he wanted as well as Amon. Amon, who'd passed himself off as a non-bender, who disliked benders.

"I hope this doesn't change your opinion of me," Natasha said softly.

"Why hide it? At least the waterbending," Phil asked.

"Because then they underestimate me," Natasha said. "And I can take advantage of that. Besides, it's better to be a deadly non-bender."

"Who knows?" Phil asked.

"Clint, Fury, May and some other higher ups," Natasha admitted. "Yelena and a few others in the community. And now you… I had to do it, so that he couldn't hurt anyone else."

"I know, I think I would have done the same, especially with Clint falling like that."

"I thought he was dead," Natasha said, ducking her head.

"He's not, because of you," Phil said.

Natasha took a deep breath. Phil waited until she started walking again, before following her. He had questions, but those needed to wait until they were alone and not walking a busy street.

When they reached the cul de sac in the Spirit Wild to find an empty area.

"Quiet," Phil remarked.

"Most everyone is working," Natasha said.

"Ah, well I guess I can ask now. How'd Stark get involved?"

"Coincidence," Natasha admitted. "Realized on his own that something shady was going on and thought it was me, discovered it was Stane, and decided to help. We actually found his prototype."

"We did?" Phil asked.

"He made it, realized how dangerous it was and threw the prototype in the river. Stane managed to find his sketches and recreated it."

Phil shook his head. "And immediately began selling them to the triad."

"Non-bending triads because they leveled the playing field," Natasha said. "The good news is that there's only like three shots in there, because the vines are so small."

"Tested that?" Phil asked.

Natasha nodded. "We've got a lot more to find."

"Lovely," Phil said. He frowned as Natasha turned toward a building. "Where are you…?"

"He doesn't actually live in the tree, Phil," Natasha said, opening the door and ducking in. Phil followed her up and she let herself into one of the apartments. "I brought you company."

She gestured him forward and Phil ventured in slowly. Barton was sprawled across the couch wrapped in bandages. The one eyed spirit currently at his feet. There was a dark haired girl standing by the door and Phil could make out a target at the other end with bits of metal. "He has company."

"Phil!" Clint greeted, pushing up slightly.

"How are you?" Phil asked, making his way over to the other man.

"I'm alright. Nat's got me healed up enough that I'm not in too much pain," Clint answered. "But it wears her out and Yelena doesn't have the technique down."

The dark-haired girl snorted. "Yelena is not subtle. She could have easily been one of us with the way she swings those chunks of ice around."

Clint snorted. "How'd things go with your friend?"

"Bucky," Phil said gently. "Helen wants some spirit water to help him. Natasha said that you have some here."

"Oh yeah, we totally do," Clint answered.

"You do?" the girl asked.

The glare was a dead giveaway and Clint smiled. "She's already admitted that she might be sneaking into the Spirit Realm."

"Ooh, I want to go," the girl said.

"Kate," Clint started.

"Don't you 'Kate' me," the girl said, putting her hands on her hips. "People who fight platinum mecha suits with spirit energy cannons don't get to tell me shit is too dangerous."

"Tasha, help me out here," Clint requested.

"I was thinking of taking Yelena," Natasha answered. "But we'll have to get some eyes on our young Avatar."

"You guys have any proof of that?" Phil asked.

"Yeah, I've got an airbender friend that is taking a class with Daisy," Kate said. "We're assuming she's actually firebent in front of you."

"Oh, she has," Phil said. "Daisy?"

Clint grinned. "Yeah, kid is smart enough to use different names."

"We're also assuming that since she's Earth Republic that she's learned earthbending," Natasha added.

Phil nodded. "That leaves waterbending."

"Of which Yelena is one along with Steve, so we're hoping that she chooses to trust someone with her secret," Natasha added.

Phil sat there and nodded. "So what's your plan?"

"She mention anything about Korra or Aang?"

Phil considered it. "She didn't want to be like Korra and felt that a lot of Korra's mistakes came from not being part of the people and not knowing the world. She thought the Avatar should find her own teachers."

"Then we protect her," Clint said. "And try and toss a few waterbenders across her path that we know and can teach her."

"There's Colleen on the other side of the spirit tree," Natasha said. "If she wants to hide her Avatar abilities, we can try and get him to cross her path."

Phil blinked. "Other side…?"

"Yeah, tree kind of sprung up in the middle of the street and we've got two cul de sacs against it. We got the knothole though," Clint said. "Matt and his bunch defend the other side. They're not as friendly…"

"Matt is very friendly," Natasha stated.

Clint made a face. "Gross! Tasha, I don't need to hear about your exploits!"

"And yet I hear all about how you want to get it on with Coulson," Natasha said.

Clint paled and looked at Phil and then at Nat. "Natasha!"

"Oops, did that slip out?" Natasha stated, grin sly, before turning. "Well, I should leave you to get your rest. I volunteered Phil to watch you as he's gotten out of it for the last week. C'mon Kate."

"Are you seriously…"

"You wanna go to the spirit realm, then we need to plan," Natasha stated as she walked out the door with Kate scrambling after her.

"I…" Clint started, eyes narrowing. "She's teasing."

"You already implied it, Mr. Eternal Optimist," Phil stated, sighing. He sat in the chair that was closest to the couch and looked over at Clint. "I may have misjudged you."

"Yeah?"

"I thought you were just another arrogant, metalbending asshole…."

"Aw, Phil, no," Clint said.

"You acted like all the others - arrogant, cocky, and an utter show off. You became Fury's favorite within days of joining the force."

"I'm Fury's favorite?" Clint asked. "Thought it was you, maybe Tasha."

"He has multiple favorites," Phil said, offering Clint a quick smile. "And you were so much like the others…"

"Others?"

"Metalbenders on the force that I lumped you in with them, immediately," Phil said. "But…"

"I'm not like the jerky ones," Clint interrupted. "There's a lot of non-bender hate."

"Yeah," Phil agreed. "But… I was wrong. I'm sorry about that."

"Did I really give you that impression?"

"There are so many metalbenders that love to imply that I can't finish my cases. They're needed to wrap things up for me…"

"Oh, hell no, Phil, I admired the work you did. Do. I know my squad, we can only get these guys when you do the leg work. You do the hard shit."

Phil blinked, before smiling. "Thank you."

"So I came onto the scene…"

"With the exact same swagger that those assholes did," Phil explained.

Clint nodded. "I wanted to appear confident, I might have overdone it, a little. Sorry about that."

"Apology accepted," Phil said.

"Actually, we've got two non-benders that are looking to join the force," Clint said. "Bobbi and Hunter."

"Really?" Phil asked.

Clint nodded. "I was supposed to go against Bobbi this week, but well…" His hand waved toward the casts. "You wanna do it? Full force."

"No," Phil said, shaking his head.

"Be good training for her."

"I'm sure, but I'm going to decline," Phil said. They fell silent.

"So are we starting over?" Clint asked.

Phil considered. "I… I'm not sure if we can."

"Then what?" Clint started.

"I'm saying, maybe tell me before you grab me when we go in."

"Fair."

"I'm saying I was really worried about you. I… Can we see where this goes?"

Clint studied him, before nodding. "Sure, Are we trying new things or…?"

"Are you trying to ask me on a date?"

"Maybe, yeah?"

"How about, I hang around while you recover and when you are recovered, you ask again."

"Sounds fair," Clint agreed.

*

The week Clint returned back to work was the week Phil found himself once again outside of a triad hideout waiting for a crew of metalbenders to arrive. He even had a new partner.

"Do they always take this long?" Bobbi asked.

"Unfortunately," Phil said. He was tempted to add that she should be careful in there, but Bobbi was already pulling out her staves and checking their charge. A little bit of juice would take most benders out of the fight.

A clang came from behind them and Phil turned to see Clint in his official uniform.

"Hey, I heard that you two got paired together," Clint said as a second metalbender landed just behinded.

"Hunter and Jasper are working together," Bobbi said.

"You get a rookie?" Phil asked.

"Yeah, apparently, Kate continues to be my problem," Clint stated, but Phil caught the slight upturn of his lips and the warmth in his voice. "Team's briefed, Traid, possible stash of spirit weapons."

Phil nodded.

"Any last minute orders?"

"Metalbenders coming in from the top as well as Sam. The rest of us are going in at street level."

"You mean, I don't get to carry you into battle?" Clint asked, pouting. The cord was already shooting upward to latch on and then Clint followed the same path.

"Wait for me!" Kate yelled, following after him.

"Show off," Bobbi muttered.

"Let's go," Phil said. He did a quick scan to see that they were all in position and then headed in.

*

"Why does it feel like there is less collateral damage?" Phil said, looking around the building.

"Told them the spirit vines might explode if they're hit too hard," Clint said, appearing at his shoulder. The sleeves of his uniform were once again missing. "Also, thought it might be useful to your investigation."

Phil smiled. "Thank you." He eyed Clint out of the corner of his eye, but Clint seemed content to just sit there. "Weren't you going to ask me something when you came back to work?"

"Was I?" Clint asked, smiling and tilting his head. "I don't recall."

"I don't know that I believe that you don't remember."

Clint lifted a hand to chest, eyes widening. "You don't believe me."

"Barton! Where is your uniform?!" Fury barked. "Coulson, I need an update!"

"Ah, well, I'm off to find some metal," Barton said. "I'll see you later, Coulson."

Phil blinked, frowning after him and feeling oddly bereft. Still, he went to give Fury an update. During that time, Bishop located a few boxes of the spirit weapons, which were confiscated. Fury dismissed him to go write up his report. He went and got the draft down, before leaving for the night.

He stepped outside and took a deep breath, noting the setting sun. It would be too late to check on Skye. Besides, he was pretty sure that she was meeting with Yelena for secret waterbending lessons. She'd apparently confessed her Avatar status a couple of weeks ago to Yelena and a select few kids of her own age. She still hadn't said anything to Phil, but that could be because he'd shown up at Air Temple Island to speak to Melinda and had to feign not seeing her. It was frustrating, but neither Clint, Natasha, nor Melinda had been informed either.

"That's a look," Clint's voice came from the bottom of the steps. He was seated on the banister and looking at him. "What's got your thoughts in a bunch?"

"Considering trying to find Skye," Phil answered honestly. "I think she's with friends."

Clint shrugged. "Not sure."

"What are you up to?"

"Well, Nat is off with the Pros, because, apparently, she's offering moral support for Bucky's training, so I thought I'd see what you were up to."

Phil sighed. "I need to get some food."

"Want company?"

"Sure," Phil said.

Clint dropped off the railing and stood next to him. "Where were you thinking?"

"The Fish Palace," Phil said.

"Sounds good to me." Clint agreed.

"Good," Phil said, pausing to look at Clint, who was watching him. "Let's call it a date?"

A soft smile graced Clint's lips and he ducked his head to look up at him. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Phil agreed with a nod.

The smile grew. "I'd like that."

"But you didn't remember you were supposed to ask me?" Phil asked, as he started walking.

"I was going to, but I thought I'd see if you would ask first," Clint answered, his smile turning just a bit smug.

"Are you playing games with me, Clint Barton?"

"Never," Clint answered. "Tosh Beifong said that they were coming into town to do some performances. I was going to invite you to that when they came in."

"The Beifong Aerolists are coming into town?" Phil asked. "They're amazing."

"Yeah?" Clint asked. "Good to know that Sam's intel is legit."

"Did he take some time to think about it?"

"Yes, actually."

"He talked to Melinda."

Clint barked a laugh. "So you do like them?"

"I may have gone to multiple shows last time they were in town."

"Why?" Clint asked.

"There's… there's a performer that's retired, but will occasionally do shows."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, and I don't think I should talk about him."

"Oh, why not?" Clint asked, smile wide as he nudged Phil.

"Because it's not proper for a date."

Clint blinked. "You are attracted to him. Well now, I have to know, because I probably know them and can tell you how horrible they are."

"No," Phil said, objecting.

"Oh, come on, I know most of them."

"I only know their stage name."

"Yeah, still would know them."

"Seriously…"

"I just want to know if I need to be worried when they come to town again."

"I told you, he's retired."

"Yeah, and I'll know what shows to avoid going with you to."

"You're not going to stop me from going?" Phil asked.

Clint shrugged. "Nope, I mean, you can look all you want. Probably won't arrange an introduction."

Phil sighed. "Hawkeye." He took a few steps, before he realized that Clint was no longer beside him. He stopped, glancing back to find Clint staring at him. "What?" Phil frowned. "Don't tell me you dated him?"

Clint blinked. "What?"

"Hawkeye. Did you date him?"

Clint stared at him, before laughing and shaking his head. "No, no. Tell me why you like him?"

"Why?"

"Because I want to know!"

"It's not appropriate for the first date," Phil insisted.

"Can I kiss you?" Clint asked.

"What?" Phil said.

"I really want to kiss you, please."

Phil blinked. "I… yes."

Clint moved forward, cupping Phil's cheek, before pressing his lips against Phil's. Phil felt Clint's tongue against his lips and parted his lips. Clint was slow and methodological in his kiss and he pulled away, leaving Phil breathless. "What did I do…?"

"I'll get Nat to take you to a Hawkeye show," Clint said. "She goes to all of them anyway."

Phil stared at him. "Nat goes to all of them?"

"Yeah."

"How many does Kate go to?"

"A lot," Clint said.

"You're Hawkeye, aren't you?"

"Detective!" Clint said and pressed another quick kiss against his lips. "You're too smart for me, caught me red handed."

"Jerk," Phil declared with no heat. "C'mon, I wanna eat something."

"Sure, Phil," Clint agreed, reaching out to grab Phil's hand as they walked.