Fighting for You
Chapter 1- The General
"Now Korra, I realize you aren't fond of this idea but I assure you it's for your protection. You're going to be travelling to the fire nation and then the southern water tribe and that's a long journey. I need to be sure of your safety." The calm voice of her Air bending master, Tenzin, infuriated the avatar further.
"My safety?! I'm the avatar. I can take care of myself and I've already traveled to both those places before. I don't need a babysitter telling me what I can and can't do!" She yelled, stomping her foot at the end. Korra realized this was childish but she didn't care. This simply was not going to happen. She had met the General only once before, long enough to save his life from Amon. Her thoughts flickered back to the young general and she wondered why he would have agreed to this in the first place.
"That's enough! General Iroh will not be babysitting you, spirits know we wouldn't waste the youngest general in the United Forces on a babysitting job!" Tenzin struck back, then took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. "Korra please, I'm off on a vacation with my siblings to visit the air temples before meeting you at the South Pole. I need to know that you are being taken care of, and my options as to people who I trust and can traipse across the world are extremely limited."
The avatar sighed, and sat down again in her chair. They were currently in Tenzin's office on Air Temple Island, but soon, very soon apparently, she would be on a United Forces ship bound for the fire nation.
"I don't even understand why we're going to the fire nation of all places. My people are in a civil war! My uncle tricked me into opening the southern portal and Harmonic Convergence is only weeks away. I need to get to the south pole immediately to work on my connection to the spirit world, not take a vacation like some people." She glared at her master but under the wounded look on his face her gaze softened. "Just tell me whatever it is you're keeping from me Tenzin." He looked at her with surprise in his eyes, and then annoyance.
"Korra, I'm not keeping anything from you. And it wasn't my idea for you to stop at the fire nation first," Tenzin said, standing up and moving towards the door, "It was General Iroh's." He said as he slipped through the door before Korra could argue, and leaving her standing with a gaping mouth.
General Iroh had received a telegram from Tenzin that the Avatar would be arriving aboard his ship within the hour. He ordered the course for their destination be set and preparations for leaving port be made before retiring to his room for some much needed alone time.
He stepped inside his elegantly decorated personal quarters of the ship and sat in one of the overly plush armchairs. He thought of his grandfather Zuko, and how he had helped Avatar Aang on his journey by teaching him Firebending. Or rather, learning alongside Aang with the Masters Ran and Shaw. He smirked, knowing he himself would very soon be arriving with the Masters.
A knock on his door broke him from his daze, and he answered the door.
"General Iroh, the Avatar has arrived at the port and will be boarding the ship shortly."
"Ah, thank you Private Chen."
He made his way to the deck of his ship, and stood at the head of the long plank resting between his ship and the dock. His eyes caught sight of a flash of blue, and recognized the Avatar as she walked towards the ship with Tenzin at her side.
And she was even more beautiful than he had remembered.
Korra sighed as the large ship loomed over her, the shadow causing a shiver to run through her. She looked between the ship and Tenzin, before launching herself into Tenzin's arms.
"Ah, spirits Korra let me breathe!" Tenzin exclaimed but he hugged her back.
"I'm sorry we fought earlier." She said, disentangling herself from his arms. "I wish you a safe journey Master Tenzin." She bowed, and his eyes shone with pride.
"And for you as well, Avatar Korra." He bowed to her, and she turned to the ship. Taking a deep breath, she made her way to the wooden board that served as her means of getting to said ship. She eyed it distastefully. She looked up at the ship once more, and her eyes locked with the one person she hadn't wanted to see. They held eachothers gaze, warm amber eyes meeting crystal blue and she felt herself never wanting to look away. But that was before someone shouted her name, just as they tackled her to the ground.
"Ahhh!" She screamed, pinned down by a huge weight. She stared into the face of one of her best friends, and the fear faded immediately. "Bolin!" She exclaimed, shoving him off of her so that she could stand and really hug him.
"Aw, come on now Korra, you didn't think you could leave without telling us goodbye now did you?" Bolin stepped back and Korra noticed Asami and Mako standing there, somewhat awkwardly but still they were there and it warmed her heart.
"You guys!" She exclaimed, hugging each of them fiercely. Mako hesitated, but he wrapped his arms around her before pulling away.
"Bolin what do you mean goodbyes, we're going with her of course!" Asami stated with a hair flip, flashing a cunning smile. Korra's eyes fell downward.
"I can't ask you guys to do that, we'll be gone for weeks. And the south pole will be dangerous. Plus I'm not even sure if I'm allowed to-"
"It's taken care of." Asami cut her off, and holding onto her hand. "I've cleared it with both Tenzin and General Iroh." Korra's eyes filled with tears as she squeezed her friends hand.
"Thank you." She whispered. In truth, she had worried about her friends absence. She had needed Mako's help when defeating Amon, and this next battle was going to be with an all dark evil spirit as old as time itself.
"You can't do this on your own." Mako said, stepping forward and placing a hand on her shoulder. "And we're here for you." She couldn't help it, and allowed herself to be lost in this pair of amber eyes, before he looked away and coughed and the moment was broken.
"Avatar Korra, it's an honor to be in your presence once again."
Korra straightened at the voice behind her, and slowly turned to face the speaker. General Iroh was even more magnificent up close, and he held himself with an air of confidence that could make any king or queen jealous. But his eyes were soft and welcoming, and Korra smiled slightly as he bowed to her. He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it. "General Iroh of the United Forces, at your service." He said, smirking.
"The honor is all mine, General Iroh." She bowed to him as well, her friends following suit. "Thank you for your support and protection on this mission."
"I distinctly remember telling you to call me Iroh the last time we met." Gen-Iroh said with a twinkle in his eyes. "Come, we are ready to depart as soon as you are onboard. we have a weeklong journey to the fire nation." He said, turning to walk up the plank and onto the ship. Korra didn't hesitate, and followed him immediately.
"Private Chen, please escort the Avatar and her friends to their chambers." He spoke to a man who looked barely older than Korra herself. Then, Iroh faced them once more. "I will see you all at dinner, I'm afraid I have some things to attend to." He said, excusing himself and walking off towards a staircase on the ship and vanishing on an upper deck.
"This way to your quarters." Korra and her friends followed the private down a flight of stairs and down several hallways, apparently passing the so called "cafeteria" on the way. Korra noticed Asami's wrinkled nose and couldn't help but agree. The idea that they prepared food in there was somewhat disturbing.
Asami and Korra shared a small room with two separate beds which seemed comfy enough, and a small bathroom. The boys were rooming across the short hallway.
"Hey Korra?" Asami said, and Korra turned to face her only to be smacked in the face with a pillow. "Pillow fight!" Asami screamed and Korra grabbed the pillow off her bed and slammed it against Asami's back, laughing loudly. Asami screeched and tried to retaliate but ended up with her pillow shoved into her own face. Korra let go and they both laughed loudly, settling down side by side on one of the beds. They lay panting for a minute or two, before Asami broke the silence.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Anything." Korra answered immediately. Asami turned her head to face Korra.
"Do you still love Mako?" She asked seriously, and Korra's face blanched.
"I-I don't know. Honestly I thought you two were..." Korra trailed off when Asami shook her head.
"I mean we definitely were together...but when you left with your uncle for the south pole it wasn't the same. I broke it off because...I think he's still in love with you."
Korra closed her eyes. She didn't want to think about this right now.
"I don't know Asami." She sighed, sitting up on the bed. "I don't know about anything anymore."
"Well, I'll tell you one thing." Korra turned to look at Asami with curiosity. "What?"
"General Iroh sure is hot." She grinned, wiggling her eyebrows. "No pun intended."
Korra laughed, and turned away so her friend wouldn't see the growing blush on her cheeks.
Yeah, he is.
AN: Hello everyone! My name's Mia and this is my first attempt at a LoK fanfic! I'm a huge fan of the series and when it ended earlier this month I knew I just had to write a fanfic for it! This story is going to be my baby for a little bit, I had a lonngggg break from writing this year and I think this is just what I need to get back in the swing of things. I absolutely love reviews and feedback on my stories, so please please review and thank you so much for reading! :)