'Korra there isn't any tower at the east, there isn't any land in after that part of town?!'
Tonraq ranted.
'She could mean the abandon tower you know? The one uncle Sokka rebuild' Kya counted folding her arms.
'Oh... that one' Tonraq sigh in defeated.
'And you are the chief.. dad.. get your geography right' Korra beam with victory over her father. Everyone else burst out laughing at the epic fail of the chief.
'Now that you mention about Abandon.. one of the tribes. Their chief had mentioned something about their missing daughter for 18 years. And it's going to be her birthday in 2 days time. Their chief had invited us to celebrate the occasion with them, in hoping that the daughter will find her way back.' Tonraq explained.
'Oh.. that is really sad' Asami sigh as she tighten her grip on the tea cup looking at her own reflection.
'Let's just hope that she will find her way back' Mako assured as he place a hand on Asami's shoulder.
'Let's start with that tower first shall we? Hopefully we will find a clue about that girl' Korra said. Everyone nodded in agreement and head out.
Riding a flying Bison is like a luxury. As only air nomads ride this big furry and loving beings. How they fly remains a mystery, probably air bending their way around the sky.
Landing on the outskirts of town, to reduce suspicion.
'Chief' Mako called out.
'Yes?' Lin replied as they continue their way on foot towards the tower.
'It's pretty suspicious that the old lady ran off when you arrive. Like she is a wanted criminal or something' Mako pointed out.
'You are quite right... hmm. Lets not raise any suspicion first' Lin whispered to Mako, as he nodded, understanding his orders.
In just a matter of minutes, the group had arrive outside the tower. Slowly walking around the first story looking for an entrance.
'I don't see one... did uncle Sokka even had an idea that a building needs a door?' Tenzin questioned.
'But there is that window entrance. But our air bending can't get us up high enough' Korra mentioned.
'HELLO?! IS ANYONE HOME?!' Bolin shouted from below.
'BOLIN! What do you think you are doing?!' Lin scolded, somehow Bolin shrink in size giving an innocent face.
'It's abandon.. I doubt there is any living soul in here, well lets get going' Tenzin shrugged and walked away.
'Look!' Asami pointed out as she point at the window. 'Someone's there!'
'WHAT?!' Tenzin responded following Asami's hand. There stood a golden hair girl at the window, upon making eye contact with Korra, she ran back inside.
'Abandon you say?' Lin chortled, 'Oh tenzin.. the universe just love to prove you wrong doesn't it?' Tenzin grumbled something under his breath.
'Tenzin, I have a feeling that this girl is somehow linked to the missing chief child case. Do not say anything that will raise suspicion!' Lin instructed. Everyone nodded.
'Especially you Bolin!' she added, shrinking Bolin more.
'Hello? Can you let us in?' Korra shouted. Moments later, a rope was thrown down from the window. The golden hair girl gestured for them to climb up the rope. Immediately, everyone started to climb the rope.
As Korra pulled herself up and into the window, the golden hair girl stood at the front greeting them and helping them up. It's a pretty small place to live in. Coming out of the kitchen, was the lady who got cut. She was holding on to a tray of tea cups and a tea pot.
'Come in Avatar' The lady greeted gently as she walked over and pulled Korra and push her into a seat. 'My name is Gothel, and this is Rapunzel my daughter' She said as she pull the the girl nearer to her.
'We can't thank you enough for saving us yesterday' Gothel thanked as both Rapunzel and her gave a bow.
'Hello?! A Little help here!' Bolin called out as he tried to pull himself up. Rapunzel immediately ran over and help the rest in.
Korra could swear, she heard Gothel gasp in big gulps of air when Lin stepped in. Immediately, brushing her hair aside, clearing her throat and ask. 'So what gives us the honour of meeting the avatar?'
'Oh we just wanted to check on you, making sure that you two are fine.'
'Oh, we are unhurt. That Is very gracious of you' Gothel praised
'May I see the cut on our arm?' Korra requested. Gothel hesitated for a moment before stretching her arm out for Korra to examine.
'Wow... you manage to heal a cut that deep!' Korra blurt out in amazement as she turn to face Rapunzel, who just smiled.
'Thank you~' she replied.
'Pabu what are you doing?' Bolin ask as he notice his Fire Ferret was sniffing something.
Immediately, Rapunzel walked over and scoop Pabu up in her arms and began to stroke him. At the same time she stretch out her leg to where Pabu was sniffing earlier.
'wow... his fur are very fur' Rapunzel stroke Pabu from head to tail, purring in comfort.
'Strange... Pabu normally would bite anyone who does that' Mako commented.
'He never did that to me' Asami smirk at Mako, before making her way over to Rapunzel.
'So Korra said you manage to heal a heavy wound' Asami commented as she took Pabu in her arms.
'Oh, did she? Well it's nothing really' Rapunzel grin.
'Rapunzel! I think the cake is done. Would you go fetch it for me?' Gothel called out.
'Okay mother!' Rapunzel replied as she walk into the kitchen. Asami place Pabu on the floor.
'I'll help too' she added before making her way in to help Rapunzel.
'So.. Madam Gothel.. why did you ran away yesterday after being healed?' Tenzin questioned. Gothel let out a sigh before replying.
'I was afraid that there were more of those ruffians. It was a trauma I had with a man in the past. And I vowed to protect my precious flower from danger. So I took her hand and ran back here, we didn't even get to finish our shopping' Gothel sniffed pitifully. Korra place her hand on Gothel's hand.
'I'm sorry we had to remind you of such an experience' Korra said in an apologetic tone.
'It's okay.. it's in the past now' Gothel replied wiping more of her tears away. Just then Rapunzel and Asami walked in with the cake.
'Mother what's wrong?' Rapunzel asked immediately running to Gothel's side after placing the cake on the table.
'It's nothing dear. Now be a sweetie and serve the cake' Gothel replied as she clean her tears with her handkerchief. Rapunzel obeyed and began slicing the cake and serving it to everyone.
'ermmm~~ This is really good!' Bolin commented.
'Thank you dear, there is more if you want' Gothel replied pushing the plate of cake nearer to Bolin.
'Did you decorate the whole place by yourself?' Korra asked Rapunzel as she stare at the painting that covered the whole house.
'Yes! And I did it all by myself' Rapunzel boasted proudly. Gothel giggled softly behind.
'You must have really love her a lot' Tenzin said to Gothel as both of them sat down and have a conversation about children. Lin stood at a corner and watch the two of them.
'You must have a lot of free time to paint the whole house like this' Asami commented.
'Well, mother never really let me out. And she would only bring me out to town once in a while. She said the world is filled with bad people and only the good ones are here. She said this is the safest place for me to be away from those evil people' Rapunzel said.
'Wow... do you have any friends?' Bolin ask.
'Yea.. I do. One actually' Rapunzel said and gestured them up into her room. As they enter the room Rapunzel held her hands out. The four of them stare at her trying to make out what she was holding.
'This is your friend? He looks... invisible' Bolin commented. Suddenly a pair of eyes flop open, and a figure began to take form.
'This is Pascal, my pet Chameleon' Rapunzel smiled as Pascal revealed himself to them.
'So this was what Pabu was sniffing...' Mako pointed in realization.
'Yea.. mother doesn't know about him, and yea this is my only friend'
'Oh.. well now you got yourself more!' Korra declared as she pull Rapunzel into a hug. The others followed and gave her a group hug.
'I.. I... I don't know what to say..' Rapunzel speak as tears of joy flow down from her face.
'Come on! Lets take you out for some fun!' Korra said as she grab Rapunzel's hand and headed for the window.
'But Mother never let me out on my own...' Rapunzel said as she pulled her hand out of Korra's grasp.
'Well you gotta ask.. since she love you that much she would have to say yes once in awhile' Asami answered pushing Rapunzel out. 'Go on ask her'
'Here goes nothing' Rapunzel said to pascal as he hide in her hair. 'Mother?'
'Yes deary, you know it is rude to interrupt a conversation' Gothel reminded her.
'Yes I know, I'm sorry Mr Tenzin..'
'It's alright... is there something you need to ask?'
'Well yes.. Mother can I go out with Korra? They invited me out to play with them...'
'No.. Rapunzel.. you know it is not safe out there not after what happen yesterday'
Gothel replied sternly as a frown appeared on Rapunzel's face.
'Gothel.. they are good kids. And they have dealt with much more then thieves. We can request Lin to accompany them.' Tenzin interjected. Gothel, thought for a moment and sigh.
'Okay.. fine.. Yes you may Rapunzel.. and while you are out please pick this up for me' Gothel sigh as she handed Rapunzel a slip of paper with groceries written on it.
'Okay Mother!' Rapunzel beamed as she hug Gothel.
'Be back by Dinner time. I love you' Gother whispered to Rapunzel.
'I love you more' Rapunzel replied.
'I love you most' Gothel replied as she break away from Rapunzel's hug. 'Remember Dinner time! Mother will be cooking your favourite! Would you like your friends to stay for Dinner too?'
Rapunzel looked at the four of them, as they nodded.
'Yes they would love to!' Rapunzel gleefully replied. Gothel Chuckled as she wave them bye and continue her conversation with Tenzin. Lin decided to stay behind with Tenzin.
'Oh my Goodness! She have never let me out like this before!' Rapunzel squeal in delight.
'Come on lets get your stuff before we have ourselves some fun' Asami said as she pulled Rapunzel and ran.
After spending an hour getting the list of groceries and shopping, Korra decided to give her a ride on the Flying Bison.
'THIS IS AMAZING!' Rapunzel exclaimed as she take in the view of the southern water tribe from air. 'I have never seen it like this!'
Korra laughed as she took her further away from the tower, and landed them outside the their home.
'Come on there are people who I like you to meet' Korra said as she pulled Rapunzel into the house.
The first thing she was greeted by was the kids.
'Hello pretty lady!' Meelo greeted
'Wow.. your hair is beautiful!' Ikki added
'Don't be rude. Hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Jinora'
'Hello~ My name is Rapunzel, it's nice to meet you'
Just then an old lady walked out, carrying with her is the strong scent of spiritual water.
'Hello deary, welcome to my home' Katara greeted with a warm smile.
'I know who you are! You're the greatest healer in the world! Healer Katara!' Rapunzel exclaimed.
'Well not for long, not after what I heard yesterday' katara chuckled leading them into the kitchen as she prepare some snacks for them. Senna , Kya and Penma were chatting as the kids walked in.
'Oh, you found her! Hello!' Kya greeted. Rapunzel introduced herself again as they sat her down for snacks.
After an hour of chatting, Meelo wanted to have a snowball fight. The kids rushed themselves outside, as Rapunzel wished to follow.
'Come on! I bet you never had a snowball fight before!' Korra said pulling Rapunzel out into the open.
Rapunzel had never felt this happy and excited as they threw snow balls at each other. Until disaster struck. Meelo accidentally air bend a big pile of snow on a tree, taking the branch with it. Falling on Meelo, injuring him. A big cut on both his leg and arms, as the branch was really sharp. Not soon later Meelo began to cry, Penma rushed out with Rohan in her arms, with katara following closely behind.
'Oh no... how many time must I tell you to be careful?!' Penma nagged as she look at the wound.
'Let me help' Rapunzel offered as she kneel down next to meelo.
'I'll get water!' Korra volunteered.
'There's no need for it' Rapunzel assured stopping Korra. Removing her mittens as she held her hands over the wound.
'Flower Gleam and Glow, Let your powers shine. Save what has been lost, bring back what once was mine. ' Upon singing this words, water began to form at the very tips of her hands. Everyone's eyes widen at the sight of it.
'Heal what has been hurt, save what has been lost, bring back what once was mine... What once was mine' Rapunzel sang as the water began to emit a golden glow.
Slowly she place her hands on the wounds, letting the water work it's magic. Slowly removing her hands away from the wound.
Meelo had stop crying the moment the water had come into contact with the wound. Everyone check on Meelo's wound, not a single blood could be found. Not even the bloodstain snow could be sighted anywhere.
'How did you do that...' Korra breath the words.
'THAT WAS AMAZING!' Bolin exclaimed hugging Rapunzel.
'It was nothing really...' Rapunzel shyly replied.
'How long have you been doing that?' Mako asked
'Er.. since I can waterbend I guess'
'Thank you very much' Penma thanked. Jinora and Ikki bowed in respect for what she did for their brother.
Katara walked up to Rapunzel and requested her to kneel down for abit. Rapunzel obeyed without questioned. Katara tied a pendant onto Rapunzel's neck.
'It's something my Grandmother gave me' Katara spoke, as she touch Rapunzel's face.
'It's beautiful!' Rapunzel exclaimed as touch and look at the pendant. The water tribe symbol was craved on it tied with a blue ribbon that match with the water tribe clothings of blue. Giving a gentle hug to Katara.
By then the sun was about to set. Senna, walked out with a cloth in her arms and wrapped it around Rapunzel's neck.
'Korra told me about your little fashion obsession, I made this by hand. It's a gift take it' Senna smiled.
'It's beautiful! Thank you!' Rapunzel hugged Senna. As she broke away from the hug, she scan the cloth. Or scarf, it was pretty big. With all the different water tribe crest sew on it. Right at the very centre , was the Watertribe symbol. The Wave.
'Come on! There's something we need to show you!' Bolin called out as he grab Rapunzel by her hand and helped her up the Oogi, Korra's Flying Bison. Flying them to the coast to watch the sunset. A real beauty.
Shortly after, Rapunzel had to get home. It was close to Dinner time.
'I'm Home mother! I bought everything you ask!' Rapunzel called out with the bags of groceries in her hands while Bolin and Mako help with the rest.
'Ah just in time! Dinner is ready, come on!' Gothel call out from the kitchen. Signalling Rapunzel to help her.
'Oh, Tenzin wanted me to tell you that he had gone back first' Gothel called out from the Kitchen. Korra looked at the rest as they shrugged and went into the kitchen to help.
As they settle down for dinner, Rapunzel began to share all the exciting things she did today, leaving out the part where she had to heal the wound on Meelo. Knowing her mother would scold her.
'That sounds wonderful my dear' Gothel responded as she serve the soup.
'Mother... in two days time it's a very big day for me!' Rapunzel exclaimed as Korra and the rest stopped to listen. Look at each other and nodding.
'And what is it?' Gothel asked.
'It's my birthday! Ta-da~' Rapunzel announce. Bolin was about to say something when Korra slam his foot with hers, forcing him to bit his lips and swallow the pain. While giving a smile that everything is alright.
'No no... I distinctively remembered that your birthday was last year' Gothel teased
'Well.. that's the funny thing about Birthdays. They are kind of an annual thing!' Rapunzel grin as she played with her hair.
'I'm just teasing you' Gothel chuckled. As she gently touch Rapunzel's nose.
'I'm hoping that you would bring to me to the celebration to watch the lights!'
'Rapunzel... why would you ask that?' Gothel replied
'Because it's my birthday?! And I can't help but feel that those lights were meant for me.' Rapunzel pleaded
'We will talk about this when your friends have gone back, now finish up'
'Yes mother...' Rapunzel sigh.
Dinner was rather awkward, but Bolin tried to keep it lively with conversation about food and Republic City. Well points for trying.
Everyone help with the clean up, making it fast. Gothel offered tea as she request them to go to Rapunzel's room.
'So it's your birthday in two days time... coincidence' Asami though aloud.
'Yea, it is isn't it? How I wish mother would agree to let me watch the lights' Rapunzel sigh. 'Do you know what they are celebrating during that festival?'
'Some thing about a chief daughter being missing and hoping that she would be back' Bolin pointed out.
'Oh wow.. thats sad. Then do you know what those lights are?'
'If I am right, it should be floating lanterns. You know those thin paper lantern that will float when you lit the candle at the bottom.' Korra explained.
'Ooohhh...' everyone else sang.
'I would love to light one myself' Rapunzel blurt out.
'you will eventually' Mako assured.
'Do you know which tribe it is?' Rapunzel ask as she laid the cloth that Senna gave her. The one with different tribe symbol.
'If I am right, it should be this one' Korra said as she pointed to a sun crest with waves at the bottom.
'It looks like a sky... but that sun is really familiar.. I think I seen it somewhere' Rapunzel thought aloud. Just then Gothel entered the room with tea.
'Mother, do you remember where we seen this sun before?' Rapunzel asked. Gothel look at the sign and thought for a moment.
'No idea deary. Did you see it in your dream or something?' Gothel teased, while Rapunzel puff her cheeks and let out a huff.
After another round of conversation, went by and by then it was close to midnight.
'I guess we should head back.. we can come again tomorrow if you want' Korra yawned.
'That would be wonderful' Rapunzel replied gleefully. As she wave them off from the window.
As they reach home, all the adults were gathered in kitchen.
'Korra! Come here!' Tenzin requested. As the group made their way in the notice a wanted and a missing poster being laid out across the table. Korra eyes widen in shock as she look at those faces.
'Oh no...' She breath the words in pure shock, a clench in her stomach. As the wanted poster shows a picture of a lady with big old nasty eyes and puffy hair that spread as it goes down, and the name read Lin Xiu. While the wanted poster shows a picture of a baby with a face resembling Rapunzel's face. Written at the bottom, Rapunzel Corona, Yue Ying.
'We have to go now!' Korra shouted.
'No.. not now. You have to rest, my men and the white lotus are keeping watch on those two right now. We will go early in the morning' Tonraq instructed.
'But she could have realize by now! Rapunzel can be in danger!' Asami retorted.
'Not now.. even if she try anything funny my man will be there to stop them' Tonraq instructed.
'Fine...' Korra grumbled as she retired for the night.
As she slowly drifted into her sleep, once again she was face to face with Raava.
'Hurry...' was all Raava spoke before disappearing and showing a vision.
Gothel held Rapunzel the same way the ruffian did, except that she was holding an ice dagger pointing towards her. Everything went in a swirl , showing Rapunzel on an ice board, riding the wave. Then shifting showing Rapunzel lighting the lantern and lifting it into the sky.
'Korra...' A voice called out as Korra immediately turn to face the source. Standing infront of her was a man dressed in traditional water tribe clothings.
'I know you... you are Avatar Kuruk!' Korra exclaimed as the figure stood infront of her. But he couldn't speak any more due to the severed connection with her past lives.
Everything began to shake, slowly the figure faded.
'Korra! Wake up!' Lin ordered as she violently shake Korra awake. ' We have to go now!'
'She is on the move, Tonraq's men had engage her and it has become a hostage situation' Lin explained as Everyone got onto the Flying bison. Tenzin immediately took off. Quickly they arrive at the scene. Gothel had tied Rapunzel up to prevent her from bending, as she fight off Tonraq's men. Tenzin immediately landed, everyone took off from the bison back and surrond Gothel.
'Gothel! Stop! We don't want to hurt you!' Korra shouted. Gothel led out a sarcastic laugh as she pull Rapunzel closer holding the an ice dagger. Just like what Korra had dreamt.
'Oh.. please.. you think you can get me so easily don't you?' Gothel scoffed. Bolin step an inch closer, immediately realizing Gothel held the dagger closer to Rapunzel.
'Ah ah ah~ any step closer and she will get it. I know why you need her, the missing child of the chief of the Corona tribe..'
Korra let out a relief sigh, as the reason was completely different. Immediately she took a step closer in a secretive manner. Gothel immediately pointed the dagger at Korra. In a swift movement she threw the knife in a straight line.
Korra deflected it with ease, as Gothel began throwing more of the Dagger at everyone. Still not releasing Rapunzel from her grasp. Using only one hand, gothel manage to conjure an ice dagger behind Korra ready to strike at Korra's back. Upon realising Mako leap and pushed Korra to the side. Unluckily, Gothel shot the dagger and struck Mako in the waist instead.
Taking the opportunity, Lin bended her metal cables wrapping it around Gothels free arms yanking her away from Rapunzel. Tenzin immediately swoop in and push Gothel further away from Rapunzel, while Tonraq untie Rapunzel.
'Oh no oh no oh no... ' Korra panic as she pulled the dagger out of Mako's body. Asami ran up and pulled Mako onto her lap, Rapunzel immediately ran up to them once freed.
'I got this' Pulling away her mittens, Rapunzel drew water from the surrounding and place it on the wound. Without singing she closed her eyes and let out a huff, as the water began to glow brightly. Slowly turning into the colour of gold. In mere seconds the wound healed.
Gothel quickly regain her balance and began bending the water nearby. Raining icicles and making a thick ice wall as she ran for the sea.
Rapunzel stood up and clench her fist tight. Everyone were too busy deflecting the icicles. Immediately taking stance and with a swift movement a wall of ice covered everyone over their head protecting them from further icicles. And with another swift movement, a piece of the wall broke down. Rapunzel immediately stood on it and pushed herself after Gothel.
Just then Gothel had reach the sea pushing herself off the shore at an incredible speed. Using the ice wall as a board and a floatation device, Rapunzel pushed herself off shore. And with another swift movement a, Rapunzel created an whole ice wall that covers the area infront of Gothel blocking her path.
'Well, Rapunzel you have been a naughty girl haven't you?' Gothel said as she freeze the area infront of her, giving her a platform to stand on. ' mother knows best, come with me'
'You are not my mother.. I can't believe I have been calling you that.' Rapunzel retorted as she gritted her teeth.
'It's punishment time' Gothel said in a sinister manner. Positioning herself. Bending a big wave striking Rapunzel.
'RAPUNZEL!' Korra called out as she push herself off shore to help. Rapunzel stood still on her ice board, waiting for the wave to strike. As the wave got closer, Rapunzel took up her stance and bend the water sideways, before bending her own, summoning a larger wave as it engulf Gothel. With another hand movement Rapunzel threw Gothel back on land.
Korra stopped immediately, as Gothel flew over her head. Turning to look at Rapunzel who speed her way back on the board surfing. Suddenly an image of a familiar man replace her and fade.
'Kuruk...' Korra mouth the word as she push herself back to land. Slowly a smile creep across her face. As soon as Korra landed, she ran and hug Rapunzel.
'That was amazing! I have never and I mean never seen anyone bend like that!' Korra commented.
'Thanks... who knew I was living with a criminal?!' Rapunzel shrugged. Suddenly a light began to glow on Rapunzel's shoulder. The water tribe crest, as Korra began to glow resonating with the emblem glowing on Rapunzel's shoulder.
The next thing both of them knew was that they were standing on water in the middle of no where.
'Hello Korra' A male voice came from behind. Both of them turn to look at Avatar Kuruk standing in the front with other Water Tribe Avatars. 'Hello Rapunzel' he added.
'It's good to see you too Kuruk' Korra replied planting her hands on her hip while Rapunzel smile widely.
'You must hurry, time is of essence. Aang has something to say so please hurry...' his voice thrilled off. The next thing they knew they were back at where they stood.
'Werid...' Korra drawled on the word as yawn escape her mouth.
It was a really long night, as Tonraq invited Rapunzel to stay with them for the night. While they try to figure something out the next morning.
And with that I end off this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Although it's not as exciting as I had in my head. It is rather difficult to put ideas down into words.