Naga brought her to the wooden planks where they stood a few meters above the sea. From small ships to large vessels, the dock was lined with a vast amount of ships. There had to be at least one of them that would take her and her friends to the South Pole. Korra doubted that she could sneak all of her friends into a carrier vessel like she did to get herself to Republic City. There just had to be stricter security here.
Korra approached a booth selling some tickets. There were huge posters on the front featuring advertisements for tickets to travel destinations. There was even one for the festival in the southern water tribes, the same one she was planning on taking everyone to see.
"How much is it to get to the South Pole?" She dreaded to think how much it would cost seeing as she already had very tight funds.
"'Depends on which time of the year, lass." The salesman said.
"How about a journey in time for the festival?" she asked quickly.
"Sorry, miss. We're all booked."
She thanked the man anyway and exited the shop. There had to be some way they could get to the South Pole in time.
The board caught Korra's eye but she looked away indignantly at the ad for a private transportation. Getting transportation was already stretching her funds but getting a private boat was something well out of her price range. Well, Asami probably could afford it but Korra didn't want to ask her. It was her idea to go to the South Pole, why should someone else find and provide a way to get transportation.
Korra asked some of the people around working in the boats if there was anyone who would be able to get them to the South Pole. A man had suggested that she'd see someone and led her to another man, the captain of a vessel carrying spices. She began to sound hopeful as she began talking to the sailor but he had informed her that he couldn't take any additional passengers now because of the amount of load they had to ship. The demand was larger than usual, all because of the same festival she planning of attending.
The avatar walked away again disgruntled.
She sat down at the ledge of the pier leaving her feet dangling in the air. The sea in front and below her was calm but unsteady. The sun was already nearing the top of the water indicating the coming of the nighttime. She thought about having to ask Asami about how they were going to do it. Maybe renting that private ship wasn't such a bad idea. Korra remembered that they had not asked Bolin yet about going to the South Pole, she thought that he'd be the one with most of the connections in the city, hopefully ones that can find them a way to get to the festival.
"Avatar Korra." A familiar voice called. Korra turned around to find the General of the United Forces with Naga sitting obediently beside him.
"General Iroh… oh… hello sir." She stumbled a bit with her words. She really couldn't explain why she was nervous. It was General Iroh, for spirits' sake. He was generally cool, sometimes a bit controlling force of habit, but cool.
"May I ask what you are doing here miss?" Iroh chuckled a bit. "Perhaps I may assist you."
"What are you doing here?" Korra asked defensively.
"I was walking towards my ship." He nodded towards the military ship docked about ten meters from where they were standing. "And I believe I asked you first."
Korra blushed then grinned sheepishly. "You wouldn't know where I can get a ride to the South Pole, would you?"
"No." Iroh smiled. "But I have a ship, if you're willing to take me along."
Korra looked up at him hopeful. He was tall, very tall. "Would you, General?"
"Sure." The general said. "I could use a bit of a break."
"Thank you." She said. Iroh had never seen the Avatar smile so brightly, but he assumed that previous instances did not count as they were in a middle of a war. "Have you ever seen the Glacier Spirits Festival, General?"
"You require the ship, sir?" assumed the captain. "A trip home to Caldera, perhaps?" Most of the crew longed to go home to the fire nation but had duties to stay where Prince Iroh was stationed in case of emergencies. Anywhere the Prince wished was the crew's will and they all proudly served him. The captain however hadn't really known what Prince Iroh would need to go back to the fire nation for as he hadn't taken a vacation in nearly two years. So, he thought, the trip must be for business reasons.
"Yes." He said tonelessly. "But, no."
The captain was confused at his answer.
"Set course for the South Pole, please." General Iroh said. As he remembered, Iroh added, "Oh, and I have some company to take with me."
The captain nodded despite still being confused. South Pole? Company? This seemed totally out of character for Prince Iroh but he didn't question it. He didn't have the authority to, anyway. "Shall we leave immediately, sir?"
"We leave in three days, captain. I just need to quickly take care of some business." Iroh said. "Please excuse me."
The captain nodded politely and watched as the prince left got off the ship, the crew bustling around him preparing to depart. It was refreshing to finally be going away from the docks of Republic City. Whoever the prince's company would be, they would be welcomed on board no questions asked. But little did the captain know that he would be having the Avatar on board his ship in little less than a week.
The secretary knocked and announced the unplanned arrival of one of his generals. Having trained Iroh since he first set foot in Republic City, Hiro had been delighted to see him when he visited. Iroh was a prodigy, a natural leader. He was thrilled to hear that Iroh had been asked to replace him as a general.
Hiro's office was obviously decorated with his home nation in mind. There were shades of purple and blue everywhere, a custom in the northern water tribes. Trophies and medals of honors were lined against the walls, most of them dedicated to his service to the United Forces prior to his retirement. Hiro had been part of the first army of the United Republic of Nations, commissioned by his majesty Fire Lord Zuko.
But Iroh had not come into Hiro's office for old stories but for business.
"I request a leave of absence, effective immediately." Iroh specified, not even allowing the ex-general to utter a word.
"General Iroh." Hiro said stunned by his abruptness, "For what reason?"
Unable to think of a believable and untraceable explanation, Iroh said something quite unbelievable for anyone who knew him well, "Personal issues, sir."
Iroh fully knew well that he couldn't just say he'd be going on a vacation; he had a job to do. Strict protocols were in place and there were only certain times in the year when Iroh could take a formal break, all carefully scheduled. He thought back to the last time he'd actually gotten one; two years ago he went home for an entire month. It had been a long time since then.
"Iroh, don't tell me that this is going against the president's orders." Hiro begged. He seemed worried. The former general knew that the fire national was lying but did not have the guts to call him out.
"I won't tell you, then." Iroh said shortly and left closing the door behind him. It was true however; Iroh had no clearance from the president of the United Republic of Nations, his superior.
Korra and Asami got out of the Sato mobile and they were met with some gaping looks. Asami decided to take out one of their new luxury type cars, and Korra admittedly had the same expression the first time she saw it. She almost had the urge to ask Asami if she could drive instead but didn't in fear of wrecking the car. The mobile drove just like it looked, smooth. Korra honestly regretted not asking Asami.
They entered the police headquarters quickly walking into one of the corridors. There was a mass of people in front most likely complaining about some incident that happen earlier, as per usual. It wasn't technically legal for them to be inside the station without permission from the front desk but Asami and Korra had done this before more than they cared to remember.
Asami shook her head and sadly recalled having noticed that Mako was particularly cold towards Korra lately. If Mako was still acting the same, there was absolutely no chance of them getting him to come along.
"Could you tell us where Officer Mako is?" Asami asked.
"What's it to you, pretty girl?" The man leered.
Korra decided that he didn't like the man's attitude. She breathed a small fire gaining the man's attention. "We'd really appreciate if you told us where Officer Mako is."
"Yes, Miss Avatar. Mako is on his break, Miss. He should be in the dining halls." He stuttered. It was never a good idea to piss of the avatar. "I'll lead you to the…" Korra cut him off.
"No need. Thank you." Korra dragged Asami away from the man and lead her across the station. "That's how you abuse power."
"I really can't remember how many times Master Tenzin told you not to do it, but thank the spirits that you did this time." Asami said. "That man was just plain rude."
While they were walking through the hallways, Korra decided to tell Asami something that she was sure would become an issue.
"You ask Mako." Korra said suddenly while avoiding gazing directly at her.
"What?" Asami demanded. "The deal was that you'd ask him."
"He'll say no to about everything I suggest." Korra reasoned then muttered, "Stupid prissy."
Asami was about to argue but became quiet. Ever since Korra and Mako had broken up two weeks ago, Mako had been cross with Korra. Korra hadn't acted any better, she was bluntly ignoring him. It would actually be a better idea for her to ask Mako about going to the South Pole thus giving them an actual chance to get Mako to agree and reduce the possibility of an all out fight in the middle of the police headquarters dining hall between the avatar and one of their policemen, a junior at that.
They located Mako easily amongst the mass of people. He was eating alone and Asami and Korra slipped into the booth he was occupying.
He quietly continued eating and refused to remove his gaze down to avoid possibly getting in trouble just in case. But when he looked up, he saw his friends.
"What are you guys doing here?" He said surprised.
"Well, we just wanted to ask you something and since we hadn't seen you in weeks, we decided to come to you." Asami said.
"Whose fault is that?" Mako mumbled.
"Anyway, we were thinking of getting a vacation to the South Pole." Asami said. "The South Pole winter festival is coming up and it's supposed to be really great. I really want to see it." She pouted. Korra raised a brow, noticing the tactics Asami was using on him.
"And what do I have to do with any of this?"
"Well, I wanted all of us to go." She said. "I did say we haven't hanged out in a while; it's time for team avatar to bond." Korra had to hand it to Asami… Guilt-tripping? Clever girl.
"Well that sounds great but I have to be here and I can't get time off work."
"I'm sure you could get a few weeks of work."
Korra remained quiet throughout the entire exchange. She had to, or else she'd end up saying something she'd regret, not because she said it but because of where they were; it was highly inappropriate.
"Come on, Mako." Asami pleaded. "Please?"
"I can't. I have work."
Mister workaholic Mako is absolutely infuriating. This was exactly why they broke up, all Mako thought of was his esteemed job in the police force. He had no thoughts on how it would affect everyone else. All he does is work and more work; he would constantly pick overtime at work than watching overtime at pro-bending with all his friends. It was especially bad since his brother, his only family, was competing in the match. Korra knew for a fact that Bolin had practically lived by himself as Mako was rarely at the apartment anymore. Apparently, his precious job was more important than his family and friends.
"Asami, can't we just leave Mako?" Korra suggested. "I mean I asked General Iroh to come with us and Bolin said yes already." That wasn't exactly true. No one had asked Bolin yet and both Korra and Asami doubted Bolin even knew about Korra's plans to leave Republic City. At the mention of the general however, Mako had snapped his head. Korra knew that this would spark his reaction for some reason, Mako had disliked General Iroh. Korra had yet to learn why.
"Fine." Mako sulked.
Korra and Asami gave each other a high five. They were officially going on vacation.
A/N For all you guys who are also reading Chief's Daughter, please don't kill me. I have absolutely no inspiration to do that at the moment and this story was just too overwhelming and I just had to write it. Anyway, this had a quick update, I know. Please, don't expect the rest to be. Can I please have reviews? Please and thank you.