Repercussions
AN: Not surprising that this fic isn't as popular as other's I've written, however I still find enjoyment in writing this…but I'll probably make another to write alongside this one until January. In fact I got one idea that would be interesting and fit well into the universes. But until then your stuck with Aquaman, so let's start this show!
(Play Opening Smash into Pieces- Let me be Your Superhero.)
Arno is floating amidst the vast empty ocean with the rays of the sun illuminating the different creatures of the sea as they surrounded him. From behind him the Unagi appeared and its eyes glowed a bright blue. Arno then propels himself forward with a boom in the water holding out his dagger in his hand. A large storm falling upon the ocean.
Arno jumps out of the ocean and into a large pirate ship. As pirates begin to circle around him he sprints into action. With his golden dagger he blocked their blades and countered with a direct jab to the stomach of one of the pirates crashing into more pirates. He then jumps over another group landing behind them. Arno swipes his leg behind them bringing them to the floor.
A row of spears came from behind causing Arno to dodge them and then catch them. He then used the spears to throw the pirates overboard. Just then a pair of red eyes light up from the darkness causing Arno to narrow his eyes. Arno grips his dagger in an iron grip as the storm cleared and the lights of Republic City cut through the darkness. Arno charged as an army of sharks and the Unagi followed him from behind.
The fallout from the Equalist's attack on the Pro Bending Arena was devastating, not only had Amon demonstrated his ability to take away people's bending to the entire world, at the same time giving someone for anyone with a plight against benders around the entire world a leader to fallow. The more immediate threat to society was that non-benders across Republic City were rallying behind him and his message, Benders needed to be put in their place.
Arno thought a new perspective was in order, so he asked Tenzin if he could use the phone. 'This isn't what I thought it would be.' Ming said across the phone line. She had opted to stay on Kiyoshi island after hearing about the attack on arena, 'I sighed up with Amon because I wanted my voice to be heard, I didn't want innocent people getting to feel threatened.' she explained.
Arno leaned against the wall beside the phone, holding up both the earpiece and receiver, "I know Ming…..look I just wanted to make sure you weren't coming back." he said, the thought of Manta discovering he had a friend from his childhood in the city was enough for him to demand she stay away if she persisted. But that wasn't the only reason he called, "…..am I doing the right thing getting involved?" he asked her.
'What? Yeah of course you are! Arno I may get why they're doing this, but these guys are going way too far. I know it's the Avatar's job but that doesn't mean it's not yours.' she said earnestly, making the blonde smile at her confidence with him. Ming always had his back, even when they were just kids, so it was nice that despite being apart for years she still was willing to back him up.
"Thanks…..not sure how much help I'll be on dry land though." he joked, something he used to do with both Ming and his dad was make fun of how for as useful as he was on the water, he didn't get anything extra from being on land. He heard the girl snicker on the other end, "Look I gotta go. Stay safe Ming."
'Back at you fishman.' she replied in jest before hanging up, leaving Arno with a smile before hanging up as well and setting the phone back on the small table. Opening the door to the small parlor where he made the call he saw a quick movement out of the corner of his eye scurry around the corner. The blonde only smiled and looked over patiently before three cautious heads poked out from around the side before immediately retreating upon being seen. Korra had told him about Tenzin's children but had only caught a few glimpses of him, Korra seemed surprised by this since they usually were beyond chatty with her.
"Huh, those were some strange looking Lemurs." he joked out loud, he heard the trio snicker to themselves. Smirking to himself he watched at the middle child, Ikki he remembered Korra called her, popped her head out from around the corner and used Airbending to swoosh over to him in the blink of an eye.
"Your nice, also I really like your hair, I've never seen someone with gold hair is it real?" she asked as Arno kneeled in front of her.
"Yes, it's real." he said, taking a pinch of his hair and tugging at it to prove it, "My dad called it blonde. Though honestly I don't know where he got that from." he admitted somewhat absentmindedly. He remembered when he asked dad what color his hair was he just answered it easily, blonde the same as his mother. "Though it does sound better than yellow." he said, the excitable girl nodding in agreement as her older sister and younger brother joined her, "So you three must be kids of Tenzin I've heard so much about." he said as he stood up from the ground.
The eldest smiled at their guest, "I'm Jinora, this is Ikki," she gestured to his sister with two buns of hair atop her head "-and this is Meelo." she said, gesturing her other hand to her younger brother, whose head was as bald as his father and had an obtuse shape to it.
"You are in my domain trespasser!" he announced loudly and dramatically, making Arno bellow out a laugh. He was a natural with kids, he used to babysit a little back on Kiyoshi Island when he was in middle school, so he could make some extra cash. It could be frustrating at times but thankfully for Arno he had developed a lot of patience at that point and was capable of enduring the frustration and fond in entertaining them for a while.
"I was unaware I was in the domain of Meelo the mighty airbender. My apologies." he said with an emphasized politeness. The boy's eyes widened as he heard the title given to him and a large grin spread across his face.
Ikki gasped, "Can I have a fancy title too? Can I? Can I? Can I?" she asked, hopping up and down in place while her elder sister had to suppress a giggle.
"How about Ikki the Invincible?" he proposed, from the way she clasped her hands together and inhaled a large breath of air through her mouth he guessed she liked it. "And maybe…..Jinora the Wise?" he suggested. The eldest daughter beamed at the name, the trio of children took off with their new titles, leaving a smiling Arno to watch them go before starting his search for the children's father. He found Tenzin sitting at the dining room table reading the newspaper detailing Amon's attack on the arena, "Any mention of a certain blonde in there?" he asked.
Tenzin looked up at him and shook his head, "No, everyone was focused on Amon. Though they do think that Manta is one of Amon's men." he explained as Arno sat across from him at the opposite end of the table, it wasn't exactly a stretch of the imagination. The Equalists managed to produce a glove that electrifies anyone they grab and thus gives nonbenders a weapon any of them can use, untrained or otherwise.
Arno rested his elbows on the table while his hands cradled his chin, "Not exactly wrong…but he's just using them to get at me. Manta couldn't care less about the politics, being with them just gives him means of killing me." he stated, causing Tenzin to frown and nod in agreement. "Tenzin…..I need your honest opinion, no trying to soften the blow….am I really helping?" he asked.
Tenzin gave the blonde a knowing look, "You feel responsible for what happened at the arena." he stated. Arno didn't say anything but only gave a slight nod. "Arno even if you hadn't had been there, and Manta wasn't as well, I suspect that things would have played out much the same way that they did." he said wisely. Manta's involvement may have been because of Arno's but even then, with how things played out they probably would be right where they were right now.
Arno thought through the scenario in his mind, and he could only agree with Tenzin's wisdom, "So….what do we do now?" he asked.
Tenzin set the paper down onto the table, "I want to calm things down to be perfectly honest, what you said when we first met, about the council and the Equalist's being a way for those we've ignored….I can't lie, it's been on my mind since." he admitted, making the guest frown
"I'm sorry, my words were-"
"Somewhat harsh, but ultimately correct." Tenzin interrupted, Arno looked up at Tenzin and smiled. "We all agree that Amon's methods are extreme, but to his credit he hasn't attacked any innocents. The Wolfbats bribed and cheated their way to fame, the triads have constantly been a problem since Republic City was founded, and as you've said yourself the Council might represent the City, but not the entire city." he said, recollecting the events of the past few months.
Has it really been that long? Arno couldn't help but muse. "He's been appealing to the non-benders by circumventing the law. But there's also no real precedent for removing people's bending. Aang was the only one to do it before and he used it against dangerous people…in a way he's almost modeling himself after him." he realized. If Amon had just taken bending left and right it would have caused nothing but fear and panic, but by going after people who were bad, people who abused their power he made himself a beacon in the same way Aang did. Arno looked up and saw the astonished look the airbender was giving him, the blonde shrugged, "I spend a lot of time reading." he answered simply.
Tenzin regained his composure, "Lin is working on tracking down where they manufactured those gloves. Her hope is that by taking away their weapons, the Equalists will scramble to try and rearm themselves and get sloppy."
Arno wasn't convinced by the argument, getting rid of their weaponry would slow them down without a doubt, but it wouldn't cripple them. Lin's plan relied on them being solely dependent on their weapons now so that if they were to be cut off they would be useless for a time. And there was the possibility that it could work, they were emboldened by the electro glove's creation, more abductions of benders were occurring but not all of them fitting the former criteria that they misused their bending.
Only time would tell, but in the meantime, Arno still had Black Manta to deal with. The question that came to mind was one that he pondered with every time he and Manta fought…..should he end it? Should he just kill Manta and be done with all this senseless violence? The better part of him, the part of him that helped people in need said no, as much as Manta hated him he couldn't just kill him. Killing his father led to this, there has to be a better way. But the logical side of him was the opposite, Manta has hurt countless people just to hurt him, and if ending his life could save others then wasn't it his duty to do so?
He obviously didn't want to kill Manta, but the question wasn't what he wanted to do, it's what he needs to do.
The two men's conversations were interrupted as Korra entered the room with a look of defeat on her face before sitting down arms surrounding her hear head on the table. Arno and Tenzin shared a glance, silently asking the other to ask what was wrong. In the end Arno sighed, "What's wrong Korra?" he asked.
The avatar lifted her head up at him, "It's nothing just…..Mako and Bolin are staying at Asami's place instead of here at the Air Temple." she said with disappointment. Korra had told her about the Sato heiress, and while she hadn't done anything to Korra he had a very clear idea as to why she wouldn't like her. Especially after Tenzin told him about an entire episode that Korra had regarding her feeling for a certain firebender. "She actually invited me over to visit tomorrow but I'm not sure." she admitted.
Arno sighed tiredly, if there was one thing he liked about the lack of human contact it was not having to deal with drama like this. But Korra was a teenager, it was only natural for this to happen, he had talked to both Mako and Bolin a few times over the weeks leading up to the pro bending final and they were both good guys. After meeting Bolin he could tell immediately that he had no right to be put in the same camp as the triads as he had done when he heard Amon captured him.
"Look Korra, before you hate this girl, why don't you at least try to get to know her before passing judgement?" he suggested. Korra looked unsure but the Avatar nodded in understanding, deciding to give the heiress a chance.
"Don't suppose you want to come with me?" she asked hopefully, Arno gave her a blank look, "Please?" she asked in a small voice.
Arno's first instinct was to decline her offer, as well intentioned as it maybe he didn't know this Asami at all and simply showing up uninvited seemed very rude. Besides he needed to help track down Black Manta, "I'll…think about it. I got something I need to check out tomorrow." he said as he stood up from the table and made his way out of the room.
There might have been one way to find Manta…..but he didn't look forward to it.
Republic City, Residential District
Arno let out a long, tried sigh as he stood outside the brownstone. Walking up the steps to the door he knocked his knuckles against the wood and stepped back, waiting for the occupant to open the door. He heard footsteps approach the other side, fallowed by silence as he looked through the small peep hole in the door. He unlocked the door as fast as he could before swinging the door open, across the threshold to the house stood a man a good foot shorter than Arno, he was skinny, older, wore a pair of glasses over his eyes with a short head of hair over his scalp. "Arno….I….-"
"Dr. Shin…..I need your help." he said bluntly. The short man blinked as he registered what the blonde asked him, nodding his head he stepped aside and let Arno enter the home. The interior of the home matched it's humble exterior, Shin backed away from Arno and made his way down the hall past the staircase towards the kitchen.
"I uhh…when I saw the paper about the Avatar and Amon and read the description I wasn't sure if it was you or not." Shin admitted as Arno fallowed him into the kitchen. He noticed that beside his fridge there was a small fishbowl with a pair of small fish inside the water. "So….how can I help." the doctor asked, visibly a little nervous around Arno.
He didn't blame him, Shin had revealed Arno to the world despite his father's wishes, it was natural that he would be nervous around Arno, "Shin…..Manta is working with Amon." he said bluntly, causing the scientist's face to pale.
"Oh spirits…I…." Shin began, holding his hand up to his mouth in shock . The guilt he had upon his face almost made Arno regret telling him. "Arno I'm…..I'm so sorry…Spirits if I just…." he trailed off as he sat down onto his stool. He was the one who hired Manta to steal some of Arno's blood, what happened to Arno's and Manta's fathers were upon him. Arno had shouted that at him the last time he saw him before leaving Kiyoshi Island for a full two years.
Arno watched as Shin ran his hands over his face, "Shin….I know that…..last time we spoke I was angry….I said some things that….well they were harsh…..and looking back I don' think you deserved all that anger." he said earnestly, the doctor lowered his hands from his face and looked up at Arno imploringly. It was clear, to Arno at least, that Shin felt guilty for what happened to his father and regret was something he was familiar with. "Shin, I need to know how you got in contact with Manta in the first place. I want to try and find him before anything else happens." he explained.
The doctor nodded, his sorrowful face soon replaced with a more focused expression, "Honestly I'm not sure it will help. I met him after he was denied docking here in the city a few years ago. He used to be a scavenger, but he had a habit of skirting around the rules of salvaging. When your father called me about your headaches I had to get to Kiyoshi as soon as I could and a few Yuans….he left as fast as he could, no manifest, no questions." he explained.
Arno crossed his arms over his chest, Shin noticed the look of disappointment and frowned, looking down at the tiled floor, "Arno I….I know what I did was wrong….and-"
"Shin it's…it's ok." the swimmer interrupted, the doctor looked up at Arno, "My dad died from a heart condition…Manta had nothing to do with it. If I hadn't have just flown off the handle…things wouldn't be the way they are now." he said wisely. Walking forward he leaned against the counter beside Shin, "And I know that in a way you just wanted to help…besides, turns out revealing myself to the world isn't as big a deal as I thought." he said with a shrug. After his very public appearance at the Pro Bending arena, there was no longer any doubt to the myth that there was an Aquaman.
A few of the photos of him made it to the paper and with the reports of what happened so it would be impossible to deny. Tenzin told him that a few news outlets have reached out to him for questions, but he hadn't given anything to them, one thing was for sure he wasn't going to do what Korra did and throw a press conference.
Shin chuckled dryly, "Arno they just don't know the facts. They think 'Aquaman'-"
"Still hate that name." Arno grumbled out.
"Well it's not inaccurate." Shin noted, Arno gave him a displeased look, but the doctor ignored it, "But most people just think you're a skilled waterbender. If they knew the real truth? That you're a completely different species? Could you imagine how people would react? We barely get along with each other, I mean we're in the middle of a war between benders and non-benders." he pointed out, turning his head to the blonde. "You don't need to be a part of this fight."
He wasn't wrong, in fact he was right for the most part. A few months ago if he had told Arno that he would have agreed but now? "Yeah but…..my dad was human…..doesn't that make part of this my problem?" he asked. Months ago he would have not gotten involved, if he came across Equalists hurting someone he would have stopped it, but he wouldn't actively try and stop it. In a way, he has Korra to thank for this, she told him about being kept locked up in the South Pole, isolated from everyone including her own family…she arguably knew isolation as much as he did.
But she still got involved in the world, she wanted to help. Despite her being younger than him, he couldn't help but admire that. Shin looked at Arno with a proud look, smiling a little he reached out and patted Arno's shoulder, "He'd be proud of you….for all you do." he said knowingly. Arno let out a small chuckle, he doubted his exploits over the years didn't reach Shin's ears somehow despite however small or vague.
"Yeah….you know that he'd forgive you right?" Arno asked, "He knew that this….me, meant a lot to you and…..he just wanted to wait a while before his son became….this." he said, gesturing to himself. Shin nodded in understanding, what Arno had to ask next was a question that if he asked anyone else would make them call the loony bin, "Shin…..do you have any idea where Atlantis might be?"
Shin's eyes shot open as he looked over at Arno, he saw the pleading look that the blonde had in his eyes. "Fallow me." he said stepping away from the kitchen counter and walking to a door that led downstairs.
"….it's in your basement?" Arno asked, unable to help himself, Shin let out a short laugh as Arno fallowed him down the wooden steps. Arno's eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness and saw what laid inside the room before Shin reached up and turned the lights to the room on. Lining the walls of the basement were maps, ripped out pages with circled passages and keywords. A small bookshelf was set along the wall with dozens of books, not all of them verified as historical fact, Arno didn't expect all of this research to be put into the location of a fictional place.
It made his searching for the past three years seem paltry in comparison, Shin gestured to a large map of the world on the far wall, "Obviously Atlantis would be in the ocean somewhere….where have you checked?" he asked, reaching down to the desk beside he maps and picking up a marker.
Most of the map was crossed off, the great lakes of the Earth Kingdom were out of the question obviously, "I've checked near both the North and South pole, about three hundred knots out from all bodies of land." he said, Shin nodded as he made an outline around all the pieces of land from the Earth Kingdom to the Fire Nation.
"Most of my research shows that Atlantis was isolated from most of the world….what about the Black Sea?" he asked, pointing at the waters to the South East of the Earth Kingdom.
Arno however shook his head, "Yeah I thought too, there's actually a lot of trenches out that way, I thought maybe I'd be lucky and find a city down in one of them. I spent months looking but didn't find anything. Boiling Sea too, the sea floor is too unstable with all the volcanos." he added as well. Shin looked up and nodded at the logic, it crossed out most of the map, however one spot seemed to draw Arno's attention, "You think the Fair Ocean is a possibility?" he asked skeptically.
The Fair Ocean was the stretch of sea that was between the Fire Nation and the Southern Air Temple's boarders. It was one of the most well-traveled routes in the entire world, "It's the largest stretch of water in the entire world, if there was at one point a large landmass there it wouldn't be entirely out of place." Shin reasoned, "Not to mention that most tales of Atlantis originate from the Fire Nation and Air Nomads."
Arno scratched his beard in contemplation, "You'd think the Watertribes would."
Shin didn't respond right away, "Arno…if you find it….what will you do?" he asked, looking over his shoulder at the blonde. "If there are other people there-"
"That's a big if Shin." the swimmer said, looking up at the map, "If I'm being honest….I doubt it even exists….but it's the only lead I have. And even then…..what if my mother was the sole survivor? What if I'm the only one of my kind in the world?" he asked. He'd been asking those questions for so many years now, a part of him didn't want to know but if there was an answer out there then he needed to find it….no matter how painful it might be.
The blonde felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked down at Shin, "Then….." he paused as he thought of what to say, "….you start again…..the Air Nomads where believed to be extinct. Yet now there are four living airbenders today. Just because you are alone now doesn't mean you shall be alone forever." he said sagely.
The words caused Arno to smile, "Thanks Shin…..could I ask one more favor?"
Republic City Police Station, Republic City
The Republic City Police Station was busy when Arno arrived, Korra told him that Police Chief Beifong wanted to talk with her regarding what happened, and Tenzin convinced him that he doing the same might be helpful as well. When he walked into the waiting area and spotted Korra sitting alone on a bench, he approached her. Korra looked up and gave him a nod, "Hey, how'd your thing go?" she asked as Arno took the seat beside her.
Propping his elbows up on the back of the bench he shook his head, "I didn't get any info on Manta but…I got back in touch with a friend." he answered with a small smile. Korra returned it, happy that at least some good came out of his detour. As they sat in wait, Arno looked over at the Avatar, "So…..what's Beifong like?"
"Cranky." Korra said bluntly, Arno raised a brow as he waited for her to further explain but when she didn't he couldn't help but feel a little more anxious. As they sat in wait, Korra noticed a few of the officers and people at the station looking over their way. She had grown accustomed to people gawking at her and took a little pride in it but she realized that their focus wasn't on her. She gently elbowed Arno, "I think your being recognized." she said with a smirk.
Arno looked around and noticed that she was right, people where taking notice of him, a few whispering lowly in an attempt not to be noticed themselves but with Arno's ears he could pick up a few words.
"That's the guy right? That Water guy."
"I saw him at the arena, he was fighting some weird looking guy in the water."
"That's some long hair…..you think I could pull that off?"
"Excuse me." Arno looked up at the voice in front of him, he had been so focused on listening he didn't even see the officer-
"Officer Shu!" Arno exclaimed, the same policeman he met on his first day in Republic City. The man nodded with a friendly smile, Arno stood and shook his hand, "Nice to see you again." the blonde said friendly as Shu shook his hand.
"I was about to say the same son. When I saw your picture in the paper well…..didn't expect to see that on my street corner this morning." he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. Arno had almost not recognized him with his helmet off, the metal bender looked around Arno's age now that he got a better look at him. "You here to give another statement?" he asked curiously, to which the blonde nodded, "Well I can do that. This way." he said, leading the swimmer away while Korra watched with a small smile, waving at him as he left with pride.
As they entered the bullpen area again, Arno could feel almost every eye in the room on him, it felt strange to be the center of attention. Shu seemed to notice and just gave Arno a quick grin, "Not used to the stares?" he asked, the blonde nodded, "I was the same when I first started, everyone stares at cops when they're close by. I get why, I mean I'm trained to take down criminals." he said understandably as they reached his desk.
Arno took his seat, "How'd you get over it?" he asked with genuine curiosity. He didn't care how, he just wanted people to stop staring.
Shu shrugged, "It stopped bothering me after a while…and until then I was just friendly." he said upon seeing Arno frown at his first answer. Shu grabbed a notepad and pen, "Alright so let's start at the beginning."
Shu didn't know exactly what he was asking until Arno told him everything that happened between him and Manta. He left out the backstory between them for obvious reasons but even still the officer was more than a little shocked by everything Arno told him, "So….you can breathe…..underwater?" he asked.
The blonde couldn't help but chuckle, with all the info he just gave the officer that was the one fact that stood out the most, "Yeah. I can breathe underwater." Shu blinked before adding that to his report, as he wrote however he suddenly stopped, "….how exactly?" he asked, more out of genuine curiosity.
Arno scratched the side of his head bashfully, "Well I take in air through my skin. I don't have gills or anything, but I don't have lungs either. So I breathe the same way up here as I do in water." he explained. This information however didn't entirely relax he officer, "…..honestly the only bad part is I don't know what it's like to hold my breath." he said earnestly. Though no one could beat me on the playground when we tried to see who could do it longer. he thought to himself.
Shu leaned back in his chair, still processing the information, "I'm uhh…gonna grab some coffee do you…want anything?"
"Saltwater." Arno said with a straight face, when Shu stared at him a grin broke across the blonde's face, "Coffee's fine. I like mine plain if you would." he said, making the officer let out a chuckle before standing up and going to get them both a drink. As he left, Arno couldn't help but shake his head at the face the officer made when he gave his silly request. He meant it to be a joke but he honestly thought he was serious, he suddenly understood why Korra would host a press conference for her arrival, that way people could ask whatever they wanted and he could clear up any and all worries.
When Shu came back with their dinks, he looked back down at his report, "So this….Black Manta. Do you know his real name? By chance?" he asked as Arno sipped the hot liquid.
Funny for as well as we know each other I don't even know what Manta's real name is. he thought with a frown. "No…..Manta was his nickname or something. I think it because he did some illegal scavenging. He'd steal objects from old hundred-year war wrecks and sell them off to bidders." he explained.
Shu shrugged as he added it to his report, "Well this fills in a lot of blanks. Equalists must be offering him a lot to help their cause. And it explains how explosives where planted on the hulls of the police boats the night of the final." he said, putting the pieces together quite easily. Arno felt a twinge of guilt, while no one had been killed but the damage done to the police force was almost crippling to their operations. Shu stood up from his sea and raised his hand, "Thanks for your help Arno. Last night and now." he said gratefully.
Arno shook his hand but wasn't fully convinced he actually helped with anything, as he left the desk however he noticed that Shin was swarmed by his fellow officers as he left. Each of them dying to learn more about Aquaman. Seriously hate that name. It makes it sound like I turn into water or something. he thought as he exited the bullpen to see Korra conversing with an older woman, her hair was slightly grey, she had sharp green eyes and sharper face, with a pair of scars on her right cheek. As he approached she immediately noticed him and looked him over, sizing him up as it were.
Korra noticed and looked over at Arno, "Chief Beifong this is Arno, Arno Lin Beifong." she introduced, taking a step back out of either caution or to let the two converse. Arno had the feeling it was the former.
Lin looked at him, her hands placed on her hips with a skeptical expression on her face, "So you're the fish boy I've been hearing about?" she asked in an unimpressed tone.
Arno suddenly liked the Aquaman moniker much better as compared to that alternative, "Yes. I am." he said, crossing his arms across his chest, he and law enforcement never seemed to get along well. Ming's father on Kiyoshi being a good example, it was because he was different from everyone else, he could do things no one else could do and if he wanted to he could cause countless problems for them. "I just gave officer Shu my report on what happened, and everything I know about Manta."
The Beifong let out a 'humph', "Tenzin told me about your history between you and this Manta character." she said, the blonde didn't grimace despite his desire to. Lin looked at him sharply, "What happened is out of my jurisdiction, but let me clear. Spill any blood and my city? I don't care who or WHAT you are. You'll be inside a cell faster than you can swim." she threatened before walking away.
Arno took a deep breath as Korra approached with a small scowl on her face directed at Lin, "I'm sorry if I had known she was gonna-"
"It's fine Korra." The blonde interrupted, uncrossing his arms and stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I made a mistake, I gotta live with it." he said as they made their way out of the police station. At the stoop of the steps to the station was Naga, patiently awaiting her master as they both walked down the stairs before trotting over to Korra and licking her affectionately.
Korra rubbed the canine's head affectionately, looking over at Arno with a small smile, "Offer still stands to come with me to see Mako and Bolin." she said, extending the olive branch once again.
Arno considered the offer for a moment, in retrospect Bolin and Mako might be the closest thing he has to actual friends in the city besides Tenzin and Korra…well they were acquaintances if anything but still. Would going to hang out with them be the worst thing in the world? "…your sure that they wouldn't mind me showing up unannounced?" he asked. Korra's eyes brightened up as she nodded enthusiastically, "Alright fine." he said, besides how bad could this be?
Sato Estate, Republic City
Both the Avatar and swimmer where immediately blown away by the sheer size of the Sato Estate. Spirits I knew Sato was rich but damn. Arno thought as he and Korra made their though the gates of the compound and towards the manor, "My lighthouse feels like a shack now." he admitted as they walked through the driveway where enough cars were parked for a good portion of the Kiyoshi Island population.
"My compound feels like a one story house." Korra replied, looking at a gardener as he trimmed the hedges along the steps to the actual house. "Should….should we have worn something more formal?" she asked, looking over at Arno who could only shrug. He only had his jacket and the orange shirt that Pema had given him after Manta destroyed his old shirt. He usually didn't care about how he looked since he wasn't often around people, but being back in civilization was beginning to make him think about his appearance more.
Approaching he door, neither of them stepped forward to knock, Korra looked over at Arno expectantly which he responded with a look, "Hey you wanted me to tag along." he said, the Avatar knocked against the door. A moment later jus before she was about to knock again, the door opened with a neatly dressed man in a tux answered.
"Avatar Korra, you and your guest are expected. Please fallow me." the man said politely, Arno and Korra looked at each other before fallowing the man through the doors. The outside of the mansion was impressive, but the interior was equally if not more so. The high ceiling with the expensive glass chandelier, the almost golden hue o the floor walls and stairs, it made Arno feel like he was in a palace.
Fallowing the servant through the household, he led the two guests to a indoor swimming pool where the bending brothers were, "Announcing the arrival of Avatar Korra and her guest." the butler said, bowing to the side and letting Arno and Korra step forward as Bolin did a cannonball off a statue by the pool which spouted water out from the head into the pool.
"Hey Korra, Arno." Mao greeted cheerfully,
"Glad you could make it." Asami said excitedly before Bolin burst out of the water.
"Welcome to paradise." he said as the small Fire Ferret swam onto his owner's stomach as he floated through the pool. "Arno my friend, come in the water, join us." he asked in a sophisticated tone of voice, making the blonde roll his eyes.
"Thanks Bolin but I'll stay up here. Pool water feels weird to me. It's like…ocean is like solid ground but pool water like sand." he said, trying to explain it. He assumed it was because pool water usually had something to make it clean in it. Bolin shrugged before climbing out of the pool and demonstrated to Korra the butler's service by having him dry himself and Pabu off with a towel…..only to jump back into the pool.
Mako and Asami swam to the edge of the pool and both climbed out, "So you're Arno, Mako's told me a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you." the heiress said politely to the blonde. Arno tried not to stare at the Sato heiress but it was a little hard not to, she was beautiful and wearing a swimsuit, but with her boyfriend right beside him it was easy not to.
He gave a friendly nod, "You too. Mako won't or can't stop talking about you." he said, the Firebender jabbing him with his elbow as Asami giggled before looking at Korra, "So are you two up for something exciting?" she asked, albeit with a mischievous undertone.
Minutes later they were in the backyard of the Sato estate- "Oh no freaking way." Arno said aloud when he saw the racetrack in Asami's backyard. "Ok that's it I gotta get some new stuff for my place." he said decisively. He didn't hate the way his and his father lived but after seeing all this? A bowling alley in the Lighthouse didn't sound too bad, or a Pai Sho table, a fancy one made of some sort of tree.
Asami smiled as they entered the small stands to observe the racers, "It's the Future Industries test track. We try out all new Satomobile prototypes here." she explained as two of the cars zoomed past the stands.
"Only thing I know how to drive is a Polar Bear Dog." Korra admitted sheepishly. The White Louts' main concern was teaching her about her duties as the Avatar instead of you know, teaching her normal things. Sure teach me politics but not how to drive. she thought to herself sarcastically.
The blonde shrugged at her, "It's not too complicated, just takes practice….and making sure you don't hit anything." he said, thinking back to when his father would take him out driving. He nearly gave his dad a heart attack when he kept mixing up the break and the gas.
Asami looked at the Avatar with a friendly smile, "You want to give it a shot?" she asked, tilting her head over to the track. Mako, Bolin, and Arno all looked at Korra with a slightly worried expression, Korra behind the wheel of a racing class Satomobile? The three all shared a glance which translated to, 'Get ready to run for you lives.'
Thankfully, for the sake of everyone currently outside really, Asami was driving with Korra in the seat behind her. "I can tell why you like her." Arno said to Mako as the two climbed into a car. Mako smiled proudly as he watched his girlfriend drive up to the starting line, to say Asami was a go getter was a understatement, she was almost like a multitool, ready to take on any challenge.
The cars took off with the wave of a checkered flag with Asami and Korra trailing slightly behind the other driver. The track itself wasn't as long as one would think, it took about a minute and a half for the drivers to complete a entire lap. Around the minute mark, Asami overtook the other driver, causing him to spinout while Korra and Asami cross the finish line. When the trio met up with Korra and Asami, the two were getting along well, much to Arno's contentment, he was glad to see Korra getting along with Asami after her initial distain for her.
As they headed back to the manor, Bolin rushed ahead in order to find a restroom, the Earthbender kicking up dust in his attempt to make sure he made it in time. Korra also left for the ladies room upstairs, leaving Arno, Mako, and Asami in the main hall, "Sorry for dropping in unannounced, Korra was a little intimidated about coming here herself." he apologized to the heiress.
Asami however have a kind smile, "It's fine Arno. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little curious to meet you." she admitted, Mako putting a arm around her shoulder which she moved into slightly.
Arno nodded in understanding with a grin, "Yeah I know Bolin isn't the most…reserved guy." he said, knowing full well that Bolin was probably the one to brag about knowing Arno. "I keep getting stared at…..like everyone's waiting for me to do something disgusting or weird." he admitted. He was used to being observed and stared at, he always managed to be the black sheep wherever he went, due to his appearance, his attitude, even his own hair color was a rarity.
The Firebender gave Arno a sad look, when he first met they didn't exactly start off on the right foot. Arno got a stone slab to the face for his trouble and he was slammed face first into the ground. It wasn't the most conventional ways to meet someone, but that's something rarely chosen. And when Korra told him and Bolin about what Arno revealed to her, that he could be the only one of his kind, that his mother left him, and that he was forced to leave his own home?
He couldn't imagine that, he and Bolin both lost their parents but they still have each other, but Arno had no one until he and Korra talked with him. Mako rubbed the back of his head, "Well….I don't think your disgusting." he supplied, making Arno look at him blankly before snorting out a small laugh.
"What I think he's trying to say is you seem like a nice guy. And that's all that matters." Asami said in a more eloquent manner.
The blonde nodded at her response, "Thanks…..really that means….it means something." he said just as Bolin rejoined them with Pabu.
"Ok, I'm back, what are we talking about?" he asked with the waiter trailing behind him. As Bolin had the waiter spray him down with what looked like perfume, Arno saw Korra come down the stairs with an almost panicked look upon her face.
Equalist Hideout, Undisclosed Location.
Manta grinded the whetstone across his dagger as he barely listened to the briefing Amon was giving from his corner of the room. His last fight with Arno had gone about as well as it could have. He was distracted long enough for Amon's plan to go off without a hitch. The only downside was that he was unable to end Arno's life, as he would have preferred. But with Arno alive and exposed….it raised possibilities. "What about the Aquaman?" one of the Equalists asked.
Manta had to suppress his smirk at the name, it was such a stupid and unimaginative name and he sure that his blonde nemesis despised it. Looking up from his blade before sheathing it, he saw Amon look across the room to him. Standing up from his seat, he made his way through the rows of Equalists, standing by Amon's side was their current hideout's owner Hiroshi Sato. "Aquaman is mine to deal with." Manta said through his mask as he hopped up onto the stage. "If your worried about him, don't be, worse thing he could do is give you a nasty cut or knock you out. Unlike us…..he's shy about spilling a little blood." Manta said, knowing that it was a bold faced lie.
Arno was a killer, but only he was able to bring it out of him. "In fact….I'm willing to bet that freak of nature is on everyone's mind right now. A creature that looks like us, talks like us…..but look at him…..he's nothing like us. Not like us….or the benders." he said as a idea began to form in his mind. Turning his helmet to Amon, the revolutionary seemed to pick up on what he was getting at and stepped forward.
"Black Manta speaks the truth…..in fact, I have little doubt that the benders he sides himself with already scheme against him. Why? Because that is their nature. Whatever is not like them? Is a threat, and when the benders turn on him is when we will strike." he said decisively as Manta made his way off the small stage.
This was perfect, killing Arno was what he had been driving for since Arno took his father's life, but with him exposed to the city, to the world even, it gave him the means to do something worse to Arno. Make him suffer, make the world hate and fear him. And the best part was it wouldn't be hard, it's within their nature. Just look at these idiots. he thought, looking over his shoulder at the Equalists, only to find Hiroshi approaching him. "Yes?" he asked.
"Forgive me Manta, I've just been curious….who designed your suit?" the inventor asked curiously.
Manta was genuinely taken off by the question, "I did. Used to be a simple diving suit I kept tinkering with." he explained. Scavenging the ocean floor was a old business which modern technology made all the more easier. His first suit was clunky and slow, but adding metal to it made him able to submerge quicker, and the scales he made into the suit made it so that water pressure didn't affect him by making the suit airtight.
The armaments such as the harpoon shooters were tricky, but more than worth it with the range they gave him. Hiroshi seemed impressed by the information, "I ask because I might be able to provide an upgrade for you. If your interested of course." he offered.
Manta considered the offer for a moment, he needed every and any advantage he could manage against Arno. "I'm listening."
Central Police Station, Republic City
"So you think Mr. Sato manufactured those gloves for the Equalists, then framed Cabbage Corp?" Tenzin asked Korra, the Avatar telling him, Lin, and Arno what she overheard the company's CEO say behind closed doors. She had all but dragged Arno out of the Sato mansion without barely any explanation other than they needed to talk with Tenzin and Lin. The four met atop the rooftop of the Police station where Korra retold everything she overheard.
"That's a bold accusation, what proof do you have?" Lin asked, she was skeptic about the claim but not entirely doubtful.
Korra's gaze suddenly went downward, "Well….I don't exactly have proof. But I know what I heard. Satos up to something." She said firmly, causing the chief of police to ponder to herself.
The blonde gave her a unconvinced look, "That's not exactly much to go on Korra." Arno began, "It could be something unrelated to the equalists. He might be thinking of buying Cabbage Corp stock or something." he provided. He certainly could see how Korra could think Sato was involved given what she heard but without the full conversation he was little skeptical.
"But he has the means." Lin pointed out, "And he does have motive." she suddenly realized as Tenzin's expression softened.
"That's right." Tenzin said sadly, Korra asked what and Tenzin's expression became somber, "Twelve years ago the Agni Kai Triad robbed Hiroshi Sato's mansion. A Firebender killed Sato's wife during the break-in." he explained, causing Arno to frown. He knew first hand what something like that loss could lead too, suddenly the idea of Hiroshi being an Equalist wasn't so farfetched.
"Maybe it's time we take a closer look at Hiroshi Sato." Lin said before looking over at Arno, "As for you…..well,…." she trailed off, looking at Tenzin while Arno and Korra looked at the two of them expectantly.
The Airbender sighed, "I received a call today, apparently Republic Forces is sending a commander Kota here to interrogate you." the airbender said to the blonde, causing both his and Korra's eyes to widen. The swimmer frowned as he realized as to what he meant, after the Hundred Year War laws were put in place between all Four Nations regarding treatment of hostile forces. Basically it made sure that torture and any other cruel methods of extracting information were prohibited under any and all circumstances for human beings.
The keyword being human. "What?! He hasn't done anything wrong!" she protested before looking at Lin, 'Can't you do anything?" she asked almost pleadingly.
Lin shook her head, "I might be in charge of the police kid but it's out of my hands." she said before directing her attention to Arno, "In fact they asked me to hold you until the ship arrives tomorrow." she said. While the Metalbender wasn't entirely trustful of the waterbreather, she knew full well what general Kota's real motive might be. Human or not she was not willing to hand someone over to that.
Korra shook her head, "Who even is this guy?" she asked.
Tenzin frowned, "From what my brother's told me, General Kota's head of the Elemental Nation's defense branch. He mostly tracks down and eliminates hostile elements, pirates, triads, anyone whose in the confines of the four Nations who's a threat to any of the governments is his responsibility." Tenzin explained, recalling the call he had with his brother after hearing about the news.
Korra shook her head in disbelief, "But Arno's done nothing but help the city, why-"
"Becasuse I'm a threat." Arno answered, the Avatar turned her head to him, "Korra it doesn't matter what I've done, fact is that I'm not even human. And I'm aligned with no Nation. Kiyoshi is considered part of the Earth Kingdom but I don't even have a birth certificate, I'm technically not a citizen anywhere." he explained, the situation beginning to dawn on Korra. It only made her even more frustrated, her hands clenched and her teeth grinded but Arno placed a hand on her shoulder, looking at his calm expression helped do the same with her.
"What are my options?" he asked the adults.
"You could leave." Lin said immediately, Korra glared at her for the answer, "But that won't solve anything, Kota is known for his relentlessness, he'll fallow you around the world if it comes to it."
Arno frowned, running was the smart option but if he was being honest a part of himself wanted to fight this. He couldn't exactly argue that he was a human being but at the very least he could try and use his past to show that he wasn't a threat to anyone, "The other option is you go back to Air Temple Island." the airbender said, "I can grant you asylum there, but you'll be contained until we work out a more plausible solution." Tenzin said. "But it's you decision."
Arno crossed his arms across his chest, The smart thing is to run, in fact it's my first instinct to but how long can I keep that up? he thought to himself. It worked before when he needed to flee Kiyoshi but…that led to years of isolation, and over the past few months he made great strides towards overcoming what those years did…but was it worth it? Since he came to Republic City his secret was forced into the public, Manta joined the Equalists to spite him, and now the Untied Nations itself considered him a possible threat that needed to be dealt with.
…what would dad do? he thought to himself. His father, rest his soul, wasn't a perfect man but whenever Arno came to him with a problem his father always did his best to give his son an answer. But his father always made Arno hold a core belief that he still held to this day, that Arno would some day help the entire world somehow. That meant stopping Amon…..which he couldn't do running away…..or being stuck on Air Temple Island. But at least on the island I can still be here to help. he decided.
"I'll stay on the island….maybe if I can talk with Kota, I can convince him I'm not a threat." he said with hope, Korra gave him a proud look which Tenzin shared. Lin didn't look pleased but said nothing, as she left to ready a squad of Metalbenders, Arno looked at Korra imploringly. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?" he asked honestly.
It felt strange, Arno looking to her for guidance when he had provided so much perspective for Korra, but the Avatar simply nodded at him, "I think so…it doesn't matter if your all human. You taught me that it's the type of person you are, not what you are that defines you." she said, both Arno and Tenzin struck momentarily speechless by the wisdom Korra spoke.
A smile spread across Arno's face, "Thanks Korra. That…..that means a lot." he admitted. As Tenzin and Korra left to find Lin, Arno looked out towards Air Temple Island. Really hope I'm making the right decision here. He thought before leaping off into the air, launching himself onto a far off rooftop and then leaping into the Bay towards the island.
Southern Shore of the Earth Kingdom.
Along the coastline the Earth Kingdom's shore rested a small fishing village, it was tiny in comparison to the other villages yet it made up for it by providing those villages with fresh food almost year-round. Walking down the wooden docks towards the mainland was a middle aged man, he had no hair atop his head but instead was around his scalp which met in front of his face with a pointed beard. He was a simple fisherman, at least that was what everyone in the village was led to believe, who was going to get his morning coffee at the roadside gas station.
It was basically a daily ritual for him, get coffee, get paper, get to work. On his days off he simply stayed at home and read his books, sometimes even pondering making his own but ultimately always deciding against it. Entering the store, he walked over to the counter where the cashier took notice of him, "Morning Vulko." the young man greeted warmly before looking back down at his magazine.
"Loshi." the fisherman greeted as he walked over the coffee pot and fixed himself a cup of the liquid and poured it into a cup. Sealing the lid he walked over to the counter to pay for it, "Could you get me the usual?" he asked, reaching into his pocket for his wallet. Loshi nodded, setting his magazine down and reaching for his keys to unlock the paper case. Pulling out the United Nation Gazette, he placed it on the table as Vulko paid for the coffee and paper.
Reaching for the paper as he took a sip of his drink, the man's eyes nearly bulged out of skull and nearly choked on his drink at what was on the front page of the paper. 'Fabled Aquaman proved real! What do we do now?' the newspaper's headline read, with a photo of a blonde young man fighting a man in a black suit with a large helmet. When the cashier looked up from the register Vulko was gone with the paper, his cup of coffee forgotten.
The man ran as fast as he possibly could to his house, the wooden single story building on stilts above the water had been his for five years now, Vulko had made it his home in that time. Shutting the door behind him he pulled the paper out from beneath his arm and read over the article, 'AS though the Equalist Attack on the Pro Bending arena in Republic City wasn't shocking enough, the captive audience, Metalbending Officers, and newsman all witnessed something even more surprising when the fabled Aquaman made an appearance. Though rumors of him being involved with the Equalists have been heard, it was surprising to see him fighting against the terrorist faction along with Avatar Korra.'
'The question on everyone's mind now however is who is the Aquaman? Reaching out to Councilman Tarrlock for comment he replied by saying "This man, if he in fact can even be called that, has been suspected of not only interfearing with Equalist investigations but as well as various acts on the oceans around the world for the past few years. However the real question is should we even allow this Aquaman to live in the United Republic?"
'Shortly after, our correspondent at the United Elemental Nations reached out to the defensive branch for comment. So far no official statement has been given regarding Aquaman, however rumors spread that there are plans to bring him in for questioning regarding his intent, biology, sociology, and possible family.'
Vulko swallowed with the list of questions, folding the paper he rushed through the house to his bedroom. Shutting and locking the door behind him, he peered out his window which faced the pier for any witnesses before drawing the thick blinds shut. Kneeling at his bed he reached under and retrieved a long wooden box which he set out on the bed. On the wooden box's top there was black pad which he pressed his thumb upon, the black surface glowed blue which spread out over the wood and unlocked it.
Opening the chest he pulled out a small device from inside which was about the size and shape of a pocket watch with a blue button in the middle of the circle. Pressing the button, the top unfolded like a flower with the blue circuits inside letting out a glow which converged over the center of the device, making a holographic image appear above the device.
The image was of a circle for a few moments before it suddenly shifted into that of a woman. She had blonde hair that almost looked platinum behind a golden tiara resting across her forehead., the crown itself was designed with the arch extruding out back across her head with the symbol of her kingdom on the middle arch. Vulko bowed in front of the woman on his floor, "My Queen, forgive my sudden intrusion." he apologized.
The royal had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at her subject, "No apologies necessary Vulko. I was just sitting down to write something, why have you called?" she asked. The subject of the queen stood and reached for the paper.
"I think…..it's best that you see yourself." he said, holding up the paper, the device scanning and translating the wording and projecting it to the queen. She looked over as another projection of the paper appeared before her.
The royal's eyes widened when she read the headline, her hand reached up towards her face a gasp at what she saw, she was silent as she read the paper before directing her attention to him, her expression soft and almost conveying fear, 'He's…..Vulko you must gather as much information as you can about the situation and return immediately.' she said, her soft expression turning serious. Vulko nodded obediently, the queen's face becoming contemplative, 'We're nothing more than a myth to the surface world….but with this…..I always knew that the day would come for us to rise from the sea.'
The queen's servant looked up, "With….respect your majesty. Are we preparing for war?"
She shook her head immediately, 'No…..even….even if the worse befalls him…..I cannot wage war for the death of one of us…..even if he is my own.' she said sadly. 'I shall send someone to retrieve him in the meantime…..in fact I know just who to send.' the queen said with a thoughtful expression.
Vulko nodded before the Queen ended the transmission, a shaky breath exited her lips before holding the top of her hand up against them. Stepping away from the large device she walked across floor out of the room before kicking up from the floor and swimming up to the open space of her quarters. A large glass window, looking across her kingdom took up the entirety of the wall in front of her, swimming across the second floor where the entrance to her quarters where, she knocked against the bronze metal.
Within a second the doors slid open with a half dozen guards awaiting her command, "Gather the Elders to meet in a hour, and send for Orm…..I need to talk to him." she ordered. The six nodded before swimming off to fulfil their duties while the queen left her room and quickly swam through the palace at high speeds until she came to the room she was searching for and knocking on the door.
The door opened with the queen's serious expression on the other side, "Mera, I have to ask you to do something for me."
AN: *Holds up shield to stop gunfire*
I'M SORRY! I HAD THINGS GOING ON, I GOT DISINTERESTED, I HAD WRITERS BLOCK! FORGIVE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Alright now that that's over, I seriously am sorry. The reason that this took so long to update was…..honestly I didn't know where to go after last chapter, so after thinking about it I wondered how the bending world would react to someone like Arno being revealed as an real thing and not some sea shanty.
Basically they would react the same way as us, we'd want to capture first and ask questions later. And with how Air Temple Island is part of the Air Nation (and with my political knowledge being based off movies like Argo and such) I figured it would be interesting to put some political stuff in here.
Also I got red dead two and that distracted me for…..ok it's still distracting me but the new Aquaman movie is coming soon and I already got my tickets for it! Honestly I'm excited for it more than the Lion King flick everyone is losing their minds over.
Which reminds me, should we really call it a 'live action movie' when all the characters are made using CGI? That's animation, so basically it's another animated Lion King movie…..only in 3D with high end graphics.
And before it's asked…..my favorite Disney Thing is Kingdom Hearts.
Anyway with my classes ending in two weeks (seriously this semester FLEW by) I'll get more time to work on this hopefully.
Until next time (when SHIT GOES DOWN) guys!
