Chapter 7:
Korra stood pondering the message of the scroll. The light inside the temple seemed to be burning brighter and beckoning her inside. "Maybe I'm supposed to go inside, she whispered to Naga. The polarbear dog shot her a look as if to say she didn't wish to follow. But Korra was intrigued and began to walk into the temple. Naga reluctantly followed a few paces behind. It appeared to be only one room. There were no extravagant decorations within, just a pool of trickling water which reflected the light of the surrounding burning candles.
"Well this is great just more things to confuse me. Is anyone here?" Korra was now getting frustrated and since Naga was unresponsive she found that she was simply talking to herself.
"What on earth am I supposed to do here" she looked around and began talking to the roof of the building. " I left Republic City because I wanted answers, not more questions!" The Water Tribe girl plopped on the floor now angry. "Goodness I should've stayed. I shouldn't have left. Everyone's probably worried. This is just a mess, what did I get myself into" She buried her head into her face. When she looked up she traced her finger through the pool of water and thought to herself, I wish Mako was here. Her hand involuntarily reached for the necklace. She sat there basically yelling at herself for a good while. When Korra worked herself up she tended to become tired and sleepy. This time was no different, within a few minutes her eyes began to feel heavy and close softly.
Korra's dream was a vivid flashback. She was sitting with Mako under the stars after their date. He was beginning to fall in love with her all over again after suffering from his amnesia. He pointed out a shooting star. When he asked what she wished for she pulled out the superstition that it wouldn't come true so she couldn't tell him.. Mako on the other hand willingly shared his wish of seeing his parents. Korra rushed them out of the park and to the temple where she had prepared to tae him to see his parents in the spirit world. They sat in meditation pose as she asked him to trust her. His eyes locked in on their intertwined hands then her eyes as he agreed. Korra felt the warmth of his look and the security of his grip and she involuntarily began to rub her belly. As she did this her eyes shot open thinking he was beside her. Instead it was only her and Naga still in this strange place. Korra rubbed her eyes wiping away a small trickling tear of disappointment. As she got to her feet she walked to the pool of water. Maybe I'm supposed to enter the spirit world she said to her pet. She assumed the position and gave Naga a here goes nothing look. The polarbear dog covered her eyes with her paws.
Elsewhere in the world Mako was dreaming himself, though his not as pleasant. It seemed to be more of a montage of unfortunate events. First he saw Korra looking like she was holding on for dear life to her best friend Naga. Her position said it all, slumped over bruised and beaten. The scene then shifted and he saw her feverishly bending the elements in the avatar state. Mako was on the ground and as she scarily spun elements began flying his way as well. The final snapshot transitioned to Korra in the Avatar State for a second time. The look in her eyes was deathly, ready to attack, ready to kill. Next a pulse of electricty was sent through her body and he watched helplessley as she fell to the ground with a thud. The young man had been told by his brother and Korra of all the events he'd forgotten. But he never once pictured the bad ones, it was too painful. He woke panting and gasping for air, hoping deep down in his heart she was alright, and safe. He buried his face into his hands before attempting to go back to sleep.
The sun began to peek its way into Mako's small room. He had tossed and turned the rest of the night after his dream/ memory. So he didn't get a much needed sleep. As was his usual routine he made it a point to head down to the mailroom. The look on the older man's face said it all. There was something there. The man returned with a scroll that had his name on it.
As he handed it over Mako was giddy with joy and excitment. It's from her! She's safe! She's alright, everything is gonna be okay. He took the scroll from Maurice and opened it to see an unexpected penmanship. His inner and outter excitment quickly dissipated as his eyes began to scan the document:
Mako,
How are fairing out at sea big brother? Seasick yet? Well we are all missing you here. It's been super quiet in the apartment since you left, only Pabu and I... And our thoughts.
By now I'm sure you've heard the news of Korra. She's been gone over a week now and she hasn't been back yet. But trust me we both know she's a big girl and can handle herself. So i sent you this letter cause I know how you get and I don't want you to get all worked up and worried.
Love your little bro,
Mako couldn't help but smile a bit at the thought of his little brother. The older man was waiting for a tell tale sign that everything was okay before actually speaking. "Ya see there I told you things would be alright...things are alright right" the man asked kind of unsure of Mako's body language. The young man still felt a pit in his stomach knowing that Korra was still gone, but Bolin was right she's a big girl. So Mako took Bolin's advice and suppressed his worry and anxiety for the moment.
Later in the day he ventured to deck and in the distance could see the firenation island where they'd be docking shortly. He had made his decision.
General Iroh's voice could be heard over the intercom delegating commands to prepare to dock the ship. The soldiers followed his orders precisley and safely docked the ship in the harbor next to Bumi's.
The Commander's signature "wahoo" reverberated and lingered in the air. A bridge was draw connecting the two ships. Bumi completely disregarded it doing a very impressive acrobatic jump from one to the other. His stunt positioned him right in front Lieutenant Mako and General Iroh. With one hand on his hip he placed the other firmly on Iroh's shoulder rocking him back and forth. " Long time no see son", he shouted. "And you as well young lieutenant," he said wildly shaking Mako's hand. Stepping back from the two his face became slightly more serious. " I'm so sorry about Korra. All this uncertainty must be driving you bonkers. But no worries we'll have you back in the city in no time." he said reassuringly.
"Oh, I'm not going back." Mako said shaking his head. Both men were taken aback.
"What do you mean you're not going back", Bumi interjected.
" If I go back there's no guarantee she'll be there. I'll just be waiting...If I stay at least I'll have the distraction of working with the forces"
"Wouldn't you want to look for her, make sure she's safe" Bumi asked very confused/
" She could be in the firenation, the south pole, one of the air temples, anywhere really. How do I even begin to look for her?"
" But she's-" Iroh stopped himself. The message from Tenzin revealed Korra's state but Iroh omitted that when he spoke to Mako earlier. He didn't feel it was his place to tell him. He figured Mako would head back to the city and get the news from them there.
"She's what", he asked confused by the general's sudden stop midthought.
"She's the Avatar. The world will fall out of balance without her", Bumi said cleverly redirecting the situation. Bumi had also been in contact with Tenzin and was aware of the situation. By Iroh's abrupt pause he understood that Mako was unaware.
"Yes, but there isn't very much I can do about anything if I have no idea where she is. I'm sure she's fine." He felt a knot in his stomach with his last statement. He knew he was only kidding himself. He was worried sick about her.
Niether Bumi nor Iroh were conviced that Mako was certain with his choice. However, they couldn't seem to convince him otherwise.
"Well ultimatley it is your decision. And if you think that is the best option I cannot really argue with your reasoning"
Bumi scrunched his face at Iroh's comment. " Well I CAN argue with that." His eyes were now piercing Mako. "Look boy, you're not even believing yourself! Just looking at you I know you want to be scouring the world for her, so why aren't you," Bumi boldly said.
Mako paused, the man defintely had a point. "If you stay here, you're just gonna regret it. Don't make that stupid decision since you're lucky enough to have the choice. Trust me I know" Bumi's eyes shifted to Iroh then down to the ground as his brow's furrowed.
Iroh felt the tension in the moment. " We need the men to begin setting up so that Commander Bumi's fleet can prepare to head back to the city in the morning." Nothing else was said among them. Iroh walked away and began delegating his orders. Bumi walked back across the connecting bridge running a hand through his madman's hair. Mako closed his eyes shaking his head before catching up with Iroh. From that point everything was strictly business with them as they began organizing the soldiers.
Later in the evening as things had been settled for the night Mako ventured out into the city. He was still confused and needed some fresh air to get his mind straight. He still had some time to change his mind. This firenation city was totally different from Republic City. It was small, and not as nearly diverse. The light in the city was dim and it was relativley quiet. Mako could see a large statue of Firelord Zuko in the distance, presumably marking the center of the small city. Walking toward it he heard an abrasive voice coming from a nearby alley. His instincts from growing up in the city told him to ignore it but be on his guard. As he continued walking he felt he was being followed. His pace quickened it bit trying to at least make it to the statue, figuring people would be there in case anything were to happen. He felt the footsteps behind him begin to quicken as well and turned around in a fighting stance. But no one was there. As he let out a sigh of relief he felt someone grip him from behind. He managed to wriggle out of the grip and pin the attacker to the ground. But he was not alone. Another accomplice knocked Mako out as Mako hovered of the first attacker. The last thing he faintly heard was one whisper to the other, "He's a firebender". Together they dragged the young firebender off the sidewalk, tying up his hands, and covering his mouth.
General Iroh hadn't seen Mako in a few hours. He figured he may have gone to talk to Commander Bumi. When Iroh made his way to Bumi he asked, "So he had a change of mind"
The look on Bumi's face suggested he had no idea what the young general was referring to. "What"
"Lieutenant Mako"
"Yea what about him? He changed his mind?"
"I'm asking you"
"Well wolfbats! How should I know" Bumi responded, still obviously a little frustrated with Mako.
"Then I take it you haven't seen him"
The Commander stood now starting to wonder. " No I haven't." He said cocking his head to the side.
" I haven't seen him on the ship. So, I imagined if he wasn't on there he'd be talking to you, and preparing to leave for tomorrow. "
"No. He hasn't come here." Bumi instinctivley busted through the open door and onto the deck of his ship. "Hey! Listen up. Any of you seen Lieutenant Mako" The soldiers being addressed shook there heads no. Iroh ran back to his ship doing a similar thing. When the response came back negative as well the two men exchanged a look. "You don't think..." Iroh started.
"The equalists" Bumi concluded.
Ok another tough chapter. Review please. More soon.
