Alliance of the Seas
Chapter Twenty-One: Air Benders and Fog of Lost Souls
The Northern Air Temple was in sight as the airship approached the region northeast of the Earth Kingdom capital. The location wasn't far from the Northern Water Tribe, but it had been nearly two-hundred years since the Northern Air Temple had any residents to be neighbors with the Water Nation. The new air benders crowded around the window and stared at their new home in mounting excitement. They would be trained in the art of air bending as well as the culture. It was completely optional whether they wanted to venture into the new land, but after being imprisoned by the Earth Queen most were more than willing.
It warmed Korra's heart to know that her decision to bring down the walls between the human and Spirit World resulted in the re-emergence of the Air Nation. Her duty as Avatar, was to restore balance in the world and she was doing her best. Too many times, she felt like a failure, but today, hearing the excited voices of the new air benders, she knew that she'd made a positive difference.
Korra disembarked from the airship with Iroh and her father at either side. Neither touched her, but they both hovered nearby. She appreciated their presence, but especially appreciated that they didn't treat her like she was some fragile weakling. However, she could admit that when she saw her mother, Senna, standing alongside Fire Lord Kasai just a few meters away she felt extreme relief.
Korra ran to her mother and hugged her fiercely, her mother returning the hug with equal fervor.
"I know you're the Avatar, but I still worry," Senna said quietly, her voice muffled by Korra's loose hair. "I had to see you with my own eyes. You look healthy," she said, pulling back. She laid her hand gently against Korra's cheek. "Just fatigued," she amended.
"I'm fine," Korra promised.
Tonraq joined them and engulfed his wife and daughter into his arms. "My ladies," he murmured. "How was your voyage?" he asked Senna.
"Oh, Prince Iroh's personal naval crew brought us. Captain Bianca is a very pleasant young lady- such manners! And that First Mate, Giant, is a hoot!" Senna said with a soft smile. Her gaze fell upon Tonraq's hair. She reached out and touched the gray streak in his dark mane with her fingertips. "It makes you look more distinguished, Chief Tonraq."
Tonraq chuckled. "Old is more like it." He kept his arms around Senna's waist and over Korra's shoulders and turned to the Fire Lord. "I am in your debt, Fire Lord Kasai. Thank you for bringing my wife here."
"Non-sense," Kasai said, her amber eyes focused on the engagement ring on Korra's hand. "Anything for my future daughter-in-law."
Iroh joined them, having followed behind at a leisurely pace to allow the family a moment. "Hello Mother," he greeted. He turned to Korra. "When do you want to try to venture into the Spirit World?"
"As soon as possible," Korra answered. She drew away from her parents and moved closer to Iroh. "I'll need Jinora and Master Tenzin." She looked back at the airship. "And I'll need to bodies of the Red Lotus members brought to the temple as well."
"You do seem fairly healthy, dear, but it is in my healer opinion that you should wait a few days and recover more before such a taxing experience." Senna fretted over Korra, her lips pursed tight in worry.
"The longer we wait, the harder it will be to find them," Korra argued. She'd conversed with both Tenzin and Jinora on the journey over. They'd decided that the sacred temple was the best spot to try and enter the Spirit World and track down the spirits of the Red Lotus members imprisoned there.
"You're about to have company," Iroh murmured, dipping his lips close to Korra's ear. Before she could ask him to clarify, Naga knocked her down from behind.
Her polar dog licked Korra enthusiastically and nudged her gently in the belly. Korra began to laugh, pleasantly surprised by her friend's enthusiasm. "I missed you too, girl. We'll have to play later. I've got to meet with Jinora now, okay?"
Naga whined pitifully. Iroh rubbed her neck briskly. "It's okay, Bolin and I will play with you." Naga perked up at the promise.
Korra found Jinora had already lit various meditative incenses and prepared certain foods to aid them on their spiritual journey. Tenzin paced nervously in the temple, his hands rubbing his bald head and his cloak flying out behind him. "Are you sure you need to do this?"
"Dad, Korra is the Avatar. If she feels the need to do this we must support her," Jinora reminded him gently.
Tenzin groaned in frustration. "I just don't like it. We almost lost you there, Jinora!"
"That's because Unalaq abused the spirits. I aim to work with them. We'll be fine, Tenzin," Korra assured her old teacher. She placed the crown given to her by King Cernunnos on her head. It would probably be in poor taste to not wear it, since it was a gift from the spirits. She and Jinora sat next to each other in lotus-style with their hands on their knees. She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, however it was difficult with the audience that had formed along their periphery.
"It's really not necessary for you all to be here," Korra pointed out. Her parents, Iroh, Tenzin, Bolin, Asami, Mako, Lin, and Suyin all stood around Korra and Jinora. "We only need a couple of people to watch over our bodies."
"After everything that's happened, you can't blame us for being concerned," Tonraq retorted. He laid his hand upon Korra's shoulder and squeezed it affectionately. "We'll be quiet."
Jinora snorted softly. "Not likely," she murmured quietly to Korra. "At least my siblings aren't here."
"The sooner you two get back from your little Spirit World sojourn, the sooner we can head back to Republic City," Lin said, her tone bored. She leaned against one of the support columns in the temple with her arms folded over her chest impatiently.
"It might take a while," Korra argued. "With the Earth Kingdom under martial law, it would be good to have a meeting with the world leaders to discuss the next step."
"I want to escort you personally to Republic City," Lin snapped.
"That's not necessary," Iroh countered. "I can see to it that Korra is brought back to Republic City."
"It was at your little party that she was abducted," Lin argued.
"When your detective left her alone," Iroh said, sending Mako a pointed look.
"This is not helping us find our inner peace and meditate," Korra complained. "Everyone leave! Except Tenzin. And my parents. The rest of you can go outside and argue about who's taking me back to Republic City after I've finished this."
"There's not really any need to argue," Asami said, her voice calm and a teasing light in her green eyes. "Obviously, my airship is the fastest vessel, so I'll be seeing you home personally."
"I thought you gave it to me," Korra said, arching an eyebrow at her friend.
Asami grinned. "You need a pilot."
"True enough. Now, leave us in peace!" Korra declared. She summoned a massive wind and not so gently deposited her friends outside the temple, and then secured the door shut behind them.
"You certainly have come a long way with your air bending," Senna commented with an amused smile.
Korra glared at her mother. "I need quiet."
Wisely, Korra's parents and Jinora's father kept their comments to themselves while Korra and Jinora entered the Spirit World.
The familiar vibrant greens and gold of the spirit world surrounded them. Old Iroh, Fire Lord Zuko's uncle, waited for them with a tray in his hands with a couple of steaming cups of tea. "I had wondered when I would see you two," he greeted. He held out the tea for them and Korra and Jinora accepted his hospitality. "This will help you find what you seek."
Korra took a deep breath of the aromatic jasmine tea and felt her senses open. "We seek the Fog of Lost Souls," she answered.
Iroh nodded. "Yes, I thought you might. There's been a couple of high profile additions to the group there." His bright eyes trailed down to Korra's hand. Even her spirit form wore the engagement ring. "Ah, I should welcome you to the family."
Korra grinned. "There's time yet for that."
OoO
Iroh threw the ball for Naga again. Korra's polar bear dog ran enthusiastically after it. He glanced over towards the temple, where he and the others had been unceremoniously kicked out. The doors were locked tight though, he could sense the increase in spiritual energy within the building. He worried for Korra, but he was also confident that she'd succeed.
"You know, that was a bit harsh," Bolin said, striding towards Iroh. He held a lump of clay in his hands and was absently reshaping it into various forms - a boat, an elephant, a horse. "You didn't have to call Mako out like that. He felt guilty enough about Korra's abduction as it is."
Naga came bounding back and Iroh took the ball from her and tossed it out again, using a bit of fire to rocket it farther. "It was the truth." He and Bolin stood silently for a while, watching as Naga returned. "How are Tenzin's kids doing?"
"Ikki and Meelo are taking the role as teachers very seriously. Though, I can sense Meelo is already a bit jealous of Kai. That kid's a natural," Bolin explained. "Bumi is organizing the first class. He's had a lot of experience in the military with training so he's applying his skills to learning the basics of air bending. He wants to get the basics down before he returns to Republic City to serve President Raiko."
"I'm glad the wrong of my great, great grandfather is being corrected," Iroh said. "He slaughtered the Air Nation to try and eliminate the Avatar. I wonder what he'd have thought to learn that his grandson was best friends with that Avatar and that I would one day marry the next incarnation," Iroh mused.
"Hm," Bolin hummed thoughtfully. "That I can't tell you. But, what I can tell you, is that Chief Beifong's niece sure is pretty."
"Oh?" Iroh asked. "Suyin has a daughter?"
"Yeah, she just arrived about an hour ago. She's an air bender!" Bolin exclaimed. "Her name is Opal and she's just so cute!"
"I take it that you've moved on from Diamond?" Iroh asked, amused. How fickle was Bolin's heart? "Nuktuk has found a new damsel?"
Bolin frowned. "It's different. We've only talked a little, mind you, but she's so nice! She's not abusive or belittling at all! So unlike Diamond and Eska." He formed the clay into a figure of a voluptuous woman and then into a three-dimensional heart. "And she's so excited to be an air bender. She's grown up with all these metal benders and it was really hard for her, you know?"
Iroh smirked. "You don't say?"
"I know, right? Can you imagine?" Bolin sighed and then collapsed the clay into the palm of his hand. He glanced towards the temple. "How long do you think Korra is going to be in there?"
"As long as it takes," Iroh answered with a shrug.
"Good, then we have time," Bolin said, his voice suddenly serious. He stepped up toe-to-toe with Iroh. "What exactly are your intentions with my Korra?"
"Your Korra?" Iroh asked with an arched brow. "My intentions are to marry her and be a life long companion."
Bolin rubbed his jaw and began to circle around Iroh. Naga returned with the ball and Bolin absently took it from her and tossed it into the distance again. "Korra is very important to me. She's important to the world."
"I would never do anything to harm Korra," Iroh promised. He looked over Bolin's shoulder. "Say, isn't that Eska?"
Bolin's eyes bulged and he took off at lightning speed in the opposite direction. Naga returned with the ball, a little confused by Bolin's sudden absence. Iroh rubbed her mane again. "It's okay girl. Bolin just had some place else to be."
OoO
It took the greater part of four hours before Korra and Jinora were able to find the Fog of Lost Souls. It wasn't always in the same location, as the Spirit World constantly shifted. They had passed several spirits along the way that had been very much in awe of Korra and yet not very helpful with directions. Though, a benefit of the crown King Cernunnos gave her, was the ability to remain oriented. She knew exactly where Old General Iroh rested with his tea, the site the Tree of Time stood, and she could feel both Raava and Vaatu inside of herself. It would be another ten thousand years before Vaatu accumulated enough strength to cause trouble, but he was still there.
By the time they found the Fog of Lost Souls, Korra began to worry that the Red Lotus members would have already lost their identity in the confusing abyss. There were so many wandering human spirits within the fog and many were little more than amorphous shadows of their former selves. It would take an individual of great strength and will-power to exist in that after even just a few days.
"I'll go inside," Korra suggested. "You remain outside the fog and guide me should I become lost."
Jinora nodded. "Good luck," she said, wrapping her arms around Korra's waist and hugging her tight. "Come back soon. Do not linger."
Korra waded her way through the countless lost souls. Another trait of the crown, she was able to sift through the crowd. It wasn't long before she found what remained of Zaheer and P'Li. There wasn't much left of either of them. Zaheer was mostly insubstantial as he seemed to have become more airy than solid. His spirit floated many meters off the ground. Korra called out to him, but he never heard. P'Li was nearby, their bond keeping them close even in the Fog of Lost Souls. She was a bright flame, but there was no response when Korra tried to call her attention.
She hoped to have better luck with Ghazan and Ming-Hua.
Korra closed her eyes and concentrated on the art of lava, hoping to find a thread of familiarity to lead her to Ghazan. It worked and she found him and Ming-Hua. The water-bender had arms in this realm, they were misty as the rest of her body was, but they were present. She and Ghazan were in an embrace, her ghostly misty arms around him, as his nearly solid arms were secured around her.
"Ghazan. Ming-Hua," Korra called out. They both turned towards her, recognition in their eyes. "I have come to offer you a chance to return to the mortal world. Will you take it?"
"What's the catch?" Ming-Hua asked, her voice squeaked with disuse.
"Rehabilitation, a chance for redemption and freedom if you can prove yourself reformed," Korra offered.
"How is Diamond?" Ghazan asked, his voice gruff. His eyes flashed with fire.
"She's in line to be queen of the Earth Kingdom. I'm sure she would love to have her brother there," Korra said.
"I would be allowed to see her?" Ghazan asked. His arms slacked around Ming-Hua.
"If you both come back with me, I'll return you to your bodies. Right now, you're only accusation is kidnapping, but all the victims have been freed. I might be able to offer you your freedom," Korra offered. "Though, if you betray my trust, know that I can destroy you."
Ming-Hua smiled. "The world has been overdue for a water bending Avatar. I believe I can follow you, if you'll let me." She turned to Ghazan. "What do you say?"
"You can lava bend," Ghazan stated.
Korra nodded. "And perhaps if you'll train alongside my friend Bolin and I, I can reinstate your bending."
"He's a lava bender as well?" Ghazan asked, his eyes becoming more sharp.
"He has the potential." Korra held out her hands towards the two. "Take my hand and I'll lead you out of here."
As Korra stepped out of the Fog of Lost Souls with Ghazan and Ming-Hua alongside her, she found Jinora and King Cernunnos waiting just outside of the fog. The king nodded at her and then vanished. Korra felt Ghazan and Ming-Hua's spirits stiffen in fear.
"I believe that means he's okay with you two leaving," Jinora explained.
"If crossing the Avatar means crossing him, I'd rather stay in your good graces," Ming-Hua said.
OoO
Ghazan and Ming-Hua's spirits were returned to their bodies at the temple. Zaheer and P'Li were cremated and their ashes were spread over one of the meditation gardens near the temple. Ming-Hua had assured them that it would have been their wishes.
Lin, Mako, and Bumi had returned to Republic City while Korra decided to stay at the Northern Air Temple for another week to train with Ghazan and Bolin in the art of lava bending. She had yet to return the power to bend to Ghazan and Ming-Hua just yet, but he walked them through the steps while Ming-Hua watched. They remained under watch by several military personnel from the Fire Nation as well as a few troops from the Northern Water Tribe that her cousins had sent to show their support.
Tenzin made incredible progress with the air benders. Jinora was an excellent teacher as well and she kept the students enthusiastic about learning. Kai and Opal were amongst the most talented and the art came to them like second nature.
It was after another grueling lava bending workout with Korra and Bolin, Ghazan had been taken back to his holding cell for the evening. They used their newfound skills to work on building additions to the land at Tenzin's request. They'd already expanded the training grounds and the shoreline.
"I'm glad you managed to save Ghazan and Ming-Hua. They don't seem bad, but misguided, you know?" Bolin closed his fists and caused the earth to grow more elongated and taller as he worked on perfecting a pillar.
"Their probationary period is almost up. I am thinking of returning their bending to them," Korra said. She made a pillar in the earth identical to Bolin's.
"I'm sure Diamond will be relieved that her brother is alive, especially after the loss of her aunt," Bolin stated. He wiped the sweat off his brow with the sleeve of his shirt. "She was definitely a pawn in all this recent business."
"Maybe you shouldn't be so focused on Diamond," Korra suggested. "Maybe you should consider a woman that already cares for you deeply."
Bolin looks at her in confusion. "But you're already engaged to Iroh."
Korra smirked. "I meant Asami."
"Oh! Well, she's not interested. We had that conversation back at the South Pole." Bolin tugged on his shirt collar. "Besides, what would Mako do if both the women he loved were with someone else?"
Korra pursed her lips thoughtfully. She didn't doubt that Mako had very real feelings in regards to both her and Asami. What would Mako do if they both moved on? He would continue to bury himself in detective work. He had already returned to Republic City along with Chief Beifong and Bumi. Her parents, Iroh, Bolin, and Asami had decided to stay with Korra for a while longer, they wanted to make sure she was well recovered. "Bolin, I'm telling you, if you're still interested in Asami. You should ask her out."
"I'll consider it," Bolin answered non-committed. "Have you seen Lin's niece, Opal? Now she's a pretty young woman." He shook his head returned his focus to lava bending. "I just need to finish this last little bit, then we can call it a day."
"Opal does seem nice," Korra admitted. She watched as Bolin finished the final adjustment on their project.
"When do you think you'll be returning to Republic City?" Bolin asked.
"By the end of this week," Korra answered. "Tenzin is training the air benders to serve as the policing agency of the world. He'll keep an eye on the chaos in the Earth Kingdom. I need to return to Republic City and represent the Spirits on the council." She sighed. "And I need to let Princess Diamond know that her brother is alive and reformed."
She angled her arms behind her head and stretched out the kinks in her neck. "My parents will be anxious to return home and I'm sure that Iroh wants to get back to his duties."
Bolin chuckled. "I'm pretty sure Iroh will be happy wherever you're at."
Korra smiled. "Maybe you're right." She reached up for her pony tail and pulled out the band holding her hair up, letting it fall to her shoulders. She tossed her head to either side and ran her fingers through her tangled locks. "Speaking of Iroh, I had better hurry up. I promised to go on a walk with him at sunset."
"You better hurry then!" Bolin said with a laugh. "Though you probably should have waited to take your hair down until after you met him!"
Korra ignored him and started at a brisk run for the nearby beach where Iroh waited. It was only after the smell of the fresh salt air cleared up her sinuses that she realized what Bolin meant. Her hair was a tangled mess by the time she met Iroh.
He rose from a large rock near the shoreline and turned to greet her, a slight smile of amusement curling his lip as his eyes traced over her. "How was practice?" he asked, opening his arms and letting Korra fall against him in a hug.
"The western border is quite fortified," Korra answered. The Earth Kingdom shared a border with the Northern Air Temple to the west and while she didn't anticipate there being a problem, felt it was prudent to tighten the security.
"Good," Iroh said. He ran one of his hands through Korra's hair in an attempt to unknot her dark hair. The gentle tugging on her scalp was soothing and Korra relaxed against his chest, the tension in her muscles melted away. "I wanted to ask you something."
"Hm?" Korra asked. She'd be happy to answer any question as long as he kept playing with her hair like that. She was a little worried that she might fall asleep in his arms.
"When we return to Republic City, I'll represent the Fire Nation and you the Spirits. We won't be there all the time, but often enough, where do you want to live?" Iroh pulled back enough so that Korra could see his serious amber eyes looking down at her. "Most times I stayed on my ship when I was in the city. As I'm no longer with the United Forces Navy, that didn't seem appropriate."
"Asami offered room at her mansion," Korra answered. "And normally, I just stayed on Air Temple Island, but with all the air benders here that wouldn't feel right."
"I was thinking of getting a condo in the city," Iroh said. His fingers stilled in her hair. "Would you like to live with me?"
Korra stared at Iroh in surprise. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She cleared her throat. "You want me to live with you?"
Iroh nodded, his cheeks slightly red. "You don't have to act so surprised by the notion. We are engaged now. We could get a big condo if you're concerned about having enough room."
Korra grinned. "Why? You need a big closet for all your uniforms?"
A slow smile spread across Iroh's lips. His hand slid to the back of Korra's neck and cradled her head as he leaned down to kiss her. The kiss was hard and fierce. He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. His amber eyes met her gaze and he trailed his hand from her neck, down her arm, to her hand. He twined their fingers together as he held her hand.
"How about that walk now?"