I was particularly ecstatic when I got to this point in the story.
Somewhere in the Earth Kingdom
The group was taking a break and Korra was playing fetch with Naga using her Air Bending to throw the ball far.
"While you're playing fetch. 6 of the most dangerous criminal and their new accomplice are hunting you and Bara down. We should get moving." Beifong stated.
Korra smiled, "Relax, we just got here, and no one knows where we are except for us."
Bara and Iroh were playing Pi Sho. "I have to agree. It feels nice to get some down time after everything that happened in Ba Sing Se."
Naga came back with the ball and dropped it at Beifong's feet before whining.
"I think she wants you to throw it for her." Korra stated.
Beifong looked at the ball covered in slobber. "I'll pass thanks."
Asami and Mako walked out of the ship with Asami saying, "We just got a call about another Air Bender."
"Really, where are they?" Korra asked.
Mako replied, "A city called Zoafu." Beifong stiffened and Bara glanced at her. "The home of the Metal Clan."
The Earth Avatar then smile. "That place is awesome. That's where I trained my Metal Bending and made a lot of good friends."
Korra turned to Beifong. "Do you know the place?"
Beifong said, "Uh… never been, but I don't want you going. I would rest a lot easier if you two were back in Republic City."
Korra walked past her. "Sorry, but if they have an Air Bender, then that's where we're going next."
Everyone began boarding the ship. Naga pushed the ball towards Beifong only for her to pop it making Naga sad.
Air Ship
"Wow, a city made of metal. You should be right at home Beifong." Bolin stated happily.
Beifong just sat in the seat and Korra leaned over to Bara, "You know what's eating her."
Bara whispered back. "I do, but only from Su's side. I've never asked Beifong about it."
The Air ship was tethered and brought in for docking. Two Metal Benders then brought up some stairs. The group made their way to get off.
Asami turned to Beifong. "You coming?"
"What's there to see? It's metal. Big whoop. Just find the Air Bender and let's get moving." Beifong replied. "Don't tell anyone I'm here."
Korra asked, "Why not?"
"I don't need to explain myself to you. Just do as I say." Beifong retorted.
Bara said, "We kind of have to tell them you're here. There's a guy who can sense if we're telling the truth or not."
Beifong said, "Fine, then just leave my name out."
"Got it." Bara stated.
Outside Zoafu
An older man bowed. "Avatar Bara, it is nice to see you again."
Bara bowed. "It's good to be back Iwai."
Iwai then bowed to Korra. "This must be Avatar Korra. It a pleasure to meet you.
Korra bowed back. "Thank you for having us."
He then bowed to Iroh. "Of course, it is an honor to have the crown prince of the Fire Nation among us."
Iroh bowed back. "The honor is mine."
"Is this everyone?" Iwai asked.
"There's a polar bear dog and fire ferret still aboard. We do have one more person, but they didn't want to come and refused to tell us why." Korra replied.
Bara asked, "Now, may we please meet this new Air Bender?"
They got onto the elevator and rode it down into the city.
Air Temple Island
Ikki and Jinora are showing the crop of new Air Benders around ending in the dining hall were Dah is eating. A bald man in gray robe comes in and introduces himself as Yorru.
Zoafu
Bolin marveled at the buildings and people in green clothing. They then passed a statue of Toph.
"That statue is to honor Toph Beifong who expanded what Earth Benders are capable of. Here everyone is encouraged to reach his or her highest potential." Iwai explains
"Does Toph live here?" Bolin asks. "Are we going to get to meet her? Has Bara meet her?"
"I did once. She called me Twinkle Toes and was a cranky old lady." Bara smiled. "She was great."
"I'm afraid you will not get to meet her. Years ago, she left to wander the world in search of enlightenment. No one has seen her since." Iwai replied.
The tram continued, and Bara knew where they were going. "We're going to Su's, right?" The Earth Avatar smiled. "That means the new Air Bender has to be Opal."
Iwai nodded, "As sharp as ever Avatar Bara."
Bara said, "You know, Opal getting Air Bending makes a lot of sense."
"I remember Su Yin from Yu's story, but who is this Opal person?" Asami asked.
Korra replied, "Su Yin is Opal's mother and leader of Zoafu. She was also the one who taught Bara how to Metal Bend."
"Opal is just one of her many children, her other siblings are all Metal Benders while she was a Non-Bender." Bara smiled warmly. "She was one of the good friends I made. I'd go as far as to call her my little sister.
Just like I could call Iroh and this guy called Hong Li a brother." He chuckled. "I remember when she was young she'd toddle over to me and give me big hug. She did that with her other brothers to."
Korra playfully elbowed him in the side with a smile on her face. "You're rambling again. Not that I particularly mind, but we've stopped."
House
The group walked in to find a group of Metal Benders practicing.
"Is this some type of combat training?" Korra asked.
"No, this is actually art. Su Yin and her children are artistic and use metal to reflect that. Don't let that fool you. They can all be quite capable when it comes to a fight." Bara stated.
Su noticed them and clapped. "That's it for today everyone."
Su smiled, "Bara look at you. You've grown into quite the young man." She looked at Korra. "This must be Avatar Korra. Bara has written us quite often about you."
Korra blushed. "He has."
Su said, "He was right, you are cute when you blush." Korra's blush deepened as Su looked at their friends. "You're Mako, Asami, Bolin, and, of course the crowned prince of the Fire Nation, Iroh.
Normally I'd do my research on all of you since I always research all who enter my city, but Bara has given be enough in his letters." Iwai whispered to Su. "Why can't you tell me who is on that ship of yours again."
"I couldn't very well say anything near the ship, but Lin came with us." Bara stated shocking everyone.
Everyone looked at Bara until Su said, "Lin's here. I would have loved to say hello."
"Wait, they know each other?" Korra asked.
Bara said, "Lin and Su are half-sisters. They share the same mom, Toph, but each have different dads." He looked at Su. "Though I should say that Lin has never spoken about you."
Air Ship
Beifong was looking at the city.
Korra said, "Bara and Su helped us see why you were so against coming here." She turned to the group. "Why didn't you every tell us that you had a sister?"
Beifong looked at Bara. "How did you find out about this?"
Bara raised and eye brow and held up his arm guards. "I had to get training somewhere."
"And your uncle made sure you had the best teachers." Beifong finished.
Su stepped in. "Lin, after 30 years I thought the least you could do was say hello."
Beifong turned back to the window. "I have nothing to say to you."
"How come you two haven't spoken in 30 years?" Korra asked.
"Ask her. I'm trying." Su replied.
Lin retorted. "Don't put that on me. You're the one who tore our family apart."
"You've done an excellent job keeping it that way." Su stated.
"You haven't changed one bit." Lin stated.
Su sighed. "Look, we can stand here arguing all day, but that's not the reason the Avatars came here." She looked at Bara. "She'll be glad to see you again Bara." She looked at Korra. "She will be thrilled to meet you."
Yin House
The group watched as two twins were playing a game of power disc.
"Those are my two youngest Wei and Wing." Su stated.
"So, they figured our power disc. I remember when they were just coloring pictures of it." Bara stated.
"Yes, I'm very proud of them." Su stated before they continued on.
They soon came to an area just filled with metal sculptures where another of her boys was working on a sculpture.
"Huan, Avatar Bara has come back bringing with him the Prince of the Fire Nation, Avatar Korra, your Aunt Lin, and their friends." Su stated.
"Hey." Huan stated as he continued working on his sculpture.
Bolin said, "It's a really nice banana."
Huan sighed and turned angrily saying, "It's not a banana." He turned back to it. "It's inspired by Harmonic Convergence. Represents the dawning of a new age. Obviously."
"Huan, I thought art was supposed to be interpreted, and that was no wrong interpretation." Bara stated smiling mischievously.
"There is when you call a work a banana." Huan said.
"Okay, then I'll look at his as an orange." Bara stated.
Huan angrily turned around. "Stop seeing fruit. You always see fruit."
"I'm only seeing what I see. If I see a fruit, then technically, I'm not wrong." Bara replied.
Huan walked away, "I've liked not having you around!"
Bolin and Bara where now laughing.
"Now I do have another son, my eldest, but he works with his father as an architect, so you'll have to meet him later." Su said as the group walked on.
They eventually came to a young lady with dark blue hair and bright green eyes. She wore green robe like everyone else and was reading a book.
"This is my daughter Opal." Su said.
Opal saw Bara and put her book down before running over and hugging the Earth Avatar. "Bara!"
Bara returned the hug. "It's good to see you Opal."
He then parted and introduced his friends. "That's Prince Iroh a General and Ambassador from the Fire Nation and this is Avatar Korra."
"I can't believe you are really here. You are really amazing." Opal said.
"This is Bolin." Bara said.
"Opal is a beautiful name." Bolin complimented.
Opal blushed, "Thanks."
"Those two are Asami and Mako." Bara finished.
"Great, now that's out of the way, let's get her to the air ship and get out of here." Lin stated walking forward.
"And the woman trying to abduct you is your Aunt Lin." Su said.
Opal happily said, "Really, I always wanted to meet you. My mom has told me so many stories about you."
Su said, "I've set you all up in the guest house while Bara trains Opal."
"Actually Su, I was hoping Opal could train with all the other nomads at the Northern Air Temple." Bara stated.
Opal happily said, "That sounds amazing."
"Non-sense. This is where Opal's home and family are. You can train her here." Su stated.
"I suppose it has been some time since I've been in Zoafu, and I could help her get started." Bara stated.
"Bara would make a great teacher." Korra added.
"Absolutely not. We're leaving." Beifong firmly stated.
"She's just worried because the Red Lotus are after me and Korra." Bara stated.
"They are." Su said worriedly
Bara knew why. "My uncle told me the story. I managed to get it sorted thanks to Korra.
Su smiled, "Then there's nothing else to really worry about. This is the safest city in the world. Now, I'll see you all at dinner." She began walking away. "Come hungry. My chief will blow the taste buds right out of your mouth."
"Why do you have such a problem with your sister? She seems nice." Korra questioned. "We can stay a little while."
Beifong growled.
Evening
Bara stood with Opal. "The key to Air Bending is to be light on your feet and move like a leaf. Air Benders always try to find the path of least resistance." Opal nodded. "Now here's a simple stance.
Keep your elbows in, torso straight, feet just skimming the ground. Try it with me." Opal copied the stance. "Good now rotate with me clockwise and copy my movements."
They began to go around before creating air that swirled around them. They then kept going around as the wind they made spun with them.
"You're a natural Opal. I knew you getting Air Bending made a lot of sense." Bara praised.
"You really think so? Thanks." Opal happily said.
They soon began going counter clockwise.
Air Temple Island
The new Nomads were going through the gates and failing. Yorru does it and greatly succeeds. Kya then comes in and says that Tenzin wants them to join him and the other benders at the Northern Air Temple. Yorru asks about the Avatars. Kya simply explains that they are not with him having split off. He says that's a shame since he was looking forward to meeting them.
Zoafu
Everyone sat down to dinner as a man and what appeared to be his son because they looked so much alike stopped in the doorway. "Sorry hun, we're going to have to take dinner in the office. Me and Baatar Junior managed to get a major breakthrough on the tram station remodel."
"Don't let me stand in the way of inspiration." Su said.
Baatar Junior said, "You're the best mom."
They ran off.
"Those two are very hard workers." Su stated to Korra.
"Five kids, what a nightmare." Lin stated.
Su said, "No, my children are a blessing."
Beifong retorts. "Mom used to say that to, but she never meant it."
Bolin said, "You know I was skeptical when he said pea tendril, but this is delicious."
Opal said, "I know right. I don't think I've ever had a bad meal in my life."
"Oh, I had plenty when me an Mako were living in the streets. You'd be surprised how bad food from a dumpster can be." Bolin stated.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Opal sadly said.
Bolin shook his head. "No, things are great now. I got to be a Pro-Bender, help fight a revolution, got to be a mover star, fight the end of the world, and now I'm helping the Avatars reform a nation."
"Your life sounds amazing." Opal stated in wonder.
"How has your search been going?" Su asked.
"It's been decent. We got the information out there, and got our first recruit few weeks in." Bara began.
Korra finished, "But then we had to free a whole group of Air Benders the Earth Queen had captive."
Bara held up his finger. "Su, Lords, Kings, Queens, and Chiefs have their place. If your unhappy with how things are run, then attempt to guide the next one down a better path or back the better leader. A democracy is not the answer for everywhere."
Su smiled, "You always do know when I'm going to say such a thing."
"I agree with Bara. Take Prince Iroh. I think he'll make a fine Fire Lord." Korra stated.
Iroh nodded, "Thank you both. I will be sure to lead my people as my grandfather and mother have before me."
To everyone's surprise, Varrick entered followed by Zhu Li. "Sorry we're late everyone."
Bolin happily said, "Varrick."
Asami asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Great question Asami. I mean, what are any of us doing here? Wow, food for thought." Varrick replied. "Any who, how's our company doing?"
"You mean my company. Future industries reverted back to me after you plotted to abduct the president." Asami replied miffed.
"Allegedly plotted. Never convicted." Varrick corrected.
"That's because you broke out of prison." Mako stated.
Varrick said, "No, the universe decided to set me free. I then looked up my old friend Su Yin here, pitched her a few ideas, and we're in business."
Su said, "Varrick's heading up my new technology department."
Varrick said, "I've seen the future, and its magnets. I'm working on a new hi-speed rail that will revolutionize transportation and shipping as we know it. That's not all…"
"That's enough." Beifong got up. "I'm trying to keep the Avatars safe, and your harboring a criminal."
"I would never harm the Avatars. I love those guys." Varrick replied.
"Ease up Lin. Yes, Varrick has made some mistakes in his past, but it doesn't mean he should pay for it the rest of his life. My chef was a pirate, but now he's a culinary master. People change." Su assured.
"You haven't." Lin argued before knocking her chair over and leaving.
Guy's Guest House
Bara and Iroh were coming to the end of another game of Pi Sho. "Iroh, after this you want to come and meet Hong Li? He should be getting done with his shift about now if I'm remembering the schedule Iwai showed me."
"He's a guard?" Iroh questioned.
"He is now." Bara chuckled. "We used to pretend to be guards of Zoafu when were younger and would arrest Huan for creating to many fruits. Whenever we weren't doing that, we'd patrol the Yin household or train together. In fact, he was my main partner for training."
"I would be delighted to meet him." Iroh said.
Mako dragged Bolin into the guest house and right to Bara. "Okay, now ask."
Bara raised and eye brow. "What's going on you two?"
Bolin said, "I-It's just…" He sighed. "Look I think I really like Opal. She's so sweet, nice, and super pretty, and you know her… I was kind of hoping you could give me some tips, so I didn't screw it up." Bara couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, I'm being serious here."
Bara shook his head. "I know you are but have neither of you realize it. Opal's pretty taken with Bolin to."
"She is?" Bolin asked surprised.
"Yeah man, she is. She blushes every time you give her a compliment and she was frazzled when she first met you. My advice, she likes you, so just be you. I mean that's what me and Korra do, and it seems to work well enough." Bara replied.
Bolin nodded. "Thanks Bara." He then turned to Mako. "Do you have any last-minute advice?"
Mako thought about it. "Try taking some calming breathes before you talk to here. If your tense, you may revert to a front."
Bolin nodded. "General Iroh?"
Iroh shrugged, "Treat the lady with respect. She is not an object to win."
Bolin nodded absorbing the information. "Thanks guys. Wish me luck."
"Luck." All three said.
"Come on, I mean good luck." Bolin stated exasperated.
"Then you should have asked us to wish you good luck." Mako simply replied.
Bolin sighed and left.
With Korra
She was with Su in her office admiring the model of Zoafu. Su explains that she wanted to make her mark. Korra thanks her for being so welcoming and asks what happened between her and Lin.
They didn't have a normal childhood. Neither knew their father and Toph was busy as the chief of police. Toph lived in a strict house, so she gave them all the freedom. Lin became an officer and Su was more of a rebel.
When she was 16 she left home to explore the world. She sailed with a pirate crew, joined a traveling circus, and lived in a Sand Bender Commune. Eventually she realized she wanted her own family.
She bought a plot of land, found an architect who later became her husband, and created a place she could call home. She always wanted Lin to be a part of it, but she gave up long ago. Korra becomes thoughtful.
With Bara and Iroh
They were walking the streets when Bara said, "There he is. He looks exactly like the photo. Hey Hong Li!"
Hong Li had slightly messy, short black hair, gray pupils, a little under the normal build for most guards, and he wore the standard uniform of a green short sleeved shirt over a black long-sleeved shirt with tan pants.
Hong Li smiled, "Hey Bara, I was just on my way to Su's house to see you."
He ran over and Bara said, "You were looking for me, huh? We'll get to why in a minute, but first I'd like you to meet Prince Iroh a top general in the Fire Nation army and ambassador."
Iroh extended his hand and Hong Li took it shaking it. "Pleasure to meet you. I admire your grandfather greatly."
Iroh smiled. "He'll be pleased to hear that."
Hong Li turned to Bara. "Now Bara, I was hoping I could get a favor from you."
"Anything man. What is it?" Bara asked.
"Could you introduce me to that girl with the raven black hair and bright green eyes?" Hong Li asked blushing. "I saw when you guys entered the Yin household, and she took my breathe away."
"It sounds to me like your friend here was quite smitten with her." Iroh stated.
Bara thought about it and smiled. "I'll do it, on one condition. The three of us go harass Huan like old time."
Hong Li asked, "Are you sure the prince would be up for that?"
"From what I heard, it's a fun experience. I'm more than happy to try it." Iroh said.
Hong Li smiled, "Well then, it's a deal."
The three of them walked towards the statue area.
Air Temple Island
Yorru enters Tenzin's office and opens a locket 'Let go your earthly tether. Enter the Void. Empty and become wind'. Ikki finds him. No one is allowed to be in the study except Tenzin. He apologizes saying he couldn't sleep. She asks what he was reading.
It's a poem by Guru Laghima who was the wisest Air Bender that ever lived. Kya enters and tells Ikki she should be in bed. She then begins questioning Yorru about his knowledge of Air Nomad history and how he seems like such a natural Air Bender.
Kya knows he is Zaheer. They fight with Zaheer taking a glider and attempting to get away. She pulls him back down calling for help. They continue to fight until he knocks her down. Two White Lotus members come, but he knocks them out.
Kya gets back up, but Zaheer hits her with his air again, and she slowly loses consciousness. Zaheer escapes with the glider and locket. He's off to continue hunting the Avatars.
Zoafu, Statue Area
Iroh, Bara, and Hong Li approached Huan.
"Huan, you are under arrest for creating to many statues of fruit." Hong Li began.
Bara said, "Your biggest crime is this new statue which can be classified as an orange or banana depending on who looks at it."
"Come quietly, and we'll see about getting you a reduced sentence." Iroh finished.
Huan turned around and angrily said, "Seriously, why did you have to come back? I've enjoyed my years of peace." He looked at Iroh and Hong Li. "Why are you two even helping him."
Bara leaned on him with a smile. "Come on, you know you like having me around. It's just too easy messing with you."
Huan grumbled.
"You know, you used to be such a cute kid. What ever happened to that?" Bara asked.
Huan said, "Just leave me alone."
Iroh pined his arms behind his back. "Sorry, we can't. You're under arrest for creating too many fruits."
He led him over to a pole and Hong Li bent metal around him pinning him to the pole.
Huan tried to struggle free. "Seriously, this not funny."
They began walking away as Bara said, "We'll come for you in the morning… Maybe. We might eat breakfast first.
Huan yelled. "Somebody, get me down from here."
On the Way to the Guest Houses
"Despite his insistences, he has missed you Bara." Hong Li confirmed.
Bara said, "Yeah I know, and I've missed arresting him."
"I will admit that that was as fun as you said it'd be." Iroh confirmed.
"Enough focusing on that. It's time I held up my end of the bargain." Bara stated.
With Bolin
Bolin nervously passed back and forth as he took deep calming breathes.
"What are you doing Bolin?" Opal asked from atop the wall having hoped up there when she saw noticed the Earth Bender pacing past the doorway.
Bolin jumped back in surprise. "Oh, uh… I was uh." She jumped down from the wall. "Look I… I really like you, and I'm not sure if you like me. Your just so sweet, pretty, nice, pretty, and pretty, and I was…"
Opal kissed Bolin on the cheek shutting him up. "I like you to Bolin." They stared into each other's eyes until Korra cleared her throat. "Oh, hi Korra."
"Could I steal you away from Bolin for a moment? I need your help with something." Korra asked.
Opal waved at Bolon as she left with Korra.
Asami's Guest House
Bara knocked on the door and Asami answered. "Hey Bara and Iroh, is something going on?"
Bara brought Hong Li forward. "Asami, this is an old friend of mine. His name is Hong Li, and he says he was quite smitten when he saw you with us."
Hong Li gulped, "I just, I think your pretty, and I want to get a chance to know you. Please say that you'll agree to take a walk with me. I know a wonderful park around here."
Asami couldn't help but giggle at his awkwardness. "Alright, I can agree to a walk. If your Bara's friend, then your most likely a decent guy."
Asami walked out of the house and took Hong Li's arm leading him away. "Wait, is this really happening."
Bara rolled his eyes and shook his head. "He'll be just fine."
Iroh said, "With nothing better to do, we could spar?"
Bara smiled, "You just read my mind man. Come on, let's go get Mako. Then we can have a great Fire Bending spar."
With Korra
Korra brings Opal to Lin trying to get through her hard exterior. Opal has heard so many great things from her mom and grandma Toph. She was sad that Lin didn't want to get to know her.
She knows her family can be crazy and over whelming, but she would love for Lin to be a part of it. Lin snaps at her sending Opal away in tears. Korra says that Su is right. She'll always be a lonely, bitter old woman before leaving Lin who sheds tears.
Lelouch of Zero: Man, having Bara's foreknowledge of the Earth Queen and how she runs things certainly has saved them lots of trouble already. I like your description of the differences and similarities between our avatar couple, certainly better than them both being good at the same things. I personally have always preferred technique over power myself. That said power is still nice, so it's good the two of them have both even in different proportions. Gives balance between our balance keepers.
Quillion9000: I do my best.
Lelouch of Zero: It's good to see Bara can still use his infamous level headedness to push through the worst of it for the time being. Like Mako and Bolin, I find it hard to see Bara, as strong as he is, in such a vulnerable state even if only for a short while. I hope to see Yu return one day even stronger than before, he already knows it's possible to water bend without any arms and he still has one left, so he already has a head start. Good or bad this is a lot of really interesting backstory we're finally getting in this book.
Quillion9000: Hopefully you understand why I didn't touch upon this back story earlier. As for Yu, he will be returning in due time. I mean, he did go with the Air Benders, so he'll be involved in their episode. In a big way.
PM: Gerden360: Subject: Two avatars idea
Its up to you but I think it would be a good idea for Yu to get a water arm
don't reply I want it to be a surprise either way
Good luck writing : )
Quillion9000: I like to keep things a surprise, so you'll see once I post 'The Original Air Benders' chapter.