Hey all. One more week until I go back to college so...yeah. Preparing myself for the headaches and stress. Anywho, Stat Chart:
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The Northern troops immediately get to work, blockading the docks. From a balcony overlooking the city, Korra, Akira, and Unalaq stand watching.
"Uncle, why did you bring your troops down from the North?" Korra asks.
"Now that you've opened the Southern portal, we need to protect it from people who would do the spirits harm."
"But, aren't the spirits capable of defending themselves?"
"You're correct, but they can only do so much on their own. Besides, I need you for something more important. There is another portal in the North. Once you open it, spirits and man will be able to move freely between the North and the South in a matter of seconds."
"But the solstice is over, how am I going to open it?"
"The spiritual energy is much stronger in the North. And now that you've opened the Southern portal, your energy is stronger as well."
"With both portals open, the tribes will be united again." Korra suggests.
"The world will be united again."
At the Air Temple, Tenzin, Pema, Kya, and Amako sit around relaxing. Amako and Kya sit next to each other on a boulder, feeding a trio of lemurs.
"Ahh, I haven't felt this at peace since-" Tenzin begins, only to be interrupted by Bumi shouting, "Wahoo!"
"And it's over."
Bumi jumps onto the boulder Kya is on and exclaims, "Good morning, universe!"
Kya covers her eyes and says, "Bumi, please. Cover yourself."
Bumi ignores his sister and looks at Tenzin. "Well, lookee here. 'Vacation Tenzin' has finally decided to join us."
"Yes, he has." Tenzin remarks, taking Rohan from Pema. "It's so nice to get to spend more time with my family. Isn't that right, my little Rohan? And I've really enjoyed having you two around. Reminds me of all those great vacations we took as kids with Dad."
"Uh, I think your memory is a little foggy. Bumi and I weren't on those great vacations. It was always just you and Dad." Kya remarks, causing Amako to take her hand.
"No, that can't be right. What about the time he took us to Kyoshi Island to ride the elephant-koi?"
"Nope. We weren't there."
"Hmm. Oh, remember Ember Island? Those amazing sand palaces we built on the beach?"
Bumi answers this time, "You mean you built. We never saw the place. Unless we were going with the Akarui Family."
"I could've sworn-"
Before Tenzin can continue his thought two of his kids come riding in on air scooters, Jinora and Meelo.
"Morning, kids." Bumi greets, the three hopping down from the boulder.
"Morning Uncle Bumi." Meelo greets. "Do you have a baby in there?"
Everyone laughs, but Pema soon stops and notices someone missing. "Where's your sister?" She asks.
"Who?" Jinora inquires,
Pema stands up and approaches her kids saying, "Ikki, about this tall, talks real fast. I'm sure you know her."
Jinora trails an, "Uh..." and Meelo changes the subject. "There was a lemur fight, but the bison told us not to worry because a giant was coming. Then we almost got eaten by a shark-squid."
Bumi seems nervous about the mention of the shark-squid.
"The shark-squid? He's here? It appears my old nemesis has found me."
"Your nemesis is a shark-squid?" Amako asks, receiving no answer.
Pema crosses her arms and asks her kids, "Jinora, were you and Meelo teasing your sister again?"
"I don't know…maybe…yes." Jinora answers, looking down.
"She ran away." Meelo inputs.
Tenzin walks up behind his wife as exclaims, "Honestly, I don't know why you kids can't just get along!"
"It's all right, dear. Ikki couldn't have gone far." He hands Pema Rohan back. "I'll find her."
Bumi then salutes, saying, "Commander Bumi reporting for duty! Search-and-rescue missions are my specialty."
"What do you say we all go together?" Kya suggests.
"Sure. I could use the help."
Before anything else happens though, Bumi points to Meelo and tells the kid, "When I get back, we'll come up with a plan to take down that shark-squid once and for all."
Meelo excitedly replies, "Yeah!"
After a few days had passed, Southern Water Tribe members gather in Tonraq's home to discuss the effects the invasion of soldiers and blockade were having. Akira sits beside Korra, who sits next to her parents.
Tonraq begins the meeting. "Thank you for coming, everyone. I know these last few days have been very troubling."
Varrick cuts him off immediately exclaiming, "Troubling? Troubling is when I get that itchy rash that won't go away and Zhu Li's not around to scratch it. This is shocking. Nay, sickening!" Varrick then throws the plate on the ground, shattering it. "But these kale cookies? Opposite. Remind me to get the recipe later." He whispers to Zhu Li.
"What's your point, Varrick?" Tonraq asks.
"My point is, Unalaq's already booted our chieftains out of their palace. How long before he starts telling us what kind of cookies we can eat?" This time Varrick throws a cookie aside.
"Probably a couple of days." Zhu Li answers.
"Rhetorical question, Zhu Li, you gotta keep up. Not to mention I've got a cargo ship full of halibut that's rotting, thanks to this harbor lockdown. Who wants to buy a ship full of stinking fish!?" And he breaks another plate…"Seriously, it's not rhetorical. I need to sell these fish."
"Chief Unalaq is here to help the South. He wants to show us how to restore balance with the spirits, so they'll stop attacking." Korra interjects, standing up next to Varrick.
"The only spirit I'm interested in restoring is our spirit of independence! Am I right, people?"
The gathered occupants cheer in support.
"All Unalaq is trying to do is make our tribes unified again."
"No, he wants control of our wealth. My wealth. And I like my wealth! If Unalaq doesn't pull his forces out, then we have no choice but to fight for our freedom!"
"You want to start a war? Are you crazy?"
"Unalaq started this, not us." Tonraq states, standing up as well. "I'm sorry. Maybe you could speak with your uncle. Tell him how frustrated we all are. He'll listen to what the Avatar has to say. Do it for me?"
Korra lets out a sigh saying, "I'll do it for the tribe," in a soft tone. "Akira, wanna come with?"
"I'll catch up to you later. I'll tell you how the rest of the meeting goes."
"Okay. See you later."
Korra leaves, shutting the door behind her.
"I cannot stop eating these things." Varrick says to Zhu Li, quickly turning his attention to Tonraq. "Look, we all know where this conflict is heading. We need to start preparing for war."
After the meeting goes on for another hour it begins to get repetitive, causing Akira to leave. He wanders around the tribe for a while, even bumping into Mako who tells him about him and Bolin wanting everyone to get together for dinner. Akira lets Mako know he'll tell Korra if he sees her. He then continues walking around until stumbling upon two groups of Waterbenders ready to attack. Surprisingly, Korra makes an appearance too. Akira moves forward to get a read on the situation.
"Tell these thugs to go back to the North. They're not welcome here anymore." A Southern Waterbender says.
"These Southerners need to stay in line." The Northern Soldier says.
"Everyone, calm down. You're all part of the same tribe. Start acting like it." Korra says, failing to calm the situation down.
"You're taking their side? We thought you were one of us." The Southern Waterbender responds.
"I'm not taking anyone's side."
From the sidelines, Akira blasts a snowball out of the air and shakes his finger at the girl who threw it.
"Rude." He remarks, walking over to Korra. Tonraq approaches as well and says, "Everyone, walk away from this. They're not worth our trouble. Go back to your homes."
The Southern Waterbenders lay down the water and walk away.
"Move it soldiers." Akira commands. "Or I'll be having a word with Chief Unalaq."
The Northern Soldiers lay down their water and slightly bow their heads before walking away as well.
"Well…that could've gone better." Akira remarks once they're out of earshot.
"I know. Thanks for the help dad." Korra says.
"Of course."
"Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to Korra for a moment."
"I'll see you two around then." Tonraq replies, walking away.
"Hop on up." Korra ushers, letting Akira climb up onto Naga. "What do we need to talk about?"
"Mako wants us to join him and Bolin for dinner."
"Huh, alright. Just the four of us?"
"I think so. Just a little Team Avatar get together"
"Alright. Let's go tell Mako we'll take him up on the offer."
"I think he said he was going back to the huts, last time I saw him which wasn't long ago."
"Perfect."
The two ride Naga to the huts Team Avatar and Co. are staying at and do indeed find Mako there. They let him know they'd be glad to be a part of the get together. With that taken care of, the Firebender and young Avatar retreat to their own hut and take a load off.
"I hope the next day isn't as exhausting as this one." Korra states, leaning against Naga while Akira looks at the book options.
"It probably will be. We're trying to prevent a civil war. I can imagine things'll get more difficult."
"Thanks. That's just what I want to hear."
Akira chuckles as he picks up a book. "Don't worry. Even if a civil war does break out, I'll help you in any way I can."
"You and I against a nation?"
"And Asami, Mako, Bolin, Hao, Apollos, and a lot of our friends and family. I'm sure we'll be fine."
Korra lets out a chuckle, relaxing as Akira sits beside her.
"I hope so."
"Why don't you take a nap before we go off to eat dinner."
"Yeah. That's a good idea."
Korra leans her head against Akira, who gives the top of it a loving kiss as he starts reading the book.
A few hours later and the two head off to meet the brothers at the designated restaurant. To Korra, Mako, and Akira's disbelief, Bolin is followed by Eska and Desna.
Bolin gives an uncomfortable laugh as he says, "Isn't this fun, huh? We never get to spend enough time together, just the...five of us. So fun."
"Excuse us while we retrieve more sustenance." Eska states, standing up with her brother and leave to do just that.
"You guys gotta save me." Bolin begs.
"I thought you were breaking up with her. What happened to ripping off the leech?" Mako asks.
"I tried! But anytime I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice and feed me to dolphin-piranhas!"
"So it was more like you tugged at the leech."
"Yes, over and over and over, but it won't come off. Why didn't you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?" Bolin asks Korra.
"Uh...'cos I thought it was pretty obvious?"
"No, no, not to me, it wasn't. I'm very bad at reading people. You should know that by now. Oh, man. Oh...do something, Avatar!"
Unfortunately, Korra has no idea how to help Bolin at the moment.
After the dinner event, Korra and Akira return to their hut. Surprisingly, Senna is waiting on the couch.
"Is something wrong? Did Dad send you?"
"Your father doesn't know I'm here. I came by to see how you've been doing. Tonraq told me you know about his past."
"Yeah. I'm still iffy on how I feel about that."
While the daughter and mother talk, Akira walks off into the other room to give them privacy. A few minutes later he hears footsteps run outside. He steps back into the living room to see Senna with a worried look on her face.
"What happened?" Akira asks.
"Korra went to save Unalaq from rebels. Oh, I hope she'll be ok."
"Hmm. Why don't we get you back home, you can tell me everything on the way there."
On the way Senna fills Akira in on the situation. Apparently Varrick had begun plotting a rebellion, and Korra suspected her father had a part of it. She had left before Senna could tell her otherwise.
As the two make it to their family's home they settle down for the night. Akira stays up though, keeping watch of the house through the rest of the night.
As day breaks a civilian tells Akira about what happened. He relays the information to Senna and Tonraq. The two then invite him to eat with them. He accepts and a third small table is placed in front of him. He's given a small serving of salt and fish, a bowl of rice, a bowl of noodles, and a cup of water.
After everything is ready Korra opens the front door.
"Is it okay if I come in?" She asks.
"Of course. We heard what happened, are you okay?" Senna responds.
Korra speaks no words, instead walking over to her father, kneeling, and giving him a hug.
"I'm so glad you weren't there. I don't know what I would have done."
"I had no idea how far Varrick was willing to go. My brother and I have our differences, but I would never attack him."
"I'm sorry for thinking you had anything to do with the rebels. I should've known better, despite my conflicting feelings."
"I'm the one who should apologize. After I saw The Southern Lights return, I was so proud of you. I never should have held you back."
Senna speaks up and says, "When your father and I found each other, all we wanted was to live a simple life and raise a family. But then we discovered you were the Avatar, and simple was over. We knew one day the world would need you, and you wouldn't need us anymore."
"Mom, Dad, of course I still need you."
The family gather and embrace each other. Even Akira is pulled into the family hug.
The tender moment is interrupted by Unalaq and a group of Northern Soldiers.
"We weren't expecting you." Tonraq greets him.
Unalaq doesn't waste time mincing words, declaring, "Tonraq, Senna, you are under arrest and will stand trial."
"Trial? For what?"
"For conspiring to assassinate me."
Korra and Akira can only stand by in helplessness and surprise respectively as Tonraq and Senna are loaded into an armored truck.
"You're making a big mistake. I was with them the whole night." Akira protests.
"I wish it hadn't come to this. But they held meetings with the rebels, right here in their home."
"I can't believe you're doing this to your own family." Korra inputs.
"Rest assured, I've appointed Judge Hotah to oversee the trial. He is the most fair and honorable man I know. Additionally, with you being a witness, your input will be crucial."
"It had better be." Akira nearly growls.
Soon, the trial takes place. Akira stands with Korra to support her, only leaving her side to give his testimony. Eventually, Korra goes up on the stand. After saying her piece Judge Hotah leaves to make his decision.
After a few tense minutes, Judge Hotah returns. He declares Senna innocent and free to go, and she runs over to her daughter and embraces her. The other men though, get sentenced to life in prison.
Korra, Senna, and Akira return to the igloo. Akira helps Senna clean up the dishes, but the older woman soon starts to cry. Korra hugs her mother and comforts her.
"It's ok, Mom." She says.
"I-I hate feeling so helpless."
"I know."
Akira sees Korra get a determined look on her face. He pulls her aside and tells her, "I can watch over Senna. Do what you need to do."
Korra gives Akira a steady nod and runs out the front door, closing it behind her.
After having searched for Ikki for hours, and dealing with family drama, Bumi, Kya, and Amako head back to the temple grounds.
Amako decides to make a phone call, waiting for the other person as the phone rings.
"Hello?" Amai answers.
"Hi, Mom."
"Amako? How's it going? How're the Air temples?"
"They're…interesting."
"Interestingly boring I bet."
"Nah, it's got its own charm."
"If you say so. What's the occasion for the phone call? Surely it's not just to tell me about how dull the temple is."
"Well, no. Tenzin and his siblings are having a bit of a spat and…"
"You thought you'd call me?"
"Yeah. I guess I'm already a bit homesick. Weird, right?"
"No, not really. Us Akaruis are a close knit family. A bit opposite of Tenzin and his. I'm not one to speak ill of the dead, but Aang could have done a much better job on that front."
"What should I do? Do you think I should intervene or something?"
"Just take it easy. I'm sure they'll sort it out. If not, just be there and help where you can."
"Alright. How're things in Republic City?"
"Things are business as usual. Hao and Lin have been spending a lot of time together. It's good to see her with someone after the break up."
The mother and daughter continue talking for a lengthy amount of time before hanging up. Feeling better, Amako finds Kya and hears about the little meeting with Bumi. The Firebender gives her girlfriend a kiss, enjoying the quality time together.
And that's a wrap for this chapter. Hope you enjoyed. I changed things up a bit so...yeah
Reviews would be appreciated
Anyways stay awesome guys and gals of the world, and I'll see you next chapter