Hey all. Someone PMed me and asked for a family tree. I decided to go the easier route and put it in my Profile as a link to a Google Spreadsheet. Now, Stat Chart:
Reviewers:
NinjazNeverDie (Well yeah, prostitution has it's downsides, especially since she's been running a brothel for a while and has grown used to her own style of life. And yes, she is pregnant. Akira is the father. This is secret though)
Views:
3,521+
On with the chapter! We got an extra long one today. Got some awkward conversation, freeing of Airbenders, and arriving at the Metal Clan. Forwards henceforth!
Akira watches form the side as Asami helps Korra let off some steam. As Korra is punching at the arm paddings she rants, "I know that Earth Queen is lying to me! I can tell by that stupid little queenie smirk of hers! And I can't believe I helped her! I should have known she was using me!"
With one last kick, one of Asami's arm pads flies off.
"Whoa! Hey! I think I could use a break. You letting off steam is starting to...hurt. A lot."
"Sorry." Korra apologizes.
"You should see the bruises I get from our spars." Akira jokes.
Pabu suddenly scurries over a few feet looking at something, or someone. The three see Mako, Bolin, and Tamayo running over to them.
"Mako! Bolin!" Asami exclaims.
"Tamayo!" Akira shouts.
Mako and Bolin stop to catch their breath while Tamayo runs into Akira, using him as a resting post and nearly collapsing.
"Sorry. We sprinted from the trainyard to here." She states. "Man I am out of breath."
"It's ok. We were worried. Where were you guys?"
Bolin then spurts out a quick synopsis of what happened. "We chased Kai. Train. Slipped away. Lower Ring. Slept in trash pile. Met our family! Grandma tears. Mako's scarf. Earth Queen...lying."
"Can you interpret that?" Asami asks Mako.
Mako makes a more rational answer. "The Earth Queen's been secretly taking Airbenders, and forcing them into her army."
"She was lying! I knew it! I swear the next time I see her-" Korra starts, quickly being interrupted by Asami whispering, "It's the Queen."
The group look to see the Earth Queen and Gun approaching them.
"Quick! Pabu, shirt!" Bolin orders.
The Fire Ferret jumps in, annoyed by the sweat.
"I know. Sorry. Kinda sweaty."
Queen Hou-Ting and Gun then make it to the group and says, 'Good. You're here. Gun, tell her the news."
"We've received word from the Yang province. There have been reports of Airbenders there."
"Wonderful, isn't it? It's the very thing you've been looking for."
Korra does her best to force enthusiasm. "Thank you. That is just the most wonderful news. Ever. Yay."
Tamayo moves to slap her forehead but is stopped by Akira.
"So, I assume you and your...friends," Queen Hou-Ting begins, looking at Bolin's expanded shirt oddly, "here will be leaving immediately-ahhh ah choo! Ah choo! Ahhh choo!" She then grabs Gun by the collar and demands, "Is there an animal in my presence?!"
"No, Your Majesty. I would never allow an animal near you!"
Bolin discreetly makes his exit.
"If I find one within fifty feet of me, it's your head." She then addresses Team Avatar and says, "Anyway, if you need any assistance packing, let Gun know. He'll see to it that you're on your way. By evening."
"Err...this evening?" Korra asks. "I'm not sure about leaving so soon..."
"Because our airship is having engine trouble. It'll take me until tomorrow to finish the repairs." Asami adds in.
Queen Hou-Ting sneezes as she leaves, leaving Team Avatar to themselves.
"Thanks for buying us some time." Korra thanks Asami.
From there the team returns to their temporary abode and inform everyone else about the information. Tamayo pulls Akira away to her room though, wanting to talk to him.
"So, what was so important that you couldn't tell me in front of the others?" He asks.
"When Mako, Bolin, and I were stuck in Ba Sing Se I decided to use my…skills to help obtain yuan."
"Tamayo…you didn't…"
"I just wanted to let you know. Thought you deserved to."
"Are you ok? Did they hurt you at all?"
"I'm fine. I was just thinking it's time to retire from taking clients. That doesn't mean I won't be taking your tickets though."
"Well I'm glad you told me about this. I'd hate to have something happen to you."
Tamayo smiles in happiness. "Could you…spend some time with me?"
"Uh, shouldn't I get back to the others?"
"Oh. Of course. Sorry. It's just, you just make me feel…you should go and learn what the plan is."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I'm just being…just go."
"Alright."
Akira hesitates for a second before leaving the room. Tamayo flops onto her bed and lets out a groan.
Why am I being hit with feelings like this when I'm in my thirties. I thought they'd have come years before. Well, they did but…they didn't last long, did they.
A knocking on the door is soon heard. Surprised, Tamayo opens it and Akira steps in.
"I thought you were going to be working with the others." She says in surprise.
Akira shuts the door behind him and responds, "I told them you weren't feeling well, and I'd help take care of you until it's time to attack. Mako seemed to understand and supported my choice."
"And Korra?"
"Well, we may have told them a short description of what happened. She seemed fine with me giving you a bit of attention."
"That's…generous of her."
"Now come on. You deserve a nice bath after a day in the Lower ring."
"I definitely deserve a lot more than that."
While Tamayo undresses, Akira looks through the drawers and sees basic Earth Kingdom robes.
"Want me to grab you some clean attire?" He offers.
"Nah. I'll change clothes later."
"That's gross."
"I don't want you leaving, and I'm not wearing that, so deal with it."
"Alright, fine."
"Now get undressed and join me in the bath."
Akira does so, sitting behind Tamayo in the warm water. He then begins scrubbing her back, then arms, then wraps his arms around her to scrub her abdomen.
Tamayo takes his hands and brings them up to her breasts.
"Playful little minx." Akira responds.
"What can I say, I like the way you hold me."
"Of course you do."
Akira finishes scrubbing Tamayo's body and moves to her head, placing a bit of shampoo in his hand before scratching it into her scalp. Tamayo sighs in delight. Akira grabs the washing bowl, scoops up some water, and pours it over Tamayo. He does this once more, making sure all the suds are gone.
"Now it's your turn to get cleaned up." Tamayo states.
"Okay."
Akira turns around and sits still as Tamayo begins scrubbing him. She doesn't pull anything funny this time, just lightly humming as she cleans him up. A few minutes later and the bath bowl pours water over his head.
Both occupants of the bath then stand up and start to get out. Akira drains the bath while Tamayo begins drying herself.
"I like these little moments we have." She states.
"Me too. They're nice, relaxing."
Tamayo stops drying herself and looks thoughtful, as if trying to find the right words.
"I'd like to…tell you…that…you're…a very loving person. Thank you."
"Uh, ok?" Akira says as he grabs a towel and begins drying himself off.
"You make me feel…loved. That I'm…a better person."
"Hey, are you feeling alright?"
"Yes! Uh, yes."
"I feel like we should talk. Come on, let's get dressed and sit on the bed."
Tamayo nods her head in agreement.
The two find themselves sitting on the bed, dressed, and ready to talk.
"I'm not very good with words of affection, so I apologize in advance." Tamayo says.
"it's fine. You can take you time."
Tamayo smile and says, "Since I've…developed these feelings…you and Korra have been very understanding. I know before Tamako and I were reclusive in our business, and it took a while for all of us to get to where we are now. I…don't feel the usual dull emotions when I'm around you. I feel…warm."
Tamayo stops and waits for Akira to respond. He just gives her a nod, letting her continue.
"I…thank you."
Akira gently grunts in response.
Tamayo lays them down on the bed, holding his face a few inches away. She soon grows weary though, closing her eyes and falling asleep.
Akira watches as Tamayo's breath evens out as she falls asleep. He carefully gets up and leaves the room, noticing there are two new arrivals, Lin and Hao.
"We need to get Korra out of here immediately. Her life's in danger." Lin states.
Hao notices Akira and waves to him. He returns the gesture and walks downstairs as Korra responds, "What? What's going on?"
"I just got word from Lord Zuko and Tonraq." Lin says to Tenzin, ignoring Korra.
"Why is Lord Zuko with my Dad?" Korra asks.
Lin once again ignores her, saying, "Zaheer and the others have escaped."
Tenzin seems surprised and shocked by the news. "How is that possible?"
"Because our favorite terrorist is an Airbender now." Hao answers.
"No."
"Alright, hold on." Korra interjects. "Will you quit ignoring me and tell me what's going on? Who's Zaheer? Why is my life in danger?"
Tenzin answers, "Shortly after we found out you were the Avatar, Zaheer and three others attempted to kidnap you. Luckily, your father, Lord Zuko, Chief Sokka, Lady Yumi, and I were there to stop them. We apprehended the criminals and locked them away in prisons designed to impair their abilities."
"So that's why you and my Dad sheltered me away."
"It was for your own safety."
Mako then asks, "Why were they trying to kidnap Korra?"
"We spent thirteen years interrogating them, but they never broke. To this day, no one knows what their motive was." Lin answers, turning her attention to Korra. "Now we need to get you back to Republic City where I can protect you."
"No. I'm not running."
Lin tries to calm herself as she replies, "Korra, you don't understand. These criminals are like nothing you've ever faced before."
"Look, I'm not a little kid any more. You don't need to protect me. I came here for one thing, to find Airbenders, and I'm not leaving without them."
"Fine. Let's get them and get out of here. Where are they?"
"In a military compound, and we're busting them out."
"Sounds like fun." Hao comments. "So, what's the plan?"
The strike team would consist of Jinora, Korra, Mako, Bolin, Tenzin, Bumi, and Tamayo.
The rest of the group would be with the airship and Oogi, ready to help with a quick getaway.
The Strike Team manage to successfully infiltrate the building and make their way underground.
"Bumi and Korra, you two will come with me to find the Airbenders." Tenzin says. "You four find Kai. We'll meet on the surface shortly. Radio us if anything goes wrong."
The two teams split up and begin their searching for their targets.
Mako, Bolin, Tamayo, and Jinora manage to find Kai in a cell. They open the door with ease, freeing the boy.
"C'mon. We're getting you out." Mako states.
Jinora exclaims Kai's name, squeezing through the brothers and hugging the boy. She then gives him a kiss on the cheek, surprising everyone.
"Whoa oh! Tenzin is not going to be happy about this." Bolin says.
Mako responds, "Then don't tell him."
"How can I not? This is too juicy!"
"Thanks for coming to get me. I'm really sorry about stealing your wallets. And running away. And getting you stuck on that train." Kai apologizes.
Bolin is more forgiving than the other two. "Aww, we can't stay mad at you." He says, giving him a hug.
"Yes, we can. I have a lot of money in that wallet." Mako states.
Tamayo takes a more physical approach, grabbing Kai by the collar and holding him up.
"Count yourself lucky we're in a hurry. Otherwise I'd beat the shit out of you right now."
Luckily for Kai, Tamayo drops him. The group then head for the exit, running into the Dai Li Drill Sergeant and two other agents. "Deserting Her Majesty's army is high treason. Punishable by death!"
Tamayo quickly blasts a stone hand headed towards her. She positions herself in the middle of the group, with Kai and Jinora in the back, and Mako and Bolin in the front.
Using earth from the walls, Bolin is able to knockout the two Agents, leaving only the Drill Sergeant. He tries sending an earth hand to capture Jinora, but it's interrupted by Tamayo, who destroys it with a well-placed blast of fire.
With one charge of lighting later, Tamayo zaps the sergeant. Stunned, he then falls prey to Tamayo's foot as it kicks him in the chin. The strong impact snaps his neck backwards, making his body fall to the ground in a lump.
After the kill, Tamayo lets out a breath, calm. She then looks at the scared faces of the other team members and waves her hand forward as if saying, "Come on."
They all do so gladly.
When the retrieval team steps outside they start running from a massive group of Dai Li. Bolin is naturally screaming for help, whereas Tamayo is thinking, Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
They soon see Oogi starting to get closer.
"Everybody! Hang on!" Bolin shouts, launching them into the air just as Oogi gets close enough. Tamayo helps Mako get Bolin up from the side as they fly away.
"Whoa! That was awesome!" Kai exclaims.
"I'm really trying my best not to kill the child." Tamayo whispers jokingly to Korra, who laughs and responds, "I completely understand."
Soon the airship and bison land on a cliff. Fist bumps and high fives are shared and people celebrate the victory. Afterwards, the Airbenders are loaded onto Lin's Republic City blimp. The Police Chief and Wild Fire Leader would continue traveling with Team Avatar though.
With things calming down, the group settle down for the night. Asami kindly decided to stay up and drive, making sure they didn't crash in the middle of the night.
In their bedroom, Akira and Korra lay on the bed together, exhausted.
"This has all been very…tiring." Akira says.
Korra grunts in agreement.
"Get some rest. You deserve it."
"Thank you."
Akira wraps Korra in a hug, self-consciously realizing how muscular she is. Korra returns the hug, immediately drifting off and falling asleep. Akira does the same soon after.
The next few days pass pretty uneventfully. The airship is parked next to a river, giving them an extra source of water and landmark. Hao and Akira practice a bit of combat while Korra is playing ball with Naga nearby.
"You're still doing pretty good." Hao compliments, punching a flame out of the air.
"Thanks. You're pretty good too, for an old guy."
"Hey, I'm only in my sixties thank you very much."
"Just as I said."
"Ah, so dating the Avatar makes you a comedian now. Good to know."
"Yup. It's all because of Korra."
"Maybe I should've tried dating Aang then."
The two share a laugh and look over at Korra, Bolin, and Lin. The two men look at their respective girlfriends and smile.
"How've things been with you two, by the way?" Hao asks.
"Things have been good. She's an amazing girl. How're you and Lin?"
"We're stable. She's…been good to me."
"Good to hear. How about we join them instead of hiding in the sun?"
"Good idea."
Hao and Akira walk over to the group as Mako and Asami just arrive.
"We just got a call on the radio about another Airbender!" Asami claims.
"Finally! Where are they?" Korra asks.
"A city called Zaofu, the home of The Metal Clan." Mako answers.
"You know the place?" Korra asks Lin, who's looking the slightest bit uncomfortable.
"Er, never been. But I don't want you going there. I'd rest a lot easier if you were back safe in Republic City."
"Sorry, but if there's an Airbender in Zaofu, then that's where we're going next."
Everyone except for Lin and Hao return to the ship. Hao throws the ball for Naga as she drops it at his feet before addressing Lin.
"Everything alright?"
"It's nothing."
"Are you sure? You seem pretty nervous."
"Me? Nervous? Hah."
"I know it's been a while since you're seen Su, but I'm sure it'll be ok."
"Let's just get the Airbender, and get out."
With that, Lin ends the conversation and walks back to the airship. Hao pats Naga on the head and says, "Good girl, Naga," before taking the ball and boarding the airship himself with Naga in tow.
Within a few hours the airship flies over Zaofu, a metal city.
"Wow, wow, WOW! An entire city made of metal! Oh hoho!" Bolin exclaims. "You should be right at home, Bei Fong."
Lin is sitting near Naga and Pabu, away from the window. Hao is politely giving her space, knowing she needs some alone time.
Soon the airship is docking and getting locked down. The party begins to leave, except for Lin.
"Aren't you coming?" Asami asks the Police Chief.
"What's there to see? It's metal, big whoop. Just find the Airbender and let's get moving. And don't tell anyone I'm here."
"Why not?"
"I don't need to explain myself to you, just do what I say."
"Fine. You got it, Chief Crankypants."
Once the team steps outside they meet a man in green and yellow robes, flanked by two guards signifying a degree of importance.
"Avatar Korra, it is an honor to meet you." He greets with a bow. "My name is Aiwei."
Korra politely returns the bow and replies, "Thanks for having us."
"Is this everyone?"
"Yup! Just us. So, can I meet the new Airbender?
"Of course. Right this way."
After the group steps into the platform the guards shut the gate, then begin siding it down.
As the group wait, Hao addresses Aiwei.
"It's been a while since I've stepped foot in here. Things still running as smoothly as ever?"
"Even better, if I may say so."
"Ah, good to hear. I look forward to seeing Su again."
"I'm sure she'll be happy to see you as well."
The two continue to catch up on old times for the remainder of the trip down.
Cain had settled back into life rather well. He worked for Kasem in construction and made enough yuan to support himself. He lives in a dingy apartment, but at least it isn't freezing cold.
Right now, he's enjoying a warm bowl of noodles. A knocking on the door draws his attention though, and he opens it to reveal a few familiar faces.
"Well well well." He trails. "I'm surprised to see you four."
"It's good to see you too." Zaheer greets.
"I didn't say I was glad to see you. Here I was, enjoying a nice lunch by myself when you four barge into my life again."
"We need a place to lay low."
"And why should I let you stay here?
"Because we're family." Ming Hua answers.
"Family. My real family has been supporting my recovery. Checking in on me and making sure I'm not causing trouble. I don't blame them."
"So what, you're retired?" P'Li sarcastically remarks.
"Yes. I'm done with the Red Lotus."
"If that's what you want, we'll respect your decision." Zaheer states, giving Cain a short bow before walking away with the others. Cain closes the door with a skeptical look and immediately goes to the phone.
"Hello? Get me Lady Yumi Akarui."
A minute later she picks up.
"Hello?"
"Yumi, it's Cain. The Red Lotus are in Republic City. Zaheer and the other paid me a visit."
"Oh no. Can you meet with Tetsu? He'll want to know what happened and get your statement."
"Yeah. That would be good."
Cain gives Yumi his address and waits for Tetsu, finishing his meal in the meantime. A half hour later the elder Combustion Bender arrives. Cain shares his information and Tetsu gives some.
"We received word that Zaheer is now an Airbender. He'll most likely be going to Air Temple Island. We'll stay quiet for now. I'll form a team and strike when the opportunity presents itself."
"Do…you need my assistance?"
"No. You want to retire, and I don't want to pull you back into this mess."
"Alright. I'll…keep doing what I'm doing then. Stay low and take it easy."
Tetsu nods in agreement and leaves, contemplation who to gather for the attack.
Team Avatar find themselves on a train, still on route to the Matriarch of the Metal Clan. On the journey, they pass by a large metal statue.
"That statue honors the first Metalbender, Toph Bei Fong, who expanded the possibilities of what benders were capable of. Here, everyone is encouraged to reach his or her highest potential." Aiwei commentates.
"Does Toph live here?! Are we gonna get to meet her?"
"I'm afraid not. She used to visit from time to time but years ago, she left to wander the World, in search of enlightenment. No one has seen her since."
The train then passes under a tunnel, and a short while later they arrive at their destination. A massive section of dome.
"Wow. Is this where the Airbender lives?" Korra asks.
"Yes. But first, her mother wants to meet you."
Aiwei leads the group inside a building where they see a group of women seemingly dancing.
"Training?" Korra asks.
"Not exactly. They're rehearsing for a dance premiere next month." Aiwei explains.
The performance comes to an end with two women with one leg each crossed in the air. The leader of the group, and Metal Clan, and supposedly the mother of the Airbender, claps her hands and says, "That's it for today, everyone."
She then approaches the group and Aiwei introduces her. "Allow me to introduce the matriarch of The Metal Clan, Su Yin."
"Please, call me Su. Great to finally meet you, Avatar Korra. And this must be Mako, Bolin, and Asami. And Akira and Tamayo, members of the famous Akarui family. Good to see you again as well Hao."
"You too, Su." Hao greets.
"You've done your research." Mako states.
"I make it my business to know who's visiting my city."
"So, you're a dancer?" Korra asks.
Su starts counting fingers as she lists things off. "Dancer, leader, wife, mother, collector of rare meteorites. You'll find people here have many skills and interest."
Aiwei then leans in towards Su and whispers into her hear.
"Korra, why did you lie when Aiwei asked if there was anyone else with you?"
"What? I-I didn't. I mean..." Korra stutters out, surprised to be found out. "How did you know I was lying?"
"I am a Truth Seer. When people lie, their heart rate and breathing increase. I can sense the most subtle of changes." Aiwei explains.
"That's why I don't play cards with you anymore." Hao jokingly comments.
"Thanks to Aiwei, there are no secrets in our city." Su adds.
"We came with Republic City's Chief of Police. She didn't want anyone to know she was here. I'm sorry I didn't tell you." Korra confesses.
Su actually seems to be excited. "Lin's here? Well, I would love to say hello."
"Wait, you two know each other?"
"You're joking, right?" An awkward silence ensues, Hao scratching the back of his head. "Lin never told you about me."
"No…why would she?"
"I'm Lin's sister."
Hope you all enjoyed! Classes are starting back up online, so this'll certainly be interesting. Wish me luck! And good luck to everyone else going through this
Reviews would be appreciated
Anyways stay awesome guys and gals of the world, and I'll see you next chapter
