Sorry this one took so long. I have these long epic chapters playing out in my head over and over that I could write with no problem. It's transition chapters like this though that tend to stump me. Anyway I want to thank everyone who commented, or reviewed. Hearing what you guys think of my story always makes my day. As always I own nothing but the plot, and the OC's. anyway on with chapter 19 enjoy.
19: Lost & Found
"Mako!" Kuvira exclaimed as the Dark Avatar collapsed in her arms.
Although it had been years since her time as the Chief of security in Zaofu; she had maintained her proficiency at first aid. Instantly slipping into a medical mindset she quickly lowered him to the ground, and checked his pulse.
"You idiots; you were supposed to stay hidden, and let me handle this." Kuvira muttered under her breath as she placed her palms flat over Mako's heart, and closed her eyes.
His heart was beating strong and steady, and by using her seismic sense she was able to get a blurry 'look' at what she was dealing with. While their fight with Brutus had been relatively quick; the blows he had taken from the massive spirit had been downright brutal. Mako now had two more cracked ribs on his other side, but much to her relief his three previously cracked ribs weren't broken so there was no threat of punctured organs.
"Who is Mako?" At the sound of the voice Kuvira opened her eyes, and turned to see the aye-aye spirit Ayeon standing over them.
"This is Mako," Kuvira said as she returned her worried gaze to the fire bender. "He is the human that Vaatu merged with."
Ayeon nodded in understanding. "Just like Stinky and Raava. What is wrong with him?"
Kuvira sighed. "All I know for sure is that he has five cracked ribs, and is exhausted. He could possibly have internal bleeding or a concussion as well. Mako wasn't exactly in the best condition when we got here, and your pal Brutus definitely didn't help. There should be a bag over near where he came into the clearing. Go get it."
"I do not take orders from humans." Ayeon said indignantly.
Kuvira sighed, and her shoulders slumped. "Can you please bring me the bag? I need it to heal him, and by healing him I'm healing Vaatu as well."
Ayeon perked up at that. "Very well then; I will do it for lord Vaatu." He said as he turned, and started heading towards the tree line. With the spirit bringing her the supplies Kuvira turned back to Mako.
"Alright then let's see what we're dealing with." Kuvira said to herself as she unzipped his coat, and gasped at what she found.
Mako wasn't wearing a shirt beneath his coat so there was nothing to hide the bruising. His entire right side was various shades of purple, yellow, and black. His left side was rapidly changing color as well. While she had been expecting this; what really surprised her was the jagged star like burn scar over his solar plexus. As gently as she could she sat him up to remove his long coat. While she worked he would jerk slightly, or groan in pain. This was a good sign as it showed that he was merely unconscious, and hadn't fallen into a coma.
"Honestly I don't see how you humans can heal yourselves with any of this junk." Ayeon said as he rummaged through the bag, and pulled out the bottle of fire whiskey. "Is this some kind of healing elixir?"
"Yes it is a cure for a medical condition called sobriety," Kuvira said as she snatched the bag from his hand. "Side effects may include having a good time, and a killer headache. So be careful with it."
Before Ayeon could reprimand her not showing gratitude he paused, and watched her desperately search through the bag.
"This fire tosser is very important to you?" Ayeon asked her seriously.
"He may be the only chance I have at redemption, at life. He's all I've got." Kuvira replied sadly as she checked Mako's pulse again.
"So how long will it take you to fix him?" Ayeon asked.
"He has five cracked ribs. It could take weeks for those to heal, and between all the fighting, and the toll it takes for Vaatu to use his spirit powers Mako is exhausted. It might take him two, or three days to recover.
Ayeon shook his head. "No, no, no that will never do. I knew human healing methods were mediocre, but I had no idea they were that ridiculous. Just grab your mate, and follow me."
"He is not my mate." Kuvira said quickly with a frown, and a light blush.
"Either way come on. We need to get him in the water." Ayeon said as he helped her lift Mako, and began moving towards the hot spring.
When they reached the edge of the water Kuvira handed Mako completely over to Ayeon. After removing his boots and socks; she quickly shed her metal armor, and stripped down to her tank top, and undergarments. Kuvira then waded into the water, and motioned for the spirit to hand over Mako. Ayeon slowly lowered him into her waiting arms, and by using her seismic sense she found a shallow area near the edge. She then proceeded to sit down, and position the Dark Avatar so while his body was submerged; his head rested above water in her lap.
"I've spent decades cultivating oasis like this one." Ayeon began as the metal bender settled into the warm water.
"Why would you need to make more than one?" Kuvira asked.
"Because I'm the only one who can achieve this level of perfection," Ayeon stated proudly. "I am quite adept at finding areas with excessive ambient spirit energy. When I build an oasis the water will absorb, and hold the extra energy. The waters then become very soothing, and rejuvenate the energy of spirits who bathe in it. Since no one else is really able to make one; after a while bigger spirits like Brutus usually take it from me."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Kuvira said sincerely when she saw the saddened look on the aye-aye's face. She understood full well what it was like to put a lot of time, and energy into something only to have it snatched away by someone undeserving.
"How exactly does this help us though?" She asked.
"Oh well over time I've learned that energized spirits water not only rejuvenates spirits, but it also appears to have a healing effect on humans." Ayeon explained.
"If the water reenergizes spirits could this help Vaatu regain his full power?" Kuvira asked next.
"I'm afraid not," Ayeon replied. "The water only rejuvenates the energy that comprises our physical forms. The power wielded by grand spirits like Vaatu and Raava comes from a more cosmic source. It's actually very similar too plants and sun light. Only time will restore lord Vaatu's full power."
Kuvira nodded. "How long will it take for the water to heal him?"
Ayeon shrugged. "It is hard to say. It mostly depends on the severity of the injuries I guess. I've only ever allowed one other human into my oasis before."
"Thank you." Kuvira said after a moment of silence.
The spirit seemed taken aback as if he was not expecting her to be thankful for his help. Finally he nodded. "Don't mention it human. It is an honor to serve lord Vaatu.
Finally a comfortable silence seemed to settle between them. While Kuvira allowed the warm water to sooth her aching muscles; she watched the aye-aye begin to survey the damage done during the fighting.
"So what is your name dirt tosser?" Ayeon asked casually as he moved to collect her duffle bag.
"My name is Kuvira." She answered as he returned, and set the bag on the edge next to her.
As he was about to ask another question the spirit froze, and sniffed the air. "Is it just you and your mate, or are there more humans with you?"
"I already told you we are not mates, and no there is nobody else with us." She answered with a small frown.
"Hmm; well then in that case I'll be right back." Before Kuvira could say anything Ayeon walked quickly into the forest on the opposite side she and Mako had come from.
Now alone the metal bender returned her attention to the unconscious fire bender in her lap. His breathing wasn't labored anymore, and the bruises on his chest were fading quickly. She also noticed a slightly bloodied bandage coming loose on his right forearm. Removing the bandages revealed what must have been a serious cut, but was now only a fresh pink scar.
As Kuvira slipped out of her professional medical mindset she began to notice other aspects of the new Dark Avatar. Mako was tall, lean, and well muscled. She would even admit he was fairly handsome in a dark brooding kind of way. What really struck her about him though were his eyes. Every time she looked into those amber orbs she saw a deep sadness and rage, but they were tempered by a powerful will and an unwavering focus.
After watching their fight with Brutus she could honestly describe Vaatu as nothing less than powerful. During the entire battle Vaatu's crimson eyes held nothing bet a self assurance that bordered on arrogance. Beaten and exhausted the spirit of Chaos never even considered the possibility they could be beaten. She could tell he enjoyed the fighting. He relished it.
That was where Mako was different. When crimson eyes faded back into amber a chill had run up her spine. There wasn't any anger in his eyes like Brutus, or enjoyment like the spirit of chaos. His eyes were cold, and focused. Mako wasn't there to fight; he was there to finish it, and he did with one blow. Dark Avatar or not underestimating the fire bender could prove lethal to whoever crossed them. When they had first entered the forest he had warned her that Vaatu's bite was worse than his bark; evidently Vaatu wasn't the only one.
As she continued to examine him her eyes were once again drawn to his burn scars. Without his coat on she could now see it wasn't just his chest, but his entire left arm that had been burned.
"What happened to you?" Kuvira whispered as she lightly brushed her fingers over the scar on his chest.
Her musings were cut short when I high pitched scream cut through the air closely followed by a yell of surprise, and a gust of wind. Looking up quickly she saw Ayeon come flying out of the woods. Upon crashing to the ground the spirit quickly scrabbled to his feet with a small struggling form clutched to his chest. It appeared to be a young girl dressed in an air bender flight suit.
"Let me go!" the girl demanded as she was kicking and struggling wildly.
"Nobody else with you right?" Ayeon muttered as he struggled to hold onto the girl.
Before Kuvira could respond the girl inhaled deeply, and used air bending to exhale a powerful blast of air launching herself and Ayeon across the clearing. The spirit was once again slammed into the ground, but again he rolled to his feet; all the while trying to hold onto the air nomad.
"Dirt tossers, fire tossers, wind tossers; is there a water tosser out there too?" Ayeon yelled as he adjusted one arm to hold her with her arms pinned to her sides, and clamped his other hand over her mouth.
In response the girl kicked out both feet unleashing another blast of air again launching them across the clearing and into the hot spring. Ayeon quickly surfaced with a gasp, and quickly started wading towards the edge.
"A little help would be greatly appreciated!" the aye-aye exclaimed as the girl managed to kick him in the knee.
"Just put her feet on the ground." Kuvira said as she raised Mako's head to keep him above water.
Ayeon followed her instructions, and lowered the girl so her feet touched the ground on the edge of the hot spring. Kuvira then slammed her hand on the ground, and the girl was sunk into the ground up to her waist. As the girl struggled to get free; Ayeon hopped out of the water, and shook most of it off.
"Who are you, and why are you in my oasis?" Ayeon demanded as he got in the air nomads face.
"Careful Ayeon," Kuvira warned. "Air benders are clever, and dangerous at both ends."
"Excuse me!" the girl exclaimed indignantly. "I am a lady, and ladies do not." Before she could finish the girl belched right in Ayeon's face knocking him back several feet.
"Um excuse me." The girl said with a sheepish smile.
"Who are you, and why are you here?" Kuvira asked calmly as she spun the girl to face her.
The girl was around eleven, or twelve years old with grey eyes, and shoulder length brown hair. She also had two yellow hair buns on either side of her head.
"You can question me all you want, but I will never tell you anything." The girl declared bravely.
Kuvira stared at her blankly for several seconds before shrugging. "Alright then have it your way."
A look of surprise appeared on the girls face as the metal bender turned away. "Wait a minute that's it; no questions, no threats, no torture, nothing?"
"If you're not going to talk then you're not going to talk." Kuvira responded casually while watching the girl discretely out of the corner of her eye.
"Oh well okay then." The girl said with stern finality.
"Ok then." Kuvira said with a nod.
"Ok then."
"Ok then."
"Ok then."
"Ok then."
During her time as the great uniter Kuvira had met many different kinds of people, and she could tell just by looking at her this girl was a chatter box. All she had to do was wait until three, two, one.
"My name is Ikki, and I'm here to save Mako from your nefarious plot." The girl finally blurted out.
Kuvira grinned triumphantly, but wiped it away as she turned to face the young air nomad with a mask of indifference. "How did you follow us; the portal was closed."
"I flew through the portal higher up in the cloud cover before it closed. How did you close the portal by the way? I thought only Korra could do that, because she is the Avatar."
Before Kuvira could get a word in edgewise Ikki prattled on. "So what was it like in prison? How did you escape? Did you have anything to do with the army of scary dark spirits attacking the city? Why did you kidnap Mako? Why are you in the spirit world? Are you still engaged to that Bataar guy? What is your diabolical plan now?"
"Disgusting little chatter box; what the hell have you been eating?" Ayeon interrupted as he approached them while waving a hand in front of his nose.
"Mom made steamed rice with these garlic onion noodles I really like, and some pickled radishes for dinner." Ikki answered honestly.
Before she could start talking again Kuvira held up a hand. "Do you want answers, or do you just want to ask more questions?"
"Answers please," Ikki said quickly.
Kuvira sighed as she thought of the best way to answer the child's numerous questions. "Prison was boring. A dark spirit broke me out. That army of dark spirits wasn't mine. I didn't kidnap anybody. The spirit world was the only place that nobody could follow us. Bataar and I broke off our engagement, and if there is a diabolical plot it isn't mine. I'm just along for the ride."
"But how did you close the portal? Only the Avatar can do that." Ikki asked.
"I didn't," Kuvira said as she looked down at the still unconscious Mako. "The new Dark Avatar did."
"Don't worry Pema we are doing everything we can to find her." Lin reassured the worried mother pacing in her office.
"Where could she be Lin? Tenzin and the others have searched everywhere twice. What if one of those dark spirits got to her? What if she's hurt? What if; what if; why the hell does it smell like burned hair in here?" Pema demanded as she collapsed into a chair across from the Chief of police.
"Apparently Mako paid a visit to the police station before his escape, and he scorched two of my other detectives hairless. But that is beside the point Pema you need to calm down."
"My child is missing Lin; do you have any idea what that feels like?" Pema snapped, but stopped when she saw hurt flash through the metal benders eyes.
"I'm sorry," the air acolyte apologized as she calmed down.
"I understand that you are worried about your daughter Pema, but you need to remember that Ikki is a capable kid. She is quick, clever, and wherever she is I'm sure she is safe. To tell you the truth I don't think those dark spirits last night would have even given her a second look."
"What do you mean?" Pema asked sounding hopeful.
Lin sighed. "I spoke with several of my officers, and even a few soldiers who were fighting last night. From what I heard the spirits were more interested in property damage than attacking people. In fact most of the spirits didn't even start fighting until we engaged them."
"Why would they do that?" Pema asked.
"I don't really know," Lin admitted. "What's even stranger is that there were no casualties last night. In fact I even heard there was one soldier who was saved by a dark spirit. All this is unlike anything that happened the last time Vaatu became a Dark Avatar."
Pema watched as the police chief tapered off into silence, and seemed to get lost in thought. For the longest time Lin had been nothing but cold and professional whenever they interacted. It was only in recent years since Korra came to Republic city that Lin seemed to become more human. The air acolyte liked to think she had finally become friends with her husband's ex girlfriend.
"Something is bothering you Lin; what is it?"
Her question seemed to snap the metal bender back to reality. "I would think it's pretty obvious what's bothering me."
"Come on Lin I've seen you rip apart an air ship with your bare hands, and lose your bending. I know you are strong enough to shrug off just about anything so if something can actually bother you then you should talk about it." Pema advised.
"Thanks for the concern Pema, but I'm busy, and I don't have time for an interrogation."
"Right and I was in the mood for that interrogation I got when Tenzin and I started dating."
Lin frowned, but a small smile cracked through. "You actually took that better than I expected."
"Lin aside from everything that's obviously wrong, what is bothering you?" Pema asked gently.
Lin leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "I think I screwed up Pema; no I know that I screwed up."
"How do you mean?" The mother of four asked.
"I assume Tenzin, or Jinora told you about Mako and Vaatu."
Pema nodded.
"Korra wasn't able to separate Vaatu from my detective so Raiko gave the order to put him down, and I followed it."
Hurt, disbelief, and anger flashed over Pema's face, but before she could say anything Lin continued.
"We've both seen firsthand what Vaatu is capable of as a Dark Avatar. All that death and destruction yet there was nothing I could do about it. I was so afraid of that happening again that I used my fear to justify Raiko's order. I kept telling myself that Mako was gone. This was Vaatu, and he needed to be stopped at all costs. I found him, but spirits help me it wasn't him."
"It was Mako." Pema finished.
Lin nodded. "He didn't want to fight me Pema. He asked me to step aside so that he wouldn't hurt me. I didn't want to hurt him either, but we couldn't stop Vaatu without killing him."
"What happened next?" Pema prompted.
"He kicked my ass," Lin said with a small smile. "In hindsight I should have known those early morning personal training sessions we had would come back to haunt me. According to two of my detectives after he beat me Mako returned here, and after scorching Lu and Gang hairless he left with and I quote 'some psychotic metal bending dame'. From what I can tell they also took my spare suit of armor and my secret stash of fire whisky before escaping into the… Oh damn!"
"What what is it?" Pema asked with worry in her green eyes.
"I think I know where Ikki went." Lin said.
A chilled wind swept through the empty streets of Republic City. The ground was covered in a light layer of snow while the skies above were cloudless allowing for a perfect view of the star filled sky above.
When Mako awoke he was once again standing in the center of an empty intersection without a soul in sight.
"Dammit not again," Mako groaned as he took several steps forward. Not feeling anything restricting his movements he stopped, and looked down to see he was no longer bound by chains. There was no storm, statues, or anything. He was completely free.
"I told you I'd set you free."
Fists tightening Mako turned to find Vaatu standing behind him. The spirit of chaos and darkness was still wearing his ten year old form, but with glowing red eyes, and an arrogant smirk that was all Vaatu.
"Yes; yes you did." Mako said with a small grin of his own.
"Think what you will of me detective, but I am a spirit of my word," Vaatu said as Mako moved to stand in front of him. "Bowing in supplication is an adequate display of gratitude, but try not to overdo the groveling."
"Tempting, but that doesn't quite express how grateful I am. By the way could you shift into something a little older? I feel like I'm dealing with a child." Mako responded as he looked the spirit over critically.
Wordlessly Vaatu's form rippled, and grew until Mako was now looking at the eighteen year old version of himself. He now looked exactly as had when he'd first met Korra all those years ago.
"Is this better?" Vaatu asked.
"Perfect," Mako said as he drew back, and punched the dark spirit as hard as he could; knocking Vaatu to the ground with a thud.
"Yeah I probably should have seen that coming," Vaatu groaned as he sat up rubbing his jaw. "Just so you know that one was a freebee, and you only get one."
In response Mako grabbed Vaatu by the collar, and slammed him against the nearest hard surface; in this instance a brick wall.
"Do you honestly believe I would thank you for this?"Mako snarled with fury in his amber eyes. "The only thing you're getting from me is congratulations on becoming one of the top five people who ruined my life."
"Really; which one am I?" Vaatu asked mockingly, and grinned when Mako's grip tightened, and lifted him off the ground.
"With everything that's happened, and after our little therapy sessions you rank number three. You are ahead of Asami, but just behind Korra." Mako answered.
"And who may I ask is number one?" Vaatu asked curiously.
Mako's grip tightened further, and to the chaos spirits surprise his amber eyes flared orange. In that moment a memory flashed before Vaatu's eyes. It was blurry, and faded, but there were several things that were clear as day; a flash of light, fire and a shadow, and sadistic laughter. As the old memory passed before him; Vaatu was suddenly overwhelmed by anger, hatred, and a sheer terror that only a child could feel.
Without warning Mako released his hold stopping both the memories, and emotional overload. As Mako stepped back Vaatu collapsed to his hands and knees gasping for breath.
"See; not so fun is it," Mako deadpanned.
"No; no it isn't," Vaatu growled as he glared up a Mako whose eyes were amber once more. "And by the way number one has earned his spot on your list three times over."
Mako's glare turned icy, and flames ignited in both his hands. "My bonds are severed, there is no way to separate us, and the world wants me dead. Since we are stuck in this together it's high time you let me in on your plan."
Vaatu just stared up at the fire bender blankly for several moments before he burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Mako demanded irately.
"A plan; you actually believe I have a plan?" Vaatu asked incredulously. "Do I honestly look like a guy with a plan?"
Seeing the blank look, and raised eyebrow Mako was giving him Vaatu rolled his eyes, and stood up. "Alright granted I look like you right now, and you usually have a plan, but in this case no; no plan what so ever."
"After everything we've just been through; you honestly expect me to believe you have no master plan?" Mako demanded.
"Long term plans were always more Raava's thing. I've never had much taste for them myself." Vaatu admitted.
"But what about everything that happened during harmonic convergence?" Mako asked disbelievingly.
"I desired freedom and revenge that was all. Everything that lead to my release was Unalaq's doing; his plan. After we merged things became much simpler. Death, destruction, 10,000 years of darkness; it was more of a short to do list than an actual plan don't you think detective. I am not some schemer Mako; I am the spirit of chaos; I just do things."
"What about all this then," Mako asked gesturing to the spirit world around them. "What about your escape, or our merging?"
Vaatu sighed as he leaned back against a wall with his arms crossed. "When I was first trapped inside Korra all I could do was sort through her memories, feel her many, many, irritating emotions, and wait. As much as I enjoyed her pain, suffering, and fear it was still shaping up to be a long 10,000 years until I was reborn. During Korra's recovery my strength grew considerably, but it wasn't until the wench and her spirit cannon that I became strong enough to gain a small shred of freedom. When Korra fell asleep I was able to send a fraction of my consciousness into the spirit world for brief periods of time. It was there that I found a kindred spirit so to speak."
"Zaheer?" Mako asked.
"Zaheer," Vaatu said with a nod. "He told me of his order the red lotus, and how Unalaq had been a member as well. I was skeptical of dealing with humans again after my previous defeat; so I made him a deal. If he could find a way to release me I would consider allying with him and his order. All the events that lead to us becoming the Dark Avatar were orchestrated by the Red Lotus. I am a being of chaos and destruction. I have no more of a plan than a tornado, or a wild fire. I go where I will, and I do as I please."
"So you are not in league with the red lotus." Mako asked.
"At this point no," Vaatu clarified. "But as I've said; I am a spirit of my word so we shall meet with Zaheer at Wan Shi Tong's library, and hear what he has to say. After that we can do whatever we wish. We could destroy the world, or even take a vacation on Ember Island. You would probably enjoy seeing the wench in a bikini."
Mako blushed lightly at the spirits comment, but he quickly brushed it off, and glared as Vaatu continued to speak. "Anyway I'm getting ahead of myself. We can burn those bridges later."
"So for now we need to focus on staying alive, regaining our strength, and meeting Zaheer." Mako summarized.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Vaatu joked.
Rather than respond Mako just rolled his eyes, and turned away.
"If we are going to survive we will have to be more careful than this Vaatu," Mako said as he took in the massive frozen city around them. "If we are to remain alive, and free then you need to start letting me handle things."
"And why is that exactly?" Vaatu asked skeptically.
"While Korra was recovering, and before I got stuck with Wu I took up reading in my spare time. Jinora loaned me quite a few of her books, and one of them had quite a bit of information about the Avatar. From there I learned that the Avatar state is a double edged sword. It starts out as a defense mechanism, and when an Avatar becomes fully realized it becomes their greatest weapon. The drawback is that when they use it they are at their most vulnerable. If an Avatar dies in the Avatar state the cycle will end, and the Avatar will cease to exist." Mako explained.
"This is my second incarnation as a Dark Avatar Mako. I am well aware of how the system works; what is your point?" Vaatu asked angrily.
"My point is that unlike Raava you are exhausted Vaatu, and when you take control you burn right through what little energy you save up. You fight like a berserker with nothing held back. You try to overwhelm our opponents with sheer power, and no skill, or sense of strategy. When we go into the Avatar state we are more vulnerable than we are powerful, and that won't change until you regain your full power. If not for Kuvira we would be at the mercy of whoever found us first. Until you regain your strength you need to leave the fighting to me and Kuvira, and only intervene when necessary."
Vaatu growled in frustration, but eventually nodded in acceptance. "Very well then; until I get my strength back I will allow you to take temporary command. However if you fail, or are incapable of doing what needs to be done I will intervene whether you like it or not."
"Alright then," Mako agreed. "But if you do try not to overdo it. I don't want any more involuntary trips in here."
"Fair enough," Vaatu conceded.
The dark spirit paused then, and closed his eyes as though sensing something. "I can feel natural spirit energy flowing through us; you should be able to wake up by now."
"How do I do that?" Mako asked turning to face the chaos spirit.
A grin reappeared on Vaatu's face as he stepped up to Mako. "Oh don't worry about that detective. Getting out of here will hurt a lot less than last time."
Before Mako could reply Vaatu drew back, and the last thing he saw before blacking out was getting sucker punched.
While Pema was working with Lin to find their youngest daughter; Tenzin was forced to attend yet another meeting with the president alongside general Iroh.
"What do you have to report general?" President Raiko asked from behind his desk.
"So far Sir there hasn't been any further signs of Vaatu. The portal has remained closed, and the spirits still in Republic City have remained docile." Iroh reported.
Raiko nodded in approval. "I've already sent missives to Fire Lady Izumi, interim King Wu, and both water tribes calling a meeting of world leaders. In the meantime general I want you to send battle ships to both poles in the event Vaatu tries to re enter our world through the other two portals. I also want you to position guards around the sight of the Republic city portal. If that portal reopens from the other side we need to be ready."
"Yes sir, but what are you planning as far as hunting the Dark Avatar?" Iroh asked.
"For now we wait, and see if he comes back. Once the world leaders have gathered then we will decide the best way to proceed. However I want you to be at the ready Iroh; if I get my way you will be taking up your old family tradition of Avatar hunting."
"Yes sir." Iroh said with a nod.
"That will be all for now general, you may begin deploying troops as you deem fit." Raiko dismissed.
With another nod Iroh turned on his heel, and left the office. Now alone Raiko turned to the air bending master.
"Is there any news on Korra?" He asked.
"She is alive, but she is in a coma right now," Tenzin said with a sigh. "According to the doctors it could last from a few days to a few weeks; it's up to Korra really.
"Is there anything that can be done to wake her up sooner?" the president asked.
The air nomad only shook his head. "Korra slipped into this coma to help herself heal. My sister has been giving her regular healing sessions with spirit water to help try to speed things up. We've also sent for my mother; she has more experience with this particular kind of wound."
Raiko nodded. "Is there anything you can tell me about Vaatu? Why did he leave? Where is he going? What is he planning this time?"
"In all honesty Mr. President I haven't really given it any thought," Tenzin admitted with a tired sigh. "We are all still in shock about all of this. With Korra in the hospital Miss Sato has barely left her side for a moment. Then there is the fact that Vaatu has returned, Mako has become the new Dark Avatar, and on top of all this my daughter Ikki is missing."
"I'm sorry to hear that Tenzin. I hope you find her soon." Raiko said sincerely.
"Thank you sir, now if you'll excuse me I must return to our search." Tenzin said as he turned to leave.
"Of course, but just so you know Master Tenzin you are invited to the upcoming summit; Both as the leader of the new air nation, and as someone with insight into what we are dealing with." Raiko added.
Tenzin looked back, and nodded. "Very well Mr. President."
"Grandma Yin's train should be here any minute." Bolin said as he waited with Opal at the train station.
"So who all is coming?" Opal asked as she thought of her boy friend's large extended family.
"It will be just her. Everyone else is too wrapped up in other things right now, and Tu is Wu's new bodyguard. Did you talk to your mom yet?" Bolin asked.
"Yes I did. She should be here in a day, or so. I figure between you, me, mom, and Aunt Lin we should be more than able to find Mako, and bring Kuvira down." Opal said.
"I think it might be better if we leave Lin out of this Opal." Bolin said seriously.
"What? Why?" Opal asked in confusion.
"Because we are trying to save Mako and Lin is one of the people trying to kill him Opal. We can handle Kuvira without her." Bolin explained.
Opal appeared conflicted for a moment, but finally nodded. "Alright, I'll convince mom. How are you going to explain all this to your grandma?"
"I'm going to tell her the truth," Bolin responded as Pabu poked his head out of the lava benders shirt, and looked around the crowded station. "I'll tell her Mako is out of the hospital, and he needs our help."
"Do we even have a plan to help Mako?" Opal asked as a train pulled into station.
"Yes we do," Bolin said taking Opal's hand in his with a bright confident smile. "We find Mako, and we save him."
At that moment Pabu leapt out of his owner's jacket, and onto Opal's shoulder to join the air bender in giving Bolin a skeptical look.
"Okay so it's a plan in progress," Bolin admitted sheepishly. "Coming up with a plan was more Mako's thing than mine."
Opal just squeezed his hand, and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. If we can't think of something I'm sure Jinora will."
Just then Bolin and Mako's grandmother stepped off the train, and hurried over to them.
"Oh Bolin thank Wu you're alright." Grandma Yin exclaimed as she pulled her grandson down into a tight hug.
After a moment she held Bolin at arm's length, and looked up at him. "How is Mako doing? Is he still in the hospital?"
Bolin sighed as sadness returned to his green eyes. "Grandma I have a long story for you."
Once again Mako was surrounded by darkness. It felt as though he were floating through a void. After what may have been several seconds, or several years; reality slowly began to piece itself back together. He could feel warm water all around him as well as a firm yet gentle touch as though he were being held. As he drew closer to consciousness his other senses began to return as well.
There was the lingering taste of blood in his mouth, and for some reason he could smell wet fur. Finally he began to hear voices. They sounded distant at first, but they slowly became clearer.
"What are we going to do with it? Lord Vaatu is not going to be happy about this." said a voice that sounded like the aye-aye.
"I don't know. We will figure out what to do once he wakes up." replied Kuvira. Mako was relieved she had things under control while he was passed out.
"Wait a minute did you say Vaatu; as in giant, scary, evil, talking kite spirit Vaatu?" asked a third voice that was both unexpected, and familiar.
"Ikki?" Mako groaned as he regained movement, and slowly opened his eyes.
He was still in the oasis, and it appeared to be night time now. The first thing he saw however was three sets of eyes watching him; attentive yellow, concerned emerald, and innocent grey.
"Hey Mako," Ikki replied with a wave and a smile. "Are you okay? What happened? Why did you come to the spirit world? Why'd you bring Kuvira? Is it true that you're an Avatar now? How did that happen? Where is Vaatu? Where are we going now?"
As Ikki prattled on and on; Mako glanced up at Kuvira who was still holding his head in her lap. Looking away from the hyperactive young air bender she looked down to meet his questioning gaze. "We may have a problem."
Oh yeah! 19 chapters down, and I've barely even begun, and it wont be ending anytime soon, but it really helps to get Comments, or reviews. My current score is 88, and I'm itching to hit triple digits. Anyway until next time Stay tuned.