Oh yeah! Chapter 21, and over 100 reviews. You guys are awesome, and I want to thank everyone who commented, or reviewed. All the feedback, thoughts, and opinions. each and every one of them means so much to me, because honestly a writer is nothing without his readers. Anyway as always here is the usual disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot, and OC's. Everything else is owned by some other lucky son of a polar bear dog. Now enough talk, and on with chapter 21. enjoy.

21: Move Along

After Mako explained most of what had happened to Ikki it was decided that they would spend the night in Ayeon's oasis, and depart in the morning. While the aye-aye spirit left to wherever it was he slept in his territory; the humans set up a makeshift camp in the clearing.

Between Mako's fire bending, and Kuvira's earth bending they had three stone tents and a fire for light and warmth. Aside from the occasional strange lights that passed through the dark forest around them it was very similar to camping in the human world.

"Are you alright Ikki?" Mako asked gently as they sat around the fire.

The young air nomad sat silently with her knees pulled to her chest, and a contemplative look on her face as she stared into the flames. Kuvira watched silently as Mako waited patiently for a response. After a few moments the air bender answered.

"Yes. No. Maybe. I don't know. Nothing makes any sense Mako." Ikki said turning to face the fire bender. "How could they try to kill you? You've helped save the city like a hundred times, and you're a super awesome detective. I can't believe Korra would do something like that; she would never turn her back on anyone."

("There is a first time for everything.") Vaatu commented in Mako's head.

Mako sighed, and ignored the dark spirit. "I know it's a lot to take in all at once, but this is reality. I'm just sorry you got dragged into this."

"It's okay," Ikki said with a smile that was only half as bright as usual. "As long as we stick together we can get through this."

("Oh how wonderful; an optimist.") Vaatu said sarcastically

("Shut up.") Mako snapped.

"That's very brave of you Ikki." Kuvira said from across the fire before taking a drink from a canteen.

"Thanks; so does this mean you two are dating now?" Ikki asked quickly causing Kuvira to spray her water in surprise, and start coughing.

"Why would you think that?" Mako asked.

"Well, because the really big aye-aye said you were mates now, and Vaatu doesn't want you guys making babies. Then there is the fact she's not trying to kill you, and apparently when an Avatar takes someone to the spirit world like this it means they really like them, and are falling in love." Ikki listed quickly; her previous sadness now forgotten.

"Is she serious?" Kuvira asked when she finally stopped coughing.

"I'm afraid she is," Mako answered. "No Ikki we are not dating."

"Why not?" Ikki asked expectantly.

("Yes Mako why aren't you dating the disrespectful wench?") Vaatu asked his voice laced with amusement.

"Well um, because um." The embarrassed fire bender stammered before turning to Kuvira for help.

The metal bender glanced from Ikki's expectant gaze to Mako's desperate one. "Well for one thing we hardly know each other." She offered.

"That's right," Mako nodded. "She's actually tried to kill me more times than we've actually met."

"Really?" Kuvira asked with an eyebrow raised in surprise.

"Yeah; either I'm very lucky, or your aim needs some improvement." Mako said with a small grin.

"The world wants us dead, we're on the run in the spirit world, and you've got an arrogant talking kite in your head. I'll work on my aim." Kuvira said with a small smile of her own.

("If you're trying to convince the brat you're not dating; the witty banter isn't exactly helping.") Vaatu said smugly.

Mako froze, and turned to see Ikki watching them with bright eyes, and a wide smile that suggested the girl had wedding bell ringing in her head.

"Anyway," Mako said clearing his throat. "We have a long journey ahead of us, and we leave in the morning; so you should get some sleep."

"But I'm not even tired." Ikki complained with a deep yawn.

"Get some sleep Ikki." Mako ordered gently.

Rather than argue further Ikki nodded, and crawled into one of the stone tents. After several minutes light snoring began to fill the air.

"Nope; not tired at all," Kuvira whispered as she poked at the fire with a stick. "She doesn't believe us about the not dating thing does she?"

"Are you kidding," Mako whispered back. "She's probably dreaming about our wedding right now."

"Great and it was hard enough convincing Ayeon we're not mates." Kuvira groaned quietly. "I'm going to get Vaatu back for this."

"By all means if you get a shot take it." Mako said as he watched the fire.

Kuvira glanced up from her prodding to see Mako with a serene look on his face. She was slightly taken aback by the warm glow in his eyes as the flames reflected in the amber orbs. For the first time since they had joined forces the Dark Avatar seemed to be at peace; for the moment at least.

"You should probably get some sleep too Mako." Kuvira said after she shook herself back to reality.

"Are you sure?" Mako asked.

Kuvira nodded. "I've spent the last year getting nothing, but cold showers in a mountain prison, and there is a hot spring over there. First watch is mine."

"Alright then wake me in a few hours," Mako said as he turned to crawl into his own stone tent.

Kuvira waited until the camp fire dimmed slightly, and began to rise and fall as though in tune with the sleeping fire bender's breathing. She then walked over to the hot spring, and silently raised a thin wall of stone around her and the warm water.

After stripping down, and settling into the water with a sigh of contentment; she looked up at the night sky and wondered what fate might have in store for her. All the while keeping her seismic sense tuned to the surrounding area in case of danger.

When Kuvira's shift ended she woke Mako as instructed and crawled into her own tent for a few hours sleep. As Mako stood and stretched he took in the spirit world around him. It was still dark out, but the sky was beginning to lighten signifying that dawn would arrive in a few hours. If her snoring was any indication Ikki was still sound asleep.

("It's rather ironic in a way don't you think?") Vaatu asked from within as Mako sat down, and resurrected the fire.

("What is?") Mako thought back half heartedly.

("Being here as you are; the last time you were in the spirit world you were here to stop me.") Vaatu answered.

"I guess that is pretty ironic." Mako muttered out loud before lapsing back into silence.

("What's on your mind detective?") The dark spirit asked as the silence began to stretch.

("You mean you don't already know?") Mako asked sarcastically.

("Just because I'm in your head doesn't mean I know exactly what you're thinking. I can feel your emotions as keenly as my own, and I can sense your doubts, your unease, and your despair. These are emotions I prefer to inspire in my enemies rather than experience. Now what is on your mind, and remember you can't lie to me.") Vaatu warned.

("Everything is on my mind,") Mako thought with a sigh. ("My life is gone Vaatu. My job, my home, my friends, everything I've spent my life trying to achieve is gone, and nothing can ever be the same again. Everyone I trusted has either turned their back on me, or is trying to kill me. The only people I can turn to now are monsters, because the world sees me as one of them now; hunts me like one of them.")

Several moments of silence passed before Vaatu asked a question. ("What are you Mako?")

("What do you mean?") The brooding fire bender thought.

("I mean exactly what I asked. What are you Mako?") Vaatu asked again impatiently.

Mako thought about it for a moment, but quickly concluded that there was only one true answer anymore.

"I am the Dark Avatar." Mako said aloud with conviction.

("You have been forsaken and condemned, but I'll be dammed if I allow despair to be the death of us. You may think your life is over, and in a way it is. The Mako who was subservient to Republic city, to the world is dead. Now you are the Dark Avatar, and your life has just begun. For far too long we both have been bound, but now we are free. They call us monster, because they are terrified. I can no longer be bound, and you can no longer be controlled, and that scares them. Love and fear are the two things that drive humans more than anything else, and right now their fear is driving them to do everything they can to destroy us. Do not feel despair for what is gone Mako; feel rage for the new life the world wants to steal from you.")

As Vaatu spoke Mako's eyes narrowed, and his fists clenched. The fire before him grew hotter, and hotter with every word.

("The time to look back, and mourn is over Mako. Now you must do as you've always done; survive. Survive, and remember you are not alone. You have the most powerful metal bender in the world at your back and my power coursing through your veins. We are the Dark Avatar.")

"We are the Dark Avatar." Mako whispered in affirmation. His mind now focused his will to live unbreakable, and his drive burning strong.

("Never look back Mako. Never look back.") Those words echoed through Mako's mind as the spirit of chaos receded back into his soul.

Several hours later Kuvira woke up, and crawled out of her tent. The sun was just beginning to rise, and the campfire was smoldering, and to the metal bender's concern the camp was empty.

With Mako nowhere in sight Kuvira stomped hard, and relaxed when her seismic sense revealed the fire bender was on the other side of the clearing from their makeshift camp. Kuvira glanced at Ikki's tent, and the soft snoring indicated the young girl was still asleep. Since Ayeon had yet to return she decided to go see what the Dark Avatar was up to.

Kuvira had yet to redone her metal armor so she was dressed only in her white tank top, and green sweatpants. The lack of metal allowed her to approach the fire bender unnoticed. As she got closer she found that Mako had discarded his long coat on the ground next to his boots. His pale scarred skin shined with sweat in the nearing dawn light. Mako was facing away from her, but the glimpse she had of his face revealed a mask of complete concentration.

When she came close enough she realized he was going through fire bending katas although he wasn't using his fire. Every move was swift and powerful; every kick, punch, and slash was timed to perfection. Despite his rigorous movements however her seismic sense allowed her to feel his heart beating slow and steady as he maintained strict control of his breathing.

During her time as both head of security in Zaufu, and as the great uniter she had held those serving under her to strict physical standards. Watching Mako train Kuvira quickly surmised that he would have surpassed her standards easily. He may even be able to meet the higher standards she set for herself.

When the set came to an end Mako's body was facing her giving her a full view of the scar on his muscled torso. He was facing straight ahead with his right arm thrust forward in a punch, but she could see a small smirk appear on his face. "Vaatu says you should take a picture; it will last longer."

Kuvira barely suppressed a blush at being caught watching him. Evidently she'd have to work on her stealth as well as her aim. "In that case don't move; I'll go get my camera." She said sarcastically trying to cover her embarrassment at being caught.

Mako smiled, and looked to the slowly brightening horizon. "It will be about an hour before sunrise. You could get some more sleep if you want."

"Thanks for the offer, but I've always been an early riser. The morning is amazing, and I hate to waste a good sunrise." Kuvira replied honestly.

Mako chuckled at her response, and Kuvira raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What's so funny?"

"It's nothing; I'm just used to hearing a very different sentiment." Mako answered still smiling.

Accepting it as an inside joke Kuvira gave him a quick look over. "How are you feeling?"

Mako sighed, and looked her in the eyes. "My ribs are a little sore, but other than that I feel good. Actually no I feel great."

"You feel re energized," Kuvira interrupted. "Ayeon said his hot spring has a healing effect on humans, but an energizing effect on spirits. Since an Avatar probably counts as both it would make sense you would get the most out of it."

"Makes sense to me," Mako conceded. "Are you ready for this?"

Kuvira crossed her arms, and smirked. "That question probably would have been better asked on the other side of the portal don't you think?"

"Probably, but the portal is closed now, and here we are. Are you ready for this?" Mako asked again while crossing his arms.

"Am I ready to travel through a new world full of hostile spirits alongside a child, a giant talking aye-aye, and the latest Dark Avatar? Of course I am. The more important question is are you ready? I'm not in charge here, and Vaatu sure as hell isn't the one calling the shots. I've got your back every step of the way, but we are following your lead."

Amber eyes looked into emerald, and Mako nodded. "Yes I am ready. Vaatu gave me a little pep talk last night. I'm done looking back."

"Good, because I have no intentions of following a man stuck in the past into an uncertain future." Kuvira said with a confident smile as the sun began to rise, and the dawn light washed over them.

"Mmm Mako, talking kite, Cabbages!" Ikki exclaimed as she suddenly bolted awake.

Upon seeing the dark stone walls surrounding her Ikki began to panic, but stopped when she noticed the opening at her feet. That's when it all came back to her. She was trapped in the spirit world with Mako, Kuvira, and a giant talking aye-aye. Also Vaatu was back, he was fused with Mako making them the new Dark Avatar, and apparently the whole world was hunting them.

"When did the world become weirder than my dreams, and even I'll admit that's pretty dang weird." Ikki mumbled as she crawled out of her stone tent.

As she stepped out her mood instantly brightened. It appeared to be early morning, and it was beginning to get light out. When she had first flown through the portal she had been awestruck. The blue mountains of ice, the purple flower filled valley, the endless colorful sky; it was more beautiful, and amazing, and wonderful than anything she'd ever dreamed of.

To her embarrassment though she had gotten distracted, and lost track of Mako, and Kuvira who she'd thought was a cop at the time. It had taken her several hours to pick up their trail. Fortunately they had traveled in a generally straight direction.

At first her trip through the spirit forest had been fun and exciting. She had never seen such big colorful trees with both leaves, and needles. After a while though it had started getting dark, and the once beautiful forest had become a lot scarier. Dark shadows, creepy noises, and strange lights appearing and disappearing in the distance. It was a relief when she found the oasis, and what was even luckier was that Mako had been there too. Now here she was getting ready to go on an adventure with an Avatar just like her gran gran Katara.

Thinking of Mako made her notice no one else seemed to be up. She quickly checked the other two tents, and found them empty. The camp was empty, and she was alone. Fear once again began to grow in the young girl. 'Had they changed their minds? Had Vaatu made them leave her behind after all?' These thoughts ran through Ikki's head until she heard faint voices carried on a morning breeze.

With a sigh of relief Ikki looked for the source of the voices, and spotted Mako and Kuvira talking on the other side of the clearing. Instantly curious she quickly moved into the tree line, and stealthily moved closer in hopes of eavesdropping. She managed to sneak behind the tree closest to the two benders unseen, but they were still several yards away, and she could barely make out every other word.

"What…we….reach…library?" She heard Kuvira ask quietly.

"We listen…he has…say…use…target practice…maybe…reading." Mako answered

As Ikki strained to hear more of what they were saying she was completely unaware of the presence behind her.

"What are you doing?"

With a squeak of surprise Ikki whirled around to see Ayeon looking down at her with a curious expression.

"What are you doing?" Ikki asked quickly, but quietly.

"I asked you first human." Ayeon said as he yellow eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I asked you second, so you can answer first." Ikki countered quickly.

Rather than try to decipher the girls twisted logic, or talk in circles Ayeon decided to just answer. "I brought something for breakfast, but none of you were in the camp. Since lord Vaatu deemed you my responsibility I decided to track you down first. Now what are you doing?"

"Would you believe I was looking for the bathroom?" Ikki asked hopefully, but it was quickly crushed by the spirits disbelieving gaze.

"Ok. Mako and Kuvira were talking, and I wanted to hear what they were saying." Ikki admitted.

"Really; what are they saying?" Ayeon asked curiously, as he glanced around the tree they were hiding behind.

"It's a little hard to make out, but I think they are planning a date." The air nomad said.

"A date?" The tall spirit asked in confusion.

"Yeah a date; it's this thing humans do before they fall in love, get married, and live happily ever after forever, and ever, and ever." Ikki said excitedly.

"Oh like a courtship ritual?" Ayeon asked.

"Maybe, yes, I guess so, sure why not." Ikki whispered with a nod.

"So that's why the dirt tosser insists that they're not mates. They are still going through their bonding ritual. How long do human courtships usually take?" Ayeon asked.

"I'm not really sure," Ikki said with a shrug. "Jinora has a lot of mushy romance books, and they are all pretty long so it could take a while."

The spirit nodded, and glanced around the tree again. "Um where did they go?" Ayeon asked with a frown.

Eyes wide Ikki quickly looked into the clearing to find it empty. "I don't understand they were there a second ago."

"Looking for someone?"

At the sound of Kuvira's voice the girl and the spirit whirled around to find Mako and the metal bender behind them.

"Umm good morning," Ikki said with a big smile and an innocent look on her face.

"Well I was certain lord Vaatu would want to leave as soon as possible so I brought you humans something to eat. When I found your camp empty I went looking, and I found the child eaves dropping on you." Ayeon said calmly as he stood to face them.

Ikki's jaw dropped, and she glared angrily at the spirit who just sold her out.

Mako's eyes shifted from amber to crimson, and a pleased smile spread over his face. "Well done Ayeon. I am pleased to see that I have a servant that is both competent, and useful." Vaatu praised as he turned, and walked back to the camp closely followed by the aye-aye spirit.

Kuvira glared after the Dark Avatar as he walked away, but her expression softened when she turned to Ikki. "Hey are you alright?"

"I'm fine I guess. Why do you ask?" Ikki said quickly yet somewhat shyly under the older woman's scrutiny.

"Because I had a vague idea of what I was getting myself into here; you stumbled into this by accident. That and everything Mako explained last night was a lot to take in all at once." Kuvira answered gently.

"I was just a little overwhelmed last night. I'm fine now." Ikki said hesitantly.

The woman standing before her seemed very different from the cold power hungry monster she and the others had faced a year ago. "Thank you for not tying me to a tree, and leaving me here like Vaatu wanted."

"Anytime," Kuvira said with a small smile. "And don't worry about Vaatu too much. That arrogant talking kite may act like he's in charge, but Mako's the one who gets the final say."

"So you're saying Vaatu's bark is worse than his bite?" Ikki asked curiously.

"Actually no; Vaatu's bite is way worse than his bark. What I'm saying is that even though he'll probably never admit it; Mako's got him on a leash." Kuvira said as Ikki smiled at the mental picture.

"Either way Ayeon's going to be watching out for you, and between Mako and me you have nothing to be afraid of." Kuvira said reassuringly.

"Thank you," Ikki said with a genuine bright smile, as the woman's words alleviated any lingering fears the young air nomad had.

Kuvira returned a small smile of her own, and nodded towards the camp. "Now let's go see what Ayeon brought to eat."

"Okay," Ikki said quickly as she followed after her. "So when are you and Mako going on your date?"

"Are you sure you'll be alright here grandma?" Bolin asked for the third time.

When Opal's mother Suyin Beifong arrived Opal had explained to her what was going on, and they'd come up with a moderately basic plan.

Opal and he would join Suyin, and a small group of elite metal benders she brought with her in tracking down Mako, and by extension Kuvira. They would take a Zaufu airship to the North Pole, and monitor every radio channel they could for sightings of the Dark Avatar. When they found them they would then bring down Kuvira, and capture Mako alive. They would then secretly transport him to Zaufu where they would come up with a more effective plan.

Suyin had initially been reluctant to exclude Lin, but they had convinced her it would be for the best if they wanted to catch Mako alive and keep Kuvira's escape a secret a little while longer. For some reason there was still no word on the great uniter's escape.

"Don't worry about me Bolin; I'll be fine." Grandma Yin said as she stood next to Pema on the ferry docks.

"Thanks again for letting her stay here Pema." Bolin said turning to the air acolyte.

"There's no need to thank us Bolin. Even if it wasn't the air nomad way you, and Mako are family." Pema said with a warm motherly smile.

"Come here Bolin." Yin said as she beckoned the lava bender to kneel before her.

As he did she carefully removed the red scarf from around her neck, and placed it around his.

"You look just like your father." Yin said with tears in her eyes as she gently cupped his cheek. "Bring him home Bolin."

"I will grandma." Bolin said with tears in his own eyes as he pulled her in for a hug.

As he stood up, and stepped onto the boat he turned back to Pema. "I promise we are going to find them Pema. Mako and Ikki will be coming home safe and sound."

The mother of four smiled and nodded gratefully as Bolin departed for the airfields to meet Opal and Suyin.

As the ferry moved farther out into Yue Bay Yin shuffled to the end of the dock, and called out. "Be careful, and for the love of Wu put a ring on that girl's finger already!"

Deep within the mountain range that composed the border between the United Republic of Nations, and the earth kingdom the order of the red lotus waited patiently.

In a single chamber deep within the heart of the mountain Grand Lotus Xai Bau was going over mission reports both active and completed.

"Come in." The old man said as he shuffled through the papers.

The chamber door opened, and Shen walked in with his signature vicious grin.

"I take it your most recent mission has been accomplished?" Xai Bau asked.

"Of course; was there ever any doubt?" Shen asked smoothly. "It was only twenty pathetic white lotus guards. That prison is now a mausoleum."

"Were they able to send word of the escape?"

"By the look of things I'd say no. Their communications appeared to be destroyed during the break out. Those Sorn sisters really conjured up a dozy of a dark spirit. It should be a week, or so before those white lotus idiots realize they're gone."

"Well done." The grand lotus said with a nod.

"So what should I do next? Do you want me to sit in on that world leaders meeting?" Shen asked with a grin.

"No," Xai Bau said sternly causing the fire benders smirk to disappear. "That mission is to feed us information, and I've already assigned it to someone more suited to the task."

"I can get information." Shen said indignantly.

"We require Intel that is both accurate and useful Shen. Your methods for acquiring information produce more screaming than they do actual results, and we cannot afford you making an international scene. At the moment the eyes of the world are turned away from the red lotus. While the world is focused on Vaatu we can once again move unseen in the shadows. That is why for the time being you shall remain here."

"And what if I don't want to remain here?" Shen challenged angrily.

"Then you will be joining your sister in Republic City." Xai Bau answered coldly.

"Fine then," Shen snarled as he backed down. "So what has the levitating loser been up to while I was out?"

Zaheer has been splitting his time between familiarizing himself with this base, and waiting in the spirit world to meet Vaatu. While you are here you are not to disturb him." Xai Bau ordered.

"Then what the hell am I supposed to do huh?" Shen demanded.

The founder of the red lotus looked up with an icy glare. "We have some new recruits coming in. go train them."

Shen sighed. "Fine I guess it's something to do. How many recruits are there?"

"Twenty and I expect more than five to survive this time. No killing or maiming." Xai Bau warned the psychotic fire bender.

"Fine then one batch of weaklings coming right up." Shen said with a roll of his amber eyes.

"Then you are dismissed Shen." Xai Bau said ignoring the acolyte's insolence. Shen may be a mad dog, but at least his was a useful one.

Without another word Shen grudgingly bowed, and left the chamber.

With a flash of light Jinora stood in the spirit world. All around her was mountains of ice, ancient leafless trees, and purple flowers.

"Well Vaatu's definitely been here." She muttered when she spotted the incinerated remains of a tree.

"Don't worry Ikki I'm coming." Jinora said as she began her search.

Another in between chapter, but I feel I got some development in there. I know it's been a few chapters but this chapter, got it's inspiration, and title from the song (Move Along) by the ALL American Rejects. so if you want give it a listen, and tell me what you think. As always please leave a comment, or Review. What you guys have to say always makes my day, and inspires me to continue writing. Anyway until next time stay tuned.

PS: Some of you reviewers Pointed out some similarities between Vaatu's personality, and the joker from the dark knight. Well you definitely nailed it. so far I've gotten inspiration for Vaatu's personality from Two movie villains, and a book character. The Joker was one source. lets see if you can guess my next movie villain source in upcoming Chapters. if you can guess right I'll announce my book inspiration. either you will know who it is, or you might learn about an awesome book series. Either way until next time.