We're back on the next chapter.
REMINDER: I DO NOT OWN LEGEND OF KORRA OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS.
At the Sato state, specifically the pool room. In a small room which opens onto the pool itself stand Wu and Mako, dressed in training gear.
"You know, there's something about being kidnapped that makes a guy realize he needs to get his act together." Wu said.
"Yeah, I agree. Let's toughen you up." Mako said.
Wu raises his hands in a defensive manner as Mako moves in closer; he throws a punch, which hits the prince in the chest. He falls to the ground immediately.
"Daaah, I wasn't ready! Wu down!" Wu yelled.
As Mako looks down at Wu, a shocked gasp from behind him causes him to turn his head; Yin, Tu and S.J stands behind him, appraising the situation.
"Oh, for God's sake, not again." S.J said.
What's going on?" Yin walks to Wu and holds him. "Mako Lo-Pan, how dare you injure the prince! Would his royal highness like a cherry-berry lemonade?"
"And maybe some of those sticky dumplings, too?"
"Jesus Christ, look at you. You're so weak, 'Wu down' is your catchphrase." S.J said.
"I know, I'm a wimp. But it's not my fault, I was born that way! I'm not like you, Mako, I wasn't raised by a pack of cops in the woods." Wu said sadly.
"You don't know anything about me, do you?" Mako asked.
"Yeah, I'm drawing a blank. Why is that? How do I not know stuff about you?" Wu asked.
"Uhh... you never asked?" Mako said.
"Well, I'm asking now. What's your favourite food? What's your favourite colour? Is there a special lady in your life?" Wu asked curiously.
"Not since Korra and I broke up. But we got back together and got married, and she's pregnant with twins." Mako said.
"You and we need to have a little gab session right now!" S.J said before the trio sits facing each other. "How'd you guys first meet?"
"Bolin and I were playing for the Fire Ferrets." Mako said.
"You were a pro-bender?" Wu asked.
"Yes. Bolin and I grew up dirt poor, so once I became a pro-bender, I wanted it all: Riches; fame; accolades. But all that changed when I met Korra. She proved to be an amazing pro-bender [Cut to the Equalists kidnapping Bolin.] and a loyal friend. She helped me save Bolin when he was taken by the Equalists. After going through such a crazy experience, I felt like Korra and I had a powerful connection."
"So then you smooched her real good, eh?" S.J asked.
"Well, not exactly. Asami nearly bumped me with her motorcycle. Hanging out with Asami was awesome. But it made things with Korra complicated.
"That might have sound harsh, Mako." Wu said.
"I know. And the worst part about it is, it wasn't totally true. Korra kissed me. I was seemed shocked but relents." Mako said.
"Hot dog! Smooch City, here we come. You player." Wu said.
"Whoa. I thought you were dating Asami." S.J said.
"Well, everything wasn't so cut and dry. I wasn't dating Asami. Okaaay, maybe I was dating her; it was all very confusing. But my feelings for Korra became clear when Tarrlok captured her. It felt like a piece of me was gone." Mako said.
"Hoo! I bet Asami wasn't too happy about that." Wu said.
"Things were crazy right now. Asami said there might not be a relationship to worry about later." Mako said.
"Ouch!" Wu and S.J said.
"Yep. Turns out, she was right. It was time to man up and call it quits." Mako said.
"Wait. Was that supposed to be you breaking up with her?" S.J asked.
"Yes. That was a breakup." Mako said blankly.
"Didn't sound like a breakup." Tu said.
"It was mutual. We had an understanding." Mako said. "We both knew… Can I just get on with the rest of my story or what?"
"I hope you weren't as ambiguous with Korra as you were with Asami." Wu said.
Trust me, I wasn't. Korra and I ended up stopping Amon together and after that, I was finally able to tell her how I felt. Exactly how I felt.
"Awww. And then you two lived happily ever after?" Wu asked
"Ummmm… She was accusing me for taking everyone's sides. We were fighting over the best way to handle the brewing civil war. She planned to go into military actions. My sense of duty caused me to inform President Raiko about Korra's plans to go behind his back and secretly seek Southern support from the United Forces. Infuriated by this betrayal, she confronted me, and after a heated argument. We broke up."
"Now, that's a breakup!" S.J said.
"After that, I dove into my work. Someone had been taking out supply ships heading to the Southern Water Tribe. Asami's company was one of the victims, so she and I worked together to catch the perps The stakeout was the perfect way to get my mind off Korra. It was an intense night. Asami and I discovered the triads had double-crossed us. We barely got away, but by then, Asami's warehouse had been cleared out. She kissed me."
S.J and Wu were popping up at the same time.
"I know, I know, don't tell me... I had no right kissing Asami." Mako said.
"You officially broke up with Korra, but therefore, do you to get together?" Wu asked.
"If only it had been that simple. When Korra came back to inform Raiko about Unalaq's plan to free Vaatu during Harmonic Convergence, he refused to help again. She was so angry she firebended President Raiko." Mako said.
"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMNN!" S.J and Wu shouts in shock. They look at each other then turns to Mako.
"Did she found out you're dating Asami?" S.J asked.
"Your dad told her. Anyway, I was about to arrest her for firebending the President, but his whole body was an exo-suit for the disembodied head of Fire Princess Azula." Mako said before Wu and S.J were in shock.
"DOUBLE DAAAAMN!" they said.
"She joined forces with Unalaq to free Vaatu, so Unalaq would fuse with him and becoming the Dark Avatar. I was guilty when I ratted Korra out to Aang's psychotic enemy. When Korra merged with Raava and Vaatu and defeated Unalaq and Azula durring Harmonic Convergence, I tried to apologize to her, but she didn't want to see me again."
"And will she?" Wu asked.
"After Harmonic Convergence, the world changed. Team Avatar travelled around, searching for new airbenders. At first, it was awkward being around Korra and Asami. Korra still hates me for what I did." Mako said. "But then I realized I had to figure out who I was without a lady in my life."
"I know what that's like." Wu said.
"Despite our breakup, I eventually helped Korra defeat Meldora, save the airbenders, and stop the Witchvanian invasion. And we did it not as just friends. Korra showed me the importance of putting others before myself and whenever I think of her, she continues to inspire me. She forgave me and decided to marry me."
Wu stands up. "Wow! That story is amazing and I really learned something!"
You did? Good." Mako said before he stands as well.
"Yeah! I learned that I really didn't know anything about you! Crazy! Also, I realized that ladies are complicated. No offense, Yin."
"None taken." Yin said.
"I better just focus on being a better king." Wu gets back in a battle stance. "Okay, come at me. I can take it."
Mako's first punch, but Wu still stands and knocks Mako down.
As Mako stares at the prince with amusement.
Later, at Air Temple Island, where Korra, Vaatu and Raava were staring out over the sea at sunset in the meditation pavilion. Asami walks up to them.
"I brought you some tea." Asami said. Korra looks up surprised. "I thought you might be cold out here."
"You're so sweet." Korra takes the cup from Asami. "Thanks." She turns back to stare out over the sea.
"Are you okay? You seem out of sorts." Asami said.
"Sorry. I've just been thinking about something Toph said. She told me that the world doesn't need me and it's basically pointless to try and stop Kuvira." Korra said.
"That's ridiculous." Vaatu said.
"At the time, I thought so, too. I figured she was just being her normal, cranky self. But I'm beginning to think she had a point." Korra said.
"No, she doesn't. The world does need you. You're the Avatar of the Balance." Asami said.
"But no matter what I do, the world seems to always be out of balance! Growing up, I couldn't wait to be the Avatar. I thought I was really gonna change things. I was so naive. The first time I saw Amon take someone's bending away, I was terrified. Then my worst nightmare came true."
"Korra, you're forgetting about all the good that happened after you exposed Amon as the fraud he was. The Equalist Movement lost its leader and its power. Free elections were held in the United Republic and nonbenders finally had a voice. People had hope again and it was all because of you." Asami said.
"And I was hopeful, too. That feeling didn't last long. As soon as I defeated Amon, a new enemy took his place. And with an old enemy." Korra said.
"President Raiko refused to send the troops to aid the South because he was an ally to Unalaq. Then you exposed his true identity as the Fire Princess Azula, who came back as a head with spider legs." Raava said.
"Because of Unalaq, Azula, and me, you betrayed Tenzin, opened the portals, and threw the Spirit and human worlds into chaos. It was my fault I fused with you and became a Dark Avatar." Vaatu said.
"And I was helpless to stop them from taking other the world. With you in my body, I showed you the true meaning of love and peace. We became more powerful than ever; we became the Avatar of the Balance." Korra said.
"Yeah... that was pretty awesome." Vaatu said.
"And opening the spirit portals turned out to be a good thing. You brought back the airbenders and caused a positive shift in the world." Raava said.
"Yes, but Meldora nearly killed me. If it weren't for Zaheer, the Earth Queen would still be alive. There would have been no crisis in the Earth Kingdom and Kuvira wouldn't be in power. Things are more out of balance than ever now. Nothing's changed!" Korra said.
Tenzin walks up to the two girls and two Spirits. "You're right, Korra."
"I am?" Korra asked. ""She is?" Asami asked as well.
"It's true, there will always be new conflicts and enemies to face. But the important thing is to learn from your enemies and better yourself over time, which you have. changed so much since you first arrived on Air Temple Island. When you first came here, you were hot-headed and a bit selfish. But you've matured into a thoughtful young woman who puts the needs of others before herself. The new Air Nation is a testament to that. You sacrificed everything to save them. You're an inspiration to the world."
"Thank you both. I know this Kuvira problem is only going to get worse. But no matter what happens, no matter how crazy things get, I'll always try to restore balance." Korra said.
"And us with you always, Korra." Vaatu said.
"We're here for you." Raava said.
Later, on the refugee boat.
"And that's when I made a solemn vow never to eat bark-onion soup again. Been six years, four months and fourteen days ... Urgh! I can still taste it." Baraz said to the bored refugees in a circle laying down and sleeping with Bolin with his head on his hands and Varrick was lying casually.
Bolin raises up and talks to everyone; extremely bored. "Does anyone else feel like throwing themselves overboard?"
Varrick raises up, widens his eyes, and points to himself with his thumbs. "Not me! he said. The refugees widen their eyes in surprise, slightly sit up, and turn their attention to Varrick, who sits up. "I've spent the last few hours tuning out all these incredibly boring stories..."
Baraz slightly moves; offended. "Hey!"
Varrick ignores Baraz's insulted exclamation and preparing to stand up. "All the while mentally composing the most exciting tale ever told, soon to become the greatest mover ever made! I present to you now: Bolin, as Nuktuk, Hero of the South. Trademark Varrimovers International in the incredible true story of Bolin! Hero of the world!"
Bolin was confused. "Wait, am I playing Nuktuk, or is Nuktuk playing me?"
Varrick looks at Bolin and holding up his hands, framing him in an imaginary shot. "Both. It's your true story, but we'll capitalize on the audience of the Nuktuk franchise. Duh!"
"How can you call me 'the hero of the world'? I left my friends and family to join up with a psychotic dictator who imprisoned me and now, I'm running back home with my tail between my legs." Bolin said sadly.
"Nyah-ba-ba-ba-bab! You're emphasizing the wrong story beads. Let me tell it. The story of Bolin begins in an exotic port of call. A wise sage, the richest merchant in the world, and a handsome devil all sit on a single pillow in the living room of a luxury yacht! How do they all fit on one pillow?"
"Ooh! Giant pillow!" Bolin said.
"Wrong! They're all the same man! Me! I try to teach a swami the power of levitation, but he's too stupid to understand it, so I kick him out. 'Upon whom can I bestow my awesome knowledge?' I ask myself. Then, in walks Nuktuk, with a twinkle in his eye, a gorgeous dame on his arm, and a song on his lips. He bursts into a rapturous melody!"
"Where can I find my teacher?"
"Oh, come on! I wasn't singing, you were not levitating, and Asami is just a friend, thank you very much." Bolin said before Varrick appears slightly hurt and pouts. He looks up with a wistful smile. "If you want to tell my true story, you should start from when I met Korra. She came to the bending arena, one fateful night..."
Baraz was amazed. "Bo-ring! When does the singing start?"
"There wasn't any singing." Bolin said.
All the refugees break into a chorus of boos at the same time, some even giving Bolin a thumbs-down sign much to his surprise.
"You're on-screen talent, kid. Leave the storytelling to the masters. So, the trouble begins when the Avatar is trapped in the Spirit World. The world's most evil villains realize that with Korra out of the way, the time is right to try to take out Bolin. So, the worst of the worst team up. They're led by... Zaheer, leader of the Red Lotus and master of the skies, a flying chaotic chaos machine! He's joined by Azula, former Fire Princess, and a head with spider legs... and Meldora, the Supreme Witch Queen of Witchvainya. The biggest, meanest, scariest alien that ever lived!"
"Wait! Zaheer and Meldora teamed up with Meldora because she was using them to use a beacon for an entire armada for invasion. And how the hell would that even happen?
"How do you think? Telephone." Varrick said as if it was obvious. "The other joining them is Amon! The reanimated zombie body of the bloodbending leader of the Equalists! And the evil Unalaq. The diabolical but incredibly boring and unpopular sorcerer from the north, who's listening in on the other line! He has a plan: With all the beautiful ladies! Yes, Bolin had a reputation as the world's greatest ladies' man." Varrick said.
"Oooh, now the story's getting interesting." Bolin said.
"After leaving the beautiful but emotionally unstable Water Tribe princess at the altar, he met a fetching airbender, the heir to a vast Earth Kingdom fortune!" Varrick said.
"Opal, so smart and caring, so pretty to smell, and she'll probably never talk to me again because I'm so stupid! Stupid! So, so, so stupid." Bolin cries in shame.
"Pull it together, you leaky lug. But the darkest moment is always right before the dawn! For at his lowest point, Bolin sought advice from the man who started it all, the wisest of the wise. Me! For some of my signature sage advice! Nuktuk, I mean, Bolin, there's only one thing for you to do if you want to save the Avatar and defeat the 'Fearsome Fivesome' I'm not really sure if I like 'Fearsome'. I mean, "Evil Squared" might be better. Whatever. You have to assemble the fighting-est airbender army of all time! But it turns out the airbender recruits are a sorry lot, so Bolin brings them to a secret mountaintop training facility, where he teaches them the ancient art of dodging fruit and balancing on sticks! And with danger closing in, Opal realizes how much she loves Bolin and forgives him for whatever stuff he was talking about earlier, which will probably not be in the final cut of the mover anyway."
"She does?" Bolin asked.
"Awww!" All refugees said.
"And she kisses Bolin, magically passing on the airbender power of flight!" Varrick said.
Varrick stands posing as if he was a bird, his hand on his head to imitate plumage and his lips pursed in the kiss he mentioned.
"Okay, that part seems a little unbelievable." Bolin said.
"This is no time for thinking, kid! We're heading into the big finale! Bolin gathers his airbender army to fight alongside Rotan and Juji against the Terror Square! Maybe that's the name of the bad guys, 'Terror Square'! What about 'Legion of Darkness'? Well, we'll put a focus group on it. Bolin teaches the airbenders to create a giant tornado. Then he flies around in the sky, pushes Zaheer and Azula into it, turning them into wind, forever! But Bolin doesn't realize that the Universal Interplanetary Combination Zero-Hour talk about a ticking clock is almost upon him! And when Juji shoots his laser eyes at the evil Unalaq and Meldora, the beams accidentally fly into the magic spirit doorway! They bounce off Vaatu, the ultimate force of pure spirit evil in the universe, now good guy, setting him free, and hit Bolin, turning him into a giant! But after Vaatu is set free, the evil Unalaq, who has always been an annoyingly clingy person, is so close to Meldora that they combine to destroy the world! Bolin and the evil Duo of Evil fight toe-to-toe, zapping each other with their laser beams as they stomp around Republic City! It looks like the Duo of Evil might win! But thankfully, Bolin's spiritual mojo is so strong that he attracts the queen of the fairies and Vaatu! With their help, Bolin turns the two villains into magic dust and sprays them into the sky. And that's where the stars come from. Oh yeah, and he turns into a dragon and he goes into the Spirit World and he saves the Avatar. The end!"
As Varrick finishes his tale. After a moment, all the refugees rise to their feet, happily applauding Varrick's story. Bolin also rises to his feet.
"Wait! You like that? It didn't make any sense. What about Zombie Amon? What happened to him, huh? And-and-and-and stars are magic fairy dust?" Bolin asked incredulous.
"It's just a mover. Don't over-think it. It's like a ride." Baraz said.
Varrick suddenly jumps up behind Bolin and putting an arm around his shoulder. "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, kid!"
Bolin was not amused.
Next chapter will come soon.
Review if you enjoyed the story.