Hey, guys! I just wanted to thank you so much for all the support for the first chapter. 40 follows in just about two weeks on a crossover that doesn't have many other stories at all is super awesome and really encouraging. As I've said earlier I really love both of these series' and I've wanted to make a crossover between them for a while now. So seeing the positive reaction from you guys is just amazing and it motivates me to write and write better as well to do these stories justice. Anyways, enough talk, even though this is technically the first chapter of the Korra series and its title is chapter 1 I'm just gonna say it's chapter 2 to avoid confusion. With that out of the way I hope you enjoy the second chapter of What To Live For.
Chapter 1: Welcome to Republic City
The next morning, Ichigo got up and had breakfast. He didn't bother going to see Korra's Firebending test. He already knew that she would pass.
A little while later the door to his room was thrown open. "Why didn't you come see my test?!" Korra was furious.
"Too lazy."
She grabbed his collar and glared into his face. Normally he was a little taller but now that she was wearing boots and he wasn't, she could look him right in the eye.
"What'd you say?!"
Ichigo flashed a small, rare smile. "Too lazy and besides, I already knew you would pass. Those White Lotus idiots won't admit it, but you're probably a better bender than all of them."
She let go of his collar. "Ichigo, did you just smile?"
"Yeah, why?"
"It was kinda creepy."
Ichigo's scowl returned with full force.
"Say that again, you brat."
"Oh I will, Strawberry."
Intense red tick marks appeared on Ichigo's forehead
"You little-"
Korra belched in his face.
He recoiled. "Ugh! Korra, that's disgusting!"
She laughed and threw a mock two-finger salute at him as she walked out the door.
"Hey, come back!"
Ichigo rushed at the door but a wall of earth suddenly shot up in the doorframe. He heard Korra laughing again as he slammed into it, face first.
Several days later, a large sky bison flew out of the clouds carrying Aang's son Tenzin and his family. Tenzin was supposed to be moving to the compound to train Korra in Airbending. Ichigo was looking forward to meeting him as he'd heard that he was quite uptight.
The bison landed and two little girls both created a ball of air beneath their feet and went down the bison's tail, giggling excitedly. The third child, a boy, was currently gnawing on Tenzin's head and pulling at his long ears.
Ichigo smiled as he remembered someone who this kid reminded him off. Someone called… Then the memory was gone. Ichigo cursed mentally and sighed.
Tenzin moved towards Katara.
"Hello, Mother," he said wearily, "I can't tell you how happy I am to see you. Please, help me."
Katara laughed as she removed Tenzin's son from his head. The kid struggled.
"Unhand me, strange woman!"
"That's your grandmother, Meelo." Tenzin said.
Meelo squirmed out of her grasp and ran around to hide behind Tenzin's leg.
Katara smiled. "It's so good to see all of you."
The older one of the girls went up to Katara.
"Gran-Gran, I've been reading all about your old adventures. I've been dying to ask you; what happened to Zuko's mom?"
"Well, Jinora, it's an incredible tale-"
Before she could continue, the other girl jumped in. "Gran-Gran, you look old. How old are you? And why is it so cold in the South Pole?"
Ichigo tuned out the rest of the conversation as he felt himself getting annoyed. He instead looked to see Tenzin helping his wife down from the bison.
"Pema, let me help you. Careful now. Careful."
The woman laughed. "Stop doting on me. I'm not helpless. I'm just pregnant."
Katara smiled at her and the two ladies embraced. Katara placed her hand on Pema's womb.
"The baby's strong," Katara said, "I see another Airbender in your future."
Pema frowned. "All I want is one child like me: a nice, non-bender who doesn't blast wind in my face every five seconds."
"Mommy, look! I'm a snowbender!" Meelo blew a bunch of snow into her face with airbending and Ichigo instantly got what she was talking about.
"Were Tenzin and his siblings this crazy when they were kids?" Pema asked.
"Kya and Bumi certainly were," Katara replied, "But Tenzin has always been… rather serious."
"Mother, please," Tenzin pouted. He looked up beyond her smiling face and saw Korra. Her eyes lit up and she ran over to him as he spoke to her.
"Korra? Look at you. So big and strong. You've grown into quite the young Avatar."
"Master Tenzin," she said, "I'm so glad you're here. I can't wait to get started."
"Yes, well, uh… about that."
"You're going to have to tell her sooner or later," Pema said.
"Tell me what?" Korra asked quizzically.
Katara frowned. "You're not staying are you?"
Tenzin sighed. "I'm afraid not. We're only staying for the night. Then I must return to Republic City."
"But, no you're supposed to move here. You're supposed to teach me."
"I'm sorry, Korra. Your airbending training is going to have to wait."
Ichigo felt a rush of anger. He stepped in between Tenzin and Korra.
"What are you talking about, old man? You can't push Korra aside. You have a obligation to train her."
Tenzin looked at him sharply.
"Who is this?"
Korra pulled him away. "Sorry, Tenzin. This is Ichigo. We found him encased in ice a few weeks back. He meant no disrespect."
"Encased in ice?"
"Ichigo doesn't have any memories of how he got there. He just has a temper, that's all."
Ichigo scowled. "Tch."
At dinner, Ichigo watched Korra try to argue her case with the annoying, bald monk. They were seated around a long, wooden table together with a White Lotus leader and several more White Lotus members.
"So how long is it gonna be before you can teach me Airbending?" Korra asked. "A week? A month?"
"It could be much longer." Tenzin said.
"I don't understand," she complained, "Why are you making me wait?"
"I have a responsibility to Republic City. I'm one of it's leaders and the situation is very unstable right now."
"But you also have a responsibility to teach me. Believe me, I'd be happy to find another Airbending master, but you're the only one. We're stuck with each other."
"I wish there were another way."
Korra brightened up. "Wait. There is! If you can't stay here then I'll go back to Republic City with you! It's perfect!"
The White Lotus leader slammed his hand on the table. "Absolutely not! The city is far too dangerous! Avatar Aang tasked us with keeping you safe as you mastered the four elements."
"I get that, but I don't think keeping me locked up in this compound like a prisoner is what he had in mind." Korra retorted.
"Perhaps not." Tenzin said. "I know this is difficult to accept but it is not the right time for you to come to the city."
"Whatever." Korra left in a huff. Ichigo followed her. "Why didn't you stand up for me in there, Ichigo?" She said angrily.
He shrugged. "What would be the point? They've made up their minds. It's probably better to do as they say for now."
She sighed. "I guess you're right."
The next morning, Tenzin and his family left to go back to the city. Korra was sitting on a cliff outside the compound with her crossed arms placed over her knees. She looked at the departing bison and put her chin on top of her forearms. Then she narrowed her eyes and thought up an escape plan.
That night, Korra crept out of her room and went to the animal pen, where she kept her best friend and personally tamed polar bear-dog, Naga. Korra placed the saddle of top of her when she heard Katara's voice.
"Nice night for an escape, isn't it?"
Korra turned to look at the older Waterbender. "I have to leave. I have to find my own path as the Avatar."
Katara smiled. "I know you do. Aang's time has passed. My brother and many of my friends are gone. It's time for you and your generation to maintain peace and balance in the world. And I think that you're going to be a great Avatar."
"Thank you."
The two women embraced. "Let me give you one last piece of advice, Korra. Take Ichigo with you."
"Ichigo?"
Korra didn't know what to make of Ichigo. She was confused as to why he couldn't remember anything. He was nice at least and she enjoyed teasing him so that his face went red.
"Why should I take him? He's not even a bender."
"No, he is not a bender. But I sense something else in him. Some other power that the world has never seen before. When he regains his memories, whenever that is, I highly suspect that his abilities will follow."
Korra nodded. "Okay. I'll take him with me."
Katara smiled at her one last time. "Goodbye, Korra."
The young Avatar smiled back and ran off to where Ichigo lived.
In his dream, Ichigo saw many things. Faces he didn't recognize, abilities he didn't have and some woman with black hair kept appearing in his mind. Then suddenly, something covered his mouth and he woke with a start.
Korra was there, with her hand on top of his mouth. When he settled down, she took it off.
"Korra, what are you doing?"
She grinned. "Kidnapping you."
"What-"
She hit him on the back of the head and he slumped forward, unconscious. Korra slung him over her shoulder. He was lighter than she thought he'd be. Then she went back to Naga and they snuck out of the camp.
Before heading to the harbour, Korra went to her parents home. Leaving Ichigo lying on Naga, she met them outside their igloo and hugged them tightly.
"Mom, Dad, I'll miss you."
Both of her parents looked at her with sad but proud eyes.
"We love you so much," her mother said. Korra nodded and went back to Naga. She mounted and turning back, glimpsed the silhouettes of her parents in front of the light from their home.
After several minutes of ploughing through snow, they finally broke through to the small harbour at the shoreline. There was a ship there and Korra quietly boarded with Naga behind her.
Then she settled down in the hold to wait.
Ichigo awoke soon after and he rubbed the back of his head.
"You didn't have to hit me, you know. I would have gone with you willingly if you told me what you were doing."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I hate the cold."
She rolled her eyes and they both fell asleep.
The ship docked and woke them up. "Hey, Ichigo, I think we're here."
The cargo door made a grinding sound and the two of them jumped on Naga. Then the door opened and they jumped out.
"Thanks for the ride!" Korra said as they rode away.
They stopped on a high point and looked out over Republic City. It was expansive with long bridges and tall, impressive buildings. The city itself was set between two large mountains and its beauty was picturesque from a distance. On the nearest bridge to them there was a lot of traffic and noise.
"Wow." Korra said. "Look at that. I've never seen so many Sato-mobiles."
Ichigo looked in slight awe, his eyes wide. "It sorta reminds me of Seireitei."
"Reminds you of what now?"
He groaned. "Ugh. It's my stupid memories. I remember some things at random times and then I forget them again."
Korra looked at him with concern. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get going."
She nodded and led Naga slowly towards the shore. Across the water, in the middle of the bay there was a small island where a temple had been built. Atop and slightly behind the temple rose a gigantic statue of Avatar Aang. His robes seemed to swirl in the wind and his face was young. In his hand he held a staff which boasted the symbols of the Air Nation on its peak.
Korra stared in wonder, her eyes lit up and an awed smile on her face.
"Who is that?" Ichigo asked.
"That's Aang. The Avatar before me, don't you remember?"
"That's Aang?"
"Yeah."
"Wow. I know he did a lot but they really honoured him well with that statue."
Korra nodded. "He deserved it." She said quietly.
Ichigo smirked. "Aww, a little jealous, are we?"
She crossed her arms. "O-of course not! Besides, I'm going to be the best Avatar the world has ever seen!"
Ichigo smiled and patted her shoulder. "I know. I know. But it's okay to be jealous of those who came before you and all they accomplished. They're meant to be seen that way. What's important is learning from them and becoming the best you can be on your own."
Korra nodded. "Yeah, I agree. As the Avatar, I can call upon any and all of my past lives for advice."
Ichigo spread his hands. "Well, there you go."
She looked down. "Although I've never been able to connect with them. Not even once."
"You'll get it in time," Ichigo reassured her.
She smiled at him and nodded again. He smiled back then looked farther across the water, beyond the statue of Aang. There was another island with several buildings on it. One of the buildings had a tall spire on top of it. "What's that?" he asked.
"Air Temple Island," Korra answered. "That's where Tenzin lives." She rubbed the top of Naga's big head. "You ready for a little swim, girl?"
Naga sniffed the air loudly and turned away from the water and began running back into town.
"Okay, okay! Food first then Air Temple!" Korra conceded with a laugh.
The polar bear-dog charged down the street sending the traffic into a frenzy. The cars around them scattered as Naga barrelled through.
"Watch it, Naga! Look out!"
"Korra, what the heck are you doing?!" Ichigo yelled. "This is a road, not a goat path!"
She winced as two trucks crashed together and started yelling apologies and excuses while all the people shouted and shook their fists at them.
Naga slowed lowered her head to the ground, sniffing and crawling around till she found what she was looking for: a street vendor. She smelled where the food was and thrust her head through some curtains at the back of the vendor's set up. There was an assortment of food and Naga opened her giant mouth to chow down but Korra stopped her.
"Naga, wait," she said.
Korra got off and ran around to the front, grabbing some yakitori as she went. "Uh we'll take one of everything please." She said to the large, female vendor.
"That'll be twenty Yuans," the woman replied.
Korra smiled sheepishly. "Uh, I don't have any money."
The woman scowled and grabbed the food from Korra's hand. "Then what good are you to me?!"
Korra lowered her head and went back to Naga. Ichigo smiled slightly at her expression. "Oh, what are you smiling at Ichigo? You were hungry too."
"Please. I wasn't hungry."
His stomach grumbled and he cursed quietly. Naga looked at Korra mournfully.
"Don't worry, Naga," Korra said. "The city's huge. I'm sure that we can find a place to rustle up something to eat."
The three of them explored more of the city and arrived in a park. The park was very large with many trees with gorgeous autumn colours of red, yellow, green and orange. There was a wide river that ran through the entire park and several arced bridges were spread out along it's route.
They sat down by the river and Korra used waterbending to catch three fishes, while Naga splashed around in the water for some of her own. Korra placed the fish on some sticks and then cooked them with firebending. She grinned hungrily and passed one to Ichigo who also smiled.
They were just about to eat when the bush next to them opened and Korra gasped as a smelly, dishevelled man stepped out of it.
"Uh say," he began. "Think I could have one of them tasty smellin' fishees?"
"Oh? Uh, yeah sure."
The man smiled and started humming as he pranced over and took one of the three fish and sat down. He started eating it with much vigour. "So," Korra cleared her throat. "Do you… live… in that bush?"
"Yes," he replied, "presently that is what I do call home. Took me a while to procure a bush that beauteous."
The bush began to sparkle and Ichigo rolled his eyes and focused on eating.
The man continued. "This park is quite popular with all the vagabonds."
Korra frowned with confusion. "So there are a lot of you? I thought everyone in this city was living it up."
Ichigo snorted and nearly spit out his food. The man burst out laughing.
"Hey, you got a lot to learn, newcomer." He spread his arms. "Welcome to Republic City."
Korra's eyes narrowed slightly at his sarcastic expression then they heard a whistle and saw a policeman yelling at them from a bridge that crossed the river.
"Hey, you! Stop! You can't fish here!"
The vagabond dove back into his bush. "You best skedaddle."
Ichigo grabbed Korra and they leaped onto Naga. The animal went off, easily outrunning the overweight policeman.
After a while they stopped as they heard the sound of a megaphone. A man was standing on a small table, preaching and yelling to a small crowd. Korra brought Naga closer so they could hear what he was saying.
"Are you tired of living under the tyranny of benders? Then join the Equalists! For too long, the bending elite of this city have used their power to force non-benders to live as lower class citizens! Join Amon, and together we will tear down the bending establishment!"
Korra butted in. "What are you talking about? Bending is like the coolest thing in the world."
The man wasn't deterred. "Oh yeah? Let me guess, you're a bender."
"Yeah, I am."
"And I bet you'd just love to knock me off this platform with some waterbending, huh?"
Korra crossed her arms. "I'm seriously thinking about it."
Ichigo held the bridge of his nose in annoyance as the two argued. The man started addressing the crowd.
"This is what's wrong with this city! Benders like this girl, only use their power to oppress us!"
The crowd agreed with him and started yelling at Korra.
"What? I, I'm not oppressing anyone! You, you're oppressing yourself!" She defended awkwardly.
"That didn't even make sense!"
Ichigo tapped Korra on the shoulder. "Come on, Korra. Let's go."
She nodded and they rode off. When they were some distance away, Ichigo spoke again.
"You know, he's not wrong."
She turned to look at him. "What do you mean he's not wrong?"
"If people have power over other people it's a natural tendency to misuse that power."
"So you're saying he's right? Are you siding with him?"
"No, listen to me, Korra. I'm not saying he's right. I'm just saying that he has a point. Not all benders misuse their power. But not all benders use their power for good either. I think that you'll soon see that, Korra."
She glared at him. "Bending is not evil, Ichigo."
"I never said that."
"Yes, you did!"
"No, I didn't, Korra! You keep putting words in my mouth that I didn't say!"
"Then maybe you should just shut up then!"
"Maybe I will!"
They glared daggers at each other. Then Ichigo took a deep breath.
"Korra, I'm gonna try and be mature here. Let's just stop arguing and get to Air Temple Island."
She nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry I yelled at you."
"Likewise."
They rode for a little while longer, leaving the park behind and back onto the streets. Ichigo looked around. It was obvious that they were in a shadier part of town.
"Korra, we're definitely lost. Let's go ask those people for directions."
She nodded and went up to an elderly lady sitting with another man in front of a small store. "Excuse me, I think I'm lost. Can you tell me how to get to Air Temple Island from here?"
"Just head down this street and…"
A car came around the corner. "You should get moving, you two." The woman said fearfully. "It isn't safe."
The car stopped in front of a store and three men stepped out. The leader, a man dressed in blue clothes with a hat stepped forward. The owner was sitting there, polishing a red phonograph.
"Mr. Cheong," the leader said, "please tell me that you have my money. Or I can't guarantee that I can protect your fine establishment."
One of his companions snickered and a plume of fire appeared in his hand. Ichigo nudged Korra.
"See what I mean?"
She nodded. "Oh, I know there are evil benders. It's bending itself that I'm trying to defend here."
The storekeeper cowered away from the fire. "I'm sorry. Business has been slow. Here, take one of my phonographs."
The Firebender destroyed said phonograph with a flaming kick. The first man smiled. "My friend here is not a music lover. Give me the money or else…"
"Or else what, hoodlum?"
Ichigo mentally facepalmed as he saw the three men turn to face the speaker. Korra stood there with her hands on her hips and a confident look on her face. They began laughing hysterically.
The leader addressed her. "Since you're obviously fresh off the boat, let me explain a couple things. You're in Triple Threat Triad territory, and we're about to put you in the hospital."
"You're the only ones who are gonna need a hospital." Korra said, smiling. "And for your sakes, I hope there's one nearby."
"Who do you think you are?"
Korra grinned and cracked her knuckles. "Why don't you come find out?"
The man snarled and fired a rope of water at her. Korra jumped forward and sent the water back to his face, freezing it in the process. He stumbled forward and she kicked him into his own car.
The third man looked in surprise then yelled as he prepared to Earthbend. Korra stomped her foot and the earth underneath the man sent him into the air. He bounced off some tarps and wires and crashed into a fruit stand.
The two people on the street were amazed.
"What just happened?"
"Did she just Earthbend?"
The firebender sent a wave of fire at Korra. But she just ran forward and blocked the fire and grabbed his hands.
"Can she firebend too?"
"Could she be…"
Korra grunted and spun around several times while still holding onto the man's hands and flung him ten feet and through a window.
She chuckled at the ease with which she beaten the three of them. "Got an idea of who I am now, chumps?"
Then a fourth man stepped out of the car with a knife in his hand and charged towards Korra. Ichigo stepped in between them and grabbed the man's wrist and squeezed, causing him to drop the knife. Then he threw a powerful right cross that sent the man to the ground.
The gangsters attempted to get into their car and drive off but Korra earthbent the ground underneath the car and caused it to bounce off the curb and smash through a wall.
She turned to Ichigo. "I didn't know you could fight."
He shrugged. "Yeah. There are a lot of things you don't know about me. But I don't know them either so yeah."
They heard a loud siren and a giant airship appeared above them. A voice appeared over a loudspeaker.
"Police. Stay where you are."
Several officers jumped down from the airships and fired metal wires from a device on their wrists. The wires broke through walls and then secured themselves, lowering the men slowly as they came down.
"Cool." Korra said. "Metalbenders."
The leader of the officers touched the ground and Korra gestured to the unconscious gangsters. "We caught the bad guys, officers."
The man pointed to the men. "Arrest them!" The four men were just returning to consciousness and the officers shot more coils of metal which wrapped around the gangsters like ropes. The police officer turned to Korra and Ichigo. "You're both under arrest too."
She gasped. Ichigo stood protectively behind her.
"What do you mean we're under arrest?" Korra protested. "Those are the bad guys; they were smashing up a shop!"
"From the looks of things, you smashed up a lot more than that."
He indicated the destruction Korra had caused with her bending.
"He has a point, Korra. You did break more stuff than they did." Ichigo offered.
"Don't agree with him!" Korra shot back.
The officer fired a metal wire at Korra but she caught it before it could hit her. "Wait. You can't arrest me. Let me explain."
"You can explain yourself all you like, down at Headquarters." The officer grabbed her wrist.
Then Ichigo was on him. "Take your hands off of her!" His foot connected with the man's jaw and the officer tumbled back onto the ground. Korra was already on Naga and she took Ichigo's hand and hauled him onto the hybrid as they ran off.
The other officers began chasing them on foot. Naga turned a corner and one of the officers went in to tackle them. Then Korra kicked him right in the face and straightened her leg, sending him tumbling to the ground.
Another officer latched onto an overhanging wire and launched into the air, firing at them from above. Korra turned onto a bridge as people stared. The officer slid on a roof and fired, his wire wrapping around Korra's back ponytail. She cried out as she was jerked back, almost knocking Ichigo off Naga.
Korra flung up her arms and a wall of ice came up from the river beneath them. The officer who was riding on a wire behind them smashed into it and slid down as his wires fell from Korra's hair.
She directed Naga onto an overpass, narrowly dodging a car. Then she turned and leapt onto a passing train underneath them. Korra looked up as Ichigo clung onto her for dear life and she glimpsed Air Temple Island in the distance.
Then they hear the siren again and saw the airship above them. Korra grimaced and Naga leapt off the train onto a building. But before her feet touched the ground she was wrapped up in some wires shot from the airship. Korra and Ichigo struggled but they too were trapped by the metal ropes and they hung from the airship as it headed back to the police headquarters.
They were thrown into an interrogation room and a grey haired woman with two scars on her jaw line stepped into the room. She paced around them, reading from a clipboard which listed all their crimes.
"Let's see. Multiple counts of destruction of private and city property. Not to mention evading arrest." She slammed the clipboard on the table beside Korra, who jumped. "You're in a whole mess of trouble, young lady." She looked to Ichigo. "We're counting you as an accomplice."
Korra tried to defend herself. "But there were some thugs threatening a helpless shopkeeper and I-"
"Can it! You should've called the police and stayed out of the way."
"But I couldn't just sit by and do nothing. It's my duty to help people." She played her trump card. "See, I'm the Avatar."
The woman crossed her arms and snorted. "Oh, I am well aware of who you are. And your 'Avatar' title might impress some people, but not me."
Ichigo smiled mentally at Korra's indignant face.
"All right," she said, "Fine. Then I want to talk to whoever's in charge."
"You're talking to her." The woman replied as she sat down across from the two teens. "I'm Chief Beifong."
Korra pondered the name. "Wait. Beifong? Lin Beifong? You're Toph's daughter!"
Ichigo remembered that Toph was a companion and good friend of the former Avatar.
"What of it?" The chief said.
"Well, then why are you treating me like a criminal? Avatar Aang and your mother were friends. They saved the world together."
"That's ancient history. And it's got diddlysquat to do with the mess you're in right now. Avatar or not, you can't just walk in here and dole out vigilante justice like you own the place. And involving someone else in your activities is even worse. Speaking of which, are you ever going to say anything?"
She looked pointedly at Ichigo. He yawned and looked bored.
"Why should I? Korra's always the one who talks anyway."
"I can see that."
The door opened and an officer stepped through.
"Chief, Councilman Tenzin is here."
Beifong sighed. "Let him in."
Ichigo sighed too. "Oh great. Old man Tenzin's here now? Give me a break."
Beifong looked at him with a hint of amusement. Tenzin walked into the room. Korra looked remorsefully at him.
"Tenzin. Sorry. We got a little side-tracked on our way to see you."
The Airbender took a deep breath through his nose then smiled at Beifong.
"Lin, you are looking radiant as usual."
"Cut the garbage, Tenzin." Beifong snapped. Ichigo had to stifle a laugh at how Tenzin acted around her. "Why is the Avatar in Republic City? I thought you were supposed to be moving down to the South Pole to train her."
"My relocation has been delayed. The Avatar and her friend on the other hand, will be returning to the South Pole immediately. Where they will stay put."
Korra tried to speak and was cut off. "But-"
"If you would be so kind," Tenzin continued, "as to drop the charges against them, I will take full responsibility for today's regrettable events and cover all the damages."
Beifong looked hard at Ichigo and Korra then with a flick of her hand the metal handcuffs snapped open.
"Fine. Get her out of my city." She said menacingly.
"Always a pleasure, Lin." Tenzin bowed slightly, "Let's go Korra, Ichigo."
As they walked out the door Ichigo gave Beifong a pointed look with his strong eyes. She was a little unnerved by it.
"Wait, Tenzin."
The Airbender turned round. "Yes, Lin?"
"Who's the kid?"
Tenzin looked at Ichigo. "He was found several weeks ago by Korra, frozen in ice. He doesn't remember anything at all besides his name and age. Am I right, Korra?"
She nodded. "That's right."
Lin stared for a little longer at Ichigo. Then she sighed. "Very well. You can go, Tenzin."
Ichigo raised his eyebrows then followed Tenzin and Korra. They went into the front room of the station. Ichigo sat down as Korra tried to reason with Tenzin.
"Tenzin, please don't send us back." Korra pleaded.
"You blatantly disobeyed my wishes and the orders of the White Lotus." He replied firmly.
"Katara agreed with me that I should come. She said my destiny is in Republic City."
Tenzin's face reddened drastically. "Don't bring my mother into this!"
"Look," Korra said, "I can't wait any longer to finish my training. Being cooped up and hidden away from the world isn't helping me become a better Avatar. We saw a lot of the city today and it's totally out of whack. I understand now why you need to stay. Republic City does need you. But it needs me too."
Tenzin was at a temporary loss of words. "You... Humph."
"She's right for once, Tenzin." Ichigo entered the conversation. "Republic City needs her. Korra can do a lot of good here."
"You have no say in this matter!" Tenzin said loudly. "You're just a boy who was found frozen in ice. You're nobody special!"
Ichigo winced. Those words stung. Then a voice appeared inside his head.
"Want me to kill him for ya, King?"
Ichigo's eyes widened and he looked around as Korra defended him. But the voice was gone.
"Don't talk to Ichigo like that, Tenzin! He's now as involved in this as you or me. And we have to help him regain his memories."
Tenzin was about to reply when a young porter came into the room followed by Naga.
"Is this your polar bear-dog, miss?" He asked as Naga licked his face.
In the end, Tenzin would not change his mind. They took a boat to Air Temple Island. As they passed Aang's statue, Tenzin looked up at his father. Then he looked at Korra where she and Ichigo were standing at the end of the boat, gazing at the beautiful lights of Republic City at night.
The ship docked and Korra and Ichigo stood on the quay at Air Temple Island as White Lotus members arrived on a ship to take them back.
They heard a strange sound and looked up as Tenzin's kids flew in on their air-gliders.
"Korra!" They all cried in unison as they hugged her.
"Are you coming to live with us on the Island?" One of them asked eagerly.
Korra looked sadly at them. "No. I'm sorry, Ikki. I have to go home now."
"Aww." Tenzin looked at his children's sad faces and sighed. Korra and Ichigo walked on either side of Naga away from the Airbenders. Then Tenzin stepped forward.
"Wait. I have done my best to guide Republic City towards the dream my father had for it. But you are right; it has fallen out of balance since he passed. I thought I should put off your training in order to uphold his legacy. But you are his legacy. You may stay and train on Air Temple Island with me. Republic City needs its Avatar once again."
Korra gasped with joy. "Yes! Thank you! You're the best!"
The three kids cheered and Korra lifted them all off the ground at once in a hug. With them still in her arms she reached around and picked up Tenzin as well, who sighed with resignation. She turned to Ichigo.
"Don't even think about it, Korra." He said with a smirk.
She put the Airbender family down. "Wait, Tenzin, what about Ichigo? Can he stay too?"
Tenzin looked at the orange-haired teenager. He didn't trust him. That much he knew. He turned back to Korra.
"He may stay if you promise to keep an eye on him. Ichigo, you do the same for Korra."
Ichigo nodded. "Sure, baldy, I'll keep her out of trouble."
"I am not bald! I shave my head!"
Meelo laughed. "Haha! You're a baldy, Daddy!"
Ichigo gave Meelo a high five. Then Korra picked up him and hugged him tightly as well. Ichigo's face went red. She laughed. "Is that red from anger or embarrassment?"
"Shut up."
She laughed again.
The next day, at City Hall, Korra made her official announcement to the city. She stared at all the reporters and photographers as they yelled and snapped pictures.
She coughed and tapped the mic. "Hello? I'm Korra… your new Avatar."
The crowd cheered and the reporters began hoarding her with questions."
"Does this mean you've moved to Republic City?"
"Were you trying to send a message to the Triads yesterday?"
"Will you be fighting crime or the anti-bending revolution? Or both?"
"Will you be working with Chief Beifong and the police?"
"Uh, yes," Korra said, "I am definitely here to stay. But honestly, I don't really have a plan yet." She said sheepishly. "You see, I'm still in training. But look, all I know is that Avatar Aang meant for this city to be the centre of peace and balance in the world. And I believe that we can make his dream a reality. I look forward to serving you. I'm so happy to be here. Thank you, Republic City!"
Elsewhere, in Republic City, a man turned off the radio, which had just played her speech. He was tall and dressed in a green and yellow outfit with a mask and goggles over his head and eyes. There were two sticks clasped to his back and a droopy moustache on his face.
"Amon," he said in a raspy voice, "How do you want to handle this?"
Another man was standing, facing a map of the city on a wall. He was dressed similarly but his clothes were all a drab green and he wore a hood.
"So," he said, "the Avatar has arrived early. It seems we'll need to accelerate our plans."
And that's the end of the second chapter. What'd you guys think? I don't know if future chapters will be updated as quickly as this one because I do have to update my other story as well. I just really wanted to get this story up and running with a full 'episode' of content. But I will do my best to update frequently. Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you all next time!
