Hey, everyone! I hope you're all having a great summer! Here's the second chapter of Book 2, I hope you all enjoy it.


Chapter 2: The Southern Lights


Ichigo muttered in his sleep. Visions of the fight with the spirit plagued his dreams.

Never would have expected one of your kind to be here. Haven't you heard? Only a Soul Reaper wielding a Bankai could ever hope to defeat the likes of me. You're a little out of place here.

Rukia and Renji appeared, standing on a rooftop in Seireitei.

What- what is this reiatsu?

Ichigo.

Ichigo shot awake, gasping for breath. Beads of sweat travelled down his face and his bed sheets were soaked with it. He sat up and rubbed his face. The sun was just rising and he didn't want to risk another nightmare so he got up.

Ichigo struggled out of bed and winced. The attack from the spirit had scarred his chest. He didn't know why but it left a searing sensation that felt like liquid fire. It would most likely heal soon but it was different from any attack he'd suffered before in Republic City.

Someone knocked on his door.

"Come in," he said.

It opened and Korra stepped through.

"Hey, Ichigo."

"Hey."

"I'm gonna go start my training with Unalaq. Wanna come?"

Ichigo nodded. "Sure. Let's go."

They got ready and jumped on Naga. They found Unalaq making preparations for a journey of sorts. He looked up and smiled as he saw them.

"You're early," he said.

Korra grinned. "What can I say? I'm pumped up to learn that Unalaq Spirit fighting technique."

He put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm not here to teach you to fight spirits. I'm here to help you begin your spiritual training." He gestured at the saddled animals they would be using as steeds. "We're going to one of the most remote places in the world. The long neglected spiritual center of your tribe: The South Pole."

"You're gonna train me at the South Pole?" Korra asked.

"We will do more than just train. But neglecting the Spirits, the people of the South have brought darkness upon themselves, and now it threatens to destroy our tribe. You must set things right. The Southern Water Tribe depends on you."

Korra smiled. "A dangerous trip to the South Pole? Count me in!"

Ichigo held up a hand. "Hang on. What's my place in all of this?"

Unalaq turned to him. "As a Soul Reaper, you are responsible for transferring lost souls to the other side. But that is not your role in this particular expedition. You will be Korra's spiritual guardian, and you will protect her with your life."

"I thought you guaranteed that Korra would not be put in any danger."

"Danger will come to the Avatar whether we like it or not. That's where you come in. Now I don't want you to think of yourself as a glorified bodyguard; that's why I called you a guardian. Being a Soul Reaper, you will be put to many different tasks. This is just one of them."

Ichigo nodded hesitantly. "Alright. I'll take your word for it."

Korra jutted in. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait just a minute. I don't need a guardian. I can take care of myself. I'm the Avatar."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Ichigo said sarcastically.

Unalaq smiled thinly. "Korra, I know you can handle yourself. But with Ichigo at your side, you will be open to a whole new level of spiritual awareness. His powers can ensure that."

Korra narrowed her eyes. "I've been meaning to ask you. Where does Ichigo's power come from?"

For a second, Unalaq hesitated. His eyes unfocused and he glanced elsewhere then back to Korra, stern once more.

"I do not know the answer to that question."


"There it is," Tenzin said, "The Southern Air Temple."

The temple was beautiful. Cylindrical spires of carefully crafted rock decorated it and the sun shone brilliantly off of the blue rooftops. The temple was perched on a high mountain, only accessible by Sky Bison.

"Isn't it magnificent?"

Tenzin landed Oogie and instantly, several Air Acolytes dashed up to them to take care of their needs. The lead one smiled brightly.

"Master Tenzin, welcome!"

Tenzin bowed slightly. "Good to see you again, Abbot Shung."

Shung spread his arms. "Is there anything you need? Water? Dandelion greens? Ah, perhaps you'd like to re-center yourself by meditating in the Temple Gardens."

Tenzin politely refused. "No, thank you. I'm fine."

Shung turned to Pema next. "And you must be the honourable Pema. Please, accept these gifts." He reached into a box, carried by two Acolytes and pulled out a strange contraption with sharps clippers and blades hanging from it.

He handed it eagerly to Tenzin. "This is an ancient Airbender head-shaver we've refurbished just for you."

Tenzin looked at it dubiously. "Oh…okay."

Next, Shung placed a giant bouquet of flowers in Pema's arms, completely smothering her in them.

"And these flowers once filled the mountainside. Now they can brighten up your room."

Pema struggled for a reply, her voice muffled from behind the flowers. "That's…sweet? You- you didn't have to."

Shung laughed. "Nonsense! Whatever you need is yours. Anything for the mother of the next generation of Airbenders."

They glanced at Tenzin's kids as a lady handed a book to Jinora.

"No!" Ikki cried. "That gift is mine!"

"You don't even like to read." Jinora retorted.

"Naah!"

Pema smiled slightly. "Yep, those are the next generation of Airbenders."

Meelo jumped on Shung's head, holding a really furry lemur.

"Mommy, Daddy, look! I finally got a lemur! I'm gonna name him Poki."

The lemur screeched and flew out of his hands. "Poki, come back!" Meelo made an air scooter and chased after his pet.

Bumi and Kya struggled with their baggage. No Acolytes were helping them.

Bumi glared at one of them. "Excuse me! A little help here?"

She glanced back at him. "Sorry, I thought you were the servants."

"We're Tenzin's brother and sister!" Bumi protested hotly.

The Acolytes gaped wide with joy. "Avatar Aang had other children? The world is filled with more Airbenders?"

"We're not Airbenders." Kya said with slight annoyance.

The woman stuttered. "O-oh. I'm so sorry."


Ichigo was walking around Korra's house gathering his belonging for the trip to the South Pole. Asami was sitting in a reading chair watching him.

"I don't understand why you have to go," Asami said. "This trip has nothing to do with you."

Ichigo tossed a big winter jacket into his bag. "I don't understand why you have to stay," he replied. "You should be coming with us."

Asami frowned. "You know I can't. I have to work out the final business deals with Varrick so I can save my company. I told you that."

"Yeah, I know."

"Why are you going, Ichigo? I want you to stay here with me."

"Believe me, I want to stay with you but there are things that Unalaq knows about Soul Reapers that I don't and I want to find out more. Also, Korra is gonna need my help down there. I have to go."

"Is this about your memories and Unalaq or is this about Korra?"

"Asami, come on."

"I'm just wondering! Like I know that you and Korra are close and that you're always there for her and everything but you know it would be nice if you would be there for me too."

Ichigo stopped packing and looked back at her. Then he went over and knelt down in front of her reading chair, reaching up and taking her hands in his own. "Asami," he said quietly. "This isn't about Korra. This is about me. There is nothing more that I'd want than to be here helping you. But something's going on with me right now. I'm confused. And I think Unalaq may have the answers. I'm going to the South Pole because I think it will fix me or at least help me figure things out. Then, I promise, I will be back here with you. But I need to do this so that I can be there for you in the future. Please understand.

Asami looked tenderly at him. "Okay. I understand. I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. Don't worry about it."

He got up and resumed packing.

"What are you confused about?" she asked.

"Thing is, I'm not sure," he said. "I don't really know anything right now. That's what I'm hoping to figure out."

"Okay." She glanced at her watch. "Oh, I have to go now. I have a meeting with Varrick." She got up and they embraced. "Be careful."

"I will. Good luck with Varrick. The guy's a piece of work."

Asami laughed. "He is. Anyways, I'll see you soon. I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Yeah. Me too."


That afternoon, Ichigo, Korra and Mako were getting ready to leave. They were outside the city. The animals that Unalaq had been loading with supplies were now fully loaded and ready to go. Unalaq was there too, finishing the final preparations.

Korra glanced at Mako. "I thought you said Bolin was coming."

"He said he'd be here," Mako replied, "but I can't worry about it. I have to make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip."

Korra smiled at her boyfriend. "Thanks, Captain Expedition. But I'll be fine."

An engine revved and Tonraq came in on a snowmobile. Unalaq cursed silently and went over to his brother.

"Tonraq, what do you want?" He demanded.

"I heard you're taking Korra to the South Pole. I'm coming."

"Absolutely not! You're a distraction to Korra and a hindrance to what needs to be done."

"My daughter is not going without me! She needs someone to watch after her."

Korra, Ichigo and Mako came up to them on Naga.

"Dad, why do think you always know what's best for me?" Korra demanded.

"Because he's misguided." Unalaq said. "The sad truth is, people like your father are the ones who've put the Spirit World out of balance. He's ignored my warnings in the past and hasn't learned since."

"What happened in the past?" Korra asked.

"It doesn't matter." Tonraq said firmly. "What matters is the Everstorm."

"The Everstorm?" Mako questioned.

"It's a massive blizzard that has battered the South Pole for decades. I'm coming." He looked down at his shorter brother. "Unless you think you can stop me."

The two brothers glared fiercely at each other.

"Guys, hey! Wait for me!"

Bolin came riding in on a decked-out snowmobile with a large sidecar. He was dressed in a massive green parka. He turned off the engine and grinned.

"Check it out. I'm riding in style!"

"Uh, where did you get the ride?" Mako asked.

"Varrick! He's awesome. He also gave me this fancy snowsuit. It's inflatable with an internal heater, emergency beacon and food ration pouch. I mean, if I get lost, I can survive in this thing for like, for like a month. Who wants some freeze-dried cucumber-quats? Nobody? …Did I interrupt a conversation?"

Korra shook her head. "No, the conversation is over. Dad, come if you want but don't get in the way of my training."

She spurred Naga forwards and Ichigo glanced back sadly at Tonraq.

Eska and Desna, who were also coming on the trip approached Bolin.

"Does this sidecar have the capacity for two passengers?" Eska asked.

Bolin smiled. "Sure does. But uh, who's gonna drive?"

Hours later, Bolin was still driving with giant bags under his eyes. Mako grinned and sidled over.

"Well, what do you know? Looks like-"

"Go away, Mako."

Korra and Ichigo, riding on Naga, walked side-by-side with Unalaq. He had instructed Ichigo to ride with Korra on Naga, otherwise Mako would've ridden with her.

"So, once we get to the South Pole, then what happens?" Korra asked.

"You will open an ancient spirit portal." He replied.

"I'm sorry. What now?"

"At the South Pole, there is a portal that connects our world to the Spirit World. But it has long been closed."

"And that's why the evil spirits are attacking?" Korra asked.

"There are no evil spirits. There is light and dark in them all. But when they're unbalanced, the darkness takes over."

Ichigo rolled his eyes. What a bunch of bull.

Unalaq continued. "If you can open the portal in time, balance will be restored."

"What do you mean 'in time'?"

"There's a reason the Glacier Spirits Festival ends on the Winter Solstice. That's when the Spirit World and the physical world are close together. Only then can the Avatar open the portal."

"The Winter Solstice is tomorrow." Korra pointed out.

Unalaq nodded. "Exactly. And we can't afford at wait another year."

Something hissed behind them and Ichigo put his hand on Zangetsu, feeling the reiatsu around him. Naga growled.

"What are those?" Bolin asked timidly.

Korra concentrated and glimpsed several figures in the distance.

"Dark Spirits."

"Let's keep moving." Tonraq said. "We have to find a safe place to set up camp."


"Hey, Rukia! Where're you goin'? Wait up!"

Renji dashed after his friend as she ran off in the direction of the main Senkaimon gate.

Rukia gasped for breath as she ran. "He's close. I can feel him."

Renji finally caught up with her.

"What's going on, Rukia?"

"It's Ichigo! He's near the Senkaimon!"

"How the heck do you know?"

"I can sense his reiatsu. Can't you?"

Renji concentrated. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right. He is near!"

"Let's hurry, Renji!"

"Yeah!"


The campfire burned brightly in the little cave. Everyone was huddled together as they ate. They had traveled for several hours and had decided to camp out here in a cave. Korra turned to Unalaq.

"Uncle, why do you think the Dark Spirits are following us?"

Bolin whimpered. "Can we not talk about Dark Spirits please?"

Mako rolled his eyes. "My brother doesn't like ghost stories."

Eska glanced at Bolin as he nestled against her. "Don't worry. I will protect you, my feeble turtle-duck."

"Thank you."

Unalaq's face was lit up by the fire. "Sadly, this isn't a ghost story. This is real."

Bolin gasped and tightened his snowsuit.

Unalaq gestured to Ichigo. "The spirits have become agitated because a Soul Reaper is present. They are not used to your kind." Then he glared at Tonraq. "But the real reason they're angry is because he's here. Haven't you ever wondered how your father ended up in the South Pole? Why he's never taken you to visit his homeland in the North?"

"Unalaq, this is not the time." Tonraq said firmly.

Unalaq nodded. "You're right. You should have told her a long time ago."

"Told me what?" Korra asked angrily.

Tonraq sighed. "I left the North Pole because… I was banished."

Korra gasped. "You were banished from the North? Why?"

"Because I almost destroyed the entire tribe."

Tonraq gazed into the campfire as he remembered.

A younger Tonraq stood in front of several dozen Water Tribe soldiers.

"Twenty years ago, I was a general in the Northern Water Tribe, sworn to protect my people."

He glanced behind him as he heard hurried footsteps. Unalaq came riding up on a large, tusked animal. He panted for breath.

"Brother, we're being attacked."

Tonraq cursed and dashed back to the city. It was in flames. Scores of bandits had charged in and were killing the people. Tonraq blasted one with water and tackled another.

"I drove them out of the city and deep into the frozen tundra. We tracked them into an ancient forest. Many believed this forest to be the home of spirits. And the barbarians retreated there because they never thought we would attack on such hallowed grounds. They thought wrong."

Tonraq led a charge and crushed the barbarians with water. A little while later, they led the barbarians away, in chains.

"We captured the barbarians. But in the process, we destroyed the forest. I didn't realize the consequences of what I had done."

A strange hissing sound woke Tonraq from his sleep. He ran to his window and gasped. Giant, dark spirits were smashing up the city.

"By destroying the forest, I unknowingly unleashed angry spirits. They threatened to destroy everything- the entire city. Unalaq was able to guide the spirits back to the forest. But by then, the damage had been done. For being the cause of so much devastation, my father banished me from the Northern Water Tribe in shame. That's when I came to the South and started a new life."

Bolin was wide eyed as Tonraq finished his story. "Whoa! So you were supposed to be Chief. Then he became Chief. No wonder you guys don't like each other."

Mako elbowed him.

"Ow! What? Isn't that what happened?" Bolin protested.

Ichigo glanced up as Korra rose to her feet in anger.

"I can't believe you kept this from me."

Tonraq tried to explain. "I was protecting you from the shame I brought on our family."

"Why do you keep hiding things from me and telling me it's for my own protection? I'm tired of you 'protecting me'!"

She stormed off. Tonraq stretched out his hand helplessly. Ichigo sighed and got to his feet to follow her. They met some ways away from the cave. Korra was looking up at the sky, clenching her fists. Ichigo went to stand next to her.

"Want to talk about it?" He asked half-heartedly.

"No."

"You sure?"

She glanced at him, irritated. "Yes, Ichigo, I'm sure. I have to get through this on my own."

Ichigo shook his head. "No, you don't, Korra. Believe me."

Korra sighed. "It's just, my dad is so infuriating!"

Ichigo looked off in the distance. "At least you have a dad. I don't even know where mine is. Listen Korra, your father wants what's best for you. Now, I'll admit, he's not the greatest father in the world. But he's trying. Maybe you could give him a chance to try a little harder."

She looked at him. "I… I can't talk about this right now. Just leave me alone for a little while. I'll be fine."

Ichigo nodded. "Okay."


It was a fine morning at the Southern Air Temple. Tenzin was leading Jinora into the tallest spire of the complex. Inside was an ancient room filled with statues of all the past Avatars.

Jinora was in awe. "Wow. The statue room."

Tenzin smiled at his oldest child. "That's right, Jinora. The most sacred place in the entire Southern Air Temple. Here you will find statues of every Avatar who ever lived." He looked around. "Where are your brother and sister?"

Excited whooping and hollering alerted him. Tenzin grimaced as Meelo and Ikki raced around the room on air scooters.

"You can't catch me! I am the greatest air skater of all time!" Meelo declared.

He crashed straight into a statue, knocking it over. Tenzin cringed.

"Meelo!"

Jinora walked up to the statue of Aang and stared up at it. Aang's boyish and yet regal features were immortalized here in stone. Suddenly she sensed something. Jinora whirled around.


The party continued through the snow with Korra and Ichigo leading the pack on Naga. Mako had gone on ahead to scout. Tonraq drove up to their side on his snowmobile.

"Korra, you have every right to be mad at me. But I don't want you to make the same mistake I made. I should have never gone into that forest. And we shouldn't be going to the South Pole now. Spirits and the physical world should remain separate."

Korra turned to face him. "Dad, it's my job to be the bridge between the Spirits and the physical world, and now I finally have a chance to live up to my potential."

"You don't even know if what Unalaq says is true." Tonraq argued.

Unalaq came up to them. "You want proof? Look up in the sky. Where I'm from, the Spirits are at peace and they light up the dark."

"The Northern Lights." Korra realized.

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on! This is stupid."

Unalaq ignored him. "Yes. There used to be lights in the south as well. But during the 100-year war, the South was thrown out of balance and the lights disappeared. When the war ended, the North helped to rebuild you physically as a nation. But we have not rebuilt you spiritually. Now the spirits no longer dance in your skies. Instead, they rampage in the Everstorm."

Up ahead of them, Mako called back. "I think we're here!"

Korra spurred Naga forward and stared into a giant storm, filling the expanse of land beneath them and covering the visible horizon.

They continued on, now wearing hoods to protect them from the cold and bitter winds and snow. In the distance, several spirits hissed loudly.

"Is that what I think it is?" Bolin asked timidly.

Ichigo swore and drew his sword. "I'm gonna go thin them out."

"No! We must keep moving!" Unalaq cried.

The spirits roared ferociously. Ichigo gripped Zangetsu tighter.

"I don't think we have a choice, old man."

Bolin whimpered. "Oh, man. I don't like this."

Mako looked back at his brother. "Bolin, just stay calm. There's no reason to-"

Suddenly a spirit came out of the ground and ripped off the supplies on the back of Mako's steed. More did the same to the others. Naga reared up on his hind legs, knocking Korra and Ichigo to the ground.

A spirit with wings flew towards them. Tonraq blocked its path. Then another spirit came from behind.

Ichigo shoved Korra aside. "Look out!"

It dashed passed him and knocked Tonraq to the ground. Ichigo gritted his teeth.

"Blasted storm! I can't see a thing!"

He swung blindly and caught a spirit on the arm, severing it. One spirit jumped into Bolin's snowmobile's engine.

"Oh, it's in the engine!"

The engine blew and the snowmobile went driving off into the distance, carrying a screaming Bolin with it.

Korra handspringed away from a spirit and tried to purify the spirit like Unalaq did to the first spirit at the carnival. But her attempts were too erratic and the spirit crashed into her and pinned her to the ground.

Ichigo slashed and hacked, keeping several spirits at bay. But whenever he cut through them, they regenerated and he had to do it all over again. He grunted and cursed as he was sent sprawling to the ground.

Then Unalaq stepped forward and purified them, sending them on their way. Mako helped Korra and Ichigo to their feet.

"Is everyone okay?"

Bolin was still screaming. And the twins, Eska and Desna were still in the sidecar. The snowmobile was headed straight for a rock wall.

"I can't stop it!" Bolin cried.

Eska and Desna leapt out of the sidecar, pulling Bolin with them.

"I'll save you." Eska said.

They let go and Bolin's snowsuit inflated. He slid down the hill like a ball while the twins virtually skied down it.

"I'm a raft!"

Finally, he reached the bottom of the hill and Mako stopped him with his boot.

"Uh, can someone please deflate me?"

Eska complied with several ice spikes.

"Thank you."

Mako cursed as he looked at their steeds that had fled the scene. "Oh, great. There goes our equipment. Now what are we supposed to do?"

"There's only one thing to do." Tonraq replied. "We have to turn back."

"No." Unalaq refused. "The Solstice is tonight. We're so close."

"This mission is too dangerous. We're leaving."

Korra jutted in. "No, Dad. You're leaving."


A little while later, Ichigo and Mako approached Tonraq as he prepared to leave.

"Don't worry, sir. We'll keep an eye on Korra for you." Mako said.

Tonraq shook his hand. "Thank you, Mako. Ichigo, can I speak with you in private?"

"Sure."

They stepped a few paces aside and Tonraq sighed.

"Son, I don't know how to explain this. This mission, as far as I see it, is too much for Korra to handle. She's going to need you, Ichigo. At the South Pole, I believe there will be a forest similar to the one I violated. Under no circumstances let Korra go in there alone. I've got a bad feeling about Unalaq. I don't like what he has planned for her."

Ichigo nodded. "I will. And I've felt it too. But Tonraq, maybe you should put a little more trust in Korra. Sure, she struggles. But she's the Avatar. She's destined to struggle more than anyone else. I know that's hard to accept as a parent, but if you trust her and believe in her, she'll do the same for you."

Tonraq smiled. "You are wise beyond your years, Kurosaki Ichigo. Thank you."

Ichigo shook his hand. "You assume too much. But don't worry. I'll protect Korra with my life."

Tonraq smiled one last time and drove off. Unalaq went to Korra.

"Let's open this portal and lead your father and the entire Southern Water Tribe in the right direction. We don't have much time."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Korra rode ahead, stopping only for Ichigo to mount up behind her. Mako rode beside them.

Korra turned to look at them. "So, what were you two and my dad talking about?"

"Nothing." Mako replied. "He was just worried about you, that's all."

Korra scowled. "You know, sometimes I wonder who's side you're on."

"There aren't any sides. We just want to help any way we can. You have to trust that we're here for you."

Korra sighed and glared back at Ichigo.

"And what was with that 'private chat' with my Dad?"

Ichigo faced her glare. "Same thing. He cares about you, Korra. He cares more than Unalaq, Asami, Bolin, me, and even Mako. He's your father. That's his job."

Korra's scowl deepened. "Stop defending him! He's not right."

Ichigo took a deep breath. "Maybe he's not. But neither are you."

That shut her up. They travelled in silence the rest of the way. At last, they reached the South Pole.

"We've arrived." Unalaq said.

Just like Tonraq had said, there was a forest. It was encased in ice.

Korra looked with wonder as she dismounted.

"Trees frozen in ice."

"It's just like the sacred forest Tonraq destroyed in the North." Unalaq said.

"So, what do I do?" Korra asked with trepidation.

"You must find your way to the heart of the forest where the dormant spirit portal lies. From here, you're on your own."

"Wait a second." Mako interrupted. "There's no way she's going alone."

"Yeah! If she goes, we go too." Bolin agreed.

"No. You cannot accompany her." Unalaq said with finality.

Ichigo stepped forward and looked him in the eye. "Maybe they can't. But I will. Unless you want to try and stop me."

They glared at each other for several seconds. Ichigo slowly put his hand on Zangetsu. Then Unalaq nodded.

"Very well. You, as her Spiritual Guardian, may go with her. But you must not interfere with her duty. The Avatar must perform it alone."

"But I don't have any connection with the spirits. In fact, it seems like they hate me." Korra said.

Unalaq put his hand on her shoulder. "You have to believe in yourself. Like I believe in you."

Korra turned away. Unalaq looked at her with concern.

"What is it?"

"I guess I'm just so used to people telling me how to do things that I forgot what it feels like to have someone trust in me."

Unalaq smiled warmly. "Korra, all the past Avatars live on inside of you. Let them guide you. Let them help you find the light in the dark."

Korra nodded and turned to Mako and Bolin. "Wait here. I'll be okay. Come on, Ichigo."

"Good luck." Mako said.

Korra and Ichigo walked the long path to the forest. Ichigo looked at her.

"Korra, I'm sorry for what I said. I just…"

Korra put her hand on his cheek. "Ichigo, it's okay. I forgive you."

Ichigo smiled. "Thanks."

"I'm under a lot of pressure right now and I feel like a lot of people are just trying to stop me from doing my duty. Especially my father."

"He means well."

"Maybe. You can trust me, Ichigo. I can do this."

"I do trust you. Everyone trusts you. But don't push them away when they try to help."

Korra sighed. "I guess you're right. But he still pisses me off."

"Yeah, my dad pisses me off too."

Korra chuckled. "Really? What's he like?"

"I don't know. Just a lousy, old geezer I guess. He's super annoying and clingy."

Korra laughed. "Sounds like you."

"What?"

Korra laughed more. "I'm joking, Ichigo. What are your sisters like?"

"They're great, honestly. Karin is kinda like me in a lot of ways. Yuzu is really kind and gentle and has really stepped up since my mom died."

"Your mom died? I remember that you were having trouble remembering her."

"Yeah. I don't remember how she died, just that she did."

"I'm sorry. That must be really hard."

He looked down. "Sometimes."

"I'd like to meet your family sometime," Korra said.

Ichigo gave her a small smile. "Maybe you will."

They were now nearing the forest. Ichigo ran through the plan.

"Okay. Once we get inside, I'm expecting spirits will attack you. I'll hold them off while you open the portal thing. But be quick. I can't fight them like Unalaq can. But I- Aagh!"

He cried out as a sudden pain rocked his mind.

"Ichigo, what's wrong?"

He fell to his knees in agony.

"Ichigo!"

Memories flashed through his mind. He saw all his old friends. The spirit's words echoed throughout his mind.

You're a little out of place here.

Then he saw Rukia and Renji. He felt their reiatsu. They were close.

The pain faded and he panted for breath. Korra knelt beside him.

"Ichigo, are you all right?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I got a memory attack. I get them sometimes. It's fine. Don't worry about it."

Korra obviously didn't believe him but he looked at her with pleading eyes and she nodded.

"Okay. Let's move on."

They got to their feet and kept going. They were now in the forest. The wind howled as they made their way through. Ichigo kept his hand on Zangetsu, alert for any dangers.

A sudden hissing caused them to whirl around. Two Dark Spirits in the shape of snakes came slithering at breakneck speeds. Ichigo drew his sword.

"Go, Korra. Go!"

She needed no further encouragement. Ichigo growled as the spirits stopped in front of him.

"Come on, you pieces of crap. Let's go."

He was about to charge when he felt Rukia's reiatsu. It was much stronger than before. He held his head in pain and didn't stop the snakes as they moved past him.

Ichigo stumbled on a root and fell on his face. Then he heard a voice he recognized.

"Ichigo?"

He looked up at the wall and saw a faint image of Rukia. She was here. Somehow. He gasped and pressed his hand out to touch it. All he touched was the wall. But it was her. Whatever this was, somehow, she was here.

"Rukia? Is- is that you?"

She nodded vigorously. "It's me, Ichigo. I finally found you! Where are you?"

"I'm at the South Pole. In an ancient spirit forest, with some weird spirit portal thingy."

Rukia looked confused. "Spirit Portal?" Then realization dawned on her face. "Oh, no."

"Oh, no? What's that supposed to mean?"

She covered her mouth with her hand. "No. No, tell me it's not true."

"What's not true?" Ichigo demanded.

A tear ran down her face. "Oh, Ichigo, why? What did you do?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Ichigo, you're in another world. The reason we're speaking now is because you're near a Spirit Portal. They connect the two worlds together."

"Slow down, Rukia! I don't know what you're saying!"

"Ichigo, listen to me very carefully. I can't explain everything here. Soon, this connection will fade. But my brother once told me that there are two worlds. Both have spiritual counter worlds as well. Our world, the one we come from, is where I am. Soul Society and Hueco Mundo are our spiritual counter worlds. But Ichigo, you're in the other world. And the Spirit World is that world's counter.

Ichigo laughed nervously. "Hey, come on, Rukia. Don't pull crap like that on me."

Rukia shook her head. "Ichigo, I'm serious."

A look of dread crossed his face. "How do I get back home?"

She took a deep breath. "There is one way. Once every ten thousand years in that world, the Spirit Portals will align. I don't know all the details; but I have a feeling that that is the key to your return."

Her image began fading. "I'm sorry, Ichigo. The connection won't last much longer."

"How will we speak again?" Ichigo asked.

"You must travel to the Spirit Portal at the North Pole. By then, I will have done some research. Perhaps I'll have answers for you there. But until then, this is goodbye, Ichigo."

He nodded. "Okay. I'll see you soon, Rukia."


Meanwhile, Korra was still running from the snake spirits. Two of them coiled round her legs, causing her to fall. A third chomped down on her arm. But Korra fired a blast of fire and dislodged the spirit.

Then she blew the others away with air. It was a brief respite. The spirits charged again and Korra jumped through an opening and bent the ice walls to block the spirit's entry.

She panted for breath. What's Ichigo doing?

Korra turned around and beheld a large room, surrounded on all sides by ice walls. The ground was completely smooth and beneath it, a faint glow emanated from a sphere-shaped object made of energy.

"The Spirit Portal." Korra realized. "Amazing."


Jinora awoke with a gasp. She looked out the window. It was still night. She made her way to the Statue Room. Jinora gasped again as she came up to a very ancient statue made of wood.

It was different from the others. Less detailed. But it also had a strange spirit-like being hovering over the Avatar.

"What Avatar is this?"


Korra stared at the blue glow.

"The light in the dark."

She smashed the ground over the glow with a fist of air. Nothing happened. She tried again with a concentrated blast of fire. Nothing happened.

"Why isn't it opening?"

She gasped as dozens of spirit snakes broke through the top of the room. They combined into one giant spirit and chomped down at her. Tendrils began connecting like webs around her.

Korra desperately fired shot after shot at the portal. The tendrils kept pulling her up and binding her arms. Then Ichigo crashed through the wall.

"Getsuga Tenshou!"

His giant attack slashed through the spirit, giving Korra more room. Multiple snakes advanced on Ichigo, cutting him off from her.

"Korra! Avatar State, now!"

She nodded and her eyes turned a pure white. The tendrils holding her began to snap and she got an arm free. Then her index finger brushed the ground.

Instantly the portal chimed and the ground began to crack. A blue light fired up into the sky from the portal, freeing Korra and smashing through the icy forest. Ichigo shielded his eyes and looked in wonder. The blue beam stretched up and separated into beautiful shades of colour and light.

Korra was in awe. "The Spirits dancing in the sky."

Back at the Statue Room, Jinora stared as the strange Avatar's statue began to glow.

"I can't believe it." Mako said.

Bolin wiped away a tear. "It's beautiful."

Unalaq smiled.

On his snowmobile heading back to the city, Tonraq turned and smiled proudly.

"She did it."

Korra and Ichigo strode out of the forest, with Ichigo walking slightly behind her. Bolin grinned and ran towards them.

"Hey, they're back! Look everybody!"

He hugged Korra. Then suddenly a wall of ice separated them and forced Bolin to look into the angry face of Eska.

"Why are you initiating physical contact with another woman?" She demanded.

Bolin gulped and laughed nervously. Korra went up to Unalaq.

"Everything you said was true."

He nodded solemnly. "Avatar Korra, you have taken the first step in bringing balance back to the South, and soon, the whole world."

Mako laughed and embraced Korra.

"You never cease to amaze me."

"Thanks. By the way, I'm sorry about being a total pain. Things were really stressful and confusing. It's hard being the Avatar."

Mako hit her lightly on the arm. "It's harder being the Avatar's boyfriend."

Ichigo approached Unalaq. "Well, I suppose this was worth it, right?"

Unalaq nodded. "Very much so. But there is still work to be done."

Ichigo crossed his arms and turned away. "Of course there is. Tell me, Unalaq, is there a portal just like this in the North?"

"Yes."

"Will Korra need to open it?"

"Eventually. For now, we must concentrate solely on the South. After that, the entire world will be our focus."

"Hmm."


The ride back was uneventful, due to the spirits being balanced out. There were no more dark spirits. After a while, they reached a cliff overlooking the city. The sight was not a pretty one.

Many, many Northern ships were docking at the port and battalions of Northern soldiers patrolled the streets.

Korra dismounted. "What are all your Northern troops doing here?"

"Opening the Spirit Portal was only the first step in getting the Southern Water Tribe back on its righteous path." Unalaq replied. "There's more difficult work to be done before our tribes are truly united."

Ichigo watched with unease as everything played out below him. This was obviously not going to end well.


And that's the end of the chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it, tell me your thoughts. Thanks for reading, I'll see you guys next time.