Hey, everyone! Here's chapter 3, I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 3: Civil Wars: Part 1
It was a beautiful morning in the Southern Water Tribe. The sun was shining on the still waters and the Spirit Portal lit up the sky down farther south. Unfortunately, no one would be enjoying the nice weather on this particular day.
A platoon of Northern soldiers moved through the streets. The people of the South, however, weren't very welcoming. A group of Southerners stood in the platoon's way.
The head officer spoke. "Everyone, clear the streets. Get back in your homes."
The people didn't move. He gestured to them and several soldiers pushed the crowd aside with walls of ice. The platoon continued on its way.
Several Northern navy men began erecting giant ice walls to seal off the harbour. No ships were getting in or out without the permission of the North.
From atop City Hall, Korra, Ichigo and Unalaq watched. Korra turned to Unalaq.
"Uncle, why did you bring your troops down from the North?"
"Now that you have opened the Southern portal, we need to protect it from people who would do the spirits harm." Unalaq explained.
"I can protect it." Korra said defiantly.
"I need you for something more important."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes slightly as he listened.
"There is another portal in the North. Once you open it, spirits and man will be able to move freely between the North and the South in a matter of seconds."
"But the Solstice is over. How am I gonna open it?" Korra asked.
"The Spiritual Energy is much stronger in the North. And now that you've opened the Southern portal, your energy is stronger as well."
Ichigo smiled slightly. If the energy is stronger, maybe I'll be able to speak with Rukia for an extended period of time.
"With both portals open, our tribes will be united again." Korra said.
Unalaq smiled. "The world will be united again."
It was a sunny day at the Southern Air Temple. Tenzin sat on a lounge chair, sipping a drink. Pema was cuddling Rohan and Kya was feeding some lemurs.
Tenzin sighed happily and clasped his hands behind his head. "I haven't felt this at peace since-"
"Wahoo!"
Bumi jumped out of nowhere, grinning wildly.
"And it's over." Tenzin muttered.
Bumi climbed up to where Kya was sitting and raised his arms in the air.
"Good morning, Universe!"
Kya looked away. "Bumi, please. Cover yourself."
Bumi glanced down at himself. He was dressed in nothing but a bathrobe and a pair of underpants. He put his hands on his hips as he looked at Tenzin.
"Well lookie here. 'Vacation Tenzin' finally decided to join us."
Tenzin smiled and took Rohan into his arms.
"Yes, he has. It's so nice to get to spend more time with my family. Isn't that right, my little Rohan?" He gushed and Rohan cooed. Tenzin looked at his siblings. "And I've really enjoyed having you two around. Reminds me of all those great vacations we took as kids with Dad."
Kya raised an eyebrow. "Uh, I think your memory's a little foggy. Bumi and I weren't on those 'great' vacations. It was always just you and Dad."
Tenzin shook his head. "No, that can't be right. What about the time he took us to Kyoshi Island to ride the elephant-koi?"
"Nope. We weren't there."
"Hmm. Oh, remember Ember Island? Those amazing sand palaces we built on the beach?"
"You mean you built. We never saw the place." Bumi said with a hint of jealousy.
Tenzin looked down. "I could've sworn-"
He was interrupted by laughter. Jinora and Meelo came riding in on air scooters.
"Morning, kids!" Bumi called.
"Good morning, Uncle Bumi." Meelo pointed at Bumi's rather over-sized belly. "Do you have a baby in there?"
Everyone except Bumi laughed. Pema narrowed her eyes.
"Where's your sister?"
"Who?" Jinora asked innocently.
"Ikki. About this tall. Talks real fast. I'm sure you know her."
"Uh…" Jinora struggled for a reply.
Meelo helpfully explained. "There was a lemur fight. But the bison told us not to worry because a giant was coming! Then we almost got eaten by a shark-squid!"
Bumi gasped in fear. "The shark-squid? He's here? It appears my old nemesis has found me."
Pema crossed her arms. "Jinora, were you and Meelo teasing your sister again?"
"I don't know! Maybe. Yes."
"She ran away." Meelo said.
Pema's face went red. "Honestly! I don't get why you kids can't just get along!"
"It's all right, dear." Tenzin said. "Ikki couldn't have gone far. I'll find her."
Bumi saluted. "Commander Bumi reporting for duty. Search and rescue missions are my specialty."
Kya smiled and threw her arms around her brothers.
"What do you say we all go together?"
Tenzin nodded. "Sure. I could use the help."
Bumi looked down at Meelo. "When I get back, we'll come up with a plan to take down that shark-squid once and for all."
Meelo grinned. "Yeah!"
There was a meeting taking place in Korra's parents house. Both she and Ichigo were present. Along with Tonraq, Senna, Varrick, Zhu-Li and many of the Tribe's important figures.
"Thank you all for coming." Tonraq started. "I know these past few days have been troubling."
"Troubling?" Varrick was hold a plate of cookies and eating them as he spoke. "Troubling is when I get that itchy rash and Zhu-Li's not around to scratch it. This is shocking. Nay, sickening!" He smashed the plate on the floor. "But these kale cookies? Opposite. Remind me to get the recipe later."
Zhu-Li nodded.
"What's your point, Varrick?" Tonraq asked.
Varrick got another plate. "My point is that Unalaq's already booted our chieftains out of their palace. How long before he's telling us what kind of cookies we can eat?"
"Probably a couple of days." Zhu-Li replied.
"Rhetorical question, Zhu-Li. You gotta keep up. Not to mention I got a cargo hold full of halibut that's rotting because of this harbour lockdown. Who wants to buy a ship of stinking fish?!" He smashed his second plate. "Seriously, it's not rhetorical. I need to sell these fish."
Korra got up to defend her uncle. "Chief Unalaq is here to help the South. He wants to show us how to restore balance between the spirits so they'll stop attacking."
Varrick raised his finger. "The only spirit I'm interested in restoring is our spirit of independence! Am I right, people?"
Everyone in the room began voicing their agreement heartily.
Ichigo tried to reason with Korra. "Please, Korra. It's quite obvious what Unalaq wants."
She shook her head. "All Unalaq wants is to help the South."
Varrick jutted in. "No. Unalaq wants control of our wealth. My wealth. And I like my wealth. If Unalaq doesn't pull his forces out, then we have no choice but to fight for our freedom!"
Everyone cheered again.
"You want to start a war? Are you crazy?" Korra asked incredulously.
Tonraq stood. "Unalaq started this. Not us." He sighed. "I'm sorry. Maybe you could speak with your uncle. Tell him how frustrated we all are. He'll listen to what the Avatar has to say. Do it for me?"
"I'll do it for the tribe." She left and slammed the door.
Varrick munched a cookie. "I cannot stop eating these things." He stepped closer to Tonraq. "Look, we all know where this conflict is heading. We need to start preparing for war."
Ichigo nodded. "I agree."
Tonraq looked at him, surprised. "You do?"
"Like you said, Unalaq's up to something. This isn't about uniting the tribes. But at the same time, it is. If Unalaq unites the tribes, he would be chief of everything. We cannot let that happen."
Varrick grinned. "I like your style, Ichigo my man. Tell you what, as you know I've got plans for my 'movers', as I call 'em. The people back in Republic City need an icon to show them what's happening here in the South. But they also need a hero to rally behind. You can be that hero. You have to be an example to the Southern people."
Tonraq interrupted him. "No. If we do that, we will definitely incite war."
Ichigo put his hand on Tonraq's shoulder. "No. Varrick's right. If Korra is set on defending Unalaq, then I'll defend the South."
"Ichigo, please rethink this." Senna said.
Ichigo looked sadly at her and shook his head. "I am not going to let the people who took me in fall under his control. I won't."
Bolin panted for breath as he ran, pulling a rickshaw with Eska and Desna as its occupants.
"I will hate to leave this quaint tribe." Eska said.
"Is that true, Eska?" Desna asked.
"Of course not, Desna. I will not miss it at all. I hold immense dislike for the South."
The two siblings began croaking out a weird, forced laughter. Eska snapped at Bolin.
"Bolin, laugh at my humorous quip!" She ordered.
"Yes, dear!" He laughed awkwardly. "So- so funny."
He screeched to a halt in front of a building and made a staircase of earth for them. As he was helping Eska down, he searched for the right words.
"You know, I'll be really sad when you have to leave. It's been really great getting to know you." He chuckled. "Really."
Eska looked at him with a serious expression.
"But you will be coming with me to the North. There we will live the rest of our lives together in icy bliss. Foolish Bolin."
She walked away. Bolin's face was crestfallen. He looked around desperately and glimpsed his brother in the distance. He ran up to him.
"Mako! I'm so happy to see you!"
"Uh, you all right, bro?" Mako asked.
Bolin shook his head furiously. "No! No, I'm not all right. I can't take anymore. Listen, I don't wanna live in icy bliss with Eska!" He started crying. "Don't make me! Oh, please! Don't make me."
Mako raised an eyebrow. "Uh, hey if you're that unhappy, just break up with her."
"Break up with her? You can do that?"
"Yeah. Guys do it all the time."
"How?" Bolin asked hopefully.
"Just tell her you're not that into her anymore."
"Oh, no, no, I don't think she'd like that."
Mako put his hands on his brother's shoulders.
"Ending a relationship is kinda like pulling off a bloodsucking leech. You just gotta rip it off and get it over with. You'll feel a lot better afterwards. Trust me."
Bolin sighed with relief. "Thanks, Mako. Phew! I'm lucky you're so good at breaking girls' hearts. Heh, Korra better watch out!"
Mako crossed his arms.
Meanwhile at the Southern palace, Unalaq was sitting on the throne with his eyes closed. He heard footsteps approach. It was Korra.
"Our next training session isn't until tomorrow," he said.
Korra went up to him. "I'm sorry to interrupt. It's about our conversation this morning."
"Yes?"
"I understand why you brought your troops here. But I'm afraid it's sending the wrong message."
"Your father has been talking to you."
"Not just him. Varrick too. There was a meeting at my parent's house. A lot of Southerners feel like their tribe is being invaded."
"I am their Chief. I'm uniting. Not invading." Unalaq said firmly.
"I know, but I'm just afraid that if something doesn't change, there could be a civil war."
"If the Water Tribes were at war, the other nations would take sides. The Dark Spirits would thrive off the negative energy and the world would be thrown into a battle between spirits and man. That would be catastrophic."
"How do we stop it?" Korra asked.
"We? No, Korra. This is a war only the Avatar can prevent."
"I'm usually the one starting fights. I don't know how to stop them." Korra protested.
"As the Avatar, you must remain neutral in this conflict. You will naturally want to help your people, but showing favouritism will not help our tribes find unity."
Korra looked down. "Maybe Tenzin was right. Maybe I'm not ready to be the Avatar."
"Tenzin lacked faith in you. But I have no doubt you will become the most admired Avatar the world has ever known. You must stay the course, no matter who stands in your way. The path to peace is a difficult one; however, it is worth following. I know you will succeed. My faith in you is absolute.
Korra smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."
She turned to go.
"Korra, just a moment?"
She looked back at him. "Yes?"
"Tell me, Korra. By any chance was Ichigo at this meeting?"
She nodded. "Yes. He was."
Unalaq raised an eyebrow as she left.
"Was he indeed?"
A group of Northern soldiers were walking down the streets of the city on patrol. Everywhere they went, angry Southerners shot hostile glares their way. One group in particular caught the soldier's attention. They stopped and turned to face them.
All of a sudden, several snowballs hit them on the head from above.
"Who threw those?"
On the roof above them, a group of kids started laughing. One soldier waterbent the snow underneath the children's feet and forced them to ground level.
"You hoodlums think you're tough, huh?"
"Pick on a waterbender your own size!"
The soldiers turned at the new voice and saw the group of Southerners in battle positions. The soldiers did the same. The fight began and the soldiers quickly took the upper hand. The people were outnumbered by several men and soon they were barely staying on their feet.
Suddenly the winds began to swirl. Both groups looked around in confusion. Then from above, Ichigo descended in between them and stood protectively in front of the Southerners.
He was fully clad in his Soul Reapers robes and Zangetsu was slung securely to his back.
Ichigo addressed the soldiers. "Picking on little kids, beating the crap out of a clearly outnumbered group, this is the kind of cowardice that scum like you are known for."
The soldier's leader narrowed his eyes. "Friend of the Avatar or not, if you don't back down, we'll be forced to detain you."
Ichigo slowly drew out Zangetsu. "Do your worst."
He raised his sword and prepared to attack. The Southerners grouped up behind him, inspired by his act of rebellion.
"Stop!" Korra came riding in on Naga. Ichigo glanced at her but didn't lower his sword.
One of the people called out to her.
"Tell these thugs to go back to the North. They're not welcome here anymore."
"These Southerners need to stay in line." The soldiers argued.
Ichigo took a step forward. "And you need to go f-"
Korra brought Naga in front of him, forcing him back.
"Everyone, calm down. Especially you, Ichigo. You're all part of the same tribe, start acting like it."
"You're taking their side?" The people asked incredulously. "We thought you were one of us!"
"I'm not taking anyone's side!"
She got hit by a snowball. A little girl tossed another.
"You're the worst Avatar ever!"
Tonraq strode into the commotion. "Everyone, walk away from this. They're not worth our trouble. Go back to your homes."
Slowly, the Southerners dissipated. Korra stared sadly at the ground. Then the soldiers backed down as well.
Tonraq turned remorsefully to his daughter. "Korra, I-"
She was already riding away. Ichigo started to leave but she grabbed his clothes and dragged him along behind her. He struggled.
"Let go of me, Korra!"
She pulled him into an empty alleyway and slammed him against a wall.
"What do you think you're doing?!" She cried.
"What am I doing? What are you doing?!" He yelled back. "I'm trying to help your people, Korra. But you're siding with the very people who are oppressing them!"
"This isn't oppression! We must unify the tribes!"
"Does unify mean control? Huh? Cause it sure looks like it. Unalaq is using you, Korra. He's not interested in your wellbeing. He's-"
Korra smashed the wall beside Ichigo's head, causing it to break open.
"Unalaq believes in me!"
"So you're going to turn against your own people just because someone believes in you? Do you realize how selfish that sounds?"
"I'm doing this for my people!"
She was still holding him up against the wall and he pushed her away.
"If you really can't see what Unalaq is doing, then-"
"Unalaq is trying to help us. But if we resist then he has no choice but to do it by force. The path to peace is difficult; however, it is worth following."
Ichigo sighed. "I didn't want to do this, Korra. I wanted to work this out with you peacefully. But if you continue down this path, there will be war."
He turned and began to walk away. Then he stopped and looked back at her.
"I am going to save your people, Korra. Whether you're with me or not. The choice is yours."
He left and Korra collapsed against the wall. Naga nuzzled into her with concern. Korra held her hand against her head.
"What the hell was that? Why did we get angry so fast? What was his problem? Ugh! He-he doesn't understand. How could he? He doesn't know what it's like to live with this weight on his shoulders. It's the weight of the world."
The sun's rays beat down on the mountain paths of the Southern Air Temple. Tenzin, Kya and Bumi were walking together as Tenzin called out his daughter's name.
"Ikki! Ikki! Ikki? Ikki, where are you?"
A childlike voice alerted Tenzin to some bushes.
"Over here, Dad!"
Bumi jumped out, chuckling. "Just kidding. It's me!"
Tenzin groaned. Kya ran up to them from farther down the path.
"There's no sign of her anywhere." She said.
"Why would Ikki run off like this? Ah, it's probably my fault." Tenzin said.
"Probably." Kya agreed.
He glanced at her. "Excuse me?"
She crossed her arms. "I'm guessing you've been so busy with your 'duty to Republic City', that you forgot about your duty to your kids."
Bumi laughed mockingly. "Duty."
Kya rolled her eyes. "What are you, five years old?"
Tenzin sighed. "Kya, you're right. I haven't been spending enough time with them. I wish I could be as good a father as Dad was to us."
"Tenzin, your problem is you're exactly like Dad. He was so focused on 'saving the world' and doing his duty- don't laugh- that he never had time for us." Kya said.
"Dad was under a lot of pressure." Tenzin defended.
Bumi pinched Tenzin on the cheek. "He always had time for you, though. His pwecious wittle Airbender."
Tenzin pushed him away. "Dad loved us all equally. Besides, it all happened a long time ago. Why are we even talking about this?"
"Because you seem to have some grandiose delusion that we had a perfect, happy-go-lucky childhood. Guess what? We didn't." Kya said irritably.
"We need to keep moving if we want to find Ikki before dark." Tenzin changed the subject as he walked away.
Kya looked knowingly after her brother. "See what he's doing there, Bumi? Classic Airbender technique. Cutting and running when things get tough!"
Bumi laughed. "Yeah, did Dad teach you that move?"
Korra rode back up to her home on Naga. Mako was waiting for her.
"How was your day, sweetie?" He asked.
"Oh, fabulous. My tribe's about to go to war, and I'm supposed to stop it. But will anyone listen to me? No! And I didn't ask for my father's help. Can't he just let me be the Avatar? He's so infuriating!"
Mako looked at her strangely. "That's not really what you're mad about, is it?"
Korra avoided his eyes. "It doesn't matter."
He took her hands. "Korra, what happened?"
Her lower lip quivered. "I- I can't tell you."
Mako turned her face to look at him. "Korra, it's me. You can tell me anything."
She sighed. "There was a small fight between some Northern soldiers and a few Southerners."
"And?"
"Ichigo was there."
"What? What- what was he doing?"
"He- he was fighting for the Southerners. And, he looked like he was about to kill them."
"So, what happened?" Mako asked.
"I tried to stop it, but they wouldn't listen to me. My father was able to calm them down so I grabbed Ichigo to talk."
Korra stopped. Mako gave an understanding look.
"Did you two fight?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
Mako smiled reassuringly. "Listen Korra, you two are like siblings and siblings fight all the time. It's nothing to be worried about."
"It wasn't like that, Mako. He- he said such hurtful things."
A tear ran down her face. "And I- I didn't know what to do. I know Unalaq is here to help us but Ichigo won't realize that. He basically declared war on me."
"Oh, come on. Ichigo would never do that. He cares for you, Korra."
She wiped away the tear. "I know, but- I just- Mako, I don't know what to do."
He put his hands on her shoulders. "Why don't you just take a break? Forget all this stuff and we can just go out for a nice, quiet dinner. Just the two of us."
Korra smiled hopefully.
A little while later, Korra scowled sadly.
She and Mako were at a nice restaurant. Unfortunately, they weren't the only ones there. Across from them sat Bolin, Eska and Desna.
Bolin laughed nervously. "Isn't this fun, huh? We never get to spend enough time together, just the… five of us. So fun."
Eska and Desna glanced at each other.
"Excuse us while we retrieve more sustenance."
As soon as they were gone, Bolin took on a panicked expression.
"You guys gotta save me."
"I thought you were breaking up with her. What happened to ripping off the leech?" Mako asked.
"I tried! But every time I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice and feed me to dolphin-piranhas!"
"So, it was more like you tugged at the leech."
"Yes. Over and over and over but it won't come off! Why didn't you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?"
"Uh, cause I thought it was pretty obvious?" Korra suggested.
"No, no, not to me it wasn't. I'm very bad at reading people. You should know that by now." He sobbed. "Oh, man! Do something, Avatar!"
That night, Asami treated Ichigo to the nicest restaurant in town. Fortunately, it wasn't the one where Korra and the others were. They sat down together and ordered their food.
"So how was your day, Ichigo?" Asami asked.
He sipped his drink, face betraying nothing.
"Terrible."
"Oh, what happened?" She asked with concern.
"I screwed things up."
"What do you mean?"
"I was trying to help Korra's people. But she stopped me."
"What? Why would she stop you?"
"Because she's got some stupid delusion about Unalaq being this righteous angel of God, that's why." He quieted down. "We had a fight. I said some things I regret. I feel guilty, tainted. And I know how Korra feels. She's got the whole world resting on her shoulders and no one to share it with."
Asami put her hand over his. "Ichigo, sometimes you care too much. Wouldn't it be better to just trust in her?"
He sighed. "I don't know. I don't know anything right now. I don't know where I come from, why I have these powers, I'm clueless."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Ichigo sat back. "I don't know. I feel divided. Divided by my duty to help Korra and my quest to regain who I was."
"Ichigo, your past doesn't define you. You are who you are. You're Kurosaki Ichigo. And I believe you're here for a purpose. You have a role to play. Maybe it's best to focus on the here and now instead of what was. You're a good person, Ichigo. And I know you'll do anything to help this situation."
She smiled at him and after a while, he smiled back.
"Thank you, Asami. Sorry for being so depressed all the time. I've just got some issues."
She chuckled. "Don't we all."
Their food arrived and they ate heartily.
"You know," Ichigo spoke with his mouth full, "Varrick's been giving me some ideas. I'm determined to stop Unalaq. Maybe I can help the South fight back."
"You want to start a war?"
"No. But if I have to, then I will. I've fought in wars before."
"How? You're only eighteen."
He looked down. "Just a memory."
They finished dinner and went for a walk. The stars were high in the sky and the night was beautiful. Ichigo took her hand and they sat down together in the snow, overlooking the ocean.
"What do you think is gonna happen?" Asami asked.
"Happen with what?"
"You know, with Unalaq and the North and everything."
"Oh. I have no idea. I hope it all ends peacefully and quickly."
"Yeah."
"How's the deal with Varrick coming?"
"Uh… it's coming, I guess. I haven't made too much progress with him because of what's been happening but I'm sure we can strike a deal soon."
"That's good."
"What do you think you'll do after all this is over?"
"What besides spending time with you?"
"Yeah," Asami giggled.
"Well I think I'm gonna go North."
"North? What for?"
"You know how I was confused about stuff and I thought that Unalaq could help me?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, if I'm right, my answer could be at the North Pole."
"When are you gonna go?"
"Probably once this civil war dies down."
"You gotta take me with you."
"Hmm… I don't know."
"What? Of course, I'm coming. You're not gonna leave me here alone."
"All right," he said. "Maybe."
"Yes."
"Maybe."
"Yes."
"Maybe."
"Do I need to electrocute you with my glove? Because believe me, I will."
"No! No, you don't need to do that. Please."
She laughed. "Just joking with ya."
He chuckled. "I know.
Asami leaned into him. "I wish things could stay like this forever."
Ichigo looked out across the water. "Yeah. Me too."
The three children of Aang walked through the darkness with Tenzin leading the way whilst holding a lit lantern. Bumi looked around.
"You know, this reminds me of a search-and-rescue mission I commanded years ago in the mountains outside Ba Sing Se."
Tenzin groaned. "Here we go."
"For five days, we scoured the mountain, fighting our way through blizzards, sandstorms and three typhoons. Finally, we found the men huddled in a cave seconds from death. With no time to lose, I piled all twelve of those pour souls on my back and singlehandedly carried them down the mountain to safety."
Tenzin whirled around in anger. "And how is that supposed to help us find Ikki?"
"It was supposed to inspire you. Clearly you know nothing of being a leader of men. That's probably why the Avatar fired you."
"I'm sick of your far-fetched tales. Three typhoons?"
Bumi shrugged. "Well, I may have thrown an extra typhoon or two in there for dramatic effect, but-"
"Quit arguing and bring that lantern over here." Kya ordered. "I found footprints!"
Tenzin dashed over to her and held the lantern up. Below them was a small path leading around a raging waterfall. Footprints went down the path and onwards.
"Come on!" Tenzin cried.
"No! Follow me. This'll get us down fifty times faster."
Bumi was standing on a ledge overlooking the waterfall. Several rocks jutted out from the waterfall all the way down to the ground. He began jumping down them.
"Bumi, it's pitch black and those rocks are slippery. You're gonna hurt yourself." Kya said.
Bumi ignored her and continued.
"Come on, you wimps! If I can do it, it should be no problem for a couple of benders."
Kya rolled her eyes. "Fine."
She leaped down the waterfall, using the current to guide her to the ground. Tenzin jumped from rock to rock, using his agility to arrive safely at the bottom.
Bumi looked at then irritatedly and growled.
Kya smiled up at him. "You were right, Bumi. That was faster!"
"At least fifty times faster, by my calculations." Tenzin agreed.
They both laughed and Bumi muttered to himself.
"Oh, Tenzin's the funny guy now, huh?"
"If you need an airlift down, just say the word." Tenzin told him.
Bumi waved him off. "Bah, I don't need your help. I've got everything under control. Agh!"
He slipped and tumbled into the water.
"Bumi!"
Korra rode Naga quickly up to her home. She opened the door and found her mother, Senna sitting there. She smiled at her daughter.
Korra didn't return the expression. "Did Dad send you to talk to me?"
"Your father doesn't know I'm here."
Korra took a seat next to her mother.
"Korra, what's going on between you two?"
"Ask Dad."
"I've tried, but he won't talk about it. Honey, it breaks my heart to see our family being torn apart like this. Even Ichigo's been distant lately."
Korra scowled. "You wanna know what's been going on? I found out Dad's been lying to me my whole life. Unalaq told me everything- how Dad and Tenzin kept me trapped down here while I trained, how Dad got banished from the North."
Senna sighed sadly. "So, the truth is out."
Korra glared at her accusingly. "You knew. And you never said anything."
"We were trying to keep our family together, to give you a normal childhood."
"I never wanted a normal childhood. All I ever wanted to be was the Avatar. But everyone keeps holding me back, even my own parents! Unalaq's the only one who believes in me."
"That's not true, Korra." Senna said firmly.
"No? Then why is everyone in the South turning against me, when all I'm trying to do is help them? Why does Ichigo think I'm betraying my own people?"
"The problems between the North and the South started long before you were born. You can't expect to undo them in a day."
"So I should just sit back and let the Water Tribes go to war?"
"No, but this situation might be out of your control. Varrick's been plotting a rebellion against Unalaq. He asked your father and Ichigo to join and-"
"Dad and Ichigo are part of a rebellion?!"
"I don't know, but I don't want you getting caught up in the middle of it."
Korra turned away. "It's too late, Mom. I'm already in the middle of it."
She ran out the door and mounted Naga.
"Korra!"
Ichigo strode up to the palace. Two guards blocked his way. They crossed their arms and stood firmly.
"Halt. State your business."
Ichigo didn't reply. Instead, he drew his sword and knocked them out. Then he advanced into the palace. Soon, he reached the throne room.
Unalaq was sitting on his throne and his eyes widened slightly when he saw him.
"Ichigo, what are you doing here?"
"We need to talk." He went straight up to him and raised his sword. "What is your true purpose for uniting the tribes?"
Unalaq didn't back away from the sword point.
"What is this, Ichigo? Rebellion?"
"I asked you a question, Chief Unalaq."
"My purpose is to calm the spirits and help the poor sailors who are being attacked by them."
"Don't give me that crap!" Ichigo shouted. "All you're doing is invading! And you're deceiving Korra to your side."
Unalaq kept a straight face. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, Ichigo. I am trying to help Korra and the Water Tribes. That's all."
"But you're oppressing these people."
"The Southern people need to understand that they have to change their ways. I will do anything to achieve this goal. Aren't you the same?"
Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
Unalaq smiled thinly. "Don't play innocent with me. I know your true purpose. You want to discover whom you were- where you came from. And you'll do anything to achieve that. Even betray your best friend."
Ichigo scowled angrily. "I would never betray Korra."
"Oh, really? Then what was that little skirmish earlier today? An acting audition? Because it certainly was convincing. Face it, Ichigo. You and I aren't so much different, after all."
"I am nothing like you!"
"Then prove it. Lower the sword."
Ichigo hesitated. Unalaq smiled convincingly. "Come on, then. Drop it. You wouldn't want Korra to question your objectivity, would you?"
Zangetsu clattered to the floor.
"That's better. Did you know," Unalaq continued, "that your little act of rebellion today inspired the people? You say I'm playing Korra, but you're dancing right to Varrick's tune. Soon, you will be nothing but a pawn in his game."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Ichigo, you're young and without your memories, you are inexperienced. I told you before that I would teach you. My offer still stands. I could make you the greatest spiritual warrior this world has ever seen. I could make you more powerful than the Avatar herself. You would be more than just a Soul Reaper."
"Oh, yeah? What would I be then?"
"Think of yourself as the Antithesis."
"To what?"
"The Avatar."
Ichigo scowled fiercely and pointed in Unalaq's face.
"You are scum. And I'm going to stop you."
Unalaq curled one side of his lip in a barely visible sneer.
"Stop me from doing what?"
Ichigo swore and sheathed Zangetsu. Then he used Shunpo to disappear.
Unalaq's face broke out in a smile.
The master was right. You are a very interesting man, Kurosaki Ichigo.
Ichigo stalked back to the hotel where Asami was staying. Out of courtesy, Varrick had set her up with an extremely swanky suite. Asami still had her father's money but she was hesitant to spend it extravagantly because of the state of Future Industries.
Ichigo opened the door to the suite and sat down heavily in a chair, tossing Zangetsu onto the ground. Asami peeked her head out from her office. The suite had several rooms including an office room.
"Ichigo?"
"Yeah."
She came out and noticed his furious expression.
"Oh, what happened this time?"
"I'm actually an idiot. Like I actually am."
"What do you mean?"
"So, I went and confronted Unalaq about this whole thing. I don't know why. Maybe I thought I could intimidate him or at least figure things out. Well I didn't intimidate him at all and all I could figure out is that he's a deceitful snake who's playing a game with everyone. Which I already knew. Ugh, I'm so stupid."
"No, you're not. It's okay, Ichigo. Seriously."
Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "Am I just a pawn? I feel like somehow, I've been set against Korra and that either Unalaq or Varrick or both are playing us against each other. I should never have argued with her."
Asami nodded. "You're in this together. We're all in this together and we can't let others push us around and make us fight each other. We're stronger than that."
"Yeah. Thanks, Asami."
"I didn't do much," she said with a laugh.
"No, thanks for just being there for me. I wish I could be there for you like you are for me."
"Aw." She came over and sat on his lap and put her arm around him. "You are here for me. Always. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Do you wanna stay here tonight? I know you usually stay with Korra because they're like your surrogate family but it might be better-"
"Yes. I mean, if you'll have me."
"Of course, I will. I wish you had stayed here in the first place."
"Yeah, so do I."
"You'd better head to Korra's in the morning to make things right."
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. I'll do that."
Asami smiled and got to her feet. "So! You wanna help me with some paperwork?"
Ichigo groaned and slumped into his chair. "But it's so late…"
"Hey, you wanna be there for me? You gotta help me with Future Industries stuff. So, come on, buddy."
"Mmm, fine."
He dragged himself to his feet and followed her. They stayed up late and both fell asleep at Asami's desk. Ichigo woke up in the middle of the night and gently carried Asami to her bed. Then he flopped down beside her and went to sleep again.
Korra dashed through the palace entrance, observing the unconscious guards. She cursed and reached the throne room.
"Uncle!"
Several guards were lying on the ground, bound and gagged.
"Oh no. Uncle?"
She ran around a corner and quickly pulled back. Several southerners dressed in masks were guarding something. A bulky one, carrying an unconscious Unalaq on his shoulder appeared from a doorway.
Korra looked closely at his face. His eyes looked familiar.
"Dad?"
She came out and blocked his way.
"Dad, don't do this."
Another man replied to her.
"Turn around, Avatar. And pretend you didn't see anything."
Korra shook her head. "No. Leave Unalaq and go. I'll tell him I tried to stop you, but you escaped. We can still avoid a war."
"No, we can't."
He yelled and created an ice wall, separating Korra from the kidnappers. She broke through it and ran after them, intercepting them with a jump.
The second man gestured to her father.
"Get him out of here!"
Tonraq nodded and ran out, with Unalaq still on his shoulder. They blocked Korra from reaching him.
She cursed. "We're all part of the same tribe. I don't wanna hurt you."
All the kidnappers held up their fists and strings of water followed their movements. Korra dodged their first attack and caught hold of a large flag. She flipped over two kidnappers and wrapped them in the flag. Then she used Airbending to tighten it.
The two remaining kidnappers fired several attacks of water. Korra dodged them all and kicked the first into a flight of stairs. Then she grabbed a rope from the second and wrapped him in it.
She dashed out the door and saw Tonraq riding away on a snowmobile.
"Dad, stop!"
Korra made an angled ramp of ice and the snowmobile toppled onto its side.
Tonraq groaned softly.
"Why did you do this, Dad?"
She ripped off the mask. But the face that glared at her, wasn't her father's.
"What? Who are you? Where's my father?"
The kidnapper scowled. "He wouldn't help us. He's a traitor. Just like you. Only the Reaper can lead us to victory. All hail the Reaper."
Then he blacked out. Korra stared at him in confusion.
The Reaper? Who the heck is that? Wait. No. Ichigo.
A little while later, the guards put handcuffs on the would-be kidnappers.
Unalaq smiled at Korra.
"Thank you for saving my life."
"I'm just glad I got here in time."
Unalaq turned to his guards. "Find Varrick. I want him to freeze in prison with the rest of these traitors."
The guards nodded and began leading the kidnappers away.
"Wait. You can't just lock them away. That will only make the South angrier." Korra said.
"You want them to go free?!"
"No. But let them stand trial for what they did. Every Water Tribe citizen deserves that right."
Unalaq's face softened. "Very well. I will respect the Avatar's wishes in this matter."
Korra smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."
A grumpy Bumi sat on a rock while Kya healed his head with water.
"I told you those rocks were slippery. You're lucky you didn't kill yourself." She said angrily.
"You done with the lecture, 'Mom'?"
"Oh, grow up. You haven't changed one bit since we were kids. You're still trying to prove you can do everything a bender can. Well, you can't. Deal with it."
"And you're not our mother." Bumi retorted. "You don't get to tell me what I can and can't do. Deal with that."
Kya rolled her eyes and let go of the water, allowing it to spill on his head. She crossed her arms.
"Good luck trying to heal yourself with your special non-bending powers."
Bumi shook himself. "Hey, back me up here, Tenzin."
Tenzin shook his head. "Kya's right. You're the oldest of us, yet you always acted like the youngest. I had to become the responsible one."
"You think you're the responsible one?" Kya asked with some heat. "Where were you when Dad died and Mom was all alone? Because I was the only one who packed up and moved my whole life to be with her."
"Sure, after spending years of flitting around the world trying to 'find' yourself. It was time for you to settle down somewhere. You two have no idea what it feels like to have the weight of an entire culture on your shoulders."
Bumi sat up. "Oh, boo-hoo. Must have been real hard for you. Flying around the world with Dad like that, riding elephant-koi all day."
"Oh, so that's what this is all about."
"That's what it's always been about." Kya said loudly. "You think you're some saviour who has to carry on Dad's legacy."
"Who else is going to do it?"
"How about all of us?"
"Yeah." Bumi agreed. "We're Aang's kids too."
"We never should have come on this vacation." Kya said.
Bumi crossed his arms. "I couldn't agree more."
"Well I didn't want you to come in the first place," Tenzin said. "I can't be around you two right now. Go back to the Temple and see if Ikki returned. I'll keep looking out here.
"Fine."
"Fine."
"Fine."
They all walked off in a huff.
Ichigo stepped inside Tonraq and Senna's home. Both of them were there and they smiled welcomingly.
"Hello, Ichigo." Senna said.
"What brings you here?" Tonraq asked.
"I- I just wanted to talk to Korra."
They looked at him with understanding. Senna patted the seat next to her.
"Why don't you sit down, Ichigo. You've had it pretty rough the past couple of days. You need to rest."
He shook his head, albeit reluctantly. "I'm sorry. I can't stay."
She gave him a stern, motherly look. "Now, Ichigo. Come on. Sit with us."
Ichigo sighed. "Okay."
He sat down and she served him some hot tea. He drank it thankfully.
Korra rode Naga back into her village. She ran into her parent's home. Tonraq, Senna and Ichigo were all sitting together, eating breakfast like a family.
"Is it okay if I come in?" She asked quietly.
Senna smiled. "Of course. We heard what happened."
"Are you okay?" Ichigo asked.
Tears began streaming down her face and she embraced her father.
"I'm so glad you weren't there. I don't know what I would have done."
Tonraq looked into her eyes seriously. "I had no idea how far Varrick was willing to go. My brother and I have our differences, but I would never attack him."
"I'm sorry for thinking you had anything to do with the rebels. And for all the pain I've caused you and Mom."
Tonraq shook his head. "I'm the one who should apologize. After I saw the Southern Lights return, I was so proud of you. I never should have held you back."
"When your father and I found each other," Senna said, "All we wanted was to live a simple life and raise a family. But, then we discovered you were the Avatar and simple was over. We knew one day the world would need you. And you wouldn't need us anymore."
Korra shook her head vehemently. "Mom, Dad. Of course, I still need you."
They hugged each other. Korra glanced at Ichigo and noticed that a small tear was snaking its way down his cheek. Korra opened her mouth to say something but he held up his hand.
"Stop. Before you say anything, Korra, know that I am so sorry. I wish I could take back what I said but I can't. I do believe in you, Korra. And I know that even though-"
His words were stopped as Korra hugged him tightly.
"I'm sorry too, Ichigo. I know you were just trying to help my people."
"I did it the wrong way, though. I'm sorry. We're in this together. And we're gonna do things together."
Korra nodded. "Yeah. Together."
Tonraq and Senna smiled at the pair and all four of them group-hugged.
Senna sniffled. "We're together as a family again. That's what matters."
Footsteps alerted them to a new presence. They looked towards the door to see Unalaq looming over them.
"We weren't expecting you." Tonraq said.
Several guards flanked Unalaq's sides. He looked gravely at them.
"Tonraq, Senna, Ichigo. You are under arrest and will stand trial."
Tonraq's eyes widened. "Trial? For what?"
"For conspiring to assassinate me."
Yeah end of chapter 3. Hope you all enjoyed, tell me your thoughts, I'll be back soon with chapter 4. Thanks for reading!
