Hey, guys! We're making pretty good progress here with Book 2. I'm hoping I can stay this consistent in the future. I hope you all enjoy chapter 4!


Chapter 4: Civil Wars: Part 2


Korra stood to the side with Unalaq as soldiers loaded her parents and Ichigo into trucks. She stared sadly at them as the door closed. The trucks drove away.

Korra turned to her uncle. "You're making a mistake."

"I wish it hadn't come to this." Unalaq said. "But your parents and Ichigo held meetings with the rebels. Right here in their home."

"I can't believe you're doing this to your own family."

"Rest assured. I've appointed Judge Hotah to oversee the trial. He is the most fair and honourable man I know."

"Uncle, my parents and Ichigo had nothing to do with the men who attacked you."

Unalaq nodded. "I'm sure you're right. So we should have nothing to worry about."

"I hope so."


Ichigo sat in the truck with his head lowered. Tonraq and Senna sat across from him in similar positions.

"Why would he arrest us?" Ichigo said angrily. "We had nothing to do with the attack last night."

"Perhaps he heard otherwise," Tonraq reasoned. "Maybe someone informed him about us, sold us out."

"It's possible that he heard about the meeting at our house and figured that we had planned his assassination then," Senna said.

"Whatever the case," Tonraq said, "my brother will give us a fair trial."

"You sure about that?" Ichigo asked. "The man's a snake. And you know it too."

"He's still my brother and he stands for justice in this tribe."

"Let's hope you're right," Senna said.

The truck drove them to the court house and they were taken into holding cells before the trial took place.

I hope Asami's alright, Ichigo thought. She wasn't at the meeting so she wouldn't be a suspect. I swear if they count her as an accomplice or something. If worse comes to worst I can just use my combat pass to break out of here.

He felt around in his pockets and found nothing. You can't be serious. I must've left it at Asami's last night. Great. Just great.


Mako, Bolin and Asami were lounging in Varrick's boat, waiting for his arrival. The room they were in was decorated with many paintings and tapestries. Lush, velvet rugs carpeted the floor. A life-size platypus-bear stood in the corner.

Asami sighed in exasperation. "Where's Varrick? We should have closed our deal an hour ago."

From his comfortable position on Varrick's couch, Bolin waved her off.

"Oh would you relax? This place is great. And the best part about it? Eska doesn't know I'm here."

The doors to the room slammed open to reveal Bolin's worst nightmare and her brother, followed by several Northern soliders. Bolin shot to his feet and tried to explain. "I- I wasn't hiding."

"I am not on the hunt for you." Eska replied. "Currently."

The soldiers began rummaging through all Varrick's things.

"We search for Varrick." Desna said. "Our father wishes him to stand trial."

"What did he do?" Asami asked.

"He is a traitor to the Water Tribe. Along with our Aunt and Uncle and the one called Kurosaki Ichigo. We've arrested them as well." Eska explained.

Asami was shocked. "You arrested my Ichigo?"

"And Korra's parents?" Mako asked incredulously.

Desna nodded. "Yes. Your powers of deduction are impressive."

"Yeah, he's a cop." Bolin said.

"Ichigo's done nothing wrong!" Asami said loudly.

"I'm afraid that that is false," Desna replied.

"Indeed," Eska said, "He has plotted to assassinate my father and also threatened him in his throne room. He is a terrorist and a rebel."

Asami scowled. "How much do you want? I'll pay it."

"That's not how things work in the South," Eska said coldly. "He will stand trial for his crimes."

"Varrick's not here," said one of the soldiers.

"Very well. Desna, let us continue our search elsewhere."

They turned to go then she snapped back.

"Boyfriend! Bow to me when I exit."

Bolin threw himself to his knees. "Yes! Yes, my sweet koala-otter."

Eska smiled. "You are so cute when you grovel."

The door shut and they were gone. Asami glanced down at Bolin.

"Don't let her treat you that way. Stand up for yourself."

"I tried to break up with her, but Mako gave me terrible advice. Thank you, Mako."

Mako defended himself. "Wait, how are your girl problems my fault?"

Asami was still seething over Ichigo being arrested but she held it in.

"Bolin, you need to be honest with her. Tell her how you feel."

"Honesty is for fools, kid!" A muffled voice called out from somewhere.

"Varrick?"

"If ya wanna ditch this girl, then make yourself scarce. Disappear! Like I did."

"Where are you?" Asami asked.

"Somewhere Unalaq will never find me. Inside Ping-Ping!"

The mouth of the stuffed platypus-bear was thrust open and Varrick's face appeared.

"How we doin'?"

"The coast is clear. You can come out." Mako said.

"No way, mister. Not until I know it's absolutely, positively, 157% safe."

A hand came from behind him and placed a freshly brewed cup of tea into his palm.

"Ahh! Thank you, Zhu-Li."

"Your assistant's in there too?" Asami asked.

"Zhu-Li never leaves my side."

He took a sip of the tea and instantly spit it out.

"Yuck! You forgot the honey!"

"Sorry, sir. There isn't any in here." Came the reply.

"No honey?! We're in a bear, for crying out loud!"

"I'm gonna go see how Korra's doing." Mako said as he walked off.

Varrick gestured with his head.

"Bolin, I've got a little something for you round back."

The platypus-bear's tail went up and a wad of money dropped out the a- the chute.

Bolin grabbed it. "Wow!"

"Now listen up," Varrick instructed, "Unalaq's rigged this trial, no doubt about it. So I need you to make sure my trusty rebels stay out of prison."

"What's the money for?" Bolin asked.

Varrick laughed. "Bribery of course! There's always someone willing to look the other way for a few yuans."

Bolin smiled deviously. "I think I catch your drift, Varrick-bear."

"What about Ichigo?" Asami asked. "Do you have anything to help him?"

"The strawberryied bodyguard? Sure, sure. Yeah, I'd better do something about him. Can't have them judging my handsome, heroic Reaper after all."

Asami raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Varrick ignored her comment and continued. "Asami, how good is Ichigo with that sword of his?"

"He's amazing!" Bolin cried.

Varrick nodded thoughtfully. "And how does he access the sword? I've seen him without it several times."

"He has this badge thing that he slams to his chest and the sword and robes appear."

Varrick pondered this. "That's good because I've got an idea! Listen closely."


The morning sun was just rising on the Southern Air Temple as Tenzin was still looking for his daughter.

"Ikki! Ikki, where are you?"

Two lemurs latched onto his head. Tenzin waved his hands in the air. "Shoo, shoo! Go bother somebody else."

They didn't move. "Ugh, you two are worse than Kya and Bumi."

"Okay! Everybody here?"

Tenzin looked up at the voice.

"Ikki! Oh, thank goodness."

He followed the voice and reached a cave.

"Juniper Lightning Bug, paws off the table. This is going to be a civilized breakfast."

Tenzin looked inside the cave and saw Ikki sitting at a rock table with four baby bison.

"Daddy always says a blessing before we eat so…"

Two of the bison began play fighting.

"Be quiet and listen up!"

They looked at her mournfully and she continued.

"We are thankful for this super yummy food and for being the bestest new friends in the world. But we are most thankful because Meelo and Jinora aren't here because they stink."

Ikki looked behind her to see Tenzin.

"Oh! Hi, Daddy. I guess you found me. Do I have to go now?"

He shook his head. "Actually, is there room for one more?"

"Uh, sure. You can sit next to Blueberry Spicehead."

Tenzin smiled and sat next to the indicated bison.

"Nice to meet you, Blueberry Spicehead."

"And that's Princess Rainbow. And that's Twinkle Starchild. And that's Juniper Lightning Bug. They're my new brothers and sisters."

"New ones, huh? Can they be my new brothers and sister too?"

"Maybe. But only if they say it's okay." She leaned towards one of the bison and began discussing it with her. "Uh-huh. Uh-huh. No, no, he's nice. They say it's okay!"


The time of the trial had arrived. There was a large crowd gathered in the courtroom and they were murmuring amongst each other. Ichigo, Korra's parents and the rebels sat at the front of the room in chairs facing the judge. Korra, Mako and Unalaq stood to the side while Asami and Bolin sat with the crowd.

Ichigo glanced back at Asami and gave her a small smirk. She returned the expression. She was confident in that even if the trial was rigged he'd find a way to break out. Bolin took his seat next to her.

"We're good to go," he said. "I gave all the money to some guys over there and I told them to 'take care of it' and then I winked. Heh. Pretty sure they got the message."

Asami looked at the people he indicated as they went all googly-eyed at the money and gave Bolin a thumbs up. She facepalmed.

The gavel began pounding.

"This trial will now come to order. Judge Hotah presiding."

Hotah was an old man with a hard, bearded face and thick eyebrows.

Bolin gaped at him. "Oh, man! I should have paid that guy!"

Asami rolled her eyes. "Yeah! You think?"

Unalaq stepped up to tell his testimony.

"I was asleep in my chambers when the rebels attacked. They overpowered me and the next thing I remember was waking up in the snow right after Avatar Korra had saved me."

Korra was next and Hotah addressed her.

"According to Unalaq's testimony, you attended a meeting where Varrick tried to incite a civil war. Is that true?"

Korra looked down. "Yes."

"And were these men present at that meeting?"

"Well, yes, but-"

"And where exactly did this meeting take place?"

Bolin jumped up. "Objection!"

"Quiet down out there! I'll ask you one more time. Where did the meeting happen?"

"My parent's house." Korra said quietly.

"And who led this meeting?"

Bolin stood up again. "Your honour, if I may-"

"May what?"

Bolin hesitated. "May I… declare a mistrial?"

"Sit down. Varrick and your father led the meeting, didn't they? And according to several soldiers, this Ichigo incited a rebellion on the streets of the city! Was he also at this meeting?"

"My parents and Ichigo are innocent!" Korra shouted.

"I've heard all I need to. I'll return shortly with my decision."


During the break, Bolin snuck out of the room and found Eska in a hallway. He approached her.

"Hey there, Eska. I was wondering if we could talk."

"I grant you permission to speak freely." She said.

"Oh, good. Cause when we first met there was this crazy spark but I'm starting to feel like that spark is fading."

"I agree. It is as if a great chasm has formed between us and nothing can bridge it."

Bolin's face lit up. "Yes! Oh, yes, I am so glad you understand!"

"Nothing that is, except marriage."

She smiled devilishly and held up a betrothal necklace adorned with a skull. Eska then wrapped it around his neck and tugged at it, causing him to lurch forward.

"We will wed at sunset. You may express your joy through tears."

Bolin began sobbing. "Oh, no I can't!" He coughed. "This- this is really tight."


Hotah soon returned with his verdict.

"Senna," he said, "Please step forward."

Korra's mother swallowed and came forward.

"I have found you innocent. You are free to go."

They removed her handcuffs and she ran to Korra.

"Oh, Korra!"

Ichigo and Tonraq glanced at each other wondering if they too would be set free.

Hotah continued. "On the charge of treason, you are all found guilty. The punishment for this crime is death."

The crowd gasped. Korra and Senna looked in horror. Asami jumped to her feet and nearly screamed.

Ichigo swore and strained at the cuffs. If I could only reach my Combat Pass. Then he remembered that he didn't have it on him and he swore again.

Hotah began walking away. Korra ran forward.

"You can't do this! If you take their lives, then I'll take yours!"

Hotah's eyes widened. Unalaq stepped in front of her.

"Korra, calm down, I'll talk to him."

He strode up to the judge. "I know I promised to respect whatever decision you made. But I must ask you to reconsider. Show these men and my brother mercy."

Tonraq's eyes widened slightly. Ichigo's narrowed. What is he up to?

Hotah nodded. "Very well. I'll change their punishment. Your lives will be spared. But you will live them out in prison."

They all sighed with relief. A small tear escaped Asami's eye and she released the breath she'd been holding.

Korra watched as they led Tonraq and Ichigo away. She turned to Unalaq.

"Thank you, Uncle."

He nodded solemnly.


Back in the cave, Ikki was making an airball for the bison to chase around while Tenzin rubbed Blueberry Spicehead.

He began cooing. "You like that, don't you, Blueberry Spicehead. Yes, you do."

Tenzin looked up at his daughter. "You know I could get used to it here. No one's yelling at me or telling me I'm delusional."

"We should have Uncle Bumi and Aunt Kya visit." Ikki said. "I bet they'd like it too."

"Let's not. They'll only spoil our good mood."

"What do you mean? Aunt Kya is super nice and pretty and always asks me how I'm feeling. And Uncle Bumi is like the funniest person in the world."

"But what about Meelo? He's hilarious too. You never know what's going to come out of his mouth. And Jinora can be so sweet and gentle."

"And mean! And bossy. Being part of a family is hard, huh, Daddy?"

Tenzin nodded. "I couldn't agree with you more."

The bison heard a call and flew off. Tenzin and Ikki followed. Outside the cave, the bison were reunited with their parents and they all buzzed around, vying for attention.

Ikki smiled. "But, I guess the nice part about having a family is that they'll always be there for you. Even though Twinkle Starchild and Princess Rainbow fight, they still love each other."

"That's very wise of you, Ikki."

"We should probably head back now, huh?"

"I suppose. We can't hide in this cave forever."

Tenzin took his daughter's hand and they began walking back to the Temple.

"Don't worry, Daddy. We'll come back and visit Blueberry Spicehead. I know you really bonded with her."

"Yes, I'd like that."


In the Southern Water Tribe prison, Korra and Senna were finally permitted to see Tonraq. They ran in and embraced him.

"Honey, are you all right?" Senna asked.

"I'm fine." Tonraq replied.

"Good." Korra declared. "Then let's bust you out of here right now. Asami's with Ichigo so we'll get him too."

"Korra, no. Saving me and Ichigo would start a war. If fighting were to break out, the North would crush the South. I'll be all right. Just promise me you won't do anything rash."

Korra looked down. "Fine. I promise."


Asami dashed in as soon as the guard opened the door. She threw her arms around Ichigo and he returned the embrace.

"Are you okay, Ichigo?"

"Yeah. I'm fine." He smiled weakly. "I'm too stubborn to let a little thing like prison bring me down."

She glared at him. "Ichigo, don't make light of this. You're in jail!"

He looked away. "I know. And my sentence is until I die."

Asami clenched her fist. "That's not going to happen."

She reached into her coat and pulled out a package. He looked at her questioningly.

"What's this?"

"Your Combat Pass. I found it in my hotel room this morning. Here, take it. When the moment is right, you know what to do."

Ichigo nodded. "Thanks, Asami. You're a lifesaver."

"You're gonna get out of here, Ichigo. And then we're gonna go back to Republic City and come back with an army."

"What?"

"We need to get the United Nations and General Iroh involved in this. This conflict could become a serious civil war."

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. He'll help us."

"Definetly."

"We don't have much time together, do we?" Ichigo said.

Asami shook her head. "No. The guard will come for me soon."

The two of them sat against the wall of the prison holding each other gently.

"Why are our lives so crazy?" Asami said ruefully.

"Hmph. I don't know. Keeps things interesting, I suppose."

"I wish we could just settle down and live our lives, you know?"

"What would our lives be then? You'd have your company and everything but me… all I know is fighting. I don't know what I'd do."

"There must be something you're interested in."

Ichigo squinted. "I mean, I guess I wanted to be a doctor. Like my dad."

"Your dad's a doctor?"

"Yeah," he said with a nod.

"That's pretty cool. You see? There's something for you."

"Maybe."

"I like how no matter what you're doing, whether it be fighting or being a doctor, you're always helping people. That's what makes you special."

Ichigo gave a small smile. "I suppose you're right. I just want to protect those I care about. That's all."

Asami kissed him on the cheek. "I don't think there could be any higher aspiration than that."

Ichigo chuckled.

"What?" She asked with a laugh.

"You're cute," he said and grinned.

"Am I?"

"Yeah."

They drew closer, grinning wide. Then a guard threw open the cell door.

"Time's up, miss," he said.

"I can't have two more minutes?"

"No."

She sighed. "Okay. Guess I have to go."

Ichigo sighed as well and nodded. "Yeah. We can continue this later."

Asami smiled mischievously. "I'll see you soon."

"Yeah. You will."


Korra and Senna returned to their home. As she was making dinner, Senna burst into tears. Korra watched with remorse and went forward to comfort her mother.

"It's okay, Mom."

Senna brushed away the tears. "I- I hate feeling so helpless."

"I know."

Korra narrowed her eyes determinedly.


Judge Hotah drove back down the mountain to his ship. The trial had been successful. He didn't know why Unalaq had spared the lives of the traitors; but he didn't really care.

Hotah glanced in his rear-view mirror and gasped. Korra was riding full tilt after him on Naga. Hotah quickly pressed the accelerator to the floor. Then Naga barrelled into the car, causing it to skid and crash into the cliff wall.

Naga roared and smashed open the door and Hotah cowered up against the far side. Korra pulled him out and threw him against the car. Using her superior height, she leered down at the old judge.

"What- what do you want?" He stammered.

"It's not about what I want. It's about what Naga wants. And she'd like you to let my father and Ichigo out of prison."

"I- I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do. I was just following Unalaq's orders."

"What are you talking about?" Korra demanded.

"I- I've said too much."

Korra grabbed him and thrust his head in Naga's open mouth.

"Unless you want to be Naga's afternoon snack, you'll keep talking."

"I- I've worked for your uncle for years! He said he needed everyone to think the trial was fair."

"So Unalaq told you what to say?"

"Yes! Every word."

"Then why did he have you free my mother and change your sentence?

"He- he's trying to keep you on his side. The Soul Reaper was getting too close to his plans and he also wants your father out of the way. Just like when he got your father banished!"

"What do you mean he got my father banished?"

"No- nothing!"

Korra glowered down at him. "Keep talking."


In the Southern Air Temple, Bumi stood in front of Aang's statue with his hands inside his pockets.

He took a deep breath. "Uh, hey there, Dad. You're lookin' well." Bumi's voice got quieter. "Look, um, I'm sorry I didn't turn out to be an airbender like you hoped. But I've tried my best to keep the world safe. Hope I made you proud."

"Of course he'd be proud of you, Bumi."

Bumi looked back at the unexpected voice.

"Kya! I- I was just, uh, cleaning off Dad's statue. It's so dusty in here." He coughed lamely.

She smiled knowingly and stretched out her arms. "Come here."

The two siblings embraced. Bumi sniffled slightly.

"Thanks, Kya. You always know when I need a hug."


It was now the afternoon. Asami and Korra had travelled back to Varrick's ship along with Mako to meet with the eccentric businessman. Varrick was still in Ping-Ping the platypus-bear.

"Unalaq's a liar and a traitor!" Korra pronounced loudly.

"I've been trying to tell you that from the get-go!" Varrick retorted.

"What happened?" Mako asked.

"I found out the truth about my dad's banishment. Unalaq hired the barbarians to attack our Tribe. Then he told them to hide in the Spirit Forest, knowing my dad would go after them."

Mako's eyes widened. "Unalaq wanted your dad out of the way so he could become Chief. It was a set up."

"Just like the whole trial. I can't believe I trusted him."

"But why arrest Ichigo?" Asami asked.

"Apparently, he'd been getting too close to the truth for Unalaq's liking. They had a standoff. Ichigo accused him of invasion. I don't know the rest." Korra replied. "What I do know, is that I'm breaking both him, my father and the rebels out of jail."

"If you do this," Mako said, "There's no going back."

"I know. Will you help me or not?"

"Of course I will."

"Me too." Asami agreed.

"Count me in!" Varrick declared. "Oh, and don't worry about the strawberry. Asami and I hatched a plan for his escape."

"What is it?" Korra asked eagerly.

Asami grinned deviously. "I gave him his Combat Pass."

The door opened suddenly to reveal Bolin, who was dressed in ridiculous Water Tribe garb and had his hair stupidly combed down. Eska's betrothal necklace was fastened securely around his neck. He had never looked more depressed.

Mako held up his hand. "I don't even want to know."

"So I'm guessing the break-up didn't go so well?" Asami asked.

"Oh, no, no, the honesty thing worked out great. So great, that she decided we should get MARRIED!" Bolin cried.

"Sorry." Mako said with a wince.

"Uh, I'm pretty sure the guy is supposed to give the girl the betrothal necklace." Korra said.

"Well, I guess Eska didn't get the memo."

Varrick jutted in. "Look, the only way to avoid crazy women is to lie big and leave fast. Lucky for you, Varrick's got your back. Now, gather round Ping-Ping. Let's talk plan."


From inside his jail cell, Ichigo sat in a meditative position. Zangetsu, his zanpakuto spoke from his inner world.

"Well, this is a mighty big scrap you've got yourself into, King. I warned you months ago something was going to happen."

Shut up.

Zangetsu ignored him. "Good thing your girlfriend snagged that Combat Pass for ya. Didn't I say never to lose it?"

I didn't lose it. It was stolen. Now shut up.

"Lost, stolen, they're the same thing. Now speaking of Asami, have you guys ever-"

SHUT UP!

"Hold up, King. Somebody's comin'. You might wanna grab that Pass."

The door opened several seconds later and two guards stepped through.

"I assume you're not here to set me free." Ichigo said sarcastically.

One of the guards shook his head. "Nope. This is a transfer."

"Where to?"

"None of your business, traitor. Now get up."

"How can I be a traitor to something I'm not even part of?" Ichigo muttered.

"Shut up and move."

They secured his hands and forced him out the door. He looked down the hall to see Tonraq and the other rebels being transferred as well. Ichigo nodded to him.

"Tonraq. How we doin'?"

"Same as always, Ichigo."

"That bad, huh?"

"Yep."

"Shut up!"

The guard hit Ichigo on the head and knocked him to the ground.

Ichigo slipped the Combat Pass out of his shirt with his teeth.

"You really should've done a search, idiot."

He jerked up and spat the Combat Pass into the air. It flipped up and landed hard on his chest. Instantly Zangetsu and his Shihakso appeared. Ichigo snapped the handcuffs and drew his sword.

The guards panicked.

"Prisoner escape! Lock down the prison!"

Ichigo turned to grab Tonraq but Korra's father was already being led away.

"Tonraq!"

"Don't come after me, Ichigo! Find Korra and don't let her do anything stupid."

Ichigo nodded reluctantly and shunpoed out of the prison. Going as fast as he could, he arrived back at the city and spotted Varrick's boat.

"Here I come."


The prison was still in lockdown. Unalaq himself was patrolling the halls. A guard with the keys was walking at a brisk pace through the hall. Suddenly, a floor panel gave way and he was electrocuted through his leg.

Team Avatar minus Ichigo and Bolin jumped out with the keys. Korra dashed to her father's cell.

"My Dad's in here."

She opened the door only to find it empty.

"What? Where is he?"

"Ichigo's not here either." Asami declared from farther down.

Footsteps alerted them to a new presence. Unalaq was striding up to them.

"I'm sorry, Korra. You'll never see your father again."

Korra glared at him. "Where's my father?"

"On a ship headed to the Northern Water Tribe. He'll serve out his sentence there."

"Where's Ichigo?" Asami demanded.

"Ah, the Soul Reaper. It's a pity, really. He escaped some time ago but my soldiers are tracking him. Soon, he'll be back in our custody."

"Good luck with that," Asami scoffed.

"Bring my father back or I'm taking you out and the rest of your army." Korra said angrily.

"Remember who you are," Unalaq said. "As the Avatar, you cannot threaten war. You must remain neutral. Or our tribes will never find unity."

"You don't want unity. You want power. You've always been jealous of my father, haven't you? You got him banished so you could become Chief, and I bet it just killed you to learn he was the Avatar's father. No wonder you kept trying to take me away from him."

"All I've ever wanted is to help you realize your destiny."

"Well, I don't want your help anymore."

"If you start a war, the Dark Spirits will annihilate the South. And even I won't be able to stop them."

"I'm done being manipulated by you. You're going to bring my father back, then you and your troops will return to the North."

She turned away, thinking the conversation was over.

A small smile crept onto Unalaq's face.

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you still need me to open the Northern Portal."

"No, I don't. You've served your purpose."

Korra growled and blasted fire at him. Unalaq dodged and fought back with several strings of water. He hit Mako and forced Asami back. Then Korra unleashed a powerful torrent of air, which knocked Unalaq back and into a wall.

"If we get to Varrick's boat, we can still save your father." Mako said.

"Let's go!" Korra cried.


Back in the city, everyone stared at Bolin, still dressed in his marriage outfit, leading the platypus-bear on a leash towards the sea. Two guards stopped him.

"You have a license for that animal?" One asked.

"Uh, you fellas seen a travelling circus come through here?"

From inside the skin, Varrick whispered back at his assistant.

"Zhu-Li, do the thing!"

The platypus-bear lifted its tail, farted and released several wads of money onto the ground. The crowd started yelling.

"That platypus-bear is pooping money!"

With the distraction in place, Bolin and Varrick rushed into his ship and Varrick grabbed the controls. Korra, Mako and Asami soon joined them.

"Where's your dad?" Bolin asked.

"On a ship headed north." Korra replied. "Think you can catch it, Varrick?"

"Sure! As soon as you get us past our friends from the North."

A large blockade of Northern ships was in front of them, preventing anyone from leaving the harbour.

"I'll take care of that."

They looked in surprise at the voice to see Ichigo lounging in a chair and sipping a glass of wine.

"Ichigo!"

Asami enveloped him in a huge hug.

"It's so good to see you!"

Ichigo hugged her back and smiled. "It's good to see you too."

"We didn't even think you were here." Mako said.

Korra grinned. "You ready to kick some butt, Ichigo?"

He smirked back. "Hell yeah."

They were fast approaching the blockade. Ichigo and Korra stood at the front of the ship.

Ichigo turned to her. "Okay, Korra. I don't know if Getsuga Tenshou can smash through all that. So if it can't, can you push the remains out of the way with waterbending?"

She nodded. "You got it."

He took a deep breath and concentrated.

"Okay. Here I go."

Ichigo rose slightly into the air and raised Zangetsu. He poured all his reiatsu into the blade and felt the winds swirl around him.

From the head Northern vessel, the lookout cringed.

"Uh, Captain. You ain't gonna like this."

Ichigo yelled and swung his sword in a fierce downward arc.

"GETSUGA… TENSHOU!"

The massive, crescent shaped line of energy thrust forward and completely decimated the fleet, ripping the ships in half and causing them to capsize and float away with the shockwave.

Ichigo groaned and collapsed into Korra's arms.

"Did- did I do it?"

"Yeah. We're through. Nice going, Ichigo. That was amazing."

"Thanks. I'm gonna sleep now."

"You do that."

Korra half-carried his spent body and dropped him on the floor of the bridge.

"Is he okay?" Asami asked.

Ichigo gave her a small thumbs up and snuggled into the floor.

Korra looked out across the water in front of them. There was no sign of any other ship. She cursed. "If only we had a plane right now. We'd be able to catch the Northern ship in no time."

"A plane? Well, why didn't you say so?" Varrick asked incredulously. He slammed his paw down on a button. At the front deck, a hatch opened and a blue plane rose up into the sun.

"Um, why do you have a plane on your boat?" Mako asked.

"In case the boat sinks, of course."

"But there's no runway." Asami pointed out. "How are we supposed to take off?"

Varrick opened his mouth in surprise, realizing his mistake.

"Zhu-Li! Take a note. Build runway."

"Yes, sir."

Korra looked up. "I have an idea."

In a few minutes, Asami was sitting in the pilot seat. She pulled on her goggles and ignited the engine. Korra and Mako were strapped to the sides, holding on to the bars protecting the side propellers.

Korra gave a thumbs up and Asami took off.

"Now!" Korra called.

She and Mako instantly fired a giant plume of fire from their free hands. The plane drove off a ramp and plummeted to the ocean. Then the firebending did its work and the plane was airborne.

They flew for several miles then Korra pointed to a speck on the horizon.

"There! My Dad's on that ship!"

Soon, that speck became larger. When they were almost alongside it, Korra leaped out.

"Jump!"

All three dove into the sea and Korra got them onto the ship with a water cyclone. The plane exploded and all the soldiers went to the side of the boat to watch. Korra knocked them all into the ocean with some waterbending and spotted another soldier running below deck.

She pinned him to a wall with ice and demanded to know where the prisoners were. Once they got the knowledge, they dashed into the prison deck and released everyone. Tonraq was quite surprised and a little angry.

"Korra, this is crazy. You promised me you wouldn't do anything rash."

"I had to. I'll explain later."

They found a rowboat on the side of the ship and all jumped in, using waterbending to propel themselves back to Varrick's ship.


In the Southern Air Temple, Kya and Bumi were sitting with Pema and the kids as Tenzin returned with Ikki. Pema looked up and smiled wide.

"Sweetie! You're okay! Oh, I was so worried." She looked pointed at Jinora and Meelo. "Do have something you want to say to your sister?"

Meelo smiled innocently. "Ikki, glad you're back."

Jinora looked down. "Yeah, sorry we made fun of you."

"Thanks." Ikki grinned. "You wanna play airball?"

"Sure!"

"Yeah!"

They ran off and Tenzin approached his siblings at a much slower pace.

"I wanted to apologize for how I acted yesterday." He began. "I've worked so hard to celebrate Dad's legacy that I may have overlooked the parts of him that were… less than ideal."

"And we're sorry for dumping our frustrations with Dad out on you." Kya said.

"Yeah. You didn't deserve that." Bumi agreed.

Kya reached into a pocket. "I thought you two might want to see this. Mom gave it to me before we left."

She held up an old photo of them when they were young. Aang and Katara grinned wide as Bumi showed a toothy smirk. Kya smiled shyly and Tenzin was just a baby.

The three siblings smiled warmly.

"That is one good-lookin' family, huh?" Bumi declared.

"That's one happy family." Tenzin said.


On the boat ride, Korra told her father everything that had happened and the truths that had come to light.

"So," she finished, "Once I knew the truth, I couldn't just sit back and do nothing."

Tonraq scowled darkly. "My own brother betrayed me and our entire tribe."

"What's our next move?" Asked one of the rebels.

"I've been running from my past for too long. It's time to put my brother in his place."

The rebels put their right hands to their chests in salute.

"You have our support, Chief Tonraq."

"Mine too." Korra said. "I'll be proud to fight alongside you, Dad."

Tonraq shook his head. "No, Korra."

"But you said the South doesn't stand a chance against Unalaq's forces. I can help."

"The best way for you to help is by getting the President of the United Republic on our side. The South can give Unalaq a good fight for a while. But we'll need the United Forces in order to win this war."

Korra hesitated then agreed. "All right. I'll get you all the help you need. I love you, Dad."

She reached forward and hugged him. He smiled.

"I love you too."

They returned silently to the Southern capital and deposited Tonraq and the rebels on the shore away from the city.

Ichigo shook hands with Tonraq. "Good luck," he said. "I wish I could stay and fight with you."

"You are needed elsewhere," Tonraq said. "Although, if you get the opportunity, I would love your support."

Ichigo nodded. "I'll be there."

"My soldiers tell me that it was your act of rebellion that inspired them. They call you The Reaper. You're becoming a bit of a hero."

Ichigo shook his head with a chuckle. "I don't know about that. I don't think hero-status suits me."

Tonraq laughed. "I think it suits you, son. You're a hero and an example to my people. That's not a bad thing."

"No. I suppose it isn't."

The two men clasped arms again. "I'll see you soon, Tonraq."

"All the best, Ichigo. Good luck."

Tonraq said one final goodbye to Korra and then Team Avatar watched from the ship as he and the Southern soldiers traversed into the mountains. Bolin looked solemn.

"I really need to thank you, Korra," he said.

"For what? I started a civil war."

He grinned. "Exactly! Now Eska and I are officially broken up."

Varrick called to them from where he had been standing with a telescope.

"Oh, looks like we have company. And not the fun kind!"

They walked over to him and Bolin squinted. There was a large wave headed towards them but it was narrow and the only one moving.

"What is that?"

He took the telescope, gasped, rubbed his eyes and nearly screamed. Eska was coming towards them at tyrannical speeds. Her face was done up in hideous makeup and her expression was screaming bloody murder.

"That would be my darling Eska. Quick question: is this thing fast enough to get away from my crazy, waterbending ex-girlfriend?"

Varrick grinned. "Why do you think I built this boat?"

They sped off, leaving Eska in their dust. After a while, Ichigo went down to his cabin and sat down to stare up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts.

He took a deep breath. Zangetsu. Are you there?

"Unfortunately, yes." Came the reply.

Funny. Now tell me, what's a Bankai?

Zangetsu grinned. "Now you're getting it, King. Let the fun begin."


And that's the end of chapter 4. Tell me your thoughts! Thanks for reading and I'll see you all soon with chapter 5!