Hey everyone! It's been a little while about a month since the last chapter. I'm hoping to maybe get a chapter out every month or so? But I don't really want to hold myself to that because my schedule changes all the time but that's what I'm hoping. Anyways, it's good to be back and I hope you all enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 9: The Guide
"Where is my Reaper?" Varrick demanded loudly. "He hasn't been here for two days! Bolin! You got any idea where he is?"
Bolin, sitting lazily in his actor's seat shrugged. "Not a clue. I haven't seen Asami around either."
"You haven't?"
"Nope."
Varrick stroked his chin. "Hmm. That is interesting. Well, I suppose that I'd better figure this out. Zhu-Li! Go figure this out! Bolin, we're done for the day."
Bolin yawned. "You got it, Chief. See ya tomorrow."
He got up and headed home after reporting to the makeup and costume teams. On the way to his apartment, he decided to knock on Mako's door. His older brother opened it.
"What do you want?" Mako asked.
"Do you know where Ichigo and Asami are?"
"No."
"Really? Because Ichigo hasn't been to the set in two days. He's hurting the production. I can't work with that kind of non-commitment."
Mako rolled his eyes. "Maybe they're off on a trip. It's been pretty stressful around here."
"Well, I think that you should report it to the police! How am I supposed to act if the other actor isn't there?"
"I don't know, Bolin. If you're such a great actor, I think you can figure it out. I'll talk to Beifong about it tomorrow. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a case to work on." He shut the door.
"Hey, I'm not done! Ugh! You should show me more respect, Mako. I'm the only one of us who's gonna be successful!" He got no response. Sulking, he shoved his hands into his pockets and stomped up to his apartment.
The next morning, Mako walked into the police station. He didn't blame Ichigo and Asami for leaving, he knew that Ichigo was wanting a break. Besides, with so many people gone, it left him room to work on solving the case and potentially proving that Varrick was the mastermind behind the bombings and the hijacking of Asami's ships. Korra was often on his mind but he did his best to ignore his thoughts of her. They would only slow him down.
Beifong was standing near the entrance to her office speaking with a young woman. Mako frowned. He'd never seen her before. She was of medium height and build, with light, straight brown hair that went just past her shoulders. Her jawline was strong and her thin lips were pursed.
"Mako, hey! You're finally here!"
Mako's attention shifted to the voice. It was Varrick. The businessman's arms were open and he bore an excited smile. Mako's frown deepened. What is he up to?
Varrick clasped the woman's shoulders. "Mako, I'd like you to meet Yumi. Yumi, this is Mako, the best beat cop on the force. He'll bust your triad anytime," he said with an obnoxious laugh. No one joined in and he coughed. "Anyways, Mako, Yumi here turns out to be Asami's assistant and in her absence, the acting head of Future Industries."
"Is this true?" Mako asked Beifong.
"Apparently," she replied. "I'm assuming that Asami is off with Ichigo, right? Haven't seen him for a few days either."
Mako nodded. "Yeah. That's right."
"I guess they deserve it, the two lovebirds," Varrick said. "But man, am I lucky that I found Yumi! I was worried what I was gonna do. I just saved this company; I need to know what's going on with it. Thankfully, Asami's assistant is almost as good as mine! If you want a raise, Zhu Li, that's the best you're gonna get. Take it or leave it."
Mako crossed his arms. "So the case of Asami's ships will continue then?"
Yumi's eyes flashed to his. He was instantly struck by her sharp gaze. Her eyes were cold and light blue.
"Yes," she said. "The Northern Water Tribe shall be brought to justice."
"Um," Mako said, "I don't think that-"
"Great!" Varrick interrupted. "There's your headline, folks. Miss Yumi, if I could escort you to my office, we can start talking business."
The two of them headed off and Mako watched them with suspicious eyes. Beifong snapped her fingers in his face.
"Take your eyes off her ass, rookie, and get to work."
"I wasn't-ugh!" He sighed with annoyance and sat down at his desk. With Asami gone it would be much harder to prove Varrick's guilt. He needed to meet with Yumi and explain the situation. Otherwise he feared Varrick would just trap her in his pocket like he had with so many others.
The sun was high and warm as it shone brightly upon the Eastern Air Temple. There were few clouds and the atmosphere was very peaceful. Jinora was playing with some spirits in the gardens at the temple. She laughed as a teal bunny-shaped spirit frolicked about in the grass.
"Gotcha!" She dove at it but the spirit avoided her and flew into the air, it's ears acting as wings. "Furryfoot, come back!" It landed atop her head and she laughed again as more bunny spirits came to play.
"Jinora, there you are," Tenzin said, coming up behind her. "Come on, everyone's waiting." He looked at his daughter, confused as to why she had been laughing. He didn't see anyone else with her. "Were you playing with someone?"
"Oh, just some imaginary friends."
Tenzin stroked his beard and then Jinora giggled as she saw a spirit jump onto the back of Tenzin's bald head and stretch its wings to make it look like he had bunny ears. The two of them headed into a large open-air area within the temple. At its center was a tree with a bench encircling its trunk. Pema, Ikki, Meelo and baby Rohan were sitting at a little table while Kya and Bumi were bickering beside the tree.
"Stop telling lies," Kya was saying.
"It's true!" Bumi retorted. "I once beat an earthbender in a rock-throwing contest. I have the trophy to prove it."
"Alright," Tenzin announced. "who's ready for an exciting tour of the Eastern Air Temple? We've got a lot to see today; including ancient statues, ancient gardens, and the meditation hall used by ancient airbenders."
"Yay," Ikki monotoned, "old things."
There were footsteps outside an arched entranceway to the courtyard and they all turned in astonishment at who walked in.
"Korra?!" Tenzin said in bewilderment.
"Korra!" The kids cried out with glee and ran to her.
"What are you doing here?" Pema asked happily.
"And how did you know where to find us?" Kya added.
"Tenzin's itinerary," Korra smiled. "We went over it like a hundred times before we left Republic City."
"See, this is why schedules are important," Tenzin said with vindication.
"It's so great to see you all again."
"It's great to see you," Tenzin said. "By why aren't you training at the South Pole?"
"Wait. You don't know about the civil war?"
"What? No. We've been out of touch with the outside world since we started our vacation."
"Tenzin's idea," explained Bumi. "What happened?"
"So much," Korra said. "I don't know where to start."
"Just tell us everything." Tenzin said.
"Everything? Okay." She began speaking at rapid pace. "I opened a Spirit Portal at the South Pole, but then Unalaq turned out to be a bad guy and wanted to take control of the South so I sort of started a civil war. But when I went to find some help I was attacked by my cousins and then by a giant dark spirit. And then I forgot who I was and then I met the first Avatar and Ichigo was there and then I realized that I shouldn't have opened the portal in the first place and now I need to close it again!"
There was silence.
"I knew this would happen," Tenzin said.
Ichigo, with Asami in his arms, shot across the frozen landscape away from the Spirit Portal and back to the oasis that they had glimpsed before. He stayed silent, still deep in thought about what Rukia had told him. Asami watched his face closely with concerned eyes.
"Are you alright?" She said eventually.
"Yeah."
"How is your friend?"
"She's good. It was nice to speak with her."
"That's good."
They went quiet for several minutes. Asami turned her gaze away from Ichigo and looked at the landscape around them. It was quite cloudy so the ice and snow beneath them were covered by shadow. Unlike yesterday when they'd struggled through the storm, it was actually peaceful here. The wind wasn't howling and the air wasn't as bitterly cold.
"Ichigo?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you mind if we go down for a minute?"
"Okay."
Ichigo lowered them to the ground and placed her on her feet beside him. Asami smiled and wrapped her arm around him. Light flakes of snow descended around them. Asami stuck out her tongue and caught some, giggling as she did so. Ichigo looked at her with a wry smile.
"Do you remember skating down at the South Pole with me?" he asked.
"Of course," she replied.
He sighed wistfully. "I miss peacetime."
She cupped his cheek with her palm. "I know you do. That's why I wanted to come down. It's so pretty here. And quiet."
"Yeah. Thank you. It's nice to just stop and enjoy the moment sometimes."
Her voice quietened. "Just a shame that the moment is only that: a moment."
Above them, the clouds parted slightly and a warm ray of sunlight alighted on them. Ichigo smiled again.
"Pretty decent moment though."
Asami beamed at him. "Yes, it is."
The clouds rolled over again and the sunlight faded. Ichigo cleared his throat.
"We should keep going."
"Mm hmm," she agreed.
He swept her up and they continued on, now in a far better mood than they'd started in.
"So, Avatar Wan imprisoned this dark spirit Vaatu in the Spirit World?" Tenzin asked.
He and Korra were sitting beneath a large tree on a bench in the gardens of the temple.
"Yes," she replied.
"And you say that you saw Ichigo there with him?"
"Yeah. They were friends. Best friends. I don't understand why Ichigo never told me."
"Perhaps he didn't remember? Last I heard, his memory hadn't fully returned yet."
"Whatever. He's kept secrets from me before."
"Where is he now?"
"Don't know. Probably still in Republic City with Asami," she said grumpily.
"Everything alright between you two?"
"Yeah. Everything's great," she growled.
Tenzin raised an eyebrow and decided to change the subject. "So, what's Unalaq's plan then regarding this Vaatu?"
"I think my uncle is trying to free him."
Tenzin crossed his arms. "I knew Unalaq was hungry for power but never realised how far he would go to get it."
"This is all my fault," said Korra sadly.
"No, don't blame yourself. This is Unalaq's doing. Now we must focus on setting things right before he can do anymore damage."
"Thank you."
"So, you need to close the Southern Portal. But if Unalaq's army controls the South how are we going to get to it?"
"I thought about that. My best chance to close the portal is from the inside. I have to enter the Spirit World."
"A journey to the Spirit World… all my years of spiritual training have prepared me for this moment. I will help you. Today, we enter the Spirit World."
Ichigo touched down at the very edge of the snowy tundra and set Asami on her feet. In front of them was the city, its many canals and icy structures tapering down towards the great ocean. At the highest peak of the city was the palace, presumably where Unalaq usually made his lodging. However, behind the palace itself was a vast expanse of space surrounded by high, icy walls. In the center of the space was a grassy oasis and a small pond.
"See? That's the Spirit Oasis that we passed on our way up here," said Ichigo
"Yeah. It looks like it's connected to the palace there."
"Good thing there's a path down. I wouldn't like to fly down there in full view of the palace. At least on the path we won't be as visible."
The two of them began walking down the trail. It wound down in a circular shape towards the oasis. The air began to warm up. It was very quiet here and very serene. Ichigo could feel the spiritual pressure pulsing and resonating as he drew nearer.
They reached the bottom of the path and strode slowly along a bridge to the grass. The air was now very warm and the atmosphere was tranquil. Asami looked around in wonder and took several long deep breaths.
"What is this place?" she said quietly.
"It's the spiritual center of the Northern Water Tribe."
"How do you know that?"
"I read about it. Beyond that, I can feel it. The spiritual energy is very strong here. This is where I'll regain my Bankai."
"I've been meaning to ask you, what is your Bankai?"
"It's the most powerful form of my sword. I already have it; I just need to get it back."
"How are you going to do that?"
He frowned. "I'm not sure."
He stepped towards the pond and knelt down to examine it. It was very calm and still. Near the edge of the water, a single black fish swam round in constant circles, as if in a dance. He was entranced by it. Asami looked over his shoulder.
"What is that?"
"The ocean spirit," he said reverently. "I remember Korra told me one time about the Siege of the North. During the Hundred Year War, the Fire Nation came here and attacked. They killed the moon spirit but then the Water Tribe princess became the moon or something. I don't really remember how it happened."
"Yeah," Asami said. "I've heard that story too. Her name was Yue, the princess with white hair who became the moon spirit. Avatar Aang and Sokka made sure that her story would be remembered. All little girls in Republic City know the tale of Yue and her bravery and sacrifice."
Ichigo stayed silent for a minute. Then he licked his lips. "I think I have an idea."
He stepped cautiously into the pond and sat down. It was very shallow. Asami watched with curiosity as he began to meditate. She swallowed and went to sit down with him. Copying his position, she meditated too.
Ichigo's eyes opened and he was in a different place. It was like a swamp with a red tint to its green aesthetic. He gasped at the sheer magnitude of the spiritual pressure. It emanated off of everything. Asami was beside him.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"You are in the Spirit World," said a deep voice.
The two of them turned and saw a small, black cat spirit sitting comfortably on a rock beside them. It studied them with passive, but highly intelligent eyes. "It's been quite a long time since I saw humans here," the spirit continued. "You must have meditated in from the Spirit Oasis, correct?"
"Yes," Ichigo said. "I guess the spiritual pressure was strong enough for even you to come," he said to Asami.
"Yeah, I guess so," she said. "This is insane. I've barely heard stories about the Spirit World, much less been here myself."
The cat spirit began to stride towards them. It studied Ichigo intently.
"You are not from here, are you?" it said eventually.
Ichigo shook his head. "I'm a Soul Reaper."
"What are you doing here? This isn't your world."
"I don't know how I got here. But right now, I'm trying to regain my Bankai. Can you help us?"
The spirit stroked it's chin with it's paw. "Hmm, perhaps. I have heard about Bankai but I do not know much about them. Don't be alarmed," it said as it placed it's paw onto Ichigo's forehead. "Ah, I see. You have a very troubled mind, Soul Reaper. But I can take you where you must go. Follow me."
The spirit scampered off and Ichigo and Asami jumped to their feet to pursue it. Leading them through the swamp, the spirit sprang from rock to branch in front of them. Eventually, they left the swamp and entered into a rocky area with many great boulders on all sides.
"This valley," the spirit said, "is a nesting place for many of the dark spirits that have been passing through here recently. From what I could tell from your memories, you need constant combat for an extended period of time to regain that which was lost. But that is not all. Your resolve must be strong enough for the Bankai to return. In this valley, you will fight an endless army of dark spirits until either you succeed, or you fall."
Ichigo gripped Zangetsu. "I'm ready for anything."
The spirit smiled. "Is that so?" Suddenly, it began to change form, losing it's fur and growing tall. Light mist covered it as it rose to stand on two legs. It's skin was now dark and smooth. Ichigo and Asami stared as the mist faded to reveal a tall and lithe naked woman with purple hair that cascaded down her back. Her eyes were a startling pale gold and a cocky, sardonic smile lit up her face.
Ichigo gaped. "What the hell? Yoruichi?"
She smirked. "You betcha, kiddo."
Mako sat alone at his desk in the police station, deep in thought. His eyebrows were furrowed and his fingers drummed incessantly on the desk. The other officers around him frowned as he muttered to himself incoherently.
There was a slight stir in the atmosphere and every officer turned their attention to the door except for Mako who was still preoccupied in his contemplations.
Someone rapped their fingers on his desk and he looked up. It was Yumi. Her intense gaze fixated on him and for a moment he was transfixed by the chilling storm that raged in her blue eyes. She was cute, he thought, with an upturned button nose and thin, taught lips.
"You asked for me?" she said bringing him quickly out of his moment of stupor.
"Uh, yes, yes. Thanks for coming," he stammered awkwardly and rose to his feet.
"My pleasure," she replied and crossed her arms. "Now what can I do for the best beat cop on the force?"
Mako ignored the comment and glanced around at the other officers. All of them were doing their best to appear nonchalant as they kept eyes on Yumi. Mako stepped out from behind his desk.
"Can we speak in private? I have something very important to tell you."
She nodded. "Of course."
He led her outside, making sure no one was around to listen.
"Do people normally stare at you or what?" He said jokingly.
"Oh, those officers? I'm not sure what they want. Perhaps they find me intimidating."
"With those eyes? I don't doubt it," said Mako offhandedly. She didn't respond so he cleared his throat and continued. "Anyways, with Asami gone you're the acting head of Future Industries, right?"
"Yes."
"Does Asami trust you?"
"With her life."
He swallowed and pursed his lips in thought. "Okay. This is very important and it must remain top secret. Do you understand? No one can know about this."
"Alright. What is it?"
"I've been investigating the bombings on Asami's ships and I think that Varrick is the mastermind."
"But he just saved the company why would he want to hurt it?"
"I don't know. That's what I'm trying to figure out. I know he hired the Triple Threats to double-cross us and I know he's the one supplying the explosives. I just have to prove it."
"So, what do you want from me?"
"Just your cooperation. I'll keep you in the loop because you're the head of the company in question."
"Alright. Well, I appreciate this, Mako. I'm sure Miss Sato is very pleased to have a friend like you in the police."
"Yeah. Um, do you know where they went?"
"Who?"
"Asami and Ichigo."
She shrugged. "I wasn't told."
"Okay. Thanks for meeting with me."
"Anytime," she smiled. "You're doing a great job, Mako."
At the Southern Spirit Portal, Unalaq's men had erected a wall surrounding the forest and the immediate land around it. They posted guards all around the encampment. It was ready to sustain any potential attack.
Unalaq himself was walking in the spirit forest with his children, Eska and Desna. They approached the Spirit Portal and stood together in front of it.
"Father, what are we doing here?" Desna whined.
"You're here to straighten out the mess you caused when you failed to capture the Avatar," Unalaq replied coldly.
"I told you it wasn't our fault."
"You're right. It was my fault for trusting you. Harmonic Convergence is almost upon us. This is my opportunity to change the world."
"We'll make it up to you, Father," Eska said.
"Good. Because I'll need your help to open the Northern Portal."
"I thought only the Avatar could do it," Desna said.
"I believe there is another way."
The three of them entered the Portal and passed into the Spirit World to the same place where Wan fought Vaatu all those years ago. "This way," Unalaq said.
They continued to walk and stood atop the hill where the Tree of Time still sat. The very same tree that held Vaatu in captive. Across the valley from them was the sealed Northern Portal. A half-sphere of purple and yellow energy covered it, preventing it's beam from shooting into the sky like it's Southern partner.
"There it is. The Northern Portal."
Bolin screamed theatrically for several seconds as he dangled from the film set: two oversized bird claws that held him trapped upside down.
"Cut!" Someone called. "Okay, that's lunch, everybody!"
Everyone cleared out of the room at once leaving Bolin still stuck in the bird's claws.
"Hello?" he called. "Anyone? Nuktuk's still up here, all alone!"
A door opened and Bolin saw a woman he didn't recognize. "Hello? Who are you?"
The woman smiled wide. "Are you Bolin?"
"That's me!"
"Wow! I've always wanted to meet you. You were my favourite of the Fire Ferrets and now you're a big mover star! Oh, but where are my manners? My name is Yumi. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Pleasure to meet you too!" said Bolin with a grin.
"Are you filming right now?"
"Right now? Nope. We're uh, we're at lunch."
The door opened again and Mako walked in. Yumi's expression instantly changed at his presence.
"Yumi," he said. "What are you doing here?"
"Varrick invited me to watch some of the filming."
"Oh. Have you seen my brother Bolin around?"
"Up here!" Bolin called. He struggled and got himself free, falling painfully onto his back with a shout of fear. "Oww! I gotta stop doing my own stunts…"
"Bolin," Mako said. "I figured out who's been stealing from Future Industries. Varrick."
"What? No."
"Why would he attack his own ships?" Yumi questioned. "I've been thinking about that since you told me."
"It was a ploy. He wants Republic City to go to war and he wants control of the businesses that stand to profit the most from it. He already had all the shipping. All he needed was Future Industries."
"Varrick still helped save Future Industries," Yumi maintained. "He's our business partner not an evil mastermind. Listen, Mako, I barely know you but you seem stressed."
"I am stressed!"
"See, this is why I had to move out," Bolin said.
"You two aren't living together anymore? I thought the Bending Brothers would be closer than that."
"Nope. It was time for this eagle-hawk to spread his wings and fly."
"Listen to me," Mako said. "Varrick is up to no good and I have proof now. The detonators he uses in his movers are exactly like the one I found at the Cultural Centre attack. And those explosions were exactly like the ones the captain reported when Asami's shipment was hijacked. Don't you see?"
"Anyone could've gotten their hands on one of those detonators," Yumi said.
"Yeah, let it go, Mako," Bolin said. "Let it go."
"Agh, no! I'm not going to let it go!"
He stalked off and Yumi watched him with interest.
"So how are you involved in all this, Yumi?" Bolin asked.
"I'm Asami's assistant so I'm in charge of Future Industries while she's gone."
"Asami never told me she had an assistant."
"Asami also never told you that she was leaving, did she?"
He pondered this. "Hmm, no. I guess she didn't."
"Anyways, I gotta run. Lovely to meet you though, Bolin." She quickly sauntered off and out the door.
"Huh? Yeah, nice to meet you too…" Bolin furrowed his brow as she left and then pouted slightly with his arms crossed.
Mako grumbled to himself as he headed away from the film set. He turned a corner and stopped. Two bulky and foreboding guys were waiting for him.
"Varrick's been looking for you," one of them said.
Mako narrowed his eyes.
"You're lucky," Tenzin said, "This temple is the most spiritual of all the Air Temples. Why this very garden is where my father met Guru Pathik."
"Wow," said Korra, "Spirit World, here we come."
They, along with Bumi, Kya, Jinora, Ikki and Meelo trouped out to a small clearing in the nearby forest kitted out with several instruments like a horn and a bell to create an atmosphere where meditation would be easier. However, nothing seemed to be happening.
Korra opened one eye. "Are you in the Spirit World?" she whispered to Tenzin.
"I would be if Meelo could ring his bell at the appropriate intervals," he replied with annoyance.
"Aww, did I do it wrong?" said Meelo.
Tenzin huffed. "Let's try something else."
"I thought your bell ringing was just fine," Korra said.
"Thanks!" Meelo began clanging his bell with renewed vigour.
They moved from place to place, burning incense, doing everything that Tenzin knew to do to enter the Spirit World. The longer it didn't work, the more frustrated Tenzin became.
"Kya! This is too much smoke. You set it up wrong."
"I'm sorry. I did what you told me."
"Well, the moment's ruined."
Jinora watched as more bunny spirits flew rings round Korra's head. Korra, unbeknownst to their presence, followed Tenzin.
"We could've tried a little longer," she said.
The spirits left Korra and indicated to Jinora another forest below the temple. She called out as they flew away.
"Come back, Furryfoot!"
"Hey Jinora, what are you chasing?" Kya asked.
"N-nothing," Jinora replied awkwardly.
Tenzin and Korra meditated together beneath a colossal statue, presumably of Avatar Yangchen.
"Focus, Korra," Tenzin said. "Focus."
"I am focusing."
"No talking! Feel the energy of the universe."
"Okay. I feel it."
"Korra, really! I'm trying to concentrate here." He got up. "I don't think this location is going to work either."
"What's going on with you? First you're blaming Meelo, then Kya, now me."
"Well, nothing is feeling right to me."
"I don't want to rush your feelings but we're kind of in a hurry. How did you first get into the Spirit World? Let's try that."
"Well… actually, I've never been into the Spirit World."
"You've never been to the Spirit World?!"
"But you used to spend days in the Temple meditating," Pema said.
"Trying to get in," Tenzin said. "It never happened. It's my greatest shortcoming as an Airbender, spiritual leader, and son of Aang."
Bumi laughed. "Welcome to the 'I disappoint Dad club'."
"If you've never been to the Spirit World," Kya said. "How are you planning to get Korra into it?
"I've spent years studying the techniques and theories of ancient Airbender spiritual leaders. Now that the Avatar needs me, it must be my time."
"Tenzin, Harmonic Convergence is almost here," Korra said. "If Vaatu escapes from the Spirit World-"
"You have to trust me," Tenzin interrupted. "I can help you."
"There might be another way," Kya said, putting her hands on Jinora's shoulders. "Jinora, is there something you want to tell Korra?"
"Jinora? She's too young and untrained to have any knowledge about spiritual matters," said Tenzin.
"Actually," Jinora said. "I think I do know where Korra needs to go to get into the Spirit World."
"And how would you know that?"
"My spirit friends showed me. It's okay, you can show yourselves."
The group all gasped in astonishment as the bunny spirits revealed themselves.
"How did you do that?" Tenzin said in wonder.
"Jinora!"
"Bunnies!"
"Actually, they're dragonfly-bunny spirits," Jinora explained.
"I knew it," Kya said. "Looks like she does know something about spiritual matters."
"How long have you been able to do this?" Tenzin asked.
"I don't know. I guess I've always kind of had a connection with spirits."
A blue spirit alighted on Bumi's shoulder and tickled his cheek. Bumi laughed.
"I think this one likes me."
"Are they here to help?" Korra asked.
"I think they want you to go down there."
"I don't know," Tenzin reasoned, "the spiritual energy is historically strongest near the temple."
"No offence," Korra said. "But I'm guessing the spirits have actually been to the Spirit World so I'm gonna follow them."
Ichigo gaped at the spirit that had now taken the form of Yoruichi. His gaze travelled down from her head to her body and his face went beet red.
"Why the hell are you always naked? Put some damn clothes on!"
Asami covered his eyes with her hands and Yoruichi snickered loudly.
"You sure you want that?" She said teasingly.
"Yes!"
"You positive?"
"Yes!"
"Alright," she said with a laugh. Her clothes materialized; black leggings and a turtleneck top with an orange jumper overtop that. Ichigo stared at her again, confused.
"How did you do that? And how are you even here right now? What's going on?"
"Who is she, Ichigo?" Asami asked.
"Her name's Yoruichi. She's a friend from back home. Answer me, Yoruichi, how the hell are you here?"
Yoruichi squatted down next to them.
"Simple answer," she said. "I'm not."
"Huh?"
"The Yoruichi that you know is not really here. But I am as close as you'll ever get to her. I am a type of spirit that can feed off of your memories. When I put my paw on your forehead, I saw your entire life from beginning up till now and so I took on the form of someone that played a key role in you attaining your Bankai: your friend, Yoruichi."
Ichigo put his hand on his head. "This is so confusing."
"It really isn't," Yoruichi said. "I can take on the form and characteristics of anyone from your memory."
"Can you do that with me too?" Asami asked.
Yoruichi looked right at her. "Of course I can. Would you like to see your father again?"
Asami's expression froze and her body began to tremble. She shook her head.
"No."
Yoruichi nodded. "Didn't think so." She got up and took Ichigo's hand, pulling him to his feet. "Alright, kid, you ready to start training?"
He stared at her intently. "You look exactly like her."
"I am her." She put her hand on his cheek. "You have some wonderful friends, Ichigo. I can be any one of them for you. You can see whomever you like."
"Wait. If you can impersonate my friends, can you impersonate my enemies as well?"
"Yes. But neither I nor any spirit of my kind would do that. We are kind at heart. A dark spirit on the other hand…"
"How many are there of your kind?"
"Very few. I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about."
They began walking down into the valley. Yoruichi gripped Asami's shoulder and stopped her on a wide ledge. "This is where we will sit and watch you train. Ichigo, remember, you already have your Bankai. But your resolve must be strong enough to regain it."
He nodded and continued walking until he reached the end of the path and entered the valley. There was a rustle of movement and Ichigo glimpsed many dark spirits begin to make their way towards him. He clutched Zangetsu and drew it out off his back.
"Alright, you bastards. Let's do this thing." With a yell, he launched himself at the enemy.
Asami watched Yoruichi with curious eyes and crossed arms.
"Got something to say?" Yoruichi asked.
"Can you see all of Ichigo's memories? Even the ones he's forgotten?"
"I can."
"What's he like, I mean, normally? What was he like in his old world?"
"He was different. Less sad, I imagine."
"Less sad?"
"The Ichigo you know is not the same as the one from before he lost his memory. His essence is the same but confronted with the same decision twice… he might choose otherwise this time. He was also extremely embarrassed if ever he saw anything lewd or remotely sexual. This Yoruichi person thought that was quite amusing."
"Really? He's not super embarrassed around me."
"Hmm. I'm sure the real Yoruichi would love to hear that."
Ichigo slashed and hacked ferociously at the dark spirits. It hadn't even been that long and already his brow was dripping with sweat. His swings seemed slower as well, as if the air around him was thicker.
The problem he was facing wasn't that he couldn't cut through the spirits, he cleaved through them every time but they would slowly reform every time and more kept coming. They were relentless. But so was he.
For so long, he'd felt weak and inadequate, scared even. Scared of failure, scared of his memories, scared of Amon, scared of himself. If his goal was to protect his friends, then he needed to get stronger. It wasn't enough to hold enemies off while his friends escaped, it wasn't enough to throw around a Getsuga Tenshou here and there. He knew he was capable of more.
His thoughts were interrupted as a spirit connected with his head, sending him reeling with a grunt. He lashed out, slicing through three of them at once. The spirits began to crowd around him and his usually haymaker swings were putting him in danger of counter attacks. Flipping back, he raised Zangetsu.
"Getsuga Tenshou!"
His massive attack decimated dozens of spirits ahead of him. Landing on the ground he winced. Blood dribbled from a wound on his side. He assumed that when he'd jumped, a spirit had jabbed him there. The respite caused by his attack was brief and he raised his sword again to continue the battle.
Yoruichi crossed her arms and frowned.
Asami noticed. "What? What is it?"
"There's something wrong," she muttered. "He isn't strong enough."
"Father, haven't the spirits had ten thousand years to open this portal?" Eska said.
She, Unalaq and Desna were approaching the sealed Northern Portal in the Spirit World.
"If they could not succeed, what makes you think we will?" Desna added.
"By entering the Spirit World through the portal, we bring with us something the spirits never had: our bending," Unalaq answered.
He began bending a thick stream of water in a continuous torrent against the portal. "Join me. Together we can open this portal."
Eska and Desna glanced at each other and then began to bend their own streams of water into the same spot. The portal sizzled and arcs of energy thrashed out and struck Desna, throwing him into the ground with a painful cry.
"Desna!"
"Leave him! Keep bending!"
Eska ignored her father and ran to help her fallen brother. "He needs a healer at once," she said.
"This is more important!" Unalaq rebutted.
Eska hesitated then put Desna's arm around her shoulders and helped him to his feet. "I'm taking him back."
Unalaq continued thrusting water against the portal, unmindful of his daughter's words. But without his children, his own attacks were useless. The portal repelled everything. Eventually he stopped and simply stared at it, panting for breath.
Mako was pushed into a dimly lit room by the two men that confronted him at the mover set. The only light in the room came from a bed of burning hot coals on the floor. Beyond the coals sat Varrick. The eccentric businessman turned to face Mako, his hands folded.
"I hear you've got some ideas," he started, "You wanna tell me about them?"
"Go ahead," Mako said after a brief hesitation looking at the coals. "Torture me all you want. I'm not gonna talk."
"Torture? The only thing I wanna torture is this pesky foot fungus." He revealed a disgusting amount of fungus on the bottom of his foot and stood up. Jerking and squealing with pain, he made his way across the coals and stood closely in front of Mako. The two men left the room.
"The burning means it's working! I heard you've been investigating the recent attacks on my ships. And I think you know that I know that you know, you know?"
"…Know what?"
"That the world is a dangerous place! And that's exactly why I want to offer you a job on my security force."
"I have a job."
"We need you. Me, Asami, Yumi, Bolin, we're all on the same team here, we want you to join us. You wouldn't want anything to happen to Asami or Yumi, right? Or what about your brother?"
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying I want your help to protect them. Without you, who knows what could happen."
"Thanks for your 'concern'. But the answer is no."
Mako turned and left, slamming the door as Varrick shrugged and returned to the coals.
Korra, Tenzin and the others sat on Oogie as the sky bison flew down from the temple towards the forest indicated by the dragonfly-bunny spirits. Bumi held the blue one, his favourite, aloft in his hands. He chuckled loudly.
"You are just so cute," he said. "I'm gonna name you Bum-ju. It's short for Bumi Junior. Don't you think he looks like me?" He said to Tenzin.
"The resemblance is uncanny," his brother replied dryly.
"I think Dad's mad at me," said Jinora.
"Your father's not mad," replied Kya, "His pride's just a little bruised since he isn't able to see spirits like you."
"You have a natural gift. That's pretty lucky," said Korra.
"You're the lucky one," Jinora replied, "You actually got to meet the first Avatar. I know about a lot of Avatars but I don't know anything about him. Is it even a him? Or is it a her?"
"It's a him. Avatar Wan. He was amazing. I saw how he became the first Avatar by fusing with Raava, the spirit of light."
"The Avatar is part spirit? Of course. Just like the statue."
"What statue?" Kya asked.
"When we were at the Southern Air Temple, I was drawn to this old carving. I couldn't figure out what it was until now. It was the first Avatar."
"When did this happen?" Korra asked.
"It was on the Solstice."
"That's the day I opened the Southern Portal."
"Whoa," they said in unison.
"Tell me about Ichigo," Jinora said.
"What's there to tell?"
"Well, how did he get there with Wan? How did they meet? And how on earth is Ichigo still alive after all this time?"
Korra crossed her arms. "The Ichigo that Wan met said that he just woke up there randomly. They met by chance in the spirit wilds and then became friends. They were really close. There was a bond there, a promise… a soul's promise." She glanced at Jinora. "I suppose Ichigo never told you guys either, huh?"
"Told us what?"
"He's been lying to us this whole time. He's not from our world. That's the reason he has all these powers and is so different. Ichigo is from another world entirely."
Kya looked at her with shock and confusion. "What?"
"I suppose that makes sense," Jinora said, not seeming too surprised. "His powers were always a mystery. But how could he lie? He didn't have any memories."
"I'm beginning to think that might've been a lie too," Korra scowled. "I almost wish I'd met the Ichigo that Wan knew. He seemed different. Selfless." She paused and her voice became wistful. "He sacrificed the chance to return to his own world just to save Wan. If it weren't for Ichigo, Wan would've died and the Avatar would never have been born. Wan promised him that he'd help him get home. He was never able to fulfill that promise."
"Maybe that's why you and Ichigo are so close," Jinora said gently. "If Wan was you in a past life, that promise still lingers with you. That friendship, that bond with Ichigo is still there."
Korra shook her head. "That Ichigo deserved it. The Ichigo we know would rather abandon us."
"That's not true! Ichigo's our friend. He saved us. He saved you. What happened between you guys?"
Korra grimaced. "I don't want to talk about it."
"You're going to have to talk about it eventually," Kya said, "Might as well be now."
"We're here!" Bumi cried as Oogie touched down on the grass outside the forest.
Korra got up. "Looks like we'll save it for another time."
They got off of Oogie and follow the spirits into the forest.
"Are you sure these spirits are leading us to the right place?" Tenzin asked.
"Of course," Bumi said. "I trust Bum-Ju with my life."
The spirits led them to a small clearing in the woods. In the clearing was a stone floor surrounded by several great stone mounds shaped like menhirs. Carved into each menhir were Airbender symbols. The entire area was overgrown with grass, weeds and vines. In the center of the circle was a rectangular stone slab that looked to be a cover of some sort for something underneath. The slab was slightly ajar.
"Look!" Korra said. "There are carvings."
"This is an ancient Airbender meditation circle," Tenzin said in reverence.
"There's a lot of spiritual energy in this place," Jinora said. "But it feels really strange."
"We'll have to perform a spiritual cleansing ceremony."
"What are you talking about?" Bumi asked.
"Dad taught it to me. This site has been neglected for many years. A cleansing ceremony with help strengthen it's connection to the Spirit World."
They began to burn something inside a golden pot and bent the resulting smoke to swirl around the circle. The spirits all left. Bumi crossed his arms.
"Good job. You cleansed the area of the only spirits that wanna help us. And you scared away Bum-ju."
Tenzin ignored him. "It's working."
The ground rumbled intensely. The stone slab was suddenly thrust aside as hundreds of bat-like dark spirits burst into the air from a hole that the slab had been covering. They swarmed and everyone yelled and ran for cover.
"Ahh! Evil bats!" cried Bumi.
"Not bats, dark spirits!" Korra corrected.
She and Tenzin attempted to use their bending against the spirits but to no avail.
"What are we supposed to do?" said Tenzin.
Korra narrowed her eyes and went to the center of the circle. She gathered tendrils of water and used Unalaq's spirit purifying technique against the spirits. Eventually, the area shone from their ethereal golden light as they dissipated.
"Amazing," Kya said.
The vines and grass all receded from the ground and the menhirs. The site had been cleansed.
"Your spiritual training has come a long way," Tenzin said.
"Unalaq may be a horrible person but his spirit powers are no joke."
"He taught you how to transform dark spirits. I can't even get you into the Spirit World."
"Everything Unalaq taught me was to help himself. Everything you've done was meant to help me. I am so sorry for turning my back on you as my mentor. I need you now more than ever."
"I won't let you down," Tenzin said confidently.
Korra smiled and gave him a quick hug. "The ancient Airbenders must have built this site," he continued, "If we meditate here, we'll be able to enter the Spirit World."
"Why don't you go first?"
"After all these years, my father's dream for me will finally come true."
Ichigo gritted his teeth as the dark spirits converged on him. They had trapped him in a nook inside the walls of the valley. There was little room for him to swing his sword and he mostly jabbed at them, doing much less damage than before.
"What do you mean he isn't strong enough?" Asami demanded.
"The Ichigo that Yoruichi knows is far stronger than this one before us. This guy's positively weak. He'll die before he gets anywhere close to regaining his Bankai."
"Well then if you can see all his memories then find out what's wrong!"
"Getsuga Tenshou!"
Ichigo blasted his way out of the nook and laid waste to the spirits in front of him. Then one cut him in the back of the leg and he crumpled to one knee. A fist belted into his face and he grunted with pain. Swinging Zangetsu wildly above his head, Ichigo cleared the air above him and flipped up to his feet.
His leg was hurt pretty bad, he felt like they'd cut something important. But no matter, he thought, this is nothing. Blood seeped a bit from wounds on his face and chest that he hadn't even noticed. He seethed. This was still nothing, he told himself.
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes and then suddenly it dawned on her. "I think I figured it out." She raised her voice so that he could hear. "Ichigo! You have always had a single goal that you had to strive for. Defeat this Hollow, save Rukia, protect your friends. But now you have multiple goals and it's caused a never-ending conflict within your mind. You're torn between staying here with Asami and protecting your friends by regaining your Bankai vs returning home to your family and your old life. Deep down you want both. The conflict has split you down the middle. You must choose a motivation, Ichigo. Your resolve is not strong enough for all these goals. Let go of something! That is the only way you will survive and get your Bankai back."
Ichigo scowled and fought with renewed vigour, slashing through multiple spirits and using Shunpo to zip around the clearing, slicing and dicing as he went. He glared back up at Yoruichi.
"So you think that because I have different motivations it's holding me back?"
"I don't think. I know!"
"I reject that!" Ichigo yelled. He pointed his sword at her. "I have survived and fought through much worse things than this. No matter what I never gave up. The real Yoruichi would know better than to doubt me after all this time! I reject your theory and I will surpass your expectations! My resolve is more than strong enough to regain what I have already attained."
A blue light began to emanate from his eyes. It spread to his whole body which began to glow brilliantly. He took a deep breath as the spirits crowded around him again. They didn't attack, perhaps captivated by the light. Yoruichi and Asami watched him, entranced.
He breathed again, his shining eyes fixated on the colourful sky above him. A small smile crept it's way to his lips.
"Zangetsu… I remember."
As if in slow motion, his right arm that held his sword was thrust forward. He placed his opposite hand on his extended forearm and the white band that trailed from his zanpakuto wrapped itself around his arm. The wind swirled quickly around him, buffeting the spirits. The light shone so brightly that Asami and Yoruichi both shielded their eyes.
"Ban…kai!"
Instantly, a thunderous blast of energy shot out of his sword and carved a deep crevice into the ground, splitting the mountain completely in half and decimating any spirits unfortunate enough to be near.
The smoke and dust cleared. Asami coughed and strained her eyes. The first glimpse she got of him were the tattered ends of his ripped robe. His upper body was covered by a tight black shihakusho with black bands crisscrossing his chest and taut gloves on his hands. The inside of his robes was a crimson red and his zanpakuto had changed form as well. It was now thin and long like a katana and totally black.
She stared at his face. The sheer confidence and power that radiated from him made her blush. She had never seen Ichigo like this before. Tall, sleek and unapologetically arrogant. Yoruichi grinned wide.
"He did it."
"Tensa Zangetsu," Ichigo said finally.
The spirits gawked at him, cowering against the sides of the valley. He looked at all of them with contempt and something resembling pity. "Now then, where were we?"
The spirits squealed and then in an instant, they were gone. Asami could barely make out after-images of Ichigo cutting them to pieces. They didn't reform. The ones that were making their way into the valley fled. Ichigo stood alone, victorious.
He pointedly at Yoruichi. "Told you I was strong enough. Don't ever doubt me again."
Mako headed home after his little chat with Varrick. His scowling expression betrayed his rage. That bastard thinks he can threaten me and just get away with it. I'll prove him wrong. He stalked up the stairs to his apartment and opened the door. His face started with surprise.
"Yumi?"
"Hi, Mako."
Asami assistant looked at him sheepishly. She was seated on his couch and looked to have been flipping through his book of suspects that he had on his coffee table. Mako shut the door slowly.
"What are you doing here?"
"Your door was unlocked so I let myself in."
"Okay, but what are you doing here?"
She hesitated. "I guess I wanted to see you. I never told you this, but I used to watch you when you were a Fire Ferret. You were always my favourite," she said with a smile.
"Oh," he said. "You're a fan?"
"Yes!" she beamed.
"That's uh…" he rubbed the back of his head. "That's great. You're really different from when I first met you. I thought you were pretty cold, to be honest."
"Yeah, it's a persona I put on when I'm working. It's got me this far but this is what I'm really like. Listen, Mako, I believe you about Varrick. I really do. I know you're trustworthy."
"You believe me?"
"Yes."
He smiled slightly. "Wow. It's nice to hear someone say that for once instead of telling me how crazy I am."
She put her hand on his arm. "I think that you're pushing yourself too hard. You're stressed and agitated. Maybe you need a night off."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, um, why don't we go out to dinner? How about at Kwong's?"
"Kwong's? That's where-"
"You and Miss Sato had your first date. I know. Sorry, I should've suggested something else. I just thought it would be nice."
"No, no, Kwong's is fine. I'm glad you suggested it." He paused. "Are you… asking me on a date?"
She twiddled her fingers awkwardly. "Is it bad if I am?"
He smiled. "No. I'd be happy to go on a date with you."
She grinned. "Great! Let's go!"
Suddenly there was a loud rapping at their door.
"Police!"
Mako opened the door. Beifong, Lu and Gong were outside. Beifong had her arms crossed. The two detectives bore triumphant smirks.
"Hey Mayko," Lu said, "hope we didn't interrupt you two lovebirds." The three of them pushed past Mako into his apartment and the detectives began to search around.
"What's going on?" Mako said.
"We busted some Triple Threats who said you hired them for a job."
Mako sighed. "Alright, it's true. We were trying to figure out who stole Asami's stuff so we hired them for a sting operation. I'm sorry for going behind your back."
"According to the Triple Threats," Beifong said, "you did more than that. They said you helped them steal a warehouse full of Future Industries property."
"That's ridiculous," Yumi said.
"You're gonna believe a bunch of criminals?" Mako demanded.
"I have to follow up on the lead."
"Well lookie what I found," Lu announced. "Cash. And these." He was carrying a small duffel bag that he'd found in the bedroom and he held up the money and several explosives.
"What are you doing with explosives, Mako?"
"I don't know where those came from," he said.
"You're under arrest," Gong said as he placed handcuffs on Mako's wrists.
"None of that is mine!"
"Yeah, should've known you'd hook up with your old pals," Gong said derisively. "Once a Triple Threat, always a Triple Threat."
"This has to be a mistake," Yumi said.
"Sorry to break the news to you, sweetie," said Lu, "but your boyfriend's just a crooked cop. That 'sting' operation was just a way to lure Asami Sato away from her warehouse."
Gong laughed. "He's been playing you the whole time."
"That's not true, Yumi," Mako retorted, "I would never do anything to hurt Asami. It's Varrick. This is all Varrick. He set me up!"
"Yeah, it's Varrick's fault," Gong drawled mockingly.
They led Mako away and left Yumi to stare after them, her face stone cold and emotionless.
Night had fallen. They had built a fire and were sitting around it as Tenzin meditated on his own a few paces away in the circle. Bumi crept up to him and poked his back with a stick. Tenzin's eyebrows twitched with annoyance.
"You in the Spirit World yet?" Bumi asked.
"No, I am not. And stop bugging me!" He tossed Bumi's stick away with airbending.
"It's okay, Tenzin," Kya said, "Maybe you weren't meant to guide Korra into the Spirit World."
"No. Just give me more time."
"Stop being so stubborn. It's not your destiny. I think Jinora was meant to guide the Avatar."
Tenzin got up. "Jinora will not enter the Spirit World. She's not ready for the dangers of the other side. But I am. I spent years training, studying and mastering everything there is to know about the Spirit World."
"Tenzin, we're running out of time," Korra said.
"If everyone could just be quiet and let me focus."
Jinora approached him and took his hand. "Aunt Kya is right," she said. "I can guide Korra into the Spirit World. I'll be alright."
Tenzin hesitated and looked back at his siblings. Then he looked down at his door. "Perhaps I will never have the connection with spirits that I always wanted. Like my father wanted me to have."
"It's okay, Daddy," Jinora said, giving him a hug.
"I'm proud of you. Go," he said to Korra. "Close the portal. We'll wait right here and keep your bodies safe till you return."
"We'll be alright," Korra said.
The two of them sat opposite each other but then Jinora hesitated. "What is it, Jinora?"
"It's something you said. You said that Ichigo would abandon us. I don't believe that. If I'm going to lead you to the Spirit World, I want you to promise me to give him another chance. You saw yourself what he's like. He's selfless. Give him a chance to show it again."
Kora bit her lip. "Okay. I promise."
Jinora smiled. "Thanks."
They got into meditating positions and closed their eyes. When they opened them again, they were in another world. It was bright and green and vibrant. They looked around in awe.
"The Spirit World," Korra said.
Ichigo stood with Asami, having reverted back to his Shikai form. Yoruichi sat across from them, leaning against a rock.
"You did indeed prove me wrong," she said. "After looking at all your memories, you'd think that my first impression of you would be that you don't give up; and that you continue to surpass your own limits."
Ichigo smiled. "I just do what I have to do."
"Yes. However, I must caution you against using your Bankai too often. When you first gained it, you had already been through many battles and you trained nonstop for three days. Your body right now is not strong enough to support your Bankai for extended amount of time. I don't like to put limits on you but you could get hurt if you push it. Just be careful."
He nodded. "I understand. Well, I suppose Asami and I had better get back. I've accomplished my mission here. Time to go home."
He and Asami smiled at each other and he squeezed her slightly. Yoruichi shot up suddenly.
"Wait," she said.
"What is it?"
Her eyes widened. "It's the Avatar. She's here."
"Korra's here? In the Spirit World?"
"Yes. You must go to her. You must make things right."
"What is she talking about, Ichigo?" Asami asked.
He sighed. "Before Korra left we got into a bit of a fight. Knowing her, she probably believes that I've abandoned her. Yoruichi's right. I have to go to her."
"I'll come with you."
"No. I have to deal with her alone. I need you to go back and watch over my body. It's not safe out there I need you to protect me while I'm gone. Can you do that?"
Asami nodded and they kissed quickly. Ichigo nodded to Yoruichi. "Thanks for your help. Even though you're not the real Yoruichi… it was nice to see her again. Can you take Asami back?"
Yoruichi nodded back. "Of course. It was a pleasure meeting you, Kurosaki Ichigo."
She took Asami's hand and led her away. Ichigo watched them leave and took a deep breath. Turning around, he scanned the land ahead of him for Korra's energy.
"Alright, Ichigo, guess it's time to apologize."
Zangetsu's voiced filled his head. What do you have to apologize for, King? You meant what you said. Every word. Don't tell me you've convinced yourself that you're gonna stay, have you? Just because you overcame your motivations and got your Bankai back doesn't mean you're not conflicted anymore. You're gonna have to make a choice sooner or later. After all, Harmonic Convergence is almost here."
Ichigo gritted his teeth and shook his head. "One problem at a time, asshole. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it."
"The Avatar is dead," Unalaq said. He stood before the Tree of Time where Vaatu was captive. The great spirit of darkness regarded him from inside his prison. "And we cannot open the Northern Portal. I have failed you, Vaatu."
"You have not failed me," Vaatu replied. "Yet. The Avatar still lives."
"How do you know?"
"Even though my connection to Raava was severed, I can still feel her presence."
"I'll find her."
"The Avatar will find you. And the Soul Reaper shall find me."
"The Soul Reaper is of little consequence," Unalaq derided. "He cannot open the Portals."
"Just as it was before, the Soul Reaper shall play an integral role in this game. I can feel him. His power grows. The entire Spirit World reeks of his devilish odour."
"How will the Avatar find me?"
"She has just entered the Spirit World. Bring her here. Open the portal. And the Reaper shall follow. They are bound to one another like a moth to flame. They will follow each other, and they will burn together."
End of Chapter 9. So ya he's got his Bankai back and now he's off to join Korra on a little Spirit World adventure. Tell me your thoughts, I always love to hear from you guys. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for stopping by and hopefully I'll be back soon.
