Hey, everyone! I hope you're all doing well. This chapter is officially the longest chapter yet of this story and it had two different narrative within it. Just to clarify, the narrative in Republic City takes place over one evening/night, while the one in the South takes place over several days and nights. With that out of the way, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 11: Night of a Thousand Stars
The door creaked slightly as it opened. A man stepped inside. His head drooped low and he let out a tired sigh. He placed his coat and hat on pegs and then glanced up as he heard pattering footsteps. At the foot of the stairs stood his excited daughter. She bore a wide smile on her face.
"Welcome home, Dad!"
He didn't reply and her voice changed as she saw his weary, sad expression. "What's wrong, Dad?" She asked.
He swallowed. "Go get your sister, Yuzu. There's something you both need to know."
She obeyed and headed back upstairs. He sank into a chair at the table and put his head in his hands. His two daughters slowly came down and sat quietly at the table with him. He stared at their concerned faces for a long while and then took a deep breath.
"Yuzu. Karin. Your brother… he-he's not coming back."
Their faces fell.
"What?" said Yuzu.
"What are you talking about, old man?" cried Karin.
He sighed again. "He's never coming home. I'm sorry. It looks like it's just us three now."
"Stop," Karin spoke again. "You're lying. This is a joke. Ichigo wouldn't just abandon us like that. Where is he? I want to talk to him!"
He took her hand gently. "Your brother's not here anymore. He… he's gone."
Yuzu's body began to quiver. "I don't believe you," she whispered.
"Ichigo's dead." Tears pooled into his eyes and his voice became hoarse and loud. "He's dead, okay? Just like your mother! Just like…" His voice regressed into sobs and he cried aloud in pure pain. The birds outside their little house chirped gleefully then flew away as the sounds of the girls anguished wailing echoed around the neighbourhood.
Ichigo shot awake. His body jerked forward into a seated position. His chest and back were drenched with sweat and his breathing was raspy and scattered. He ran his hands through his soaked hair and took several deep breaths.
"It was just a dream," he muttered aloud. "Just a dream. Only a dream."
Asami, who was lying beside him stirred and moaned. "Mmm, what time is it?" She said sleepily.
He looked over at her and softly ran his hand through her hair. Touching her calmed him down. Just a nightmare, he thought. That's it. I'm just gonna forget about it.
"Not morning yet," he replied quietly. "Go back to sleep."
As if knowing how he was feeling, she pulled him back under the covers and they snuggled together. He smiled slightly and held her close as she drifted back to sleep. But his mind couldn't shake the thought of the dream and he remained awake until dawn.
The sun began to beam through their window and Ichigo stretched his sore body and got out of bed. He washed his face and put on some warm clothes then stepped outside to go for a run. The air was crisp and cold and the wind bit at the exposed skin on his face.
Try as he might, he couldn't shake the image of his family crying at the dinner table. It was ingrained in his mind. He jogged around the entire compound before returning to his room where Asami was up and getting ready for the day.
"Did you wake me up last night?" She asked.
"Yeah sorry. I had a nightmare."
"Really? What about?"
"Doesn't matter," he replied. "We have to talk to Tonraq about our plan to hold out until Korra arrives. The President may have refused before but now that Korra knows Unalaq's plan, maybe she can convince him to send his army. We'll need all the help we can get."
"Yeah. It would be nice if we could recover all my stolen vehicles and hardware from Future Industries as well."
"I'm sure they'll turn up. I feel like this is all connected somehow." He sighed aloud and rubbed his face slightly.
"You good?" She asked with a smile.
"Huh? Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. Just a little tired of all this."
"Yeah, aren't we all?" She got up from her makeup chair and turned to him. "How do I look?"
"Fine."
"Just fine?" She pouted.
"Just fine," he teased. "How do I look?"
"Scruffy."
"Just how I like it. Let's go."
"Alright," she laughed.
They left their room and headed towards the main building of the compound. Inside, there was a fairly large meeting hall supported by numerous, grand pillars. At the end of the room there was a great wooden table and leading up to it were several smaller tables populated by Tonraq's soldiers. This room also served as the eating hall.
Tonraq and Senna were sitting at the big table along with some of his more trusted officers and elders. Ichigo and Asami nodded to everyone and sat down together opposite Korra's parents.
"Good morning, you two," Senna smiled.
"Morning," they replied.
Tonraq took a long draft of his drink and set it down with a thud. "Alright," he began, "we all know why we're here. Unalaq has invaded and taken control of our land. He has also barricaded the Spirit Portal at the South Pole and according to Ichigo, has dealings with dark spirits, although his ultimate goal is still unknown. We are fighting a losing war. We are massively outnumbered not only by men but also by spirits. But there is still hope. My daughter Korra is on her way to Republic City now to inform the President of Unalaq's plan and hopefully get his army to help us. Our job is to hold out until she returns and if we can, retake our city."
He laid out a broad map upon the table. "Here is the city and the surrounding area. We will attack from this ridge and attempt to forge through the city to its center. Ichigo will be the focal point of the attack and he will try to lead their soldiers and spirits away from our men while we advance. However, if we become overwhelmed, which is likely, Ichigo will return to this base and wait for Korra. Is that understood?"
Ichigo looked at the map and didn't respond. "I said, is that understood?" Tonraq repeated.
Finally, Ichigo nodded. "Yes."
"Then we are adjourned. The attack will commence tomorrow night. For now, gather your men and ready them for the battle. We may not be able to win this war, but we'll certainly take a lot of them with us."
The officers around the table grunted their agreement and then dispersed to their own quarters. Asami headed out with Senna. Ichigo remained sitting at the table, his eyes filled with frustration.
"You don't approve of my plan, Ichigo?" Tonraq questioned.
"I don't want to abandon you all if things go wrong. I came here to help you win this war. I can't just leave if we're losing."
"This war will not be won with our strength alone. We need the United Forces. Also, only Korra knows what Unalaq's true plan is. This war may be secondary to that."
"Okay but… you could die."
"So could you. And your life is more important than mine. You are one of our most prized assets along with Korra. These soldiers look up to you. You inspired their rebellion in the first place. No one here knows what your powers are or how they work but they believe in you because you are a symbol. They believe in the Reaper."
"The Reaper was just a name. I'm no hero."
"Tell that to the children living in this compound. The Reaper gives them hope. Without even knowing it, you created an image of yourself as a hero. You voiced the people's opinions when Unalaq first invaded. You stood against him when even the Avatar herself would not. Word of mouth spreads quickly. They believe in you. You must live."
Ichigo swallowed. The dream of his father bringing the news of his death to his sisters flashed through his mind. I can't let that come true.
"Okay," he said. "I understand."
Tonraq smiled softly. "Good. Go ready yourself. We attack tomorrow night."
The bright morning sun shone upon the Air Temple and light clouds dotted the sky as the air bison Oogie sailed through the cool breeze. On its back sat Korra, Tenzin, Bumi, Kya and the body of the still unconscious Jinora; her spirit being trapped in the Spirit World.
Pema was holding baby Rohan and picking flowers in the meadow while Ikki and Meelo played on the grass. The bison landed in the clearing and the kids excitedly ran over to it. Pema walked over with a smile but it faded when she saw the faces of her family.
"Where's Jinora?" she asked. Tenzin looked down and slowly lifted Jinora's limp body into his arms. Pema's expression became horrified and the flowers she had picked fluttered to the ground. "No!" she exclaimed. Tenzin handed her Jinora's body.
"Her spirit is trapped in the Spirit World," he explained. "But she's going to be alright."
"How could this happen?"
"It was all my fault. I should have never let Jinora enter the Spirit World without me. I couldn't protect her."
"I'm so sorry, Pema," Korra said, "I tried to save her but Unalaq tricked me."
"Don't worry, honey," Tenzin reassured, "I'm not going to stop until our little girl is back safe with us."
Mako sat dejectedly in his prison cell. After getting framed for stealing Asami's stuff and thrown in jail, he had moped in here for several days, pondering about where things went wrong and ways he could potentially free himself.
"It's all a scam, obviously," he muttered to himself. "Varrick had it out for me from the beginning. Agh! If only Asami was here to see what's really happening to her company." He groaned and his voice receded into his thoughts. I hope her and Ichigo are alright. I have no idea where they went but I only hope they're safe. And Korra… no word from her yet. She's probably still mad at me and doesn't want to contact us. Mako looked up as the guard opened his cell door.
"You've got a visitor," the guard said.
Bolin walked through the door dressed in a brown suit. "Hey, Mako."
"Hey," he replied. "What's with the fancy duds?"
"I'm on my way to the finale of Nuktuk: Hero of the South. Yeah, everyone's gonna be there… except for you know, you. And Korra. And Asami. And Ichigo. Damn, everyone really is missing my big night. I mean, you could've come but now you can't; because you're in jail and stuff."
"Thanks for the reminder."
"Oh hey, I brought you something." He reached into his jacket pocket and unrolled an official poster of Nuktuk holding Ginger in his arms with a written inscription on the top corner. "I thought this would brighten up your new place. Read the inscription."
Mako took the poster and began to read. "Dear Mako, Nuktuk says keep smiling." He glanced dubiously at his brother who bore a goofy grin. "Did you come by just to give me a poster?"
"No. I came by to give you my sincere, heartfelt words of encouragement. I know our lives have been moving in two different directions, but I want you to know that I will always be there for you. We are brothers after all; even if one of us is a member of high society and the other one is a criminal."
"I'm not a criminal!"
"Of course I know that but you do kinda look like one because you're in a jail and that's where criminals live."
"You know, it wasn't too long ago that we were both criminals, real ones." Mako said with annoyance.
"What do you mean?"
"Uh, we worked for the Triple Threats…? They're criminals? Ring a bell?"
Bolin hesitated. "That was different. We didn't even do all that much. Didn't you just run books for them and stuff?"
"To the people running this city, we would've been considered criminals. I did what I had to do then and I suffered through it for your sake. Because when Mom and Dad died, you were all I had left and I was all you had left."
"Why are you talking about Mom and Dad? You never talk about Mom and Dad," Bolin said quietly.
"I don't talk about them because the memories are too painful. You were too young to remember them as much, Bo. Our parents loved us. They didn't want us to be on the street or be criminals." He crossed his arms with a sad scowl. "I wonder what they'd think of us now?"
"But haven't we done well for ourselves?" Bolin argued. "We're friends with the Avatar, friends with Asami Sato, friends with Tenzin and the last Airbenders. I'm a celebrity, you were a decent cop until now. We've come a long way."
Mako sighed. "Maybe. But you know I don't deserve to be in here. I was set up. Varrick knew I was hiring gangsters to pose as Northern soldiers to get Republic City to join the war. That's why he had me arrested. That's why he planted evidence in my apartment. That's why Yumi…" He paused. "Yumi? Could she have? No, no she couldn't have."
"What are you talking about?"
"Could Yumi have planted that evidence in my apartment before I found her?"
"Ah, I see what you're doing. You're going for the insanity defence. Smart."
"No! Listen to me. Varrick isn't what he seems. Maybe Yumi isn't either. We both blindly trusted her because she was Asami's assistant. But who told us that? Varrick did. Asami never spoke about Yumi one time. Not once. What if she set me up?"
"Okay, Mako. I gotta run. But I'll be back tomorrow and I am gonna get you the best attorney fame and fortune can buy."
"Bolin, wait. If my theory about Varrick is right, something might go down tonight at your premier. Promise me you'll keep your eyes peeled."
"Yeah, okay big brother. I promise." Bolin winked awkwardly. He tapped on the door and the guard opened it so he could leave. "Whew, that insanity defence is definitely gonna work."
Mako sat back down with a sigh. I shouldn't have brought up our parents like that. His annoyingness might be part of his personality but I think it's a defence mechanism against the pain of losing his parents so young. I've tried to do right by that kid. But maybe sometimes I'm not enough. I just hope he'll be safe tonight.
Ichigo trudged through the snow with his hands buried in his pockets. After leaving the meeting hall, he headed to the main gate of the compound. He had a lot on his mind and he wanted some space to think clearly and be alone. The morning sun shone dimly upon the frozen tundra and the familiar crunch of the snow beneath his feet was all he could hear.
The gate itself was very tall and made of grey iron and stone. On the right side was a small watchtower where rotating guards kept watch over the surrounding area. At the base of the gate, another rotating guard straightened up immediately as he saw Ichigo approaching.
Ichigo ignored him and stood at the entrance to the open gate. The landscape around the compound was vast and covered in eternal snow that stretched on as far as the eye could see. Looking northwest, one could see the outline of a cliff that dropped off to the ocean below. A chill wind wafted past Ichigo's face and he took a deep long draft of air. He began to step out but the guard cleared his throat.
"Excuse me, sir uh… I uh- I can't let you leave." He fumbled awkwardly.
Ichigo glanced at him. "What?"
"N-No one's allowed outside without permission. Ton-Tonraq's orders, sir."
Ichigo smirked. "Relax. I understand."
The guard breathed a quiet sigh of relief. "Good. Um, yes."
Ichigo continued to look out at the snow. There were no birds or creatures of any kind here, he noticed. Korra lived here for nearly her entire life. Her only friend was a literal polar bear dog. That must've sucked.
"So, uh," the guard spoke again, "you're the Reaper, huh?"
"Yep."
"What's it like? Having those powers of yours? Being a celebrity?"
"Honestly, man? Kinda shit," Ichigo laughed. "No, it's alright. I never asked for any of this. But if it means I can protect the people I care about, then I can live with it."
The guard nodded. "I see. I was there, you know? I was there when we tried to kidnap Unalaq. You inspired me into action. I'm thankful."
"You inspired yourself. I didn't have anything to do with it."
"The other soldiers here wouldn't agree with that."
"I don't care. If they say they're inspired by me then great. But it wasn't on purpose. That's not why I'm here."
"Th-then why are you here?"
Ichigo set his jaw and stared out at the whiteness beyond him. "I…to fulfill a promise, I suppose."
"What promise is that?"
"You sure ask a lot of questions."
"Sorry. It's a little overwhelming talking to you."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, no offense but you may be a hero, but you're not exactly friendly. Neither you or Avatar Korra are the greatest people to talk to. You're heroes and icons but you don't go that extra step to connect with people like Avatar Aang did."
Ichigo raised his eyebrows. "Geez, no matter how much you do for them, they'll still criticize. Listen, man, let Korra do her job and leave me alone."
"I apologise, sir."
"Yeah, whatever."
Ichigo took one last look at the horizon and then turned to leave. Asami was standing by one of the buildings holding a toddler in her arms. A small group of kids were laughing and playing with her. He walked over and they cheered.
"It's the Reaper!"
They ran to him but stopped when they saw his expression. He wasn't smiling. He tried to, he really did, but it looked more like a scowl and scared them all off. Ichigo sighed and Asami laughed quietly.
"You scared away all the kids with your angry face, Ichigo. Couldn't you at least smile for them?"
"I did."
She strode up to him and the little toddler looked up with wonder in her eyes and she wrapped her tiny hand around his index finger. "Looks like I didn't scare away all of them."
Asami smiled. "Guess not."
They stood close together and she rocked the young girl gently. Ichigo tickled her belly and she giggled with laughter. He chuckled and Asami smiled again.
"This could be us, you know?"
"Hmm?"
"This could be us. One day in the future."
Ichigo hesitated. "I think it's a little early to be thinking like that, isn't it?"
She shrugged. "A girl can dream."
"Yeah." He turned and looked at the group of kids that had resumed playing. Despite his best efforts, all he could see were Yuzu and Karin and their devastated faces to learn of his death. A little tear snaked its way down his cheek. Asami noticed it instantly.
"Ichigo? What's wrong?" She put her hand to his face but he pushed it away.
"Nothing. Forget about it."
"You sure? You don't cry often."
"I'm not crying, Asami. I'm just tired."
She raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Alright, don't tell me how you feel."
"Come on. Just let it go."
"Fine."
The Pro-Bending Area was lit up brilliantly. Its beacons shone into the night sky and banners of Nuktuk adorned its golden walls. A long red carpet paved the way to the entrance and paparazzi crowded round it on both sides. A limo pulled up and Bolin stepped out. He reached out his hand to help Ginger out of the car and waved at the cheering throng.
"There they are folks," the commentator said. "The sweethearts of the big screen, and Republic City's most famous couple: Bolin and Ginger!"
The two of them waved and then went inside.
"Wow, that was fun," Bolin said. "And did you hear what Shiro said? We're Republic City's most famous couple."
"Bolin, you're a doll. But you're as dumb as the rocks you bend," she replied derisively. "We are not a couple."
"That's not what Shiro said!"
"Bolin, is that you?"
Bolin turned at the voice and saw a smiling Yumi. Thoughts of what Mako said about her left him as she ran over and enveloped him in a hug.
"H-hey, Yumi! Fancy seeing you here!"
She giggled and pinched his nose. "Aren't you cute? Of course I'd be here; it's your big night!"
"Haha, yeah, but what about Mako?"
She sighed and shrugged. "All the evidence points to him being a criminal. I don't want to believe it but it's hard to see anyone else being guilty but him. It's unfortunate. I really liked him. Anyways, Bolin, it's your big night! We have to sit together!"
"Yeah we do!"
The two of them laughed and headed to the VIP seating boxes together. Back outside, the two moustached detectives, Lu and Gong, munched on some gooey sweets. Beifong went up to them in annoyance.
"Stop stuffing your moustaches with Varri-cakes and get to your post," she ordered.
They straightened up awkwardly. "You got it, boss."
She crossed her arms. "You two are the pinnacle of refinement."
Behind her, another limo pulled up to the red carpet. Out of it stepped President Raiko and his wife, First Lady Buttercup Raiko. They waved solemnly to the crowd. Striding eccentrically down the carpet was Varrick as made his way over to them.
"There they are, my two most honoured guests!" He shook Raiko's hand and kissed Buttercup's passionately. "Mwah! What do you think?" he said, indicating their extravagant surroundings, "No expense has been spared. I brought in the finest entertainers from Ba Sing Se and the best food from around the world. Heck! I even had this red carpet imported from the Fire Nation. They make the best red stuff over there. Fact." They approached the press. "Alright, picture time!"
"Varrick," said the President, "you didn't have to do all this for us."
"I wanted to! Mister President, I took one look at your wife and I knew that you were a man of exquisite taste. And that's why I know you're gonna love this mover!"
"Varrick, I know what you're doing and I doubt your propaganda is going to change my mind about going to war with the Northern Water Tribe."
"Oh, I think you'll be surprised how persuasive I can be."
Night had fallen upon the Southern Water Tribe. The Southern Lights shone effervescently and many stars twinkled above the little compound. A few guards patrolled the gate and walls but apart from them, there was no movement.
Ichigo lay awake in his bed. His only thoughts rested on his family. He didn't want to sleep for fear of dreaming again. With an irritated sigh, he sat up and put his feet on the ground beside the mattress, holding his face in his hands.
Asami stirred beside him. "Ichigo, go to sleep, baby," she muttered.
"I can't."
"Are you dreaming again?" She said in exasperation.
"No."
"You said you had a nightmare last night. Remember?"
"I said it doesn't matter."
"Ichigo, if you're not sleeping then it does matter. What is it? Are you scared to sleep? Did you just wake up from a nightmare? What's going on with you?"
"It doesn't matter," he repeated icily. "Go back to sleep."
"Are you avoiding my questions because you don't want to be honest with me? Come on, I thought we trusted each other."
"It's not a big deal! Please just go back to sleep. It's late and I don't want to get into this right now."
"Oh, so there is something to it?"
"No! Ugh, just be quiet please."
She said no more and turned her back to him. Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration and then laid back down. As he closed his eyes, it felt like black hands came around his face and trapped him there. A light voice whispered past his ear and then sleep came upon him like a wave and he was submerged.
The arena was packed to the rafters. Above the Pro-Bending ring was a gigantic screen where the mover would be played. Up in the main VIP box, Raiko and his wife sat expectantly. Beside them, in another box, Bolin, Ginger and Yumi all sat together. A spotlight zeroed in on the stage and revealed Varrick who began speaking into a mic.
"Thank you all for coming to the finale of Nuktuk: Hero of the South! You know, when I first started this project there were a lot of naysayers out there. You can't make pictures move, they said. You can't take some knucklehead earthbender and make him a star, they said. You can't teach a polar-bear dog to speak, they said. Well, they're wrong! Thanks to the magic of the movers our furry friends have found their voices and you'll be shocked to hear what they had to say."
His voice went darker and quieter. "They speak of the injustice that's happening in the Southern Water Tribe right now. My hope is that their words, and this epic mover, will inspire a real-life hero to rise up and help. Thank you again. Enjoy the show!"
The crowd cheered as he motioned to the screen. It opened on Nuktuk stuck in the claws of some kind of bird creature flying through the air. The voice of the narrator echoed around the arena.
"When last we left our hero, he was captured by the evil Unalaq's dastardly pet bird. Amazingly, with the power of his whistling, Nuktuk escaped and decided to seek out council."
The next scene saw Nuktuk sitting at a table with the Reaper, played by Ichigo.
"Fair Reaper," Nuktuk said, "will you not provide aid to those who need it?"
"I am sorry, Nuktuk," the Reaper replied. "But my fighting days are behind me now. Long have I battled against the tyranny of the evil Unalaq and long have I protected the innocent people of the Southern Water Tribe. Now, a new generation of heroes must rise. Nuktuk, heed my council carefully. You must travel to the hallowed Republic City and meet with the handsome and dashing President that has captured the hearts and loyalty of his people. He will come to your aid and should the time arrive, I shall raise up my sword and lead a mighty charge across the waters of this earth to finally put a stop to the evil Unalaq's reign. Once more, I shall slay my enemies for their crimes and reap the rewards of those who live for justice and honour."
Nuktuk stood and bowed low on his knees. "Thank you, wise sage. Your blessed words have left me inspired and I take hope in your return! Yes, I shall travel to Republic City and seek help!"
He arrived in Republic City and entered the office of the President who smiled warmly.
"Have a seat," he said. "I'm just working on a cure for the common cold. No longer will my citizens suffer from the sniffles."
"Mister President, there's something more important than the sniffles right now. I need your help to stop the evil Unalaq."
"Did you say help? If there's one thing I love doing it's helping people."
Raiko's wife leaned over to her husband up in their seats.
"The bird creature seemed a bit far-fetched but the portrayal of this President is right on the money."
Raiko smiled awkwardly.
Over in Bolin's box, Yumi leaned over to him.
"I think this is your best mover yet," she said proudly.
He looked down. "I just wish Mako was here to see it."
"Aw, Bolin, it's okay. Forget about him."
"You really believe he's guilty, don't you?"
"I mean, I don't want to assume but everything points to him being guilty yeah."
"Have you gone to see him?"
"No."
"I did. You know what he told me? He said he thinks you set him up. Can you believe that?"
"What? Why would he think that?"
"I know! Isn't that crazy!"
"Yeah. Crazy."
She returned her attention to the screen as Bolin studied her face suspiciously. Ginger was of course oblivious of all this.
Outside the arena, down on the ocean, a small boat tugged quietly along the water. Several men, in Northern Water Tribe garb, moored the boat at the arena and used waterbending to jump up to the windows.
Inside, Lu and Gong were busy eating their Varri-cakes.
"I like to eat the top of the Varri-cake first," Gong said.
"I just try to shove the whole thing in my mouth at once," Lu replied and demonstrated. The two men laughed. "I love our job."
Suddenly, a wave of water knocked them into the wall and they fell unconscious. The men from the boat had entered through a window and they efficiently carried the limp bodies and hid them in lockers.
Kisuke Urahara stood outside his little shop in Karakura Town. His hat was low to avoid the bright sun and he fanned himself passively. The sound of footsteps caused him to raise his head as Isshin and his daughters came walking around the corner. Both girls bore sour expressions. Yuzu clutched at Isshin's hand desperately while Karin jammed her hands in her pockets, stewing in her anger.
The two men nodded to each other and Isshin motioned for the two girls to head inside. Yuzu shook her head and held on tightly to him. Karin sighed with frustration and grabbed Yuzu's arm and dragged her inside. Both girls were silent.
Urahara swallowed. "How bad is it?"
"Bad," Isshin replied. "Yuzu is plagued by nightmares and screams every night. Karin doesn't talk anymore. I hate to do this to them, I really do. But after losing their mother and now their brother too? I don't think they can handle it. It could really hurt them in the long run."
"So you want me to erase their memories of Ichigo."
Isshin hesitated and then nodded. "Yes."
Urahara turned and went inside. "The procedure is short. Wait outside. You might not want to see this."
Some time passed and Karin and Yuzu walked out with smiles on their faces.
"Hey Dad!"
Isshin looked at them and smiled back. "Hello, girls. Did you have fun with Mr. Hat and Clogs?"
"Yup!" They beamed.
Isshin smiled again but then he stopped. His face turned horrified. "Kisuke. What the hell did you do to my girls?"
"I did what you asked for."
"This is not what I asked for!"
The two girls continued to laugh and gripped each other tightly. Their mouths were stretched across their faces into smiles but it was their eyes that made Isshin cry out. Their eyes were a stark grey and the skin of the eyelids peeled away as blood dribbled down their cheeks.
Ichigo screamed violently and threw himself out of the bed, falling hard onto the floor and panting heavily.
"Yuzu! Karin! No!"
Asami was instantly at his side. "Ichigo! It's okay! Everything's okay!" She held him tightly as he shuddered for breath and clutched at his face. They stayed there for some time on the floor and Asami rocked him gently back and forth. Eventually, he calmed down and tapped her arms to let him go.
"I'm alright," he said quietly.
"No, you're not. What was that?"
"It's nothing, Asami. I don't want to talk about it."
"You are suffering, Ichigo. You need to talk about this."
He shook his head. "No. I need to get ready for battle."
Ichigo got up and went to the door but Asami pulled him back. She wrapped her arms around him and held him with his back to her.
"Please tell me what's going on with you. I can help you."
"Let me go, Asami."
"No, I-"
"Let me go!"
He broke out of her grip and ran out the door into the snow. Asami stared after him with a broken look on her face. She went back to the bed and covered her face with her hands as she began to weep.
Ichigo kept running. Just dreams! Only dreams. They're not real. They're not real! "They're not real!" he shrieked aloud. I can't let that happen to them. How do I know if these dreams are real? What if that's actually happening right now? What do I do? I'm terrified. I'm scared to sleep. I can't risk this happening. I have to go home. No! I made a promise. I promised to help. But it's my family. Those are my sisters. Surely everyone here would understand. These aren't just dreams! They can't be! If the Harmonic Convergence doesn't happen, I can't go home. But my friends… Oh God what do I do?!
He had by now reached the gate. It was closed. He pounded against it and screamed loudly. People stepped out of their homes into the morning light because of the noise and all they saw was a tortured soul, beating his hands against a wall.
Nuktuk was chained up against a wall in some sort of icy prison. He had been captured by Unalaq and now several mecha tanks converged on him.
"Northern Water Tribe automatons! No!" He screamed.
"Beep bop bop," the automaton said, "Nuktuk cannot stop Unalaq. Must destroy Nuktuk."
Roh-tan roared viciously at them and Juji shot lasers from his eyes that freed Nuktuk from his bonds. They quickly dodged an attack from an automaton and then Nuktuk bent a large wave onto them with a triumphant laugh.
"Looks like you forgot that water and automatons don't mix."
"Beep bop bop, oh no. Circuits not working…" They powered down.
"Ahahoo we did it! But wait. Where's Juji?"
A spotlight fell on Juji's fallen form. The ferret coughed weakly and Nuktuk ran over to him.
"You can't die, Juji! Not on my watch."
Juji coughed again. "It's okay, Nuktuk. At least I got to be… your friend."
The music swelled dramatically and Juji's face fell.
"Jujiii!" Nuktuk cried in sorrow.
Up in the stands, Bolin shook his head and got up from his seat. Yumi glanced at him and followed as he headed outside. She found him leaning against a railing beneath a gazebo overlooking the water. Funnily enough, this place was where Korra had first kissed Mako all those months ago.
"Are you okay?" She asked. "It seems like this mover is really getting to you. You do know Juji's not really dead, right?"
"Of course I know. Juji's fine. He comes back to life in the end when the doomsday device shifts the polarity of the earth. Oops. Spoiler. Sorry."
"Then what's wrong?"
"I guess I just miss my friends. Everything is going so well for me; but it feels empty without everyone around. Korra's gone, Ichigo's gone, Asami's gone, Mako's in jail. I don't really know you that well and I like you a lot but it's not the same. Team Avatar's fallen apart."
She nodded. "I understand. It's a shame all your friends are not here. I wish I could meet them."
"I've been wondering, why now?"
"Hmm?"
"Why did you suddenly appear in our lives the other day? Why did Asami never mention you?"
Yumi looked down. "Asami and I were once very close. My parents were servants in the Sato household. We were raised together. But after Asami's mother was killed, we were thrown out by her father. Asami was taught to hate me."
"Then why did she employ you?"
"It was meant to be a secret. She overcame that teaching and took pity on me. She accepted me for who I am. But I suppose that she was afraid to tell you about me because of how her father treated my family."
"Why would Hiroshi throw you out of the house?"
"His wife was killed by a bender. My parents were benders too. Hiroshi hated us because of that and he threw us onto the street."
Bolin frowned. "I'm sorry. Mako and I lived on the streets too once. I know how you feel."
She nodded. "It's difficult to talk about. But that's why Asami never told you all about me."
"Well, when she gets back, I hope that we can all be friends," he smiled.
"Me too. Why don't you come back in and finish watching the mover with me?"
"You go ahead. I need another minute."
She left and Bolin continued to look out at the dark ocean. Wow, he thought. I guess Mako was wrong about her. She's just like us. I want to trust her. Mako's been wrong before, after all.
All of a sudden, he heard a little knock. He looked up. Hidden against the side of the arena was a small boat tied to a wooden post. Bolin narrowed his eyes. "That's weird."
He went inside and began to investigate. Walking down a hallway, he suddenly slipped and nearly did the splits. He groaned and saw that he had slid on the half-eaten remains of a Varri-cake.
There was a loud banging from a locker on the wall and he ran over to it and opened the door. Lu and Gong were scrunched up inside it. Their limbs were bound and their mouths were gagged. Bolin quickly ungagged Lu.
"What's going on?"
"They're after the President!" Lu yelled.
Bolin gasped and hurried to the arena. Raiko and his wife still sat watching the mover where Unalaq had Ginger chained up to a column as Nuktuk approached.
"You're too late, Nuktuk. Soon my doomsday device will shoot this block of ice into the earth's core, freezing the entire planet. And I will be the ruler of Ice Earth! Mwahahahaha!"
"I don't think so!" Nuktuk declared.
Raiko had his arms crossed and a bored expression on his face. His wife seemed to be enjoying the show with an amused smile. Suddenly hands were placed over their mouths and the two were dragged off their seats and tied up. Their captors were the Northern soldiers that had attacked Lu and Gong. They whirled around as the door to the V.I.P. box was busted open.
"I don't think so!" Bolin declared.
Buttercup screamed in unison with Ginger on screen and Bolin rushed forward, dodging an attack and launching a soldier off the ledge with a rock from the wall. The crowd gasped as he plummeted into the water making a giant splash. Bolin hit the ground, knocking the three remaining soldiers off balance and then he beat them also off the ledge. They landed on the Pro-Bending ring in a heap and Bolin stepped protectively in front of the President.
"Mr. President, get back! I'm here to help."
He jumped off the ledge and landed near the soldiers, ripping his suit's sleeves in the process. He tore them off and crackled his neck muscles. The solders retreated slowly as he advanced. "Looks like there's nowhere to go," he said with a smirk.
They scowled and attacked, firing water at him but he evaded easily. Seeing the carnage, Beifong instantly began barking orders.
"Secure the President and call for backup immediately!"
Bolin continued to evade their attacks, flipping this way and that as he sought an opening. Using the Pro-Bending earth discs, he landed a solid hit on one of the soldiers who crumpled to the floor. The two others converged on him and worked in tandem. One attacked and Bolin countered while the other batted him with a water kick.
"Bolin, look out!" Ginger cried.
Bolin rolled away and leapt nimbly back to his feet. Then he hit the ground, causing two towers of earth discs to pop out of their sockets in the floor. The two waterbenders launched a combined attack and Bolin brought the two towers together as a shield and withstood their assault. He broke out and began firing the discs rapidly at them from both towers.
The Pro-Bending commentator who was sitting in the stands simply couldn't resist. "This is unbelievable! Bolin is bending two full stacks of earth discs at once which would normally be illegal; but he's fighting two waterbenders so all rules are out the window!"
Bolin struck one soldier twice knocking him off his feet and advanced, blocking an assault from the other soldier with two discs. They danced around the arena, firing attacks at one another. Then Bolin leapt into the air and broke through the soldier's guard, sending him tumbling back against a wall.
"Tell me who sent you!" he ordered.
"It was Varrick. Please don't hurt me Nuktuk!" The solider replied with fright.
Bolin's eyes widened and he turned around slowly to Varrick's box. The eccentric businessman turned to Zhu-Li.
"I think that's our cue to exit," he said matter-of-factly.
They headed towards the door but Beifong was already there.
"Where do you think you're going?"
The soldier crept behind Bolin but the earthbender launched him high into the air and into the drink. The crowd cheered. "It's a knockout!" The commentator yelled.
Bolin grinned wildly at the audience and flexed his biceps. He had won the day.
Ichigo stood on the watchtower overlooking the compound with his arms crossed. Beneath him, Tonraq's forces were getting ready to embark. It was a long journey to the city and they wanted to get there by nightfall. His hands still stung from when he'd repeatedly punched the gate after his second dream. He hadn't said a word to anyone since and Asami hadn't emerged from their bedroom.
He felt bad about leaving her like that but was still too worked up to apologize. I can't let these dreams distract me. I'm about to enter a warzone and I need to be totally focused on what I'm doing.
Ichigo glanced behind him as he heard footsteps. Tonraq had made his way to the watchtower and he joined him in looking out over the battlements.
"Too few," he said quietly. "There are too few of us. Sometimes I wonder, is it worth it? It is worth the sacrifice? But then I remember; this is my home, my people. I must do whatever I can as their leader to protect them and protect my family."
"Y-yeah," Ichigo replied.
"With that in mind, I'm beginning to question my decision to bring you along."
"What?"
"I heard about your little episode earlier this morning. The whole compound is talking about it. Some of my advisors have suggested that we leave you behind for the good of the cause and your own mental stability."
"That's ridiculous. You can't leave me behind. You need me."
"But are you well enough for this fight? This is a war, Ichigo. I can't have you freaking out mid-battle."
"I won't."
"But what if you do? There are lives on the line here including yours. Can I risk sending you out there? What's going on with you?"
"Look, it's nothing for you to worry about. I have it under control. You can trust me." Ichigo attempted to show his trademark smirk. "When have I let you down before?"
Tonraq didn't buy it. "You haven't. I'm just worried that this will be the first time."
"You instructed me to literally abandon you if things go south. How is that supposed to make me feel?"
"No one gives a damn how you feel, Ichigo! You're a soldier now and you have a job to do. Feelings come secondary to that. I have given you direct instructions. Are you going to honour them? You go out there and you fight, you do your job. And when I tell you to retreat, you retreat. Am I clear?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes, sir."
"Alright. I'm trusting you today. Don't let me down. Now get your ass down to the men and get them ready. We leave soon."
Ichigo headed down the stairs and to the front of the troupe. They looked at him with mixed emotions. Some looked with respect and reverence, others with apprehension and even suspicion. They all had one thing in common however, and that was determination. He could see it in their eyes.
With a nod, he began pacing past them, quietly surveying their gear and their posture. They were hardy people of the south. They were ready for this. Reaching the back of the group, he stopped and stared. Asami was there dressed for a journey and packing a small bag.
Ichigo quickly went over to her. "What are you doing?" he asked.
She glanced up. "Getting ready," she replied.
"What?"
"I'm getting ready. I'm coming with you."
"Uh… no. No, you are not.
"Why? I'm not just gonna sit here and do nothing. Besides, someone needs to be there looking out for you. You're not well, Ichigo."
"Asami, you are not coming with us. You are going to stay here where it's safe. I can't protect you out there."
"I don't need you to protect me!" Her voice rose in volume. "Who carried you across the Northern tundra when you collapsed? Me. Who protected your body from that evil bitch at the Spirit Oasis? Me. I don't need you to protect me, Ichigo."
The soldiers around them had turned to witness the argument. Ichigo scowled.
"We are not doing this here." He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the troops and behind a building. "Asami, this is a war we're going into. I don't care how good you are with that little glove, I cannot fight a war while worrying about you. Because that's all I'll do."
"And what about you, Ichigo? You're not eating. You're scared to sleep. You wake up screaming and then yell at me when I try to help you. You are not okay. I can't let you go out there by yourself. Aren't we in this together? Don't we protect each other anymore?"
He groaned loudly. "Ugh, this is exactly why I didn't want you to come! You keep holding me back! I can't do what I'm supposed to do with you here."
"You know maybe if you thought about someone other than yourself you'd see what's really going on here. I gave up everything to come with you! This entire trip, I have sweat, and bled, and cried, and suffered but I did it for you! All for you. What's more, I'm terrified that you'll leave me here!"
"I won't-"
"Stop lying. You've hinted at it and hinted at it for weeks. You came on this trip so your friend could tell you how to go back to your old world. Don't try and tell me otherwise, you know it's the truth."
He reached out gently. "Asami…"
She slapped his hand away. "Stop it! You always try to act all tender and sad when I bring this up. I'm sick of your lies! Can't you see how much this is hurting me? I chose to come with you because I care for you. I always tell you how much you mean to me, I'm there when you're down and I protect you when you can't. I do all this every day with the fear that you'll eventually abandon me. Even now, even when you constantly push me away when you're clearly suffering, I am there for you. Ichigo, if you are going to leave then you need to man up and tell me. Stop playing this game with me… please. I can't take it anymore."
Ichigo's eyes darkened. "You don't understand."
"What do I not understand?"
"You don't understand that you are the only thing keeping me here! Rukia was right. I should have never-". He stopped himself and sighed. "Asami, the last thing I want to do is hurt you. But I don't have time for this right now. Stay here. Spending a little bit of time apart will allow us to clear our heads."
"So that's it? You're just gonna leave?"
"I made a promise. I'm going to help Tonraq."
She swallowed and bit her bottom lip. "Can you at least tell me that you understand how I feel?"
He nodded sympathetically. "I understand. And I'm sorry. But maybe I'm just not enough for you."
"What?" she said quietly.
He shook his head. "Forget about it. I have to go."
"Okay. …Be safe."
"I'll try."
He turned and walked back towards the army. Asami watched him leave and then slowly retreated to Senna's house. The older lady looked at her with compassionate eyes and opened her arms for a hug. They embraced and Senna squeezed her warmly.
"They'll be okay," she reassured.
"I hope so."
Outside the Pro-Bending arena, Varrick and Zhu-Li, both handcuffed, were being escorted into police vehicles to be taken to prison. The press were waiting for their hero Bolin while Beifong and Raiko stood on the steps watching the eccentric businessman and his assistant get put away.
"Varrick's plan was to kidnap you and blame it on the North," Beifong said. "Then Republic City would have no choice but to join the war on the side of the South."
"I can't believe Varrick would do something like this," said Raiko. "And no one saw it coming?"
"Actually, someone did. Remember Mako?"
The President nodded. "You've got a great officer on your hands."
"He's one of the best."
Bolin stood grinning in front of the press as they snapped photographs of him. Ginger fluttered across the stage to him and planted a big kiss on his lips, leaving him starry-eyed.
"Mwah! I can't believe my boyfriend is a real-life hero!" she cooed.
"Boyfriend? Wait, stop. I thought you said we weren't a couple."
"You really are as dumb as those rocks. Of course we're a couple." She kissed him again as Yumi approached.
"Bolin, you saved the President," she said proudly. "And you proved Mako was right all along. I was wrong to suspect him. We have to go tell him what happened!"
Bolin broke away from Ginger's kiss. "Yeah." He went back.
Yumi cleared her throat.
"Oh, you meant right now."
Everyone looked up as the loud moan of a sky bison sounded around the arena. Oogie landed in front of the building and Korra instantly leapt off and ran to the President.
"President Raiko!" She called.
"Avatar Korra," he replied and sensed her urgency. "What's wrong?"
"Sir, I know I've asked for your help before but things have changed. Unalaq doesn't just want to take over the South anymore. He wants to destroy the whole world." Bolin, Yumi and everyone else gathered round Korra.
"Unalaq's gonna destroy the world?" Bolin said incredulously. "He really does have a doomsday device?"
"He's trying to release a powerful dark spirit during Harmonic Convergence which is only a few days away. If he succeeds, the world as we know it is over. Sir, we desperately need your help."
Raiko hesitated. "I'm sorry, Korra, but my answer is still no."
"There are lives on the line!" Tenzin protested. "And my daughter is one of them. Raiko, you must reconsider."
"I'm aware that lives are on the line and that's precisely why my troops are staying here. If the world is going to be thrown into chaos like you claim, I need to protect my citizens. I'm sorry."
Bolin put a hand on his shoulder. "Sir, Nuktuk needs your help. I know you love helping people."
"Son, I appreciate you saving my life and I'm a big fan of your work, but my decision is final." He walked away.
Bolin frowned. "Never should've saved that guy." He turned to Korra. "If you guys need help, I'm here for you."
"Me too," Yumi said. She reached out to shake Korra's hand. "My name is Yumi. I'm the head of Future Industries in Asami's absence. Every resource I have is yours, Avatar Korra."
Korra smiled. "Thank you. It's so good to see you again, Bolin." She looked around. "Wait. Where's Mako?"
Bolin cringed slightly. "Yeah… about that."
Yumi chuckled. "Go get him, hero."
Mako looked up as the door to his cell opened. Bolin walked in with a smile on his face and Mako leaned back against the wall.
"So," said Mako, "how was the big premier?"
"I saved the President in real life!" Bolin said excitedly.
"Wait, what?"
"You were right about Varrick. He tried to kidnap Raiko!"
Mako got up. "I knew it! And Yumi?"
"Innocent as far as I'm concerned. Varrick was the one with the plan, she was just a pawn like us. But it didn't work because of you and because of me. Let's just say we both did good. Beifong says you're free to go."
Mako sighed with vindication. "I'm proud of you, bro."
"Thanks," Bolin hesitated. "Mako, our parents… would they be proud of me?"
"What? Of course they would! They were already proud of you, Bo."
Bolin nodded happily. "I'm sorry for ever doubting you."
"Don't worry about it, bro."
The two of them hugged and headed out together to the lobby where every police officer greeted Mako with applause. Beifong gave him a proud smile while Lu and Gong stood beside her.
"Nice job, Mako," she said. "You're going to make a great detective."
"Uh, chief, there aren't any detective openings right now," Lu said.
"Actually, we have two openings."
Mako smiled and then suddenly Korra jumped in and kissed him full on the lips. His eyes shot wide open with surprise and Bolin stared with awkward shock.
"Mako, I missed you so much," Korra gushed.
"Oh yeah, did I forget to tell you? Korra's back," Bolin said.
"Korra," Mako coughed. "Hey, I-uh I missed you too. So you're not still mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad?"
"We had that fight before you left? Remember?"
"No. Not really. I got attacked by a dark spirit and I lost my memory for a little while. Maybe it hasn't all come back yet. Was it a bad fight?"
Mako opened his mouth to reply. "Uhhhh…. mm no? No, it wasn't that bad."
Bolin winced and Yumi sidled over.
"Guess we're calling off our date then?"
"Yumi? Oh, right. You asked me on a date before I was framed."
"She what?" Korra exclaimed loudly.
Mako pushed her away. "No no, it's okay. Yeah sorry Yumi, I guess we'll have to cancel."
She shrugged. "Was hoping for a rain check but oh well."
Korra pouted while Mako laughed sheepishly.
"Good thing Asami wasn't here to hear you say that," Bolin said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Mako protested.
Bolin shrugged. "Hey, it's your choice, my dude."
"Shut up. I hope her and Ichigo are okay. You guys didn't hear from them while I was in prison, did you?"
Bolin shook his head. "Nope. No one knows where they went."
"I do," said Korra. "I saw Ichigo in the Spirit World. Him and Asami are just fine."
"Where are they?"
"Ichigo said they travelled to the North Pole but now they're waiting for us in the South with my father."
"What the heck were they doing at the North Pole?!" Bolin exclaimed. "Isn't that where Unalaq lives?"
"I don't know. Ichigo didn't bother to tell me."
"How are they?" Mako asked. He knew they'd been having some problems before they left.
"I didn't see Asami but Ichigo seemed to be doing good. When my memory was gone, I learned a lot about him. He's… everything you could want in a friend. He's the reason that I'm standing here today. Without him, there wouldn't be an Avatar."
"Huh?"
Tenzin came over. "Korra," he said, "we don't have much time. We need to figure out how to deal with Unalaq."
"You're right. I'll have to explain the story later; it's pretty wild. Do you guys have any leads on what we can do next?"
"I think I know just the man to talk to," Bolin said.
"Guys, hey! You're here!"
The three remaining members of Team Avatar along with Yumi were standing in front of Varrick's overwhelmingly lavish prison cell. It had everything; a bed, lush rugs, comfy chairs, the works. Varrick sat proudly in a plush, navy blue armchair and he spread his arms indicating their surroundings.
"What do you think? Varrick Industries built this prison and I had this cell made special. I had a feeling I'd end up here one day," he said with a wink. "Zhu-Li, come on! We got guests! Whip up a pot of that green tea I love."
"Zhu-Li's in prison with you?" Korra said incredulously.
"Of course. I don't go anywhere without my assistant, do you?"
"We're not interested in your tea," Mako said. "And this isn't a friendly visit."
"Don't tell me you guys are still mad about everything that happened. I did some good things too. Korra, who warned you about Unalaq? I did. Bolin, who got you into the movers? I did. Yumi, who saved Asami's company and got you a job? I did. Mako, who got ya thrown in jail? I did! Oh yeah, I guess that was a bad thing."
"You stole everything from Asami and you tried to kidnap the President," Yumi said. "Those are pretty bad too."
"Hah! That's rich coming from you. Besides, I wasn't going to hurt him. I just needed to start a war. Well, a bigger war."
"Well, we're gonna end it. Where's all the stuff you stole from Asami?"
"The Future Industries stuff? It's on my battleship."
"You have a battleship?" Korra said.
"Of course I do! I bought the first one they made. Named her the Zhu-Li."
"You named your battleship after your assistant?" Bolin asked.
"Yep. They're both cold, heartless war machines."
"Your tea, sir," said Zhu-Li.
"Look, I am truly sorry for the mess I caused. Let me make it up to you. Take Zhu-Li. …My battleship. It's yours and everything on it."
"It's not the fleet we were looking for but it's the next best thing," Korra compromised.
Bolin grinned. "Alright! Team Avatar is back in business!" He grabbed everyone, including Yumi and crammed them into a group hug.
Varrick sat back in his chair and took a sip from his tea. "Look at little Yumi, Zhu-Li. Look how much she's grown. It's really a crying shame she's not who they think she is."
Yumi instantly looked up and her face was ice cold. "You're in prison, Varrick. Your words can't hurt me. They'll be lies anyway."
Varrick smiled. "Well, sue me. I'm in a leaky mood. Why don't you tell your new friends how you planted that evidence in Mako's apartment?"
"What are you talking about?" Mako said.
Yumi laughed. "You're pathetic, Varrick. You can't prove that. You've been played for a fool."
"Have I now? You think I hire people without looking into them first? Quite frankly I'm offended. I do my research, honey. Well, Zhu-Li does my research but that's beside the point. I know everything there is to know about little Yumi and her family of murderers. I even know about your real plans and your profound love for, oh what was his name? Right… your teacher, your partner, the Equalist, Amon."
Korra's eyes flashed wide open. "Did you say Amon?"
Yumi backed away from the group.
"Yumi…" Bolin said. "Tell me this isn't true."
"It's not!" She protested.
Korra stepped forward. "Yumi, you need to explain yourself. Right now."
Yumi looked frantically at everyone and then glared at Varrick who just smiled and sipped his tea. Then suddenly she launched herself forward and landed two solid kicks against Mako and Bolin, knocking them back against the cell bars.
Korra grabbed her shoulder but Yumi pulled an Equalist glove out of nowhere and electrocuted Korra's arm, sending her thrashing onto the floor and unconscious. Mako and Bolin groaned and tried to stand up as Yumi bolted away down the hall.
"Korra!" Bolin cried.
"She'll be alright," Mako pulled him to his feet. "We have to go after her."
Bolin nodded and the two brothers took off in pursuit.
The gates of the compound were now far behind them and Ichigo did his best not to look back as they rode through the snow. Like their trip to the South Pole way back before the war started, they all were straddling creatures that Ichigo called snow camels. They were sturdy beasts, not quite as big as normal camels but they did the job well.
The number of soldiers they were able to bring was not very high. The South didn't have a large fighting force in the first place and Unalaq had detained the majority of their forces anyway. Tonraq had had to make do with what he had but it was a testament to his bravery and commitment that he still chose to go and fight.
He rode up next to Ichigo and nodded to him. "The men are ready," he said.
"They're not put off because I'm here?" Ichigo replied.
"No. They're heartened, actually. Even with your obvious issues, you inspire them still. They won't be forgetting the Reaper anytime soon."
Ichigo stayed silent. His thoughts remained on Asami and how things were left off with her. Was Rukia actually right? Should I not have made any attachments here? But what was I supposed to do? I didn't have any memories.
Tonraq looked over at him and noticed his strained expression. "You alright?" he asked. "What are you thinking about?"
"It-it's nothing, Tonraq."
"If you've got something to say or work through, it's best to get it out before a battle. I need you at the top of your game for this."
Ichigo swallowed. "I guess I'm just beginning to wonder if it was all worth it."
"If what was all worth it?"
"Everything. Everything I've done since Korra found me in the ice. Every attachment that I've made. I'm beginning to regret them."
"Hmm. Which ones in particular?"
"…Asami. I feel like I made a mistake getting so close to her. I don't treat her right. I've got too much going on to really focus on her. I'm not good enough for her. She's doesn't deserve a life with me and my baggage. She deserves much better."
Tonraq laughed bitterly.
"That's bullshit, son."
"Huh?"
"I said that's bullshit. I've seen the way she looks at you and heard the way she talks about you. You're her everything; she loves you deeply. From what I know of her past, you're probably the best thing that ever happened to her. I've also seen the way you look at her. It's written all over your face that you love her too. But you're right about one thing: she deserves better than the way you've treated her. I don't know everything about you or your relationship, but you have to at least be honest with her and be perceptive to how she feels. I've been married long enough to know that communication is vital."
Ichigo looked down. "I don't know how to be honest with her."
"Then you have a problem on your hands. If you can't be honest with her, how is she supposed to trust you? Listen, you want to talk about regret? Here's some regret. Take my brother, Unalaq. He was always a good kid, a bit of a smartass, but a good kid all the same. I cared for him a lot. But as we grew older, we kept secrets from each other and we grew apart. Unalaq began to separate himself from me and our family. He'd spend days holed up in his library just reading and learning while I protected the tribe. I resented him for that and began to treat him as less than me. That only pushed him away more. But I had no idea that he harboured that much resentment about me, and that much drive to accomplish his goals. He fooled the entire tribe and had me banished, all to further his research about the spirits to incite this war. What if I'd been a better brother? What if I'd made a stronger effort to have a relationship with Unalaq, to truly know him and understand him, and praised him for his talents? Could I have stopped all this? Could I have saved all the lives that we've lost? I'll never know. That's regret, Ichigo."
Ichigo nodded slowly but didn't say anything. He doesn't understand, how could he? He doesn't understand the weight of the decision that I have to make.
Tonraq looked at him with concern but said no more. They rode on in cold silence for the remainder of the journey. Ichigo pulled back a little bit so he could be alone with his thoughts.
I need to figure out what these dreams are. I don't think they're just dreams. I've had dreams before that came true or showed me something. Maybe these are a warning of some kind? After everything that happened, and Harmonic Convergence being the only time I can go home, these dreams might just push me over the edge. My problem is Asami; I just don't know what to do about her. She and Tonraq are both right, I haven't treated her the way I should have. I haven't been honest with her and it's causing strife. But how could I? How can I tell her that her suspicions about me leaving are true? I don't want to hurt her.
He hit his forehead a couple times. I need to focus! One thing at a time. Get through this battle, then decide. But if we win, there's a higher chance of Korra closing the portals. But if we lose, more people could die. Agh! How do I balance this?
His thoughts were interrupted as Tonraq called for a halt. They had reached the city. The group of men dismounted and gathered around Tonraq at the peak of a small mountain overlooking their city. It looked relatively peaceful but they could see Northern soldiers dotting the landscape and patrolling the streets. No citizens were outside, which would keep them out of the way of the fighting.
Ichigo took a deep breath and looked to Tonraq for orders.
"Should we wait another day?" one of the men asked. "Korra still might come with reinforcements."
"We can't wait any longer," Tonraq replied firmly. "The President has already denied Korra once; we can't rely on him for help. This is our city, our home, and it's our duty to protect it." He turned to the rest of his soldiers. "It's time to take back what is ours! It's time to take back our city!"
The men roared in response. Tonraq grabbed Ichigo's shoulder. "Remember my instructions: if things go south, you get out of here. Army or not, Korra will come and you need to be there to help her. Understood?"
Ichigo nodded. "I understand. I still don't like it though."
"You don't have to like it. You just have to obey."
With that, Tonraq leapt off the edge and used an ice board to ride down the mountain towards the city. The rest of the men followed suit while Ichigo took to the skies. Bells began to ring around the city as the Northern garrison mustered their forces.
Ichigo flew high and surveyed the battleground. The harbour was still blockaded by Northern ships and there were several military outposts that surrounded the palace where Unalaq was. They would have to fight their way through the streets, take the palace and hopefully capture Unalaq. Then they would hope that the North would surrender or they would have to hold out until Korra arrived which was another maybe.
The first wave of Northern soldiers came out to meet Tonraq's advancing party who were just reaching the bottom of the mountain. There was still a sizeable gap between the two groups so Ichigo beamed down to the ground and drew his sword. The ice and snow began to rumble beneath his feet and he flared his reiatsu and the wind began to pick up. The Northern soldiers moved towards him warily and erected walls of ice to protect themselves.
Ichigo scowled and a blue tint shone in his eyes. He raised his sword and he could feel the pure energy of his reiatsu shake the world around him. With a mighty heave, he swung Zangetsu.
"Getsuga Tenshou!"
Mako and Bolin dashed through the prison at full speed. Yumi had a head start in front of them and was knocking over everything in hopes of delaying them. She busted through a door and came out into the open foyer of the prison. Confused guards stood gawking as she belted one in the face and took his motorbike, zooming out of the building and onto the streets.
The bending brothers emerged into the foyer and rushed to a Sato-mobile outside.
"Don't just stand there, go after her!" Mako ordered the dumbfounded guards.
"Korra's unconscious by Varrick's cell, someone go take care of her!" Bolin added.
Mako floored the engine and they took off in pursuit of Yumi who was already causing mayhem in the streets. Vending carts were turned over and injured people cleared the roads as the dim street lights lit up the cloudy night. She ripped down a side street and out of their sight.
"She went left!" Bolin called.
"I know!"
"Then why did you go straight?"
"Watch this."
Mako peeled around a corner and thundered down a wide street. Yumi's bike shot out just ahead of them and her eyes visibly widened with surprise. Bolin sat up in his seat and earthbent the ground to her side and arced it over, hoping to trap her.
She avoided the attack at the last moment and zipped past a vending cart but Mako and Bolin ploughed right through it. The brothers winced as smashed green vegetables were plastered all over the street.
"Sorry!"
"Not my cabbages!"
Yumi began to pull away from them and headed up an exit which led to an overhanging highway. Mako followed close behind. Bolin couldn't risk earthbending here and damaging the highway so Mako fired a few pot-shots at her but to no avail. It was late at night but there was still plenty of traffic and Yumi weaved through all of it with expertise.
She pulled off the highway and descended to the lower streets and alleys. Mako tried to swerve and make the turn but the car skidded and they missed it.
"Damn!"
He kept going and turned off at the next exit, nearly running over an angry waterbender as he did so. Yumi was nowhere to be seen but they could still hear the roar of her engine and the noise of the panic she was causing. They headed into the backstreets and began to make their way towards the noise.
"She drives like a lunatic!" Bolin exclaimed.
"She's an Equalist. They're all lunatics," Mako replied.
"Why was she working for Varrick? And why did she try to become friends with us?"
"Probably to get revenge for Amon. You heard Varrick, right? He said she loved the guy."
"Oh, so we're listening to Varrick now?"
"He was your director, wasn't he? You're used to listening to him."
"Good point."
"It's a good thing we lived on the streets as kids. I know this neighbourhood like the back of my hand."
They continued driving and Mako turned a quick right and the street opened up to a main road. Suddenly Yumi tore across the street in front of them.
"There she is!"
Mako spun the wheel and made a left turn. They were now driving parallel to her on different streets and their two routes were converging.
"This street wraps around and combines with hers near the train junction," Mako said. "If we time it right we could cut her off."
"No, no, it goes up a level and then over her street."
"Exactly."
"Huh?"
Mako grinned. "Hold on tight, Bo!"
"Huh?! Wait, Mako!"
Mako pressed the pedal to the metal and they zoomed up the road. It began to curve and head upwards. Yumi kept steadily on below them, unaware of their presence. Her driving was less erratic. Obviously, she thought she was in the clear.
"Bolin, when we reached the apex of the turn, I need you to make a ramp. We're gonna fly off this road and hopefully land right on top of her."
"Uh, you sure about this?"
"Nope!"
Mako kept up their speed as they approached the corner. The road was looping now and they had to drift around a Sato-mobile heading up it. The back of their vehicle scraped against the railing and bits of the bumper were torn off. Mako winced but they had now reached the corner.
"Now, Bolin!"
Bolin heaved up his arms and made a ramp. They soared off it and it felt like they were falling in slow motion over Yumi's street. Amazingly, they were in line with the road. They both screamed in unison as they went off and Yumi looked up in shock. She hurriedly banked her bike to the left and their car crashed down beside her.
They teetered on two wheels but Bolin earthbent the ground beneath them, giving them a little bump and righting the vehicle. They were now neck and neck with Yumi. Mako glared across at her. Her brown hair whipped around her face and her cold blue eyes fixed on his. There was outrage there for sure, but also a little hint of sadness and regret.
"Pull over!" Mako yelled.
She ignored him and continued on. The road they were on would soon open up into a large square. The two vehicles blazed on side by side. In the square up ahead, the police had set up a blockade. Their blimps followed them in the air with spotlights pinpointed on her bike.
There was a slight opening in the blockade and she headed for it. Beifong was standing atop a police truck with a megaphone in her hands. She raised it to her lips as they neared the square.
"Surrender yourself, Yumi. There's no way out of this."
Yumi simply ignored her and entered the square. She bore down on the blockade then abruptly pulled up and drifted hard towards the barriers. Chips of the concrete and dust rose into the air, blinding the vison of the officers. With the momentum of the drift, Yumi leapt off the bike and cleared the blockade, taking out a metalbender with her Equalist glove as she did so.
Mako and Bolin stopped by her bike and quickly clambered over the barricades and pursued her on foot. The dust cleared and the officers broke up the blockade and tried to follow in their vehicles but she disappeared down a tight alleyway. Mako and Bolin followed her.
There were plenty of boxes in the dark alley and she overturned them as she went, creating as many obstructions as she could. The brothers were gaining on her and Mako began to fire bolts of lightning at her. They singed her hair and clothes but she managed to avoid them and leapt up onto a fire escape.
The police were beginning to follow them, zipping through the air on their metal cords. Yumi jumped back and forth between two fire escapes on opposite walls, heading for the roof.
"Oh, no you don't!" Bolin said.
He swung his arms and the wall jutted out at her suddenly and caught her in her side. She cried out in pain and tumbled back down to the ground. Landing in a heap, she groaned and attempted to roll to her feet, Equalist glove ready for anything. Mako and Bolin stood over her with their fists ready to fight.
Yumi panted for breath and clutched at her side. She was clearly in a lot of pain. Bolin had probably broken a rib or two with his attack. She tried to rise to her feet but went down on one knee.
"Surrender, Yumi," Mako said. "Don't make this any harder on yourself."
She looked at them with a defeated look in her eyes and then sank back against the wall in a seated position. The police gathered around them but Bolin held them back.
"Wait," he said. "Let me talk to her." He crouched down and looked her right in the eye. "Yumi, all that stuff you told me before at the arena, was that all a lie?"
She coughed and a bit of blood ran down her face from a cut on her forehead. "Doesn't really matter now, does it? My secret's out. You'll throw me in jail with the rest of my brothers and sisters and you'll forget everything I said to you because I'm the bad guy," she said bitterly.
Bolin looked at her tenderly. "It was true, wasn't it? You were a street kid, just like us."
She nodded. "It was true. Every word."
"Then why? Why would you join the Equalists? You know that Hiroshi Sato was a high-ranking member. After how he treated you, why would you join them?"
She looked down. "Because he was right. At the time, when he threw me and my parents onto the street, I hated him. And I hated my parents. I wasn't a bender like them but I was forced to suffer like them. Slowly, Hiroshi's beliefs began to make sense to me. Benders were the cause of all the violence in the world. Think about the Fire Nation! They wiped out an entire race of people to kill one boy. How evil is that?"
"The Equalists would've done the same thing. I still don't understand what made you join them."
Her eyes darkened. "When we were on the street, times were hard. My father got involved with the Triads and he ended up owing them a lot of money. They said they'd kill us if he didn't pay them back. He- he had no work so the only way he could get money was to steal. One night he went out and he mugged a man and his wife and took their money right in front of their son. He murdered them. He proved Hiroshi right! The Triad wasn't happy with the amount he gave them so they killed him. And then they killed my mother too. I was alone and all my horrible circumstances had been on account of benders and bending in general. But then he found me. Amon found me and he took me in. He gave me a hope and a purpose. I joined the Equalists that day and I never looked back. On the day of the rally, when Avatar Korra and the Reaper defeated him, I escaped. I ran away and joined Varrick's company and I quickly rose through the ranks. He made me his secret agent and I volunteered to use my connection to Asami to infiltrate Future Industries for him, while secretly I planned my revenge against you all for killing my love."
Bolin sat back and sighed. "I'm sorry that happened to you. And I'm grateful that you told me everything."
"You were kind to me; unlike most benders. The least I could do was tell you the truth."
The whole time she had been speaking, Mako had stood there with his arms crossed and lips pursed. Now he leaned forward and cleared his throat.
"Tell me," he said. "Your father, what did he look like?"
"He was… heavyset with black hair and golden eyes like most firebenders. He usually wore an old brown suit, it was the only set of clothing he had."
Mako's eyes flared dangerously. "And the night he killed those people, when was that?"
She hesitated. "That has to be over ten years ago now. Why do you ask?"
Mako gritted his teeth. "So he's dead? For sure?"
"Yes… yes he's dead. Why do you care about that horrible old man?"
Mako suddenly grabbed her clothes and heaved her up against the wall.
"Why do I care?" he seethed. "I care because I was that little boy! Your father killed my parents!"
Yumi's eyes despaired. Bolin sat there in shock, not knowing what to say.
"You… you were that boy?"
"Yes. Yes, I was."
She wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "I am so sorry. Please, punish me in his stead. I will serve both his sentence and my own."
Mako was speechless. His breath shuddered and he clutched at his father's scarf around his neck. Then he slowly returned Yumi's embrace.
"No," he said. "You didn't kill them. You don't deserve his punishment."
"What? No, punish me. My father's sins are my sins."
Mako took her hands in his own. "No," he said again. His mood had shifted. "You were just as much a victim as we were. Things happen and sometimes we can't explain them. All we can do is decide how to move on." He took a deep breath. "For so long, I hated the man who killed them. But hearing about his life and why he did it- nothing can excuse his crime but I'm glad I at least got to hear his side of the story. I…I forgive him."
"You… what?"
"I forgive him. I'm choosing to move on and show compassion to you. All your life, benders have treated you poorly and it caused you to hate them. But not all benders are like that. Everyone's human and everyone's capable of doing good or bad things. I never thought I could forgive that man. But I'm thankful that I did."
He let her hands go and she stared at him with small tears in her eyes. "I don't understand," she said.
"You don't have to. This is my way of honouring my parents and their memory."
Yumi held open her wrists and the police came over to cuff her. Mako and Bolin stood aside as she was led away. She turned around at look at them one last time and they met her gaze. Then she was put into the back of a truck and driven away to prison.
Beifong came up to them. "You're always full of surprises, Mako. I could never forgive someone if they killed my family."
"It's not easy," Mako admitted. "But… I think it would make my parents proud. Right, Bo?"
Bolin stood still and slowly shook his head. "I don't know if I'm ready to forgive that man, Mako. He took our parents away from us. How can you just let it go like that?"
Mako put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "It's what Mom and Dad would want."
Bolin sighed. "I guess so. It's just so hard, you know?"
Mako nodded. "I know."
"We should head back," Beifong said. "Korra should have woken up by now and you guys need to get yourselves to the South. Ichigo and Asami are waiting for you."
Ichigo dodged an attack of water and cut down a Northern soldier. The battle had been raging for some time now and the Southerners were progressing solidly through the city streets. Ichigo had taken out the first two waves of soldiers on his own but he couldn't risk firing a Getsuga Tenshou once the Southerners got too close so he had flown down to lead them on foot.
Three soldiers charged him with ice spikes on their hands like swords. He twirled Zangetsu, slashing through one of them and blocking another attack. The third stabbed at him with his weapon but Ichigo caught the spike in his hand and crushed it then kicked the man to the floor.
He was thankful for the training he'd done in the Spirit World with Yoruichi. It had been a while since he'd fought a large number of enemies so it was good that he got to practice against the dark spirits. The Northern soldiers were wary of him because he had cut a swath through their forces and basically stood alone while the southerners fought around him.
Tonraq battled hardily against the soldiers, often taking on two or three at once. They were heavily outnumbered but with him and Ichigo leading the line, they were making progress. His men were energized. They had a hope of winning this.
Ichigo roared and battled through an ice blockade. There was a tower up ahead where soldiers were firing pot shots of water and ice at them.
"Tonraq!" Ichigo yelled.
He reached out and flung the older man with one arm up to the tower. Tonraq two-foot kicked one soldier as he landed and took out the others.
"Getsuga Tenshou!"
Ichigo had found some space and he brought the tower down as Tonraq slid down an ice slide to the safety of the ground. They nodded to each other and continued on.
The daylight was beginning to wane and night was falling. They had arrived in the late afternoon and had fought straight through the evening. The Northern soldiers were holding out but were slowly falling back. There was a garrison up ahead where most likely they were regrouping.
Ichigo cut down another soldier and then heard a familiar creak of metal. He cursed. Several mecha-tanks rolled their way out of the garrison and advanced towards them. Four broke off to focus on him but the rest began to lay waste to the Southern soldiers.
The four mecha-tanks surrounded Ichigo on all sides and each of them fired lightning cables which latched onto his arms and legs and began to course electricity into his body. He yelled fiercely with pain and struggled mightily against them. His sword arm was pinned and the rest of his body was immobile as well.
The only thing he could do was raise his reiatsu. He snarled and began to yell again. The ground cracked as his energy levels rose and some of the glass windows around them shattered. His sword arm began pulsing with energy and Zangetsu unleashed a powerful attack that split the ground.
He ripped his arm free and threw Zangetsu at one of the mecha-tanks. The zanpakuto cleaved right through it and lodged itself in the wall of a building. With his arm free, Ichigo tore the rest of the cables off him and kept hold of one. Using a great amount of strength, he pulled one of the tanks off the ground with its cable and swung it into another one, crushing them both.
Ichigo sprinted up the wall and grabbed Zangetsu, launching himself into the air as his did so. The remaining mecha-tank fired a net at him but he cut through it and then hacked off one of its arms. The driver desperately swung the other arm but Ichigo simply held up his own and blocked the attack. He bore his teeth grittily and stabbed Zangetsu right through the tank and it exploded in his face.
He had several cuts on his body which bled lightly and his face was black with ash and dust from explosions. The rest of the mecha-tanks were forcing the Southerners back and Ichigo moved to help him but then suddenly something pierced right through his side and pinned him to the ground.
He screamed with pain and did his best to turn around. Eska and Desna stood atop two adjacent buildings behind him with their usual monotone expressions. Eska however had a smug look in her eyes. Ichigo glimpsed silhouettes gathering behind them and he scowled. Night had fallen. The dark spirits had come.
Ichigo growled and pushed himself back to his feet, removing the ice spike from his side as he did so. He checked the wound. It was bleeding and hurt badly but he didn't think it had hit any major organs or arteries. He looked back at Unalaq's twins.
"You bastard," he said loudly. "That was a cheap shot."
Eska scoffed. "Nothing I do is cheap."
"You know your father's insane, right? He wants to destroy the world."
"What our father does is no concern of yours," Desna replied crisply. "His ways are far above your peasantry beliefs."
"Peasantry? My, my, look who's been reading his thesaurus."
"Your insistence on mockery is indicative of your obvious lack of actual wit. But this is where your farcical journey ends."
"You will go no further. Today you meet your demise for taking my husband away from me." Eska monotoned.
"Yeah, yeah. Can we fight now? I kinda got somewhere to be."
He used Shunpo and teleported up to their level and swung Zangetsu at Eska. Two dark spirits got in the way and he slashed right through them. Eska leapt away and the twins fired ice shards at him. He parried most of them but some snuck through and pierced his skin.
Suddenly a tendril of water wrapped around his ankle and flung him through the air, smashing him against several buildings and then pelting him into the ground. He groaned and tried to get back up but a heavy block of ice slammed into his back and knocked the wind out of him. Eska and Desna were far superior waterbenders to the normal grunts he had been fighting before.
The dark spirits had encircled the southerners but Tonraq was still going strong. He battered his way through a mecha-tank and covered for Ichigo, firing a few attacks at the twins.
"You doin' alright, Reaper?" He joked.
Ichigo grumbled and heaved the ice off him and stood up. "Just fine," he replied.
Tonraq noticed his wound. "You're hurt."
"Nothing I can't walk off."
"We can't risk that. It might be time for you to leave."
"What? We're pinned down here. I can break us out of this. I have another power."
Tonraq grunted as he weathered an attack and he erected an ice wall so they had time to talk.
"Korra needs you more than we do. She's the real mission here."
"Tonraq, you could die if I leave. All of you could die."
"That's why I'm sending all our remaining men back. We can't win this."
"You're giving up?"
"We can do more if we retreat and wait for Korra. It's best to live to fight another day."
"You don't even know if Korra will come!"
"Yes, I do. You told me back at the South Pole that maybe I should put more faith in her. And I do. I trust my daughter. She'll come. But you have to go. Now."
The twins broke through the ice wall and Tonraq pushed Ichigo aside as he defended their attacks. "Go! Get the men to fall back!"
Ichigo hesitated and then he thought of his sisters. I can't afford to die here. He nodded and hustled back, chopping the last remaining mecha to pieces as he did so.
"Tonraq says fall back!" He ordered.
The men obeyed and began to fight their way out of the city. Ichigo held off the spirits as best he could. He looked at his sword arm. I could use Bankai. Why did I regain it if not for moments like these? No. It's not worth it today.
He herded the men out of the city and the Spirits pulled back. Ichigo turned around and tried to see Tonraq. Korra's father was still fighting bravely. The men around him saw his battle and some began to head back to the city.
"What are you doing?" said Ichigo. "Tonraq ordered that we retreat!"
"No disrespect, Reaper," one man said, "You've done a lot for us. You've inspired us, defended us and fought with us. But so has Tonraq. We can't abandon our leader." He raised his voice. "To the Chief!"
The soldiers roared and charged back into the streets. Ichigo almost joined them. Nearly every fibre of his body was itching to get back in there and help. But he stopped himself. He turned away from the battle and began to fly back to the compound.
"What are you doing, Ichigo? This isn't you. You don't abandon people. You don't abandon your friends." His thoughts countered his words. If you don't go home, you'll be abandoning everyone there and Yuzu and Karin might pay the price. You can't let that happen. Haven't you earned the right to be selfish for once?
He shook his head. "Maybe I have." The words of Vaatu echoed through his mind. This truly was his only chance. If he was to use his Bankai to help win this fight, he risked losing that chance. He would never see his family again.
Mind made up but still in some turmoil, Ichigo returned to the compound and touched down silently. No one was awake and the wind whistled peacefully over the crunchy snow.
He entered the bedroom where he and Asami were staying and found her fast asleep. Seeing her didn't bring him the joy that it usually did. It only made him sadder. Ichigo crept into bed and laid his head on the pillow.
Tonraq battled furiously against the twins. It was hard enough fighting those two but he also had to deal with rampant spirits. Maybe sending Ichigo wasn't such a good idea after all. No, he told himself. It was the only thing to do. Korra needed him far more than he did and if she was going to stop Unalaq, she needed all the help she could get. Besides, he knew they worked best together. They'd defeat Unalaq and they'd end this war.
He got the better of a spirit but then was hit by an attack from Desna. Tumbling back, he groaned and then looked up in surprise as his soldiers re-joined the fray and launched a renewed assault on their enemies. Tonraq rolled away and into cover behind an alcove. His second in command joined him there.
"I thought I told you all to leave!"
"The men didn't want to. We're with you to the end, Chief."
Tonraq smiled grimly. "You're all idiots for coming back. But you have my thanks. Get the men to hold off the spirits and cover me."
"What are you going to do?"
Tonraq pointed across to the street adjacent to their own. Unalaq was there, striding arrogantly while his soldiers advanced.
"I'm going to end this. Right now."
Tonraq summersaulted out of his cover spot and attacked the twins furiously. He made an ice wall between them to separate them and knocked Desna back. His soldiers did the rest, covering for him as he sprinted to the other street. Four soldiers came to face him and he batted two of them aside, freezing the others.
"Hello, Tonraq. Looking for me?" Unalaq sneered.
Tonraq flung an attack at him but Unalaq blocked it with ice and then hurled the ice back at Tonraq, hitting him solidly and sending him to the ground.
"Brother, I'm too strong for you."
"You're no brother of mine," Tonraq retorted. "You betrayed me. You had me banished. No amount of regret will change that."
Unalaq laughed. "Regret? What's there to regret? You were in my way, Tonraq, and in the way of true balance. But you wouldn't understand. You thrive on upsetting that balance. No wonder your daughter is such a mess."
Tonraq scowled and attacked. Then suddenly the twins appeared and hit him in the chest. Tonraq looked behind them. Most of his men were on the ground and immobile. The rest were been terrorized by the spirits. He looked down and clenched his fist.
"Stop!" Unalaq ordered his children. "He's mine."
He strode towards him and Tonraq struggled to his feet. "No matter what your goal is, no matter how you look at it, you are not the true Chief and you never will be."
"You're wrong. I am the Chief. And I have been promised much more. My life's work will be rewarded. And you, brother, will bow down in shame at my feet."
He roared and unleashed a massive wave of ice and snow that battered Tonraq and slung him against a wall of ice. Tonraq recovered quickly and threw water but Unalaq controlled the attack, turning it to ice and sending it back at his brother.
Tonraq smashed through it and kept advancing. Unalaq grimaced and kept attacking. Tonraq dashed and dodged, either avoiding or breaking through Unalaq's assaults. He slid up and over a wall and flung himself at Unalaq, fist ready to smash into his brother's smug face.
Unalaq backpedalled in fear and then swatted aside Tonraq's hand and bashed him with ice, sending him flying and hitting the ground hard. Tonraq groaned and wrestled his way to his knees. Unalaq gathered water beneath his brother and then shot it up, turning it to ice and encasing Tonraq inside.
The proud chieftain regarded Unalaq with fury and then his eyes closed in defeat. Unalaq sneered widely and fired one last attack, blasting Tonraq across the street and into a broken heap on the ground.
"Now that I've defeated you, your daughter is next."
It was the dead of night and they were finally all boarded on Varrick's battleship and out to sea. Korra had been furious at being taken out so quickly but she'd calmed down once Mako had told her everything about Yumi and her connection to his parents.
The water was calm and the stars reflected off it beautifully. The battleship itself was massive and painted in the blue and white colours of the Water Tribes. Varrick had spared no expense; the ship was equipped with everything they needed.
Korra stood alone on the top deck which jutted out from the bridge and above the main deck. She stared up at the night sky with a sense of foreboding. There was so much doubt ahead of them. At least they knew what they needed to do.
Mako came up behind her. "It's okay," he said. "We're going to stop Unalaq and get Jinora back."
"I hope my dad's alright," she replied.
"I'm sure he's fine. Ichigo and Asami are with him after all. It'll be nice to see them again."
"Yeah. I hope they're alright too. This whole situation has been so stressful. I hope it hasn't hurt their relationship."
"They're strong. They'll be fine."
She turned around and hugged him. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents. Are you and Bolin doing okay?"
"Bolin might need some time to process things, but I'm okay."
She smiled slightly. "Good. I think you did the right thing by forgiving her. That was really brave of you."
"Thanks," he said faintly. "I just can't wait until all this is over and things go back to normal."
"Something tells me things won't go back that easily."
"You're probably right."
"Mako, we're gonna win, right?"
"Of course we will." He said convincingly.
"I don't want to lose anyone else."
"Then let's make sure we don't."
She gave him a small smile and the two of them went back inside. They would reach the South Pole in a matter of days.
Ichigo walked up the path to his house. It had been a long time since he'd been here last. It was mid-afternoon so he assumed that his sisters had just got back from school. Maybe his dad didn't have any patients today and would be able to see him. He'd missed them so much and was glad to be finally back.
Huh, that was strange. The front door was open and the lock seemed to be busted. What was going on? He went inside. None of the lights were on and a disgusting odour assaulted his nose. He coughed from the smell and squinted to see in the darkness.
The light from the sun filtered through the curtains and illuminated the dining table. There was a silhouette slumped across it. Ichigo frowned and walked towards the table. He stepped in something. It wasn't squishy just kind of dry and brittle. Spilled food, he reasoned.
Approaching the table, the light from the window increased as a light breeze wafted in through the door and opened the curtains a bit more. He looked at the silhouette and nearly vomited on his feet. The silhouette was the dead body of his father, draped across the table with a knife wedged in his chest. There was a piece of paper that was stuck with the knife. It bore four words. You missed your chance.
"Oh, God." Ichigo stepped back in shock. Then his eyes went to the stairs. "Oh, God, no. No, no, no, no."
He rushed to the stairs and clambered up them, throwing open the door to Yuzu and Karin's bedroom. The window was open and the wind billowed the curtain around. Ichigo stood at the entrance to their room and stared at their beds. The sheets and blankets were soaked with blood. He sank to his knees and screamed.
Ichigo's eyes opened and he stared up at the ceiling of their bedroom. His face was soaked with tears and he was biting at his duvet in desperation, maybe to muffle the screaming. Asami wasn't awake yet. He got up and struggled out the door, his mind in a daze.
Making his way to the gate, he climbed up to the tower and stared out at the horizon. The wind dried his tears and rustled his hair. He didn't say anything. He didn't think anything. He'd made his mind up. Ichigo was going home.
Alright, that's the end. So a lot happened this chapter and there was a few different narratives. It was fun trying to weave them together and I hope you all enjoyed reading it. Props to you if you made it all the way to the end haha. Anyways, there's only three chapters left of Book 2 so we're in the endgame now (yes that is an Avengers reference). Thank you all so much for reading and I hope to come back soon with the next chapter. See you next time!
