Hey, guys! Two chapters in one month let's go! I think I posted like three chapters in total last year and I've already got three this year so things are going good! Once again I hope all of you are staying safe out there. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 2: Rebirth
Yuzu Kurosaki's hand shook as she placed the fork and knife down on the dinner table. Frowning, she glanced at her palm and gripped her wrist with the other hand. The shaking stopped. Standing there, she stared blankly down at the wooden surface where she had set out three sets of cutlery for dinner.
"Hey, Yuzu," said a voice, "you good?"
Yuzu looked over at her sister Karin who was standing in the kitchen. Her black hair was tied up in a short ponytail and she held a pot in her right hand.
"Yeah," Yuzu replied.
"You sure? You just kinda froze over there."
Yuzu bit her lip. "I guess I just thought I wouldn't have to serve only three people anymore. I thought I'd be serving four."
Karin set down the pot and nodded. "Yeah. Me too."
"We just got him back and then he… he leaves again. I don't understand."
"I don't understand either. I want to trust that Ichigo is doing the right thing but sometimes I just can't."
"He was gone for so long. How can he just pop in for one day and then leave again? Isn't that just being selfish? Doesn't he care about us?"
"You know he cares about us, Yuzu. He said so in his note." Karin scowled. "But you're right. Even in that note all he said was "I love you guys" and "Rukia will tell you everything". Well, Rukia's disappeared and we know nothing. Oh, and by the way Dad just texted me. He's not gonna be home for dinner tonight."
Yuzu sighed and picked up the knife and fork. "Guess I'm setting the table for two then."
There was a light knock on their door and the two girls turned in confusion. Yuzu opened it, revealing the solemn faces of Orihime and Chad. Orihime offered a small smile.
"May we come in?"
"S-sure," Yuzu replied.
Karin came out from the kitchen. "Guess you'll get to serve four people today after all," she joked before greeting Orihime and Chad. The four of them sat down at the table and Orihime began.
"Sorry for coming over at dinner time. We should've come later."
"No, it's okay," Karin replied.
"You're both welcome here anytime," Yuzu agreed.
"Thank you. The reason we're here is because of Ichigo. We know where he is and where he's been all this time."
"Yeah, we know too," said Karin. "He was in Europe."
Chad shook his head. "That's what we all thought. That's what they wanted us to believe."
"Who's they?"
His face was stern. "Kisuke Urahara. And… your father."
"Wait, you're saying Dad lied to us?" exclaimed Yuzu.
Orihime nodded. "It looks that way, yeah. We don't know why. Earlier today, Rukia came to us and told us everything. It's a lot to explain but basically there are two worlds, ours and another one. Ichigo has been in that other one. We don't know the details but he's made friends there and he's made enemies. One of those enemies took control of him and brought him to Soul Society where he made him destroy the city and kill thousands of people. Now the Soul Society is sending assassins after him and his new friends."
The Kurosaki sisters sat back in their chairs in shock and disbelief. Yuzu clasped her hands together tightly while Karin just stared ferociously at the table, trying to process everything.
"We know this is sudden," Chad said gently. "We just thought you both deserved to know."
"Where is Rukia now?" Karin asked eventually.
"Some Soul Reapers came and captured her," Orihime said sadly. "They let us go because they didn't think we were threats. Uryu was with us too. He went to Urahara to try and get a message to Ichigo but we don't know what happened to him."
Yuzu's face was dark. "Thank you for telling us," she said quietly.
Orihime reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Yuzu."
"What are you going to do now?" Karin asked.
"We need to find out what happened to Uryu," Chad said. "And if he couldn't get a message to Ichigo, then we will."
Orihime got up and pumped her fist. "There's still hope, guys! This is Ichigo we're talking about!"
"Since when do you call him by his first name? I thought it was always Kurosaki-kun."
She blushed furiously. "Well, when he was here, he called me Orihime so I just thought it was okay if I- you know? Called him Ichigo?"
"Let us know whenever you guys find something out," Karin said.
Orihime and Chad nodded. "Of course."
"What can we do to help?" said Yuzu.
Orihime gave her another gentle smile. "Leave it to us for now. Besides, I'm sure Ichigo's made some super strong friends over there. They'll help him."
Chad grunted his agreement. "And so will we."
Above Air Temple Island, a massive airship was looming overhead. To the side of the training area and facing the city was a small area that dropped off into a stairway. It was conveniently placed so airships could come in and dock on the island. As it approached, several air acolytes helped pull it in with thick ropes.
The airship itself was immense and covered in pristine greens and browns and golds. On the sides were powerful propellers that sliced through the air and generated an incredible wind, causing the trees to billow and bend in its wake. Atop the ship was a large, open area with luxurious appliances and at the tip of the bulkhead was a golden winged creature that reflected the bright sunlight brilliantly.
Ichigo, Korra and the others were standing on the ground waiting for it. A ramp with railings was let down from the ship and connected with the ground as the air acolytes secured the airship in space. The door beyond the ramp opened and Asami stood there with a proud smile on her face.
"Did someone order a fully-equipped Future Industries airship?" she said.
"It's perfect!" Korra grinned. "Thanks, Asami!"
"I figured if we're going to Ba Sing Se to search for airbenders, we should do it in style."
"Yay, airship!" Meelo cried.
"I wanna see!" Ikki echoed. The two of them shot up the ramp on air scooters.
Ichigo just stood there with an open mouth. Asami smiled and went over to him.
"Like what you see?"
"I could've sworn your company has gone bankrupt several times," he said dryly. "How did you finance this thing?"
She shrugged. "The Sato family has money stashed away."
"Understatement of the century. Man, my room back home was right above my Dad's medical clinic. Meanwhile you've lived in a mansion your whole life. No wonder I called you Prissy. Even me with no memories could make fun of that."
"Hey!" She laughed. "You haven't called me that in ages. And I downsized for you! Besides, this thing was already made. It just had to be brought out of the garage and cleaned up a little."
"Downsized? You bought us a house and basically paid in cash."
Asami crossed her arms. "It was still smaller than the mansion. Good thing I'm the breadwinner in the relationship."
Ichigo chuckled. "That is a good thing. I probably would've taken over the clinic and stayed in that place my whole life if I lived in that world."
"Then you're lucky that you're here with me."
He nodded slowly. "Yeah. I am lucky."
Kya and Pema stood back with baby Rohan as Tenzin and Jinora prepared themselves to leave.
"While you guys are gone, Pema and I will hold down the fort," Kya said. She picked up Rohan and rocked him up and down excitedly. "Who's excited to spend some time with Auntie Kya?"
Rohan vomited on her.
"Aww," said Pema, "he likes you." She turned and embraced Tenzin. "I'll miss you, sweetie."
"I'll miss you too," he smiled. "Once we find the airbenders I'll send word. You can join us at the Northern Air Temple then."
Ikki and Meelo came bursting out of the airship and headed straight for their parents.
"How come Jinora gets to go but we don't?" Ikki exclaimed. "That's so not fair!"
"Yeah, what this girl said! Not fair." Meelo crossed his arms.
"Because if airbenders show up here, they're gonna need some guidance from you two," Kya said kindly. "It's a very important job."
"Really?" Ikki said. "Me, a teacher? Yay!"
"Those maggots will bow to me!" Meelo announced.
"Go easy on them, son," Tenzin said with a smile.
Behind them, Mako headed up the stairs with a scroll in his hands. Korra ran up to him with a smile.
"Mako, I'm so glad you're here."
"Of course, Korra. Avatar… Avatar Korra," Mako stuttered awkwardly again. He shook himself and stood tall. "Once I received your message, I proceeded to contact various locations within the Earth Kingdom as ordered by you- the… Avatar."
Ichigo snorted in the background. "Who is this guy?"
Mako deadpanned.
"Right," Korra played along, "the Avatar thanks you for your loyal service. Did you find anymore leads?"
"There are reports of airbenders popping up all over the Earth Kingdom," Mako replied. "I marked the villages on this map. You guys can take it with you."
"Actually, I was kind of hoping you could come too."
"Really? Um, it's probably better if I sit this one out."
"I know things have been weird between us since we broke up. But you're a part of Team Avatar and we can't do this without you."
"I'm sorry. I-I can't." He turned and walked away.
Korra stepped back, a little offended.
Ichigo crossed his arms. "What's up with him?"
"He's been like this since we broke up. I mean I'm really happy that you're coming with us and you seem to have gotten over your funk but I really thought all of Team Avatar would be going."
Bolin sighed. "I'll go after him." He chased Mako back down to the docks. "Mako, wait a sec."
"Korra already asked, bro," Mako said. "I can't just leave Republic City. I have a life here and a job."
"A life? You sleep under your desk. And what's a more important job than helping the Avatar rebuild an entire civilization?"
"It's not just that. I feel like I've been drifting apart from everyone. And I have work to do here. I have something that drives me."
"Well, drift back, bro. We need you. Yumi can wait. Besides, you don't even know if she wants you to find her. I mean, come on, Mako, we're going to Ba Sing Se where Dad grew up. What if I meet our grandma for the very first time and she asks me 'where is your sweet brother', and I have to say, 'I'm sorry, Grandma, he had some really important police paperwork to file and he's got hung up on a girl who's also a criminal' and she starts to cry those Grandma tears and she's 'why, Mako, why, why, Mako, I can't go on, I ca-' and then she dies."
"Okay, alright, I'll come with you!" Mako sighed. "I guess I gotta call Beifong. She's not going to be happy."
With Mako on board, they set off and waved goodbye to Tenzin's family down below. On the top deck, Oogie and Naga waved their tongue in the wind as the airship cut through the sky, heading away from Republic City.
Inside, Ichigo and Asami were sitting together on the bed in their quarters. Asami leaned up against the wall and played with Ichigo's hair as he lay his head in her lap. Their bedroom was simple but well-furnished with an emphasis on rustic browns and golds. On the wall behind their bed was a large window that revealed the blue sky around them.
"Your hair's getting long," Asami said matter-of-factly.
"I know. You want me to cut it?"
"Mmm, no. I kinda like it. It suits you."
"Yeah, gives me more of an edgy vibe."
Asami chuckled. "You're edgy enough as it is." She stretched out her arms and her face brightened into a wide smile. "This is so exciting!"
"Hmm?"
"You know, going on an adventure with everyone. It's something I've always wanted. We all got so separated with the Unalaq crisis so it's really nice to be together again."
He nodded. "Yeah."
She poked him playfully on the forehead. "And the best part is that you're coming too."
Ichigo looked up at her and smiled. "Happy to be here. I'm just not really sure what my place in the team is now."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I've kinda been by myself over the past two weeks. I haven't really worked on fixing my relationships with Mako and Bolin for example. Remember how wary of me they were after I came back? I'm worried they're still upset that I betrayed them."
"Hey," Asami said sharply. "You didn't betray them and the sooner you realize that, the better you'll feel. I'm sure your relationship with them is fine. If anyone has reason to be upset with you it's Korra and you guys are totally okay."
He shut his eyes. "I guess so. But what am I even supposed to do now?"
"Why don't you go back to doing what you always do? Protecting us and helping us, being a part of the team. You don't have to go on some epic quest to find yourself anymore. You're here now. So be here."
He laughed in appreciation. "You always know what to say to me."
"That's because I know you. And I-"
Their door flung open and Bolin's grinning face appeared. "Hey, guys! Y'all should- Oh… did I interrupt a tender moment?"
"Just a bit," she laughed. "What's up?"
"Meeting time. We're going over Mako's map!"
"Awesome! We'll be right there." Asami patted Ichigo's cheeks. "Come on, buddy, up time."
"Up time? What am I, 12?"
"If your parents were saying up time to when you were 12, then you have might have a problem," she joked.
Ichigo sat up and rolled off the bed and stretched out his hands to Asami to pull her forward. The two of them followed Bolin into main belly of the airship. It was a large open space with windows on the ship's sides and a raised platform where the meeting table was. The table was make of oak and had eight chairs round it. On the outskirts of the raised platform were four white sofas and a few plants for decoration.
Ichigo and Asami sat down together next to Korra and turned to look at Mako as he rolled out his map. It was a simple diagram of the five nations with several markings to indicate the hotpots of airbenders across the Earth Kingdom.
"As of now," Mako began, "these are the towns where we've gotten reports about airbenders. It looks like we can hit up most of them before we get to Ba Sing Se."
"We're going to bring the Air Nation back from the brink of extinction after nearly two hundred years," Korra said.
"And it's all because of you, Korra," Tenzin smiled.
Ichigo raised his hand. "Question. Where and what is Ba Sing Se again?"
"Ichigo, I literally taught you all of this back at the compound when we first found you," said Korra.
"Yeah, that was like over a year ago. Besides, all my memories have come back so my mind's a bit jumbled and I've sort of forgotten a lot of what you taught me. Sorry."
She sighed. "Classic."
"Ba Sing Se is the capital of the Earth Kingdom," Tenzin explained. "It's both the home of the Earth Queen and also the biggest city in the world."
"You'll be blown away by it," Bumi announced. "It's the most amazing, stupendous, most incredible city in the world!"
"Alright," Ichigo crossed his arms. "This place better live up to its reputation."
The military camp was in ruins. As the wind whistled through the torn fabrics of the tents and the ethereal lights above illuminated the destroyed machines and abandoned bunkers, Soi Fon began to have doubts of finding transportation of any kind. Desolate and dreary, the military camp they had wandered into had been looted and stripped of all useful equipment or so it appeared in the dim light.
"Well, ain't this a goldmine," Iba said wryly.
Izuru shoved open an empty metal crate and sighed. "Whatever gear or transportation that was kept here is long gone. Moreover, this place has been totally wrecked. Look at these markings on the ground. It's like a tank drove through here in a circle and smashed everything to bits."
"Kurosaki's work, I'd imagine," said Omaeda gruffly. "He was always good at destroying things. So, Captain, what are we gonna do?"
"We're not going to complain about how empty the place is, for one thing." Soi Fon said. "Split up. Search every tent and bunker, every crate, every container, find anything that could be useful."
"What should I do with Hanataro?"
"Is he awake yet?"
"Uh, no,"
"Then keep carrying him. And make sure he's warm. Won't do us any good to have our healer freeze to death."
"Yes, boss."
The Soul Reapers separated and headed to different areas of the camp, going through everything in sight. Hanataro began to stir on Omaeda's back. The young Soul Reaper groaned.
"Where am I?"
"The other world," Omaeda answered.
"Lieutenant Omaeda?"
"Just Omaeda. Only the Captain gets to keep her title out here. Can you walk?"
"I think so."
Omaeda set him down and Hanataro shivered. "Ugh, it's freezing. What is this place?"
"I don't know. We just arrived not long ago. The Captain split us up to find some transportation."
He shivered again. "Do you think they have any coats in this place? I mean, how about in this crate?"
Omaeda wrestled with a lock on the crate in question and then yanked the whole thing off and kicked open the lid. Inside were several fur-lined puffy coats and underneath them were some army uniforms. The coats and uniforms were all a rich, blue colour with white fur on the collars and on the insides.
"Huh," Hanataro said. "Those'll work."
Omaeda shook his head in disbelief. "That is far too convenient."
On the other side of the camp, Soi Fon slowly entered a tent. The light from the moon was almost non-existent inside but she could make out a few empty cases on the far side and a wooden pole in the middle that held up the structure of the tent. She paused. The reiatsu here was so conflicted but as she attuned her senses, she knew she wasn't mistaken. Kurosaki had been here too.
His reiatsu was mingled with that of other people, but his spiritual presence was distinct. However, one of the others had a spiritual presence at the same level or perhaps even stronger than his was. Fukinko, she thought. Even having been face to face with the Avatar in the Seireitei, she hadn't been able to get a good enough reading on her reiatsu to recognize it, but it was so potent and powerful that it simply had to be her. Soi Fon scowled and exited the tent.
"Hey, Captain!" Iba called. "I found something!"
She moved quickly to his position and he pointed to several machines beneath a tarp. "These look like transportation to you?"
Soi Fon nodded. "Snowmobiles. Good work. Let's get them out."
Omaeda, Izuru and Hanataro came running up to them. "We found coats!" They handed one to her and she held it up into the moonlight.
"These are military. We'll need to find new ones once we reach civilization. We can't be associated with any established group in this world. This army may have enemies."
"Speaking of which, Captain," said Omaeda. "How are we even going to find civilization? We're in the middle of nowhere."
"You have a brain, use it."
"Huh?"
"Did you not see the layout of this camp and where the bunkers are all facing? Any of you?"
Everyone shook their heads and she sighed. "Fools. This camp is in a defensive position around the forest but the bunkers are facing north so whatever attack they were facing would come from that direction and presumably, that's where we'll find civilization."
"Ohhh…" Everyone said in unison.
Soi Fon turned away. "You'll all need to start pulling your weight if we're going to complete this mission. I can't hold your hand for everything. Put on the coats and bring the snowmobiles outside. Let's get out of here."
The sun was filtering it's way through the hotel room's window as Uryu made the bed he had just gotten up from. He placed his glasses on his face and then picked up his school uniform jacket and slung it over his shoulder before heading back to the lobby.
He couldn't see the innkeeper but he could hear the sound of cooking and smelt some fried food from a room adjacent to the front desk. On one of the couches of the seating area there was a set of standard Earth Kingdom clothes. Uryu picked up the shirt and felt the rough material.
"Hopefully they make better fabrics than this in the Upper Ring," he said to himself.
The innkeeper stuck her head around the corner. "Ah good, you're awake," she said. "Come in here. I've made you some breakfast. Those clothes are yours by the way."
"Are they clean?"
"Maybe. But if you're gonna keep going around asking about the Dai Li, then it'd be better if you blend in somehow."
Uryu nodded. "Fair point." He followed her into the dining area where a few other people were scattered around, presumably they'd all stayed the night as well. He sat down at a small table by himself and tried not to look at anyone. The innkeeper placed a plate of hot food in front of him.
"You gave me a gold coin as payment so I gave you extra," she winked.
"Would that gold coin get me any more information? Or just food?"
She gave him a wry smile. "What are you after anyway?"
He smiled back. "I'm a tourist."
Laughing, she sat down across from him. "Alright, kid. What do you want to know?"
"Two questions. What do the Dai Li look like? And what is the Queen like?"
"Hmm, well the Dai Li are all very stern and pretentious. They wear long black and green robes with these stupid little hats on their head. And the Queen… well from what I've heard she's a real piece of work. Personally, I think she's just obsessed with power, like any other ruler. Well, not like you're ever gonna meet her anyway."
Uryu sat back and was silent, deep in thought. She took that as her cue to leave and got up. Finishing up the food, Uryu left the kitchen and nodded his thanks to her as he went. Gingerly, he took the Earth Kingdom clothes and changed into them but he kept his school uniform in a small bag he'd stolen from the lobby.
As soon as he stepped outside, the sun assaulted his eyes and he winced and grimaced. It was going to be another long, hot day. The rest of this world better not be this hot. Republic City, especially. I need to find a way there soon before Soi Fon. Who knows where she even ended up when she travelled over? With his luck, she's probably already found Ichigo. His dumbass probably made it easy. Oh well, I can only do what I can.
Uryu began to walk through the Middle Ring again, always angling towards the Upper Ring where the Queen lived. His school shoes were beginning to grow very painful and they chaffed at his ankles. Grimacing, he went round a corner and then narrowed his eyes as he heard a commotion up ahead.
He saw a man backpedalling on the ground, crawling away from something. Then suddenly a hand made out of rock shot towards him and clamped around his wrists, bringing them together like handcuffs. The man cried out and writhed around on the ground. Uryu moved closer with interest.
"You can't arrest me!" the man cried. "She backed out of a deal on me! She's a snake! She's a-" Another strip of rock slapped onto his mouth and knocked him backwards.
Out of an alley, the figure who'd shot the rocks emerged. He was tall and dressed in a long flowing black and green robe with the circular symbol of the Earth Kingdom emblazed on his chest. Atop his head was a wide-brimmed, conical hat. Both the top of the hat and the collar of his robe was tipped in gold.
He lifted his fist and the man was jerked up by the rock around his wrists. Uryu's eyes widened. Is he manipulating that rock? These people have some kind of geokinesis? He listened to the murmur of the people around him as the man was led away. Amongst their quiet chatter he focused in on one term.
Dai Li…
In the middle of a vast blue ocean, a single wooden structure was floating. There was no sight of land in any direction and the curvature of the earth could be glimpsed on the watery horizon. The structure itself was shaped in a square and had four towers at the corners. In the center of the structure was a cage.
White Lotus members stood guard atop the towers, looking out over the ocean and over the cage below. Within the cage, a man was doing pullups on the wooden beams above him. His black hair was long and hung loose down his back and several tattoos encircled his arms and torso.
A tiny speedboat approached the structure along the water.
"Finally," one of the guards said. "Our shift change is here."
They exited the tower and headed past the cage towards the dock. As the boat pulled up alongside them, they realized it only held one person.
"Hey, where are the other guards?"
The man in the boat turned to look at them menacingly. "Zaheer!"
Zaheer instantly leapt out of the boat, dodging their simultaneous attacks before knocking them off their feet with a gust of air. More guards began coming down from the towers but he avoided their attacks with ease.
Flipping over the cage, he tossed three small stones between the wooden bars. The man inside grinned. Zaheer knocked down one guard and led two more away from the cage. Inside, the man held his hands out and crushed the stones together, forming a spinning disc. The disc began to light up with heat and started dripping with piping hot lava.
He sliced through the wooden cage around him and blasted his way out, incapacitating the final two guards immediately after. He and Zaheer smiled at each other and clasped hands.
"It's nice to see you again, Ghazan," Zaheer said.
"Thanks for busting me out," Ghazan replied. "Where'd you pick up the new skills?"
"I have Harmonic Convergence to thank for that. I was given a gift. I believe it's a sign that our path is a righteous one."
Ichigo, Korra and the others had landed at their first destination: a small farming village surrounded by low plateaus. The man who was presumably the village chief, ran out to them joyfully and bowed low.
"Avatar Korra! Oh, it is such an honour to have you come to our humble village."
"Thanks," Korra replied.
"I hate to get down to business," said Tenzin, "but is the airbender here now?"
The chief nodded. "Kuon and his family will be joining us shortly for a special dinner. Please, right this way." He led them into his home where they removed their shoes and then sat down at a long, wooden dinner table. Korra and the chief sat at the heads of the table while Ichigo, Tenzin and the others all sat on one side, opposite Kuon and his family of five.
They had set out bowls of hot soup as well as rice, dumplings and pie for them. Ichigo glanced at Korra. She seemed very excited and he smiled at her encouragingly. She returned the smile and prepared to eat. No one, however, appeared more excited than Tenzin who looked with friendly eagerness at Kuon.
Kuon was a slightly heavy-set man with a badly receding hairline and dark, tanned skin from lots of exposure to the sun. The chief cleared his throat.
"Kuon has been the talk of the town ever since he got airbending. He's like a local celebrity."
"I just want to say that it's an honour to meet a fellow airbender," Tenzin said.
"Oh, I still just think of myself as a simple farmer who can airbend!" He stretched out his palm and a plate of pie went flying into Bolin's face. "Oh! I'm so sorry. I still don't have any control."
"No worries," Bolin said happily. "I love pie."
"Well, you're so much more than just a farmer now," Tenzin said. "Harmonic Convergence changed everything. You represent the future of a culture that is being reborn. You're going to help us rebuild the Air Nation."
"I'm… gonna do what now? The only thing I'm planning to rebuild is my barn."
Ichigo winced. He could already see where this was going.
"But you must come with us to the Northern Air Temple," Tenzin insisted.
"Well, I can't do that. I have a family and a farm."
"Of course you can come! This is of the utmost importance. Your wife will understand."
"Wait, what? No!" His wife exclaimed in surprise. "I do not understand."
"Daddy, where are you going?" One of his kids asked. "Why does the bald man want to take you away?"
"No one's going to take Daddy away, sweetheart."
"Actually, this bald man does want to take him but it's for an important cause," Korra said gently. "Your Dad is an airbender and he should learn about his culture."
"I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding," Kuon said. "I'm not going with you. I might be able to airbend but I'm no Air Nomad, I'm no monk!"
"Okay, maybe we should just have some desert, huh?" The chief said awkwardly. "Who's up for desert?"
As the argument continued, Ichigo put his head in his hands and leaned on Asami's shoulder.
"This is going nowhere," he moaned quietly. "This is so awkward."
"Sir," Tenzin said, raising his voice, "you must understand. You're an airbender now and there are thousands of years of culture you must learn about. Skills you must master."
"You expect me to abandon my entire life? My family? No! No, sir, I'm not going anywhere with you and I think it's best that you leave!"
Tenzin gaped at him. Ichigo shot up to his feet. "Thank God, let's go. Sorry, sir, hope you and your family enjoy the rest of your evening."
"In my head, I saw that playing out very differently," Korra said. Her, Ichigo, Asami, Bolin and Tenzin were all sitting around the table in the airship. Bumi was lounging on a nearby couch and playing with Bum-ju.
"Maybe we should've stayed and tried harder to convince him to join us," Asami said. "You didn't have to make us leave so early, Ichigo."
"Early?" Ichigo exclaimed. "The man kicked us out! I could see it was going nowhere and I wanted to leave."
"We could've thrown him into a potato sack and forced him into the ship," Bolin offered.
"That's how they got me to join the United Forces," Bumi remarked.
"No, we can't coerce people," Tenzin said. "Or throw them in potato sacks. They must come freely. As disappointing as this meeting was, we never truly got to explain the brilliance of being a member of the Air Nation. Perhaps if we had, he would've changed his mind.
Ichigo sat back. "You can't expect people to jump and leave their entire lives to come with you. You were asking that man to leave his family, his livelihood and everything he had built and earned over the course of his life. He was never going to leave. Most people wouldn't. Most people enjoy the comfort of their everyday lives and of the lives they've come to expect. Even with these new abilities, their mind and spirit has to change first. And it's not like everyone has amnesia and has to restart their lives from scratch either." He said that last sentence with a twinge of bitterness.
Korra nodded. "I guess that's fair. If anyone knows what it's like to wake up with strange powers that you don't understand it's you, Ichigo."
"I mean, restarting your life wasn't so bad, was it?" said Bolin. "You had us!"
Ichigo deadpanned. "Why don't you try it, buddy?"
"I understand your point, Ichigo," Tenzin said. "But not to worry. There are plenty of other airbenders out there who will be happy to come with us once they find out what the Air Nation is all about."
Later that night, Ichigo was sitting alone on the top deck of the airship, looking up at the stars as the ship moved slowly through the sky to their next destination. Asami was asleep in their bedroom down below and he assumed the others were sleeping too. With everyone together on the ship, he hadn't had the chance to meditate yet.
It was funny, he thought, how much he cared about meditating these days. It was always something he could do but it wasn't part of his daily routine or anything. Now it felt like something essential, like something useful. Traumatising experiences kind of do that to a person. Closing his eyes, he took a deep intake of air and descended down into his inner world.
Zangetsu was there, scrubbing one of the windows with a cloth and a spray bottle. Ichigo watched him for several seconds with a confused look on his face. His sword spirit ignored his presence and continued on to the next window. Spray. Wipe. Spray. Wipe.
Finally, Ichigo spoke. "What the hell are you doing?"
"Gee, King, what does it look like?"
"Cleaning?"
"Bingo!"
"But why? Those windows are literally spotless."
"Not to me, they're not. Maybe on the outside. But on the inside that disgusting webbing from Vaatu is still there."
"Then clean the inside…"
"Wow, what great advice, asshole. Too bad I can't get in there."
Ichigo spread his hands. "Then what's the point?"
"Exactly. What's the point? What am I doing this for? Nothing."
Ichigo shook his head. "You need help."
Zangetsu laughed. "You dumbass. I'm a reflection of you. Me scrubbing this window for no reason? That's you. You're walking around up there, feeling lost and not really doing anything. You're basically just tagging along for the ride."
"Okay? So you cleaning windows is supposed to be some kind of object lesson for me? I already got my pep talk from Asami today, I don't need another one."
"And who knows you better? Your girlfriend, or your zanpakuto?"
"Um, hopefully my girlfriend."
"Wrong. Nobody knows you better than me, King."
"…You're such a creep."
"Shut it. Your mental state is reflected down here. You need to start doing something."
"I am doing something."
"Oh, yeah? When was the last time you trained? Remember what happened when you fought Unalaq? You became exhausted in your Bankai and that allowed Vaatu to bond with you. In all your moping about and blaming yourself for what happened, you never even thought about that."
Ichigo pursed his lips. "Alright, fine. I'll train. But I mean, who else in this world besides Korra could beat me?"
Zangetsu crossed his arms. "You never know, King. This world created monsters like Vaatu."
"Well, yeah, but he's a spirit. I'm talking about benders."
"In the time you've been here, you've barely explored this world. I don't believe that the Avatar is the only powerful bender you'll encounter."
Ichigo nodded. "I'll be wary."
He opened his eyes and saw Mako standing in front of him leaning out over a railing. The firebender's red scarf billowed about in the wind and he didn't look at Ichigo as he came to join him on the railing.
"Thought you all were asleep," Ichigo said.
"Everyone else is," Mako replied. "I couldn't."
"Yeah. Me neither." Ichigo let his head droop over the railing and stayed there, lazily.
Mako chuckled. "Maybe you should. One positive to this trip, the beds are nice."
"Better than sleeping under your desk," Ichigo agreed. "Why did you do that anyway?"
"I don't know. I was just really focused on work."
"What, getting rid of the vines?"
"No. Finding Yumi."
"Oh yeah, I heard about her. She got you thrown in jail, right?"
"Yep. She's also the daughter of my parent's murderer."
"What? Are you serious?"
"Yeah. I'm serious. We talked about it before I arrested her and she felt really guilty about it. She wanted to take the fall for her father's crime."
"What did you do?"
He sighed. "I forgave her. I didn't want that line of hatred and violence to continue. I didn't want revenge. The man's dead anyway."
Ichigo looked at him tenderly. "That's… a really tough thing to do, Mako. For what it's worth, you're a far stronger man than I am to be able to forgive like that. I could never forgive the monster that killed my mother."
"I don't know if I've forgiven the killer himself. But forgiving her allowed me to have some closure."
"So why do you want to find her?"
"When Vaatu was attacking the city, she escaped from her prison. I guess I feel some kind of personal connection or responsibility to find her."
"I get that. Is that why you didn't want to come?"
He nodded. "Yeah. But right now, this is where I need to be. This is more important than my personal feelings."
"Maybe so. But don't discredit those feelings. You'll need to do something about them eventually."
Mako smiled. "I could say the same thing to you."
The group had ridden on the snowmobiles for several hours and the forest and military camp behind them were long out of sight. Still, they pressed on. By now, the sun was beginning to rise and as they drove towards it, they headed up a slight incline that peaked on a high point overlooking a vast, glistening ocean.
They came to a halt and beheld the incredible view. The ocean spanned for miles and miles across the horizon as the sun brightened up the morning world. Hanataro's face lit up with joy and even the others could not hide their smiles. It was truly a spectacular sight.
Only Soi Fon maintained a stoic expression and betrayed no emotion. Slowly, she scanned the shoreline below them and then pointed at something distant.
"There," she said. "A city. Let's find a way down this ridge and then ditch the snowmobiles. We'll approach the city on foot."
The others nodded and then followed her as she drove off the ridge towards the settlement. Hanataro took one last look at the ocean and then observed the city. It was small as cities go and was encircled on one half by snowy mountains. The other half was open to the water as the city looked to be in a cove of sorts. The ocean met the shore at an expansive harbour and there were two lighthouses at the edge of the cove.
Soi Fon led them down the mountain and then pulled up in a small ravine near the outskirts of the city. The others hid the snowmobiles and then listened as Soi Fon laid out her plan.
"We're here for information so we're going to split up and enter the city at different times. Hanataro will come with me. The rest of you wait half an hour and then follow us. Ask around and try to get a feel for the people and the world. But be discreet. Ditch the coat, Hanataro. We're not going to raise suspicion for wearing military gear."
"But- but it's still freezing!"
"And?" she said threateningly.
His head drooped. "Yes, Captain."
The two of them headed towards the back gates which were right up against the ravine where they had left the others. The gate loomed high above them but it's doors were wide open. Evidently these people did not fear any attack. People bustled about, doing their various work and tasks for the day as Soi Fon and Hanataro headed up one of the main streets.
Soi Fon eyed everything like a hawk, keenly observing their environment while Hanataro's teeth chattered beside her. A group of soldiers walked past them and eyed them curiously but moved on. As they reached an intersection, some children ran in front of them hurling snowballs at each other and laughing.
One of the children raised her hand and the snow moved on it's own and formed a ball in her hand. Soi Fon looked at her in astonishment. Another child manipulated the snow and made a ramp before turning it into ice. The other kids all slid down it happily.
"They can manipulate snow? No… water," Soi Fon muttered aloud.
"That's incredible," said Hanataro.
"Hmm. We need to find out where we are."
Another group of soldiers walked past them, heading down towards the water.
"That's crazy!" one of them was saying. "So you saw him take down four mecha-tanks by himself?"
"Yeah!" another answered. "It was amazing. He was getting electrocuted and taking wounds left and right but he kept fighting. I was inspired, to be honest. Just like everybody else."
The other sighed. "Man, you're so lucky. I sure wish I could've fought with the Reaper."
Soi Fon instantly snapped to attention at that last word. She headed after them, Hanataro struggling to keep up with her purposeful strides. "Um, Captain Soi Fon. I've been wondering. Why did you pick me for this trip?"
"We needed a healer," she answered bluntly.
"That can't be the only reason. There were other healers you could've brought instead of me."
"Perhaps. But we chose you."
"But why? You know that," he paused and lowered his voice, "you know that Ichigo is my friend."
Soi Fon looked at him steely. "I'm well aware. Do not fret, young Hanataro. You have a purpose to fulfill and duty compels you to see it through, no matter your personal feelings. Kurosaki Ichigo is a violent and dangerous criminal and he will be punished to the greatest extent."
"I- I just can't believe it," he stuttered. "I can't believe that Ichigo would destroy the Soul Society and kill so many people voluntarily. It's not in his nature."
"Then perhaps you don't know him as well as you think you do."
They continued on and Hanataro grew colder and colder. Eventually he started to sneeze and sneeze loudly, drawing attention to them. "Control yourself, boy," Soi Fon said angrily.
"I'm sorry- I… achoo!" He let out an almighty sneeze. His nose was beet red from the cold.
"Are you alright?" A kind-looking middle-aged lady approached them. She took Hanataro hands and rubbed them together. "My goodness, you're so cold! What are you doing out here without a coat? Come, let me take the two of you inside where it's warm."
Soi Fon hesitated but then conceded. The soldiers they had been following were now out of sight. "Alright. Thank you for your hospitality."
The lady smiled wide. "It's my pleasure and I'm sure my husband won't mind if we have unexpected guests."
She led them out of the main area of the city into a more residential space where they entered a large hut with a high ceiling and several different rooms. It was already warm inside but the lady began to stoke a fire in the hearth and placed a heavy blanket around Hanataro's shoulders as he sat next to it.
Soi Fon took a seat on a chair behind him and accepted the hot drink she gave her. "You're very kind for taking us in like this," she said. "What is your name?"
"Senna," the lady answered brightly. "My husband is Tonraq, Chief of the Southern Water Tribe."
"It's an honour," Soi Fon said. "My name is Soi Fon and this is my younger brother Hanataro."
"Pleasure to meet you," Hanataro chattered.
"The pleasure is mine," said Senna. "What were you two doing out in the cold?"
"We overheard some soldiers talking about the Reaper and we wanted to hear more so we followed them," Soi Fon answered.
Senna smiled wryly. "The Reaper, huh? He's a famous name in these parts. Most of the stories and legends they tell about him aren't even remotely true. Or at least, they're greatly exaggerated."
"Do you know him?"
"Yes. Ichigo is very close friends with my daughter. My husband and I think of him as a son of sorts."
Soi Fon tried to keep her excitement from showing on her face. "And your daughter is…?"
Senna looked at her weirdly. "My daughter is Korra. The Avatar."
"Oh, of course, of course. Sorry, I wasn't thinking. That's amazing. What is it like to be the mother of someone so… influential?"
"That's a good question. It's not easy, that's for sure. She has so much pressure and responsibility on her shoulders and as a mother, I just want her to be free of all that. But because of who she is, that will never happen. She's the Avatar. I'm just glad Ichigo is there to help her. Republic City is a whole lot safer with the two of them there."
Soi Fon smiled slightly and then stared into the fire, her eyes glazed over in thought.
Back at the ravine, Izuru got to his feet. "I'd say it's been about half an hour. Let's go."
"Wait," Omaeda said. "We have to take off our coats like the Captain said."
"Are you serious?" said Iba. "Did you see Hanataro? Poor kid was dying already. I'm keeping my coat on and you should too."
"Ugh, fine."
The three of them entered the gate but they didn't get far. An important looking man with a group of soldiers behind him spotted them and stopped them in a street. He crossed his arms.
"Is this a joke?" he said.
"Is what a joke?" asked Izuru uncertainly.
"Why the hell are you wearing Northern Water Tribe military uniforms? You couldn't wait longer to pull this prank? The civil war only ended two weeks ago."
"Hey, back off," Omaeda said. "We're just cold." He opened his coat to reveal the sword at his belt. "Let us pass and this won't get ugly."
The man looked at him with derision and then nodded to his soldiers.
"Arrest them."
"Yes, Chief Tonraq."
Uryu lowered his gaze and did his best to remain inconspicuous as the Dai Li in front of him turned a corner, his prisoner walking dejectedly in front of him. Having tailed him for some time, Uryu knew he must've got the attention of the Dai Li. The man in front of him maintained his course but his pace had slowed allowing Uryu to follow him more obviously.
All around him, he could feel the presence of more Dai Li as they gradually converged on his position. After they had passed into the far more wealthy and glamorous Upper Ring, he could feel them drawing closer and closer.
The man he was tailing seemed to be heading straight forward, presumably to the palace. Uryu kept a stern look on his face and did his best not to engage anyone. People around him scoffed at his ratty dress and kept their distance but there was still that air of unease. They could tell a Dai Li target when they saw one.
Up ahead, there was a group of foot soldiers standing guard across the street in front of him. He continued on towards them without fear as the civilians around him headed into side streets and peeked out their windows. Behind him, he could feel the Dai Li cutting off his exit. Eventually, he reached the soldiers who barred his way and crossed their arms. Their captain stepped forward.
"Halt," he said. "State your business."
"Leisurely stroll," Uryu replied nonchalantly.
"Yeah, right. We know you've been tailing a Dai Li agent. We order you to turn around and return to the Middle Ring or you will be arrested."
Two Dai Li agents emerged behind him. "We'll take it from here, officers," one of them said.
Uryu felt his left fingers twitch as the Dai Li drew closer and he allowed reiatsu to spark along his hand. Suddenly he leapt into the air and materialized his bow. It's blue light rippled and pulsed with energy as he fired two arrows into the midst of the soldiers, scattering them and causing a cloud of dirt and dust to rise into the air.
The soldiers shouted as Uryu landed on the rooftops and began springing from one to the other with the Dai Li in hot pursuit. He was still keeping track of the Dai Li in front of him who had sped up and had let go of all pretenses. Since he was on the rooftops, he could somewhat see the palace up ahead of him. It loomed large and shone brightly in the sunlight, it's golden roof beaming brilliantly.
Turning to his left, he saw several Dai Li agents running alongside him on roofs across the street. They exchanged shots, them rocks and him arrows. Pinging them down one by one, Uryu continued on towards the palace but more and more agents were on his tail. The group of soldiers had grown larger and were following them on the streets below.
At last he could see the palace in full. There was a massive open space surrounding it with no rooftops for him to run on. A huge platoon of troops stood at the ready with a force of Dai Li commanding them. They had formed a semi-circle which they clearly intended to trap him in. Uryu smiled. Everything was going according to plan.
As he finally ran out of rooftop, Uryu flipped up, dodging several small boulders flung by the army and turning in midair to face the soldiers running up below him. He unleashed a barrage of arrows that cut a swathe through all of them before landed solidly and turning away from them to face the palace.
The Dai Li quickly surrounded him and the troops guarding the palace moved in closer. They were wary of him. Good. He stood tall and allowed the wind to buffet against his clothes and hair. His plan had worked perfectly thus far. After learning about the Dai Li and their connection to the Queen, he knew that his most likely bet of meeting her was through them so he'd continued to ask around until he found one.
After that, he'd tailed him and drawn their attention even more before escaping their trap, revealing his power and getting their attention. With a deep breath, Uryu allowed his spirit bow to dissipate. The soldiers and Dai Li looked at him in confusion as he slowly raised his hands.
"I surrender."
Ichigo held Zangetsu out in front of him and began to power up. As the airship continued to move through the morning sky, he'd come up here early to train like Zangetsu had told him to. His reiatsu began to flare up and he took great care to force it's power skyward instead of the ship below him.
"Bankai!"
In a flash of light, he transformed and the sleek, tight robes of his new Shihakusho appeared. He twirled Zangetsu around and took some experimental swings. The power of his Bankai was incredible and riveting; he felt faster and stronger than ever before. But he could also tell there was a time limit on it. Eventually his strength would run out just like it had against Unalaq.
Ichigo began his exercises, practicing his swings and sword techniques while doing his best to maintain his breathing levels and keep them steady. After a fast flurry of attacks, he set his sword down and tried to examine his power levels. Decent, he thought to himself. I'm confident I have the willpower to push past my limits but it wouldn't hurt to be stronger anyway.
The door behind him opened and he turned to see Korra coming with a smug look on her face.
"You're up early," she said.
"You too."
"So what's this new form of yours? Is it like the Avatar State?"
"Kind of. It's a heightened level of my powers and my sword."
"Hmm," she crossed her arms and smirked. "Care to spar?"
"Huh? You and me?"
"Just a little bit. No swords, no bending. Just a good old fashioned fist fight."
"Oh, you sure? I might be a little bit too fast for you, you know. Wouldn't want to hurt you," he joked.
Korra grinned and beckoned mockingly. "Try me, buddy. I can still kick your ass any day of the week."
Ichigo smirked back and then shot forward, his sudden change of pace surprising her as he knocked her back. She tried to recover but he was already behind her, landing a solid kick to her back that sent her flying. Korra got her feet and brushed off her clothes as Ichigo sprang forward but she dropped low and as he passed over her, she caught his leg and hurled him back into the ground with a crash.
They both got up and took a slower approach, exchanging light blows and dancing around one another. Korra's stance was more solid than his from all her earthbending training so it was difficult to move her but he was far faster and could attack from multiple angles in succession.
Ichigo began to up the speed again and hit her at different spots on the body and she couldn't defend herself.
"You're too slow!" He jeered.
Korra was getting frustrated. None of her attacks were landing and she was looking like a fool. "Alright, enough," she declared.
Suddenly, her eyes gleamed white as she entered the Avatar State and her arm shot out, catching Ichigo in a painful clothesline that sent him tumbling onto his back. Instantly she was on him and pressed her knee into his chest to keep him still. He raised his fist but she caught it and planted it into the ground. "Yield," she growled, her voice reverberating powerfully.
"Isn't this cheating?" he complained. "I yield. If we go on like this, we could destroy the ship."
Korra's eyes returned to normal and she got off of him. "That was totally unfair," Ichigo said.
"What do you mean? You got your power up, and I got mine."
"Fine," he conceded. "I'd still beat you with my sword."
"Sorry, who defeated Vaatu again? Oh yeah. Me."
"Whatever." The two of them laughed.
"That was fun," Korra said, getting to her feet. She offered him a hand. "I'm glad you're on this trip."
"Me too." He accepted her hand and she pulled him up. Behind them, Tenzin and Bolin came running through the door.
"What's going on?" Tenzin exclaimed. "What was that crash?"
"Are you two alright?" asked Bolin frantically.
"We're fine," Korra said. "Me and Ichigo were just sparring."
"Ichigo and I," Ichigo corrected.
"Shut up."
"Oh," said Tenzin. "We thought we were being attacked. Anyways, Bolin and I were brainstorming and we have some great ideas for how to convince the new airbenders to join the Air Nation!"
Along their travels, they reached several locations where Tenzin tried several tactics to win the new airbenders over.
First location: a young airbending kid and his mother.
"When your son becomes a master, he'll get tattoos all over his body. Just like me!"
Slam!
Second location: a fat slob currently consuming a leg of chicken.
"There's nothing more nutritious than our vegetarian diet."
Slam!
Third location: a prudish, wealthy woman wearing expensive clothes and jewellery.
"I can tell that you're going to love our ancient airbender robes. They're very breathable."
Slam!
Fourth location.
"You'll never have to worry about your worldly possessions again. Because you won't have any!"
Slam!
"You'll get to shave your head!"
Slam!
"Your best friend will be a giant bison!"
After several more failed attempts, Tenzin and Bolin sat dejectedly inside the airship with Korra and Bumi. Ichigo and Asami were sitting on a couch on the level above them trying not to laugh at Tenzin's frustrated expression.
"Ugh!" he exclaimed. "I really thought I had that last guy. Who doesn't want a bison as their best friend?"
"It's okay, Tenzin," Bumi said, "I still wanna be an airbender."
"Okay," said Korra, "we've tried it your way and people just don't seem to be responding. It's time for a little tough love. Hey, Ichigo, go grab Mako. I'm gonna need your guy's best scowls."
They travelled to their second last location before reaching Ba Sing Se and rang the doorbell. It opened to reveal a kindly-looking middle aged lady with greying hair and bright red lipstick. Korra nudged Ichigo and Mako to turn their frowns upside down.
The lady squealed happily. "Are you the Avatar?" She led them inside to a modest, but well-furnished kitchen. "When my son got airbending, my husband and I were so happy. We thought this could open up a lot of doors for him. Maybe he could finally move out of the basement." She laughed and nudged Korra.
Korra laughed as well. "How old is he?"
"He's 22. And you know, still just figuring his life out."
"Well, I have a great opportunity for him. We're looking for airbenders to join us at the Northern Air Temple!"
"Ahh! That sounds wonderful! I'll get him. Ryu! Get up here!" She yelled gruffly.
Korra and Mako exchanged thumbs up as they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Ichigo gave an awkward smile and crossed his arms. Ryu emerged, a tall and lanky guy with big, thick glasses and a mop of messy, black hair. His clothes had a few stains on them and he was wearing one slipper. The other foot was bare.
"Hi, I'm Korra," she offered her hand.
"So, you're like the Avatar or something. Big deal," he replied in a dry, nasally, monotonous voice.
"Uhh… I just wanted to talk to you about an opportunity."
"Yeah, I heard you talking to my mom and I'm not interested." He turned to head back downstairs.
Ichigo snorted as Korra fumed. "Well, you're gonna be interested." She grabbed his collar and roughly flung him into a chair at the dinner table. Slapping her hand on the table, she gave him a stern look. "You're an airbender now and you have a responsibility as a citizen of the world."
"Whatever, I didn't ask to become an airbender, you know?"
Korra scoffed. "Well, I didn't ask to be the Avatar but I am and I'm fulfilling my duties."
"So? You don't have to."
"Yes, I do have to."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do."
"…No, you don't."
Ichigo was nearly shaking as he held back laughter and leaned on a scowling Mako. The guy was annoying for sure but the way he was exasperating Korra was hilarious.
"Maybe we should say something," Mako whispered to him.
"Nah. Korra just told us to scowl. Let her handle this."
"If I didn't embrace my role then our entire world could be thrown into chaos!" Korra said. "Think about that. Is that what you want?"
"Maybe," Ryu said.
"No, it's not!"
"So what? Who cares?"
"Everyone cares!" she yelled.
"I don't care."
"Yes, you do!" Korra slammed her hands on the table.
"No, I don't."
"Well, you're about to care, you little slacker because you're coming with me!" She grabbed his collar again and dragged him to his feet and to the door. Ichigo and Mako stepped aside as she walked away determinedly.
"Hey, stop pulling on my collar, you're stretching it out. Mom! Are you just gonna let her take me?"
"I think it's a great opportunity," his mother replied as he planted his feet on both sides of the door. She started pushing him through. "Just try it for a week and see how it goes."
"No! Let me go!"
He pushed off the doorframe with airbending and tore through his shirt sending him and his mother to the floor. Korra flung the ruined shirt onto the ground and started to march inside again. "That's it! I'm gonna-"
Ichigo and Mako quickly grabbed her arms and pulled her away.
"Korra, enough!" Mako said. "Let's just get out of here."
"Good luck with your son," Ichigo offered. "We can't all be stubborn go-getters."
In the middle of a cracked, fiery landscape where a volcano had changed the surface of the ground to a hardened and crusty desert of ash, stood four walls around the volcano itself. Within the volcano was a complicated structure of metal bridges surrounding a single, golden bell. Circular platforms built into the walls of the volcano all surrounded one cage that was suspended by powerful cables over the searing hot lava below.
White Lotus members stood guard on the platforms. The cage itself was tiny and built of wood and steel and it's single occupant was a woman with long, black hair and two stumps where her arms once were. She sat in silent meditation but then opened her eyes as a commotion rose in the platforms and bridges above her.
"We're under attack!"
"Look out!"
Above her she could see plumes of fire and air as guards were sent tumbling down from their posts. A wooden bucket was slashed open above her and a wave of water came crashing down to the prison. The woman quickly got up and caught the water, manipulating it to form long arms which she used to break out of her cage.
Using the water like hands to climb, she clambered up atop the cage as the White Lotus guards fired at her. She flipped off one of the cables and launched herself into the air, taking out two guards at the same time. Swinging from platform to platform, she made her way up to the top platform to join her rescuers, Zaheer and Ghazan.
The woman's water hands turned to ice and she picked the remaining guards up off the ground and flung them powerfully against the walls. Within seconds, all the White Lotus members had been defeated with ease. She turned to Zaheer and Ghazan with a smile.
"I never thought I'd be so happy to see your ugly mugs again," she said.
"Great to see you too, Ming-Hua," Ghazan replied.
"I'm flattered. You busted me out before that girlfriend of yours."
Zaheer's lips curled into a confident sneer. "We're getting her next."
Soi Fon crouched low on a small ridge beneath the residential area where she'd left Hanataro with Senna. After questioning her some more, they'd found out that Republic City was accessible by water. She was now headed towards the harbour and she also planned on meeting up with the other Soul Reapers who would've entered the city by now.
Leaping off the ridge, her lithe body travelled silently through the air as she landed softly on rooftops, springing from one to the other. It was funny how many people tended to never look up so her presence went unnoticed. As she drew closer to the harbour, she honed in on the reiatsu of the others. It was concentrated on a single building at the edge of the city.
The prison. Those fools, she thought angrily. What have they done now?
Changing direction, she travelled towards it and alighted atop a spire on a building across the street from the prison. Their reiatsu wasn't deep inside as they must've only recently been arrested. Perhaps they were in a holding cell or being questioned. The reiatsu of the soldiers or guards felt different and she would have to get used to it but she had a general idea of where they were.
The street was currently empty and she lofted down to it. There looked to be no other way in but the front doors that barred her entry. Soi Fon let her hand tighten around the sword at her back as she dashed forward and put her back up against the doors. It was unlocked.
Silent as a mouse, she crept through it and into the prison. The room she emerged in was dark and dreary with only tiny barred windows to create any sort of illumination. There was an empty desk against the wall to her left and straight ahead was a black hallway which most likely led to the cells. To her right was an door that led to an adjoining hallway.
Soi Fon headed to the right as that was where she felt the others' reiatsu. The darkness aided her as she snuck her way down the hall, ducking under archways and into adjacent rooms whenever she heard noises. Her companions were at the end of the hall. She sniffed and then peered into a room. Their zanpakutos were leaning against a wall.
As she made her way towards them a hand shot out and gripped her shoulder. Soi Fon quickly grabbed the wrist and twisted it painfully, eliciting a cry of pain as she then flung her opponent over her shoulder and onto the floor. He coughed and was about to cry for help but she quickly prodded a nerve on his neck and he was out.
She took the weapons and stole her way down to the room at the end of the hall. Peeking inside, she saw Omaeda, Izuru and Iba sitting in chairs with their arms shackled behind their backs. No doubt they could've broken free but they most likely didn't want to cause a scene.
The guards had their backs to her as she approached and wrapped her arm around one's neck, bringing him to the ground with ease. The others leapt back in surprise.
"Intruder! Fool. It's two against one."
One of them caused ice to sprout up from the ground as Soi Fon flipped to the side and rushed towards him, catching him in the face with a knee that sent him reeling into the wall. He held his broken nose and cried out to his partner. "Get backup!"
"Oh, I don't think so," Iba said as Omaeda broke through his restraints and grabbed the guard by the throat and bashed his head against the wall. The other Soul Reapers removed their restraints as well and nodded to Soi Fon.
"We figured you'd find us, Captain Soi Fon, and we didn't want to cause a scene," Izuru said.
"No matter," she replied. "You've caused a scene already but we're almost done here. You," she turned to the guard with the broken nose. "Will any of your ships reach Republic City?"
He spat blood at her. "I'm not telling you anything."
She smirked. "Oh, really?" Gripping the front of his uniform, she hauled him up and held him with one hand, his feet dangling over the floor. "I will drop you from the tallest spire in this city on your face. Trust me, your nose won't be the only thing that's broken."
"Okay! Okay! We have trade and supply ships that come to and from Republic City every day. They're easy to spot."
"Thank you." She tossed him against the wall again, knocking him out.
"Damn," Omaeda said aloud. "That was pretty aggressive for a stealth mission, wasn't it?"
"We have our objective. Kurosaki Ichigo and the Avatar are both in this so called Republic City. You three, go down to the docks and board one of these supply ships. I will retrieve Hanataro and will meet you there. We'll be out of the cold soon enough."
They nodded and dashed off down to the harbour. Soi Fon went the opposite way, making her way back to Senna's place. The door was open as she returned, taking care to hide the blood on her clothes. A tall, broad-shouldered man was inside with Senna and Hanataro who was sitting awkwardly in the corner.
"Oh, Soi Fon, you're back!" Senna said. "Would you and your brother like to stay a little longer? Dinner will be ready soon."
Soi Fon shook her head with a false smile. "No, thank you. You've been more than kind to us and we'd best be getting home."
Hanataro got up hurriedly and rushed past the man who turned to look Soi Fon in the eye.
"And where might home be?" he questioned gruffly.
"Near the harbour," Soi Fon answered, not skipping a beat.
"Hmm."
"Oh, Tonraq, let them be," Senna said.
He nodded. "You're right. We have more important things to worry about."
As Soi Fon headed out the door, she tuned her ears to their conversation. "I've received word from Lord Zuko," Tonraq murmured. "The Red Lotus is on the move."
"Where are we going?" Hanataro stammered as they made their way into town again.
"Republic City," Soi Fon answered. "The others will have a ship waiting for us at the docks."
"You got all the information you needed? I'm sure that couple would've given you more. They seemed like good people."
"We cannot linger too long."
They reached the harbour and Soi Fon followed the reiatsu of the others to an old and crusty ship where a motley crew sang songs on the top deck. The other Soul Reapers were huddled in the cargo hold. "You're sure this ship is bound for Republic City?" she asked.
"Aye," Omaeda said. "Overheard the captain say so himself."
"Then we'd best get settled down. We have a long journey ahead of us."
"You sure you didn't make a mistake leaving those guards alive?" Izuru said.
"I only came here to kill one person. As far as I'm concerned, the others are not worth the trouble."
Iba crossed his arms. "Watch this come back to bite us in the ass."
"Are you questioning my judgement?" Soi Fon demanded.
His eyes darkened. "Not yet."
Uryu felt his wrists ache as the rock handcuffs tightened around them behind his back. The Dai Li had quickly subdued him but had been very confused at the disappearance of his bow. The army had since dispersed and he was being led down a long hallway with immensely tall walls that emanated an eerie green glow.
At the end of the hallway were two great doors of massive scale and adorned in rich greens and golds. Several Dai Li moved ahead and the doors opened into the throne room. Most things did not surprise or awe Uryu but even he almost had his breath taken away.
The throne room was truly ginormous with a cold and smooth marble floor. To the right and to the left it stretched out into darkness. The ceiling was supported by thick wooden pillars and green filtered light illuminated the room. At the back wall were thin drapes that hung around an immense carved statue of some kind of animal, perhaps a mole or a badger.
In front of the statue was the throne, sitting on a raised dais above a wide staircase. The throne was made of solid gold and had wings that stretched out for at least ten feet on each side. And atop the throne itself sat the Earth Queen.
Her unsmiling face was stretched and unpleasant to look at and her hair was tied back tightly beneath a wide crown. Yellow and green robes covered her entire body and her fingers had long, sharp, metal nails at the ends of them.
Uryu was shoved to his knees at her feet and his glasses fell off his face. The Dai Li knelt around him as the Queen eyed them with an unimpressed expression.
"Well?" she said in a deep and spiteful voice, "who is this?"
"We heard reports that he was asking around about the Dai Li and about your Majesty in the lower levels, my Queen."
"So?"
"He tracked down one of our agents to the Upper Ring and evaded our trap before taking out several more agents and some soldiers. He was able to create a bow and arrows out of seemingly nothing and it took nearly a whole legion of troops and a detachment of Dai Li to cause him to surrender but I have no doubt he could've caused far more damage if he chose."
"Hmm." She studied Uryu with curiosity. "Rise, boy. Show me your face."
He got up and met her eyes with his own. The Dai Li instantly kicked him down.
"Never look her Majesty in the eyes, filth. Know your place."
"Her contempt for you is obvious," Uryu replied coldly. "You grovel at her feet like a dog and thus do not deserve any of her respect."
The Queen sat back and laughed haughtily. "You amuse me, boy. Are my famous Dai Li agents not good enough for you?"
"To be frank, your grace, they were disappointing. I led them on a merry chase throughout your city up until the steps of the palace where I surrendered willingly. Perhaps their infamy is exaggerated. For they pale in comparison with the magnificence of your Majesty."
She scoffed. "Do not waste my time with flattery. I am not fool enough to be won over by it and you will certainly win no respect from me by doing so."
"Oh believe me, my Queen, I know. As such a commanding and influential figure, there are few things that must deserve your respect. However, I believe I know one thing which you may respect. Power. You possess it unlike any other and like you, I respect it as well. As your Dai Li have attested, I possess power in abundance. My only wish is to be your loyal servant. My power is yours to command."
"Oh my," the Queen laughed again. "A truly riveting speech. And what would you want in return? Nothing is without a price in Ba Sing Se, after all."
"The other nations do not respect you as they should, your grace. By all rights, they should be the ones grovelling at your feet and at the feet of the mighty Earth Kingdom. Allow me to be your ambassador to Republic City. Allow me to teach the other nations why they should respect you."
She put her fingers to her chin in thought. "You are right. Republic City is built on Earth Kingdom territory which Fire Lord Zuko and Avatar Aang claimed as their own. I have long sought to regain it. Perhaps you understand me, boy. But I cannot reward criminal activity with a place in my government. You must prove this power of yours. Train my Dai Li agents to fight as you do. If your methods are effective, you will be my ambassador. It's high time I got someone competent around here. Remove his restraints and see him to his chambers," she instructed.
Uryu allowed the guards to obey her order before picking up his glasses and rising to his feet. "Give me a few days and your secret agents will be more efficient than ever before. Give me a few years… and Republic City will be yours."
The Queen smiled, a chilling, horrid smile. "Be careful not to get ahead of yourself…" she paused, not knowing his name.
"Uryu, your grace. Uryu Ishida."
"Uryu. Go then. Make good on your promises. If you don't, I will have your head."
She twirled her fingers and Uryu turned to leave, the Dai Li all looking at him in confusion and anger. As he strode past them, he allowed a light smile to touch his stern face. I'm coming, Kurosaki.
Morale was low inside the airship as the group sat sullenly around the meeting table. Every attempt had been a failure thus far and they were running out of locations to go to. Ichigo sat with Asami and rubbed her back absentmindedly as the team sat in silence. Eventually, Tenzin spoke up.
"Well, I guess we had best just go to Ba Sing Se and try our luck there," he said in a tired voice.
"I don't know what to do," said Korra. "I just thought more people would be excited about coming with us."
"Well, maybe you gotta do more to get them excited," Bumi suggested. "You need to add a little razzle dazzle."
"That could work," Ichigo admitted.
"Yeah, razzle dazzle!" Bolin exclaimed. "We could put on some kind of airbending street performance."
"I was gonna say we could cover Tenzin's robe in sequins but that's even better!" said Bumi.
"It sounds ridiculous," Korra said," but it might work."
"I'm willing to try anything at this point," said Tenzin.
"Yes! That is the kind of enthusiasm I like to hear!" Bolin said excitedly.
Ichigo stretched out his arms. "Great stuff. Just don't expect me to get involved."
Korra smirked. "We'll see about that."
They arrived at a small village built at the peak of a mountain. Many of the homes were actually built into the rock formations of the mountain itself. The village residents gathered in front of the giant airship as Bolin addressed them through a megaphone.
"Come one, come all and witness the amazing airbenders! An airbending show that will leave you breathless… with wind! First up: the tattooed master himself, you know him as the son of Avatar Aang. He shaves every hair on his head every single day! It's the one, the only guy with an arrow pointing to his nose… Tenzin!"
Tenzin whirled around dramatically and threw off his upper robes before creating a spinning cycle around him and riding around the town to the awe and joy of the cheering villagers.
Bolin lowered his voice in suspense. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, please be quiet. I have some serious news. We've heard that an escaped firebending convict has been spotted near here and that he has taken an innocent, defenceless, non-bending hostage. Now I don't want to panic anyone but if you see a firebender with a red scarf with his arms around a young man with orange hair…"
"I see them!"
"He's right there!"
Mako and Ichigo had mingled into the crowd and Mako had Ichigo in a headlock. Both guys had deadpan expressions as Mako led him out of the throng and into the open.
"I am the escaped convict," Mako said unenthusiastically. "And you and this hostage will all reap my fire." He half-heartedly punched a plume of fire into the air and the crowd gasped.
"Please help me, airbenders," said Ichigo in the same tone. "Only you can save me from this evil firebender who took me from my home."
"Oh no, who will help us?" Bolin cried.
"I will!" Korra declared as she stood tall. "With my airbending skills!"
She twirled her arms and wrapped Mako in a tornado of air, bouncing him up and down screaming.
"Hey! Let me go!"
Ichigo fell out of his grasp and Korra caught him with air and brought him safely to her side.
"My hero," he droned sarcastically.
Korra raised Mako higher and higher into the air.
"This is not what we rehearsed! Korra!"
Korra and Asami chuckled to each other. Bolin gave running commentary as Oogie, Bumi and Jinora showed off their respective skills.
"With the power of airbending, even this beast can float! Look at what can be done with only a few weeks of practice! Don't worry, folks," he said as Jinora zoomed by on her glider. "She might be young but she is in full control! Ladies and gentlemen, if you or anyone you know is an airbender then please, send them our way! Master Tenzin and Avatar Korra would love to teach them all they know!"
The crowd roared their collective approval and then slowly began to disperse. Korra and Tenzin exchanged hopefully smiles. The show had gone perfectly. From out of the crowd, a young boy came running up to them. His hair was brown and curly and his expression was youthful and bright.
"Hey, hello!" he said. "If you're looking for airbenders, you just found one." He demonstrated his abilities. "I wanna join you guys."
Everyone grinned. "Get outta town!" Bolin exclaimed.
"We got our first recruit," Korra said proudly. "Just to be totally clear, we're heading to Ba Sing Se, then the Northern Air Temple to live as nomads and rebuild the Air Nation. All that sound good to you?"
"Well, when you put it like that, even I don't want to go," Ichigo muttered.
"Yeah," the kid said. "Ba Sing Se, rebuild the temple, air nomad whatdoyado, I'm in! Let's go right now."
"This is gonna be so great!" Bolin said. "You're gonna love it, uh, uh. Real quick, what's your name?"
"Kai. So, when do we hit the road?"
"Hang on a second, Kai," Tenzin said. "Where are your parents? We can't have you come with us without their permission."
He looked down. "My parents are… gone."
"You're an orphan?" Bolin asked sadly.
Kai nodded. "It happened about a year ago. My home town was raided by outlaws but my parents fought back against them. I was so scared. But they told me not to worry. They would protect me and they did. My parents saved me and the entire village. But they died in the fight. Mom and Pop meant everything to me. They were my whole life. Ever since then, I've been on my own and on the run. Those same outlaws are still after me."
Bolin wiped away a tear. "Well, you don't have to be on the run anymore! Right guys? Tell him."
"I'm so sorry about your parents," Tenzin said. "I know we could never replace them but we're here for you."
"We'll keep you safe," Korra promised. "Come on."
Ichigo and Mako glanced at each other. "Was it just me," Ichigo whispered. "Or did that feel rehearsed?"
"His speech?" Mako replied. "Sure hope it wasn't."
Bolin put his arm around Kai. "When you board this airship, you're gonna leave your old life behind and start a new path. That's some big brother advice. Just think of me as your big brother."
They boarded the airship and prepared to leave but Mako looked out the back window. Several men on motorbikes came roaring into the village and rushed towards the airship.
"Guys, I think we got trouble."
Their leader got off his bike and removed his helmet. "Release the boy or we'll take him by force." The other riders formed up around him and raised up stones to attack.
Kai grabbed Korra's arm desperately. "The outlaws… they're after me! Let's get out of here!"
"We're not running from anyone," she replied.
Ichigo placed his combat pass to his chest and his robes and sword appeared. Kai looked on in fear as he and Korra exited the airship. "If you want Kai," Korra said, "you'll have to go through us."
She leapt forward and smashed through all their simultaneous attacks with one airkick before taking out three of them with another. Ichigo dashed in close and hurled the other two against a house with one arm. Then he pointed his sword at the leader'ss face who had fallen against a fountain.
"Surrender," Ichigo said coldly.
"Your days of harassing an innocent boy are over," Korra declared. "You outlaws are going to prison."
"Outlaws?" the leader exclaimed. "Innocent boy? Is that what he told you? I'm a sheriff and these are my deputies. And this kid is a thief. Whatever he told you is a lie. We've been chasing him for months."
Ichigo removed his sword and slung it over his shoulder. "For God's sake kid," he muttered. "I knew that speech sounded fake as hell."
Korra narrowed her eyes. "Where's Kai?"
"Right here," Mako said. He was holding Kai in one arm and his bag in the other. "I found him slipping away during the fight."
"I was going to the bathroom!" Kai said lamely.
"With your sack of gold?"
"I told you I found that on the road!"
Mako tossed the bag at the sheriff's feet and it opened to reveal several expensive looking items and jewels. "Enough with the lies, kid. I want the truth."
"The truth is he's the outlaw," the sheriff said. "He spent his entire life as an orphan until he got adopted by a real nice family about six months ago. And how did he repay them? By taking their entire life's savings. We've been after him ever since."
"Is that true?" Korra asked.
"The person who stole that stuff was the old me," Kai replied. "Once I got airbending, I changed. I don't know how to explain it but I feel like airbending chose me for a reason. It's like I'm a new person. I'm sorry, please! You have to listen to me!"
"Fat chance, kid," Ichigo said gruffly. "I was a delinquent too. I only got my powers because I was trying to save my sisters. But they didn't change who I was. Your airbending hasn't either." The deputies gripped Kai's shoulders and began leading him away.
"Are you taking him back to the orphanage?" Bolin asked sadly.
"No," the sheriff replied. "He's headed to jail."
Korra looked down in thought then made up her mind. "Wait! You guys got the family's life savings back. Now let us take Kai."
"Oh, come on," Ichigo complained. "You can't be serious."
"Do you really want our first new member of the Air Nation to be a liar and a thief?" Tenzin asked.
Korra smiled. "He just needs some guidance, Tenzin. And who better to give it to him than us?"
"Do you want this kid or not?" the sheriff said.
"Yes," Tenzin said eventually. "You can release the boy into our custody."
Kai beamed from ear to ear and ran to embrace Korra. "Thank you."
"Don't make me regret it," she said.
Bolin grinned and joined the hug. "Welcome to the family, little bro."
Ichigo crossed his arms and stood off. As they began to board the airship, Korra bumped him on the arm.
"Lighten up, man," she said lightheartedly. "We've all made mistakes and needed guidance, you just as much as me."
That brought an embarrassed smile to his face. "I guess you're right. I just don't want him to get us into trouble."
Korra shrugged. "Whatever trouble we get into, we can take care of it. You and me took out those officers like it was nothing."
"Oh, yay for us, we beat up some cops."
She pushed him on the head with a laugh. "Shut up."
Kai strode past Mako sheepishly but the firebender gripped his head and turned him round. He looked him sternly in the eye.
"I just want you to know I'm gonna be watching you, kid. I know exactly what you're all about because I've been there before. You don't have me fooled."
"Whoa," Kai backed up. "Hey, chill out. I'm turning over a new leaf. Making a change. Don't you worry about me." He headed up the ramp to where Jinora was waiting.
"Hi, I'm Jinora," she said shyly and blushed. "If- if you need any help with airbending, I could show you what I know."
"Thanks," he smiled. "That's real nice of you."
"Jinora!" Tenzin called. "We're leaving now."
In the ruined remains of Ming-Hua's prison, a White Lotus guard made his report to an old man dressed in heavy red robes. His long white hair was tied at the top of his head and his beard pointed sharply towards his feet. But what was most striking about him was the blazing red scar that covered his left eye and ear.
"They came out of nowhere. I'm so sorry, Lord Zuko," the guard said.
Fire Lord Zuko scowled. "How could you let this happen?"
"They caught us by surprise. And Zaheer is an airbender now."
"No! This can't be. Do you have any idea the power these criminals possess? Individually, they can take down any bender. Put them all together and they could take down the entire world. And now you're telling me their leader is an airbender?"
"We can track them."
"We don't need to track them; I know exactly where they're going. Notify the new Chiefs of the Northern Water Tribe that an attack on their prison is imminent and send word to Lin Beifong in Republic City. The Avatar must be protected." Zuko and the guard strode outside where an immense red and golden dragon was waiting for them.
"Where are you going?"
"To stop them."
Zuko boarded the great beast and it took off, beating it's massive wings against the evening sky and churning through the air at incredible speed, quickly leaving the empty prison in it's wake.
And that's the end! Let me know what you all thought. I have a pretty consistent writing schedule going on especially with quarantine and everything so I'm planning on posting at least one chapter next month. I hope you all enjoyed reading! See you next time! (Replying to comments down below)
Comment from anoyak111: Another great chapter. 5 sub plots happening at the same time must be difficult. The way you handle it this chapter was great and well paced. Wished ichigo interacted more with korra. Its the brother and sister relationship dynamic that makes this story great.
Reply: Thanks, I appreciate that! And yeah I really like writing Ichigo and Korra scenes, I had a few more this chapter but it's harder with so much going on in the story
Comment from Lucifer's assassin: Is it too late to ask for ichigoxkorra? I wish I had found this fix a few years earlier. The writing Is definitely flawless. Honestly not finding this fix early enough to ask for ichikorra is pretty much my only regret
Reply: It's not too late haha there's still a lot more of this story to go and anything can happen. And thanks for the compliment! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read the story
