Published February 13, 2018. Happy Mardi Gras and Saint Valentine's Day!
Note: This chapter contains non-explicit allusions to marital intimacy.
"Little Stranger"
While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." ~ Matthew 12:46-50, New International Version
Korra's access to news outlets is limited, both because she is so busy and because the White Lotus has a monopoly on the Temple radio. But Asami, Mako, Bolin, and even Jinora fill her in on what they hear and read. Official reports and hearsay rumors indicate the Equalists are not inactive, though no full-scale attack or coup has been attempted yet. Small skirmishes, arrests, and jailbreaks pepper the news.
Some of the metalbenders turn out to be friendly enough to chat with Korra and Asami after self-defense lessons. They talk about their families and how their lives are different now that the city is technically at war. (Somehow Korra never imagined police officers having families and lives outside of their jobs.) Some have sent their spouses and kids away to wait out the conflict. They describe the atmosphere on the mainland as tense, fraught with fear and mistrust. Though Lin's fair-minded officers keep Tarrlok's task force in check, paranoia and common vengeance prompt accusations and arrests, which breed misunderstanding and resentment between benders and non-benders.
When a full week passes without any major Equalist activity, Korra makes a request. "There's something I want to do on the mainland," she says casually over dinner.
"Absolutely not," Monad says instantly. "The Equalists will be looking for you—"
"So send a couple bodyguards," Korra retorts. "Just in case I'm not enough to handle them."
"Where is it you'd like to go?" Tenzin inquires.
Korra smiles and replies, "The zoo."
Most of those seated are bemused by such a seemingly random suggestion, but a look of comprehension crosses Tenzin's countenance. "Are you thinking of your animal guide?"
"Yeah. I want to find out if that's what Naga is."
"Who's Naga?" Bolin asks.
"A polar-bear dog I used to visit there. I can't think of any other animal I've had a connection with."
Monad and Tenzin look at each other, the waterbender drumming his fingers on the table, the airbender stroking his beard. "I suppose it is part of being the Avatar," Monad concedes.
"And an opportunity to learn about the origin of bending from animals," Tenzin points out. "You know about that, don't you?" he asks Korra.
"I know dragons were the first firebenders," Korra says, remembering Aang's training experience with Zuko, Ran and Shaw. "But they don't have those at the zoo, do they?"
"No, they live primarily in the Fire Nation. But the zoo does have badgermoles. They're the original earthbenders. And you've already seen our flying bison, the original airbenders."
"That's how the tradition of arrow tattoos started," Jinora pipes up helpfully. "It's to match the arrows on the bison."
"Huh. Maybe I should take some lessons from Oogi," Korra half jokes. "Maybe he could figure out why I haven't unlocked my airbending." She has been feeling increasingly perplexed by this block, and not being naturally patient, she is growing frustrated with herself for not getting it and with Tenzin for not being able to help her work through it. By now, Korra does well enough at meditation and is learning forms quickly. The other three elements are becoming easier to manage. Only air remains out of reach—which is ironic because it is the only element with which she is in almost constant contact.
Tenzin remains undisturbed by her lack of a breakthrough. "Often, the element that's most difficult for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite to the Avatar's personality. For Aang it was earthbending."
"So how did Aang unlock his earthbending?"
The question makes Tenzin frown. "If I remember correctly, it took a life-threatening experience that finally taught him to—how did Toph put it—face his problems head-on the way an earthbender would."
"So what would the opposite of that be? Avoiding my problems?" Has she not already done that enough?
"No. That's not the Air Nomad way at all. But looking for unusual ways to solve them is."
Suddenly, Meelo stands and picks up an empty plate. "Look alive, Avatar!" He throws the plate toward Korra, who instinctively puts her hands out in front of her, catching it deftly.
"MEELO!" Tenzin and Pema both shout.
"Do not do that again!" Pema scolds.
"What was that for?" Korra demands, lowering the plate.
"It was supposed to wake up your airbending," Meelo pouts.
"You could've triggered the Avatar State instead." Korra sets the plate on the table. "No more sneak attacks, alright?"
"Fine." Meelo airbends, sitting with his legs crossed in midair before floating down onto his cushion.
They make arrangements to go the following day, after Korra and Asami finish the metalbenders' chi-blocking lesson. Tenzin and the White Lotus guards wear civilian clothes rather than their uniforms. Monad insists that the teenagers hide their appearances, which is not difficult because the weather is cold enough to warrant covering their heads, hands, and parts of their faces. "I can't remember the last time I was so anonymous," Tenzin remarks as he puts on a hat and gloves to cover his tattoos.
They take the ferry across the bay, and two unmarked police cars transport them from the docks to the zoo. The streets look mostly the same. Maybe the "atmosphere of fear" is invisible, like air. The only noticeable difference is the police presence outside entrances to the tunnels. Korra wonders once again whether the Equalists evacuated to some location outside the city, or moved aboveground to hide in plain sight. The police cannot search the entire city, though Tarrlok suggested a door-to-door search; regardless of the lack of manpower to conduct one, such action would have violated the people's rights, and exacerbated their already rising paranoia and mistrust.
When they arrive at the zoo, Korra remembers getting caught the last time she tried to visit Naga without paying admission. How simple things had been then, when her worst legal and moral transgression was sneaking into a public attraction! This trip could not be more different: after the White Lotus explains the reason for the visit, the zookeeper admits them outside of usual hours, and personally escorts them to the arctic section.
Naga is lounging in her enclosed area, gnawing on some meaty bones. "She was found all alone in the South," her caretaker says. "Her family probably died or got separated from her." She whistles to get Naga's attention. "Naga, come!"
Naga lifts her head and looks at the group of visitors. Korra pulls her hat up and her coat collar down so her face is visible, then smiles broadly and raises her hand in greeting. "Hey Naga! Sorry it's been a while. Do you remember me? It's Korra."
The focus in Naga's eyes and the twitching of her ears suggest that she recognizes her. As Naga stands and comes closer to the barrier, Korra gestures to her friends. "Do you remember Asami? I'm pretty sure we visited you together at least once. And these are two new friends, Mako and Bolin."
Naga turns to look at them with an expression that might be quizzical. Bolin waves at her, as friendly as ever. Mako and Asami are more reserved, curious but unsure what to make of this venture.
"So, how does this animal guide stuff work?" Korra asks. "Are you reincarnated too? Were you Appa in a previous life?"
"Most animals don't live as long as humans, so probably not," Mako posits.
"So how do we know if she's the one?" Bolin asks. "Is it just a feeling, or is there some way to test it, like with those toys they used to find the Avatar?"
"There's no test that I know of," Tenzin muses. "My father was paired with his bison the same way as any other Air Nomad. As far as I know, the previous Avatars' animal guides just happened to be their pets. They usually raised them."
Korra remembers Amon asking her, once, if she wanted a pet. She said no, because Naga was the only animal she wanted to be her friend, and that was impossible in their tiny apartment. But if she had grown up in the South, and crossed paths with Naga when they were young, they could have grown up together, free.
Pushing away thoughts of wistfulness and blame, Korra looks to the caretaker. "Can I go in the pen?"
The request takes the trainer aback. "Well, uh …" She looks to the zookeeper, who shrugs, as though to tell her to be the judge.
"She grew up in captivity, didn't she? So she's not wild."
"Well … I suppose. Take some of these, though." The caretaker extracts some animal treats from her pockets and hands them to Korra.
Instead of going through the employees' entrance, Korra vaults herself over the wall and lands on the other side in a crouch. Naga bristles, startled at such unusual behavior from a human visitor, and watches her carefully. Korra is not entirely unafraid, facing a huge, powerful animal, but she is much more willing to take a risk and face danger that could lead to her goal.
"Let her come to you," the caretaker encourages.
Korra stretches out her arm and holds out the treat, extending an invitation—You can trust me—and a question—Can I trust you?
"This isn't the kind of thing you can force," Tenzin informs her. Korra ignores him and takes another small step forward.
Naga ambles over, until her nose is only a foot away from the outstretched hand. She sniffs the treat, then eats it; the strange sensation of her tongue and lips makes Korra giggle. Naga nuzzles her now empty hand, and Korra takes this as a sign that it is okay to come closer and pet her. It feels good to finally run her hands through Naga's thick fur, press her face against the animal's side, touch her nose to hers.
"How about that," Tenzin murmurs.
Seeing that it's safe, Asami, Mako, and Bolin come in to join the excitement. The caretaker produces a ball, one of Naga's favorite toys, and teaches them how to play and give commands. Then Bolin has the idea to use earthbending to raise little mounds in the dirt, which Naga tries to pounce on before they disappear. It is the first time Korra has ever used bending in a way that feels not only pleasant but genuinely fun.
She wants to take Naga away from this confined space, but that would be just one more thing for the White Lotus to arrange, one more imposition on Tenzin's hospitality, and one more responsibility on her already full plate. She knows a lot about polar-bear dogs from reading about them when she was younger, but learning to accommodate and care for one personally would take time. Once the war is over, she will ask whether something can be done so they can be together and have a real partnership like Aang and Appa's.
"I'll come back for you," she promises. Naga responds by licking her; her tongue is huge and rough on her cheek.
Watching her talk to the animal, Bolin scratches his head in wonder. "You understand her? Is that part of your Avatar powers?"
Korra shrugs. "I guess. It's not like translating a language. It's more like … intuition."
"So what's the verdict?" Asami asks when they are back in the car. "Do you think she's your guide?"
Korra nods. "I'm convinced, even if none of you are."
As they get closer to the coast, they can see the ocean between the buildings they pass. Mako spots something that makes him straightens up. "There's a ship coming in from the Water Tribe."
Korra whirls her head around to look through the window. "Wait, which one?"
"I'm not sure."
"Does it matter?" Bolin asks.
"Heck yeah! Southern Tribe could mean my family." Korra simultaneously hopes for and against this possibility. Seeing them would be wonderful, but having them so close to Amon would bring back all the anxiety she has been trying to keep at bay.
Tenzin looks out the window and identifies them. "That's the flag and insignia of the Northern Tribe. Judging by the size, it could be the chief, your uncle."
"Wait—your uncle's the chief?" Bolin exclaims, dumbfounded. Mako nudges him hard. "Ow! I'm sorry, I just thought you were done surprising us. Did you know?"
Korra rolls her eyes. "I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you while we were dealing with my adopted father." She read about Tonraq's brother in the newspaper, and he was one of the several political and cultural leaders who offered her asylum, but she has hardly thought about him since she decided to stay in Republic City.
Tarrlok and Yugen are both at the docks, apparently waiting for the ferry to Air Temple Island. Korra gets out of the car and runs up to them without waiting for the guards. "What's going on?" she demands.
"I beg your pardon," Tarrlok answers stiffly.
"We don't really know," Yugen admits. "All we know is Chief Unalaq is here and wants to meet with us, and with you." Seeing the adults approach, he addresses his fellow councilman. "Tenzin, we wondered if your home—"
"Of course," Tenzin sighs. The constant coming and going of so many officials has been a bane to the island's tranquil environment, but it is more secure than City Hall or any other place on the mainland.
Korra does not know how to feel about this unexpected visit. It seems odd for the first family member she meets or reunites with to be her uncle. She wonders how her immediate family feels about that. Are they also coming?
Once the ferry brings them to Air Temple Island, the three councilmen radio the ship. Tenzin grants permission to dock at the island, and quickly changes back into his airbender master robes before they go out to wait for the chief's arrival. Korra and her friends come along more out of curiosity than anything else, though Korra suspects it is also something she ought to do as the Avatar.
The man who descends the gangplank flanked by guards is clearly Water Tribe, with long brown hair, tan skin, and clothing in shades of blue and purple. To Korra's eyes, Unalaq resembles Tarrlok, but his elegant robes are much more traditional than the councilman's modern suits. He has an air of solemnity, as though his importance is taken for granted rather than put in a spotlight.
The three councilmen exchange bows and pleasantries with the chief, getting formalities out of the way before daring to speak some measure of their minds. "What brings you to Republic City?" Yugen asks.
A vague hint of a smile tugs at Unalaq's mouth. "Is wanting to meet my niece not reason enough?"
"Of course," Tarrlok says smoothly, "only you must have considered the danger of coming here personally, given the circumstances."
"Those circumstances are what I would like to remedy," Unalaq informs them. "I apologize for my lack of notice, but sending a message seemed too much of a risk."
"I understand," Tenzin says with the same amount of courtesy.
Unalaq looks past the adults, and eyes fall on the teenagers. "Avatar Korra?"
She steps forward cautiously. "That's me."
Tenzin introduces them. "Korra, this is your father's brother, Unalaq, Chief of the Northern Water Tribe."
Unalaq smiles kindly and puts his hands together to bow. "It's good to finally see you after so long."
She bows slightly in return. "Likewise, um, Chief. Or, can I call you Uncle?"
"I would be honored."
Looking for something more to say, Korra glances back at her companions. "Um, these are my friends, Asami Sato, Mako, and Bolin. They've been helping with my training." She hopes Unalaq will accept this explanation for their presence among political and military officials. Her friends bow, but Unalaq responds only with a nod.
"Why don't we go inside, where we can talk more comfortably?" Tenzin suggests.
"That would be welcome," Unalaq agrees. He looks to Korra as he says, "We have much to talk about." She is not sure whether he means the two of them need to talk, or he needs to talk to the other adults about her.
Tenzin leads the party to the dining rooms. Asami and the boys excuse themselves, but Monad joins the assembly at table. Pema and a few other Acolytes bring tea and other refreshments, the best they can put together on such short notice. It is a mark of Air Nomad hospitality to never turn away a guest, and to give him the best they have to offer, humble though it may be.
"I told Avatar Korra that you wished to meet with her as soon as possible," Tarrlok tells Unalaq, giving her a pointed look.
"Right," Korra remembers belatedly. She tries to look and sound apologetic. "I'm sorry I didn't reach out directly."
Unalaq nods in acceptance. "I understand you've had much to attend to. Have you been in contact with your parents?"
"Yeah. I sent a letter and a telegram."
"Have you heard back from them?"
"… No." Korra frowns, bothered by this for the first time. "Not directly, I guess."
"It has come to my attention that my brother is organizing volunteers from the Southern Water Tribe to help in the war effort against the Equalists."
"My father is doing that?" For a moment Korra flounders in the wave of possibilities this information releases. "He's not thinking of coming here himself, is he?"
"I believe that is his intention."
Her father could be the first member of her immediate family she meets … but the idea of him being so close to Amon, even helping her fight him, makes Korra shake her head. "No. Recruiting help is fine, but he shouldn't come. I don't want him to put himself at risk. If Amon found out …" She does not say what she really suspects, that Amon would be jealous, become possessive, which would make him more dangerous, especially to Tonraq.
"I understand," Unalaq says sympathetically. "And I plan to discuss it with him personally. My next stop will be at the South Pole. You see, I'm concerned that, at some future date, the Equalists might target the Water Tribe in retaliation against your defection."
Korra nods. "Yeah, I worried about that too. Can you do something to prevent that?"
"I already am. As a precaution, I've established military protection around the Northern Tribe and am moving troops to do the same in the South. Additionally, I have a fleet anchored at Red Sands Island at this moment. I'd like to offer my service and that of my people for the protection of Republic City."
"That is generous," Tenzin says, "and I'm sure the Water Tribes want to help their Avatar; but if any military is called upon, it should be the United Forces. It has the closest affiliation with the United Republic, and represents all the nations that helped build it."
There is a pause, which some might call awkward. Finally Unalaq says curtly, "Well, should you feel differently, the offer still stands."
Tenzin turns to Korra, and addresses her by her title for the first time since their initial meeting. "Avatar Korra, you know their numbers and structure better than anyone. Do you think an increased military presence in or around the city will help defend us against the Equalists?"
Korra hesitates, considering. "Not right now," she says slowly. "Not when they're still underground, biding their time. I'm sure they haven't given up on the goal of total takeover. But when the threat is mostly invisible, I think it would send a negative message to their sympathizers. It might seem overaggressive. We might need it eventually, but I think it should be a last resort. And I think Tenzin's right that it should be mainly the United Forces. If the Water Tribes get involved, it'll give Amon another reason to target them."
Unalaq nods in acceptance. "Then I'll focus on securing the borders of the Water Tribe."
"Thank you." Korra's mind is still on her family. "If you're going south, could you bring my parents a message for me?" It would be safer to communicate through a courier, particularly a relative they can count on, than through mail, radio, or telegraph.
"I could—or you could do so yourself."
"Me?"
"I think it would be in your best interests to leave the city."
"What?" Korra is taken aback.
"With all due respect, Chief," Yugen intervenes, "the Avatar is under the United Republic's jurisdiction. Her custody and protection are for us to decide in cooperation with the White Lotus."
"If you keep her within the Equalists' reach, then Amon will come after her and anyone who stands between them."
"I've already talked to the Council and the police about this," Korra says. "I want to stay here until the war's over, and then go to the South to see my family."
"And what about your training?"
"I've got it covered. Monad is teaching me waterbending; Bolin, earth; Mako, fire; and Tenzin, obviously, air."
"And what about the spiritual side of your training?"
Korra feels annoyed, like this is an interrogation. "It's been a little haphazard, but I haven't been ignoring it. I made contact with my past life."
Unalaq looks surprised, breaking his serious demeanor for the first time. "You did?"
"Yeah, and Tenzin says he can help me with the rest of my spiritual training."
After the briefest of pauses, Unalaq tries a slightly different tack. "Every Avatar before you traveled the world to learn."
"You mean before there was one country where benders of every element could live together?"
Unalaq ignores her and turns to Tenzin. "I understand that you are the only airbender master and your position requires you to stay here, but she can learn the other elements anywhere. I happen to know three benders who are exceedingly qualified, and a nonbending martial artist who can teach her to fight without her bending."
Korra snorts. "I've been learning that all my life."
He turns back to her. "The fact is, Korra, anyone who tries to protect you or teach you will be in danger. So your safety and education should be entrusted to the best."
"And who decides who the 'best' are?"
"You can, once you meet my colleagues. They're eager to meet you, and are willing to come here."
Korra glances at Tenzin and Monad, seeking their opinion. Before they can offer it, Unalaq continues, "I need your help with another matter. Are you aware of the recent trouble with spirits and ships in the Southern Water Tribe?"
The question sparks a vague but recent memory. "I think I read something about that in a newspaper."
Unalaq shoots Tenzin and Yugen a look. "I'm surprised the Council has not discussed it with you. After all, the Avatar is the bridge between the material world and the spirits." Focusing on Korra again, he says, "I believe I have a solution to the problem with spirits in the South, but we have limited time to achieve it."
"How long do we have?"
"There are a few months left before the winter solstice, when the spirit world and physical world are closest. We can't afford to wait another year to deal with this problem. It would be my honor to instruct you in the spiritual ways of the Water Tribe."
Korra is uncertain, feeling as though she does not have enough information to make the right decision. She feels the same way she did over a week ago, when faced with several options for how to move forward after her defection. Having so many options available makes her afraid of choosing the wrong one.
"I want to help—I know it's my job to help—but I can't just abandon the city when it's in the middle of a crisis, especially one I helped create. I agreed to teach the police about chi-blocking and self-defense, and I'm an inside source for them to learn about the Equalists. Plus, if I leave, Amon might follow me, and the war would spread outside the city sooner than he'd planned. So I need to finish my work here. The sooner the Equalists are defeated, the sooner I'll be able to help in other parts of the world."
The silence that follows is long enough to make Korra wonder if she sounded silly or self-righteous. But finally Unalaq nods, slow and stiff. "Very well. I can see your mind is made up." He stands, and the other adults follow suit, which prompts Korra to do the same. "I do hope you will agree to at least meet my colleagues, sooner rather than later."
Korra nods. "I'd be open to that."
"We'll stay anchored until nightfall. I will deliver any messages you wish to send."
"Thank you, Uncle." Korra means it sincerely, and bows her head to show it. Unalaq bows in return before leaving the room, Tenzin hurrying to show him out.
Unalaq does not say anything, but Tenzin tries to advocate for Korra. "A great deal has changed for her lately. She's adjusting as best she can. She doesn't need to be rushed." Tenzin smiles slightly. "Once she sets her mind on something, she's quite driven to succeed. Her own patience is likely to run out before yours does."
When a telegram arrives for Tonraq and Senna, they expect it to be from Korra, and are surprised to find it is from Unalaq, announcing his intention to visit the South and have an audience with Tonraq as well as other local leaders.
Tonraq has always somewhat resented Unalaq for insisting on helping them search for Korra, making a big show of his support for the search, yet yielding no results. No matter how he feels, though, he cannot refuse a direct summons.
When he reports to the palace, he is surprised to see that he is not the only one waiting to be admitted. Kya is there, and knows no more than he about why Unalaq wants to see them.
A guard escorts them into the meeting chamber together. As usual, Unalaq greets the person of highest rank first. "Master Kya, it's a pleasure to see you."
Kya bows politely. "Likewise, Chief Unalaq. I hope you had a smooth journey."
"The spirits favored us." Unalaq is referring to the recent string of attacks spirits have made on ships in the South, but his choice of words still irks Tonraq. The only time the spirits seemed to favor Tonraq over his brother was when his child, rather than Unalaq's, turned out to be the Avatar. In fact, Tonraq secretly suspects that Desna and Eska are the result of Unalaq's attempts to have a child at the time when the Avatar was expected to be born, in the hope that his child could be the Avatar.
Only now does Unalaq turn to his brother. "Tonraq," he greets.
"Unalaq," Tonraq replies tonelessly.
"Congratulations on your good fortune. You must be overjoyed."
"Thank you."
"I stopped at Republic City on my way here. I met Korra."
It takes all Tonraq's self-control to not let his anger bubble over. For his brother to see Korra before he or Senna can is just one more insult.
"She asked me to deliver a message." Unalaq extracts an envelope from his sleeve and holds it out. Tonraq accepts it wordlessly and unfolds the paper. The characters are written in the same hand as the letter Korra sent—Tonraq studied it so much he can recognize it. In this communication, she greets her parents by name.
Tonraq and Senna: Please stay put. Do not put yourselves at risk. You would be in more danger than anyone.
Kya reads over his shoulder. "She might have a point," Kya admits. "Amon could threaten you to get to her."
Tonraq shakes his head. "I can't back out after I asked them all to go. How will that look?"
Unalaq goes behind the table, which bears a map of the world. "We may not see eye to eye on many subjects, but we have two common interests: the safety of our people, and your daughter's wellbeing."
"Go on," Tonraq says evenly.
"The chieftains tell me you and a number of locals are planning to join the Avatar in the fight against the Equalists."
"With your permission, yes."
"Your personal participation is not needed; but if you have such a deep-seated desire to be directly and personally involved, you may go, on one condition." Unalaq leans over the table map, eyeing the two poles. "I've already taken military measures in the North, to keep out the Equalists in the event of an attack. I plan to enact the same measures in the South."
"People here won't like that." Including me.
"That is why I want you to reassure them that these measures are precautionary but necessary. In return, I will allow you and your volunteers to extend your help to Korra."
Kya speaks up. "Why not simply deploy your forces to Republic City?" This idea hurts Tonraq's pride—he should be the one leading the support, not his brother—but looking beyond family ties, Kya has a point. The Water Tribe's military is strongest in the North.
Unalaq has an answer ready. "As a matter of fact, I offered as much, but the Republic City Council prefers to appeal to the United Forces for large-scale military protection. I now plan to send a different kind of unit there, with fewer but more specialized benders. They're skilled in stealth, just like the Equalists; and their leader is a man who knows how to fight without bending. They're also willing to offer Korra their services as teachers, though she seems intent on keeping the White Lotus and her personal friends in that role."
Tonraq has never liked Unalaq's ostensible interest in Korra. While Senna is more often annoyed by Unalaq's lack of attention to their children, Tonraq is irked whenever he shows any. Political and familial loyalties are intertwined in these offers and requests, so that he cannot tell which is stronger or more genuine. Tonraq is willing to give up some measure of his own freedom if it means he will be able to protect his daughter. But will the rest of the tribe feel the same way?
He looks to his companion for a less biased answer. "Kya? What do you think?"
Kya thinks it over, wringing her hands in her coat sleeves. "I think … helping the Avatar is the best thing we can do for the world. And it's important for Korra to know that her people support her. If this is the condition for our being able to do it, then … I guess it's worthwhile."
Tonraq nods slowly, then turns to his brother. "Alright. We accept your offer." He almost says bargain, which is what it really feels like.
Unalaq smiles, a rare sight, indicating his satisfaction.
The following day, Tonraq and Senna hold another meeting at their home. Tonraq and Kya explain Unalaq's decision. The reaction to the news is about what they expected: most are upset, and several who had agreed to go to Republic City back down, but Varrick, Katara, and about a dozen others remain steadfast in their decision, and agree to leave tomorrow.
Their last meal together is tense and anxious. Damasak stops talking after a while, realizing he has nothing to contribute. Hanami keeps thinking of things she wants Tonraq to tell or give Korra. "Will you bring her back?" Hanami asks.
"If she's able, then I'll ask her. But it'll be up to her."
While Senna helps Hanami get ready for bed, Damasak asks Tonraq a question. "Is it really dangerous?"
"I'm not sure how to answer that."
"You can tell me the truth, Dad. I can take it."
Does Damasak doubt his veracity, because of the secret he kept? "That's not what I … it's … the danger is real, yes, but that doesn't mean it's great. Remember, I used to be a general. I've fought before, and lived to tell about it. So have many other people. I'd say our odds are good."
Damasak's expression is difficult to read. His recently-acquired knowledge of Tonraq's past failures has made him painfully aware of his father's fallibility. But he nods in apparent acceptance of his father's words.
Putting the children to bed is more emotional than it has been in a long time: Hanami begs for more stories and songs, and when they reach their limit, she insists that Tonraq stay in the room until she falls asleep. She is the only one of his children young enough to still cuddle with her parents. He strokes her hair for a while after she falls asleep against him, then quietly leaves.
When Tonraq returns to his and Senna's bedroom, he finds Senna undressing, but not changing into nightclothes. She gives him a furtive, inviting glance. "Do you think we could, tonight?"
The suggestion does not exactly surprise Tonraq, but he feels hesitant. Coming together at this point in Senna's cycle could result in a child, and while Tonraq is not exactly opposed to that, Senna is not as young as she used to be, and they will have enough to deal with in the coming months whether they win or lose this war. "We don't have to," he whispers.
"I want to," Senna insists, pulling his hands to her. "I'm hoping for the best, but just in case … if you don't come back …"
Tonraq does not like the idea of letting fear rather than love drive them together. But love, fear, and hope are all mixed together in them. It is the first time Tonraq has left the family for an indefinite amount of time to face certain danger. This might be the last gift he can give Senna, besides the return of their firstborn.
Though their gestures are familiar, this time is different from any other. There is something slightly reckless in their movements, making them feel almost as if they are breaking a rule, or coming together for the first time. It is the feeling of having limited time and wanting to make the most of it, consequences be damned. They cling to each other, whispering their hopes, trying to assuage their fears.
"I hope she understands why I have to come." Tonraq knows he is going against Korra's wishes, and that at some point he will have to explain himself to her.
"I hope the three of them get along." What Senna wants more than anything is for everyone in their family to know, love, and accept each other. Seeing her husband and brother-in-law's icy relationship has made her realize that emotional distance can be a greater barrier than physical distance.
"I hope she has your kindness."
"I hope she has your strength."
Tonraq chuckles. "I hope she has your strength. You're the strongest woman I know."
"Hm. You do insult to Katara and Kya."
He becomes serious as he answers, "They haven't been through what you have." Tonraq knows, and has known for years, that he chose the right woman to be his wife. She bore Korra's loss with courage and hope, refusing to let her grief stop her from living and loving. Tonraq is grateful for that, because he could not have gone on if she had not stood by him and given him more reasons to do so. He tries to show this love and gratitude with actions more than words.
In the morning, a crowd gathers at the docks to see the militia off. Varrick's battleship, the Zhu Li, drops anchor in the harbor. Katara comes over to bid Senna and the children goodbye. It should be less emotional, since Katara plans to return sooner than the recruits, but all Senna's gratitude for her friendship and counsel over the last decade makes it hard to say goodbye. Katara has not left the South in years, since there was little need for her to go anywhere after Aang died. Only something as important as supporting the Avatar could take her away from her home and the people she loves.
When it is time for Tonraq to say goodbye, Damasak smiles at him with pride in his eyes for the first time in a while. "Good luck, Dad. Knock 'em dead."
"I'll do my best." Tonraq places his hands on his son's shoulders and kneels to meet his eye level. "Take care of your mom and Hanami. Remember, you're the man of the house when I'm gone. You have to be there for them if I can't."
Damasak looks troubled, hearing such serious words for the first time. Tonraq feels bad for having to ask so much from someone so young. He hopes Damasak will not hold this role for long. He tries to smile reassuringly, and pulls his son into a hug. Damasak holds on tighter and longer than he has in a long time. When they let go, Tonraq turns to Hanami, who launches herself at him, her little arms just barely encircling his neck. "You both be good," he says.
At last, he stands and turns to Senna. They hold each other for a long moment. They have had nearly twenty years to memorize each other, but sometimes it seems like no time at all; having such young children has kept them feeling as though they are still just starting their lives together. Senna's voice is choked as she says into his ear, "Please come back. And keep her safe."
"I will, sweetheart."
Kya approaches them. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she asks, just in case he has had any second thoughts.
Tonraq nods, confident and determined. "Absolutely."
Author's Notes
Music: "Little Stranger" by Peter Bradley Adams and Renee Stahl
I've been having trouble figuring out the sequencing of scenes in this and the forthcoming chapters, trying to figure out what makes sense considering different characters' motivations and what roles they want, can have, or should have. This story is now three years old (yay!), and the farther I go, the more I make things up as I go along. Like Korra, I want to wrap up one conflict before handling the next. I don't know exactly what roles Naga and the Red Lotus will play in the short term, but I wanted to set up the groundwork for them, because they will become important in the long term. I was going to have the Red Lotus, or at least Zaheer and his family, visit Air Temple Island, but I decided that instead, Zaheer went off to track down their other contacts while Unalaq went to visit Korra.
I am taking a hiatus during Lent, which this year is from (unfortunately) Valentine's Day until (appropriately) April Fool's Day. I will still receive messages and reviews, but I will not post any updates.