A Legend of Korra Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez (aka SMTsukishiro)
Summary:
A promising engineering student. A mysterious woman capable of controlling the four elements. When their paths cross, the resulting collision not only changes their lives and themselves, but the fate of the entire world as well. [Korrasami AU]
Author's Notes:
You guys have no idea how apologetic I feel for not being able to update for a long while. I would say that life has been keeping me busy, but that is not entirely true as this chapter has been written a month or so back and I had to wait for my Beta to return it to me for final editing. I would prefer to update on a weekly basis, but that would mean not using a beta reader for this story...which I don't feel would be the right course of action as I want to be able to provide the best reading experience in every chapter that I publish.
I know that sounds like me just making excuses, but I felt the need for you guys to know. So, again, I apologize for the delay.
I hope you guys enjoy this chapter which you can consider as the final chapter for the Fire Nation Arc. :)
The Legend of Korra:
The Schism
Chapter 57: Team Avatar
There was a strange sense of peace Avatar Korra didn't know she would feel upon hearing those reassuring words from Opal. True, she still felt a bit irked with the way the young, aspiring Historian was looking at her, but as new as the feeling of genuinely having others to rely and depend on, it was something she did not expect to welcome. It made her smile—just a little bit—despite the discomfort she felt generating from her arm.
Despite herself, the Avatar gripped the offending appendage. It didn't necessarily hurt now, but there was a nagging feeling buzzing in it, causing her arms to tingle, that was a constant reminder of what lay behind her and what awaited her.
Everything Lord Zuko had told her was still fresh in her mind. And even if the minutes would turn to hours—and the hours to days, and weeks, and months—Korra didn't think she would forget.
There is no way to forget. She thought bitterly. It was one of those things that would haunt her, repeatedly remind her. It shook her core much more than when the Elemental Spirit Lords had been taken from her and she found herself alone in a world she knew nothing about.
The thought of the Elemental Spirit Lords had her furrowing her brows even deeper. She had revived one of them; had seen Suzaku rise up from the flames. It embarrassed her to admit, even to herself, that it had terrified her.
There was nothing comforting with the fire that had erupted from that in-between place. There was no familiarity or warmth in the flames. Just heat. Unapologetically deadly and raging.
It was baffling that she would feel that way towards the flames she had been familiar with; that she had grown up living with. It was baffling still that even as she felt Suzaku stirring within her, she could not commune with the Elemental Spirit Lord of the Flames. Try as she might—whether through communicating with him in ways of meditation or through the mental link she had always had with him—she couldn't get Suzaku to speak with her. It was as though a wall had been erected between them, impenetrable. Not by an outside force's doing, but by the Lord of the Flames' own desire.
She wanted to know why.
The Avatar knew her expression had soured, even before Opal could comment about it. She could feel the other young woman's eyes on her, despite being discrete about it, and even as Korra's own sapphire orbs were directed elsewhere.
She found her excuse for it in the form of the most annoying human she had ever come across with: the Fire Nation Prince whom she had seen prowling around Asami. There was something about him that simply set her off and made her want to throw a fireball—much as she had done to his grandfather. And though Korra could comprehend that jealousy was at the forefront of it, she was still new to the concept of human emotions that she still had not fully grasped the nuances of it. She knew, but did not fully understood.
Keep calm. Korra told herself as Prince Iroh sauntered closer to them.
The deity-turned-human was certain she did a pretty good job of keeping her composure. Still, that did not stop the guttural growl that came bubbling up when it became clear he was heading towards her and Opal.
"Korra," Opal whispered to her. "Be nice."
The Avatar's response came as dignified as a snort would. "How strange is it to hear that from someone Asami told me lost her poise and had almost given the Prince a concussion?"
"Oh, shut up." The young Bei Fong responded, blushing in embarrassment at the knowledge Asami had shared what had happened to Korra. "We're in public, surrounded by dignitaries and members of the court. Asami would murder us both if we do anything to that pompous idiot soon after everyone just showered you with respect."
Being reminded of that moment gave Korra another reason to frown. Before Prince Iroh came within earshot, she turned to Opal and, with much gravity in her words, admonished her earlier actions saying, "Never do that again."
If to her what she had just asked Opal not to do was quite obvious, to Opal the context was lost and she just stared at the Avatar mystified.
The time to inquire what Korra had meant, however, came and went so quickly she was unable to raise her question to clarify what it was for before she could, Iroh was already standing in front of them.
"My grandfather requires your presence," the way he spoke was so formal and clipped it was obvious he didn't want to say more than what was needed. He also avoided looking at either of them as he spoke, opting to see pass them and to whatever interesting thing he had set his eyes on behind them instead. "He is waiting in the throne room."
"Who, exactly, are you addressing?" Korra crossed her arms as she asked.
Opal gave her a warning glance, which she, of course, chose not to pay any mind to. She focused, instead, on the Prince, who was an open book as far as his emotions were concerned.
"Is it not obvious that I am speaking with both of you?" Prince Iroh replied, frustration oozing in every word.
"Not when your eyes are directed elsewhere," the Avatar retorted, her composure matching that of the proud stance Prince Iroh had. "Is it not customary for your people to look directly at the person you are conversing with as a sign of respect?"
"Korra," Opal warned her with an expelled hiss.
Korra wondered if it was wrong to find pleasure in annoying another person. Then she pondered why would she care about how others would perceive the enjoyment she found in tormenting the young prince. She wasn't really causing him injuries in what she was doing, so…
Should it matter?
It was one of those questions she decided to file away for another time, along with why she even felt that way about this human. From whence does the irritation come from? These were things, Korra knew, she still need much introspection for.
In response to her provocation, Prince Iroh gave the Avatar a good, solid glare.
"Are you happy now, Avatar Korra?" He asked, her title being spewed with venom and again Korra wondered if she should turn this into a game.
Korra shrugged. His glare was not as good as Asami's—or even Opal's—to get her to clam up and back down. "There are many things that give me bliss, I would not count conversing with you one of them."
She heard Opal groan and then muttered low under her breath, "For the love of…"
"The feeling is mutual then," was Iroh's comeback. "Now, please, hurry up. Do not keep my grandfather waiting."
"What about Kai?" was the first thing Opal said that was directed at the crowned prince. "Can he come along?"
"Do what you like," he grunted as he turned away. "My grandfather said nothing about him."
He left with no other word after that. As soon as Prince Iroh had disappeared into the crowd, Opal faced Korra and, without warning, slapped the Avatar's abdomen with the back of her hand.
The force of the impact wasn't that hard, but it was so sudden that it felt more powerful than it did and had managed to get an "Oof!" out of the muscular, young woman.
"I told you not to get him riled up!" Opal chided. "You were purposefully pushing his buttons!"
She cocked her head to the side. "What buttons? I see none of the machinations Asami likes to tinker around with."
"You've got to be kidding me," were uttered with a face-palm. Opal let out a breathy chuckle, "You know what? Forget it. Let's just get Kai and head on over to the throne room before you decide to entertain yourself further by annoying the heck out of Iroh."
The Historian began walking, forcing Korra to follow after her, as she made her way to the buffet where Kai had taken nest.
As they were walking, Korra tried to get Opal to tell her what she meant by "buttons" and grumbling about the young Bei Fong pretending not to have enjoyed what she had done.
Thoughts of the old aristocratic lady and her strange words fleeted from Asami's mind the moment she stepped inside the Fire Nation throne room.
It had been the first time she had entered the grand room after the fiasco of the night when Korra unsealed the Elemental Core of Fire. She had not been able to marvel at the spectacle of it and its grandeur during that time making seeing it again that much more breath-taking.
There were no signs of the skirmish that occurred—brutally, she might add, based from her memory. The only thing that hinted it was no dream was the pulsating pillar of light that stood brilliantly behind the opulent seat.
As it did when they had returned from the world that lay beyond it, something beckoned to Asami—an unnamed force, calling for her. She could feel it deep within her gut. It made her shiver and caused her to wrap her arms around herself and stood, for a moment, unmoving at the chamber's entrance.
But then she felt warmth blossoming from within her, comforting. It chased the chills away, like a blanket draped during a cold day. Asami didn't know where that warm feeling came from, but she welcomed it; used it to propel herself forward and focus not on the swirling column of light, but on the people that were already in the room.
Apart from herself and Lord Zuko, those who were in attendance included Bolin and secretary who were grouped together, talking, as well as Fire Lord Izumi who was conversing with a rugged, old man she had never seen before.
He was tall, and despite his old age, showed how well-built he was in his youth. He stood strong, back unbowed. His hair was cut short, with sides that were clean cut and a long, braid flowing on his back. His beard was trimmed, though still long. As noticeable as his complexion was—which was the same shade as Korra's—was the clothes he was wearing. It was very reminiscent to the ones the Avatar had donned when they first met: sewn from fur and dried animal skin. In his back was strapped a one-handed sword.
Though his identity eluded the young inventor, seeing him gave Asami cause to worry. For it wouldn't take much to know that this aged man—whomever he may be—hailed from the same place that Korra and Kai were from.
She bit her lip. Should I warn Korra? But what would I say? What if I'm wrong?
Before she could make her decision, however, Fire Lord Izumi noticed her standing around and called for her to join them. Unable to make an excuse to leave without arousing suspicion, Asami complied. Her heels clicked as she walked and echoed, it made the distance to where the group had gathered seem longer and made her even more aware of everyone looking at her.
"Asami!" She was glad for the greeting filled with joy from Bolin, who looked genuinely pleased she was there, as he bounded towards her like an overeager boy on snow day.
"Bolin," she smiled at him. Then turned her attention to the others and greeted them in kind, though she stopped at the old man, not knowing how to address him.
She looked expectantly at Fire Lord Zuko who gestured towards the stranger and said, "This is an old friend of mine and Aang's, Elder Sokka. He is one of the leaders of the White Lotus."
Asami felt that the word 'White Lotus' should mean something to her; it was as if she had heard it somewhere before. But the memory of when and where, and what the word meant eluded her.
The old man—whose name was Sokka—laughed at the introduction given to him. "Don't rub the word 'old' too much, my friend. You're offending me."
"I am doing no such thing." Lord Zuko huffed with a roll of his eyes. "If you are taking offense, that is not my fault."
"I hope I'm that buffed when I'm in my eighties." Bolin nudged her and whispered as he took a gander at Elder Sokka's age.
Asami wanted to correct him, but thought better of it. She didn't know how well Bolin would react to her telling him Elder Sokka was older than eighty. Asami was certain though that whatever that reaction was, it was not going to be a subtle one.
The young heiress also didn't want to burst her friend's bubbles, dashing his dreams of retaining a youthful body when he eventually becomes old and gray.
Her thoughts on that matter needed to take a back seat, however, when Lord Zuko's friend spoke to her.
"So you are the Avatar's Chosen," he hummed, eyes twinkling playfully, though it did not hide the fact that he was sizing her up. His next words were not directed at her but were musings said aloud. "It is interesting…After the number of people we have trained and made ready, an outsider was chosen."
The aspiring, young inventor didn't know what to say. Instead of answering the many questions she had in her mind, Sokka's words only served to add to them. With the way he spoke, she took from it that they were expecting Korra would indeed choose someone to aid her in her quest. But the look on Korra's face when she was told of Asami's role was not the look of someone who had known or had consciously made a choice. It again begged the question how Korra could not have known, especially with how it appeared Elder Sokka was training a whole bunch of them for that role.
"Now, now," Iroh chuckled, giving Sokka a pat on the shoulder, "I am certain those you have trained are all capable people."
"Should you be surprised, Elder Sokka?" Fire Lord Izumi asked, butting in on the conversation. "Knowing what my Father calls the 'True History of the World', do you find it surprising fate has unraveled the way that it did?"
Surprise passed through the White Lotus Elder's face for a moment before his features were schooled back to mirth and playfulness. He cocked his head to the side, giving his friend a side glance, before acknowledging, "So, you have finally let her in on the old secret."
Lord Zuko shrugged, then cryptically replied with, "What once had been frozen will slowly begin to thaw and that which was hidden will be revealed. Izumi would have found out sooner or later with the Elemental Core of Fire now freed."
"I'm not sure I'm following this conversation anymore." Bolin said.
"I don't think we were supposed to." Duo Xing rubbed the bridge of her nose. Asami knew the feeling, even when she understood a fraction of what was going on, hearing them speak was enough to cause a migraine.
The creak—loud amidst the almost-empty throne room—of the double doors gave the conversation pause. Light from the outside hallway filtered in and grew as the door widened.
"Finally," Elder Sokka spoke. No one can say whether he was going to say something else after that. As soon as those words reverberated around the throne room, the doors flew open with a force that could only come from the Avatar's Air Bending.
Everything happened so fast after that. With the doors flung open, Korra appeared in a blur right in-front of Asami, standing in a fighting stance between her and the two old men. The Prodigy didn't know the expression the shorter girl wore, and she was not given ample time to see or to ask what was going on before the Avatar pulled her arm back, hand fisted, and threw it forward.
Fire erupted from her forearm, traveling to her fist before gushing as a breath of fire towards Elder Sokka. In a series of movements that should not have surprised Asami (not after witnessing how nimble Lord Zuko could be), the White Lotus Elder unsheathed the sword on his back.
Despite how mortified Asami was with what was going on, her mind couldn't help but wonder what a single sword could possibly do against a power that was beyond human comprehension. It was, in her honest opinion, a very stupid thing to use against the raging inferno that was barreling its way towards Elder Sokka.
Her opinions changed, however, when the torrent of flames and the flat of the blade collided. The air around the point of impact shimmered and visibly rippled before the blade siphoned the Avatar's attack, as though it was the broth of a soup, until the flames were all gone—even those that coiled around Korra's arm and the flames that burned on her enclosed fist.
There was stunned silence. Both from Korra bursting into the room, attacking a guest of Lord Zuko's and the way Elder Sokka had stood his ground and did what was seemingly impossible. It was so quiet, one could hear a pin drop and would not be surprised to hear it echoing loudly.
"What the heck was that?" Bolin was the first to break the silence and move, waving his arms about with eyes wide at the spectacle he had just witnessed. Again, Asami was reminded that Bolin was new to all this. He opened and closed his mouth, like a fish out of water, looking from Korra to Elder Sokka, and back again. "You just—! And he just—! How—?!"
Bolin was not the only one who seemed to have difficulty comprehending what he had just witnessed. Even Duo Xing, silent as she had chosen to be, looked like she had just witnessed an impossible feat. Disbelief was written all across her face. There was a hint of fear as well.
The same could be said of Fire Lord Izumi, whom Asami was certain would have had her jaw dropping open had she not a façade to keep. The ruler of the Fire Nation eyed the sword on Elder Sokka's hand with amazement, having witnessed first-hand just how powerful Korra was with the elements under her will. There was desire in her eyes, and the Prodigy was certain it stemmed from the craving to obtain a sword that had that much power.
"Did that sword just dispelled Korra's fire-bending?" Opal. Asami hadn't notice her best friend had entered the room, and with her, Kai.
The Avatar's Steward had his mouth drawn in a thin line. He gave no audible response to Opal's inquiry, and instead nodded his answer.
Her attention was drawn on the young woman in-front of her once more when Korra moved to straighten herself. Everyone kept quiet too, as if feeling the tension in the room and knowing that what was to happen next was somehow important.
"High Elder Sokka," Korra spoke, frighteningly calm. Whether she truly was calm or was hiding his emotions was something Asami couldn't gauge.
"Avatar Korra," the Elder nodded. His jovial mood had dissipated, and although Korra didn't seem like she would hurl a fireball—or any kind of element-imbued ball of energy—the old man gripped his sword in hand, ready to use it should the need call for its use.
There was a beat of silence once more, before Korra spoke up again. "What is the High Elder of Nia Bayou doing all the way out here?"
The High Elder of Nia Bayou? It slowly dawned on Asami what that meant and why Korra would attack her as she did. Did he come here to bring Korra back?
Somehow, the thought made Asami's hand itch for her Shock Glove. It made her anxious as she thought about how the fight against Elder Sokka would go.
How could Korra defeat someone who could just drive out her attacks? That wasn't the only question that entered her mind. Accompanying that was whether or not Korra going back to Nia Bayou would mean them going their separate ways. Korra hadn't told her what would happen when she finally goes back to the hidden village, but she assumed that would be the last they would see of each other considering how secreting the place was and how two of the denizens she had met from that village had showed how much they disprove of outsiders.
Another thought trickled in after that—one that surprised Asami.
I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Nothing had changed.
Even when she had expected the outcome of her little stunt, Korra still felt the need to do it. It agitated her, that is true, to see that the High Elder's weapon remained the bane of her bending, but she couldn't help herself. Especially when she saw him scrutinizing Asami Sato.
She glanced behind her to the young woman in question. She looked stunned, and confused. Korra could understand why. Without much context, witnessing what had just occurred would have caused anyone to worry.
Korra could explain. But now was not that time for that.
Instead, she turned her attention back to the High Elder.
"What is the High Elder of Nia Bayou doing all the way out here?" Her tone was demanding. High Elder or not, being the Avatar out-trumped whatever title any human may possess.
"I could pose the same question to you, Lady Korra." The High Elder replied. It was not lost to the Avatar that he still held on to his weapon. "You left with nary a word to anyone. And Kai—" she saw him give her steward a pointed look, "—disappeared soon afterwards. You have left the people of Nia Bayou worried."
"What business I have is none of yours." Korra said. "And is not the well-being of Nia Bayou's people something you and the other Elders are responsible for?"
She didn't add that the people of Nia Bayou wouldn't even notice her missing. She rarely came down from the Hollowmount, after all. Choosing always to meditate by herself. It was why, admittedly, much about humanity was a foreign concept to her.
"That may be true, but you forget that Nia Bayou is also home of the White Lotus. And they are not pleased, my Lady. Especially with what happened with the Elemental Spirit Lords." He took a step forward, prompting Korra to revert to her fighting stance and summon the elements—the easiest of which (both surprising and not) that answered her call was fire, encasing both of her arms.
Behind her, she felt Asami move. A glance told her the Prodigy had equipped her Shock Glove. Where she had hidden it in that form-fitting (and, if she was being honest, very distracting) dress she was wearing. It was a strange thought to have, but one that she was really curious about.
At the same time, she caught movement further behind Asami. Kai and Opal both took a fighting stance. She couldn't see if they had any actual weapons to fight with. She was both amazed by their courage to willingly stand up against someone they perceived was a threat to her…and equally frustrated at how idiotic they could be to fight unarmed against someone.
Even Asami, who had her Shock Glove, was intending to do something stupid too.
Surely she saw how inefficient my bending was against Sokka… Why would she—no, they—rise up against him still?
She shook her head. Turned her attention back to the High Elder once more.
He gave her a raised eyebrow. He had seen what the others all intended to do as well. Everyone in the room had. And everyone, she was certain, was just as confused as her friends (even if they were willing to fight amidst the confusion).
"Did I say something wrong?" Elder Sokka asked, cocking her head to the side.
"So you know." Her authoritative tone dropped a notch. She was glad her voice didn't tremble.
She turned to Kai, but before she could ask he already shook his head. "I have not been in contact with the White Lotus since I left Nia Bayou."
"You seem to have forgotten we have no need to have Kai spying on you to know what you have been up to once we learned you were gone from the Hollowmount." High Elder Sokka explained himself.
"I haven't forgotten. I know the White Lotus are everywhere. Even here." And she did know that. Even in that seemingly empty throne room with just them, Korra knew there were members of the White Lotus hiding in the shadows; watching and waiting, ready to strike should the High Elder command them to. Still, there were some places the White Lotus couldn't enter. They might pride themselves to be omniscient, but their knowledge wasn't all-encompassing. "That still doesn't explain how you would know what happened to Bai Hu and the others."
"Perhaps you should stand down, Lady Korra," Finally, Lord Zuko spoke. "And tell your friends to do the same? We are not enemies here."
Korra was skeptical. And even if Kai and Opal seemed to have eased up a little—maybe seeing the foolishness of their actions—she couldn't really let her guard down. Even Asami, not entirely certain of what was happening, had the same mind as she kept her Shock Gloves on her hand and running. Nothing, after all, would bring anyone out of Nia Bayou unless it was something dire.
And if his first accusation of me concerns my leaving of the Hollowmount, I can only assume he has come to drag me back to Nia Bayou to placate the humans there…
"It is not just because of ideals, there could be other reasons we could be enemies." Korra argued. "You can understand why I find it hard to let my guard down with him—" she looked over at the High Elder then back at Lord Zuko, "—around. He is from Nia Bayou."
"That is fair," No real reason had to be expressed between them. She could see that High Elder Sokka understood what she was trying to say. "Rest assured, Lady Korra, I did not come to take you back to Nia Bayou." He paused, allowing relief to wash over the Avatar. Surprisingly, even Asami seemed to feel that same relief. "Not yet, at least."
"Then why are you here?" The Avatar repeated her earlier question, releasing her hold on the elements but standing at the ready nonetheless.
"Because, it has come to my attention what it was Zuko intended to do," he gave the man known as the Hero of the Hundred Year War a cursory look. "And though I agree that it is the right course of action, with time no longer on our side, I feel as though, as you are now, you are—all of you—" High Elder Sokka looked at everyone in the room then, "—are ill-equipped to deal with what is to come."
Korra huffed and crossed her arms. She did not hide how displeased she was with what the High Elder was insinuating. Though she also internally questioned what else the old man knew about what had happened to her—how much he knew—to make him say those things.
"I do not mean to disrespect you in any way, Avatar Korra," High Elder Sokka quickly amended, trying to placate the Avatar's souring mood. "But with the Elemental Core of Fire now unsealed, our world is at an even more of an imbalance than it had before. With the Elemental Core of Fire, that sole element is the one in abundance now. And you know, as well as I, what that means…"
He let the words hang in the air, allowing Korra to take them all in and contemplate. It was true, during her earlier meditation, there seemed to be a sharp rise of Flame Spirits and a decline of the other spirits that remained in the Spirit World's remaining untainted places. She saw that instead of slowing down the process of decay the Spirit World seemed to be experiencing, what she had done was unravel the world further. It was disheartening.
She knew then that it would only be a matter of time before what was happening in the Spirit World was mirrored into the Mortal Realm. That all the living creatures in this realm would soon feel the change of unlocking the Elemental Core of Fire would bring.
But she would be lying if she said she didn't expect something like that to happen.
From what she had been told, the other Elemental Spirit Lords are still in their deep slumber brought about by them being syphoned out of her by the Spirit Bastille. In order to fix everything, she still needed to find the other Elemental Cores and bring back the other Spirit Lords before she could say that balance had, indeed, been restored.
She was still a long way from accomplishing that goal.
The distance between her and her goal mattered little to Korra. Not after what Lord Zuko had told her. Not after knowing what she now knew.
"I admit, I am at a disadvantage," she muttered. It wasn't lost to her that she also had the Dark Spirits to deal with. What they were was still something of a mystery to her, despite the explanation—vague as it was—that Zuko had shared with her and Asami. It didn't help matters any that Zuko's brief elucidation on how he was able to dispel those strange creatures was lost to her. After all, how would she be able to do as he did when all he could tell her about it was that it came with his bending?
"Which is why we have made a proposal with Lord Bolin's group," Lord Zuko jumped into the conversation once more.
The mention of his name snapped the Mover Star's attention. If he looked and felt lost before, he was even more so now.
"I'm not sure I follow," Korra admitted with a frown. Bolin agreed aloud with her, but she ignored him. "What does he have to do with anything?"
Lord Zuko, in turn, snubbed Korra's inquiry but turned to the Mover Star and answered Bolin's unasked question. "The Fire Nation promised to provide you with a means to travel to the Earth Kingdom in order to proceed with your tour."
Bolin nodded. "That's right. But you told Duo Xing and I before that you'd only do so if we helped the Fire Nation out in turn…"
Duo Xing's eyes widened in realization even before the old hero could confirm with Bolin that that was the agreement.
"You don't mean—!" she said, looking from the old Fire Lord to the Avatar and back again. Everyone in the room also looked at her in return, surprised by her outburst. But mostly—for the Korra's group, at least—confused.
"Is there a problem, Miss Duo Xing?" Fire Lord Izumi asked, her tone not of concern.
"It is true that we need an airship to Earth Kingdom territory—and Bolin may be willing to do anything to get one and get his tour underway—but if this is going to be your offer, then we decline." The Mover Star's secretary matched the Fire Lord's icy stare with one of her own. Despite not knowing a thing about the older woman, Korra couldn't help but feel pleased that there was yet another human who stood up to the monarch whom she had yet to truly forgive.
"Woah," Bolin quickly tuned to face Duo Xing, "Let's not be hasty here, Duo. We don't even know what it is they want us to do."
The Secretary did not bother looking at her charge. "They don't have to. It is quite obvious the context of what we have to do in order to purchase an airship for ourselves." She said this with a glare directed at those in authority.
Ever so slowly, as to add to how intimidating she could be, the Fire Lord turned her head and directed her gaze at Duo Xing anew, her expression neutral. She did not speak for a heartbeat, but when she did, the Secretary was once again reminded just how formidable a foe Fire Lord Izumi could be.
"Do you think it wise to refuse, Miss Duo Xing?" Fire Lord Izumi asked. "While it is true that we cannot do anything should Lord Bolin refuse, the same could not be said about you."
"What are you talking about?" Whatever form of respect and decorum the Secretary had clothed herself with while interacting with the royalty of the country was lost when she heard those words.
The monarch's lips curved in a small smirk. "Master Sokka and my father are not the only ones who can utilize the White Lotus," Korra was certain those words were not just directed at Duo Xing whom Izumi certainly had set her sights on, but to all of them in the room.
In a surprising move, the Fire Lord descended the steps that led to the throne and walked towards Duo Xing. Once she was close enough, Fire Lord Izumi leaned in and whispered something to the Secretary's ear. Whatever words the royal might have said was enough for the color to drain out of Duo Xing's face and left her speechless, unable to continue her protests.
The reaction she was given pleased Fire Lord Izumi enough that she let a smirk show on her features as she walked to join the High Elder and her father. Duo Xing, upon regain her wits, scowled. The exchange was enough to pique Korra's curiosity.
"This is blackmail," the Secretary hissed, but was not paid any attention to by the woman she directed those words at.
"Can someone please explain to me what's happening," Bolin spoke up. "I am so confused right now."
"It is simple, really." Lord Zuko shrugged, taking helm of the strange-flowing gathering once more. "Lady Korra is traversing the world to search for the Elemental Spirit Cores that would bring balance to the world—a duty she has been given following the events that had transpired. It is part of our—the Fire Nation Royal Family, that is—own sworn duty to aid her in her quest."
"The White Lotus is also sworn to help Lady Korra." High Elder Sokka piped in.
Korra scoffed, that was news to her. As far as she could remember, the White Lotus has simply remained in the shadow, not answering to her but to the Elders of Nia Bayou. She had never felt helped by them.
Paying no mind to the Avatar's protestations, the old hero went on with his spiel. "Therefore, to ease the Avatar's burden, we will be providing them with one of our airships and the necessary papers that would allow them passage to any docks as part of the Fire Nation's Royal Regiment."
"Okay…?" Bolin awaited for what this could possibly mean for him and his own crew.
"Considering what has happened to most of our airships," Lord Zuko glanced at Kai then, who ducked his head sheepishly. "We can only lend one of them. Which brought us back to the agreement—the deal—I have mentioned during our previous meeting, Lord Bolin."
The Mover Star waited patiently to hear what they had to do to while Duo Xing continued to grumble by herself. Lord Zuko didn't let him wait for long, though.
"The Avatar's journey is a hard one, fraught with danger. Though it is impossible not to acknowledge her strength and inhuman abilities, Lady Korra cannot do this journey alone. Even with her Chosen, success is not certain. She needs allies—friends—to help her do well in her endeavor. Which brings us back to the matter at hand." He paused. "We want you, Lord Bolin, and Miss Duo Xing to accompany Lady Korra and help her with her mission."
While the old monarch was speaking, Bolin had been nodding along and saying "I see," every chance he got. When Lord Zuko had finished speaking, it took a while for the Mover Star to realize he was done and even a longer while still for the words to actually sink in.
He blinked once. Then twice. Before he bellowed a surprised "What?".
Even Korra had an outburst of her own, asking, "Why? What could those two humans possibly do to help?"
Though, normally, those words would be enough to offend. But to Korra's surprise, Bolin nodded along with her, agreeing with her statement.
"That's right!" he was passionate and expressive as he spoke, even when the topic was how unhelpful they could be. It was strange for Korra, to say the least. "What can Duo and I do? We're just a pair of normal—albeit good-looking and extremely talented—people working in the entertainment industry. We're pacifists. We know nothing about…whatever it is Korra's supposed to be doing." He crossed his arms and huffed. "I find it unfair that that is what you want from us in order to let us borrow an airship to the Earth Kingdom, Lord Zuko."
"That," Duo Xing said with a flourish of her hand, still glaring at the Fire Lord. "Is what I've been trying to say."
Fire Lord Izumi merely gave the Secretary a look, but generally ignored her as Lord Zuko gave his own argument on the matter.
"I would hardly describe both of you as 'normal', not when you can see the spiritual essence burning behind me." He gestured towards the pillar, swirling and throbbing with life and light.
That gave Bolin something to think about, though what could possibly be going on in his mind was something Korra could not fathom. Not that she was even trying to. The exchange, thus far, had made her feel a plethora of emotions, but there was one that was consistent in all of them: irritation.
And it was something she made known by asking in a loud voice she was certain was impossible to disregard and overlook, "Do I have no say in this?"
"Do you find any fault in Zuko's proposition, Lady Korra? Do you not trust them?" High Elder Sokka asked in a calm manner that irked at the Avatar even more. "Because you and your friends have already shown that you do trust this young man when you asked him to smuggle all of you here."
There really was nothing Korra could argue with about that. Though, it wasn't truly her decision that they employ Bolin's help, she didn't have any complaints about it. He did end up delivering on his own promise and had helped them greatly…even if he had the annoying habit of trying to talk her ears off.
It wasn't that she also had a problem with Bolin as a whole. She didn't. He was Asami's friend, and his presence made the other human have a certain kind of happiness that nothing else could replicate. She wondered if it was the happiness born of the bond that transcended time, the two having been friends when they were children.
The only reason why she felt like disagreeing with everything was because she was expected to just follow whatever it was these humans have deemed right for her; they didn't even ask for her opinion. The only reason why she was contradicting them was because it was the only thing she could do—short of doing harm on these insolent humans who think they could order her around.
To Avatar Korra, what these humans were doing was not just trampling on her authority. They were also taking away the freedom she had to decide for her own what was best for her and hers.
It was that thought that occupied her mind and allowed her to block out everything else that had happened. It was that thought that churned in her mind and made her mood spiral downwards, as she ignored Bolin's agreement and the vocalization of Duo Xing's frustration.
And it was what she had carried when—after all was said and done and they were all allowed to retire for the night—she stomped out of the throne room, ignoring and leaving everyone behind in favor of locking herself up, once again, in her room.
"That," High Elder Sokka said as the sound of the door loudly banged shut at the Avatar's abrupt exit. "could have gone better. Not that I expected anything different from our Lady Korra."
"Your presence aggravated her." Fire Lord Zuko pointed out. "Perhaps she would have a different demeanor had you not been around."
"Perhaps," the High Elder agreed before turning his attention to the one who had remained in the room, no doubt awaiting further explanation.
The Avatar's Steward had lingered in the throne room, even as his other companions left. He looked, understandably so, hesitant to be in their presence. Though High Elder Sokka thought it had more to do with him than the remaining royalty in the room.
Sensing that it would be better to leave them alone, Zuko gave Sokka a curt nod before he left him alone with the Avatar's Steward.
"There is no need to fret, Kai." Sokka said to try to ease the young man's mind. "You are not in any kind of trouble with the White Lotus. Well, not that much of a trouble, anyway. You only did what you had to do."
"High Elder," Kai knelt on one knee and bowed his head in respect to the older man's stature, after he had finally gained the courage to speak up. "I know it is not my place, but why have you truly come here?"
"You do not think it was only to visit a friend?" he raised an eyebrow.
The young man bit his lip. Sokka could only guess that he was keeping himself from blurting something disrespectful out.
Respect was important to his rank, that was true. But it was not important as hearing and speaking the truth. That was why he told Kai to speak up. Even though, at the same time, he felt hypocritical, remembering all the lies they had to tell; all the secrets they had to keep.
"I find it hard to believe, sir." Kai replied. "You said it yourself. The White Lotus know things and I understand that they also listen to Lord Zuko. It wouldn't be hard for them to send word to you that Lady Korra was here."
"It is true that Zuko has command of them as well. You are mistaken, however, in thinking he had one of his own send word about Korra to me. In truth, he told them to hold off from doing so." High Elder Sokka admitted.
"Then how did you—?"
"This pillar of light, you can see it too, correct?" When Kai nodded, Sokka continued. "Under normal circumstances, I would be unable to see it for myself. I would only just be able to feel it, and just barely. Unlike you and those that could, I do not possess the Gift—as Zuko enjoys calling it. But that is neither here nor there. What I am trying to say is that the appearance of this pillar was what told me of Korra's whereabouts. Only she was capable of calling this forth through the act of unsealing the Elemental Core of Fire."
"I see." Kai nodded, accepting his explanation. "But that still doesn't answer my earlier question. You should have known the Lady Avatar would react the way she did when she saw you—I haven't, not once, saw her express gladness to see you or any of our elders—so, why risk her ire?"
The High Elder sighed. "The same reason why Zuko went out of his way to do the things that he did: to ensure the success of Lady Korra's mission…and to fulfill a promise to an old friend."
"You mean Avatar Aang?" Kai winced as he asked. Quickly he added, "I shouldn't have said that. I apologize, High Elder…it's just that, Lord Zuko has told us about Avatar Aang and I just…"
Sokka raised his hand to silence the Avatar's Steward. He smiled gently at him to try to ease his mind as he said, "It is alright, Kai."
In response, however, Kai clumped his mouth shut.
He shook his head. "If you already know about Aang, that would mean Korra knows about him too, correct?"
Kai nodded. As though in actual pain, he replied, "She did not take it well."
"I could imagine." And, really, he could. It was no secret how Korra had viewed her predecessor. Again, Sokka shook his head. He had been doing that a lot lately. "We promised Aang we would do everything to see his plan come into fruition. Though our methods may be different—as you will all come to see—we all want the same thing for Korra. I came here to provide what help I could, without causing harm to Nia Bayou."
He paused for a moment before he informed the young steward, "And you, Kai, will be that help that Lady Korra will desperately need."
He panted, sweat dripping like rivulets from brow to chin then down on the cold, hard ground. His muscles shook from exertion. He could barely keep himself from toppling over, bent over as he was with his hands resting shakily on his knee.
When he was told of what the light had all meant; when he had been shown what it was he could now do, he didn't think it would require so much work. He wanted to give up. He wanted to just let that power lay dormant within him. He was even certain he had told his employer-turned-mentor that as well.
He was ignored. Instead, he was given an even harder set of training. And when he did manage to finish those modules, instead of a praise and maybe a good rest, what he got was even more difficult training.
He was certain he was going to die.
But then…
A laugh started to bubble up from within him. Silent at first, but with every second, it grew in intensity. He laughed and laughed so much anyone who would stumble at their makeshift training facility would think him mad. But he didn't care. He couldn't bring himself to do so.
He flexed his fingers, then closed and open his fist as he stared at it. His eyes gleamed with triumph as he looked from it to the hole on the piece of metallic slab he was tasked to melt. Smoke billowed from the jagged hole, molten iron dripping around the edges and down to the base of his target.
It was the first time he had managed to do accomplish what he did—small as it was.
"I suppose you expect to be commended for that display…" the Masked One drawled, bored and unimpressed as though what Mako had just did was not out of the ordinary. Then again, if they knew about what the appearance of the pillar meant and about the innate power within those who could see it…should he be surprised that they weren't?
"You are so hard to please," the Mercenary took another deep and shaky breath before he exhaled and pushed himself upright. He didn't look disappointed at that fact though. Rather, Mako was still grinning. "Fine, then. Let's keep going."
The training may be hard, Mako could feel the reward from it was within his grasp, teasing his fingertips. All he needed was to keep going. It didn't matter what he had to lose in exchange for the knowledge his mysterious employer to train him…not if it meant he no longer had to be afraid of Amon; not if he would finally be free of the chains that bound him; not if it meant a chance to save his brother.
Post-Author's Notes:
Of all the chapters I have written thus far, this was the most difficult to write.
I perhaps, have written several versions of it, with this being the best out of all of them. :|
Anyways, as I have mentioned, this is the final chapter for the Fire Nation Arc. Hopefully, the next chapter won't take too long to be published (though, again, that depends on my Beta) since I am so excited for everyone to read the next arc.
As always, comments and reviews are very much appreciated.
Thank you all for reading and for your continued support! Until next time, dream on; fly on! :)