Book 2 Chapter 9
The Price of War
"So, have you spoken to Korra yet?" Bolin asked his older brother sitting quietly eating his breakfast.
"N-no Bo, I haven't alright. And it doesn't help that she ran off with Naga this morning either" he huffed.
It was normal for Korra to run off when she didn't feel like talking to anyone. And right now she really didn't want to speak to Mako for over reacting.
Korra and Naga reached the pro bending arena to see it still under construction. "Wow, look Naga. It's almost done." She walked in and smelled the fresh paint on the walls and newspaper sprawled across the floor.
"Hey, you're the Avatar. Ain'tcha?" One of the workers asked. He was a short stout man, but very muscular from working in construction. From the way he picked up rubble instead of using his bending like everyone else, Korra could tell he wasn't a bender.
"Why, yes I am" she said with a big smile on her face.
"My kid absolutely loves ya! C-could I get an autograph?" The man shyly asked holding out a pen and a piece of paper.
"...no." She shook her head.
"Oh.. well. I'm sorr-" the man began to say.
Korra interrupted him halfway in as he was speaking, "I said no because I want to meet your kid in person. That's better than any autograph."
She saw a smile slowly creep up on the man's face, "you miss, are one heck of a gal! Thank you!"
After a couple of hours of roaming Republic City, Korra headed to the address the man wrote on a sheet of paper for her with a little note as well.
*thanks again Avatar -Chang*
She made it to Chang's district and couldn't help but be shocked by all the family's sleeping in the streets. The buildings were all rubble. No houses remained standing. As Korra walked through the streets, people would stop and stare at her and watch her walk by.
"Avatar! Over here" she heard a familiar voice yell. She turned and saw Chang rushing up to her. "This my little girl, Lei." The young girl with flowers in her hair hugged Korra.
"Wow, it's really you!" Lei was extremely happy to meet her.
"I hear you're a big fan of mine, I just knew I had to come meet you myself" Korra bent down on one knee to be at eye level with the little girl. As soon as the other children saw Korra with Lei, they started running up too, and many began playing with Naga.
*It's the Avatar!*
*Avatar Korra, over here!*
*Korraaaa!*
Soon Korra was overrun by children asking for her attention. She walked up to Chang with Lei, "So this is where you guys live?" she asked with a heavy chest.
"For now, but the council has told us they'll begin construction soon. There's just been so much to rebuild lately, and we're non-benders so we can't do it on our own" he explained.
"But this- this is no way to live" Korra looked around at all the family's homes that were destroyed because of the war. She felt guilty. "I'm here to help you, all of you" she spoke to the crowd of people that formed around her.
Korra began to earth bend huts as temporary shelter for the citizens. She made a pile of rubble by pushing it all to one side. She even helped kids dig through remains of their old homes to find their teddy platypus bears and other trinkets.
She worked up a good appetite, and the families came together to share food with each other and her. After talking to many of the families over dinner she felt the need to address all of them.
"Today opened my eyes. People are still suffering because of the war, and I've neglected to do anything about it. Until now. I'll talk to the council and have construction started on your homes first thing in the morning. Thank you all for staying strong throughout all of this. And remember, I'm always here to help." Once she finished speaking, everyone got up and applauded her. All the children ran up and gave her hugs.
"Is it time for you to go already" Lei asked grabbing Korra's hand.
"For now. I'll be back soon though, so we can have that tea party you wanted" she gave Lei a hug.
"Avatar Korra, you are one heck of a gal" Chang gave Korra a hug and picked up Lei.
The day was finally coming to an end. Korra wearily made her way back to the island. "We did good today Naga" she yawned as she petted her best friend and walked the rest of the way inside.
"...Korra" Mako said softly, "you're home. Listen, I know I was a jerk..." Korra interrupted him with a kiss.
She pulled her lips away, "That's all I needed to hear. Goodnight" and she gave him one more kiss that lasted a little longer before she made her way to her room.
Author's Note:
Wow, it's been a while since I updated. I've been on a writing spree the past few days. So for the wait, I've got 2 new chapters for you guys. Enjoy :)