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There was nothing the airbender children enjoyed more than to play in the snow. They hardly had snow back in the city, and even when it did snow it was hardly a blizzard enough for them to make snow angels and snowmen or to ice skate. They didn't know exactly how long they would stay at the south so they made the most of it. Meelo giggled as he and his lemur, who he brought along with him, threw snowballs as his sisters. He managed to strike Ikki right in the head and he jumped in victory.
"Nobody can defeat the great Meelo!" he shouted with pride…only to be thrown down by Jinora's snowball. The two girls high fived one another and Meelo sat up, wearing a snow beard and an annoyed expression.
The three then head a strange new sound coming from behind them and were astonished to see their older sister…ridding a giant polar-bear dog!
"Korra!" they on over and Korra leaped off of the beast's back before squatting down to hug her siblings.
"We were so worried!" Jinora said and Korra kissed her forehead in reassurance.
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Everything's going to be okay."
"What's this fuzzy creature?" Meelo asked, bravely pointing his finger at Naga. She sniffed his finger before licking the little boy's body, making him laugh.
"Everyone, this is Naga." Korra introduced her new furry friend to her brother and sisters. "She's a polar-bear dog."
Ikki airbended herself up onto Naga's back and scratched behind her ears, much to her delight. "Awww, she's so cute!"
Jinora just stared at the beast in awe. "Incredible! No one has ever been able to tame a polar-bear dog before."
"Then I guess I'm the first." the Avatar said rather proudly with a smile.
Hearing all of the commotion, Pema walked out of their temporary hut. "Kids, what's going on around he-e-e-e-e-e-AH!" the poor woman nearly fainted at the sight of the giant dog-bear hybrid. Korra quickly rushed on over and caught her in time.
"Mom, relax. She's not going to hurt anyone."
Pema leaned on her daughter as she assisted her to stand up. But the poor woman was still petrified. "That's a-a-a-a-a p-p-p-p-polar bear dog!"
"Her name's Naga."
The children then started asking their mother, "Mommy, can we keep her?" Ikki begged. "Pretty please?"
Pema turned to her adopted child, "Korra, you're not seriously thinking about keeping this thing, are you?"
"I probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her. She saved my life."
Naga approached Pema, who whimpered in fear. "Nice, girl?" to her surprise, Naga nuzzled her face against Pema, showing she was harmless. "Oh, well. Aren't you sweet?" she pondered for a moment before replying. "I suppose it wouldn't be so bad. I mean, we have twenty sky bisons in our backyard. And so long as you house train her I guess it's alright."
"Thanks, mom!" Korra hugged Pema tightly, followed by her other three children. Now she had six mouths to feed.
Bumi approached them and tapped Korra on the shoulder. "Hate to break this up but, care to explain why there's a navy fleet down there?" he pointed down towards where the troops were marching through the streets.
The southern residence were shocked to find the troops from the north had invaded their boarders without any warning. It was as if the chief himself was expecting this to happen. None of this made any sense, what did they want?
"Everyone, clear the streets!" said one of the troops as they marched forward. "Get back in your homes."
But when no one would listen, the leader ordered two of his troops to rise up the snow around them to create ice barriers to separate the townsfolk into two separate sides so they could walk through. To be certain that nobody else would leave, the troops still on their navy ships levitated the water to form a gigantic ice fortress to keep any ship from leaving or entering the village.
The entire south was on lockdown. And nobody was happy about it.
Korra didn't like the looks of this at all. She quickly mounted onto Naga, "Don't worry, I'll figure this out. I'll be right back. Let's go, girl."
Naga obeyed and ran in the opposite direction towards the place.
(~)
Unalaq stood at his palace balcony observing the process. His hand gripped onto his red and black pendent. One of the many things he and Korra shared.
"Why did you bring your troops from the north?" Korra asked, taking her uncle by surprise.
"Korra. I didn't hear you."
"I don't want to point any fingers but, do you realize how much fear the people of the south are feeling right now?"
"Please, try to understand Korra. Now that you have opened the southern portal we need to do all we can to protect it from anyone who wishes to harm the spirits."
"I can protect it." she said firmly.
"No, I need you for something more important. There is another portal in the north. Once you open it spirits and man will be able to move freely from the south and north in a matter of seconds."
"But the Solstice is over. How am I suppose to open it?"
"The spiritual energy is much stronger in the north." said Unalaq as he and Korra looked down upon the village. "And now that you've opened one portal you're energy is stronger as well. With both portals open, our tribes will be united again. The world will be united again."
A part of Korra honestly liked the idea of her two tribes being united as one once more, but frightening the people of the south did seem a bit extreme. Realizing her doubts, he placed his hand over her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I promise everything will become clear to them. New things are always frightening at first, but they will get better in time."
"Just promise me you won't do anything too extreme. I know northern royalty has been known to be a bit…strict, with their rules."
Unalaq chuckled, "At ease, my dear. You have nothing to worry about. You've had quite the adventure last night, why don't you run along and have some fun with that nice gentlemen if yours."
The Avatar smiled at the idea. Some quality time with Mako always did ease her worries. She didn't waste a second and turned to do just as her ounce suggested. She quickly stopped herself and turned back around to hug Unalaq, catching him by surprise.
"I'm so happy I found you."
The man's heart warmed up for a moment feeling his niece's embrace. The moment ended far too soon for his liking before she ran off, nearly bumping into Yuki in the process.
"Oh, sorry!"
"No worries." the pale skinned girl smiled and waved as Korra left the palace before turning to her chief. "Everything seems to be going smoothly, doesn't it?"
"Oh, yes. It does." Unalaq hesitantly replied, which was odd because Yuki knew he never responded with uncertainty.
"Is everything alright, my Chief?"
"I'm fine. I want you to carry on the plan."
"Believe me, I'm one step ahead of them." Yuki smiled a wicked smile.
(~)
Why did this happen to him, he wondered. Why was he being punished like this? He never did anything cruel to anyone, he always said please and thank you, was was he now being forced to pull a rickshaw by himself carrying two creepy royal twins. There was no denying it, he needed to give Eska the boot. He just hopped he would get kicked by it in the process.
"I would hate to leave this quaint tribe." said Eska to her brother.
"Is that true, Eska?"
"Of course not, Desna. I will not miss it at all. I hold immense dislike for the South." she began to laugh awkwardly, followed by her brother. Their laughing died when Eska addressed to the one pulling them, "Bolin, laugh at my humorous quip!"
"Yes, dear." the poor boy had to force himself to laugh, "Ha, ha. So-so funny."
"And I will certainly not miss, cousin Korra." Eska continued, "She is always so…unruly. I simply can not understand why so many favor her. Especially that street-rat she calls her boyfriend."
"Yes. It does not make any logical sense." her brother agreed, "After all, you are a princess and she is simply a commoner who is only fortunate to be the Avatar. And even so, she is nothing compared to you, sister."
"Thank you very much, brother. Bolin! Do you not agree?"
"Yes, yes, definitely." Bolin lied. The poor boy was having the worse time of his life. Thankfully, she would leave soon and this nightmare would be over.
He finally stopped the rickshaw and ran to the side where he earthbended a small flight of stairs before gesturing for Eska to walk down. He held her hand while she descended the stairs.
"You know, It'll be really sad when you have to leave." he said, trying his best to hide his secret relief and joy, "It's been really great getting to know you. Really." He chuckled lightly. Eska turned to him, her expression completely free of any visible emotions.
"But you will be coming with me to the North." she stated. Bolin's eyes slightly bulged, he did NOT like the sound of that. "There we will live the rest of our lives together in icy bliss. Foolish Bolin." she said as she walked away with her brother in tow.
Bolin could feel his heart racing, he really didn't want to be with Eska. Being her boyfriend was a fate worse than death itself. To his relief and joy he spotted Mako walking towards him.
"Oh, Mako! I'm so happy to see you!" he ran towards his brother and hugged him tightly.
"Are you okay, bro?"
"No! No, I'm not okay! I can't take it anymore! I don't want to live in icy bliss with her! I don't love her!" he bowed his head and started weeping on his brother's chest, "Oh Mako! Don't make me, please, please don't make me!"
Mako felt sympathy for his brother, he knew none of this was his fault. If he was the one who made an attempt on Eska it would be his own mess to clean up, but he was the victim here.
"Look, if you're that unhappy why don't you just tell her you're not interested?"
"i've tried! but overtime I bring it up she threatens to feed me to dolphin piranas! And she says she'll hurt Asami if I don't do as she says! I can't live with myself if that happened. I mean, I know Asami's tough and all but-"
Mako took his brother by the shoulders, "Look, if you want this to end you're going to have to man up and tell Eska exactly how you feel. If you don't it'll be both you and Asami who will be unhappy. You get me?"
Bolin wiped away his tears, "Yeah, I get ya. Thanks, Mako. You know, I'm glad you're dating Korra now. You're a lot better at giving advice." his green eyes widened when he spotted someone from behind his older brother. "Speaking of which, hey Korra!"
Mako quickly turned around to see Korra, his girlfriend, approach him. "Hey, Bolin." she waved back.
"Well, I'll just leave you two crazy kids alone. Have fun." he winked before walking along his way, leaving the two to spend some time together.
"Hey." he greeted her with a smile.
"Hey." she greeted back. "What was all that about?"
"Oh, Bo's still having trouble shaking off that crazy cousin of yours."
Korra just had to roll her eyes, "I swear, even when she's not around she's annoying."
"At least she'll be leaving soon." realizing what he just said, Korra's expression shifted from happy to disappointed. He had almost forgotten that it also meant Unalaq would be leaving as well. He didn't think Korra would go with him, or was he going to stay longer now with his troops on their boarders.
"Mako, I actually needed to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"My uncle says that there's a portal in the north and that he needs me to open it too."
Mako could feel his spirits drop at the news. "Wait, does that mean that you're…?"
"I don't know. Honestly, I'm feeling a little confused. Suddenly, I'm not even sure what I'm doing anymore. Opening the portal was a success but now with this whole troops thing I…"
"Avatar Korra!"
The two turned their heads to see Yuki rushing towards them. She bowed once she stopped. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I just received word that your father and grandmother have organized a small meeting at her healing hut."
"What?!"
"I was tasked with escorting you there. They won't start unless you have arrived."
Korra turned to Mako, ready to apologize for having to leave so soon, but he only nodded in understanding. "Go head. We'll talk latter."
The Avatar kissed his cheek before leaving with Yuki. Even though he knew her responsibilities were important, it didn't help in not feeling disappointed. Now, even he wasn't sure on what he was doing. Placing his hands in his pockets, he turned away. Yuki walked alongside Korra, but briefly turned her head to see a distraught Mako walking farther away.
A smile creeped up her lips.
(~)
Tenzin and his mother stood at the center of the meeting, where several southerners had gathered in hopes of settling this whole ordeal. Korra had already arrived with Yuki standing right next to her.
"Thank you all for coming." said the air nomad, "I understand you are all troubled by the recents events unfolded recently."
"Troubled?!" Varrick voiced out, "Troubled is when I get that itchy rash that won't go away and Zhu Li's not around to scratch it!"
Korra cringed at this, "TMI, pal."
"What I'm saying is this is shocking! It's sickening!" he continued to munch on the cookies that Katara had placed out for everyone. "But these cookies, opposite." he turned to his assistant, "Remind me to get the recipe latter."
"Do you have a point, Varrick?" Tenzin asked, already rather annoyed by his attitude.
"My point is, Unalaq's already booted our chieftains out of their palace. How long before herstarts telling is what cookies we can eat?"
"Probably a couple of days." said his assistant.
"Rhetorical question, Zhu Li, you gotta keep up. As if the dark spirit infestation wasn't bad enough."
Korra stood up before everyone, "Chief Unalaq is here to help the south. He wants to show us how to restore balance with the spirits so they will stop attacking."
"Well, he got rid of the dark spirits, so why do we need a lockdown?"
"Varrick's right!" said one of the men gathered there. "The only spirit we need to restore is our spirit of independence! Right, everybody?"
The majority of the men, and even women, angrily cheered in agreement. This didn't look too good.
Varrick spoke up once again, "Whoa, whoa, hold your poodle-ponies! I want to get rid of Unalaq as much as you guys, but let's not start some crazy war. Last time I got involved with one of those I…on second thought, let's not go there. My point is, maybe you or your air nomad vegetarian pops here can do something about it." he said to the Avatar. "I mean, the Chief is your uncle, can't you just ask him to quit it?"
"My uncle is only trying to make our tribes unified again."
"No!" the man from before spoke again, "He wants control of our lives! If Unalaq doesn't pull his forces out then we have no choice but to fight for our freedom!"
Several members rose up to their feet, cheering in agreement.
"Well, that could have gone better." said Varrick.
Korra intervened once more, "No! There will be no war! My family had lost many loved ones because of a stupid war, I don't want them to suffer through another!"
"Who are you to talk?" the man said, pointing his finger at her, "Avatar Aang was never really your grandfather!"
Korra jerked back at his words. She always knew she wasn't biologically related to Aang, but to her he was still her family. How dare this man say such a thing.
"You got to make a choice, Avatar! Either you're on our side or on your rich uncle's side! You can't have both!"
Katara stood in between the two, glaring at the man in anger like she did as a youth. "Enough! You should be ashamed of yourself, putting her on the spot like that! At least she's trying to think about the well being of everyone here, all you care about is your won pride! And it's that pride that will be your undoing. Believe me, I know."
But the man only scoffed, not caring at all about her words. But the damage was already done. Korra fled the room in tears, not even bothering to speak to her father, who tried to get her to come back.
But while her family was distraught, Yuki was smiling in triumph.
Korra ran across the snow, her tears still streaming down from her eyes. The man's words really hurt her. If she wasn't confused already, now she was even more so. She didn't know if what she was doing was right anymore. Nothing made any sense. She was starting to wish she had never come here in the first place.
(~)
She kept on running until she reached the palace once more, forcibly prying the doors open.
"Uncle!" she cried out, but found he was nowhere to be found. His throne was empty.
"Uncle? Are you here?" both her voice and footsteps echoed within the halls. She wondered where her uncle might be.
She walked up the stairs in hopes of finding him in his chambers, when she suddenly felt a presence behind her. She gasped and spun around but found no one.
"Hello? Is someone there?" she asked. No answer. She processed to walk back up but she felt that chilling sensation again. She pun around, this time walking down the stairs in hopes of finding whatever it was.
"Whoever you are, show yourself." she said in a calming voice, trying not to be too demanding. "I just don't like being followed."
She followed the sensation, it felt like some kind of energy that she couldn't explain. At the corner of her eye, she spotted something that appeared to be glowing. Curiosity got the better of her and she followed. She followed it to behind the throne. Korra peaked her head but saw nothing special about it. Then, as if by some kind of magic, the floor opened up to reveal stairs leading downwards.
Could this be where her uncle was? There was only one way to find out.
Down she went, using a flame as her source of light as she gently walked down the stairs. It looked like a spiral staircase, but not a very long one. Once she reached the bottom the lights suddenly turned on. It wasn't a bright light but also not that dim. A medium light shade that still gave the hallways a sense of creepy. Beside Korra were what appeared to be statues of men and woman. She studied them closer, noticing they were all royal chiefs and their wives from over the centuries. Korra wondered why they were down here to begin with.
She walked further and further into the hallways, taking in all of the marble statues around her. Beside her she even spotted what appeared to be a cracked mirror but carried on. Then, she spotted that glowing thing again. It looked like some kind of floating or of some kind which led her farther into the halls. She looked above her to see portraits of a council of some sort. She immediately recognized them as the council that led the southern tribe after the hundred year war. Korra looked at it closer, taking notice of one man among them all. He was tall with strong features and wore a familiar wolf tail hairstyle only older-looking. He bared a remarkable resemblance to her uncle Bumi. She knew this must have been Sokka from when after he moved from Republic City and back to the south to spend the last of his remaining years in the council.
The light glowed brighter and Korra followed it into what appeared to be some kind of large doors with a strange animal handle. It looked like some kind of lion. The glowing object disappeared through the doors, and Korra knew this must have meant it wanted her to follow it inside.
She was a bit hesitant to do this, but there was no going back now. With her strength, she opened the door.
The room inside was a complete mess, unless the hallways. The place was torn, many items were destroyed, mainly working items like wrenches, blueprints for machines, Sokka was quite the wannabe inventor of his time, and destroyed historical items like water tribe fabrics, vases and weapons. She knew what this place was.
"This was Sokka's." she said, "Before he retired he stored all of his treasures and findings in one location. It was underneath the palace this whole time."
This was astonishing, she just uncovered a missing piece of her adopted family's past. She gasped once she hit something on the floor and it rolled a few feet. She squatted down and picked up the object.
It was the music box her uncle gave her. That must have meant he had been here to begin with. But why?
The glowing appeared again and Korra turned around to spot the glowing object float around something she never thought she would ever see.
It was glowing brightly gold like the sunset or sunrise, and it depicted the body of a man and something floating around his body. Korra didn't recognize who this person was, but why would her be here. The man himself looked very young, like in his early twenties, with a handsome face.
Korra felt drawn to this statue, drawn to the man somehow. Like she had met him before but couldn't figure out when or where from. Curiously, she extended her hand to reach him when suddenly the glowing orb started going crazy, as if it was trying to warn her of something. But korra had come too far to just back down now. She couldn't leave without knowing who this person was.
The next thing she knew, she was hit on the back of her head and fell unconscious.
(~)
Her vision was blurry for a moment but it quickly readjusted once she saw the worried face of her biological uncle attending to her. He placed a wet cloth on her forehead. "Good, you're awake." he said.
"What happened?" Korra asked, still feeling dazed but not from the impact, from seeing that statue.
"I see you stumbled into your great-uncle Sokka's old study. I myself discovered it during my first stay here. I was going to surprise you but it seems that plan backfired."
Korra slowly managed to sit back up. "But, who knocked me out?"
"I was only going down there to organize a few things I found and I saw you unconscious. You must have fainted."
"But…no, I was knocked out by someone."
"I'm sorry, but I didn't see anybody else in there but you. I quickly brought you back up here. I was hoping you could tell me what happened."
Korra rubbed her temples, "Sorry. I guess my memory's still a big foggy." she then remembered what she saw underneath the palace. "That statue, made of wood…who is it?"
Unalaq removed the cloth and dipped it into a bucket of water, rinsing it as he explained. "That was why I wanted to surprise you. As you already know, Sokka was Aang's brother-in-law so he knew plenty involving the Avatar and its history." he placed the cloth back on Korra's forehead. "One day, Aang uncovered a lost piece of this history. The story of the very first Avatar."
Korra's eyes widened in amazement. She had heard and read all about the Avatars, but never the very first one.
"His name was Wan. He lived on this earth many, many, many centuries ago. Long before the four nations were even the four nations. Back then, people weren't born with their bending like we are today. Rather, they gained them from the Lion Turtles."
"I read about them." said Korra, "They're the oldest creatures on the planet. They can live up to a thousand years."
"Indeed. Most of them are extinct, the last one being encountered by your grandfather. Wan was the only human being who was able to master all four at once in order to vanquish an ancient evil. But, like most Avatars, his heroic deeps invalid a mighty sacrifice."
"What did he sacrifice?"
Unalaq looked away briefly, his eyes filled with sadness. "My knowledge of his story are very limited, to say the least. However, all I know is that it involved his heart." he turned back to Korra, "In fact, you two are a lot alike. You're both very noble, kind, unyielding and fearless. Not to mention good with animals. I wish I could tell you more of him, but-"
"It's okay. I'll take what I can get." she removed the cloth and then got serious, "But, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you about."
"What is it, child?"
"I understand why you brought your troops here," though deep down she still had her doubts, "but, I'm afraid it's sending the wrong message."
"Your father has been talking to you, hasn't he?"
"Not just him. My Gran Gran held a meting at her place and a lot of southerners feel that their tribe is being invaded."
"I am their chief." said her uncle, "I am uniting, not invading."
"I know. But, I'm just afraid if something doesn't change there could be a civil war."
"If the water tribes were at war the other nations would take sides. The dark spirits would thrive off of this negative energy and the world will be throne into a battle between spirits and man. It would be catastrophic."
"Then, how do we stop it? How can we keep the tribes from being at war?"
"I'm afraid, we can't. This is a battle only the Avatar can prevent."
"Me? But, I…I don't know if I'm ready."
"I believe you are." Unalaq said while placing a hand on her shoulder, "I've seen what you are capable of, my child. You have a heart as pure as snow. You tamed a polar bear dog with nothing but your kindness, you saved Republic City by showing mercy even to Amon. I am more than confident you can make peace between our tribes. You are ready."
"But people are already turning against me. They think I'm betraying them because you're my uncle."
"As the Avatar you must remain neutral. You will naturally want to help your people, and that's understandable, but showing favoritism will not help our tribes find unity."
"I don't know. Resolving a fight between my brother and sisters is one thing, but…" she felt her uncle lift her chin upwards so she would face him.
"I have no doubt that you will become the most admired Avatar the world has ever known."
Korra smiled in return. "Thank you, Uncle. I'll do my best."
"I know you will."
(~)
Just as Korra had said, the southerners did not take very likely to their new visitors. The northern troops patrolled the cut, making everyone feel as though they were being watched over like in a boot camp. Their once peaceful lives had been disrupted by these unwelcome folk. Even if they were of the same tribe it certainly didn't feel like it right now.
Four soldiers walked along, separate two in two and in perfect alinement. They took notice of the angry glare given to them by some of the fishermen around. The soldiers tried to ignore them, after all their orders from the chief were very exact. They respected their wise and noble leader, and they wanted to make sure these lower life southerners did so as well. But the southerners were not fooled one bit.
Southerners: Deception…
Northerners: Disgrace…
Both: Evil as plain as the scar on his face
Southerners: Deception…
And outrage!
Disgrace
For shame!
They asked for trouble the moment they came
Northerners: Deception
An outrage!
Disgrace
For shame!
You know these southerner types
Evil as plain as the scar on his face
Disobey and pay the price
Southerners: Deception
Just leave is alone!
An outrage!
Disgrace
For shame!
Traitor, go back with your own!
They asked for trouble the moment they came
Can't take us, can't break us
The northern soldiers felt something feel on their heads, noticing the whiteness of the substance, they knew it was snow.
"Who threw that?" one asked as he and his men looked up, seeing a trio of southern children laughing down on them from a rooftop. The troops were not one to mess around with.
One of them bended the snow from underneath the children, causing them to scream as they fell down from the roof. They were unharmed, but in big trouble.
"You little hoodlums think you're tough, hu?"
The children whimpered in fear before the troop leader, until another voice was heard from behind him.
"Pick on a waterbender your own size!"
Three grown men stood before the troops, each one bending a large portion of water around them, ready to strike at the invaders. The troops each bended the snow around them, melting them to create their own water streams. It was four against three.
"Stop!
The men all turned their heads to see a large polar bear dog running towards them. The creature stopped in between the two groups in an effort to prevent them from attacking each other. On her back sat the Avatar herself. Her long shimmering white hair bellowing against her shoulders as Naga came to a full halt. Seeing both sides of the water tribe like this gave her a terrible not in her stomach. As much as she loved action and bending battles, she was not one to support unnecessary violence. A side effect from living as an Air Acolyte for most of her childhood.
"Tell these thugs to go back to the North." said one of the southerners, "They're not welcome here anymore!"
"These Southerners need to stay in line." said the northern soldier.
"Everyone, please, calm down." Korra said with much authority in her voice, "Fighting isn't going to solve anything. You're all part of the same tribe, start acting like it."
The southerners looked at the Avatar in shock, "You're taking their side? We thought you were one of us."
"I'm not taking anyone's side!" Korra insisted. Before she could say more she flinched when a snowball hit the back of her head. "Hey!"
A little girl waterbeded water into a snowball and threw it at Korra. She grabbed the snow with her hand and melted it with her firebending.
"Please, I don't want any trouble."
"It's too late for that!" said the southerners, now fuming with anger.
"Not it's not! Please, if you would just listen to me-"
"Why would we listen to a traitor?!"
"I'm not a traitor!"
One of the northerners approached her with a bow, "Avatar Korra, please allow us to do away with them."
"What? No! You're not going to hurt them!"
"But they disrespected the North and in doing so they disrespected your uncle the chief."
"Your chief is the real problem!" said the southerners.
Korra once again tried to plea with them both. "Look, I'm sure if we can all find a way to resolve this peacefully."
"Why don't you go back to the royal palace where you belong!" the southerner shouted in anger while pointing a finger.
"Excuse me?" Korra replied, feeling a tad insulted by his remark. "I was born in the south just like you!"
"No, you're not. You may have been born in the south, but your or northern blood! You're not one of us after all!"
Just like before with the man's cruel reminder that she was not Aang's blood, Korra felt a stab in her heart. She had always felt she was a southerner at heart, just like her aunt and grandmother. But they were right, her only living biological relative is of the north, as where her parents and Kya and Katara were only her adopted family.
Just when it seemed she was finally discovering who she really was, she was even more confused than ever.
"Everyone, walk away from this." came another voice, a familiar feminine voice, "They're not worth our trouble. Go back to your homes."
"Aunt Kya!"
The woman had come in between the two feuding groups and they all respectively dropped their water before walking away from one another.
As grateful as she was, Korra was also humiliated on account that the people would have rather listened to her aunt, Avatar Aang and Katara's daughter, rather than the Avatar herself. This did not do well for her self esteem. She dismounted her polar bear dog, who nuzzled her cheek with her wet, warm nose.
"You okay, kiddo?" Kya asked sympathetically.
"No. I tried to make peace but nobody would listen to me!" she sighed, dropping her shoulders in disappointment. "This is a disaster."
"You shouldn't take what they say to heart. They're just frustrated."
"I don't blame them. I should be able to fix this, I'm the Avatar."
"Being the Avatar doesn't mean you have all the answers. Your grandfather knew that better than anyone."
Korra absentmindedly grabbed her pendant, "He's not my grandfather and you know that."
"Forget what that jerk said! How many times have I told you before? Come on, say it."
Korra gave her a hesitant smile. "Love is what makes a family, not the blood."
"Exactly. You know, whenever I look at you, I can see him."
"I wish he was here. I wish I could talk to him somehow."
"I talk to him all the time." said Kya, a soft breeze blew on her hair, "Whenever I feel the wind, or think about him, I can feel his presence. Not literally, but I can feel him in my heart. And I know he lives in you too." she gently removed a stray piece of hair from Korra's face before embracing her in a loving embrace.
"Thanks, Aunt Kya. You always know when I need a hug."
"Let's go home. I'll make you your favorite. Hot chocolate!"
Korra felt even better now. Her aunt always knew how to make her smile. But even with the sweet hot beverage waiting for her, she couldn't completely shake off what those men said.
The men themselves, were not done yet. They knew something needed to be done about this. They no longer trusted their Avatar to help them now. They needed to take matters into their own hands.
Southerners: Deception
An outrage!
Disgrace
For shame!
She asked the trouble the moment she came
We can't live
In this state
Helpless to defy the fate
Let her run
Let her live
But do not forget what we cannot forgive!
And she is not one of us
She has never been one of us
She is not
One of us
She is not part of us
Not our kind
One man: She is not!
One of us…
Southerners: Deception…
Disgrace…
Deception…
Disgrace….
Deception….
From his balcony, Unalaq watched as more and more southerners grew angry and bitter. This would sure bring Korra's spirits down. He thought with a frown.
(~)
Bolin had been looking for her all day. She wasn't at any of the eating establishments, he didn't see her at the carnival, he didn't find her at most of the clothing stores, even asked every single employer if they had seen her. They pointed in the right direction to where she would have most likely gone afterwords, but once he got there he missed her. It wasn't until he took a rest stop at a nearby bench when he spotted her, already carrying a few shopping bags, walking only a few feet in front of him that he called out her name.
"Asami!"
She spun her head around and spotted him, only she didn't look at all to happy to see him. At least he wasn't with Eska this time.
"So, Eska finally let you out of her leach?"
"Okay, I probably deserve that." he said once he caught up, only to take notice of her death glare. "Okay, I totally deserved it. Please, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for, well, everything. You you have to know I don't like Eska like that!"
"I already know that. But what I want to know is if you're just going to let her walk all over you or are you going to stand up for yourself? I already did that for you but if you really wanted her to stop you need to do the same too or she will never leave you alone and…" she lowered her gaze in sadness, "I miss you."
"I miss you too. I promise I'll make it up to you. I'll tell Eska straight up that I don't want anything to do with her. No more wimping out like a scare little kid!"
"You promise?" she asked hopefully.
"I promise. In fact, why don't we take a break from all of this Eska business and we go for a nice quiet dinner? Just the two of us. What'ya say?"
"I say…pick me up at seven."
(~)
Korra dismounted off of Naga once she returned to the hut where she and her family were staying until she spotted Meelo…packing?
The young boy immediately screamed once he spotted his sister and his aunt approaching them. The little boy dropped the bags he was carrying and hid them behind his legs, chuckling nervously in hopes of throwing the two off.
"Meelo, what are you doing?" Korra asked him, rather suspiciously.
"Uh….I was shopping! Just thought a nice foe pelt for the hut. Some throw pillows, maybe a little potpourri."
"You were packing." Korra stated, not being fooled for one moment. "Dad's making us leaven isn't he?"
Meelo fiddled with his fingers, "Uuuuuuhhhhhhh…maybe?"
Korra growled in anger, "I should have known he would do something like this!" she angrily made her way into the hut, where she indeed saw her father, Jinora and Ikki packing things to leave.
"I can't believe you are doing this!"
"Korra, let me explain." Tenzin insisted.
"Next time you want to force me to go back home I'd like for you to let me in on it!"
"Korra, you've seen what is happening out there. Things are only going to get worse."
"Which is exactly why I need to stay! I can't abandon these people!"
"I'm not asking you to abandon anybody. We will got back home and speak to Raiko about coming up with a diplomatic solution to this problem."
Korra was appalled by his statement. "You don't think I can handle this. You don't' believe I can do it. Are you forgetting I was the one who stopped the Equalist organization? I stopped a war between bender and non-benders and you don't think I can handle one civil war?"
"Korra, this is beyond your control."
"I can't believe you're doing this! This is a new low!"
A light shone into the room once Pema walked in. "Korra, what's going on?" she asked, having come back from doing some shopping. Seeing the bags, she looked at her husband in shock. "Tenzin, what's happened?"
"Pema, please let me explain-"
"Care to tell me why you're packing our things and didn't tell me?"
"I don't think we should stay here. It's not safe for any of us."
"Tenzin, this is ludicrous! You can't force our daughter to leave like this."
"You want her to get hurt by angry southerners? I've seen what's been happening, you expect me to just stay here and watch my children suffer?"
Korra stepped forward, "Well, you can pack all you want because I'm not going anywhere with you! In fact, I'm not even going to stay in the same hut." the angry teenager began packing her own things, rather angrily, before flinging them onto her back.
"Where are you going to stay?"
"At the palace. At least there they treat me like an adult and not their property!" with an angry huff, she walked out of the room with her father running after her.
"Korra! Korra, get back here! Korra!"
Ignoring his cries, Korra rode off on Naga away from him. He felt his wife and sister's angry eyes fall upon him.
"You know Tenzin, you think you know what's best for Korra…but even you have a great deal to learn."
The two women turned their backs and walked away, preferring to go back into town than have to deal with this. Even his children went along with their mother and aunt.
Tenzin was now all alone.
(~)
But the humans were not the only ones seeing all of the trouble brewing. The dragon birds were all astonished to see so many southerners speaking terribly about the northerners. While there was no physical fighting at the moment, people were not happy. Stands were taken down, people were on probation for speaking badly about Unalaq or even Korra, these two were getting a pretty bad reputation.
Applejack tried her best to make the most out of this situation. "I think things are getting a little better."
"Satisfactory, I'd say." said Rarity.
Sunset Shimmer cringed, "It, could be worse."
Fluttershy whimpered, "It's not very good."
"It's a disaster!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
"You're telling me!" said Rainbow Dash, while playing cards with Pabu, "I'm loosing to a ferret!"
Rarity was already feeling faint, "Oh, but our poor poor Korra-kins! When she first came here she was showered with praise, and now rumors are spreading like wild fire through Paris!"
"What's a Paris?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"I don't know, I read it somewhere."
"She's right." said Fluttershy, "I'm beginning to fear the worst if things keep going on like this."
Sunset placed a wing on her shoulder, "I know, but don't you say anything to Twilight. She's worried enough already."
"Yeah, you're right." said Rainbow Dash, "We better lighten up."
"We can do it!" Pinkie replied with uncertainty, "I think. Maybe."
Applejack then ordered everyone to keep silent, "Shush, she's commin'. Now just stay calm."
"Not a word." said Rarity.
"Easy does it." said Rainbow.
"Poker face." said Fluttershy.
Twilight Sparkle, who had taken her own solo patrol across the tribe to see how things were going, landed beside Pinkie Pie's, who's' eyes were darting around everywhere. A sure sign she was nervous.
"Please tell me there's some good news." said the purple dragon-bird hopefully.
But Pinkie Pie could hold it in no longer. She screamed dramatically, "It's a lost cause! *inhale* She's gone from hero of the month to public enemy number one!" she hugged Twilight and began sobbing uncontrollably onto her chest.
Sunset arched an eyebrow, "Way to keep cool, Pinkie." she said sarcastically.
"No, she's right." Twilight gently pushed Pinkie Pie away while wiping away her tears with her wing. "What are we going to do, it's not like we can vouch for her. She's the only one who can understand us."
Rainbow began playing with her cards, "Hey, if I know Korra she's got everything under control. She's not nothing to worry about. She's got us, Asami, Bolin and Mako."
Speaking of which…" Rarity pointed with her tail downwards and the others followed to see Mako himself walking out from a store. The young man looked around him, apparently trying to make sure nobody else saw him.
The dragon birds already had a feeling as to what he was doing. They spread out their wings and followed him as he headed towards the direction of where Korra was staying. He was already several feet away from town, his feet getting covered by the white snow as he took out what he had bought. It was a simple little blue comb formed in an arc with a white five petal flower, decorated with several leaves on its left and right. He was just strolling down the streets when he spotted it on display outside a store. He knew Korra was never really the accessory type of girl, unless he counted very simple things that weren't too flash. This comb just reminded him so much of her. The blue seemed to be a perfect match for her cyan colored eyes and the white flower reminded him of her now white hair. It seemed wrong for him not to get it for her. He just hoped she would like it, though chances are she would. After all, she liked the little arts and crafts gifts her little brother made for her from time to time, why wouldn't she like something he got because it reminded him of her.
Apparently, Fate agreed with him. He heard panting from afar and saw Naga walking towards him. Mako quickly hid the comb away, wanting to it to be surprise when he gave it to her. Korra tugged onto Naga's fur, still not having the time to make her a proper saddle, and stopped in front of Mako.
"Hey, Korra." he greeted her with a smile, "How was your day?"
Korra leaped off, still holding her bags. He could already tell she wasn't in a very cherry mood. And when Korra was mad, it's like trying to tame a wild angry dragon. If that dragon was house broken.
"Oh, fabulous!" she responded in angry sarcasm, "The water tribes are about to go to war and I'm suppose to stop it, but nobody will listen to me. And now, my father wants me to go back home because he doesn't think I can handle it. You'd think after stopping an anti-bending revolution a civil war would be a cake walk! Er, I just don't understand him sometimes!"
Mako just stood there, allowing her to blow off her steam. He was her firebending teacher after all so he knew how her temper worked better than anyone. However, there were times in which he couldn't tell if she was saying this because she wanted advice or not. He may know Korra well but she was still a pretty complex individual. And that was, ironically, one of the many things he likes about her. She could be a challenge, but he had grown to love that about her.
"So, do you want advice or not? I'm not always quite clear on that."
Korra sighed, this was enough to convince him she really did just needed to blow off steam and nothing more. "I'm sorry. My dad just gets me all worked up. And this whole war thing isn't helping either. I feel like this is all my fault."
"Of course it's not."
"How do you know that? My uncle brought the troops and I was the one who opened the portal. I'm starting to think all of this was nothing but a big mistake."
Mako wished he could somehow wave a magic wand and make things better, but he knew as well as Korra that he couldn't. He didn't know what else to say, he knew that this war was not Korra's intention, but should he dare to say her uncle may not be the man she thought he was. He was hesitant because even he wasn't so sure. She was so happy when she found him he didn't want to take that away from her. And most importantly, he didn't want her to think he wasn't being supportive. Her father was already having trouble trusting Unalaq as it is, if he said he was, at the very least, sketchy about him it would crush her. She had already been through enough. Maybe all she needed was some time to herself to put things into perspective. It was then he remembered what he was going to give her.
"I'm not sure if this'll help or anything but…" he pulled out the comb he had gotten her and her eyes sparkled. "I saw it in town and I thought of you."
Korra gently took the gift into her hand, her fingers caressing the simple yet stunning hair ornament. This simple little piece of plastic was enough to make her feel better. This simple little gesture that came out of the goodness of Mako's heart was all the reassurance she needed that not everything was as bad as it seemed. She held the object close to her heart.
"I love it. Thanks, Mako. After everything that's happened today, this just made it all better."
"How about you take a break from this Avatar stuff and we go for a quiet dinner. Just the two of us."
Korra's eyes widened with joy, "You mean…like a date?" she asked, her voice sounding like that of a hopeful little child.
"Yeah. A date."
"I'd love to!" she didn't think twice when she wrapped her arms around his neck while he wrapped his arms around her waist. "For the first time today, things are starting to right."
(~)
Okay, this chapter is long enough as it is. On the next one you will see Tenzin's own struggles with letting Korra go (which is not something he can overcome over night. This is deeply rooted territory people). And, of course, come court action.
I'm sorry I've been absent for so long, I was on finals this week, but now I have a FULL WEEK OFF! YAY! I can finally focus on this story, on Tales of Equestria, maybe even get a chance to write a bit of my original novel! I want it to be perfect, and I need time and research to do it right. That's right, I do my homework when it comes to stories ;)
Oh, and I am going to be graduating on the 20th this month! That's right, I am officially going to be a college graduate!
HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!
Until next time, God bless! *kiss kiss*