.
.
.
.
Tenzin never, in a million years, would have imagined that he would be handcuffed and arrested by the police. Even when Bumi and Kya got into their little shenanigans back in their youth had he never been in a predicament like this. Pema was forced to stay behind, holding a crying Rohan in her arms, while the troops took her husband, siblings-in-law into the back of a truck. Korra's arms were wrapped around her younger siblings, who were all equally terrified by the situation.
"What's going to happen to them?" Jinora asked, trying her hardest to fight back the tears.
"Everything is going to be alright, Jinora." Korra promised. However, even she herself wasn't so sure if she could talk her uncle out of this. She watched with a heavy heart as her father, aunt and uncle were being forced into the truck, the doors closing, preventing her from seeing them. The truck started to drive away and once it was gone, Pema finally got the chance to speak up to the chief.
"How could you do this?! My husband is innocent!"
"I wish it hadn't come to this." he replied, trying to sound as sincere as he possibly could. But he was not fooling this woman.
"Don't play dumb with me, mister!"
Korra quickly came in between the two, "Mom, settle down." she turned to her uncle, her eyes narrowing slightly, "But she's right, Uncle. You're making a mistake."
"Your father, aunt and uncle held a meeting with the rebels and last night one of my men reported seeing your father wandering outside the palace."
"But he didn't do anything!" Ikki protested, "I was there, we went right back home, I swear!"
"Were you with him the entire time?"
"Well, not I only found him when I was going to give Korra my letter."
"He was walking there for several minutes, he could have met up with the rebels before you caught him."
Korra shook her head in disbelief, "That's ridiculous! My father's a nomad, he doesn't believe in violence!"
"Rest assured, I have appointed judge Hotah to oversee the trial. He's the most fair an honorable man I know."
"There's no need for a trial." Korra stated boldly, "My father had nothing to do with the men who attacked you."
"I'm sure you're right. So we should have nothing to worry about."
Korra wanted to say something else, but at this point, there wasn't much she could do. Her uncle just wouldn't budge. Maybe there could be some other way to work around this.
For now, she and the rest of her family needed to comply. No matter how much they didn't like it.
Unalaq politely left the family, the children looked up at their mother in distress. "Are daddy, aunt Kya and uncle Bumi really going to jail?" Ikki asked with fear in her voice.
"No, sweetheart. No one is going to jail."
"Mom's right." said Korra, now looking incredibly determined. "I know just the person who can help us.
(~)
Never had Mako seen a more flamboyant household in his life. Even Asami's house was never this over the top. But, what to expect from somebody like Varrick?
He, Bolin and Asami were in the rich man's mansion, which contained many mires, no doubt for him to admire himself, stuffed fake animals, he had a several no-real-deal-corpses policy, and furniture made out of the finest red silk from the fire nation. The two brothers were resting on the couch, Bolin was more relaxed than Mako was, while Asami paced back ad forth.
"Where's Varrick?" she asked, "We were suppose to close our deal an hour ago."
"Will you relax?" Bolin said optimistically with Pabu on his stomach, "This place is great! And the best part about it, I don't have to worry about Eska anymore."
Right after the words left his mouth, a loud banging was heard by the door. Varrick came barging in, panting and running like he had seen the worse thing in his life. He rushed over to them still jogging in place.
"Guys! Guys, you won't believe what I just heard-why are you all looking at me like that?" he looked down at his feet and realized he was still jogging. "Oh, right. Anyway, I was out for my morning walk, like I always do, just strolling along, minding my own business when I heard these folks talking and, in my natural curiosity, I wanted to find out what it was. Normally I don't do gossip but it sounded supper important and with all of this civil war stuff going on I-"
"Can you get to the point?!" Mako interrupted the man by standing up and yelling at his face.
"Okay, okay! You firebenders and your tempers. So, I listened in and they said that Korra's dad, the airbender fella, was arrested this morning because Unalaq thinks he had something to do with the people who attacked him last night!"
"What?!" The three teens all exclaimed in shock, Bolin jumping out of the couch, dropping Pabu in the process.
"I said; So, I listened in and it they said that Korra's dad, the airbender fella, was arrested-"
"We heard you!" they exclaimed in unison once more, making the man flinch.
"You don't have to yell."
Just then, the doors opened once more and this time it was Korra who entered, running towards them. "Good, you're all still here! My dad was just arrested!"
"We know!" the three replied, once again, all at once.
"Really? Who told you?"
"Varrick." they all pointed towards the man, all once again speaking in unison.
"When did he tell you?"
"Just now." they asked again all together.
"Okay seriously, you need to stop that."
"Stop what?" they all asked her, until they looked at one another and the reality that they were al speaking at once hit them. "Oh."
"Sorry." Bolin said, alone. "We got distracted with your dad being in prison and all."
"He's not in prison. Yet."
"How did this happen?" Asami asked, "There's no way your father would have been involved with those rebels."
"I know, I don't understand why my uncle would think he had anything to do with it."
Just then, the doors opened once more, and this time it was her two creepy cousins who entered, much to Korra's dismay. They were accompanied by northern troops.
"Well, if it isn't our rugged street cousin, Korra." Eska said in a disinterested before darting her eyes at Bolin, narrowing them in anger. "And you."
For a moment, Bolin grew a bit worried but then took a deep breath and stood his ground. "Eska, hello. You're looking gloomy today as ever."
"You would be happy to know I am not on the hunt for you. Currently."
"Then why are you in my house?" Varrick asked.
"We heard you were also involved with the meeting the rebels had with Korra's father. Anyone who was a witness is ordered to stand trial."
"What?! I had nothing to do with it! I swore I would never do anything that would place me in court again!"
"What did you do anyway?" Mako asked, rather skeptically.
"Not the point, look I'm innocent I tell ya!"
"You can state your defense in court." Desna replied, "We are looking forward to seeing you all there." the two twins prepared to leave before Eska turned to her cousin.
"Our father also tasked us with retrieving you." said the cold-hearted princess. "Come along."
Korra shot her cousin a fierce glance before looking at her friends with worry, "We'll see you there." Asami reassured her.
The Avatar smiled before leaving with her two horrible cousins. Once they were gone, Varrick sighed in despair.
"I can't believe it! I have to go to court again?!"
"Seriously, what did you do?" Asami asked, more curious than ever, "And how are you still in business?"
"Patience. Community service. And the love of a pony."
"Wait, what?"
"Well, see you guys in court!" he happily walked out with a suitcase and a top hat he seemed to have gathered out of nowhere and walked out, leaving the three teens very confused.
"That guy's a weirdo." Mako stated, his friends nodding in agreement.
(~)
Korra was pacing back and forth within the hallways, chanting to herself the healing song she had been using often lately. She figured, if it could calm down a dark spirit, maybe it could calm her down as well.
Flower gleam and glow
Let your power shine
She sang, rather quickly and mainly to herself. Her hair was already starting to glow brightly.
Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine
The more she paced and the more she sang to herself the stronger the glow in her hair became.
Flower gleam and glow
Let your power shine
Make the clock reverse
Bring back what once was mine...
"If you keep going like that you'll explode."
Korra quickly spun round to see her grandmother there. "Gran Gran!" she rushed over and embraced her warmly. "I'm so glad your hear. I couldn't let mom see me like this."
"I understand deer. Don't worry, everything will work out fine, you'll see. Have faith."
"I'm trying. I'm trying."
At the Water Tribe Palace, the courtroom to be more precise, the trial began. From a corner of the room, Korra and Mako stood beside Unalaq, along with Eska, Desna and Yuki. Tenzin, Kya, Bumi and the rebels sat on a table before the judge's podium, all with handcuffs on their wrists. Korra kept on taking deep subtle breaths to calm her nerves. This was certainly something she didn't want to happen. Bolin and Asami sat together on the benches with the rest of the audience, both holding each other's hands for good luck.
The gavel hammered. The trial was starting. "This trial will now come to order! Judge Hotah presiding."
An elderly man too his seat in front of the court. He had a long white beard and hair and bushy grey eyebrows. He wore a water tribe robe consisting of main purple colors. This was Judge Hotah.
The trial commenced with Unalaq speaking in front of the jury near the stand where Hotah sat, explaining the events of the previous night. "I was asleep in my chambers when the rebels attacked. They overpowered me, and the next thing I remember was waking up in the snow after Avatar Korra and her comrade Mako had saved me."
"Chief, you also claimed that one of your men saw Master Tenzin outside of your palace not long before the men broke in."
"It was not one of my men, actually. It was my family's most trusted employer. Miss Yuki."
The raven haired, gray eyed woman bowed her head in shame while Korra looked at her. How could this sweet girl every do something, even Asami was surprised. She had had the opportunity to speak with this girl before, and she was a complete sweetheart.
Hotah asked Yuki to set forward and speak to the court what she had seen. She spoke to the judge in a sweet, innocent tone.
"I was doing some late night reading when I heard somebody from outside. I looked out and saw it was Master Tenzin. I didn't think much about it and assumed he was out on a nightly walk. However, I did find it a bit peculiar when he just seemed to be standing there, as if waiting for something. I was begging to doze off so I dismissed it believing I was being paranoid. When I heard the commotion I woke up but was too frightened to assist. I had never fought with anyone in my entire life." her eyes began to water and covered her face in shame, "I am so ashamed!"
Unalaq quickly rushed towards her, rubbing her shoulders in a fatherly manner and led her away. Hotah then asked Varrick to speak and tell the court what he did that night.
"What was I doing last night? Same thing I always do. From nine to ten, I checked my body for ticks. Lyme disease is a serious killer." he then stretched himself demonstrating the workout while Korra and Mako rolled their eyes. "Then I did my nightly Varrick calisthenics, followed by thirty minutes of breath holding. I filmed the whole thing if you want to watch it."
"NO!" the whole crowd shouted at once. Nobody wanted to see that.
"Okay, I'll be taking my seat now." Varrick scooted away from the judge, grinning nervously.
Next was Katara who, because of her status at the South Pole, she was regarded a very important public figure.
"Master Katara, is it true that there was a meeting help at your healing hut?"
"That is correct."
"I see. And was it your suggestion to have such a meeting?"
"I suggested an open gathering for anyone of the South who felt concerned with the current situations we are facing. I assure you, it was not intended to cause any conflict."
"Did you lead the meeting yourself?"
"It was my son who did. However, I assure you, he was not in favor of them either."
"Where these men at the meeting as well?"
"Yes."
"And what exactly did they say at this open gathering."
"They bluntly stated their beliefs, however I never said I was in favor of such behavior. After they insulted my granddaughter I kindly ordered them to leave. Besides, do you really think a woman of my age would get involved in a silly war again? I barely survived the first one."
"Thank you for your time, Master Katara."
Hotah then had Korra stand in front of him. The young Avatar took deep breaths as she tried to keep herself from loosing control.
"According to Unalaq's testimony, you attended a meeting where various southerners tried to incite a civil war. Is that true?"
Korra hesitantly answered, "Yes."
"And where one of these mean the ones who insulted you, as your grandmother stated?" he gestured to the line of rebels behind Korra. She did recognize their faces, including the man who bluntly reminded she was not Aang's biological granddaughter, and a few of the men who nearly caused a riot the other day in town with some of the northern troops.
"Well, yes, but-"
"And who led this meeting?"
"My grandmother told you, it was her and the rest of my family but we never wanted it to go this far. We were simply trying to help those who were concerned and confused."
Hotah stroked his chin in thought, "Is it also true that, before the night of the kidnapping, your father wanted to leave the South Pole and didn't bother to inform you about it?"
This wasn't looking too good. The assumption that Tenzin wanted to leave the south as soon as possible may look suspicious if they didn't know the whole story. But Korra was under oath, she couldn't lie.
"Uh…."
"Objection!"
All eyes landed on Bolin who stood up from his seat in hopes of helping. "Quiet down out there!" Hotah ordered, making Bolin sadly sit again. The judge turned back to Korra, "Is it true?"
Korra looked down and hesitantly answered, "Yes."
Bolin stood up again, "Your honor, if I may?"
"May what?" Hotah glared at the boy, making him flinch.
"May I…declare a mistrial?"
"Sit down!"
"Yes sir."
The poor embarrassed boy did as he was told and Hotah turned to Korra once again. "Your father kept these secret from you, didn't he?"
"My father is innocent!" Korra shouted defensively, taking one step forward.
"I've heard all I need to. I'll return shortly with my decision."
This was not going well for Korra, not one bit. From afar, Yuki could see the sadness in her eyes. She was then nudged by Eska, who narrowed her eyes at her. She immediately got her command.
(~)
The ice princess waited patiently in the hallways when the earthbender appeared. He didn't look too happy about this.
"Yuki said you wanted to talk with me." he said, sounding more confident by the minute. "Look, whatever it is you're going to do to me just go ahead and do it. Nothing can be worse than what you've already put me through!"
"Do not be alarmed. I have realized threatening you was the incorrect manner of expression I should have demonstrated towards you."
Bolin blinked in surprise. "Wait…really?"
"Indeed. I have realized now that a great chasm has been formed between us and nothing can bridge it."
Bolin felt a huge wave of relief, "Oh! Oh, yes! I'm so glad you finally understand!"
"Nothing, that is…except marriage." Eska sported a menacing grin as she showed Bolin a betrothal necklace with a skull pendant. Bolin's eyes grew wide in fear as she promptly tied it around his neck before dragging him towards her by the necklace. "We will wed at sunset. You may express your joy through tears."
As Eska pulled him away, Bolin began to cry, trying to get away and reach Spike for help, "Oh, no, I can't, why-" he coughed as he was being dragged away, "This is really tight."
(~)
Asami couldn't stop tapping her foot impatiently while she and Mako sat on the bench, waiting for Bolin to show up and for the trail to start. The firebender was fiddling with his fingers nervously as well, but it was Asami's foot that was driving him mad.
"Will you stop that? I'm already tense enough as it is!"
"I should have gone with him. What was I thinking, what if Eska does something to him?"
"I'm sure he's fine, Bolin's not scared of her anymore."
"I agree." said another voice, surprising the two raven haired teens.
"Yuki?"
"I'm really sorry about that episode earlier. I feel so embarrassed."
"No, don't be." Asami assured her, "We totally get it."
"We do?" Mako asked, right before getting an elbow to the arm. Korra taught her well.
"So, what's with the basket?" Asami gestured to the said basket Yuki was holding. It was covered by a white blanket over them.
"Oh, I brought them for when I get nervous. They calm me down." she removed the blanket, revealing a sight Mako and Asami had not seen very often in the south.
"Apples?"
"My father was from the Earth Kingdom, he use to grow them all the time. When I was little and feeling upset, we would underneath his tree and eat the fresh fruit. I didn't know how this whole thing would go so brought them in hopes of making it easier."
"Where's your dad?" Asami asked, curiously.
Yuki's gaze lowered, "He passed away a long time ago. But, I always find a way to get the best imported apples in the north. Would you like some."
"Of course!"
"No, thanks." Mako once again got an elbow to the arm, "I mean, sure why not?"
Yuki smiled and offered them two brightly red apples. Asami graciously accepted one and gave the other to Mako. He was never particularly found of apples, but he didn't want to be rude. He took one bite and chewed the fruit, swallowing it, trying his best not to cringed at the taste of it. It was a good thing he had a powerful stomach for food he didn't like. He managed to take two bites, chew and swallow, though he wished he had some water to wash it down.
Asami, on the other hand, loved apples and ate the fruit with much joy. "Mmm, you were right. I'm feeling a lot better already."
"Glad I could help." Yuki said with a smile before leaving the two. Once they were gone, Mako stuck out in tongue, disgusted by the taste. He stood up and walked to find the nearest trash can while Asami enjoyed her fruit, nearly half done already.
"You going to finish that?"
Mako happily gave it to her, "Knock yourself out. I'm going to go get some water." he stood up and went looking for a fountain or something. He would even drink the water from the sink in the bathroom.
Why was this fruit worse than the times before. He could feel something slithering down his throat. This was one of the downsides of trying to be polite. Luckily, he found fountain and started drinking the water. Once satisfied, he wiped the refreshing liquid from his face.
He was glad that was over.
(~)
Moments later, back in the courtroom, Hotah looked at both of Tenzin's siblings. "Kya and Bumi, please step forward." The two complied and walked over to the judge who gave them his sentence, "I have found you both…Innocent. You are free to go."
They both sighed in relief as the northern troops removed their handcuffs. Kya rushed over to Korra, who embraced her aunt while Bumi hugged his mother. However, there was still the matter of Tenzin. Pema was so worried, she prayed he would come back to his family.
Hotah looked at Tenzin and the rebels who stood before him, "On the charge of treason, you are all found…guilty."
Everyone in the crowd murmured in shock. They could get why the rebels were to be arrested, but why Tenzin? This didn't make any sense.
"That's not fair!" Meelo exclaimed angrily and attempted to go right up to the judge to give him a piece of his mind. "Let me at em! Let me at em!" he was held back by his mother and aunt.
From the roof, the dragon birds watched. Rainbow Dash pounded her feathers together. "Why I outta-let me at em! Let me at em!" she gave Pinkie Pie her tail, "Here, hold me down."
"Okay!" Pinkie complied and took her friend's tail.
Rainbow then tried to fly down to attack the judge with Pinkie Pie still holding her tail, preventing her from doing so. "Let me at em! Let me at em!"
"Okay!" Pinkie released Rainbow, causing her to fall off from where they stood and hovered before Pinkie Pie, narrowing her eyes.
"I think you're missing the basic point here, Pink."
"Oh…"
"The punishment for this crime…is death." Hotah's words stroked fear into the hearts of Korra and her family. Mako and Asami both stood up in equal shock and Tenzin lowered his head in shame.
As Hotah began walking away, Korra addressed to him in anger, "You can't do this!" she shouted at the man and rushed over to him, "Take me instead!"
The crowd gasped in horror at the young woman's words, Pema felt faint. "Korra!"
"It doesn't work like that." said Hotah.
"Please, I'll do anything to keep my father and these men out of prison."
"Even at the expense of your own life?"
"Yes."
Unalaq placed his hand on his niece's shoulder, "Korra, calm down. I'll talk to him." He walked over to Hotah, "I know I promised to respect whatever decision you made, but I must ask you to reconsider. Show these men and Tenzin." as he said the last sentence, he sends the air nomad a sad glance.
Hotah bowed to the chief, "Very well. I'll change their punishment. Your lives will be spared, but you will live them out in prison."
The rebels and Tenzin all sighed in relief. "Thank you, uncle." Korra said. But even with this done, it wasn't enough.
(~)
Tenzin was surprised to see his prison cell door open, and his wife and children rushed to hug him.
"Honey, are you alight?" Pema asked with worry.
"I'm fine, Pema."
"Good, let's bust you out of here right now." Meelo said determinedly, but his father stopped him. "Korra can just go all Avatar State and kick those northern troops' butts!"
"No, son. If Korra does that she will be going against the law, and that will start a war. If fighting were to break out, the North would crush the South. I'll be alright. Just promise me you won't do anything rash."
Korra lowered her gaze, "I promise.
(~)
Inside the house, Korra watched her mother from a distance. Pena was standing before the sink, crying. Korra approached and tried to comfort her weeping mother, "It's okay, Mom."
"I-I hate feeling so helpless." Senna wiped off her tears, as her daughter hugged her.
"I know." the young Avatar hatted all of this. She hatted seeing her father in prison, her mother so heartbroken, and her entire family being torn apart. Her father may had said that he didn't want to start a war, he was an honorable man for anyone of all nations, but this was too important.
Nothing was as clear anymore. But she was now done, done going along with what the grown ups said. This time, she needed to take maters into her own hands.
(~)
Hotah casually was driving his satomobile on the road of a cliff, listening to the radio, minding his own business, when he took notice of a very strange sight on his review mirror. His eyes widened with fear.
The Avatar was ridding on the back of a gigantic polar bear dog, coming towards him. The woman herself did not look very happy.
Hotah quickly stepped on the gas pedal and accelerated the car but Naga managed to catch up to him. Using the weight of her body, Naga collided against the vehicle, causing it to loose control and crash it by a large rock. Hotah was alive, and the car was fine, but he was not out of the woods yet.
Naga's gigantic paw slammed at the door, removing it from the car and Hotah screamed in terror. Korra looked fiercely at the judge before grabbing him by the collar and slammed him against the car. He had never seen anyone so angry at him, or who was able to command a polar bear dog so easily.
"What do you want?" the judge asked terrified.
"It's not about what I want." Korra replied, having one hand against the car and another on her hip, "It's about what Naga wants." Naga growled at the man, "And she'd like you to let my father out of prison."
"I-I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do. I was just following Unalaq's orders."
"What are you talking about?" she demanded to know.
"I-I've said too much." The man yelped in fear when Korra took him by the collar and place his head into Naga's now opened mouth. The beast growled in anger as his head rested on her tonguer.
"Unless you wanna be Naga's afternoon snack, you better keep talking." she said threateningly. However, this was mainly a bluff. Naga was never one to eat people, but Hotah didn't know that. The myth that polar bear dogs ate people was nothing more than a myth caused by classic paranoia. But, Naga was smart enough to play along with the act. By the looks of it, Hotah was falling for it, hook-line-and sinker.
"I-I've worked for your uncle for years! He said he needed everyone to think the trial was fair."
"So Unalaq told you what to say?"
"Yes! Every word." he confessed.
"Then why did he have you free my aunt and uncle and change your sentence?"
"He's trying to keep you on his side. But he also wants your father out of the way."
Korra's anger slowly deteriorated, "What do you mean he wanted my father out of the way?" there was more hurt in her voice rather than anger. How could her own uncle do this to her father? Unless…
"Tell me everything!" she demanded, her anger returning.
"I don't know anything else!"
"Alright then. Naga, lunch time!"
"No, no, really I don't know! He just said it was none of my concern. He just needed you to stay so he could take you to the north with him!"
At that moment, all feelings of anger and confusion were gone. All being replaced with a reaction of shock and hurt. Slowly, she loosed her grip on Hotah's collar but did not let him go. Her eyes softened, her brows furrowed, her breath in soft sharp inhales. Her uncle, her long lost family member…lied to her. He tricked her, he wanted to take her away without any regards to her or the family she grew up with. Tenzin may had done a similar thing but at least he didn't conduct a scheme like this. The worse he did was not tell her and at least he didn't do anything to harm Unalaq, unlike him.
She angrily released Hotah, shoving him into the car before mounting back onto Naga and ran off into the distance.
At that moment everything changed.
(~)
She led Naga all the way back to town, but first she needed to vent. She got her to stop and dismounted, stopping by a snowy cliff, overlooking the ocean. Any confusion she once had had disappeared. She now knew exactly what she needed to do. No more deceptions, no more lies, no more masks.
I can't
I can't back down
I can't
I can't back down
I can't
I can't back down
Not right now
I can't back down
Not right now
I won't close my eyes
Thought we were in this together
Whatever
Here, I draw the line
I'm not gonna struggle, I'll cross it
Or lose it
She had never felt so angry with somebody in her life. Even the anger she previously had for her father was nothing to compared to how she was feeling now. Her uncle, a man she admired and even loved had taken advantage of her. She felt so betrayed. But, even with that, she was now more determined than ever to stop him.
I won't back down
There's too much at stake
This is serious
Won't walk away
I can't pretend
It's not happening
In my own backyard
My own home plate
I've been called out
Do you hear my name?
I'm not confused
I'll fight this thing!
I can't back down
There's too much at stake
Won't walk away
Won't walk away
Don't get me wrong
I don't like confrontation
I'd rather we all just get along
Family should be undivided
United!
I won't back down
There's too much at stake
This is serious
Won't walk away
I can't pretend
It's not happening
In my own backyard
My own home plate
I've been called out
Do you hear my name?
I'm not confused
I'll fight this thing!
I can't back down
There's too much at stake
Won't walk away
Won't walk away!
(~)
At Varrick's mansion, Korra explained to the others what had happened. "Unalaq is a liar and a traitor!"
"I've been trying to tell you that from the get-go!" Varrick said.
"No, you didn't. You just said you didn't like him."
"Well I was thinking it!"
"By the way, why are you in a platypus-bear suit?"
The rich man was indeed inside a stuffed platypus bear costume. "Just in case somebody wants to accuse me of something again. I'm tellin' ya, even when you're innocent they want to tear you to pieces."
Mako, Asami and Korra blinked in confusion. "You should really do a background check on your business partners." Mako said to the heiress.
"I'm starting to see that, thank you."
"My uncle was trying to get my dad out of the way so I would have no choice but to go with him to the north." Korra explained, "I knew he wanted me to open the portal but I didn't know he would do this."
"It's really weird." Mako voiced out, "Unless…he didn't want you to leave afterwords."
"He already knew things between me and my dad weren't going so well so he used this to his advantage. He used the rebels' kidnapping to add more fuel to the fire and set up the whole trial to make it look like my father was guilty. I can't believe I trusted him."
"We all did, Korra."
"Well, I'm done with him. Blood or no, you don't do this to family. I'm busting my father and the rebels out of jail. I need your help."
"If you do this, there's no going back."
"I know. So, can I count on you guys?"
"Of course I'll help."
"Me too" Asami said.
Varrick raised his bear paw, "Count me in!"
Right on cue, the doors opened. Everyone looked on with surprised and confused expressions as Bolin walked in. The young man wore a long water tribe outfit similar to Eska, his skull betrothal neckless around his neck and his hair was gelled down. Pabu had a similar outfit and hair.
"I don't even want to know." said Mako, completely unfazed by this odd choice of fashion.
"Bolin, what is that getup?" Asami asked, "And where have you been all day? And why am I just now asking this?" she asked herself, honestly confused as to why she wasn't concerned earlier before. It wasn't like her at all.
"Did you have another unwanted run in with my cousin?" Korra asked.
"What gave it away? The itchy robe or the fact that my life is over?! Eska wants me to marry her today!"
"She what?!" Asami was just as angry as he was.
"And, apparently, she's not taking 'no' for an answer this time! She won't even let me out of my room!"
"Then how did you escape?" Mako asked.
"Let's just say, if ever need to tie a whole bunch of bed sheets together into a rope, I'm you're guy."
"I'm pretty sure the guy is supposed to give the girl the betrothal necklace." Korra stated, though she was kind of amused by this.
"I guess Eska didn't get the memo."
"Look, the only way to deal with crazy women is to lie big and leave fast. Lucky for you, Varrick's got your back. Now gather 'round Ping-Ping. Let's talk plan."
(~)
At the water tribe prison, one guard was patrolling the interior. All was perfectly quiet, he was the only one there for the moment. The only noise was the sound of his footsteps and the keys gangling around his waist as he moved. Suddenly, he cried out in horror when an unexpected earthbending move cause him to fall into a trench. Blue sparks flew out of the trench and the guard was electrocuted, knocked out unconscious. While he was out cold, Asami, Mako and Korra climbed out of the trench and Korra pointed to a cell door.
"My dad's in there". The friends quickly rushed to the door and Mako, now holding the keys, unlocked the door. The Avatar forced the metal doors open, but once she did, they were shocked to find it completely empty. "Where is he?"
"I'm sorry Korra. You'll never see your father again."
They all turned to face Unalaq standing in the very center of the hallway. For a moment, pain filled Korra's heart as she stood before him. "Where's my father?" she asked demandingly.
"On a ship headed to the Northern Tribe. He'll serve out his sentence there."
"How could you do this? I know you both had your differences but even he would never do anything to harm you. I came all this way in hopes of finding you. I trusted you, I believed in you, I loved you!" tears began to fall from her eyes, "…and you do this?…why? What has my father ever done to you?!"
Unalaq's expression softened as he watched her cry. The hands he once had behind his back lowered, diminishing his authoritative demeanor.
"I didn't want it to come to this. I never did. Once I found you I swore I would never let our family be torn apart again. But that man stood in the way. I knew he would stop at nothing to keep you from leaving him, I couldn't bare to lose you again. When your father and mother died I lived with that guilt for years. I wanted nothing more than to see them again, to apologize for the way we left things. I wasn't always the best brother or friend, and when I saw you I saw a second chance to make a right."
Korra slowly took a step back, the truth finally coming clear like the pure ocean waters. "So it was never really about me. It was always about you." her words caused Unalaq to slightly jerk back, hurt and regret filling his eyes.
"You saw me an opportunity to regain what you had lost, it wasn't because you wanted to get to know me for me. You just wanted to make up for something you did. But here's the thing, I'm not Tonraq and I am not Senna. I am their daughter, not their reincarnating. I'm sorry you feel this way but whatever you did in the past you can never get it back. Amon had the same problem, he couldn't let go and that led to his downfall. But, I can look at you and I know that it wasn't all a lie. I know, somehow, somewhere, deep down you cared about me as much as I care about you. And if you really want me to trust you again, then you will let my father go. Right now."
Silence filled the hallways, waiting for a reply from the man. Unalaq's eyes began to shimmer, as if he was trying to fight back the tears that threatened to come out. He closed them shut, taking in a deep breath before opening them again.
"I'm sorry, Korra. But I can't let him stand in my way any longer."
It seems Korra had her answer. He choose his own feelings, his own ambitions, his own way, over her's and anybody else's. Maybe, like Amon, he was just too far gone. And to think, that was a side of him she never expected or suspected at all. The pain, regret and madness hidden behind his kind and loving expositing.
"Fine. If that's what you want, then you leave me no choice but to take you down and the rest of your army."
"Remember who you are. As the Avatar, you cannot threaten war. You must remain neutral, or our tribes will never find unity."
"You don't want unity. You want power. All you care about is how you feel and what you wanted."
"All I've ever wanted is to help you realize your destiny."
"Well, I don't want your help anymore."
"If you start a war, the dark spirits will annihilate the South. And even I will be powerless to stop it."
"I'm done being manipulated by you. You're going to bring my father back, then you and your troops will return to the north." she turned away from him.
"Don't turn your back on me, Korra!"
"You're the one who turned your back on me, Unalaq."
"Why would I do as you say?"
"Because you still need me and the ponies to open the northern portal." Korra pointed out, her back still turned away from him.
"No, I don't. You've served your purpose."
Korra spun around and angrily threw three fire blasts at her uncle while Twilight shoot fire blasts of her own. Unalaq threw an arc of water from his water skin at Korra but she managed to freeze it, but was none the less was pushed off by the frozen blast. Mako did a fire kick but Unalaq dodged it and punched Mako with a water blast. Unalaq send another water attack at Korra, who flipped out of the way and blasted a powerful wind attack at her uncle. Unalaq fell down and slid across the floor.
"If we get to Varrick's boat, we can still save your father." Mako tells her.
"Let's go" said Korra as they ran down the corridor. Once they were gone, Unalaq managed to stand up, mentally slapping himself for allowing the girl to get away.
(~)
Meanwhile, Bolin and Varrick, who was still in his bear costume for some reason, managed to get a hold one of of his expansive yacht where Varrick took control. Accompanying them were the rest of Korra's family. Bumi whistled once he took a good look of the boat.
"Nice digs you got here. But you sure this thing is fast enough to get us out of here?"
"Positive!" Varrick replied.
Just then, Korra, Mako and Asami made it in just in time. Pema quickly hugged her daughter while Kya held Rohan. "You're alright! Where's your father?"
"On a ship headed north." said Korra before turning to Varrick, "Think we can catch up to it?"
"Sure, once you get past our friends from the north." They looked ahead and see the northern battleships forming a blockage.
"If only we had a plane to get close to those ships I could waterbed them out of the way." said the Avatar.
"A plane? Well, why didn't you just say so?" Varrick pressed a bottom and a biplane emerged from the hatch of the ship.
"Um, why do you have a plane on your boat?" Kya asked.
"In case the boat sinks, of course."
"But there's no runway." Asami pointed out, "How are we supposed to take off?"
"Zhu-Li! Take a note: 'Build runway' " Varrick tells his assistant.
"Yes, sir." she replied…who was inside the costume as well.
"Wait, your assistant was in there this whole time?" Mako asked in disbelief.
"Zhu-Li never leaves my side."
Pema, Korra and Kya quickly took the kids and led them away from Varrick, questioning if he was a good influence on these kids. So far, all arrows pointed to 'no'.
"Wait! I have an idea!" Bumi said while pointing a finger up into the air.
"Bumi, this isn't the time for one of your crazy schemes!" Kya stated in annoyance.
"It's not a scheme, trust me it'll work. This was something I learned while patrolling overseas. All we really need are two incredibly skilled firebenders." he turned towards Korra and Mako, "How's about it, lovebirds?"
Korra smiled proudly at her uncle's clever thinking, "Uncle Bumi, you're a genius!"
Asami, on the other hand, arched an eyebrow, "Wanna fill me in here?"
"Just put on a helmet and get on that plane. Mako, you and I take the wings."
His eyes widened, "Wait, what?!"
(~)
Asami, now in her pilot outfit, started the engine and placed on her goggles. Korra and Mako took their opposite positions on the plane's wings. The Avatar gave her best friend a thumbs up who returned the gesture before getting the biplane to start moving.
"Now!"
At Korra's command, she and Mako simultaneously unleashed a fire blast that boosted the biplane to take off. Before long, the four friends were soaring through the skies. The others cheered from inside the yacht as they flew off.
"That's my sister!" Meelo said proudly.
As the plane closed in on the blockade, Korra's eyes shifted to an enchanting white, entering the Avatar State. Waving her arms in motion, she began to bend the waters down bellow, causing a moving wave to clear the path for Varrick's yacht, causing the northern navy ships to tumble out of the way. With the hatch safely out of the southern boarders, the plane flew on to find the ship where Korra's father and the rebels were being held. She quickly spotted the ship up ahead, pointing her finger towards it.
"There! My dad's on that ship!" Korra turned towards the pilot, "Asami!"
"On it!" the heiress steered the plane towards the ship. Northerners spotted the plan approaching and Asami stirred it towards them.
"Jump!"
The three friends leaped at the same time. The plane continued to fly on its own, but without a pilot it in no time all crashed near the side of the ship into the ocean, and exploded in a fiery inferno. The northerners believed whoever was on that plane must be dead by now.
Korra managed to create an air bubble for her and her friends to breath as they swam upwards to the ship. Using a water sprout, Korra brought herself and her companions onto the deck, immediately creating two water whips to throw two crew members overboard. She spotted one trying to escape and quickly froze him against the wall. The man struggled to break free as Korra approached him.
"Where are the prisoners?" she asked demandingly, her eyes stroked fear into the man's heart. He dared not to defy her.
(~)
Inside his cell, Tenzin tried to meditate but he couldn't stop thinking about his family. He kept on hoping and praying for a some kind of sign to know if they were okay.
This prayers had been answered when a powerful gust of wind cracked the metaled door open and saw his eldest daughter standing before him.
"Korra!"
"Dad!" she wrapped her arms around his neck, not wanting to let go. She had never been so terrified for him in her entire life. He held her closely as well. "I'm so sorry about everything."
"It's aright, Korra. I'm alright." The two ended their embrace once Tenzin realized the reality of the situation, "Wait, what are you doing here? You promised me you wouldn't do anything rash."
"I had to. I'll explain later but right now we have to go. Mako and Asami are already with the rebels. Let's go!"
While still a bit confused Tenzin none the less complied and followed his daughter out towards the deck, where they met up with the others. Once outside, Northern troops started attacking the rebels with their waterbending but Korra and Mako both neutralized it with firebending. Varrick's yacht approached. Using the platform on the side of the ship, everybody jumped onto the boat as fast as they possibly could. Once they were all onboard, Korra sent another fireflast at the troops before Varrick drove the ship away.
Once the battle was over the rest of the family rushed outside to greet the air nomad.
"Tenzin!"
"Daddy!"
He had never been so happy to have them back. "We thought you were gone forever." Ikki said between tears.
"I'm here, sweetie. I'm sorry I scared you."
Korra, on the other hand, lowered her head in shame. She wanted to say something to her father but she didn't want to ruin the moment. She realized this all could have been avoided if she hadn't brought them here to begin with. Silently, she made her way into the hatch only to have her friends notice her leave.
Inside, Korra wallowed in her guilt. She had never known she could caused something like this. She knew Unalaq had done his part in tricking her, but she should have seen the signs all along. She shouldn't have allowed her heart to clouds her thinking the way she did.
She witnessed a shadow on the ground and looked up, seeing her father looking down on her with concern.
"None of this would of happened if it weren't for me." she confessed.
"Korra, I don't blame you. I'm as much to blame too." he knelled down beside her, "I allowed my jealousy to get the better of me. I never should have tried to keep you away from your uncle."
"No, you should have."
"What are you talking about?"
"Unalaq lied. He only wanted me to open the portal, and to relive the past and tried to get rid of you so I would have no other reason not to go to the north to be with him. I was just something he could gain. And I, like an idiot, didn't realize that. And now, the tribes are at war, no doubt he'll be looking for me…and I almost lost you forever. I should have just let this go. I should have never tried to look for answers to my past."
Tenzin cupped her cheek with his hand, wiping away her tears with his thumb. "No, Korra. You and Unalaq may be related by blood but you both have something very different. You have enough room in your heart to love both of us. I was too insecure to realize that. I don't believe he never cared for you. I could tell he did. Maybe he was too caught up in his own desires to fully allow himself to love you completely. Maybe it's not too late for him to come around."
"I really don't know."
He held his child in his embrace, rubbing her back as she weeped.
(~)
Later that night, underneath the light of the moon, the rebels gathered together with Tenzin, Kya and Bumi about what to do next. They knew they couldn't just leave, the tribe needed help now more than ever. Thankfully, they had come up with a good solution.
"So, are we all clear on the plan?" Korra asked the rebels, who after being saved by her, had her undying loyalty.
"Yes." Kya said with a nod of her head, "Bumi and I will stay with the rebels and help protect the south while you guys head back to Republic City and get Raiko and the United Republic to lend a hand."
"Once Raiko hears of what Unalaq has done I have no doubt he will assist in any way he can."
"But we can't just bluntly attack." said Korra, "If we do then the north will only crush them."
"Don't worry, Korra. We're figure out a solution to this. I promise."
"I hope so." she turned to the southerners, "You were right about one thing, I may not have lived in the South as much as you have, but it's just as important to me as it is to you. I was born here, part of my history began here. It's where my grandmother and great-uncle where born, where they found Avatar Aang. It's a part of my family. And yes, I am also of northern blood, but that doesn't make me like Unalaq. I wanted to believe he was a good man. I was wrong. I hope you can find it in yourselves to forgive me."
The rebels were all silent, touched by her honesty and bravery. However, none of them said anything to her, rather they each placed a fist on their hearts and got down on one knee, bowing their heads to her. Korra was very surprised by this gesture.
"You have our support, Avatar Korra." one of them said, raising his head slightly.
"We would be proud to fight alongside you once you return."
Korra was deeply touched by their words, and gestures. To show them her gratitude, she bowed as well, "And I with you."
(~)
Once they found a safe place for the rebels to hide out, Korra shared one last hug with her aunt and uncle before saying their goodbyes. Kya created an ice raft as she, Bumi and the rebels returned to shore. They looked on as the yacht disappeared from sight. Inside the yacht, Korra and the others looked sadly as they left.
"Korra, I really need to thank you." said Bolin.
"Why? I started a civil war."
"Exactly! Now Eska can finally leave me alone."
"Guys, looks like we have company." said Varrick, looking out into the distance with a telescope. "And not the fun kind!"
They all looked at the horizon and witnessed something approaching.
"What is that?" Jinora asked.
"Let me see", Bolin took the telescope from Varrick for a better look. He gasped before rubbing his eyes and looked again through the telescope.
"I love guessing games!" said Ikki, "Is it a boat? A dolphin? A seahorse? No, wait is it a boat?"
"You already asked that" said Asami.
"No, no, no and no." Bolin answered. Through the telescope he saw a very, very angry Eska rushing towards him on a huge wave. Her make up was all smudged across her face, and her once composed emotionless face was now full of pure anger and heartbreak, her eyes narrowed and widened and her white teeth bear like a piranha after its prey.
"That would be my darling Eska."
"You're good at this game." said Ikki.
Korra tapped Varrick's bear costume's shoulder, "Quick question: is this thing fast enough to get away from my crazy cousin who probably wants to kill me right now?"
"Why do you think I build this boat?"
Every screamed in terror once the boat started to speed up ahead, away from the princess lunatic.
(~)
Unalaq watched in scorn at the northern troops out at sea. They had failed to keep the Avatar from leaving. And so did he. He felt so incredibly angry….and so incredibly sad. All of which he hid behind his stoic look.
Yuki appeared beside him, no longer looking like the sweet innocent, shy girl the others had come to recognize during their stay. Her eyes carried a sense of arrogance and confidence. A wicked smile on her face.
"She got away." said the chief, his eyes still on the view before him. "And worse, her father is free as well. My plan to split them apart failed."
"I did suggest you should have been more firm." said Yuki, even her voice didn't' sound as it once did.
"I didn't want to drive her away." he replied sincerely, "I wanted her to trust me. To love me."
"I understand. She's your only living blood. Not to mention, you need her to open the other portal. Why did you lie to her anyway?"
"I honestly don't know."
"My chief, you know I respect you and am thankful for everything you have done for me. But, you shouldn't allow your heart to cloud your thinking. Remember what we are trying to accomplish. You've fought for this for so long, as did my parents. I will not let their efforts go in vain."
"I understand Yuki. Thank you." he finally turned to look at her, "Is there at least some good news?"
"Well, Eska won't be marrying that baffon anymore."
"That's not good news. They need to be separated."
"That's where the good news comes in. Her boy-toy and princess bestie took the bait. Won't be long now for the darkness to take hold of them."
"How do you know they at the whole thing?"
"Trust me, one bite is all it takes. And, if by chance at least one of them at the whole thing…well, things should be interesting for Korra, now wouldn't it?"
This news brought a smile to Unalaq's face as it did Yuki.
(~)
That evening, Yuki made her way down to the tunnel Korra had discovered. Only, there was more to it than what Korra discovered. She pulled on a book on a shelf and the shelf itself spun around to reveal a secret laboratory where Yuki contained a few dark spirits in jars on display.
"Who'd have thought that just a little bit of your darkness." she taunted the creatures, "And one little fruit mixed together could bring so much fun. I almost feel sorry for Korra. Such a nice girl. And now, she won't have her best friends to turn to."
He eye narrowed when the spirits started screeching angrily at her in the jars. She slammed her fist onto the table, silencing them.
"Quiet! You pests! You can whine and cry all you want, but your precious Avatar won't save you from your dark makeovers. Once her heart's been broken by the ones she holds closest we'll have her right where we want her." she chucked to herself, "Wow. I really am a bad girl."
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't when they called me, well-oh, not in front of the kids.
She laughed at the captive creatures.
You'd think that now a days
I'd've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light and made a switch
True? Ha!
And no, I wouldn't exactly call this magic
But a secret I've uncovered and now posses
And here lately, please don't laugh
I use it on behalf of the miserable
The lonely and depressed
Pathetic.
Poor unfortunate souls
In pain
In need
Rich girl wanted to help her daddy
Romeo wanted to get the girl
And what did I do?
Well, let's see
Once they were sure they had lost Eska, Mako had trouble sleeping in his bed. His body was sweating, his heart was racing and his mind felt foggy. He couldn't stand it anymore, he removed the blanket from his body, wiping the swear from his forehead. He was soaked. He tried to get up in attempts to get himself a glass of water or something but his legs felt weak. He stumbled against the walls as he tried to make his way out.
Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad
So true
They go on preaching, "everything will be fine."
But now it's time for
Something new
But he wasn't the only one having trouble sleeping. Asami too was feeling unbearably warm. Her throat felt sore, her mind was hazy and the room was spinning. She got up, leaning against a closed window, seeing a very faint imaged of her reflection on it. She felt so week she got down on her knees, her body dripping with sweat.
Mako managed to get out onto the deck, trying to soak in the cool fresh air, but he still self ill. It felt like the boat was shifting even thought it was sailing perfectly still. He leaned against the side, looking down at the ocean before him. He suspected he was probably feeling seasick, but that could not be the case. He had felt seasick before and this was not it. This was something else.
Men these days they try to be sincere
A man who speaks truth is a bore!
I believe, it's much preferred, for boy not to say a word
And after all, what is communication for?
His hand caught his neck, feeling something on his throat. It was like something was slithering up and down to no end. He could still breath but he didn't know if he would vomit or swallow it. This entire experience was a nightmare.
But the strangest thing was yet to come. His throat started to glow a bright gold, his mouth opened wide open in hopes something would come out of his system, but it never did. His throat continued to glow brightly and began to feel something change in his voice. He kept his mouth open and aimed at the sea, trying to get something, anything to come out but it seemed it would never.
The same thing was happening to Asami, only both her throat and her eyes were glowing. A strange golden-like mist began to swirl in her eyes, giving the impression she was in some kind of trance.
Come on, I'm not all that impressed with trusting
I for one, avoid it when I can
But for some kids it's just fine, hate to break it to ya hon
Faith and trust aint part of the plan
Oh my, you poor unfortunate souls
It's sad
But true
Gonna live with no regrets
Gonna fight for what I know
Take a leap and take a bite
You won't tell wrong from right
Mother, father now I've got them
Oh, the boss is on a roll!
These poor
Un-
Fortunate
Souls!
Mako did not receive this in his own eyes, only his throat was what was putting him through so much agony. At long last, the feeling stopped. His throat was slowly returning back to normal and his body was no longer sweating. He was getting the feeling back in his legs and his mind ad becoming clear. Whatever it was that happened, it was gone now.
As for Asami, her pain came to an end as well, her eyes and neck ceased their glowing. Only, now as she looked at her reflection, something had changed. It wasn't physical, but there was certainly a different in the way Asami was looking at herself. In the way she thought about herself. Her entire mentality had shifted as her now hauntingly stunning gaze looked into the eyes of her reflection.
She was feeling good…wickedly good.
(~)
I'm beginning to think it's best I name down the tittles of the songs for some of the fans since I've been receiving a few questions regarding which song I chose. I'm sorry I wasn't clear on them.
The song Korra sung here was a parody of "We can't back down" from Camp Rock 2 (a Disney CHannel movie). The song in the previous chapter is from the famous "Lady and the Tramp" spaghetti scene ("Bella Notte"), and the song Korra sung with her uncle once she found the music box (which I haven't forgotten) is from "The Little Mermaid 3: Ariel's Beginning". I hope that clears some things up.
Also, I promised myself I would post this song in this fanfic. I had another idea for this concept, as did Atea, but I couldn't find a better way to integrate it. Atea, if you're reading this, I hope you can give me your honest opinion. Thanks, you're the best girl!
Until next time, God bless *kiss kiss*