.
.
.
.
It took a while, but things, for the most part, were getting back on track. The Triple Threats were arrested for their crimes and Asami confessed to what she had done. However, that also meant she needed to be interrogated by Lin Beifong herself. Bolin was biting his nails nervously while his girlfriend, now back to normal, was in the other room sitting on a table, her hands cuffed and her posture slightly hunched in fear as the older earthbender circled around her, making her sweat.
"Illegal shipment of war weapons. Bombing the Northern Water Tribe Cultural Center, not to mention teaming up with the city's most notorious criminals, attempt at murder, framing an officer of the law, breaking and entering his apartment, and keeping your father locked up in a basement." Lin slammed the clipboard onto the table, making Asami flinch. "I never thought I'd say this to you Sato, but you're in some real hot water now."
"I know, and I'm not denying any of that. I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of in the last few days; lying, stealing, cheating, double parking, but at least nobody got hurt. Well, okay maybe somebody got hurt but, nobody we knew and it could have been a lot worse."
Lin took her seat, facing the young heiress, "Asami, I've known you for years and this is not something you would do. I need to know exactly what is was that drove you to commit such crimes. The last thing I want to do is throw you in jail."
"I already told you! Yuki gave me some kind of cursed apple and I couldn't control my actions! It was like my body and brain were doing one thing while my heart was saying another. I hardly even remember doing the things I did."
"I wish I could believe you but a story about magical apples isn't going to fly with court."
Asami was at the end of her rope. How could something like this had happened? She never wanted to do any of this and yet she did. This was a nightmare. Thankfully, her luck was about to change when the slide from the wall opened up, revealing one of Lin's officers.
"Chief, Mr. Hiroshi Sato is here."
"Let him in."
At her command, the doors opened and Hiroshi came rushing in. "Lin, please reconsider! My daughter is not to blame for any of this! She was blackmailed by those criminals just like I was when Amon threatened Asami!"
"No, dad." the heiress voiced out, "I don't need you to lie to protect me."
"But Mako and Bolin explained to me everything. As crazy as it may sound I know you would never harm anyone in your entire life."
"You're seriously believing magical apples?" Lin asked.
"This coming from the woman whose niece magically obtained white hair?"
Lin had to admit, Hiroshi made a valid point. She never could explain how Korra gained white hair since she never dyed it, and she would know the Avatar never lies to her…neither does Asami. Maybe there was something else going on, it would explain Mako's previous claims how an apple made him tell the president about Korra's plan to help the south. Still, even if she did believe this that didn't mean the poor heiress wouldn't face the consequences of her crimes. Not only will it be a serious stain on her reputation but also for the reputation of her family's company.
"Okay, since there are technically no witnesses and you, Mako and Bolin being the only ones who know about this…" she sighed before revealing, "I suppose we could place this on hold for the moment until we figure out a way to clear Asami's name. Tenzin's got me to the neck in search parties and this week's been stressful enough for me as it is."
Asami smiled broadly with glee before jumping up with joy, "Thank you, Lin! Thank you!"
"Don't thank me just yet, kid. I'm giving you till the end of the weak to figure out your decision. You can either keep this 'poison apple' story or you can admit to the court you were behind the bombing and illegal shipment up south. Got it?"
"Got it."
"Good. You can leave for now, but you're on probation until further notice."
"I understand."
She felt the cuffs being removed from her wrists and her father led her outside to meet with Bolin and Mako. The earthbender did not waste a second to hug his girlfriend. "Asami, I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
"You're sorry? I'm the one who should be apologizing! I can't believe I almost lost you." tears formed in her eyes, only to be wiped away by his loving hands.
"Hey, don't worry about it. I knew the old Asami was still in there, and I was right."
"Besides, it wasn't your fault." Mako said, "You were under a spell, you had no choice."
"I can hardly remember the things I did while being so rotten." she said, lowering her gaze in shame, "And I don't think I want to. I still can't believe that Yuki girl did this to me! And to you, Mako!" her eyes widened when the foggy memory of what she did to him hit her, "Oh, Mako, I am so, so sorry! About framing you and kissing you."
"I forgive you, Asami." he said kindly.
"Still, kissing my best friend's boyfriend, and in front of my boyfriend! I feel so…so dirty!" she hugged herself while shuddering in shame. "At least Korra wasn't there to see it." she noticed the saddened expression on Bolin's face and the tortured look in Mako's eyes. "What? What happened?" she asked, her memory still very foggy.
The poor firebender couldn't even say the words, for it hurt too much. Bolin took over for him, "Korra broke up with him after he told the President on her."
"What?! But-but Mako, that wasn't your fault either."
"Then why do I feel so terrible?" he replied, his eyes shimmering as if tears would shed from them. "And now we have no idea where she could be."
This did not make the situation any better. Not only was Asami still on probation due to her crimes and she could be sent to prison, but their best friend was nowhere to be found. Their attention turned to the radio that was on the waiting table, where one of the police officers sat, and the announcer Shiro Shinobi spoke through the static.
"We interrupt music hour to bring you this news. Word has sprung that the north is nearing victory in the war against the south. Families are kept within their homes at all times unless Chief Unalaq gives his word, and numerous rebels have been arrested in trying to stop the northern invaders. Countless fights and brawls have grown in numbers here in the city against northern and southern descendants. There have also been growing reports about strange sea serpents attacking various ships near the southern boarders, countless lives were lost at sea and scientists are uncertain of what the creature is. In other news, the search for Avatar Korra continues but so far no one has seen or heard from her since several days ago. More on this story as it develops."
The three friends shared the same terrified expressions. "That's not good." said Bolin.
"What are we going to do?" Asami asked, "This war isn't just effecting the water tribes, it's effecting the city too! Plus, nobody else can tame those spirits but Korra!"
Mako pondered for a moment on the situation. Things were looking dire, not only for the water tribes, their city and the spirits but for themselves and their families as well. Still, this was not the time to think about themselves, there were more urgent matters to attend. He gripped his fists tightly and walked towards an open window. He thought about what Korra would do in this situation. Knowing her, she would do everything she could to help everyone. And that's exactly what they were going to do. He turned around to face them.
We can't
We can't back down
We can't
We can't back down
Not right now
We can't back down
Not right now
Don't get me wrong
I don't like confrontation
But I can't just close my eyes
We've got the strength to fight this
To win this!
We won't back down
There's too much at stake
This is serious
Won't walk away
We can't pretend
It's not happening
In my own backyard
On our home place
We've been called out
We'll make them hear our names
We're not confused
We'll fight this thing!
Together: We won't back down!
Not right now
We can't back down
Not right now!
The three all placed their hands in a circle, making a pack that from here on out, the were sticking together. No matter what.
(~)
She couldn't remember the last time she was this happy. Jinora had been grieving over the absence of her sister for days, she hadn't eaten or slept well, her mind and her heart weeped for the strong and safe embrace of her older sister. But today, as if by a miracle, she found something to smile about. Out of nowhere, several magical creatures manifested before her. They were a batch of colorful bunny creatures with dragon-fly wings for ears. They were dragon-fly rabbit spirits, she had read about them once. This was the first time she had ever seen one, or five. They were all so playful and adorable they eased her aching heart.
"Got ya!" she called out, attempting to capture one of the spirits who flew off, "Furry-Foot, come back!" the little spirit flew over her before landing on her head. Several more of her new friends flew round her as well. "I can't thank you all enough. These last few days haven't been easy for me." then, her friend began chatting with her in its squeaky voice, "What is it?" she asked. Now that she was feeling better emotionally, the little creatures tried to speak to her about something. By the looks of it, it was something important. Sadly, she didn't get a chance to hear what it was when her father called for her.
"Jinora! Come on inside. Your mother has lunch ready for you. Please, try and eat this time." The young girl turned to her father, who arched an eyebrow, "Who were you talking to just now?" he asked.
Jinora immediately realized that her father could not see her new friends. As strange as it was, something was telling her she needed to keep it a secret for now. Besides, she can't make up her mind properly on an empty stomach. This was the first time she actually felt hungry in a long time.
"I was just…talking to some imaginary friends." she replied.
"Imaginary friends, hu?" Tenzin stroked his beard in thought, Jinora was already too old to have imaginary friends. Then again, this was probably the poor child's way of copping with the absence of her sister. "Well, you can play with them after you eat." he said, only to be surprised when Jinora giggled. Furry-Foot had his head behind Tenzin's head, making him look funny. Tenzin dismissed this and walked back inside with Jinora in tow.
(~)
In the spirit world, Unalaq and his children approached the northern portal. Unlike the previous one, it still remained a simple glowing orb while the other was a long beam shooting upwards. Yuki accompanied the group, looking as focused as Unalaq.
"Father, haven't the spirits had ten thousand years to open this portal?" Eska asked.
"If they could not succeed, what makes you think we will?" Desna asked.
"By entering the Spirit world through the portal, we bring with us something the spirits never had: our bending." Unalaq bended a stream of water into the portal as his children watched on. Unsure if they should join him or not. "Join me! Together, we can open this portal."
The twins and Yuki did not hesitate to help their father as they too began bending streams of water at the portal. Surprisingly, the portal reacted to the impacts by sending purple energy which disrupted their water streams and struck Desna, throwing him backwards and groaning in pain.
"Desna!" his sister quickly rushed to his side and held him close.
"Leave him!" Unalaq ordered, "Keep bending!" he continued to bend another stream of water at the portal while Eska helped her brother.
"He needs a healer at once!" she exclaimed, "Yuki! Come here and help him!" she ordered. Unlike most waterbenders, Eska did not know how to heal and Yuki did. However, the woman turned to face the princess, narrowing her eyes in a manner she hardly ever did so openly.
"It's not my fault he is a weakling."
"How dare you disobey me?!" Eska spatted.
"This is more important!" her father shouted angrily, making Eska gasp in astonishment. Her own father wasn't paying any attention to her or her brother. All her cared about was opening the portal. Well, if that's the way he wanted it, then so be it. He could have his portal, but have no help from his children.
"I'm taking him back." she said as she carried Desna away from the spirit world. Unalaq remained and kept on bending water at the portal but nothing he did worked. He froze water into and ice drill and began drilling into the portal but nothing. The chief looked at the portal in disappointment. As much as he hatted to admit it, he needed Korra.
Yuki placed a hand on his shoulder, "Don't give up, my lord. This portal has to open!"
Unalaq turned to face her, "Yuki, throughout these years, you were the only one who truly stood by my side. My brother, my niece, even my own children have turned on me."
"They don't have the same vision we have. Like my father always said; nothing that's worth it is ever gained easily. If he and my mother were here they would be standing right here with you, fighting with all of their might. Since their death I vowed to finish what they started and get back at those two cowards who left us and our righteous cause. A cause you believe in as much as I do."
The chief smiled at the young woman, "Ming-Hua and Gazhan would be proud of you, my child."
(~)
Korra watched from afar as her biological father aimed an arrow at the tree, causing the fruit to fall down and he gathered them. After their last conversation Korra had barely spoken to him. She knew there was a lot at stake here, she had not forgotten the war. But at this point, since her family had no idea where she was or if she was even alive, she would need all the help she could get. But in order for that, she needed to better understand him, how this island worked, and how it would help her on her quest. After her moment of prayer she finally realized she would discover her answers in this place. After all, it was a blessing she had found her father.
She sighed before taking a step father, fiddling with her fingers nervously as he stood up to face her, gently lowering his bow and arrow. The man smiled once he saw her.
"I see you spoke with Zaheer."
"There aren't really any secrets on this island, is there?" Korra asked, rather jokingly.
Tonraq chuckled, "Nope. It's not as bad as you think." he hoisted the basket of fruits onto his back and Korra's eyes darted towards the weapon leaning against a rock. With a mischievous grin she grabbed it and shot an arrow directly at one of the trees, causing one of the yummy looking fruits to land right at her feet.
"Nice shot." her father complimented.
"My uncle Bumi taught me." at the mention of his name her expression fell.
Tonraq placed the basket beside him and asked Korra to sit beside him on a rock. "I am so thankful that you were raised by such a wonderful family."
"I haven't told you much about them yet." Korra confessed.
"It doesn't matter. I can tell, just by looking at you, that they raised you right."
Korra finally amped up the courage to look him in the eye. "I'm sorry for everything I said before. I was really scared and confused and angry and…I'm sorry it wasn't the reunion you had in mind." she gently touched the pendent around her neck, "You know, when I was little, I would sometimes lay awake at night, thinking about how you and my mother would have looked like. If you were still around and if I ever found you again."
Tonraq placed his hand over his daughter's hand, smiling warmly like a father would to his daughter. "She would be so proud of you."
"I wish I could have met her. I wish…" she closed her eyes shut, trying desperately to stop the tears. "I wish she was here with us."
"She is." Tonraq placed his hand over his chest, "In here. Once you love someone, they stay in your heart forever. You know, back on the mainland people claim love is a feeling that comes and goes…but that's not true. Love doesn't come against your will, not is it a trap that keeps you still, it comes only if you allow it into your heart. Love overcomes all mistakes, all sins, and all illusions. It's true and pure even if it may seem rough at times. It may not always be the attractive bliss many people wish to have and would do anything to gain, but it is still the best gift anybody can revive or give."
The young Avatar smiled, "There's so much I could learn here. Do you…do you think you can show me? I have a feeling I'm going to need all the help I can get if I'm to stop this war."
Tonraq smiled and hugged his only daughter close. "Nothing would make me happier."
(~)
The first thing Tonraq wanted to teach his child was the ways of the jungle. He needed to show her the beauty of Light's creations as well as the worth of their uses. He took her through the trees, seeing all kinds of animals that have come to know Tonraq as their friend and neighbor. Korra giggled when a swarm of birds landed on his head and arms.
Whatever you do
I'll do it too
Show me everything and tell me how
It all means something, and yet nothing to me
Tonraq allowed several of the birds to land on Korra, and they immediately took a liking to her, which was no surprise since she was already great with animals. Another thing he taught her was how to train the birds. Over the years, Tonraq had mastered the art of training these birds to fetch him various supplies he would need across the jungle. One of the things he did was whistle a little tune. Korra mimicked his actions and commanded one of the birds to fetch her the bow, but instead it only brought her a rock. Korra pouted in annoyance, clearly these birds were much harder to train than a polar beat dog. Tonraq instructed her in the art of training the wild colorful birds using hand gestures and whistling in tune.
I can see there's so much to learn
It's all so close and yet so far
I see myself as people see me
I just know there's something bigger out there
Korra tried to follow her father's instructions, but it was much harder than it seemed and she was running out of patience. Instead, all the birds just landed on her head and arms, nuzzling their beaks against her face. At least they liked her, but had trouble listening to her. All Tonraq could do was laugh, not that Korra could blame him. It was pretty funny. At least they were bonding.
I wanna know
Can you show me
I wanna know from these strangers like me
Tell me more
Please show me
Something's familiar about these strangers like me
Next, Zaheer taught Korra something he invented in order to get to where he need faster. The two stood on the branches of the trees, the man took a vine and swung over to the other side perfectly. If he had a natural element, it would be air. He tossed her the vine and the Avatar gulped. She had never done this before and was a bit nervous. She didn't understand why she didn't just use her airbending to jump from place to place. Then, it hit her. She used her airbending to give her the boost she needed…however, this resulted in her getting a bit too much high altitude and instead she ended up tangled in the vines of the tree Zaheer was on. He winced when he saw her.
"Well, at least you made it across." he said.
"What was the point of this again?" she asked, trying to untangle herself from the vines.
"You've got to learn how to adapt to your surroundings. Use what you already have."
"And how is swinging suppose to be useful in that?"
Zaheer chuckled and shook his head, "You're lucky I'm a patient man, kid."
Korra rolled her eyes and sighed. This was going to be a long day.
The next couple of days Korra was learning what she could from Tonraq, Zaheer and P'Li. The combustion woman demonstrated her various books she had written over the years, filled with things she wrote to always remind her of what she had went through and hope one day these words would help somebody else. P'Li suggested to Korra to read them and see for herself if she would relate to them.
The book said things such as, "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but Light remains the strength of my heart forever."
"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."
"Light exposes that which is hidden in darkness; it shows things as they really are."
Korra eventually fell asleep, with the book wide open, breathing gently as her mind drifted away into a deep slumber. P'Li gently covered her body with a blanket, imagining how it would have been if she could have done this for her own daughter.
The next day, Korra watched as the little spirit children played a game of catch with one another, and Korra happily drew the image on paper. Something about their innocence and joy reminded her of her own little siblings. Tonraq watched as his daughter sketched away, all the while smiling happily.
Every gesture
Every move that you make
Makes me feel like never before
Why do I have
This growing need to be beside you
Korra adapted a meditation technique that Zaheer taught her. Unlike the other form of meditation which required emptying your mind, Korra's mind was focused on prayer. She prayed for peace, for guidance. Eventually, her mind went to speaking out all she was feeling, handing it down on the table, allowing for someone else to take her burdens. While they did not disappear, they no longer felt like a heavy weight for her. This meditation helped he greatly in realizing what she needed to do.
These emotions are never new
Some other world lies beyond this place
Beyond the trees above the colds
I see before me new horizons
The next morning, Tonraq was surprised to see Korra had already found them their breakfast, her hair was rather a mess with leaves all over her, holding the bow and arrow in one hand and the basket on the other. It was so full there was enough to last them till lunch. Later, Korra attempted the swinging vine thing again, only she didn't do it exactly as Zaheer did. She now knew exactly what it was he wanted her to do. He wanted her to travel her own way. She used what she should have done to begin with and airbended herself from place to place. From afar Zaheer watched and smiled with pride. Korra never knew she could jump so high like this, in fact she didn't even know she could go so fast. She felt so free leaping across the air, landing on branch to branch.
I wanna know
Can you show me
I wanna know from these strangers like me
Tell me more
Please show me
Something's familiar about these strangers like me.
The young woman took a deep breath before she approached the birds. She was going to try and train them once more. However, taking what she learned from Zaheer, to use what she had in order to get the birds to listen. She followed her father's instructions and was patient and calm but used another method to get birds to listen. She didn't hum, she actually sang. Her voice was pure and powerful the birds were immediately mesmerized. With a wide smile on her face Korra mimicked the same hand gestures her father taught her and managed to get the birds to obey her commands. She jumped for joy as the rays of the run came through the leaves, showing her with its embrace.
"I did it! Yes!" she spun around once she heard the sound of clapping.
"So, how did I do?" she asked her father.
"Not bad. You've got better pipes than I do." he chuckled. Korra chuckled along at his joke and he took her by the hand. "Come on, I want to show you something. You know how to swim, right?"
Korra arched an eyebrow, "I'm a waterbneder, duh!"
Tonraq couldn't help but smile. She most certainly had his spirit and her mother's sassy nature. He led her back to the place where they had their first conversation and the two dove deeper into the water. Being waterbenders they could hold their breath for a long time and swim incredibly fast. Korra's eyes widened as she looked around her. She saw glowing spirits that looked like marine life, swimming all around her.
Come with me now to see my world
Where there's beauty beyond your dreams
Can you feel the things I feel
Right now
With you
Tonraq led her to a pocket bubble within a cave and the two inhaled oxygen once they reached the surface. Korra couldn't believe what she saw. The stone walls of the cavern seemed to glow with laminating crystals that sparkles in all the colors of the rainbow. Little glowing sprite-like spirits flew around her, forming a neckless and a crown around her head. Tonraq watched as his daughter played laughed with the creatures like a happy little girl. It was moments like these he had sadly missed out on. But now, he had the chance to experience them. Seeing her smile made him so happy.
Korra was very happy as well. She had found her father and this island was teaching her things she had only partly known. She felt at peace here, she felt happier, she could see why her father loved this place. She was beginning to see things clearly now. By being separated from the outside world, even for a moment and knew she would return soon enough, she would never forget what this place, and what her new friends, had done for her. She felt more sure of herself now more than ever.
Take my hand
There's a world I need…
To know!
I wanna know
Can you show me?
I wanna know from these strangers like me
Tell me more
Please show me
Something's familiar from these strangers like me
I wanna know
That night, Korra stayed up late looking up at the stars. She rested on the branches of the trees, silently wondering where her adopted family could be and how she could communicate with them. Unbeknownst to her, her prayers were about to be answered
(~)
Until next time, God bless *kiss kiss*