Chapter Five: Welcome To Republic City

The sun was now overhead as the trio neared the city limits. They've been walking for nearly twelve hours at this point. Fatigue was apparent in both Aki and Jade, but Ronan was perfectly fine.

"Aki," Ronan said, breaking an hour long silence, "Are you alright?"

Her eyes were half open, and her breathing was beginning to become slightly labored. "...Yes, I'm alright."

Ronan knew she was lying, but he'd let her go for now.

"Finally," Jade breathed, "We're almost there."

Just over the hill the sights of the tall buildings could be seen. Ronan and Aki were in awe. It was the first time either of them have seen a sight such as a city landscape. The city was absolutely massive. It extended miles outward to where it seemed it never ended. In the center, a streak of light extended into the sky.

"What's that light?" Aki asked.

"That would be a spirit world portal." Ronan answered.

"The city build a memorial around it to commemorate the battle within the city eighty years ago," Jade stated, "Access to it is restricted. It's made that only spirits may pass through."

Aki began to stumble.

"Here," Ronan said, extending his arm to Aki, "I'll give you a lift there."

She slowly turned her head to him and nodded. He pulled her up onto his back. She felt very warm.

As they traveled closer to the city, the bigger the buildings seemed to get. Lights outlined the buildings, giving them a sense of beauty to them. It must look glorious at night time. When they finally entered into the city, the amount of citizens increased heavily. They stayed close to one another as to not get separated.

"The best place to go is the Presidential Building. Everything should be situated once you are there." Jade said.

"What're you going to do once we get there?" Ronan asked.

"I'll probably go home, I guess."

"Just remember, I said I'd help you once we got here so don't run off just yet, alright?"

They traversed through the dense crowd of people for nearly an hour. The city life was new to both Ronan and Aki. Both lived far off from mass civilization. Technology, vehicles, airships; they were everywhere.

"Jeez, just take a look around ya." Ronan said, looking up the skyscrapers.

Aki was completely drained at this point. She couldn't even say anything back.

"There it is," Jade announced.

Ahead of them was the tallest and most elegant looking building in the city. It houses the President and his team of government staff to keep the city moving forward. They entered into a spacious room. Few people walked around, doing business, while a lone woman sat behind a desk filing paperwork.

"We need to see President Rinn." Jade said to the woman.

"Do you have an appointment?" she asked, keeping her focus on her work.

"No, but-"

"Then no. Can I schedule you one?"

"I guess."

"The latest I can get you is next month."

"Next month?!"

"Mmhmm."

They just about lost their minds.

"We really can't wait that long."

"Well that's too bad. Next month is the only thing I can do for you."

"Even for the Avatar?"

Not even that phased her. "Miss, the Avatar has been gone for nearly two decades. I really doubt either of you are the Avatar."

Ronan shrugged at himself, slightly annoyed. He quickly showcased his ability to bend the four elements. They now had the woman's attention now. Her mouth was gaped wide open.

"How about now?" Jade said, grinning.

"I-I-I um.." she paused. Then she stood up. "Please follow me."

They all piled into an elevator. It was silent the whole way up to the top floor. When they exited, the woman asked them to remain where they are as she went to President.

"Y'know, I wonder how many more times I have to prove that I'm the Avatar," Ronan said aloud.

"I'd bank on one more time."

They was a stir down the hall, amongst some yelling. Out from around the corner, President Rinn and the woman appeared.

"Are you really, the long lost Avatar?" He asked anxiously.

"The one and only," Ronan said with a grin, with fire in one hand, and with water floating over the other.

"Two decades... And here you are. Come, there is much we need to discuss!" The secretary left to go back to her desk while everyone else went into the President's office. It was a luxurious room. Rinn sat behind his desk while the three grabbed their own chairs.

It was silent for nearly a minute before Rinn looked up towards Ronan.

"It's been nearly two decades since you've disappeared. Where have you been?" He pulled a type writer from the side of his desk to him, ready to type.

"From as far back as I can remember, I've been in the spirit world." Rinn began typing hurriedly. "But what can you tell about me? I really don't even know of my origins."

Rinn stood up, and went over to his file cabinet. He pulled out the top drawer, and began shuffling through until he pulled out a file. He went back to his desk, and began sorting out the files inside.

"You were the only son to Lee and Mia Takara. They are of the Earth Kingdom, but moved down to the south pole to a small village. Twenty years ago, you were born during the devastating solar flare. And as the result of Avatar Korra's death, you were destined to be the next Avatar. As the word was spread, the Non-Bending Alliance took the initiative to either capture or kill you. Before we could do anything, your village was razed, and you and your parents were no where to be found. We could only fear the worst. But then news broke out that the Non-Benders in fact did not get you. So there was hope, but it died down slowly when you did not show up, and the next Avatar could not be found."

Ronan let that sink in a little before he spoke. "Heh... Then why did I end up in the Spirit World?"

"Perhaps your parents were either going to take refuge there, or try to navigate to the portal that leads here in the city. Except that only you took refuge there. So your parents... must of not made it." Ronan was silent, thinking about it in his head. "Can you please continue answering some questions?"

"..Yeah, sure, go on."

"Can you explain your time in the Spirit World? What did you do for eighteen years?"

"Well, from the beginning, I was in the care from two people, well, they are spirits now, but-"

"Really?" Rinn said, surprised.

"Yeah. The one man, he is a master firebender, and is a very wise man. His name is Iroh. And the other person you may know. She was the very first chief of police here in this city."

"Toph Beifong?"

"Yeah. She was relentless when she was training me."

"How is it possible, to become a spirit?"

"Well, everyone becomes a spirit after death, but they were so spiritually aware that they were able to roam freely. But to continue on, they trained me in mind, strength, and mastery in the elements. Well, I'm still not the best at waterbending, but I did pick up how to do some basic healing."

"For eighteen years?" Rinn continued typing.

"Yeah, and also during the course of those years, I met every past Avatar, and gained a connection to them so I can talk to them whenever I go to the Spirit World. They all had their own tricks and techniques they taught me. That's how I at least learned some airbending and waterbending."

"What about living arrangements? Where did you sleep?"

"Avatar Korra actually had a vacation home in the Spirit World. I mainly rested there among other things for the past fifteen years. Before then, Iroh had made a small shelter."

"This is absolutely astounding. Incredible."

Even Aki and Jade were intrigued by this information.

"Then, what was your first objective once you left? Was it to come here?"

"Yeah."

"Where did you start from?"

"The South Pole."

"Why's that? You could have came through the portal here in Republic City."

"It crossed my mind, but I wanted to see if my home village happened to still be around. But of course it wasn't. I stuck around there for awhile, then..." Ronan turned his head towards Aki. He didn't want to bring up what happened with her in her presence. But she wasn't looking too good. He leaned towards Rinn, speaking softly, "That was when I witnessed the aftermath of the Nonbenders razing Aki's village. That was when she lost the last of her family; her mother. Since then, I took her under my care, working our way here. That's when we met Jade. She gave us a ride in here caravan. But on the home stretch, we were attacked by bandits. The caravan was trashed so we began on foot. Speaking of that, is it too much trouble to have that replaced?"

"None at all. She helped you get here, so she can get a new one free of charge."

"Wow!"Jade exclaimed, "Thank you very much!"

"No problem. Ronan, if you please."

"Yeah, so along the way, refugee kids jumped us, but to no avail on their end. We went to their encampment, and helped them. Even there we were ambushed by bandits. We repelled them then left the following morning here."

"Damn... I knew attacks began to increase again, but to that extreme... Well, it's obvious you have had an tireless journey here. We'll continue this tomorrow. Do you at all by chance have a place to stay?"

"Nope. Not at all."

"Wonderful. Years ago, we built a private hall here for the Avatar. It was Avatar Korra's idea to have it built for quote unquote Team Avatar. If you will, please follow me."

Everyone sat up besides Aki. She was completely zoned out.

"Aki," Ronan said, "Are you okay?" She finally shook her head, slowly. Ronan held his hand out to her, and lifted her to her feet.

As they walked out of the office, Aki stumbled, and began to fall. Ronan was quick to catch her. She was out cold.

"Damn, she's burning up."

"Will she be okay?" Jade asked.

"Yeah, I'll take care of her once we settle down."

"Good. Well, I hate to go, but I need to get home."

"Yeah, yeah, sure. I hope the new caravan treats you well."

"If you ever need me, contact me."

"Will do."

They went their separate ways as Jade went home while Rinn showed Ronan where the private hall is. They entered through a security door that lead to the private hall. They continued down to the end of the hall. Rinn opened the door to reveal a luxurious living room. It has all the accommodations such as a kitchen and bathroom. Three rooms that branched off were bedrooms for members of the team.

"Here is the room. You will find it is quite peaceful. The room was kept in fine condition regardless of your being gone. Gotta make sure everyone has a job to do, you know. I send someone up to stock the kitchen and bring herbs and tea for the girl."

Ronan thanked Rinn as he entered inside. He laid Aki down on the couch, and covered her up with the decorative blanket. He put his hand of her forehead. She had a strong fever. He went to the sink, and got water out of the faucet. He coated the water over his hand, and it began to glow. He placed it over hear forehead to soothe her fever. After a few moments, she woke up, drowsy.

"...Am I a bother?" she asked weakly.

"No, of course not."

"Yes, I am. I couldn't even help when we were attacked. I couldn't protect my mother or my home." She tried her best to hold back her tears. "I'm even sick now. I'm useless!"

Ronan placed his hand on her shoulder. "Listen, okay? You are only a child. No one can expect you to do everything, and nobody should. And there is a good reason why you are sick. You have been through a lot the past week, more than one should go through. The shock from that, and the fact that we are now in a much warmer place than what you are used to. Your body will adapt."

"...I want to become stronger. I want to be able to fight. I don't want to be weak anymore..." She went silent. "I don't want to be alone..."

Ronan knelt down next to her. "I will make sure that you won't be. And I promise that once you get better, we will train together. So for now, rest, and I'll make you some of the best tea. Iroh really knew how to brew."

Aki closed her eyes, a tear ran down her cheek. "Thank you.."