Against Better Judgment:
"I can't believe you stole a boat. Actually, no, I just can't believe you stole this boat…" Anik complained. Despite Jahn's best efforts, the small ship he'd acquired had not exactly been the fastest ship at the Fire Nation harbour.
"Well next time, you can steal the Fire Nation ship!" Jahn replied hotly.
"Children, please!" Kazon called over his shoulder, hands on the wheel. "At least we have one…although as Prince, I could have requested any of the ships there…just saying…" he chuckled.
Jahn frowned but shrugged it off. He wasn't willing to dampen Kazon's good spirits so soon after finding his daughter, so patience was key on this particular journey.
"It's going to take a while to reach Republic City at this rate though…" Tilia said softly.
Anik nodded. "Is there no way to speed this up? We could use Waterbending and Airbending maybe…" he suggested, looking at Jinora.
The Airbender shrugged. "We could but are you really willing to use Waterbending for a day straight?" she asked him. When his face fell, she pulled a rueful grimace. "Sorry. Although there might be a way I can help. If I can focus my spiritual energy, I can maybe talk to Kai; if he can fly over on the Sky Bison, it might just save us some time."
"What would we do with the boat though?" Anik asked.
"Leave it here," Jinora stated, as if it were obvious. She left the cabin to go out on deck, clearly trying to get some peace for her astral journey.
Anik looked horrified. "You can't just leave it here when it's done us proud! Plus it's not even ours!"
Tilia laughed softly. "Oh Anik, if only everyone was as thoughtful…"
"Are we all still willing to take turns steering?" Kazon asked, peering out into the dark. "I could do with some sleep soon. You might all want to rest up," he advised.
Jahn nodded. He patted Kazon on the back and exited the cabin, following Jinora out. He knew she'd want some peace so he walked round to the other side of the boat, towards the back where there was less space. He sat down, staring up at the stars as they sailed along silently.
He couldn't sleep, not before a mission. He could feel it coming, the looming sensation of a battle about to be fought. It was the same back in Kolu's village, before their venture into the caves to claim the Cooling Crystals. A thought ran across his mind; he had one of those crystals tucked away in his bag still, along with his other belongings in the United Republic Freedom Encampment. When they returned, he'd have to reclaim them.
"Hey Jahn?" Tilia's voice came from behind him. He craned his neck round, just able to make out her shape in the dark.
"Hey," he said by way of greeting. When she sat down beside him, he leant back on his elbows and stretched his legs out lazily. This was certainly the calm before the storm and he intended to appreciate every second of it while it lasted.
"So, we're heading to fight your dad. Have you thought about what you'll do if we win?" Tilia asked, looking out at the still ocean.
Jahn shook his head. "I've no idea," he admitted. "Honestly, I haven't really had much time to think of the big picture. I guess we'll have to put him in jail to prevent anything else happening, although that will mean that yet again, he won't be there for me."
"What did he mean on the radio? When he said about your sister?" Tilia asked quietly, aware she was probably on thin ice.
Jahn sighed. "It's the first I've heard of it. I never knew I had a sister…Mother never mentioned it and obviously my dad was gone. I just want to know what happened to her. I—if she's out there, I might still have a family."
Tilia smiled, though she knew Jahn wouldn't be able to see in the dark. "No matter what, you've always got us. We're a family, of sorts. We'll be fine," she said, leaning in and planting a light kiss on his cheek.
Jahn turned quickly, his lips brushing against hers for a few seconds. Eventually, they withdrew, both blushing in the dark. "Just in case. I don't know what we'll run into tomorrow but…"
Tilia stood up slowly. "Don't worry Jahn. We'll be fine. Once it's all over, we can talk about us. For the record though, you're a good kisser," she said playfully, walking off back inside.
The Avatar sat in silence, reclining as the night sailed past. Tilia raised a valid point; facing his father again would be difficult, not just physically but emotionally too. Plus, there was the looming threat of the spirit cannon. He'd heard from Tenzin how Korra had bent a blast from the cannon using Energybending, so it was possible. Still, how was he supposed to stop an entire war? Handing over Rizem to Zhansha was clearly not the answer but if he refused, the spirits would lose his trust. Qi-lóng's words echoed through his mind once again: "Ensure they are punished."
He could feel Raava's unease deep within him, so he looked inwards and listened for her song. Sure enough, it took only a second for her cool voice to sound within his mind. "Jahn, you are right to be concerned, for the balance of our worlds hangs on a thread. There is no simple fix for this war, as it will take time for our worlds to heal. Anything you do will assist that healing, so do not worry, for fear is the worst enemy of us all."
Jahn sighed internally. "I know, Raava. Trust me, I know. It's just…this is a monumental task, even for the Avatar. I could use your power and force everyone to stop fighting but I know that isn't the way. I just…don't know what to do. I'm just Jahn; I can't stop a war, even with all my friends! It's the problem the Spirit Eaters brought up; if there were more of me…"
"You have seen what happens when there is more than one Avatar," Raava said quietly, showing him flashes of images: a tall, dark red and black creature with tendrils, a purple beam firing from its chest. "If you are to stop the fighting, you must show them a better way. Humans build tools of destruction but spirits are still too quick to anger. We must show them, Jahn. When you need me, I will be with you," Raava said, her presence fading back into the recesses of his mind.
"Jahn?"
He looked around, surprised to see Jinora standing nearby. "Weren't you listening?" she asked gently.
The Avatar shook his head. "I'm sorry Jinora, I was speaking with Raava."
"Ah, spiritual pep talk? You used to come to me for those, you know," she said with a slight laugh.
Jahn couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, back in the days where I needed hand-holding for everything. I guess we're all a little bit more mature now."
"You more than most. You're basically a changed man," the Airbender pointed out. "Listen, Jahn, I don't want to tread old ground, but I really am sorry that I didn't find you in the spirit world. In fact, the way I've acted hasn't exactly been…well, nice. I've been so focused on myself and my family that I haven't really helped much at all," Jinora said softly.
Jahn sat forward, hunched over. "Don't be sorry; you provided wisdom and support when I needed it. Your family was there for me when my mother died and I'll never forget that. I saved Tenzin because I wanted to, not because I felt I owed you anything. You know that right? It was my choice to save him and this war started because of that choice."
"I know," Jinora said in a voice which sounded like she didn't know at all. "I just didn't want any bad blood between us," she said honestly.
Jahn clambered to his feet and pulled Jinora into a hug. "We're good. Thank you for being here. I know you miss your family but hopefully you won't be away too long this time."
Jinora smiled as they stepped apart. "Well actually, we'll be apart for less time than you think. I couldn't reach Kai; something has seriously disturbed the spiritual energies in Republic City. I did, however, manage to talk to my father. He's on his way with a few bison. I guess the Air Nation is back in business."
The Avatar's eyes widened. "Oh, that's great!" he said cheerfully. "Just don't tell Anik. I think he's a bit attached to the ship. He'll be heartbroken about leaving it…"
The considerable activity outside made Mako roll out of bed and stick his head through the gap in the tent. People were running around, grabbing weapons and armour, a flurry of movements which made him dizzy just watching them. He withdrew back into the tent and noticed Bolin looking over groggily from his sleeping bag on the floor.
"Wuzzgoinon?" his brother asked sleepily.
"No idea bro, but it's still early in the morning. Sun's only just about to rise. The whole Encampment is moving but the only reason we'd be moving is…if…" he said, realisation spreading over his face. "She can't have!" he gasped, pulling on his uniform quickly, pulling one sock on his hand in sleepy confusion.
"Mako? What!?" Bolin asked urgently.
"If we're mobilising the troops, we must be under attack. Either that or we're going to attack. If it's the latter, Asami knows we're not to be on the offence!" the Firebender replied quickly, struggling with one sleeve.
"Why would she signal to attack though? Unless…" Bolin said quietly, also starting to pull some clothes on.
Mako shrugged as he clipped his badge onto his chest. "She must have some intel about the spirits. I wish she'd let me know what's going on; I AM Chief of Police after all!"
"In a city which is basically just rubble?" Bolin pointed out with a cheeky wink.
Mako frowned but didn't reply. Instead, he simply grabbed his brother in a strong bear-hug. "Stay safe out there. It's going to be dangerous," he said quietly to his brother. Bolin smiled and patted Mako on the back. "You too," the Earthbender replied. "Oh, and Mako? Happy birthday bro," Bolin said with a smile, making Mako grin in response.
The Chief of Police ducked out of the tent, dodging to the side to avoid being trampled on by a small platoon of soldiers running past. The Encampment was chaos; everyone was running around as if by random, so it took Mako far longer to reach Asami's headquarters. The soldiers outside let him pass, saluting as he nodded back at them. Finally, some respect.
Inside, Asami was stood with Lin and a few other advisors, all staring down on a large map of the area which was spread out on a huge table. Mako frowned; why had he not been summoned?
"Asami, what the hell is going on? The whole camp is acting like we're about to go to war," he asked loudly by way of introduction. He'd been far too passive lately; it was time to assert some authority!
"Mako, sit down and shut up," Lin barked. Mako opened his mouth for a second, before closing it and taking a seat nearby, frowning all the while.
Asami rolled her eyes. After a few moments of hushed conversation, she beckoned Mako over. He came quickly, peering down on the map. A large green circle showed the location of the portal, although they seemed to have drawn a huge red ring around a dot in the mountains. The town of Taku. Jahn's birthplace.
"What's happening?" he asked, confused.
"We've just received word from Kuvu up in Taku. I dismissed her and Saall earlier tonight and they'd only just arrived when they were attacked. Kuvu managed to radio in and told me that the Spirit Eaters were up there. She cut off so I'm not sure what the situation is," Lin explained. "For all we know, she dropped the radio into a puddle, but it sure as hell sounded like she was scared for her life."
"There's more," one of Asami's advisors said when she was sure that Lin had finished. "We've received reports that spirits in the region are heading this way. They're all aiming for the portal; even the Great Air Spirit has been seen flying this way. If the reports are to be believed, they could be rallying for when the portal opens. We decided it best that the URFE prepares its defences."
"Defences? This isn't defence, this is full-blown war! Asami, you're literally preparing your armies for battle, I've seen the gear they're all using!" Mako protested.
Asami sighed. For the first time, perhaps ever, she looked tired. The presidency was clearly taking its toll; her hair was flecked with tiny silver hairs, probably brought on by the stress. The lines around her eyes were more prominent than ever, though Mako considered he was being unfair; his own stubbly beard was testimony to his own state of disarray.
"Mako, I know. Trust me, I wouldn't do this lightly. But with the Avatar gone and nothing between us and an army of spirits, we're best taking matters into our own hands," Asami said in a steady voice.
"And what if the spirits notice us and decide to attack?" he retorted.
Lin exhaled through her nose impatiently. "Then we'll be ready for them. If that's the case, then this may well be Republic City's last stand. If our army is deployed, we'll stand a better chance of surviving. A desperate fight for survival is just what you need on a birthday."
Mako stood uncomprehending. This was ridiculous; sure, hunting down the Spirit Eaters was a wise move, but preparing for war? What was going on?
"This is wrong," someone said behind him. Mako spun round, surprised to see a bandaged Sho-tahn enter slowly. He was clutching his side, gritting his teeth, but he was walking unaided. A man in a white coat ran in after him, only to freeze awkwardly when all eyes turned on him.
"Forgive the intrusion Madam President, but Sho-tahn discharged himself when he woke up and came straight here, we couldn't stop him…" the doctor said sheepishly.
Lin looked impressed. "Out of a coma and straight here? Not too bad…" she murmured.
The Firebender limped forward, clearly still injured from his ordeal in the Spirit World. "You've seen what's through that portal," he said, nodding to Mako and Beifong. "You know how easily they took us apart and we're some of the finest benders around. You really think numbers are going to help? The spirits will drown us."
Asami frowned. "Sho-tahn, I know you mean well, but you're in no position to speak to us like that. You need to get some rest and let us organise everything," she said sternly, nodding at the doctor to take him away.
Sho-tahn brushed him off angrily, however. "No, President Sato, you're wrong. Before the Spirit World, I would never dare speaking to anyone so disrespectfully but you know damn well that the time for respect is past. We don't have time. If we attack now, the spirits will strike back and that'll be it. You don't even have a good reason for it!" he said heatedly.
Mako couldn't help but agree. Before he could say anything, however, another guard entered quickly, bowing as she did so.
"It's getting a little busy in here. I'll um…await you back at the medical bay," the doctor said awkwardly to Sho-tahn, backing out carefully.
"President Sato, forgive me. The troops are almost ready. Do you wish to deploy the Rubblers?" the guard asked.
Mako rolled his eyes. What a terrible name for a group of elite Earthbenders. Still, the name was apt; they were to clear huge portions of the broken city in case they needed a battlefield. Fighting over broken streets would give them a huge disadvantage, seeing as the spirits had aerial capabilities.
"Yes. Tell them to clear a good portion but leave some buildings either side intact. We could do with some cover," Asami said tactically. The guard saluted and exited quickly, leaving them all in frosty silence.
After a few moments, Asami clapped her hands together and all her advisors seemed to straighten up as one. "Right. No matter what some people may think," she said, shooting a look at Mako, "we'll stick to the plan. Hopefully the reinforcements will arrive before anything happens but if not, you all know what to do. Go tell your platoons and, should the worst occur…good luck to you all," she said, smiling weakly at them all. Clearly, her advisors were also her lieutenants, though no sign of a General could be seen.
As the advisors all filed out, Mako slammed his hand down on the table. "What the hell!? We've known each other years, Asami, years! Do I not get to have a say? Doesn't Bolin? Who's even leading this army!?" he asked in a raised voice.
Asami looked up, her eyes stony. "I am. I'm the President after all."
"You!?" Mako exclaimed in disbelief. "You have no military training!"
Lin shrugged. "That's what I said. She needs someone who's lead an army before. If not, we're probably all dead," she said in her deadpan voice.
"And who do you expect to show up magically and do that? Hm?" Asami replied hotly. "Pretty much everyone we know who's qualified is dead! I've said it before but I'm not cut out for a war-time Presidency! I'm not even sure I'd be good in peace-time! But I'll be damned if people remember me as the President who let her forces be massacred and didn't take control. I want all of you to get to your stations now and report back to me once you've-" she ordered before the radio on her desk started to crackle to life. She snatched it up quickly, keeping her eyes on Mako. "What?" Asami snapped.
"Charming," a smooth voice said from the other side. "Am I speaking to President Asami Sato?"
Asami frowned. "Speaking. Who is this?"
"My name is Rizem. I'm the man you've been looking for. The one who started this war," the voice said.
"Ornatok started this war, with his Spirit Eaters. You say you're responsible instead?" Asami asked slowly.
There was a slight pause. "Indeed," the voice replied. "A distraction. I must apologise, as it's been a slightly large distraction and I'm aware you've lost many lives. They won't be in vain though, once the cannon fires."
Asami looked up, her eyes alert. Lin moved forward involuntarily, her mouth agape. They all knew the importance of the statement; three of them had gone down to Asami's vaults to find the bloody thing. "Where are you? Why are you doing this?"
"You know what I plan to do. Surely you've worked it out by now," Rizem replied through the radio. "Soon, you won't have to worry about an approaching spirit army. In fact, spirits will soon be just a myth, a legend."
"I…honestly, I don't know," Asami admitted. "But you've got a spirit cannon and I've seen one used before. You don't know the kind of power you're messing with. If you attack us with that weapon, we will-"
"Pfft. Attack you? Don't be ridiculous. I'm trying to help you all. But if you get in my way, if you try to stop me, I won't hesitate. Tell your troops to stand down or my Liberators and Red Lotus will open the spirit portal. If I need to buy myself time with the blood of your soldiers, so be it," the voice spat.
Lin held out her hand for the radio, a stern expression on her face. Asami shook her head and clasped the device tighter. "You're the mastermind behind everything. Why should we do what you say? If you won't use the cannon on us, as you say, then we have nothing to fear. We're braced for the spirits; if we must fight, that is what we'll do," the President said resolutely.
A sigh came through the radio, cutting off quickly. "President Sato, I apologise for what is about to happen. Whatever you think of me, do me one favour. Keep Jahn away from the portal at all costs. For his own safety."
Asami frowned. "What? Why?"
Static echoed through the radio, the other participant clearly gone. Asami slammed the radio down angrily, her face emotional. Her hair fell down to obscure her face, though Mako could see her arms shaking as she leant on the desk. Two tears dropped down onto the parchment, darkening the ink where they fell. When she finally looked up, Asami's face was both furious and terrified; Mako wanted to hug her, to tell her it would be ok, but this wasn't the time. Maybe after.
"All of this…all of it…why?" President Sato whispered, almost beyond words. "Even Kuvira knew her actions were wrong…it's just evil."
Mako straightened up. "We need to make sure the forces are organised. I can get Bolin and we can make sure that the-" he started to say formally, though he was interrupted quickly.
A tremor rumbled through the ground at an incredible speed, rushing under their feet with a dull booming. Within seconds, the ground heaved, splitting apart here and there, shaken by enormous forces. Once the shaking subsided, Asami looked up quickly. "Are you all alright?" she asked.
Lin nodded, shaking dust off her armour. Sho-tahn looked shaken but unhurt. Mako was stood with his arms out wide, braced for another tremor, though he eventually relaxed. "Was that the…Earthbenders in the city?" he asked, refusing to use their name.
Asami looked totally confused. "It couldn't be, they've only just been deployed…" she said quietly.
Someone ran in, stumbling as he saluted clumsily. "Madam President, Chiefs," he said, ignoring Sho-tahn, "….it's the portal. The portal's open. Spirits are coming through," he said in a weak voice, his eyes wide in shock.
"Oh my god," Asami gasped. "He actually did it. I didn't think he…I didn't..."
Even Lin looked alarmed. "He did say to stand down or the portal would be opened. We did this…" she whispered, referring to the encampment's flurry of activity.
Mako looked between the newcomer and Asami thrice, unsure how to act. When Asami didn't respond, he nodded. "War it is then," he stated bluntly. Turning back to the younger man who'd just entered, Mako pointed at the exit. "Make sure our army is ready for a fight," he ordered; the other man nodded and fled in an instant.
"Asami, it's now or never. You need to lead us. I know you think you're just an engineer like your father was but you've proven yourself to be so much more," Mako said sincerely. When she looked doubtful, the Firebender walked up and hugged her tightly. "Listen, this doesn't have to be the end. We've all survived so much with Korra and after she died. That Rizem clearly thought that Jahn would be around so maybe he can fix all this. Maybe we just have to buy him some time to figure something out."
The President pulled away and nodded. "Ok. If we have to. Let's just hope he gets here soon."
((Hey all! Two chapters left! Hopefully. Still writing the finale so it maaaaay turn into two. I'll let you all know next week!))