Chapter 38
Korra and Asami prepared for battle. "I will destroy you both," said UnaVaatu as he attacked the two women. Korra instantly sent her elements at him, while Asami jumped and hit the Dark Avatar with her electric glove.
"No, I am the most powerful being in the world," said the Dark Avatar as a large rock hit him in the face, and then Asami jumped and kicked him in the stomach.
Asami jumped back and landed next to Korra.
"Raava," said UnaVaatu as he lifted a large ice bolder from the ground and threw it at the two opponents. While he knew that Korra could easily redirect it, UnaVaatu fully intended to take Asami out of the picture, so that he could then easily focus on Korra.
"Give in, I am the one true Avatar," said Unalaq as his ice bolder dropped. Korra instantly turned it into snow, which fell on Asami, covering her.
"Asami?" said Korra
"All good, I am all good," she heard from underneath the snow as an ice spike flew at Korra. While Korra dodges it, the spike pierces her shirt, wounding her right side. A few drops of red liquid fell on the white surroundings.
"I will destroy you," said UnaVaatu
"How many times have you said that already? Apparently after fusing with Vaatu you can only saw at most a few phrases," said Korra as she sent a fireball at Unalaq.
Korra sent a jet of water at Unalaq and after grabbing his arm; she bent the earth underneath his feet. The rocks rose in the air and grabbed his body, making it hard for UnaVaatu to move.
Korra created fire behind her feet and propelled herself towards her Uncle. When Korra was mere inches away from him, she turned gracefully using her Air Bending and then with all her strength kicked Unalaq's face with her foot.
"You will pay for this," said Unalaq as he used his Water Bending to freeze his chains, escaping the confinement. He then created a water tornado underneath his feet and moved towards Korra with lightning speed.
Water formed around Unalaq's fist, and then it solidified into ice. As Unalaq came close to Korra, he punched her with his fist that was covered in ice. He then immediately raised his arms upwards, sending a wave of water at Korra.
After doing so, Unalaq promptly bent water and sent many frost arrows at Korra's body. While they were not very dense, ten small solid frost arrows pierced Korra's arms and legs, disabling her temporarily from fighting the Dark Avatar.
Asami climbed out of the snow pile and jumped. Using her electric glove, Asami punched Korra's uncle, electrocuting him.
Korra and Asami approached each other and looked at the Dark Avatar, evaluating what would be their next best course of action.
"You cannot defeat me, Raava, for even if you kill Unalaq, I will just reincarnate," said UnaVaatu as he lifted a large ice bolder and prepared to throw it at the two women.
Korra tried to stand up but the frost arrows hurt her. She immediately bent them away, but the pain did not immediately go away.
UnaVaatu's eyes continued to glow with red light. "Say good bye to each other," said the Dark Avatar as his screamed was then heard for many miles.
"What happened?" asked Korra, not sure why Unalaq stopped attacking them. As they looked up, Unalaq's body stopped moving; it also stopped bending at fell on the ground.
"Grandmother," said Asami as she noticed that Lady Azula had a stance of a person who just used a lightning strike.
As Unalaq's body dropped on the ground, Vaatu escaped his body and flew at the two women.
Korra immediately sent water at the Dark Spirit; the jets of water began circling around the Spirit of Chaos, and soon began to glow in yellow color.
"Nooo," screamed Vaatu as the golden energy finally covered Vaatu's entire body, turning it into nothingness.
"I," said Korra as she fell on the ground.
"Korra, Korra!" said Asami as she sat, and held Korra.
'Thank you Asami for everything," said Korra as Asami smiled. Korra rested her head on Asami's legs.
"Ahem," said Azula as she approached the pair.
"Thank you grandmother," said Asami
"Yeah, thank you Azula. Who would have though that the person who almost killed Aang so many years ago would actually save his successor," said Korra
"Well, I did get to defeat an Avatar," said Azula
"Unalaq was the Dark Avatar," said Asami, correcting her grandmother.
"Semantics. Well kids, now I will be going home to tell Ty Lee about our adventures," said Azula as the others approached the group.
"Korra," said Tonraq
"Dad, there was no other way. We defeated the Dark Avatar, but in the process Unalaq died," said Korra as Tonraq put his hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"You are welcome?" said Azula, "If not for me, he could have won. I did help to end his Dark Avatar cycle, although your daughter vanquished Vaatu," said Azula
"Not vanquished. Korra defeated Vaatu, but he will reemerge in ten thousand years," said Tenzin
"But we still won," said Azula
"You could say that," said Tenzin, as he then looked at Korra. "Korra, I think it's time for us to close the spirit portals,"
Korra nodded and the two used air bending to get back in the land that connected the Material and the Spirit Worlds. When the arrived, Korra approached the Northern Spirit Portal and extended her hand, ready to close it.
She contemplated about her actions, and then pulled her hand back. "May I shouldn't. Maybe Unalaq was right, and the spirits and people could live together in harmony," said Korra
"What should I do?" asked Korra
"Do what you think is right. I trust your feelings, Korra. I realize that I was a harsh mentor, and that you sometimes needed a unique approach to get results. I also see now that you should do what you think is right," said Tenzin
"Thank you," said Korra as she walked away from the portal, "I will keep the portal open, and I will hope that humans and spirits will live in peace,"
The mentor and his student walked away. When they returned to the material world, Korra saw that her father was talking to his Eska and Desna.
"I am truly sorry for what happened, but your father wanted to conquer the world and use his newly found power of Dark Avatar to bring a chaotic ten thousand years of darkness," said Tonraq
"We are so done with the spirits," said Desna
"Agreed. While we followed our father, we realize now that he was an evil man," said Eska
"We will end this conflict, and return to our home," said Desna
"I agree brother. After we return, we will abdicate and pass the title of Chief to you, Uncle," said Eska
"Eska, Desna, I am flattered, truly, but you don't have to do that. I left the Northern Tribe years ago, and I have no desire to return there and become its ruler. Go home, and rule over the tribe, all I ask is that we formally split the Southern Water Tribe from the Northern one," said Tonraq
"We agree to your terms, Uncle," said Desna as Korra and Tenzin finally approached the water tribe royal family.
"We wish you to have a happy life, Avatar. After the meeting where we will address the new police structure of our tribes, we will go home," said Eska.
Korra smiled.
Later, the group reunited with all their allies at the capital of the Southern Water Tribe. While Korra's family and allies stood near the doors of the capitol building, Korra stood in front of them by the podium.
"It is time to end this bloody conflict. Our two tribes should never fight one another. The wear had ended, and after the diplomatic relations, the two tribes agreed to formally split from one another," said Korra as people applauded.
"This is a new era for us all. But this wont be just the age when both Southern and the Northern Water Tribes coexist peacefully. Despite all his faults, my Uncle was right. We lost our connection to the spirits. The first Avatar, Avatar Wan closed the two spirit portals and became the bridge between the two worlds. Well, I decided that the portals should remain open. Humans and Spirits will peacefully coexist, and we will all learn to tolerate one another," said Korra
More people applauded. "While the two Water Tribes are now officially split, we will still keep our ties and out heritage together. While we evolved different politically, we have a common culture, and we will respect each other," said Korra as more people clapped.
Korra pointed towards her father, who nodded and approached his daughter. "I would also like to present you with the decision of the elders of the Southern Water Tribe. They elected my father Tonraq as your new Chief of the Southern Water Tribe," said Korra as even more people applauded. Many Northerners whistled, which surprised Tonraq, since he thought that after his banishment, the people in the North hated him.
"Thank you all. It is my honor to be your Chief. I will be fair and just," said Tonraq as he began his speech. Korra smiled. After Tonraq finished talking, the people began to mingle and the party has begun.
Korra found the members of the New Team Avatar waiting in the harbor. "Well done Korra," said Bolin as he hugged Korra.
"Yeah, good job Korra. We ended this civil war with minimal casualties," said Mako as he then realized one thing, "Oh no, we spent so much time fighting Unalaq, what would Chief Beifong say?"
At that time, the Republic City Chief walked behind them, "She would say that you did a great job stopping a power hungry maniac and deserve two weeks of vacation," said Lin as she walked to the ship.
Bolin laughed. "Chief is correct, you do need a vacation," said Bolin as his brother glared at him.
More people boarded the ship, including Kuvira and Baatar. "Hey guys, this adventure was amazing," said Opal
"Welcome to the New Team Avatar," said Bolin
"Really? But I am a non bender, and unlike President Sato, I cannot contribute anything to you guys," said Opal
"Opal, we did not become Team Avatar because we had to, we became the Team Avatar because we were friends," said Korra
"Yes. Besides, it would be good to have another non bender on our team," said Asami
"You know, I've been thinking. We just saved the world; we became celebrities. We did so much in the last few weeks. And since Varrick's last series of movers has ended, I think it would be great for us all to take a vacation. Would do you say, let us travel and visit places that we haven't visited before. We can visit the Ember Island, Zaofu, explore the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation," suggested Bolin, "Then we could-"
Korra interrupted him. "Great idea. Common guys, we have nothing better to do, and we need to rest," said Korra
"I have work," said Mako
"Oh no, Officer Mako, I officially give you an order to go on a vacation with us," said Asami as Mako glared at her in disapproval.
"But how could you even leave the Republic City? I mean, you are the President," said Mako
"I could always leave Raiko as my deputy, and have him manage the Presidential affairs. When he would encounter something that would warrant my personal attention, he would call me," said Asami
"Then it's settled, we are going to vacation. Let's have our first stop at the Earth Kingdom countryside, with our first major stop being at the Ba Sing Se," said Bolin. Korra nodded.
"That's a great idea," said Korra
"We will take an air ship," said Asami as they boarded the ship.
The trip back was longer than their journey to the South, since the group decided to take time and enjoy their time on the ship. The new Team Avatar, which now included Opal played various games, with Bolin's favorite being Truth or Dare, where he laughed when Korra took many dares, cause she was the Avatar and was not afraid of some stupid dares.
Jinora also mingled with the group. Opal asked her many questions about the Air Bending culture, since the non-bender was fascinated by it. Jinora was happy to comply, since as Korra nicknames her "living encyclopedia," although Bolin was not amused with hearing so many facts.
Korra and Asami liked to spend their time at the deck, watching the waves. One night they saw Bolin and Opal who were kissing. "Dad! People are doing adult stuff here," cried the Air Bending boy. Tenzin quickly arrived and saw Bolin standing next to Opal. The two teenagers had red faces.
"Meelo, why are you bothering them? They are just kissing," said Tenzin as he looked at the newly formed couple, "Good luck for you, and please ignore Meelo,"
Tenzin then left the group. "You are cute," said Opal as Meelo looked at Asami and then at Korra.
"Good night, beautiful woman," said Meelo as he then glared at Korra. Asami chuckled.
"We are so sorry," said Opal.
"It's fine. Don't worry about this," said Korra and Asami as they left Bolin and Opal and journeyed to their cabin.
"So, Princess Korra, I wanted to give you royal treatment tonight," grinned Asami as she ticked Korra
"I am not a Princess," laughed Korra
"Oh yes, you are," said Asami as the two approached their door. They quickly opened it, and fell on the bed. Korra and Asami looked hungrily at each other.
A few days later the ship arrived in Republic City harbor. While Bolin, Mako, and Opal headed to the Air Temple Island, both Korra and Asami went to the City Hall to make a speech about what had happened.
"Citizens of Republic City, the war is finally over. The Southern and Northern Water Tribes have ceased fighting and declared peace. After negotiations, the two tribes decided to split into two nations," said Asami as people listened to her speech and cheered, particularly people of the Southern Water Tribe heritage.
"The war has ended. Unfortunately, the Dark Spirit of Chaos Vaatu fused with Unalaq. He lost his life in the war. His children agreed to split the tribes politically, but continue sharing the cultural heritage of both tribes," said Asami
More people applauded. "I would also like to say thank you for all our allies. First, I would like to commend Lady Azula and her personal navy in assisting us to breach the blockade, making it possible for our allied troops to land. Lady Azula also helped later, when she was more personally involved in the battles," said Asami as Azula stood up and waived.
Azula smirked and created blue fire. She slightly bent her arms and pointed both her hands upwards. Azula then bent fire and sent the blue fire waves in two directions in the sky. Azula then extinguished her fire, and quickly took her favorite stance. She then lifted her hands, and shot lightning in the sky.
"Thank you Azula," said Asami as Azula left the stage. "I would also like to commend Captain Kuvira and her Zaofu Metal Benders, who protected our allied soldiers on land,"
Kuvira stood up and waived her hand, before returning to her seat.
"I need to obviously congratulate our own troops. General Iroh and Chief Lin Beifong worked hard to help our troops," said Asami
"Our Southern Water Tribes allies fought very hard, and under their new Chief's leadership secured a quick end to the Water Tribe Civil War," said Asami
"I would also like to congratulate former Councilman Tenzin and his family for helping us. Finally, I would personally like to thank Princess Avatar Korra of the Southern Water Tribe for helping to secure the Defeat of the Dark Spirit Vaatu, and to bring new age to us all, where humans and spirits will peacefully live with one another," said Asami, as Korra approached the podium.
"For the record, while I am technically a Princess of the Southern Water Tribe, I am the Avatar. I don't want to call me a Princess," said Korra.
Korra then took a step back and Air Bent, rising in the air. Korra first moved her right arm, then left arm, then moved her body a few more times. Fire shot to her right, water shot to her left, and the ground beneath her feet shook.
"Oh, and Avatar Korra has finally regained her connection to all four elements," said Asami as she ended her speech.
Later that day, as the sun began its descent, Korra sat on a wooden bench, looking at a necklace, which she held in her hands. The necklace had a hand made carved gear, which closely resembled the logo of Future Industries.
"I hope Asami likes it," said Korra as she saw her girlfriend standing on the hill, "Asami,"
Korra ran towards Asami, who smiled. "What is it, Korra?" said Asami as she walked towards Korra. Asami's foot touched a tree root and she accidentally lost balance.
"Asami!" cried Korra. Thankfully, Korra knew that the hill was not that high, and Asami at most would only need to spend a few days getting healed.
But Asami did not reach the bottom of the hill. While she did start falling, she did not continue to do so, as an air sphere appeared beneath her feet.
"Korra?" asked Asami, as she looked around, not sure what was going on. Asami then looked under her feet, and saw an air current underneath.
"Am I Air Bending?" said Asami, as she and Korra opened their mouths in surprise.
A/N: And so Book 2 plot ends. Having played a much bigger role in the events of book 2, now Asami gained Air Bending. This will be interesting, and create a new dynamic between Tenzin, who would want Asami to become an Air Nomad, and Asami, who just would want to learn how to Air Bend but still keep her life the same.
See you in 2016. Happy holidays!