Just Like the Good Old Days
Sokka: Well, someone's back early.
Redbayly: Yeah, I couldn't really wait to write more of the story. It's been distracting me from my other fanfics.
Toph: Oh please, this story is the best. Mostly because you have me here to help introduce the chapters.
Redbayly: Of course. What story isn't complete without Toph Bei Fong?
Toph: Don't you ever forget it.
Sokka: Speaking of Toph and stories, what do you all think of the upcoming season of Legend of Korra?
Aang: Stop talking! *Puts hands over his ears* No spoiler zone! Lalalalala! Can't hear you!
Redbayly: I think we should respect Aang's wishes, Sokka. Not to mention those of the readers.
Sokka: Oh, so you're saying I shouldn't mention that we're gonna meet Lin's-
(Toph Earthbends a rock into Sokka, launching him up into the air and away from them).
Redbayly: Hey, Toph, I thought you can't Bend in the Spirit World.
Toph: That rule doesn't apply if you're awesome, like me.
Redbayly: Can't argue with that logic. Let's just get on with the story.
Toph: Right-o, Bayly-o.
Redbayly: Bayly-o?
Toph: I'm still working on it. It's hard making a nickname for a nickname.
(Sokka suddenly manifests himself once again).
Sokka: So, I guess I shouldn't mention that Redbayly's real name is-
(Toph Earthbends him into the distance again).
Toph: Rebayly doesn't own Legend of Korra or any of its characters. Unless you count the ones she made up.
Redbayly: Speaking of which, I'd like to know my audience's opinions on my OCs. Who's your favorite? Is there one you want me to bring back for the next season? Anyway, this chapter is going to contain my headcanon about why Unalaq hated Tonraq so much (don't blame me, it was a theory running around the internet and it gives us some explanation other than the cliché power-hunger thing. I actually hadn't been planning on including it, thinking it was too contrived, but I figured "what the hey!" it's my story and I can do as I please). If you haven't picked up on it by now, then you will soon enough.
Oh, and please remember that Republic City now has a new council instead of a president because I absolutely could not stand Raiko in the LoK series. However, I will include him as one of the ten council members.
Well, on with the show!
A Truth Better Left Unsaid
Third Person POV:
Hei An stood beneath the ancient, twisted tree, staring up at the being trapped within it. There was barely more than two weeks left until Harmonic Convergence and the Northern Portal had yet to be opened. He was not pleased by the slow progress being made; he had never been a particularly patient entity, not since before he had abandoned the Great Spirit and started his mission to destroy the human race.
He sensed someone approach, and looked up.
"You're late, Hakidonmuya," he said with a faint hiss.
"My apologies," she replied with a bow. She was a pale-skinned spirit with long, snow-white hair and eyes that glowed like lanterns. Her ears were pointed and her blood-red lips concealed a set of cruel fangs.
"I have told you before, never keep us waiting."
"I am sorry, sir, but I come with urgent news. The Avatar has left the Southern Water Tribe."
"What?"
"Unalaq's plan to keep her in line backfired, now she and her allies are on their way to Republic City to fetch the United Forces."
A low, dark chuckle emanated from within the tree.
"Those pitiful humans will never stand a chance once I am released," the voice said. "Not even if the higher spirits decided to intercede would they ever be able to stop us."
"Still, it is not to our best advantage to have the Avatar so far away," Hei An continued. "The portal is still closed."
"Raava will return in time. In all the millennia that we have fought, we have never missed the Harmonic Convergence. She will come, and the portal will be opened in time."
Hei An nodded in understanding and then turned to the demoness who was still kneeling on the ground.
"Tell the rest it is safe to begin feeding on the Dark energies," he said. "Oh, and I have a task that needs completing."
"Whatever you ask of me is yours, sir," said Hakidonmuya.
"The task is not for you. I have some business that needs attending to. In Republic City."
Noatak's POV:
Most of the others had gone to get some rest in the passenger cabins. We had managed to get a good distance away from the Water Tribe and, more importantly, away from that psychopathic princess Eska. I gave a relieved sigh and walked out onto the deck where I noticed Korra was standing alone, staring up at the moon and shivering slightly in the winter chill.
I pulled off my parka and draped it over her shoulders.
"Thanks," she said softly. I could sense something was wrong and wrapped my arms around her, her back pressing against my chest.
"I know you're worried," I said. "But your father's going to be alright. Considering he was a general, I'm sure he's been in worse scrapes than this."
"It's not him I'm worried about," she replied. "What's going to happen to Mom? To the rest of my family? Unalaq's already proven he's capable of the worst of crimes. What if he does something to hurt them?"
I held her a little tighter as she leaned into me.
"Unalaq wouldn't be stupid enough to harm them," I said. "Kaliska is still the Southern chief and would be seen as a martyr if he had her killed or imprisoned. Your aunts Yue and Hien aren't big enough threats for him to bother with, even though they could probably beat him in a fight."
"And Mom? I know she's a skilled fighter, but Unalaq could capture her and try to use her as a hostage."
My brow creased in thought as I recollected something.
"I don't think he's going to do anything to hurt your mother."
"Why do you say that?"
"You know how I can use my Bloodbending to sense people's reactions? I've been observing Unalaq and there were some strange fluctuations in his heartbeat. When your mother hugged us at the trial, I saw him looking at us and checked it. It was the same every time your mother was around or when someone mentioned your parents to him. Back in the prison, when you said it 'must've killed him that his brother was the Avatar's father,' the reaction was stronger than I'd ever noticed before."
"So, what, are you saying Unalaq has feelings for my mom?" She turned to look at me and I could see the skepticism on her face.
"Not necessarily. But, if you remember, they were friends years ago, back when Unalaq had to spend a year in the South."
"Mom was seventeen, legally of marrying age in the North," Korra continued thoughtfully. "Except, girls in the South don't tend to get married until they're at least eighteen."
"Your mother is also the daughter of the previous Southern chief, and the niece of the last Avatar. By all accounts, she was probably the most likely person of anyone to be the mother of the new Avatar."
Korra squirmed slightly.
"Can we please stop talking about this?" she said. "It's putting knots in my stomach."
"Fine, let's talk about something more cheerful. We only have five more months until our wedding."
"Yeah, five long months. I just hope we live that long."
"Hey, now, don't think like that. We're going to be all right, Korra." She gave a dubious sigh and I kissed her forehead. "I promise. We will get through this."
Third Person POV:
Senna and Yue ducked behind a snowdrift just as a Northern guard passed by. Nearby, they saw the lighted windows of their sister's house, the home in which they had both been born and, for the most part, raised (though Yue had spent much of her young life in Republic City when their father had been made a councilman). It was a good thing their mother had taught them how to be sneaky; if they had been anything like their father in regards to stealth then they would've been captured ages ago. The troops were all focused on the front door of the house, but what they had forgotten was that a Waterbender can make her own door into an igloo.
Senna deftly Bent up a small opening in the back of the house and entered, Yue following right behind her, and then sealed it shut just as a soldier started to draw close.
"I was wondering when you two would get here."
They both shot up at the sound of Kaliska's voice.
"Sneaking out at this hour?" she continued with a wry smile. "Whatever would father have said about this?"
"We just got away from Unalaq and his men," Yue explained. "He came by and tried to take Senna as a hostage. Korra and the others have all disappeared."
"Knowing Korra, she probably went to bust her father, uncle, and the other men out of prison." Kaliska gave a weary sigh. "Let's go to the living room. I'll get you both some tea."
They sat around the hearth, sipping warm cups of ginseng tea to perk them up from the cold. Hien was staring sadly into the fire, having been there since earlier that evening.
"She came here trying to comfort me," said Kaliska. "Ended up sobbing hysterically into my shoulder for thirty minutes. It was quite embarrassing, to tell you the truth."
"I'm never going to see him again, am I?" Hien muttered.
"Of course you will," Senna assured her. "Paytah's going to be fine. He always is."
"I just wish I knew what Unalaq did with my husband and sons," said Yue. "If he's hurt them…"
"Are you kidding?" said Kaliska. "Knowing them, they've probably joined up with him."
"Don't say that!"
"Why not?"
"Because…because my family wouldn't do that, not to me."
"I'm sure Kohana loves you very much," said Senna. "Unalaq wouldn't do anything to them."
"Oh, Senna, wake up already," Kaliska snapped. "He's not the weird little Northern prince you were once friends with. He's a monster. He's played all of us from the start. And he's even tried to pull you into his schemes."
"What do you mean by that, Kali?"
"Nothing."
Senna glared at her eldest sister. Kaliska was the worst liar of any of them. Even when Senna was a child she could tell when Kaliska was hiding something.
"Kaliska, is there something I don't know?"
Kaliska winced and shuffled her feet.
"Dad asked me not to say anything," she said. "He was afraid it'd upset you if I told you."
"Told me what, exactly?"
Kaliska gave a resigned sigh.
"Wait here."
She pulled up a pelt rug on the floor, revealing the trapdoor to the basement of the house. She yanked up the door and walked down the wooden steps. She emerged a few minutes later with an old, dusty folder in her hands. From within the folder, she removed a letter and blew off the dust before handing it over to Senna.
"Read it."
Senna's eyes scanned the document and her hand flew to her mouth as she gasped in shock.
"See?"
"But…but this…" Senna stuttered. "How dare he?"
"What is it?" said Yue.
"It's a letter to Dad from Unalaq," said Kaliska. "Making a formal request for Senna's hand in marriage as part of a political alliance to strengthen ties between the Water Tribes. It was sent almost six months after Unalaq left the South. Senna, did you seriously never wonder why Unalaq followed you around when he came here all those years ago?"
Senna's mind whirled as she remembered a much younger Unalaq constantly asking her for directions to different places during his first few weeks there, even though most of the locations were clearly marked and easily identifiable. She remembered how he used to question her relentlessly about her opinions on spirituality and how well she knew her uncle, Avatar Aang. At the time, Senna had written it all off as him just being eccentric or unfamiliar with the South, but now…
"I never even liked him in that way," Senna groaned. "I was just the only person here who didn't treat him like garbage. You know full well how everyone reacted to a Northern prince coming here to talk about uniting the Water Tribes. They all thought he was trying to steal their land or impose his rules on us."
"Well, it looks like he's done just that," said Hien sourly.
"I can't believe I actually thought he was my friend. This is just…it's sickening!"
"Well, I guess it explains why Unalaq and Tonraq hate each other," said Yue.
"Wait, what?"
"Kaliska, did you show this letter to Tonraq?"
"What would make you think that?" said Kaliska, her eyes shifting back and forth.
"Kali," Senna growled.
"Okay, so I showed the letter to Tonraq when Unalaq came here after your wedding. Tonraq was confused about why his brother seemed to hate him so much when they had seemed to be on relatively good terms right before Tonraq's banishment. Didn't you get the least bit suspicious when Unalaq kept niggling you for details about your marriage to his brother?"
"Oh spirits," Senna gasped, a sick expression crossing her face. "We gave Unalaq a copy of our wedding photo. I wondered why he wanted it and he said he just wanted to show it to their father, to let him know that Tonraq was doing fine since being banished."
"Sis, I've seen sickos like this before. Knowing Unalaq, he probably wanted the picture as a reminder of another thing Tonraq had that he didn't. Think about it, Tonraq was a prestigious general who had the love of the people and was next in line for the throne. Unalaq was a quiet, spiritual man who had little recognition and was shunted to the side in favor of his older brother. All of a sudden, Tonraq loses everything and is banished, leaving Unalaq as next in line for the throne with his plans of uniting the tribes.
"Do you understand what I'm saying, Senna? Unalaq only saw you as something he wanted and a means of furthering his plans. Then Tonraq comes in and sweeps you off to the altar and Unalaq's plans are ruined, on top of that he loses the object of his desire, the daughter of the Southern chief and niece of Avatar Aang. He's using you and Korra as excuses to fuel his hatred for Tonraq."
"I can't believe it," Senna muttered to herself.
Just then, there was a loud banging on the door.
"Open up!"
"Quick, down in the cellar, both of you," Kaliska whispered as she and Hien ushered Senna and Yue down the trapdoor. "Whatever you do, don't make a sound."
Kaliska set the door back in place as the banging got louder. Just as she stood up, the front door burst open and there was the very man they had been discussing, accompanied by several of his troops.
"Chief Kaliska, good evening," said Unalaq.
"Burn in the lowest pit of Naraka," she said blandly.
"I'm afraid we're going to have to search your house."
"What for?"
"I'm afraid your sisters have been charged with aiding conspirators. We need to find out if they're hiding here."
"I thought the charges were dropped."
"Yes, well, new evidence has come to light that has swayed the court's mind."
"You mean your mind. Fine, go ahead and search, I've got nothing to hide."
The troops marched into her house and began to look up and down the place. The men all came back minutes later, stating that there was no one else there.
"Well, I hope you're satisfied?" said Kaliska.
"Not even remotely." As Unalaq turned to leave, his foot tapped against the trapdoor, causing the sound to reverberate. A smirk spread over Unalaq's face. "I thought you said you had nothing to hide?"
He kicked aside the pelt to show the hidden door. He then motioned for his men to search the basement.
"I am sorry it had to come to this," said Unalaq. "You would have made this much easier on yourself and your family if you had just cooperated."
"You lay a hand on my baby sisters and I will kick your ass three ways from Ba Sing Se," Kaliska hissed.
"Sir, there's no one down here," said one of the guards.
"What?" said Unalaq in confusion. "Out of my way!"
He marched down the steps and looked around the old basement. It was hewn into the rock underneath the snow, providing it with insulation against water. There were stacks of boxes and crates, some stuffed with old files or extra food supplies. Behind a stack of crates lined up beside the staircase, Senna and Yue hid, peering out through the openings between the steps. In the days when Senna was still a child with a love for playing hide-and-seek, this was her favorite spot; no one knew this was where she hid as it was a fairly small place that often went unnoticed. Unalaq looked all around the room but saw no trace of the two sisters. With an annoyed grunt, he turned and marched back up the stairs.
"I trust there was nothing out of order?" said Kaliska with a smug grin.
Unalaq glared at her.
"Don't think for one moment that this is over," he said. "I'll be watching you."
Kaliska and Hien scowled at his back as he and his troops left the house, slamming the door behind them.
"You can come out now," Kaliska said towards the open cellar once she was certain Unalaq and his men had gone.
Senna and Yue popped back up into the sitting room.
"He really has lost it, hasn't he?" said Yue.
"Kali, I'm sorry," said Senna.
"For what?" said Kaliska.
"For doubting you. You were right about Unalaq from the start, but I wouldn't listen."
"Hey, it's not your fault. I should've told you about the letter ages ago."
"I guess the real question is 'what now?" said Hien. "My daughters most likely went with Korra and the others. Our men aren't strong enough to fight off the Northerners."
"Republic City!" Yue declared. "The kids have gone to get the United Forces. That's why Unalaq needed to take us prisoner now."
"All we can do is hope they can get help soon," said Senna. She shivered slightly. "There's something bad coming. I can feel it."
Tarrlok's POV:
We pulled into the Republic City port by mid-afternoon the following day, just in time to see Chief Bei Fong carting away some criminals. We all clambered off the yacht as Bei Fong approached.
"Welcome home, Avatar," she said with a clearly unamused expression. "Thanks for starting a war."
"I didn't start a war," Korra retorted.
"She's right," Adsila chimed in. "Technically Unalaq started it."
"Invasion, murder, and wrongful imprisonment are kind of serious things," I added.
Bei Fong then turned to Mako.
"Mako, I want you back on the beat," she said. "There's going to be a Southern Water Tribe peace march tonight. I need you there to make sure things don't get out of hand."
"I'm all yours," Mako replied.
"I'll go, too," said Korra. "The people of the South need to see that the Avatar is on their side in the fight against the Northern invaders."
"Great, that should calm them down," Bei Fong said dryly before turning and walking away.
"If you're going, then I am, too," said Noatak.
"Korra, maybe you should sit this one out," said Mako. "
"What?" said Korra.
"I just think having you there blatantly supporting one side will only make things worse. You could at least try to seem neutral."
"Except for the fact that she's not neutral," my brother countered. "The North started this when they invaded land that wasn't theirs and started oppressing the people there. Korra has every right to support one side over the other when it's clear there is someone in the wrong. Just like when Avatar Aang fought against the Fire Nation. Has everyone forgotten about that already?"
"Noak's right," Korra added. "The only reason we're here is to get the United Forces to help the South."
"Zhu Li's already scheduled a meeting with the Council tomorrow," said Varrick. "We'll get 'em on board."
"Whatever," Mako concluded. "I gotta go to work." He gave Asami a quick kiss and then headed off.
"I better go check on my factory," said Asami.
"I'm going to find some lunch," said Adsila. "See ya later, chumps!"
"We're going to go find out about this peace march," said Korra, setting off with my brother.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. My brother had someone who loved him, someone he could fight both for and with. It made me feel left out. I felt a hand close around my own and saw Lomasi giving me a reassuring smile. I couldn't help it, I smiled back.
"And I am dying for a pedicure," Varrick announced. He started to walk off.
"So, what should the rest of us do?" Bolin called after his brother.
"I don't know, Bolin," Mako called back. "Figure something out."
That's when Varrick stopped and turned to face the rest of us. He darted over and put a hand on Bolin's shoulder.
"Say, kids, have you ever seen Republic City at night?" he said.
"No," both Lomasi and Hachi replied.
I gave an indifferent shrug.
"Sure, I live here," said Bolin.
"Have you really seen it?" asked Varrick.
"Ye—no?"
"That's what I thought," Varrick said with a chuckle. "Come on!"
Varrick led the four of us around town in style, stopping at various shops so we could pick out some formalwear. I noticed Lomasi seemed to be having fun; considering her mother was vice-president of the largest international fashion corporation, it was probably only natural that she shared her mother's love of fine clothing. I had to admit, she certainly did have taste.
"So, how do I look?" she asked as she stepped out of the dressing booth.
I stopped registering everything else for a moment. She was dressed in a long, periwinkle dress with dark blue wave patterns along the skirt hem and the neckline, accompanied by a dark blue waistband. But that was not why I was staring. I wasn't sure if it was the fact that I had the hormonal responses of a seventeen-year-old boy, or the fact that the dress hugged all her curves in just the right places, or even if it was because she was smiling at me in that sincere and hopeful way; all I knew was, when I looked at her, my head got fuzzy and there was a strange feeling in my stomach.
"Uh…you mean, all of you or just your dress?" I fumbled. "Because, I mean, both look great. I mean, you look great in that dress. Uhh…"
"Aren't you sweet," Lomasi said with a grin. "I'm getting it."
Lomasi also helped the rest of us pick out clothes. She chose a teal-blue qipao for Hachi, a dark green suit with gold buttons for Bolin, and for me she chose a dark blue suit with a lighter undershirt and silver buttons.
Just then, Varrick reentered the shop, having excused himself for some strange reason I couldn't remember.
"Wow, young lady, you certainly have a keen eye for fashion," Varrick said to her. "Say, wait a minute, you're Honovi's girl, aren't you?"
"Yeah. I am."
"Well, no wonder! You certainly have your mother's fashion sense. You know, she designed this outfit I'm wearing! I bought ten sets of them I liked the style so much."
"Uh, thanks? I'm sure my mom would appreciate the compliment."
"Come on, kids, the rest of the city awaits and our ride is here!"
He steered us out the store and over to a luxury limousine. This, I could get used to.
Korra's POV:
The march had started at seven, making its way slowly up towards the cultural center built by my grandfather. I didn't remember much about my grandfather, just that he was very funny and could always make me laugh. That, and he loved blubbered seal jerky and cactus wine. All around me I could hear the jeers of the Northerners, insulting me and the South for opposing Unalaq. How could these people be so stupid? Couldn't they tell that my tribe had a right to be free?
Noak was riding with me on Naga as we led the Republic City Southerners, all carrying lotus candles (a symbol of life and strength to us), up along the main street. The angry yells of the Northerners just seemed to bounce right off me with Noak there, he reminded me that I couldn't just scream at people that they were wrong, that some things needed to be handled carefully.
As we approached the cultural center, I felt a chill go up my spine as I sensed something bad about to happen. Then, in flash of fire and smoke, bombs exploded from within the treasured building.
I stared up in horror as a wall of flames erupted behind the statue of my grandfather. I couldn't believe it. Those Northerners were responsible for this, I was certain of it.
Soon we heard the sounds of fire engines approaching and both Noak and I leapt into action, Bending water up into the burning building. Just then, I noticed Mako come over to us.
"The Northern Water Tribe is out of control," I said to him.
"I saw a Firebender running away from the blast," Mako replied. "The North may not be responsible for this."
"Of course they're responsible," I snapped. "Who else would it be?"
"Korra, there's another truck," Noak called.
Brushing off Mako's report, I charged after my fiancé and we both set to work extinguishing the fire. It was taxing work, but we managed to put it out. A lot of damage had been done, but luckily the important documents and artifacts had remained unscathed; the damage was mostly superficial, done more to incite than to destroy. That got me confused. If the Northerners really were responsible, then why did they not go straight for the important objects in the building? That cultural center had a museum of Southern artifacts second only to those at the temple back home.
That made me remember what Mako had said. I decided then that I would ask him about it later.
Right then, though, I just felt tired. Asami had invited us all to stay at the Sato mansion, which had fallen into some slight disrepair since she had fallen on harder times. I really felt bad for her and I wished there was something I could do to make up for it.
Noak and I marched into the mansion and were greeted by Asami herself.
"How did things go at the march?" she asked.
"Terrible," I replied. "Someone bombed the cultural center."
"Oh no. Do you think it was the Northerners?"
"I thought so at first, but Mako said something about seeing a Firebender." I gave a tired yawn.
"We'll talk to him in the morning," Noak said, putting his arm around me and leading me towards the stairs. "Good night, Asami."
"Good night."
I was too tired to change out of my clothes and so I just nestled up against Noak on the bed in the room Asami was letting us stay in.
"I am so sick of this fighting," I murmured.
"I know." He kissed the top of my head. "But we have to see this through. As long as you don't plan on freezing yourself in a block of ice anytime soon, I'm sure it'll be over before you know it."
If I had the strength to sit up I would have hit him with a pillow for his joke. He had a very dry sense of humor, but every now and then I could tell a joke so stupid it would make him laugh just because. At least here, alone with him, I could feel a relief from being the Avatar. With him, I could just be plain old Korra, something I couldn't do around most people, not even around people like Mako, Bolin, and Asami. I knew they cared about me, I knew they saw me as more than just the Avatar, but it was so hard to be just Korra around anyone but Noak.
It made me wonder if it had something to do with him once being Amon. I know I could never forget that, but I could also never see him as exactly the same man. The fact was that he looked at everyone and saw just another human being, regardless of Bending talent or anything else. That trait, which had caused me so much pain in one form, was what drew me so near to him, what allowed me to open up to him in a way I couldn't do with others.
Perhaps that was why I loved him so much.
Tarrlok's POV:
We stepped out of the limo when we reached the pro-Bending arena. Varrick stood there in the middle of the four of us, waving to the crowd as cameras flashed and people cheered.
"Wow, usually, when I see flashing lights like this, it's because I got hit in the head with a rock," said Bolin.
"Being famous is like getting hit with a rock all the time," Varrick replied.
"Wouldn't that be kind of bad for your health?" said Hachi.
"Nonsense! Come on, we're sitting in my private box."
He led us inside the stadium and ushered us into our seats. Suddenly, someone in the audience called out: "Look! It's Bolin!" That's when the chanting started up and Bolin began to pose for the crowd.
"Folks, that cheer you're hearing is for local favorite Bolin of the Fire-Ferrets," said the announcer, Shiro Shinobi. "Let's see if we can get a quick interview. Bolin!" The announcer gestured for Bolin to come over to his booth.
"Sure, as long as I can bring my friends," he called back.
The four of us made our way over to the other box and took seats across from Shiro.
"Bolin, the Fire-Ferrets are out for the season, how have you been spending your time lately?" asked Shiro.
"Well, I took a trip South for the Glacier Spirits Festival, where I met Avatar Korra's old friend Lomasi and some of her cousins like Hachi over here," Bolin began, gesturing towards the two girls. "Then, I was briefly engaged to a princess, then went through kind of a tough breakup there, was accidentally involved in a war…" He trailed off as he noticed the silence falling over the audience. "But, there's no place I'd rather be than pro-Bending night in Republic City!" he yelled into the microphone. "Am I right, people?! Republic City!"
The audience burst into cheers. Once everyone had calmed down, Bolin continued.
"Of course, my good buddy Tarro, over here, has been with me through it all. He was there when my brother and Avatar Korra had to leave the team, but I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to be my wingman. Am I right, Tarro?"
Startled for a moment at being put on the spot like that, it took me a moment to think up a response.
"Sure," I said. "And who's to say we won't be back next season?"
"Do you two miss being in the ring?" asked Shiro.
"Well…I think neither of us misses getting hit by things all the time, right, Bolin?"
"Yeah, and the humiliating losing, I mean that gets pretty old. You know, sometimes, I actually cry myself to sleep."
Realizing Bolin had induced another wave of awkward silence, I decided to come to his rescue.
"But what we really miss the most are these fans!" I called into the microphone. "Right, Bo?"
"Yeah, they're the best fans in the world!" He slung his arm around my shoulder. "Give it up for the fans!"
Once the calm was again restored, Shiro then turned to the two ladies in our company.
"And you, Lomasi and Hachi, you are friends with Bolin and Tarro, aren't you?"
"I guess," Hachi replied.
"Of course," said Lomasi. "I've known Tarro since we were kids. And when I first met Bolin I thought he was really funny."
"Is this the first pro-Bending match for both of you?" said Shiro.
"Yes," said Hachi. "My grandmother in Goaling says that pro-Bending is a monstrous deformation of the sacred art of Bending and that if we get involved with it then we will be cursed for our sacrilege."
The awkward silence fell once again.
"But, it's great to be here in Republic City for our first ever game!" Lomasi cheered into the microphone. "Thank you, Republic City!"
The audience burst into proud cheers once again.
Eventually we were dismissed to return to our seats. Outside the room, we met Varrick and he was looking at us with pride.
"Look how these people love you, kids," he said. "They're eating that cornball spiel right out of your hands."
"The trick is, whenever we get confused, we just say 'Republic City' or 'fans' and then everyone cheers," said Bolin. "By the way, did your grandma really say that about pro-Bending?" he asked Hachi.
"Actually, she did," Hachi replied. "But I only mentioned it because I was setting Lomasi up for a cheer."
"Aw, thanks," Lomasi said.
"You know, kids, I think I just figured out your true calling," Varrick said. "Meet me at the yacht tomorrow after I run Avatar Korra over to City Hall. But now, let's get back to the game."
I had trouble focusing on the match (Rabbaroos vs Tigerdillos), my mind was too preoccupied by stray thoughts. I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to focus on right then, but all my recent concerns were coming to the forefront, as if someone was deliberately bringing them back up. Lomasi noticed my concern and rested a hand on mine.
"It's going to be okay, Tar," she whispered. "There's nothing much we can do right now."
"Why didn't you want to go to the peace march?" I asked. Normally, Lomasi would have followed right after Korra to support the South.
"Why didn't you?"
"I…I didn't really feel comfortable with the idea of being there. It seemed more like something Korra and Noak needed to do together." It wasn't exactly a lie. The major truth was that I didn't feel comfortable protesting against my former homeland. It just seemed awkward.
"I didn't go because I wanted to stay with you. "
I was startled by the bluntness of her answer. An embarrassed blush spread over her cheeks as she seemed to realize what she had just said.
"Uh…I mean, I felt like you were worried about something and tagged along to make sure you were okay."
We both avoided looking at each other for the rest of the match. By the time it was over, the crowds were insatiable and Varrick had to sneak us all out the back to the limo ("Always leave 'em wanting more," he explained). As we got to the vehicle, a girl approached us.
"Hi, you're Bolin, right?" she said.
"Uh, yeah," Bolin replied.
She was a short girl, clearly Water Tribe judging by her clothes. She had the typical dark skin, but she also had a smattering of freckles on her cheeks. Her hair was dark brown and done in a style that I thought looked similar to Eska's. The only thing about her that was clearly not Water Tribe were her eyes; they glowed a dark, golden color that unsettled me as they were different than what I had seen in people of Fire Nation descent.
"Oh my goodness, it's such an honor to meet you," the girl said excitedly. "My name is Lilim and I've been a huge fan of yours for years. Can I get your autograph?"
"Sure, anything for my fans."
Bolin signed his name in her little book. She bit her lip, looking like she was trying to hold in a squeal of joy. She then thrust a piece of paper into his hand.
"Call me!"
Her eyes were wide and hopeful. Bolin stared blankly back until she suddenly darted away, running back to wherever she'd come from.
"That was strange," he said. "Normally when fangirls come up to me they give me their underwear for some reason."
"She seemed…nice?" I said. "You aren't actually going to call her, though, are you?"
Bolin tucked the phone number into his pocket.
"Well, she did seem nice and I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings."
"Whatever you say," I replied with a shrug as be got into the limo.
Korra's POV:
Varrick arrived to get us at nine o'clock. It was a short ride over to the City Hall, but we all hurried as if we were on a tight schedule. City Hall had been restructured since Noak and I helped draw up the new Council to accommodate the new representatives in charge of running the city. Ten people, five Benders and five Non-Benders, all from different social, political, and economic backgrounds. Each of them had been elected to their positions from Republic City, rather than chosen by the leaders of the different nations. The woman heading the group was Councilwoman Ning Shu, an older woman of Earth Kingdom origins and one of the five Non-Benders. She was the one who greeted us as we pulled up to City Hall.
"Avatar Korra, it is a pleasure to see you again," she said with a respectful nod.
I responded in kind.
"Same to you," I said.
"Ning! Great to see ya!" Varrick chimed in.
She rolled her eyes at him and then gestured for us to follow her inside. Some reporters had gathered around the steps, intent on getting pictures, but Ning just brushed them off. I still felt uncomfortable with the press, especially since my first major encounter with them when I had been pressured to join Tarrlok's taskforce. Once the doors were closed behind us, I felt much better.
"We've been apprised of the situation with the Water Tribes," Ning continued.
"Has the Council reached a decision?" asked Noak.
"Not yet. There's been a bit of a problem."
She pushed open the doors to the Council Room and, as soon as she did, we were met with two people, a man and a woman, shouting their heads off at each other. Councilman Shui, a Non-Bender of Southern Water Tribe roots, and Councilwoman Tameya, a Waterbender immigrant from the Northern Water Tribe. Both were in their mid-forties, both were extremely patriotic, both argued constantly, and both were married to each other.
None of us could make out the exact words they were using, just that they were making their points heard. Loudly.
"Silence!" Ning called and the two shut up and sat down in their seats. "A fine example you two set. Bickering like children when the Avatar takes the trouble to consult with us."
"She/he started it!" they both replied, pointing towards the other.
"I don't care who started it, it stops now." She took a deep, steadying breath. "All right, then, let us get straight to business." She moved and took up her seat at the center of the semi-circular desk. "Now, Avatar Korra, if you would be so kind?"
I felt Varrick nudge me forward when I didn't immediately respond.
"Right, well," I mumbled before clearing my throat. "My friends and I came here because we need the help of the United Forces. Chief Unalaq has invaded the Southern Water Tribe, murdered Chief Kaliska's son, and has illegally arrested Southern citizens. The South's forces don't stand a chance against the Northern army and so we need help to remove the threat."
"Everyone, thoughts on this matter?" said Ning.
"I don't see how it is the Republic's obligation to interfere with internal Water Tribe matters," said Councilman Raiko. "Our best option would be to start peace negotiations."
"Peace is out of the question," protested Councilman Shui. "That scumbag Unalaq invaded the South and murdered the heir to its chieftaincy."
"Did it never cross your mind that Chief Unalaq might have had a good reason for taking action in the South?" retorted Councilwoman Tameya. "All I've heard is that he wants to unite the tribes. Something which has been long overdue in my opinion."
"How can you say that?" contested Councilman Huang. "The North and South are two very different tribes and uniting under one ruler is something neither group would be happy about."
The debates began to get heated until Councilwoman Zan, a Waterbender of Foggy Swamp origins (who was even wearing a leaf hat), interceded.
"I says we all jus' calm down a mo'," she said. "We ain't gonna get any progress if we keeps gripin' at one another like rabid cat-gators."
"Zan makes a point," said Councilman Huang. "I say we take some time to sort this out like adults."
"How long will that take?" I asked.
"Normally, debates in which there is such a division of interests take at least a week," Ning explained. "Maybe two in this case."
"Two weeks? But the South's in trouble now."
"I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do until we have a clear majority."
Ning stood up as the other councilors began to argue again and escorted us to the door.
"While I would avoid war at all if possible, I do agree that the Republic has an obligation to help maintain world peace," she said once we were outside the room. "Unfortunately, we seem to be at a tie. I know that Councilors Shui, Huang, Zan, and Chao would support the decision to assist the South when it comes to a vote. However, Councilors Raiko and Tameya are both adamantly against it for personal reasons, while Xue, Jia, and Zheng are simply hesitant about sending young men and women off to fight in a war."
I hung my head, sensing that my search for help was going to be a failure, but Ning put a hand on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile.
"I'll do everything I can. Believe me, I have no sympathy for Unalaq or his actions. For the time being, please be patient with us. We can't all be the peacekeepers of the world like you, Avatar Korra."
"Thank you, Councilor Ning Shu," I replied. "I appreciate your support."
"And I have hankering for noodles," Varrick announced. "Zhu Li, make sure lunch is waiting for me at the yacht."
"Yes, sir," she replied.
Noak and I left together. He seemed to think I needed to get away to think for a while and so we headed over to the police station. We went to a section of the building I wasn't familiar with, but I noticed a sign read: Non-Bender Defense League. I realized this must've been where the new department had been set up.
After the incident with the Equalists, Noak helped me plan reforms for the city, one of which was permitting self-defense and hand-to-hand combat training for Non-Bender civilians. The person we had chosen to head it was Amon's former Lieutenant, whose name I learned was Vinh, whom we managed to save from prison time for his involvement with the Equalists by having his sentence committed to community service, hence why he was now working here. There was some awkwardness, as he still held some distrust for Benders, but at least he wasn't trying to capture or kill us like before.
"Why are we here?" I asked Noak.
"You needed some place to stop and think," he replied. "How about hearing the opinions of the regular people instead of just the politicians?"
He pushed open the door of the training room and led me inside. It was much larger than the basement training centers that the Equalists had been using before. Vinh was there, teaching a group of clearly-new students. He must have heard us open the door, because he turned just in time to see us enter.
"Class dismissed," he said. A few of the people lingered and I could tell they were watching me. "Avatar Korra," he greeted with an indifferent tone. "And, I'm sorry, but I forgot your name."
"Noak," he answered. "I'm Avatar Korra's fiancé."
"Yes, I'd heard about that in the papers. What can I do for you?" He was very rigid when he spoke.
"How have the classes been going?" Noak asked.
"They're…fine." He had a slightly suspicious expression. "More and more people are learning how to protect themselves against the Triads." He turned back to me. "I suppose I should thank you, Avatar Korra. You've achieved more for the Non-Benders than Amon ever did. I didn't think we'd ever have representation on the Council again, let alone be allowed to start anti-Triad volunteer groups."
"Actually, we just came from the Council," I said. "They're evenly split about sending the United Forces to help the Southern Water Tribe."
"Oh, yes, Chief Unalaq has brought in his army to take over. I heard about last night's peace march on the radio. What does this have to do with me?"
"We were curious about what other people think about this. There's a war, and the Council is debating whether or not to send troops."
"Ah, and you want the opinion of the man in the street? Or, I suppose, off the street at the moment."
"We just wanted an unbiased opinion on the subject."
Vinh rubbed his fingers over his moustache thoughtfully.
"Personally, I think Unalaq is another example of a Bender using his power to oppress others. From what I hear, Chief Kaliska and her late son are both Non-Benders and of a somewhat less powerful status than the Northern royalty."
"She is," I said. "But she's not helpless."
"Neither was Ciqala, for that matter," Noak added.
"Oh, so you're on first-name basis with the Southern leaders?" Vinh asked.
"Uh…kind of," I said. "Chief Kaliska is my aunt."
He raised an eyebrow at me.
"And here I thought the Avatar came from a family of Waterbenders," he said. "Many of the people in the Equalist Movement had, and still have, great admiration for Chief Kaliska. One of the few Non-Benders in the world with a position of power, the daughter of a famous Non-Bender war hero. In fact, Amon once sent a letter to her, requesting her support for the Equalists. He was quite disappointed when she refused."
I shot a quick glance at Noak who was trying to look casual.
"To answer your question, though, yes," Vinh continued. "I do think the United Forces should be sent to help the South and many of my students and colleagues feel the same way. Nothing justifies conquering another's land, even if the two cultures have similar backgrounds. An oppressor is always an oppressor."
"Thank you for your time," I said. "And, good luck with your students."
He gave a curt nod as we both turned to leave. As we walked out of the building, I looked curiously at Noak.
"So…Amon once asked my aunt to join his cause?" I said.
"I was still new to the political world," he stammered. "I needed allies. And, by the way, your aunt has pretty strange way of telling people to piss off. I won't go into too many details, but I will say it involved her sending a tiger-seal's head in a box to me."
I couldn't help but laugh.
Redbayly: Not as long as last chapter, but I'm hoping it's good. I also hope no one minds my headcanon.
Sokka: I knew Unalaq was a creep. If he touches my little Senna, there's going to be a problem.
Toph: Don't worry, Snoozles. Your daughter can kick Unalaq's ass any day.
Redbayly: I wasn't originally going to include the whole "Unalaq was once in love with Senna and hates Tonraq because she chose him instead" thing at first because I thought it would be pushing it too much. But I just couldn't think of anything else to do and I've built this up a good deal. So I just decided to go for it and hope for the best.
Well, see you all next time!