We're back on chapter four. Sorry for keeping you waiting, I'm giving myself some rest.
REMINDER: I DO NOT OWN LEGEND OF KORRA OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS.
In the Southern Water Tribe, outside of Tonraq and Senna's house, Korra's parents were being loaded into a prison truck. Korra and her parents exchange worried gazes.
"Uncle, please, you're making a mistake." Korra begged.
"I wish it hadn't come to this. But your parents held meeting with the rebels, right here in their home." Unalaq said.
"I can't believe you're doing this to your own family." Korra said in disbelief.
"Rest assured, I've appointed Judge Hotah to oversee the trial. He is the most fair and honourable man I know." Unalaq said.
"Uncle, my parents had nothing to do with the men who attacked you."
"I'm sure you're right. So we should have nothing to worry about." Unalaq said.
"I hope so." Korra said unsure.
Unknown to them Kaori watches them arresting Korra's parents. She picks up her walkie-talkie and calls the doctor.
"Doc, Unalaq is arresting the Avatar's parents."
"Mamamia!" the doctor cries on the walkie-talkie. "This is as I feared and pictured in the future. No matter how dangerous it is, you must let Korra save her parents and know the true colours of Unalaq on her own. When the time is right, go to her and bring her here on Bhanti Island, where she must learn about the birth of the Avatar. The past must change. The Dark Avatar must be erased. Don't let her out of your sight, Kaori. And be careful."
"Roger that, you can count on me, Doc." she puts down the walkie-talkie and remains hidden.
Later, inside of Varrick's mansion, where Asami, Mako, and Bolin were waiting.
"Where's Varrick? We should've closed our deal an hour ago." said Asmai.
"Would you relax? This place is the best part about it, Eska doesn't know I'm here." Bolin said.
Eska, Desna, and several Northern Water Tribe soldiers entered the room.
Bolin stands up in shock. "Ee-yah. I wasn't hiding. Hey, hey, hey, hey."
"I'm not on the hunt for you. Currently." Eska said bluntly.
"We're searching for Varrick. Our father wishes him to stand trial." said Desna.
"What did he do?" Asami asks.
"He is a traitor to the Water Tribe, along with our aunt and uncle."
"What?" Asami said in shocked. "My God, Korra's parents were arrested?" Mako asked.
"Yes. Your powers of deduction are impressive." Desna said.
Bolin points to Mako with his thumb. "Yeah, he's a cop."
Northern guardsman approaches. "Varrick's not here."
"Very well. Desna, let us continue our search elsewhere. Boyfriend! Bow to me when I exit."
Bolin kneels and bows to Eska. "Yes, yes, my sweet koala otter."
"You are so cute when you grovel." said Eska before she leaves, behind Desna and the soldiers.
"Don't let her treat you that way. Stand up for yourself." Asami said.
"I tried to break up with her, but Mako gave me terrible advice. Thank you, Mako." Bolin said.
"Wait, how the hell are your girl problems my fault?" Mako asked.
"Bolin, you need to be honest with her. Tell her how you really feel." said Asmai.
"Honesty is for fools, kid." Varrick said with his voice greatly muffled. The trio widen their eyes in surprise and looks around.
Bolin looks around. "Varrick?"
"If you want to ditch this girl, then make yourself scarce. Disappear, like I did."
"Where the hell are you?" Asami asks.
"Somewhere Unalaq will never find me." Varrick's head appears from the stuffed platypus bear's mouth. "Inside Ping-Ping! How we doin'?"
"The coast is clear. You can come out." Mako said.
"No way, mister. Not until I know it's absolutely 157% safe." Zhu Li's hand appears in the bear's mouth with a cup of tea, Varrick takes it and responds. "Ah! Thank you, Zhu Li."
"Your assistant's in there, too?" Asami asked.
"Zhu Li never leaves my side." Varrick takes a sip of the tea, but spits it out in disgust. To Zhu Li irritatingly with his vein shown on his head. "Yuck! Pyugh! Pyuck! You forgot the honey!"
Zhu Li is at the bear's center mass. "Sorry, sir. There isn't any in here."
"No honey? We're in a bear, for God's sake!"
"I'm gonna go see how Korra's doing." Mako said before he walks out.
"Bolin, I got a little something for you 'round back." Varrick said before The platypus bear's tail lifts up, and a stack of paper yuans falls out.
Bolin picks up the money. "Wow!"
"Now listen up. Unalaq's rigged this trial, no doubt about it. So I need you to make sure my trusty rebels stay out of prison."
Bolin stands, holds up the wad in his hand. "What's the money for?"
Varrick blurts out with a laugh. "Bribery, of course! There's always someone willing to look the other way for a few yuans."
"I think I catch your drift, Varrick-bear."
"I know you do." Varrick said.
Meanwhile, at the Southern Air Temple, where Tenzin continues his search.
"Ikki! Ikki, where are you? Shoo!" Two ring-tailed winged lemurs land on Tenzin, annoying him. "Go bother someone else. You two are worse than Kya and Bumi."
"Okay, everybody here?" Ikki's voice came from a cave.
"Ikki! Oh, thank goodness."
Tenzin walks into the cave. "Juniper Lightning bug, paws off the table!" Ikki was seated around a raised platform with four other sky bison calves. "This is going to be a civilized breakfast. Daddy always says a blessing before we eat, so..." A calf stumbles over another. "Be quiet and listen up!" The two calves look at Ikki.
Tenzin runs to the entrance, but stops. "We are thankful for this super yummy food and for being the bestest new friends in the world". Tenzin smiles at Ikki. "But we are most thankful because Meelo and Jinora aren't here, because they stink." Tenzin frowns.
Ikki turns to see her father. "Oh! Hi, Daddy. I guess you found me. Do I have to go now?"
"Actually, is there room for one more?" Tenzin asked.
"Uh, sure. You can sit next to Blueberry Spicehead." Ikki said.
Tenzin sits down, while the calf looks at Tenzin. "Nice to meet you, Blueberry Spicehead."
"And that's Princess Rainbow, and that's Twinkle Starchild, and that's Juniper Lightning Bug. They're my new brothers and sisters." Ikki said.
"New ones, huh? Can they be my new brothers and sisters, too?" Tenzin asks his daughter.
"Maybe, but only if they say it's okay." She leans in to the bison calf sitting to her left, and starts to listen to it. "Uh-huh, uh-huh. No, no, he's nice. They say it's okay."
The group were having a great time at the tea party.
Back at the Southern Water Tribe palace, inside the courtroom. The rebels and Korra's parents, who will stand trial, there a worried Korra and Mako. Bolin sits next to Asami.
"We're good to go. I gave all the money to some guys over there. I told them to 'take care of it', and then I winked." Bolin was pleased with himself, he winks at them and laughs confidently. Pretty sure they got the message.
Two shady-looking men, who counted the money with a smile and smile back at Bolin with thumbs up. Bolin returns the gesture while the gavel was hammered, and Asami facepalms.
The law clerk spoke: "This trial will now come to order! Judge Hotah presiding." Hotah, a serious-looking old man approaches, and seated into the judge's chair at the center of the dais.
"Man! I should have paid him!" Bolin said in realization.
"Yeah, you think? Idiot." Asami said annoyed which makes Bolin looks worried.
"I was asleep in my chambers when the rebels attacked. They overpowered me, and the next thing I remember was waking up in the snow after Avatar Korra had saved me." Unalaq said.
"According to Unalaq's testimony, you attended a meeting where Varrick tried to incite a civil war. Is that true?" Hotah asked Korra.
"Yes." Korra answered. "And where these men present at that meeting?" he asked again.
"Well, yes, but…" Korra tried to say. "And where exactly did this meeting take place?" Hotah continued asked.
"Objection!" Bolin shouts out.
"Quiet down out there!" Hotah ordered Bolin. "I'll ask you one more time. Where did the meeting happen?"
"My parents' house." Korra answered again.
"And who led this meeting?"
Bolin stands up and spoke: "Your Honour, if I may?"
"May what?" Hotah asked.
"May I... declare a mistrial?"
"Sit down!" Hotah shouts at Bolin, made him sit. "Varrick and your father led the meeting, didn't they?" he resumed asking.
"My parents are innocent!" Korra said defensively.
"I've heard all I need to. I'll return shortly with my decision."
Judge Hotah leaves. Korra spouts a worried expression.
Meanwhile at a room where Eska was standing and Bolin enters.
"Hey there, Eska, I was wondering if we could talk." he said..
"I grant you permission to speak freely." Eska said.
"Oh, good, because I just need to be honest with you. You know, when we first met, there was this crazy spark. But I'm starting to feel like that spark is fading." Bolin said nervously.
"I agree. It is as if a great chasm has formed between us and nothing can bridge it." Eska said.
Bolin was relieved. "Oh! Oh, yes! Thank you, Lord! I'm so glad you understand!"
"Nothing, that is, except marriage." Eska shows Bolin a betrothal necklace with a skull pendant, while sporting a menacing grin and widened eyes. Bolin's eyes going wide with fear, as she promptly ties it around his neck before dragging him toward her by the necklace. "We will wed at sunset. You may express your joy through tears."
"Oh, no, wait! I can't…" Coughing as he was being dragged away by the necklace. "This is really tight." Bolin cries.
Back at the courtroom. All the defendants were now standing before Judge Hotah.
"Senna, please step forward. Senna steps forward and looks worriedly at her husband. I have found you... innocent. You are free to go."
A guard removes her handcuffs and she runs to Korra to hug her. "Korra!"
"On the charge of treason, you are all found... guilty. The punishment for this crime... is death." said the Judge which made a shocked Mako and Asami, who stand up.
Korra and Senna, who look on with utter shock and disbelief. Tonraq closes his eyes and bows. Hotah tries to leaves.
"You can't do this!" Korra said before Hotah glances at her. "You take their lives, and I'll take yours!" Hotah stops and his eyes widen in shock of what she said.
"Korra, calm down. I'll talk to him." Unalaq said. "I know I promised to respect whatever decision you made, but I must ask you to reconsider. Show these men and my brother mercy."
"Very well. I'll change their punishment. Your lives will be spared, but you will live them out in prison." Hotah said before rebels and Tonraq heave a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Uncle." Korra said.
Meanwhile, at the cave where Tenzin and Ikki were in. Ikki plays with the bison calves by bending a ball of air which they chase, while Tenzin was petting another calf.
"You like that, don't you, Blueberry Spicehead? Yes, you do." Calf snuggles against Tenzin. "You know, I could get used to it here. No one's yelling at me or telling me I'm delusional."
"We should have Uncle Bumi and Aunt Kya come visit. I bet they'd like it, too." Ikki said.
"Let's not. They'll only spoil our good mood." Tenzin said gloomily.
"What do you mean? Aunt Kya is super nice and pretty and always asks me how I'm feeling, and Uncle Bumi is, like, the funniest person in the world."
"But what about Meelo? He's hilarious, too, you never know what's going to come out of his mouth. And Jinora can be so sweet and gentle." Tenzin said.
Ikki scowls. "And mean. And bossy. Being part of a family is hard, huh, Daddy?" she asked so saddened.
"I couldn't agree with you more."
The calf which Tenzin was petting awakens and flies out of the cave with its siblings, where they reunite with their parents.
"But, I guess the nice part about a family is they'll always be there for you. Even though Twinkle Starchild and Princess Rainbow fight, they still love each other."
"That's very wise of you, Ikki." Tenzin said proudly.
"We should probably head back, huh?" Ikki asked.
"I suppose. We can't hide in this cave forever." Tenzin said before he holds Ikki's hand.
"Don't worry, Daddy. We'll come back and visit Blueberry Spicehead. I know you really bonded with her." Ikki said.
"Yes, I'd like that."
Meanwhile, at the prison, inside Tonraq's cell which Korra and Senna enter.
"Honey, are you all right?" Senna asked.
"I'm fine."
"Good, let's bust you out of here right now." Korra determined.
"Korra, no. Saving me would start a war. If fighting were to break out, the North would crush the South. I'll be all right. Just promise me you won't do anything rash." said Tonraq calmly.
"Fine. I promise."
At Korra and her parents' house. Inside the house, Senna was standing before the sink, crying. Korra was watching her from a distance, before approaching her mother.
"It's okay, Mom." Korra said consoling.
"I-I hate feeling so helpless." Senna said before she wipes off tears.
"I know." Korra said before she gives an angry and determined look.
At a cliff where a Satomobile was being driven. Hotah was driving the car. He glances in his review mirror. The mirror reveals Korra riding Naga behind his car, gaining on him fast. His eyes widen in surprise. Hotah's foot shows him flooring the gas pedal.
Korra and Naga, however, manage to catch up and knock the Satomobile, causing it to lose control and slamming to the side of the cliff. Naga knocks off the door, while Hotah looks in fear. Korra pulls him up and slams him against the side of the Satomobile.
"What do you want?" the terrified Hotah asks.
"It's not about what I want. It's about what Naga wants." Naga growls in anger. "And she'd like you to let my father out of prison." Korra threatened.
"I-I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do. I was just following Unalaq's orders."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Korra asks enraged.
"I-I've said too much." Hotah said.
Korra throws Hotah into Naga's mouth. "Unless you wanna be Naga's afternoon snack, you'd better keep talking."
"I-I've worked for your uncle for years! He said he needed everyone to think the trial was fair." he confessed.
"So Unalaq told you what to say?" Korra asked.
"Yes! Every word., Hotah said.
"Then why did he have you free my mother and change your sentence?" Korra asked.
"He's trying to keep you on his side. But he also wants your father out of the way. Just like when he got your father banished."
"What do you mean, he got my father banished?" Korra asked with a shocked face.
"Uh… Nothing!" Hotah said.
"Keep talking."
Back to the Air Temple Sanctuary, where Bumi was looking at a statue of his father, Avatar Aang.
He spoke to the statue: "Uh... Hey there, Dad. You're looking well. Look, uh, I'm sorry I didn't turn out to be an airbender like you hoped. But I've tried my best to keep the world safe. Hope I made you proud."
Kya was standing at the entrance. "Of course he'd be proud of you, Bumi."
"Kya! I-I was just, uh... cleaning off Dad's statue." Bumi wipes Aang's statue before he chuckles and coughs. "It's so dusty in here."
"Come here." Kya hugs Bumi.
Bumi hugs back his little sister. "Thanks, Kya. You always know when I need a hug."
Meanwhile, back to Varrick's mansion.
"Unalaq's a liar and a traitor!" Korra said to her friends.
"I've been trying to tell you that from the get-go." Varrick said.
"What happened?" Mako asked.
"I found out the truth about my dad's banishment. Unalaq hired the barbarians to attack their tribe. Then he told them to hide in the spirit forest, knowing my dad would go after them."
"Unalaq wanted your dad out of the way so he could become chief. It was a setup." said Mako.
"Just like the whole trial. I can't believe I trusted him. I'm busting my father and the rebels out of jail. I need your help." Korra said.
Mako gets unsure. "If you do this, there's no going back." Mako said.
"I know." Korra said. "Will you help me or not?"
"Of course, I'll help." Mako answered.
"Me, too." Asami answered, too.
"Count me in!" Varrick answered.
The door opens, revealing both Bolin and Pabu dressed up like Eska. Bolin's hair stands up awkwardly.
"God, I don't even want to know.' Mako said uneasily.
"So I'm guessing the breakup with Eska didn't go well?" Asami asked.
Bolin smiles sarcastically. "Oh, no, no, the honesty thing worked out great. So great she decided we should get married!" he said in anger.
"Sorry that I ask." Asami said.
Korra got slightly amused. "I'm pretty sure the guy is supposed to give the girl the betrothal necklace." she said.
"I guess Eska didn't get the memo." Bolin said.
"Look, the only way to deal with crazy women is to lie big and leave fast. Lucky for you, Varrick's got your back. Now, gather 'round Ping-Ping. Let's talk plan."
Later, at the prison. A guard was patrolling the interior, where an earthbending move causes him to fall into a trench. Sparks fly out of the trench as the guard was electrocuted. The unconscious guard was lying, while Asami, Mako, and Korra climb up the trench.
"My dad's in there." Kora said, before she opens the cell door, only to find it deserted. "Where is he?"
Unalaq appeared. "I'm sorry, Korra. You'll never see your father again."
"Where's my father?" Korra demanded.
"On a ship headed to the Northern Tribe. He'll serve out his sentence there." Unalaq said.
"Bring him back. Or I'm taking you out and the rest of your army." Korra demanded again.
"Remember who you are. As the Avatar, you cannot threaten war. You must remain neutral, or our tribes will never find unity." Unalaq said.
"You don't want unity. You want power. You've always been jealous of my father, haven't you? You got him banished so you could become chief, and I bet it just killed you to learn he was the Avatar's father. No wonder you kept trying to take me away from him."
"All I've ever wanted is to help you realize your destiny." Unalaq said.
"Well, I don't want your help anymore." Korra said.
"If you start a war, the dark spirits will annihilate the South. And even I will be powerless to stop them." Unalaq tries to reason.
I'm done being manipulated by you. You're going to bring my father back, then you and your troops will return to the North." she said before she turns away.
"And why would I do that?" Unalaq asked bluntly.
"Because you still need me to open the Northern portal." Korra said.
"No, I don't. You've served your purpose."
An enraged Korra throws three fire blasts at her uncle, which Unalaq neutralizes with waterbending. Unalaq throws an arc and a blast at Korra. Korra manages to stop the frozen arc, but was pushed off by the frozen blast. Mako assists Korra with a fire kick.
Unalaq manages to dodge the kick and pushes Mako off with a water blast to the face. Unalaq throws another water blast at his niece, but she manages to catch the blast and pushes his against the wall with an air blast.
"If we get to Varrick's boat, we can still save your father." Mako said.
"Let's go." Korra said before Team Avatar exits the prison, while Unalaq looks on.
Meanwhile, at the Southern Tribe city, where Bolin was 'guiding' Ping-Ping with a leash, while Pabu sits on the platypus bear. They were subsequently stopped by a solider. Varrick opens Ping-Ping's mouth.
Northern soldier approaches. "You have a license for that animal?"
"Uh, you fellas seen a traveling circus come through here?" Bolin said nervously.
"Zhu Li, do the thing." Varrick whispers.
Ping-Ping lifts its tail and yuans drop out from it.
"That platypus bear is pooping money!"
The passers-by pick up the yuans, while Bolin and Ping-Ping rush into Varrick's yacht. Varrick, still in his disguise, starts operating the yacht.
Korra, Mako and Asami enters the yacht.
"Where's your dad, Korra?" Bolin asked.
"On a ship headed north. Think we can catch up to it?" Korra asked.
"Sure, once you get us past our friends from the North." Varrick said.
There, Northern battleships forming a naval blockage.
"If only we had a plane to get me close to those ships. I could waterbend them out of the way." Korra said.
"A plane? Well, why didn't you say so?"
Varrick presses a button, causing a biplane to emerge from a hatch. The wings unfold.
"Um, why do you have a plane on your boat?, Mako wondered."
"In case the boat sinks, of course." Varrick said.
"But there's no runway." Asami said. "How the hell are we supposed to take off?"
"Zhu Li! Take a note: 'Build runway'."
"Yes, sir."
"I have an idea." Korra said.
At the biplane, the engine of which starts stirring. Asami, in her pilot outfit, puts on her goggles, while Korra and Mako take up position on the plane's wings. Korra gives Asami a thumbs up and Asami starts operating the biplane, which starts moving forward.
"Now!"
Korra and Mako firebend to provide a boost for the biplane to take off successfully. The biplane and the yacht starts approaching the blockade. Korra enters the Avatar State and waterbends a gigantic wave, pushing the battleships out of the way, leaving a gap for the yacht to escape. Korra exits the state and smiles.
Then the helmsman spotted Varrick's yacht and notices Bolin hugging a platypus bear, which was operating the boat.
"Captain, you'll never gonna believe this."
The biplane and the yacht are successfully escaping the blockade. Korra on the biplane on a lookout in the vast sea. She notices a ship.
"There! My dad's on that ship!" Korra said.
The biplane flies to the ship. As it approaches, the battleship crew members looks up at the fast approaching biplane.
"Jump!" Korra shouts.
Korra, Asami and Mako depart the biplane. The biplane continues its course before crashing on the sides of the battleship before exploding. The troops start looking at the explosion. Underwater, where Korra, Asami and Mako swim to the surface before entering the battleship via a waterspout.
On landing, Korra uses her two water whips to throw the distracted crew members overboard. A stray crew member tries to escape to the door, but Korra freezes him against a wall.
"Where are the prisoners?" Korra demanded which made the crew member look off in fear.
At the side of the battleship, where Tonraq and the rebels were escaping.
"Korra, this is crazy. You promised me you wouldn't do anything rash." Tonraq said.
"I had to. I'll explain later."
Northern troops attack the rebels with waterbending, but Korra and Mako neutralize it with firebending. Varrick's yacht approaches and everyone jumps on board. Korra throws a final fire blast before the yacht departs.
Meanwhile, at the Southern Air Temple, where Tenzin and Ikki returns to the family.
"Sweetie! You're okay! Oh!" Pema said before she hugs Ikki. "I was so worried!" She casts a look over her shoulder to Jinora and Meelo. "Do you have something you wanna say to your sister?"
"Ikki, I'm glad you're back." Meelo apologizes. "Yeah, sorry we made fun of you." Jinora apologizes as well.
"Thanks." said Ikki. "Wanna play airball?"
"Sure!" Jinora said.
"Yeah!" Meelo shouts before the siblings runs.
Tenzin walks to his siblings. "I wanted to apologize for how I acted yesterday. I've worked so hard to celebrate Dad's legacy that I may have overlooked the parts of him that were less than ideal."
"And we're sorry for dumping our frustrations with Dad out on you." Kya said.
"Yeah, you didn't deserve that." Bumi said.
"I thought you two might wanna see this." Kya shows a family photo. "Mom gave it to me before we left."
"That is one good-looking family, huh?"
"That's one happy family." Tenzin said as he and his siblings smile with pride.
Meanwhile, back on Varrick's yacht, where Korra and the rebels were standing on the hatch.
"So once I knew the truth, I couldn't sit by and do nothing."
"My own brother betrayed me. And our entire tribe." Tonraq said so saddened.
"What's our next move?" the rebel leader asked.
"I've been running from my past for too long. It's time to put my brother in his place."
"You have our support, Chief Tonraq." the leader said before the rebels put their fist to their heart.
Korra puts her fist to her heart. "Mine, too. I'll be proud to fight alongside you, Dad."
"No, Korra." said Tonraq.
"But you said the South doesn't stand a change against Unalaq's forces. I can help." Korra said.
"The best way for you to help is by getting the President of the United Republic on our side. The South can give Unalaq a good fight for a while. But we'll need the United Forces in order to win this war."
Korra glances down sadly before looking up at Tonraq; determined. "All right, I'll get you all the help you need. I love you, Dad." Korra hugs her father.
"I love you, too."
Tonraq and the rebels returns to mainland via an ice raft. Tonraq looks on at the yacht. Unknown to Team Avatar, Kaori still follows them, hidden.
Later, Team Avatar were in the yacht.
"I really need to thank you, Korra." Bolin said.
"For what? I started a civil war." Korra said.
"Exactly! Now Eska and I are officially broken up."
"Oh, looks like we have company! And not the fun kind!" Varrick said as he looks at a gigantic wave through his telescope.
"What the hell is that?" Mako wondered.
Bolin takes the telescope from Varrick to take a better look. He gasps before rubbing his eyes for a second look. He sees an enraged Eska with smudged make-up rushing toward them with waterbending.
"That would be my darling Eska. Quick question: is this thing fast enough to get away from my crazy waterbending ex-girlfriend?"
"Why do you think I built this boat?" Varrick asked.
The yacht starts speeding away into the horizon.
Later, at City Hall of Republic City, President Raiko sits in his desk, looking at a blueprint of a battle robot.
"That is perfect, Dr. Juntao. This can be a weapon for me." Raiko said.
"Thank you, Mr. President." said Dr. Juntao, a bald scientist with a bead on his chin. "This can be built in exactly 2 weeks."
"Good. Soon with my robot army, I will take over every nations on the world." said Raiko before he hears a telephone ring. He picks up the telephone and answered it.
"Hello? Ah, yes. I'm just about to call Unalaq about these robot army Dr. Juntao is building for me and him. So, what news do you have from the Southern Water Tribe. The Southern portal is opened, good. Any problems? What? The Avatar escaped him? A civil war has started? Damn it! No, no, don't worry, leave that to me. I'll make sure she comes back to Unalaq. That Northern portal will soon be opened, and when it does…"
Raiko cackles evilly, then he laughs loudly in his office.
Chapter 5 will be coming soon.
What evil schemes has hatched in Unalaq and Raiko's heads? What indeed?
Review if you enjoyed the story.