First off, a big apology to everyone who has been waiting for so long. Where have I been? Well, I was getting my ass kicked in the army, and now I'm out of the army I have to tend to further studies which are also kicking my ass. I had to tend to my other stories too. Yeah, it's been very long.
So I've received reviews about the pairings in this story and for right now I'm planning to keep the focus on Mako's character. Maybe it will change who knows. Apologies for any bad grammar I've missed.
Please enjoy and reviews.
Chapter 8: Avatar in the Fire Nation
Korra was the first to step out of the airship. Taking in a deep breath and eyeing the Fire temple.
"Well, we're finally here guys." Korra turned to the rest still in the airship. Asami Sato, Bolin, Opal, Jinora, Kai and Master Tenzin. Asami joined the Avatar, wrapping an arm around hers.
"This is so cool! We're finally getting a recruiting mission after so long!" Kai leaped out of the airship with a wide grin. Jinora followed him. "We're actually in the Fire Nation!"
Master Tenzin added, "Yes, it will another day to remember. When we find more air benders, the Air Nation will continue to rise."
In the interior hall of the airship. Naga the Polar Bear Dog and Lefty the Air Bison napped. Bolin was checking his bags with Pabu resting on his shoulders, the excitement of being in the Fire Nation had not touched him yet. His mind still lingered on the last conversation he had with his brother. Mako tore him down because he did not remember about their parents, he kept pressing Mako to stay with them for dinner on Air Temple Island which put a wedge between them.
"Bolin?" Opal came to him. "Are you ok?"
Bolin quickly put a smile. "Uh y-yeah, I'm good. Just checking if we left anything behind."
"We just arrived and only now you're checking?" Opal asked with mirth and a hand on her hip.
"I did check before we leave, but you never know, you know?" Bolin shrugged. Opal gave a small giggle.
The Blue Spirits prowled on the palace rooftop. Mako made himself flat as he peeked out to observe the visitors. His gaze was fixed on his brother, he watched Bolin enjoy the sights of the Royal Palace. On the other side of the Palace, Jiandao too watched Korra below giving her greetings to the secretariat who welcomed them.
"We're a go," Jiandao ordered over the Blue Spirit transceiver. "All of us, get inside. I don't want any surprises."
Korra and her gang entered the throne room. The dark and gloomy atmosphere juxtaposed with the constant flames by the throne where Izumi sat. Korra stepped forward and greeted.
"Fire Lord Izumi, it is an honour and pleasure to be here." Korra bowed.
"Welcome to the Fire Nation, Avatar Korra. And welcome to you Master Tenzin, Master Jinora, Asami, Bolin, and Air Nomads Opal and Kai." Fire Lord Izumi nodded.
Up in the darkness of the rafters, the Blue Spirits spread out across the ceiling joists, perching on the beams and silently observed the meeting. Mako glanced at his comrades, with his mask covering his face, he was grateful his expressions were hidden from the others.
"Well, let us get right to it. It is no secret as to why you're all here." Fire Lord Izumi got up from her seat and descended down to them from the stairs. "You wish to find any air benders here."
Korra did not expect Izumi to cut to the chase. She responded, "Uh yes. We wish to find them so we can continue to build the Air Nation." The rest were giving enthusiastic smiles.
Mako, on the other hand, was not sensing the joy. He gave quick glances to the rest of his team on the joists. Jiandao and Mei were always at attention, Kuzon and Hui Lee sat on the beams while watching the Avatar below. Noren and Jun Jr were lounging lazily with one leg dangling off the beam from each of them.
"Avatar Korra, let's tinker on that notion. You wish to build the Air Nation again." Izumi said. "To bring a lost nation reborn again."
"Yes." Korra agreed.
"It certainly would be quite something for the world. I must ask, however, what are we willing to pay to see it through?" Izumi raised an eyebrow.
Korra had a puzzled look, as did the rest. Korra said, "I don't quite follow."
Izumi got closer to them. "Alright, I shall be more specific. What are we prepared to do for the other nations to see this vision come true?" Izumi explained. "Should we build the Air Nation at the expense of the other nations?"
"Expense?" Korra pipped.
Izumi maintained her posture to show her authority. "You all wish to gather the air benders here in the Fire Nation, what would that mean for the Fire Nation? Will it mean a reduction in the Fire Nation's population?"
"Uh, w-well-"
"Will this mean a reduction in our economy? Hence, a weakened Fire Nation?"
"No Fire Lord, that's not our intentions." Korra brought her hands up. "Also how will that be the case?"
Mako on his part exhaled through gritted teeth. Oh, this is going well. He thought sardonically.
"Fire Lord Izumi." Master Tenzin stepped forward in greeting. "This venture is not to put the Fire Nation in a weakened state, it is a wonderful opportunity for both the Air Nation and Fire Nation to work together and prosper together. A chance to bring both out of dark histories."
"Dark histories…" Izumi trailed the phrase.
"Yes." Korra blurted. "This will be a great chance for the Fire Nation, seeing their uh…involvement with the uh…Great War."
A lump was felt in Mako's throat. He gawked at the Avatar. Did you seriously just go there Korra?!
The Blue Spirits give each other quick looks, and even Noren and Jun were not lounging in their lazy manner. The room had a moment of palpable silence.
"Korra!" Master Tenzin quickly hushed the Avatar.
"Avatar Korra." Fire Lord Izumi took another step forward. "I will be the first to condemn what the Fire Lords of old had done in the past. However, I will not decide the fate of my people based on an act of supposed repentance to the world. I will not allow my people to have their lives radically changed out of penitential obligation." Fire Lord Izumi's voice of command took hold of the entire palace. "If that is the belief you have for any air benders here in the Fire Nation, I will tell you now, do not waste my time."
It took a good moment for everyone to digest what Fire Lord Izumi had said. Mako had to admit, Fie Lord Izumi's words gripped everyone, Blue Spirits included.
"F-Forgive me, Fire Lord Izumi I did not mean to imply of such things." Korra bowed.
"Fire Lord Izumi please forgive the terrible misunderstanding." Master Tenzin calmed the tension. "That's not why we're here. We wish to help air benders here, which in the long run will help all of us. Fire Nation and Air Nation alike."
Fire Lord Izumi gave a pensive look at Tenzin, along with Korra and the others before her. Mako still perched up above kept on guessing what Izumi was going to say. Even if he was just an observer the tension was swarming.
"Alright then, Master Tenzin." Fire Lord Izumi made her decision. "I cannot force what my citizens wish for their lives. And I do see the benefits. If you find any air benders in your stay here in the Fire Nation, and if they wish to follow you on their own account, they're welcome to."
There were murmurs of joy among Asami, Bolin, Opal, Jinora, and Kai.
"However," Fire Lord Izumi cut in, "You will not take any military personnel should they be air benders."
"What?" Korra tilted her head.
"The Fire Nation will see to the well-being of any military personnel that is an air bender. I will not have any compromise to the military strength of the Fire Nation."
Before Korra had a chance of any objections, Master Tenzin said, "Thank you Fire Lord Izumi. That's perfectly acceptable."
Fire Lord Izumi nodded. Mako let out the breath he had been holding. Ok, that's that dealt with.
"Does anyone have anything else to raise up?" Izumi addressed the rest.
Bolin was the one to step up. "Uh yes. Uh Fire Lord Izumi?"
Izumi's eyes perked at him, she smiled. "Yes, Bolin?"
Bolin stammered with fingers twirling. "Ah right. Um Fire Lord Izumi, do you uh…happen to know where my brother Mako would be? I understand that he's working in the Fire Nation? It would be so great if he could join us."
Mako stiffened. He felt the rest of the Blue Spirits training their eyes on him, especially his captain Jiandao. Mako faced the Blue Spirit leader, Jiandao pointed at him and shook his head.
"I'll have him notified." Fire Lord Izumi said. "If he wishes to join you that's up to him."
"Great!" Bolin clasped his hands. "Thank you Fire Lord Izumi."
"Now I think it's time you should be on your way. My representatives will escort you to your accommodations." Fire Lord Izumi declared. "I'm trusting you to do right by the Fire Nation Avatar Korra, Master Tenzin."
"You have our word Fire Lord Izumi." Koraa and Tenzin promised. And finally, they took their leave.
Mako still crouched on his beam waited in the quiet dark of the rafters. Fire Lord Izumi motioned her head up and gave the command. "Blue Spirits."
Jiandao leaped off and landed on the floor without a sound. The rest soon followed with Mako being the last. They lined up and Jiandao greeted her. "Lord Izumi."
"So what's your take on this Jiandao?" Izumi asked him.
"Seems good so far," Jiandao said. "But I think the Avatar should be kept under surveillance. If you want my take, I think she's going to attract trouble. Especially when word gets out that the Avatar and the Air Nomads are seeking out air benders here."
"You're thinking any Red Lotus would catch on and make an attempt on the Avatar's life," Izumi stated.
"Correct Lord Izumi." Jiandao nodded.
Mei then said, "Either that, or she may be the trouble." Mako's head went down. Jiandao said. "We can only hope she does actually keep to her word. History has shown Avatar Korra to be…very impulsive."
Fire Lord Izumi thought about what. "Hmm, agreed. She does not have the passive nature of the previous Avatar."
"Fire Lord Izumi?" A voice spoke. Izumi turned to the last Blue Spirit on the side. Mako then said, "With respect, but I do not think we should see the Avatar as a problem, or like an enemy."
Izumi then responded, "We're not. We're making sure that it does not come to that." Izumi had a pause before she said, "That's why I think you're the one best suited for the Blue Spirits' next mission."
"Me?" Mako asked.
"Yes." Izumi stepped closer. "I'm assigning you to watch over the Avatar as she carries on with her venture with the Air Nomads. We need a set of eyes and ears right beside them."
Mako froze again, he felt a hole in his gut. "Y-You want a Blue Spirit to stand guard with them?"
"No Mako. I don't want a Blue Spirit to be standing right next to them." Izumi went up to him, she gently removed his mask off his face. "I need you to do this as Mako."
Izumi then explained to the rest. "While you all will be scouting and surveying from a distance, Mako will be right with them. And since Mako's brother, Bolin, has asked for him it will be the perfect setup."
Mako felt a tear in himself, to be tasked in something like this. "Lord Izumi, y-you want me to spy on my friends? On my brother?"
Izumi saw the uncertainty in his eyes. She shook her head, "No Mako. I want you to watch over your friends, look out for them. Keep them away from trouble, and if the case arises, prevent them from causing trouble."
"Right." Jiandao then said. "We'll scout across wherever the Avatar goes, and Mako will be the first line of defence for the Avatar and her associates."
"Ugh." Noren, the lost prince, groaned. "What about uh Future Industries then?"
"Good question Noren." Izumi turned and said to him. "I'll be sending a Police unit to investigate Future Industries, and I am going with them along with my son, Iroh."
That got surprised looks from each Blue Spirit. Noren was the first to speak up, "Well, I can certainly I did not see that coming."
"Secure it, Noren." Jiandao ordered him.
"Yes dear Noren I'm actually helping out the Fire Nation, is that so surprising?" Izumi raised an eyebrow at him.
"No." Noren chuckled. "No, not at all."
"Alright." Jiandao gave his Alpha posture to the Blue Spirits. "This is the mission, scout while the Avatar is in the Fire Nation. You all know the formations, you all know the tactics and plans. If the Red Lotus or any ugly mug pops up, we'll be ready."
"Right." They all said in unison.
The Fire Lord then said, "Mako you stay, the rest of you prepare and set out."
The Blue Spirits scattered without a sound, leaving Mako with the Fire Lord. Izumi crossed her arms. She could read Mako's conflict like a book.
"You're not sure about this mission are you?" She asked him, the answer was obvious.
"N-No it's that not Lord Izumi. It's just-"
"You don't feel comfortable of your role for this mission." Izumi said.
"Ehh, sort of. Things aren't exactly well between me and them."
"You tried warning Asami about Future Industries didn't you?" Izumi said flatly with crossed arms. "And she didn't believe you."
"Y-Yes." Mako admitted.
"Well, I will get to the bottom of that soon enough." Izumi said. "But I'm aware there's more to it than that. I am aware of your…'history' with Avatar Korra and Asami Sato." Izumi added, and Mako just wanted to sink into the ground.
"Um..." He mumbled.
"I know it's not easy. Nothing is." Izumi placed a hand on his shoulder. "But take it from me, you should not put yourself under so much pressure because of Avatar Korra or Asami Sato. They certainly weren't under pressure because of you when they decided to be in a relationship."
With what Izumi said Mako now realised they did not consider him when they became lovers. Izumi could see the viewpoint hitting his head, especially with his eyes narrowing.
She gripped his shoulder a little tighter to gain his attention.
Izumi continued, "It hurts, I know it hurts a lot. But your entire life cannot be centred on the mistakes you did or others did to you."
"Y-Yes Lord Izumi." Mako nodded.
"I know you still care for them all. Especially your brother as you should, he's your family. But I trust you to understand that you are important to us too. And we need you to be at your best for this crucial moment." She handed back his Blue Spirit mask.
Mako took it in his hand and stared hard at it as it stared back at Mako. Every time he gazed into the mask, there was this sense of clarity. His brows knitted. I may not yet know who I am, but I know for sure what I'm not. I am not going to be the one following them like a whipped dog.
"You can count on me, Lord Izumi." He said with conviction.
It was a short journey back to the Blue Spirit base. Mako wore a fresh set of uniform. He rolled up the sleeves of his blacktop, patted his black pants, and fitted his fingerless gloves. He hid the two small kunais in his boots well.
Mako picked up the scroll of his mother from the table, giving it a second look before stuffing it in a small haversack. He slung it around his arm and assembled with the rest of the Blue Spirits, with him being the only one without the mask.
Jiandao and Mei gave the last-minute briefing. "Ok, we all know what we're supposed to do until further instructions from Fire Lord Izumi. Watch over the Avatar and her associates while scouting for any Red Lotus activity."
Mei then said, "Remember if we engage the enemies, we go silent first. Be precise and no noise. If we go loud, we put them down fast and hard. If no civilian is at risk and at least one enemy is left running, do not dispatch the target. Leave the enemy running back to base so we can track down the location."
"Right." They all said.
"Ok, the mission is a go." Jiandao declared.
It was mid-noon when Mako arrived at Korra and the gang's housing. It was the gorgeous luxury house down the road close to the Royal Palace. He knew where the rest of the Blue Spirits were positioned at, now he just needed to get inside. He breathed out a hoarse growl and knocked on the door.
A moment later and the door was opened by Tenzin. Mako waved. "Hey, Tenzin."
"Oh, Mako." Tenzin welcomed him. "Good to see you. Come on in."
"Thanks." Mako stepped in. In the hall, the gang surrounded the dining table. Korra, Asami, Bolin, Opal, Jinora and Kai.
"Mako! You're here!" Bolin rushed up to him, but then the memory of their last exchange halted him. Mako took notice plastered a smile.
"Hey come on Bolin. One bad dinner is not going in between us right?" Mako raised his arms up giving his brother a hug. A sense of relief swept over Bolin and he hugged back.
"Hey, Mako." Korra waved.
"Hey everyone. Hey Korra." Mako greeted back as he got to the table, "Asami."
Asami, however, was not giving much of a welcoming face.
Mako took the initiative and said, "Alright about that night-"
"I don't think we should talk about that Mako." Asami cut in.
Mako, this time, pressed on. "Actually I was going to say it's not any of my business anymore, it is out of my hands. So I hope we can put it behind us."
Asami narrowed her eyes at him, but Mako responded with an accommodating hand for her. She glanced at the rest, all wishing she would forgive. Asami shook his hand. "Alright."
They both took their seats. In Mako's mind, however, he knew this move would appease the group. If it meant making the mission easier, so be it.
"So you guys are looking for the air benders here right?" Mako asked crossing a leg over in his seat.
"Yeah!" Bolin said with excitement. "And now you're here we can use our same performance three years ago."
"Performance?"
"Yeah remember when I first joined you guys?" Kai said. "It was a good pitch and I was sold."
"Exactly! We'll use that same play again. Each air bender shows off their skills, and you play the fire bender convict giving a little scare while the air benders capture you." Bolin explained with his hand gestures for theatrics. "Any air benders around will definitely come flooding in."
Mako gave a flat look. He deadpanned. "A fire bender is supposed to scare the public of the Fire Nation."
"Oh…uh…right…" Bolin sheepishly tugged on his collar.
"Hey." Opal skipped in and suggested, "Why don't you play the bad guy this time Bolin. An earth bender convict in the Fire Nation."
Everyone exchanged glances, all agreeing to the idea.
Korra got up from her seat and said to them all, "Well let's get to it then. Asami will host the performance, we'll show our air bending and Bolin will play the bad guy. Let's not waste any time. Let's get to the markets while we still have daylight."
"Yeah!" Everyone besides Mako cheered. They all exited the door with Mako at the back with his hands in his pocket.
Thank you for reading.
Hope you've enjoyed it, please review and I will see you in the next chapter.