Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra, or any of the related characters. The Avatar universe is created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and owned by Nickelodeon. This fanfiction is intended for entertainment only.
Book 1: Dark
Chapter 7: A Sorrowful Feast
Chiefs from both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes and their children sat at a long table, with Hoaq and Master Sadin among the distinguished guests. Varran, the chief of the Northern Water Tribe, exuded an air of authority as he conversed with his Southern counterpart, Chief Taluru.
Gyila, Kairo, and Mona joined the feast, their plates filled with traditional Water Tribe delicacies. Gyila tried to eat the meat-free options on his plate as much as possible. However, their focus wasn't on the food but on the looming discussion with Chief Varran.
The grand hall of the Southern Water Tribe's palace was adorned with flickering lanterns, casting a warm glow on the gathering. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and tension as the tribes gathered under the icy palace. Varran, the chief of the Northern Water Tribe, stood at the head of the table, ready to deliver his opening speech. His voice carried authority as he addressed the room, attempting to establish his dominance over the assembly, including the Southern Water Tribe Chief Taluru.
"Esteemed guests, chiefs, and honored people of the Southern Water Tribe," Varran began, "I am grateful for the warm welcome we have received. Today marks a historic moment as we stand on the cusp of uniting our tribes, forging a bond that will strengthen our people and bring prosperity to both the North and the South."
The crowd listened attentively, a mix of curious expressions on their faces. Varran continued with his vision of unity, emphasizing the shared heritage and the benefits it would bring. However, hidden beneath the diplomatic words, there was a hint of ambition that did not go unnoticed by the trio, Kairo, Gyila, and Mona. Mona glanced towards Hoaq, who was struggling to keep his frustration to himself in response to Chief Varran's speech.
As Varran concluded his speech, an entertainment performance was set to start. A traditional rite of passage for young women of the Northern Water Tribe, the belly-dancing ritual, was about to unfold. The young women, dressed in revealing and dashing clothes despite the harsh temperatures, aimed to showcase their grace and readiness for marriage. The woman was beautiful and danced gracefully to the traditional music with drums and stringed instruments accompanying her despite the cold air inside the icy palace. Mona observed the men of the Southern Water Tribe watching the woman dancing with awe. Gyila correctly thought, after being informed by Mona that this was a Northern Water Tribe tradition, that Chief Varran was trying to trick the men of the Southern Pole with the captivating woman's dancing.
After the performance, followed by minutes of cheering and clapping, the atmosphere shifted as slow, traditional Water Tribe music started to play. Gyila, displaying his gentlemanly manners, approached Mona, offering his hand for a dance. Mona hesitated for a moment, glancing at Hoaq, who observed them with intense eyes.
Gyila's voice was soft as he said, "May I have this dance, Mona?" She nodded with a soft smile, accepting his invitation and taking his hand, and they gracefully moved to the rhythm of the music. As they started to dance in harmony, Gyila couldn't ignore the fiery gaze Hoaq directed their way.
While they started their dance, Gyila and Mona found a quiet moment of silence. Gyila's voice carried a sincerity that mirrored the new emotions he had begun to develop for the young waterbender. "It's strange, isn't it? How we've known each other for such a short time, yet it feels as if we are… connected."
Mona's eyes met Gyila's, and she confessed, "When our hands touched for the first time at Wan Shi Tong's library, I felt a shift inside me, like a humming at the edge of my consciousness." The confession left Gyila in awe, realizing that Mona had experienced the same connection and feelings he had felt.
Their steps slowed as the music transitioned to a more intimate melody. Mona, with her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and delight, shyly rested her head on Gyila's shoulder. Gyila thought he had forgotten how to breathe for a moment. They felt like the only two people in the world, forgetting about their duties and responsibilities to the water tribe. They wished this moment to never end.
Meanwhile, Kairo, gathering his courage, approached Senna. "I would be honored if I could have this dance, Senna," said the young Avatar with eyes filled with hope.
Senna, initially hesitant and visibly saddened, couldn't help but feel a heaviness in her heart. The complexities of their world seemed to weigh down on her shoulders. "I'm not sure, Kairo," she replied, her eyes briefly avoiding his gaze. The burden of tradition and duty clouded the prospect of personal joy.
However, with a subtle yet firm insistence, Chief Varran encouraged, "Go on, Senna. Dance with the Avatar. It's an honor."
With a smile on Senna's beautiful face, she stood up. As Kairo took her hand and led her onto the dance floor, a subtle tension lingered between them, a dance not just of bodies but of unspoken emotions.
The first few steps were taken in silence, a subtle tension in the air. Kairo, ever the gentleman, tried to ease the atmosphere with a gentle smile. "Thank you for agreeing to dance with me, Senna," he said, his voice carrying sincerity.
As they moved gracefully together, the dance became a delicate exchange of words, revealing glimpses of each other's worlds. Senna, breaking the ice, wanted to get to know the Avatar before her. "How was your waterbending lesson, Kairo?" she asked, her voice soft and curious.
Kairo was content with this initiation of a conversation. "Master Sadin refused to teach me, saying Mona should become my Master," as they looked towards her, resting her head on Gyila's shoulder. The two brothers shared a brief glance at each other as their eyes met, both smiling proudly as they were dancing with the women they surely liked.
"What brought you to the Southern Water Tribe," asked Senna more seriously. Kairo responded, perhaps not so wisely, since she was the daughter of Chief Varran, "We are here to establish balance to the water tribes," he said with determination in his voice. "The tribes need to be kept separate," he added firmly.
Kairo looked deep in Senna's dark blue, captivating eyes. They were filled with sadness, and Kairo could see the little tears forming. "You must stop the unity," she confessed with a cracking whisper. They were forced to take their seats as the music and dancing stopped.
After the performances concluded, the trio seized the opportunity to approach Chief Varran and voice their concerns about uniting the tribes. Gyila, Kairo, and Mona found themselves standing across from Varran, who acknowledged their presence with a nod. Kairo took a deep breath, preparing to address the chief.
"Chief Varran, Chief Taluru, we appreciate the hospitality, but we can't ignore the concerns we have about your plan to unite the Water Tribes," Kairo spoke diplomatically.
Varran raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what concerns might those be?"
"We've learned about the separation of the water tribes and the importance of maintaining that balance from Aisu, the Guardian of the Water Tribes," Gyila added.
Varran's expression tightened, but he listened intently. Mona decided to contribute, "Chief Varran, we understand your desire for unity, but forcing it upon the tribes might lead to unforeseen consequences."
"I appreciate your concern, but I believe it's time for change. The Water Tribes need to stand united against the challenges that lie ahead," Varran asserted confidently.
Unexpectedly, Chief Taluru chimed in, "I agree with Chief Varran. Times have changed, and unity could bring prosperity to both our tribes."
The trio exchanged surprised glances, unsure how to respond to this unexpected support from the Southern chief. Honestly, despite Kairo and Mona, Gyila was not surprised by Chief Taluru's declaration.
"I am not sure how well the three of you are aware of the new technological developments, but a new and clean energy source that can change the world has been discovered. Southern Water Tribe is filled with this resource, lacking the technologies to harvest them. Northern Water Tribe, on the other hand, has all these technological tools without anything to harvest. We are aiming to connect not just our cultures but also our forces. Consider the possibilities, Mona, the water tribes will become the new world power."
Mona, for the first time, couldn't contain her anger. "You're just going to exploit our resources then!" she yelled at the Northern Chief not so diplomatically, her voice dripping with frustration and disappointment.
"Mona!" warned the Southern Chief, surprised by the young woman's attitude.
Varran, unfazed by Mona's outburst, said, "It's about securing a better future for our people. The Southern Tribe has resources that, if utilized wisely, could benefit the entire Water Nation."
Kairo pondered the situation. "But at what cost? Unity should be based on mutual respect and understanding, not the exploitation of one tribe by another."
Chief Varran ignored the young Avatar and stood, addressing everyone at the feast with his strong and assertive voice. "Today, we celebrate the unity of the Water Nation. Avatar Korra, almost eighty years ago, opened the Spirit Portals, strengthening the connection between our tribes. Since then, our cultures have been integrated ever since. With my daughter Senna and Chief Taluru's son Karrim's betrothal, our nations will finally become one. We, as one tribe and one Nation, will demolish whoever is brave enough to stand in our way."
The proclamation echoed through the grand hall, and as the reality of the situation sank in, Kairo felt his heart shatter into a million pieces. The pleasant feast had taken an unexpected and devastating turn, leaving the trio with a profound sense of loss and the ominous realization that their struggles were far from over. Kairo glanced at Senna, who silently cried with her eyes shut closed.
The icy courtyard of the Southern Water Tribe palace remained aglow with the remnants of the feast, but the air hung heavy with tension. Mona, usually apolitical when it came to the Southern Water Tribe's affairs, found herself frustrated and angered by the unexpected declaration of unity by the Chiefs.
In the aftermath of the shocking announcement, Mona couldn't hold back her fury. She felt an overwhelming need to make the people of the Southern Water Tribe understand the gravity of the situation, to share the untold story of why the tribes had been separated for so long.
As she approached the center of the courtyard, where she and Gyila just danced on, Mona raised her voice above the lingering murmurs. "People of the Southern Water Tribe, listen to me!" she called out, her voice cutting through the quiet chatter.
"You should calm down and listen to us," warned Chief Taluru. No, he commanded, lacking the friendliness he had previously displayed toward Mona.
Mona turned only her face towards Chief Taluru and Chief Varran, her eyes ablaze with defiance. "No, YOU will listen to ME," she retorted, rage filling her voice. With her eyes glowing a light blue, she began to capture the attention of the people around her. It wasn't just Mona's voice that resonated; another presence, ancient and powerful, seemed to echo alongside hers.
Chief Varran and Chief Taluru exchanged wary glances, hiding the hint of fear that flickered in their eyes. Something about Mona's energy had shifted as if she and an ancient spirit were sharing control of her body.
Mona, somewhat fused with the spirit Aisu, began to speak, her voice carrying an otherworldly resonance. "People of the Southern Water Tribe, I am Mona Sanreq. I am going to tell you the story of the separation of the Water Tribes," she declared, her words drawing gasps from the participants of the feast.
As she continued to speak, Mona's face began to distort, an ethereal transformation taking place. The features of Mona started to fade. Her body became somewhat transparent, glowing light blue. Her mid-length modern dress turned into long robes with different shades of blue. Her hair transformed from her updo to long dark hair sweeping the floor. Her hair was moving with an ethereal breeze. Everyone was captivated by this new woman addressing them.
"Greetings, my children. I am Aisu, Guardian of the Water Tribes," the great being before them started.
"Long ago," Aisu began, her voice carrying the weight of centuries, "a great chief of the Northern Water Tribe, Nakidan, had two sons, Uqittuq and Taaqtuq," began the great spirit, and told the story of the great separation.
The crowd listened in hushed silence as Aisu recounted the tragic history that led to the separation of the Northern and Southern Water Tribes. The tale unfolded with vivid imagery.
Chief Varran and Chief Taluru, despite their attempts to maintain composure, exchanged uneasy glances. The revelation of their ancestors' mistakes hung in the air, demanding acknowledgment.
"The water tribes need to learn how to live in harmony, despite being separate, just like the Four Nations. Northern and Water Tribes are two separate tribes with separate histories and cultures despite new technological developments. Exploiting one another in hopes of achieving greater power is an unacceptable crime," finished the great spirit with anger as she faded slowly, Mona's features starting to show once again.
Mona's body trembled after the great spirit took power over her body. Gyila rushed ta swirling blast of air under Mona as she was failing to keep her balance after her energy returned to her body. Gyila caught Mona's weak yet powerful body. "Are you okay?" he asked with concerned eyes. Mona slowly nodded in response.
Kairo turned his face towards Hoaq, who had also stood up and put his fist in the air, speaking with a strong, confident voice. "This means war!" he shouted.