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 10: Dark Presence
The Southern Water Tribe awaited under the strong glow of the full moon, shimmering on the icy surface as the United Forces' fleet approached the harbor after almost ten hours of relentless journey through the frigid waters. The new Team Avatar was able to get their sleep, which they surely lacked with leaving Southern Portal, arriving at the Republic City in the middle of the night, having a meeting with President Wu, meeting with General Taiga, and leaving Republic City to sail to the Southern Water Tribe.
The atmosphere was tense, and the anticipation of the impending conflict loomed over the city. As they approached the Southern Tribe, everyone stepped on the deck. Senna watched the horror her father had caused.
"Hey," Kairo said to Senna. The moonlight painted a romantic setting as Kairo talked to Senna despite the chaos in the Southern Water Tribe.
"I can't believe how much has changed," Senna mused, her eyes gazing at the moonlit war zone. "Our lives have taken a turn we never expected. I… I betrayed my family…" she started to cry.
Kairo instinctively hugged her. "I am sorry… What you did was a tough decision. You are strong; not everyone would be able to make such a call," Kairo said trying to comfort the young woman. Senna backed down from the hug and smiled at Kairo's words while wiping her tears away.
Kairo, hoping to change the subject, started, "You know, almost two weeks ago, Jinora gave this mission to me and Gyila as my first mission, saying that Varran did not pose any serious danger at the moment," and laughed. "It's strange how destiny intertwines with our choices. I never imagined I would find myself in the midst of an actual war."
"And I never imagined I would find comfort in the midst of such a complex situation," confessed Senna, looking at the ground shyly.
Kairo smiled confidently. "Is that so? And who might that young gentleman be?" asked Kairo teasingly.
"Shut up," responded Senna with a chuckle.
At the edge of the ship, Mona's gaze was fixed on the illuminated city. Her heart raced with the urgency to find Hoaq and Master Sadin. As the fleet anchored, the Team Avatar gathered to discuss their next moves.
"We need to find Hoaq and Master Sadin first," Mona asserted, her eyes reflecting the worry for her tribe. Gyila nodded in agreement.
"I understand your concern for your friends, but informing Chief Taluru about Future Industries' help can stop this war," asserted General Taiga.
Kairo thought for a moment. "Let's split up. Me and Taiga will find Taluru, while Mona and Gyila can search for Hoaq and Master Sadin," he suggested. Everyone shared confirmatory glances.
General Taiga raised her hand, signaling for attention from the soldiers under her command. The bustling sounds of soldiers and machinery softened as all eyes turned toward her.
"Men and women of the United Forces," Taiga's voice rang out, authoritative yet carrying a hint of conviction. "Today, we stand on a conflict that threatens the very balance we seek to protect. The Southern Water Tribe faces internal war, and our mission is clear – to intervene and bring about a resolution that ensures peace and unity."
She paced along the line of officers, her gaze meeting each set of eyes with a piercing intensity. "We are not here to conquer but to guide. Our purpose is to put out the flames of war, not to ignite them further. Remember the principles that the United Forces stand for – justice, peace, and the well-being of all nations."
Taiga's hand gestured towards the Southern Water Tribe, the icy expanse that held the fate of their mission. Her eyes narrowed, a fiery determination burning within. "We will engage with the utmost respect for the traditions of the Water Tribes, seeking a peaceful resolution. But make no mistake – we will not falter in the face of those who threaten the balance we strive to maintain."
General Taiga continued her speech as her soldiers and officers watched their General attentively. She turned to face the Southern Water Tribe, her silhouette outlined against the icy backdrop. "This is not just a mission; it is a responsibility. A responsibility to preserve the harmony among nations. Each decision we make today echoes through the annals of history. Let it be known that the United Forces stand united, resolute in the pursuit of a world where cooperation triumphs over conflict."
The officers nodded, their faces reflecting a shared commitment. General Taiga's speech resonated with the gravity of their mission, instilling a sense of purpose among the troops. As the General concluded her speech, the United Forces prepared to disembark, each member of Team Avatar alongside them, ready to face the challenges that awaited in the Southern Water Tribe.
As Senna was preparing to leave the ship with everyone, General Taiga stood in front of her. "Again?!" exclaimed Senna.
"What is going on?" asked Kairo.
"The safety of Senna is of most importance. The unity relies on the betrothal of Senna and Karrim. We cannot risk Varran finding his daughter," asserted the young General.
"She is… right, Senna," said Kairo sadly. "I am not letting anything happen to you," Kairo's voice was determined. Senna not-so-willingly nodded in response.
As they descended from the ship, the air felt charged with anticipation. Team Avatar split into two groups: Mona and Gyila on one mission and Kairo with General Taiga on another.
Gyila observed their surroundings as they moved through the labyrinthine paths of the icy city. Mona, with determination on her face, led the way. The streets, once familiar and bustling with life, now lay in eerie silence, disrupted only by the distant clashes of waterbending.
As they approached Master Sadin's dwelling, Mona couldn't shake the worry inside her. She pushed open the creaking door, and her heart sank at the sight within. Broken furniture, scattered scrolls, and water stains on the floor told a tale of struggle.
"Hoaq? Master Sadin?" Mona called out, her voice echoing through the desolate space.
A movement in the shadows caught her attention. Hoaq emerged, his eyes ablaze with anger. "How could you leave us?" he roared, his words sharp as icicles.
Gyila put himself in front of Mona, shielding her from Hoaq's anger. "You should calm down," Gyila warned with dark eyes.
Master Sadin, calm and composed, raised a hand, signaling for Hoaq to stand down. "Hoaq, this is not the time for blame. We must listen to them."
Mona, her heart filled with guilt, took a step forward, meeting Hoaq's furious gaze. "We left to seek help, to prevent further bloodshed. We had a meeting with President Wu in Republic City, and we secured support from Future Industries. We came with the United Forces' fleet and General. We're here to bring peace, not to abandon you."
Hoaq's anger softened, replaced by embarrassment. "I... I didn't know," he muttered, his gaze dropping to the floor.
As the trio discussed their next steps, Master Sadin subtly hinted at Chief Taluru's betrayal. "The path of unity Chief Taluru chose is not the one our tribe deserves. We may need to consider a change in leadership for the greater good."
Gyila agreed, "Chief Taluru's actions jeopardize the balance. But our priority is a peaceful resolution. We must tread carefully. When the time is right, we shall discuss them all."
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Kairo and Taiga approached the Southern Chief's residence. Inside the icy palace, Chief Taluru sat on his throne and looked up at his new guests.
"The Avatar and the Fire Princess? I must count myself lucky," he said with a frown.
"Chief Taluru, we have crucial information to share," Kairo began, trying to maintain composure.
The Chief glanced at them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Speak quickly, Avatar."
Taiga took the lead, explaining the deal with Future Industries and the potential benefits of the Lunamiva Core. "But we need your support, Chief Taluru. We must ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict."
"With my son Karrim's and Senna's betrothal, their child will be the sole ruler of the Water Tribes, carrying my bloodline," Chief Taluru declared with unwavering conviction. Kairo now understood. Since then, Kairo thought Varran manipulated or even forced the Southern Chief to unite. But it seems like Taluru was as evil as Varran, his blood boiling with ambition and greed.
"Senna does not wish to marry Karrim. It's not a union based on love or consent," Kairo asserted, his tone resonating with a hint of anger. "Can't you see that Varran is tricking you? Who do you think will be the ruler until Senna's child is old enough to rule?!" he yelled.
Taiga stepped in, "You are sacrificing the well-being of your people for a political alliance. This is not leadership; it's tyranny." She added, "Chief Taluru, you must reconsider. The balance of the Water Tribes is at stake."
Anger flashed across Chief Taluru's face. "My decisions are not open to debate, General. The unity of our tribes relies on this betrothal. Senna will fulfill her duty to her nation."
As the discussion continued, Kairo's frustration simmered beneath the surface. He couldn't accept the forced union that jeopardized Senna's happiness. With the doors opening, Taiga and Kairo turned their attention to the arrival of Gyila, Mona, Hoaq, and Master Sadin.
"You cannot win this war, Chief," started Gyila.
"You must consider the Future Industries offer, Chief Taluru," Mona begged. "With them, the Southern Water Tribe can prosper while being independent! It is what is best for our tribe!"
"Our tribe? And what would you know what is best for the Southern Water Tribe, Mona?" started Taluru with a grin. "Last time I remember, you have been living here for only a year. You are not a citizen to make decisions for the Southern Water Tribe; you are merely a… tourist,"
Hoaq dispatched a water jet against Taluru, angered by Taluru's insults to Mona, which caught him off guard. Kairo tried to stop Hoaq, but he pushed him away, "You traitor!" he yelled to the Chief, who fell to the ground.
Hoaq's anger was cut by the openings of the door, now with the arrival of Chief Varran.
Chief Taluru, his eyes narrowing at the presence of Varran, got up and approached the Northern Chief, addressing the Avatar and his friends, "We have great plans, Avatar, and your presence along with your friends creates a big problem. Give Senna to us and flee back to the Southern Air Temple, and you shall not get harmed."
Kairo, unable to contain his rage this time, reacted impulsively. He attacked Chief Taluru with a blast of fire. His attack was joined by Hoaq and Master Sadin, while Gyila, Taiga, and Mona attacked Varran, igniting a clash of elements within the chamber, echoing with the sounds of bending and turmoil. With the arrival of Northern soldiers joining the battle, Varran seized the opportunity to attack Kairo directly. He shot his eyes in concertation and started to bend Kairo's energy with the help of bloodbending, taking energy from the Full Moon. With a swift and calculated move, Varran extracted the ethereal darkness from Kairo, revealing the dark spirit, the spirit of chaos, Vaatu.
The second Vaatu was removed, an intense energy rushed through Kairo. His eyes glowed with an otherworldly light as he entered the Avatar state for the first time. The room quivered with the raw power coming from the young Avatar.