Chapter 12: Turning the Tides
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Now this one took a while to figure out. But I think I nailed it. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at Air Temple Island, as Koji was checking on Korra in her room while Asami watched this from the hallway with an unsure look on her face.
Making his way to his room, Tenzin looks to see his wife and kids asleep in bed together.
Slowly walking over he sees the kids waking up.
"Daddy, you're home. We waited up for you. Is Korra okay?" Jinora asks.
"She's fine sweetie. We found her." Tenzin said as Ikki hugged him.
"I was scared. I thought she wasn't coming back." Ikki chokes.
"I'm sorry you were scared, but everything is going to be fine now. I promise." Tenzin assures.
Soon everyone was in the dining room and Korra was stuffing her face.
"The food tastes amazing, Pema. I'm finally starting to feel like myself again." Korra said.
"You might want to think about coming up for air Korra. You're eating like Oogi." Koji smirks.
"Hey Tarrlok didn't exactly make sure that crate had food in it. Cut me some slack." Korra said.
"We're just glad you're back." Penma said taking her plate.
"Let me help." Asami said following her.
"Korra, I realize you've been through a lot, but I need to know everything that happened." Tenzin said.
"Well, first off, Tarrlok isn't who he says he is. He's Yakone's son." Korra declares surprising the adults.
"It all makes sense now. That's how Tarrlok was able to bloodbend us without a full moon." Lin said.
"But where's Tarrlok now? How did you get away?" Koji asks.
"Amon captured him and took his bending." Korra declares surprising them.
"What?" Tenzin said not expecting this.
"Yeah, he showed up out of nowhere. He almost got me, too." Korra said.
"This is very disturbing news. Amon is becoming emboldened. Taking out a councilman, almost capturing the Avatar. I fear Amon is entering his endgame." Tenzin said.
Hearing this Korra, Koji, Bolin and Mako showed very concerned looks on their faces.
In the kitchen, Pema and Asami were washing dishes when suddenly Pema leaned over groaning.
"Are you alright?" Asami asks concerned.
"The baby is just kicking, really hard, is all. I'm fine." Pema assures.
"Should I get Tenzin?" Asami asks.
"No reason to worry him." Pema assures when Koji walks in with a teapot.
"Can I get some more water? Korra needs tea." Koji asks.
"You need hot water for tea." Asami said.
"Well lucky for me I know how to firebend." Koji counters.
"Always an answer for everything." Asami said as Koji and Pema looked at her confused.
"Uh you mind taking care of this Aunt Pema?" Koji asks.
"Yeah you seem to have your hands full." Pema said taking the teapot.
"Is everything alright Asami?" Koji asks.
"I noticed how you treat Korra. How you acted when she was missing." Asami said.
"Of course I was worried about her. I'm a White Lotus protecting her is my job plus Korra's my best friend. She was there for me when I was lying in bed injured, so I wanted to be there for her." Koji said.
"Korra's my friend too, but…I think you might see Korra as more than a friend." Asami admits.
"What?" Koji said surprised.
"Koji has Korra ever shown to have feelings for you?" Asami asks.
"Well one time during the finals she did say she loved me." Koji admits.
"She did? And what did you say?" Asami asks.
"I told her I was with you and then things got a little messy between us. We were arguing about how I wouldn't look at her the way I looked at you and I was angry because she always used to tease me but never did anything. It wasn't until the Semi-Final match that we finally figured things out and then she stopped and let me go back to you." Koji explains.
"Did anything else happen?" Asami asks.
Sighing Koji knew what he had to say. "And she did give me a small kiss before she let me go."
"She kissed you?" Asami said surprised.
"Look I'll admit things are crazy. My mind is in a million places, but I know one thing for sure Asami. I love you. I still do." Koji said taking her hand. "I know things are tense and lots of feelings are appearing out of nowhere. I don't blame you for wondering but I just don't know if I love Korra that way yet and even if I did that doesn't mean I don't think less of you. You've been a part of my life for so long. You were there for me when I was going through my training, whenever I had to learn city rules to help my Uncle at his job, and you saved my life when your father tried to kill me. Asami, I swear I love you with all my heart. I'm just asking you to wait until things calm down for us to sit down and talk. Which I swear on honor as a White Lotus that will happen." Koji vows.
Hearing this Asami leans in and kisses him on the lips. While she still had her questions at least Koji helped assure the one big question on her mind. Whether he still loved her or not?
"I'm going to hold you to that." Asami swears.
"I hope you do." Koji said.
"And just FYI I'm gonna be having a talk with Korra about this too." Asami said.
"Well then you better be as eager to make sure that she comes out of this alive as I am." Koji challenges.
Smiling Asami accepts that challenge.
In the courtyard, Lin and Tenzin were talking.
"Lin I have a favor I need to ask you. It would mean the world to me but I uh know it could be potentially awkward." Tenzin said nervously.
"Just spit it out already." Lin said.
"Will you stay here and watch over Pema and the children while I meet with the council? With everything that has happened lately, I want to be sure my family is in safe hands." Tenzin asks.
Walking out Pema put a hand on his shoulder.
"Of course I'll help, old friend." Lin assures.
"I didn't realize you two were out here." Pema said walking out carrying Meelo.
"Pema. Uh yes, Lin has agreed to help out around here and keep an eye on things while I'm away." Tenzin explains.
"Thank you. I could use the extra pair of hands." Pema said handing Meelo to her. "Would you mind giving him a bath? He's filthy."
"This is not what I signed up for." Lin said but Tenzin had already made his way to his bison.
"Thank you Lin. Oogi, yip yip." Tenzin said before taking off
"I gotta poo. Really bad." Meelo said.
Cringing Lin used a metal cable to avoid having to touch him.
At the home of the Fire Nation Council member, the lady was walking around her home frantically.
"Do you know where my keys are? I can't find them anywhere?" The councilwoman asks.
"No dear." Her husband said reading the paper.
"Oh here they are." She said finding them in her bag.
"Good dear." He said as she made her way to the door.
"Don't wait up for me; this council session will probably go late into the night." The councilwoman said when someone knocked on the door.
Opening it she saw exterminators at the door.
"We're here to fix a spider-rat problem." One said holding a spray hose and poison.
"I don't recall ordering an exterminator." She said when suddenly sparks came out of the hose causing her to be electrocuted.
At city hall, Tenzin lands on the roof. As he made his way to the building some window cleaners watched him from above.
He was about to make his way in when he hears a fizz of electricity.
Ducking his head he narrowly avoids an electrified disk thrown at him.
Turning around the cleaners were actually Equalists.
As they went on the attack the Equalists fling their bolas hoping to tie him up but Tenzin shot into the air using his airbending and spun them around and around before throwing them onto another rooftop.
Landing back on the roof, the door swings open revealing the council page.
"Ah, I'm so relieved to see you!" He said running to Tenzin.
"The other council members. Are they alright?" Tenzin asks.
"I'm afraid not, I just got a call from Chief Saikhan. They've all be captured." The Page explains.
"This can't be happening." Tenzin said horrified.
"The leadership of Republic City is in your hands now." The page declares.
Looking out at the city, multiple explosions and went off as they saw bombs being dropped by airships.
"It is a tragic day indeed." The Page said.
At Air Temple Island, Lin, Meelo, Jinora and Ikki were watching the damage going on.
"Get inside kids." Lin said as the three made their way inside while Korra, Koji, Mako, Bolin and Asami ran out.
"What's going on? We heard explosions." Korra asks.
"Republic City is under attack." Lin declares.
From the airships, we see Hiroshi looking at a pocket-sized version of his family photo. As he put it back in his pocket he looked out at the window alongside Amon.
"I've dreamed of this day for so long." Hiroshi said.
"Yes, the time has come for the Equalists to claim Republic City as their own." Amon declares.
Soon the New Team Avatar docked at Republic City and ran off the docks.
"Okay so where did you leave Asami's car?" Koji asks.
"It's around here somewhere." Korra said looking around. "There it is."
Following her they saw Korra had drove the car into a street lamp and the windshield was covered in parking tickets.
"What the spirits?" Koji cringed.
"Nice parking job." Asami said sarcastically.
"Hey you guys got arrested and Koji went on a rampage leaving me alone with a car. I made it very clear I don't know how to drive." Korra said making Koji facepalm.
"Asami if we live through this can you give Korra driving lessons?" Koji groans.
"One problem at a time." Asami said.
"All things considered you did a great job. But how are we going to pay for all these parking tickets?" Bolin asks taking the tickets off the windshield.
Grabbing them from him, Mako burns them all up surprising his brother.
"Relax, the city is under attack. The police have more important things to worry about." Mako assures.
Reaching into the trunk Asami pulls out her Equalist glove. "This'll come in handy."
As Korra got in the back, Koji wasn't sure where to sit until Asami grabs. "Come on you get in the front." She said pulling him into the seat.
"Okay then." Koji said fine with this.
"What's going on?" Korra asks as Mako and Bolin joined her.
"Guess the lovebirds are a little on edge." Bolin whispers.
"I wonder why?" Korra asks as they drove off.
At the police station, we find ourselves in the control room as the police were trying to deal with the current disaster.
"Chief! Air unit seven was just taken out by an Equalist airship. They've crashed into the harbor!" A Telegraph said.
"Send a river rescue unit." Saikhan orders.
"Chief, all the river rescue ships have been sabotaged!" Another said.
"What?" Saikhan said in disbelief.
Behind him the door opens revealing Tenzin.
"Chief." Tenzin said getting his attention.
"Tenzin, am I glad to see you. I was afraid you'd been captured too." Saikhan said relieved.
"I'm the only council member left. What's the status?" Tenzin asks.
"Amon has launched simultaneous attacks across the boroughs. The police are trying to regain control but we're spread too thin." Saikhan explains.
Stroking his beard Tenzin tried to come up with an idea. "I need to send a wire."
"To whom?" A telegraph asks.
"The general of the United Forces." Tenzin declares.
Little did they know in another part of the police station as the officers ran down the hall smoke suddenly came out of the air vents.
Confused the police look up before they begin coughing and eventually pass out.
"Councilman your wire has been sent." The telegraph confirms.
"Chief the phone lines just went dead." Another telegraph confirms.
As the alarm goes off the power was suddenly cut silencing it.
Reaching for the flashlights, Saikhan tosses one to Tenzin.
Looking around the room, Tenzin noticed smoke from the vents.
"Saikhan the vents!" Tenzin points.
Using his metalbending, Saikhan seals the vent shut so no more smoke could get in.
As the people inside began coughing Tenzin had to get them out of here.
"We need to evacuate immediately. Everyone stay close to me." Tenzin said.
Leading them out, Tenzin made an air dome around them to protect them from the knockout gas.
But when they made their way outside they looked in horror to see 6 mecha tanks surrounding the entrance.
"Not these things again." Tenzin complains.
Holding their arms, the mecha tanks used magnets to attract the metalbenders police uniforms and pull them in.
As Saikhan was pulled in Tenzin tried to use his airbending to save him but the tank was too strong allowing them to throw the metalbenders into a truck.
With the metalbenders out of the way, the mecha tanks turned their attention towards Tenzin.
One fires a pincher cable at Tenzin who uses his airbending to block it. Countering Tenzin releases a gust of wind blowing them back.
As two more go on the attack Tenzin tries to deflect them all but one cable lands a hit sending Tenzin crashing into the wall.
Before he hit the ground Tenzin manages to make a blast of air to soften his landing, but that didn't mean it didn't still hurt.
Groaning Tenzin looks up to see the truck with Saikhan in it drive away while the Mecha Tanks approached the remaining Police officers before his vision went blurry.
Down the street, Asami was racing towards the police station.
Flooring the gas pedal, Bolin earthbends two ramps.
"Jump!" Bolin yells as they all jumped out of the car as it launches up the ramp and smashes into a Mecha Tank knocking it into another.
Turning around the remaining 4 tanks saw Team Avatar charging in.
Hurling boulders and flames, Mako and Bolin push one Mecha Tank back.
One fires a cable, but Bolin made a rock appear in front of him causing it to be stuck.
Charging in Korra bends snow into water. Leaping over the tank she hurls water into its pipes causing it to short circuit and collapse.
As one hurls a cable at Mako it electrocutes him. Cringing Mako uses his lightning to redirect the attack and blast the tank knocking it to the ground.
Nearby some Equalists were grabbing Tenzin and taking him towards the truck.
"Put my uncle down!" Turning around an Equalist was blasted with fire sending him crashing to the ground.
As two more came at Koji he switches from fire to air and blasts both Equalists sending them banging against the truck.
While the others tried to load the remaining prisoners inside Asami moved in with her equalist glove and electrocuted all of them.
"Can you stand?" Koji asks helping him up.
"This is what I get for going to work without you." Tenzin smiles happy to see his assistant/nephew.
Getting up both charge toward the last Mecha Tank.
While Koji and Mako distracted it, Tenzin moved under it and hurled a blast of air knocking it into the air before crashing down.
From above Hiroshi was watching this.
"Tenzin has escaped once again. Thanks to Koji." Hiroshi growls. "I can't stand to see Asami fighting alongside those benders."
"We'll capture them before long and you will have your daughter back as well as your revenge." Amon assures.
Down below they had finished off the tanks.
"You alright?" Korra asks.
"I'm fine. Thank you, kids. Another moment later and I would have been on my way to Amon." Tenzin said.
"Uh guys." Mako points getting their attention.
Looking in horror all of them saw an airship heading towards Air Temple island.
"No." Tenzin said in horror.
"Not them." Koji said.
'These Equalists, going after your friends is one thing, but your family? Are you going to let them get away with this?' The dark voice rang in Koji's mind making him growl.
"Come on! We gotta get to Oogi!" Koji said running to the roof.
Seeing he was right everyone ran as fast as they could hoping they could make it in time.
At Air Temple Island, the airship opens to reveal the Lieutenant and several Chi blockers.
As the White Lotus prepared to meet them, Lin was with Tenzin's family.
"Everyone hide inside and remain calm." Lin instructs when Pema let out a loud scream. "Pull it together Pema! I just said remain calm."
"Mommy what's wrong?" Ikki asks as Pema held her stomach.
"The baby's coming!" Pema declares.
"Oh no." Jinora said worried.
"Not now baby!" Meelo said.
As two air acolytes led her inside the kids were watching this with concern. This baby chose the worst possible time to be born.
While the White Lotus was dealing with the first wave of Chi Blockers, the Lieutenant and another squad charged in.
Making their way up the stairs they see Lin waiting for them.
Activating her shield, Lin threw it smacking into one Chi Blocker before rebounding into another.
Firing her cables, Lin ties two up and throws them into each other.
Switching to her earthbending Lin sent pillars shooting out of the ground knocking the Chi Blockers around like ragdolls.
Inside, Pema was being looked at by the acolytes.
"The children, where are they?" Pema pants as a cloth was placed on her head.
"Don't worry. They're in the other room, totally safe." The acolyte woman assures.
Back outside, Lin was facing off against the Lieutenant.
Flinging her cables at him, the Lieutenant wraps his batons around them and sends electricity flowing through the cables and zapping Lin.
Screaming in pain, Lin drops to her knees.
Readying his weapons, the Lieutenant moves in for the big strike.
"Stay away from my dad's ex-girlfriend!" A familiar voice calls out.
Looking up they saw Jinora fly in on a staff.
Dropping in the middle she swings her staff creating a blade of air and knocking the Lieutenant over a nearby roof.
"Jinora! You shouldn't be out here!" Lin said when Ikki came racing in on an air scooter.
"Get off our Island!" Ikki yells ramming into chi blockers.
"Girls you need to get back inside right now!" Lin repeats.
"Taste my fury!" Dropping in Meelo blasts one Chi Blocker with an air fart knocking him to the ground.
"Meelo be careful!" Lin warns but Meelo was blasting the remaining Chi blockers with attacks from his hands and from his butt.
"Never mind." Lin said giving up on trying to convince them.
Soon the Chi Blockers were tied up and the White Lotus had come to retrieve them.
"Take these Equalists and lock them in the temple's basement." She orders before turning to the kids. "You did good kids."
Flying in Oogi lands across from them.
"Dad!" The three kids said running to them.
"Oh thank goodness you're all alright." Tenzin said.
"We were worried we wouldn't make it in time." Koji said.
"We caught the bad guys." Meelo declares.
"You let them fight? Do you realize what could have happened?" Tenzin asks looking at Lin.
"I would have been toast if it weren't for your kids. You should be proud. You taught them well." Lin said.
"You guys took on the Equalists?" Koji asks.
"Hey we couldn't just leave our home to be invaded." Jinora smiles.
"Look at you little fighters." Koji smiles holding his fist out.
Smiling all three fist bumped him.
"Go on, be with your wife." Lin gestures.
Making his way down the hall, Tenzin heard the sound of a baby crying.
"Pema." Running into the room he opens the door to see Pema laying in bed with a new baby in her arms.
"Tenzin." Pema smiles happy to see him.
"I'm here Pema." Tenzin said coming to her side.
"Our new son." Pema smiles showing him to his father.
"Hello there." Tenzin smiles.
Looking to the door he saw Jinora, Meelo, Ikki and Koji looking inside.
"Come meet your new brother." Tenzin said.
"A brother? Well it's about time." Meelo said as he and his sisters came in.
"Welcome, I'm Ikki, and this is Jinora and Meelo. We have a super great family and we're so happy that you're a part of it." Ikki introduced.
"Hey Koji what are you doing over there?" Tenzin said gesturing for him to come over.
"Huh?" Koji said surprised.
"You're family too. It's only right you meet your cousin." Pema smiles.
Smiling Koji walks over.
"Hey little guy I'm Koji you're cousin. You'll probably see me around quite a bit. I'm kinda the go-to babysitter for all airbending kids." Koji chuckles.
"Which you can expect to be called upon in the near future." Pema said.
"Wait until you meet your Aunt Kya." Tenzin said.
"So what are you gonna name him?" Koji asks.
"Can I pick?" Jinora asks excitedly.
"We've already decided on a name." Pema said resting her head on Tenzin's shoulder.
"Rohan." Tenzin declared.
From the doorway, Korra, Lin, and Mako watched this beautiful family moment.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but more airships are coming." Korra said as they all paused in horror.
"No. We just got back together." Koji said in horror.
"Everything's not going to be okay, is it daddy?" Ikki asks worried.
Looking at his newborn son Tenzin just couldn't give an answer.
Outside, Bolin and Asami were looking at something when Korra, Koji, Tenzin, Lin and Mako joined them to see multiple airships coming this way.
"What do you want to do, Tenzin?" Korra asks.
"I need to protect my family, and get them as far away from this conflict as possible. If Amon got his hands on my children...I hate to even think of it." Tenzin said.
"If you're leaving, then I'm going with you." Lin said.
"But Lin—"
"No buts. You and your family are the last airbenders. There's no way in the world I'm letting Amon take your bending away." Lin said.
"Thank you, Lin." Tenzin said before turning to Korra. "Korra, I want you to leave this island and hide for the time being."
"I'm not giving up." Korra said determined.
"I'm not asking you to. I sent word to the United Forces. They will be here soon. And once my family is safe, I will return. With the reinforcements, we can turn the tide in this war." Tenzin assures.
"What you're saying is, we need to be patient." Korra sighs.
"You're learning well." Tenzin said.
Pausing Koji looked at his family and his friends. He didn't know who to go with.
After helping Tenzin's family onto the sky bisons Tenzin gave Korra a hug.
"Stay safe Korra." Tenzin said.
"You too." Korra said.
"Wait. Daddy is Koji coming with us?" Ikki asks.
Slowly looking at him, Tenzin saw the conflicted look.
"Koji?" Tenzin asks.
"I-I don't know. Part me of wants to go with you and help protect them but another part of me wants to stay here and help. I don't know which part to listen to." Koji said in a conflicted tone.
Frowning Tenzin decided to make this choice for him.
Walking over to Oogi, Tenzin took his staff off before walking back.
"Here." Tenzin said holding it out for him.
"Uncle Tenzin?" Koji said.
"You need this more than I do. And so does Korra and your friends. I don't know how but you're an airbender too. I'm counting on you to make sure we have a home to come back to, but I also hope that if we're ever in danger you'll be the first to come rushing to our aid." Tenzin said.
Sniffling a tear ran down Koji's eyes. "I will."
As Tenzin handed him the staff Koji pulls him into a big hug.
"I love you Uncle Tenzin." Koji said.
Closing his eyes Tenzin hugs him back. "I love you too Koji."
Suddenly Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo joined the hug.
"And so do we." Jinora said.
"You better not die Koji." Ikki said.
"Yeah who's gonna give us cookies when we've been good?" Meelo asks.
"You three look out for each other. We make it through this I'll make so many cookies you three will be racing around the whole island." Koji said.
As the three airbending kids teared up they gave him one last hug.
"Tenzin if we're leaving we better do it now." Lin warns.
Nodding Tenzin brought his kids back to the sky bison.
"Be careful Aunt Pema." Koji calls out.
"You too Koji." She said before they flew off.
As Koji watched them fly away Korra put a hand on his shoulder.
Seeing this Asami saw just how much Korra cared about him. This was so painful for Koji but she just wanted to be there for him.
Seeing the sky bison two airships flew after them while the last one flew to the island.
Jumping out the Chi blockers went after Team Avatar.
"Go we'll hold them off." The White Lotus said.
While Korra, Mako, Bolin and Asami climbed onto Naga, Koji opened his staff and climbed on the glider.
"Let's go!" Korra said as Koji flew after Naga.
Racing to the docks Bolin spotted someone.
"Mustache guy!" Bolin points as the Lieutenant slid down the hill after them.
Leaping up Naga smacked him with her giant paw knocking him off the cliff face.
"Nice one Naga." Korra said as Naga jumped into the water.
Retracting his staff, Koji dove into the water after them.
Using her waterbending Korra made an air bubble around them so they could make their escape.
Meanwhile, as Oogi was flying for his life the two airships were gaining on them.
When one fires a net at them Lin swings her cable slicing the net into pieces before the cable grabbed onto the rope.
Standing up Lin saw the looks of sorrow and fear on Tenzin's family.
"Whatever happens to me, don't turn back!" Lin orders.
"Lin what are you doing?!" Tenzin gasps.
But it was too late. Jumping off Oogi, Lin swung onto one of the airships.
Taking a stance she rips a large section of metal skin off the airship causing it to explode and drop towards the harbor below.
Jumping to the second one, Lin was about to do the same thing again two equalists threw their bolas tying Lin up and electrocuting her.
With the last airship turning back the family looked in shock and disbelief.
"That lady is my hero." Meelo said.
"Yes, she is." Tenzin frowns as they continued their escape.
From a sewer area, Team Avatar watched as Air Temple Island was raided.
As both Koji and Korra looked out in sadness Mako walked over.
"Guys, we should get going." Mako suggests.
Frowning both turned around and walked away.
As Koji saw Asami walking next to him he reached out and took her hand.
"I'm sorry Koji." Asami said.
"You think they'll be okay?" Koji asks.
"I don't know, but I hope so." Asami said.
Soon it began raining on Air Temple Island as Lin was brought before Amon.
"Tell me where the Avatar is and I'll let you keep your bending." Amon warns.
"I won't tell you anything, you monster." Lin refuses.
"Very well." Amon said before taking away Lin's bending.
Meanwhile out at sea, we see a man in red on a ship when a messenger approached him.
"General, I just received a wire from the Avatar. She says Amon and his forces have gained control of the city. How do you want to respond?" The messenger asks.
"Tell her we will be arriving in three days' time. And that I look forward to winning back Republic City, together." The man orders revealing him to be a man with black hair. This was General Iroh. General of the United Forces.
"As you wish General Iroh." Zooming out we see a while fleet of ships all eager to beat Amon and help Republic City.