Southern Water Tribe

Northern troops were marching up to Southern civilians at the Southern Palace.

"Everyone, clear the streets! Get back in your homes!" One of the Northern soldiers ordered.

The Southern citizens didn't move and looked at the Northerners with disdain. The soldier had his men create an ice blockade to separate the civilians and kept marching. At the harbor, Northern Waterbenders created an ice wall around the docks, keeping anyone from leaving.

Cliff near the Tribe

"This is monstrous." Sasuke commented.

"Uncle, why did you bring your troops down from the North?" Korra asked.

"Now that you've opened the Southern portal, we need to protect it from people who would do the spirits harm." Unalaq responded.

"Korra can protect it." Sasuke retorted.

"I need her for something more important." Unalaq returned. "There is another portal, in the North. Once she's opened it, spirits and man will be able to move freely between the North and South in a matter of seconds."

"The solstice is already over." Kakashi noted. "How can Korra open it?"

"The spiritual energy is much stronger in the North." Utakata countered. "Now that Korra has opened the Southern Portal, her energy is stronger as well."

"With both portals open, the South and North will be united?" Korra asked.

"The WORLD will be united." Unalaq replied.

"That doesn't sound promising." Sasuke looked out over the Southern Water Tribe. "If it involves something like this happening to the Shinobi Nations, I don't think the hidden villages would be thrilled."

Southern Air Temple: Days Later…

Tenzin and Pema, holding Rohan, were relaxing while Kya fed lemurs.

"Ahh, I haven't felt this at peace since…" Tenzin was cut off as Bumi arrived with a yell. "Aaaand, it's over…"

Bumi came to stand on a rock with his underwear on display. "Goood morning, Universe!"

Kya covered her eyes. "Bumi, please cover yourself."

"Well, lookie here." Bumi declared. "'Vacation Tenzin' has finally decided to join us."

"Yes, he has." Tenzin voiced contently. "It's so nice to spend more time with my family." He reached for Rohan and Pema let him have the boy. "Isn't that right, Rohan?" The baby smiled. "And I've enjoyed having you two around. Reminds me of all those great vacations we took as kids with dad."

"Uhh, I think your memory's a little foggy." Kya informed, a little upset. "Bumi and I weren't on those GREAT vacations. It was always just you and dad."

"No, that can't be right." Tenzin couldn't believe it. "What about the time he took us to Kyoshi Island to ride the elephant koi?"

"Nope, we weren't there." Kya replied.

"Hmm, oh! Remember Ember Island?" Tenzin asked. "Those amazing sand palaces we built on the beach?

"You mean YOU built." Bumi corrected. "We never saw the place."

"I could have sworn…" Tenzin tried.

Just then, Jinora and Meelo arrived atop air scooters, and Poki landed on Meelo's head as they landed on solid ground.

"Morning, kids!" Bumi greeted.

"Morning, Uncle Bumi!" Meelo saw his uncle's stomach and pointed at it. "Do you have a baby in there?"

Tenzin, Kya, and Pema laughed.

"Hey, where's your sister?" Pema asked.

"Who?" Jinora asked.

"Ikki. About this tall. Talks fast." Pema informed incredulously. "I'm sure you know her."

"Uhh…" Jinora trailed off.

"There was this lemur fight, but the bison told us not to worry because a giant was coming." Meelo tried. "Then, we almost got eaten by a shark squid."

"The shark squid?! He's here?" Bumi questioned. "It appears my old nemesis has found me."

Pema crossed her arms annoyed. "Jinora, were you and Meelo teasing your sister again?"

"I don't know…Maybe…" Jinora hung her head. "Yes."

"She ran away." Meelo added.

Their mother's face turned red. "HONESTLY, I don't know why you kids can't just get along!"

"It's alright, dear. Ikki couldn't have gone far." Tenzin passed Rohan back to her. "I'll find her."

"Commander Bumi, reporting for duty!" Bumi saluted. "Search and rescue is my specialty."

"What do you say we all go together?" Kya offered.

"Sure, I could use the help." Tenzin replied.

"When I get back, we'll come up with a plan to take down that shark squid once and for all!" Bumi declared.

"Yeah!" Meelo cheered.

Southern Water Tribe: Tonraq & Senna's Hut

A meeting was taking place between residents of the Southern Water Tribe.

"Thank you for coming, everyone." Tonraq stated. "I know these last few days have been troubling."

"Troubling?" Varrick was eating a plate of cookies. "Troubling is when I get that itchy rash that won't go away, and Zhu Li's not around to SCRATCH it. This is shocking." He threw the plate "Nay, sickening, but these kale cookies? Opposite! Remind me to the get recipe later."

Zhu Li nodded.

"What's your point, Varrick?" Tonraq asked.

"My point is, Unalaq's already booted our chieftains out of their palace." Varrick responded. "How long before he starts telling us what kind of COOKIES we can eat?"

"Probably a couple of days." Zhu Li answered in an emotionless voice.

"Rhetorical question, Zhu Li." Varrick retorted. "You got to keep up. Not to mention, I've got a cargo full of halibut that's rotting thanks to this harbor lockdown. Who wants to buy a ship full of STINKING fish? Seriously, it's not rhetorical. I need to sell these fish."

"Chief Unalaq is here to help the South." Korra reasoned. "He wants to show us how to restore balance with the spirits, so they'll stop attacking." Korra said.

"The only spirit I'm interested in is our INDEPENDENCE." Varrick declared. "Am I right, people?"

The people agreed.

"All Unalaq is trying to do is make our tribes unified again." Korra voiced.

"No, he wants control of our wealth. MY wealth, and I LIKE my wealth." Varrick declared. "If Unalaq doesn't pull his forces out, then we have no CHOICE but to fight for our FREEDOM!"

The crowd agreed again.

"You want to start a war? Are you crazy?" Korra asked.

"Unalaq started this, not us." Tonraq said, making the Avatar growl. "I'm sorry. Maybe you could speak to your uncle. Tell him how frustrated we are. He'll listen to what the Avatar has to say. Do it for me?"

"I'll do it for the tribe." Korra walked towards the door. "I'll sort this out."

"You know your ninja friend is also unsure of Unalaq too, right?" Varrick asked.

"Excuse me?" Korra asked.

"That brooding kid you always hang around with. Sasque or…" Varrick trailed off.

"Sasuke." Korra corrected, mildly annoyed. "What about him?"

"Yeah, him!" Varrick declared. "He has his doubts about Unalaq too."

"Well, he has his suspicions, but he's unsure whether to trust Unalaq or not." Korra informed. "I told him to trust in what he feels."

She then left the house.

"I cannot stop eating these things." Varrick had picked up another cookie. "Look, we all know where this conflict is heading. We need to start preparing for war."

Streets

Bolin was pulling a rickshaw, which Desna and Eska sat within, sweating.

"I will hate to leave this quaint tribe." Eska said.

"Is that true, Eska?" Desna asked.

"Of course not, Desna. I will not miss it at all. I hold immense dislike for the South." Eska laughed awkwardly and Desna joined him. "Bolin, laugh at my humorous quip!"

"Yes, dear." Bolin forced laughter. "So funny." He then stopped the rickshaw and Earthbent a small flight of stairs before helping Eska walk down. "You know, I'll be really sad when you have to leave. It's been REALLY great getting to know you. Really."

"But you will be coming with me to the North." Eska informed. "There, we will live the rest of our lives together in icy bliss." The twins walked off. "Foolish Bolin."

Once they were gone, Bolin saw Mako, Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Kiba. "Mako, Sasuke, I'm so happy to see you."

"We're here too." Kiba said annoyed.

"Oh, yeah." Bolin responded unsure. "Good to see you guys too, Kiba and Shikamaru."

"Bro, you okay?" Mako asked.

"No! No, I'm not okay!" Bolin exclaimed. "I can't take this anymore. Listen, I don't want to live in icy bliss with Eska! Don't make me! Oh, please, PLEASE don't make me!"

"I doubt anyone in their right minds would want to be with Eska." Kiba commented.

"I told you girls are a drag." Shikamaru noted.

"If you're not happy with doom and gloom, break up with her." Sasuke advised. "It's not rocket science, Bolin."

"Break up?" Bolin asked. "You can do that?"

"Guys do it all the time." Kiba replied.

"How?" Bolin asked.

"Just tell her you're not into her anymore." Mako retorted.

"Oh, no, no." Bolin stated quickly. "I don't think she'd like that."

"It's not like she seems the type to cry." Shikamaru shrugged. "She'll probably freeze you solid and lug you back to the North."

Sasuke elbowed him in the gut. "You're not helping."

"Look Bo, ending a relationship is kind of like pulling off a bloodsucking leech." Mako stated. "You just rip it off and get it over with. You'll feel a lot better afterwards. Trust me."

"Thanks, Mako." Bolin was relieved. "I'm glad you're so good at breaking girls' hearts. Korra better watch out." That made the Firebender annoyed. "No…I mean, uh…never mind."

"Well, that's settled." Sasuke took his leave. "Now, I'd better find Korra. She's probably going to meet with Unalaq again."

Southern Palace

Sasuke found Korra walking into the SouthernPalace and joined her before she informed him of what went down at the meeting."So, your father and Varrick are talking about how to handleUnalaq?"

"Yes." Korra responded. "I've tried telling them Unalaq just wants to unify our tribes and bring balance back with the spirits; however, they don't listen." She shook her head. "That's just par for the course when it comes to him."

"Have you talked to your dad about how you felt, like I said?" Sasuke asked.

"Well, not yet…" Korra muttered making the Uchiha sigh.

The pair arrived within the throne room, and Unalaq was sat on said throne. "Korra, our next session doesn't start until tomorrow."

"I'm sorry to interrupt." Korra apologized. "It's about our conversation this morning."

"Yes?" Unalaq asked.

"I understand why you brought the troops here, but I'm afraid it's sending the wrong message." Korra informed.

"Your father has been talking to you." Unalaq noted.

"Not just him, Varrick too." Korra stated. "There was a meeting at my parents' house. A lot of Southerners feel like their tribe is being invaded."

"I am their chief." Unalaq retorted. "I am uniting, not invading."

"I know, but I'm afraid if something doesn't change, there could be a civil war." Korra said.

"If the Water Tribes were at war, the other nations would take sides." Unalaq reasoned. "The dark spirits would thrive off this negative energy, and the world would be thrown into a battle between spirits and man. That would be catastrophic."

"Can we stop it?" Sasuke asked.

"We? No, my boy." Unalaq shook his head. "This is a war only the Avatar can prevent."

"I'm usually the one starting fights." Korra informed. "I don't know how to stop them from happening."

"As the Avatar, you must remain neutral in this conflict." Unalaq stood and approached. "You will naturally want to help your people but showing favoritism will not help our tribes unify."

"What about the past Avatars that have shown favoritism to their homes?" Sasuke inquired. "Kyoshi is a prime example as she stood against a conqueror and cleaved her home from the Earth Kingdom to protect it. It's why Kyoshi Island exist as it does."

"You are a knowledgeable one; however, that incident differs from the one Korra now faces in that our tribes have been united." Unalaq stated. "That conqueror was looking to take over land that was not his while I seek to bring our tribes together through unity."

"I don't think that's how the South sees it." Sasuke thought.

"Maybe I wasn't cut out to be the Avatar…" Korra said.

Unalaq rested a hand on her shoulder. "Tenzin lacked faith in you, but I have no doubt you will become the most admired Avatar the world has ever know."

"Thank you, Uncle." Korra smiled. "I'm sure Tenzin did have faith; he was just too strict. I straightened this out with him, and he agreed I should make my own choice." She turned to leave. "Sasuke, let's go."

Sasuke joined her. "Right."

Streets

Four Northern troops were walking the streets while Southern citizens glared at them hatefully. Just then, a snowball was thrown at one of the soldiers.

"Who threw those?" The soldiers looked up and spotted children on the roof above, giggling, so they used Waterbending to bring them down. "You hoodlums think you're tough huh?"

"Pick on a Waterbender your own size!" One of the Southern citizens yelled as he and to others prepared to Waterbend.

Korra and Sasuke were riding Naga when they saw the fight about to happen.

"Ready to put your 'neutral' skills to the test?" Sasuke asked.

"I can try." Korra responded before directing Naga between them. "Stop!"

"Tell these thugs to go back to the North!" The Southern citizen yelled. "They're not welcome here anymore!"

"These Southerners need to stay in line!" The Northern soldier said.

"Everyone calm down." Korra declared. "You're all part of the same tribe. Start acting like it."

"You're taking THEIR side?" The Southern Citizen asked. "We thought you were one of us."

"I'm not taking anyone's side." Korra replied.

Then, a little girl threw a snowball and hit her. "You're the worst Avatar ever!"

"ENOUGH!" Sasuke shouted.

The Southern citizens and Northern soldiers backed off.

Tonraq arrived. "Everyone, walk away from this. They're not worth our trouble. Go back to your homes." He then turned to Korra, who was already taking her leave. "Korra, I…" He called after her. "Korra!"

"That was your chance to talk things over with your dad." Sasuke voiced.

"Now's not the time." Korra retorted bluntly.

"She needs to settle this with her dad, because things are getting out of hand." Sasuke thought.

Southern Air Temple

"Ikki! Ikki! Ikki!" Tenzin called out. "Where are you?"

"Over here, Dad!" Bumi responded in a childish voice as he popped out form a bush. "Just kidding. It's me."

The Airbending master groaned.

"There's no sign of her anywhere." Kya noted.

"Why would Ikki run off like this?" Tenzin questioned. "It's probably my fault."

"Probably." Kya agreed.

"Excuse me?" Tenzin asked.

"I'm guessing you've been so busy with your 'duty' to Republic City that you forgot about your duty to your kids." Kya reasoned.

"'Duty'." Bumi laughed.

"What are you, five-years-old?" Kya asked annoyed.

"Kya, you're right." Tenzin sighed. "I haven't been spending time with them. I wish I could be as good a father as dad was to us."

"Tenzin, your problem is you're EXACTLY like dad." Kya retorted. "He was so focused on saving the world and doing his duty…" she looked to Bumi. "Don't laugh." She looked back to Tenzin. "That he never had time for us."

"Dad was under a lot of pressure." Tenzin argued.

"He always had time for you though." Bumi pinched his brother's cheeks. "His precious little Airbender."

"Dad loved us all, EQUALLY!" Tenzin argued. "Besides, it all happened a long time ago. Why are we even talking about this?"

"Because you seem to have some grandiose delusion that we had a perfect, happy-go-lucky childhood." Kya argued. "Guess what, we didn't!"

"We need to keep moving if we want to find Ikki before dark." Tenzin deflected.

"See what he's doing, Bumi?" Kya spoke loudly. "Classic Airbender technique, cutting

and running when things get tough."

"Yeah, did dad teach you that move?" Bumi asked mockingly.

Southern Water Tribe: Huts

Korra and Sasuke arrived at their temporary hut where they found Mako, Kakashi, Sakura, Shikamaru, Lee, Neji, and Kiba.

"Korra, Sasuke, how'd it go with Unalaq?" Mako asked.

"My tribe's about to go to war, and I'm supposed to stop it; however, no one seems like they want to listen." Korra vented. "Then, my dad showed up and settled this problem. I just wish he'd let me be the Avatar."

"She's been holding that in the whole ride." Sasuke sighed. "I told her to talk it through with Tonraq."

"It's just not time yet." Korra argued. "My dad gets me all worked up."

"When will you talk to him?" Kakashi asked.

"Back off!" Korra shouted. "I have a lot on my mind!"

"Hey, he's trying to help." Kiba defended.

"Yes, we all are." Lee added.

"Well, I don't need any of your help." Korra argued. "How about that? Things were great until you guys showed up with the intention of taking Sasuke away!"

"You're blaming US?" Sakura asked.

"This is not our fault." Neji added.

"Sakura, Neji, shut up." Sasuke ordered. "Korra, you REALLY need to figure this out."

"Well, I don't think she'll figure this out when she's high strung like this." Mako voiced. "Why don't you take a break from this Avatar stuff and join me for a nice, quiet dinner tonight?"

"That sounds great." Korra admitted.

"You deserve it." Sasuke added.

Korra smiled. "Thanks."

Restaurant: Night…

Korra and Mako had dismayed, bored looks as opposite the two of them was Desna, Eska, and Bolin who laughed awkwardly. "Isn't this fun, huh? We never get to spend enough time together, just the…five of us. So fun."

"Excuse us while we retrieve more sustenance." Eska declared before she and Desna took off.

Once they were gone, Bolin looked to the remaining pair. "You guys got to save me!"

"I thought you were breaking up with her." Mako retorted. "What happened to 'ripping off the leech'?"

"I tried, but anytime I bring up the subject, she threatens to freeze me in a block of ice." Bolin retorted. "Unlike what Shikamaru had to say, she threatens to feed me to dolphin piranhas!"

"So, it was more like you tugged at the leech." Mako said.

"Yes, but it won't come off no matter how hard I tug." Bolin looked to Korra. "Why didn't you warn me your cousin had the power to reach into my heart and crush my soul with her bare hands?"

"Uh, because I thought it was pretty obvious." Korra responded.

"No, no. Not to me. I'm very bad at reading people. You should know that by now." Bolin sobbed. "Oh, man. Do something, Avatar!"

Huts

Sasuke was outside his and Korra's temporary hut, training, when Utakata joined him. "From what I hear, Korra is having difficulty handling this whole South and North situation."

"You know how it is." Sasuke voiced. "She can handle this. Sure, Korra is currently stuck in a rut, but she'll snap out of it."

"Right." Utakata nodded. "Do you believe Unalaq is doing what's right?"

"I didn't trust the guy when I first met him." Sasuke responded. "He seems like a smart leader, who knows a lot about spirits, but he's attempting to isolate Korra. Not to mention how he's brought Northern soldiers into the South.

They've gone about blocking the harbor to prevent anyone from leaving which doesn't note anything promising on his part. He must be up to something other than trying to 'unify' the tribes. There has to be a reason."

"I agree." Utakata nodded. "He has a motive, and it's clear Korra's part of whatever he wants. Have you told her about your suspicions?"

"She asked if I was doubting Unalaq, and all I said was I felt suspicious." Sasuke sighed. "At the same time, I feel paranoid thinking about it, but Korra told me to trust what I feel."

"How do you feel about Unalaq?" Utakata asked.

"Whatever is going on with him, I don't think unification or balance is his goal." Sasuke replied.

Utakata rested a hand on his student's shoulder. "Whatever his goal is, if it proves to be something wrong, we'll have to do our best to ensure it doesn't come to fruition."

With Sakura & Lee

Both had observed the pair.

"Whatever Sasuke's feeling, I have my suspicions too." Sakura sighed. "I want to help, but I'll just annoy him again."

"I understand your feelings Sakura, but maybe we should let Sasuke decide for himself." Lee voiced. "I do feel like we have been in his way."

"I guess, but I want to be a team again." Sakura hung her head. "I just…I want to prove I can be useful rather than an annoyance."

Lee gave her a comforting hug. "I know."

Southern Air Temple

Tenzin now had a lantern to light their way as they continued their search for Ikki.

"You know, this reminds me of a search-and-rescue mission I commanded years ago, in the mountains outside of Ba Sing Se." Bumi said.

Tenzin rolled his eyes. "Here we go."

"For five days we scoured the beast of a mountain; fighting our ways through blizzards, sandstorms, and THREE typhoons." Bumi continued. "Finally, we found the men huddled in a cave, seconds from death. With no time to lose, I piled all TWELVE of those poor souls on my back and single-handedly carried them down the mountain to safety."

"And how is that supposed to help us find Ikki!?" Tenzin asked annoyed.

"It was supposed to inspire you." Bumi argued. "Clearly, you know nothing about being a leader of men. That's probably why the Avatar fired you."

"I'm sick of your far-fetched stories." Tenzin stated. "THREE typhoons?"

"Well, I may have thrown in an extra typhoon or two for dramatic effect, but…" Bumi tried.

"Quit arguing and bring that lantern over here." Kya interrupted. "I found footprints."

Tenzin immediately came over and noted they looked like his daughter's. "Come on!"

"No, follow me! This will get us down fifty times faster." Bumi declared before leaping down some rocks alongside a waterfall.

"Bumi, it's pitch black, and the rocks are slippery." Kya warned. "You'll hurt yourself."

"Come on, wimps!" Bumi argued. "If I can do it, it should be no problem for a couple of Benders."

"Fine." Kya stated.

She Waterbent her way down while Tenzin utilized his air to help him safely leap down.

"You were right, Bumi!" Kya called up to him smugly. "That WAS faster!"

"At least fifty times faster, by my calculations." Tenzin chuckled.

"Oh, Tenzin's the funny guy now?" Bumi muttered.

"If you need an airlift, just say the word." Tenzin called out.

"Bah, I don't need your help." Bumi retorted. "I've got everything under control."

He slipped and fell into the water.

"Bumi!" Tenzin shouted worried.

Southern Water Tribe: Tonraq and Senna's Hut

Korra arrived at her parents' house and headed in. "Is dad here?"

"He's out with some friends to try and settle this whole thing." Senna responded.

Korra took a seat on the couch. "I'M handling it."

"He just wants to help." Senna returned.

"There he goes AGAIN!" Korra groaned annoyed. "Still doesn't trust me to do things myself."

"That's not true." Senna argued.

"I don't even know why I bothered coming here." Korra shook her head. "Not like he's going to listen."

"Korra, what's going on between you two?" Senna asked.

"Ask dad." Korra responded while turning away.

"I tried, but he won't talk about it." Senna said. "Sweetie, it breaks my heart to see our family being torn apart like this."

"You want to know what's going on?" Korra asked. "I found out dad's been lying to me my whole life. Unalaq told me the truth about everything. How dad and Tenzin kept me trapped down here while I trained, and how dad got banished from the North."

"So, the truth is out." Senna said.

"You knew yet never said anything to." Korra shook her head. "That just makes me as disappointed in you as I am him."

"We were trying to keep our family together, to give you a normal childhood." Senna said.

"I never wanted a normal childhood." Korra argued. "All I wanted was to be the Avatar, but everyone keeps holding me back, even my own parents. Unalaq's the only one who believes in me."

"That's not true, Korra." Senna said.

"You're right on that." Korra admitted. "Sasuke believes in me. Unlike dad and Tenzin, he knows what's best for me, and we have our freedom to make our own choices. Of course, Kakashi and those Genin come along to screw that up. It's like nobody wants us to follow our own path, and I feel like I'm letting everyone down."

"Don't say that." Senna stated. "I want what's best for you both. You haven't let anyone down."

"Really?" Korra questioned. "Then why is everyone in the South turning against me when all I'm trying to do is help?"

"The problems between the North and South started well before you were ever born." Senna reasoned. "You can't expect to undo them in a day."

"So, I should just sit back and let the Water Tribe go to war?" Korra asked.

"No, but this situation might be out of your control." Senna responded. "Varrick's plotting a rebellion against Unalaq. He asked your father to join and…"

"Dad is part of a rebellion?" Korra interrupted.

"I don't know, but I don't want you to be in the middle of it." Senna responded.

"Too late, mom." Korra voiced before running out the house.

Senna ran out after her. "Korra!"

The Avatar ignored her as she hopped on Naga and took off.

Streets

While Korra was riding, Sasuke timed it to jump into the saddle behind her. "Sasuke?"

"Hey, I've been meaning to find you." Sasuke greeted.

"What is it?" Korra asked.

"It's about Unalaq." Sasuke voiced. "I have a reason as to why I'm feeling suspicious."

"Can it wait?" Korra asked. "I have to find my father."

"What for?" Sasuke asked.

"I think he might be part of a rebellion against Unalaq." Korra replied.

"That doesn't sound like your dad." Sasuke reasoned. "Sure, he and Unalaq aren't close,

but he wouldn't do this."

"I don't know." Korra shook her head. "That's why I must find out."

"In that case, I'm with you." Sasuke nodded. "I want to see this for myself."

"Alright." Korra voiced. "Since we got time, what was it you wanted to say about Unalaq?"

"I'm starting to think he's wanting more than just unification and bringing balance." Sasuke responded. "I don't know what it is he really wants, but my gut is telling me it isn't good."

"We'll ask about that soon." Korra assured.

Southern Palace

Tue pair ran into the palace.

"Uncle!" Korra called.

They stopped running upon seeing two Northern troops knocked out and tied up.

"That's not good." Sasuke noted.

"No, it's not." Korra agreed.

They ran up some stairs and down the halls, heading towards Unalaq's sleeping chambers. They arrived at the corridor and hid behind a wall as five Southern Water Tribe troops, wearing masks, exited Unalaq's room. The most muscular had an unconscious Unalaq over his shoulders.

"Dad?" Korra questioned herself before they both confronted them. "Dad, don't do this."

"Turn around Avatar and pretend you didn't see anything." One of the men said.

"No. Leave Unalaq and go." Korra tried. "I'll tell him I tried to stop you, but you escaped. We can avoid a war." Korra said.

"No, we can't." The man said.

The group unleashed ice to trap the pair, but Sasuke flashed through hand signs. "Fireball Jutsu!"

He spewed forth the sphere of fire, rendering most of the ice moot, but the men had still booked it regardless. Korra froze the hand rails while Sasuke used his Chakra to run along the wall opposite it, and they both lept down to stand before the men.

"Get him out of here." One of the men commanded of the guy holding Unalaq.

Without a word, that man rushed out the nearby door. Korra and Sasuke moved to follow, but one of the remaining four men immediately iced over the doorway.

"We're all part of the same tribe." Korra reasoned. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Don't you realize your tribe suffered enough through one war?" Sasuke added.

"Stay out of this, you brat!" The rebel yelled before throwing a water blast.

Suddenly, Kakashi lept above Korra and Sasuke, having woven hand signs while taking a deep breath. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

The water blast sent the pair's way was dropped as the four men scattered.

"Kakashi?" Sasuke asked.

"We couldn't let you two have all the fun, could we?" Kakashi asked as he landed.

"We?" Korra asked.

In the men's disorganized state, Utakata appeared and blew out bubbles which snatched the men quickly into the air. Just as they attempted to bend the water within the solution, they were slammed forcefully into the ceiling. They then crashed to the ground hard.

Utakata joined the three of them. "Come on, we need to save Unalaq!"

Streets

The four of them rushed outside.

Kakashi pointed. "Look."

The man taking Unalaq was getting on a snowmobile and started to drive off.

"Dad, stop!" Korra called out.

They rushed down the steps before Korra bent a steep ice path. The snowmobile started to go up, only to end up falling short. Utakata and Kakashi rushed in catching Unalaq and the man. Korra and Sasuke then joined them.

Korra moved to remove the man's mask. "Why did you do this, Dad?" Upon removing the mask, the muscular man was revealed to be a different Southerner. "Who are you? Where's my father?"

"He wouldn't help us." The man responded. "He's a traitor, just like you."

Southern Palace

Unalaq awoke not long after, and everyone returned within the palace where the five Southerners were cuffed before being escorted by Northern troops.

"Thank you four for saving my life." Unalaq stated.

"It was nothing." Kakashi said.

"I'm just glad we got here in time." Korra added.

"Troops, find Varrick." Unalaq ordered. "I want him to freeze in prison with the rest of these traitors."

"Wait, you can't just lock them away." Korra voiced. "That will only make the South angrier."

"She's right." Utakata stated. "The conflict with the South and North is too much as is."

"You want them to go free?" Unalaq asked.

"Why not let them stand trial for what they did?" Sasuke suggested.

"Every Water Tribe citizen deserves that right." Korra agreed. "We need to show we're one nation, not just two tribes."

"Very well." Unalaq relented. "I will respect the Avatar's wishes in this matter."

Korra smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."

Southern Air Temple

"I told you those rocks were slippery." Kya was healing Bumi's wound. "You're just lucky you didn't kill yourself."

"You done with the lecture, MOM?" Bumi asked.

"Oh, grow up! You haven't changed one bit since we were kids." Kya retorted. "You're still trying to prove you can do everything a Bender can. Well, you can't. Deal with it."

"And you're not our mother." Bumi argued. "You don't get to tell me what I can and can't do. Deal with that.

Kya stopped healing her brother and let the water fall on him. "Good luck healing yourself with your special Non-Bending powers."

"Hey, back me up here, Tenzin." Bumi tried.

"Kya's right." Tenzin dismissed. "You're the oldest, yet you act like the youngest. I had to become the responsible one."

"You think YOU'RE responsible?" Kya asked. "Where were you when dad died, and mom was all alone? Because I was the only one who packed up and moved my whole life to be with her."

"Sure, after years of flitting around the world, trying to find yourself." Tenzin argued. "It was time for you to settle down somewhere. You two have no idea how it feels to have the future of an entire CULTURE on your shoulders."

"Oh, boo-hoo." Bumi mocked. "Must've been hard for you, flying around the world with dad, riding elephant koi all day."

"Oh, THAT'S what this is about?" Tenzin asked.

"That's what it's ALWAYS been about!" Kya exclaimed. "You think you're some SAVIOR who has to carry on dad's legacy."

"Who else is going to do it?" Tenzin asked.

"How about all of us?" Kya asked.

"Yeah, we're Aang's kids too." Bumi agreed.

"We never should have come to this vacation." Kya said.

"I couldn't agree more." Bumi added.

"Well, I didn't want you coming in the first place." Tenzin argued. "I can't be around you two right now. Go back to the temple and see if Ikki returned. I'll keep looking out here."

"Fine!" Kya snapped.

"Fine!" Bumi snapped.

"Fine!" Tenzin snapped.

The elder siblings left while Tenzin continued alone.

Southern WaterTribe: Huts

Korra and Sasuke returned to their temporary hut.

"That was close." Korra said.

"Tell me about it." Sasuke agreed. "Now, I've been saying this…"

"I know, I know." Korra interrupted. "I'll talk to dad and apologize for being so horrible."

"In all respect, you could've been a lot worse." Sasuke declared.

"Regardless, I'll fix this mess in the morning." Korra said.

"Not early this time?" Sasuke asked.

"Not that bright and early." Korra responded. "My dad hates mornings."

"Figures that's where you'd get your disdain of the morning from." Sasuke retorted.

Tonraq and Seena's Hut: Morning…

Korra returned to her parents' house and entered to find them eating. "Is it okay if I come in?"

"Of course." Senna answered. "We heard what happened. Are you okay?"

Korra teared up before rushing in and hugging her father. "I'm so glad you weren't there. I don't know what I would've done."

"I had no idea how far Varrick was willing to go." Tonraq held his daughter. "My brother and I have our differences, but I would never attack him."

"I'm sorry you had anything to do with the rebels, and all the pain I've caused you and Mom." Korra stated.

"I'm the one who should apologize." Tonraq returned. "After I saw the Southern Lights return, I was so proud of you. I never should have held you back."

"When your father and I found each other, all we wanted was to live a simple life. Raise a family." Senna informed. "Then, we discovered you were the Avatar and simple was over. We knew one day the world would need you, and you wouldn't need us anymore."

"Mon, Dad, of course I still need you." Korra informed before hugging them.

Unalaq then entered the house.

"We weren't expecting you." Tonraq said.

"Tonraq, Senna, you are under arrest and will stand trial." Unalaq declared as four Northern soldiers entered after him.

"Trial?" Tonraq asked. "For what?"

"For conspiring to assassinate me." Unalaq answered.

Korra and her parents were shocked. "Wait! There has to be a mistake."

"There is no mistake, Avatar." Unalaq turned to his men. "Take them away."

The soldiers moved in and started to arrest the pair.

rizkyandi085(Ch. 1): Thank you.

3bodyjaa: Thanks.

ImMrRev: Thank you! Beyond the reviews anyone can see, so many people have pmed me about the power sailing of this story, and I guess I brought it upon myself by even mentioning it. It's kind of ironic given Varrick says himself in book 4 of Korra that you should never let the truth get in the way of a good story. At least ten people seem to think that's a load of shist.

Honestly, I wasn't even thinking of the examples you listed, but that is absolutely true. Mizuki and the demon brothers, from the first ten chapters, are average Shinobi. By the logic some of these people have posed, Avatar characters lose to them and have no shot against any named Genin from the opening chapters of part 1. You are a breath of fresh air.