Disclaimer: If I had owned The Legend Of Korra or Naruto I most certainly wouldn't be writing fanfic of it. Come on.
The once vibrant air temple, well lit in evening sun, well maintained and far more lively than its once abandoned state seemed far more suffocating and desolate as the awful wind blew through.
Up and down the woman's chest moved as she hushed Rohan's loud grating cries. The sound brought her down even more as she spiraled deeper down into a destructive state of mind. She knew it wasn't healthy, that she had to be strong for her kids but how could she as she gazed at her unresponsive daughter's body. As lifeless as she had ever seen her.
They were situated in a rather sparse room colored a brownish tint holding naught but a portrait, her daughter not having a need for many things in her current state. A couple of buckets filled with fresh water, towels, clothing, everything the woman thought she would need was here and ready to be used.
Her chest rose and fell as if she was just sleeping she observed silently with heavy eyes before sighing.
She was supposed to be right after Tenzin but with all this talk of her daughter slipping futher away inside the spirit world-
Not even mentioning they didn't really know what happened to her in there, Korra herself having lost her while they went in as she confronted Unalaq.
"Hah, sometimes I wish maybe just maybe -" The woman who was about to continue stopped belatedly realizing she was about to say something that couldn't be taken back.
However in the deep recesses of her mind the statement still echoed making the woman feel deep guilt. How horrible was she to even think that she wished her child didn't have such a talent?
Shaking her head she shifted on the chair before glancing at the door seeing it opening as two pairs of eyes looked inside.
'These kids- they must be so worried.' Pema's face fell but she quickly held it in not wanting to make them even more sad than they were from what she gleaned easily.
"You two can come inside. I'm sure Jinora would have appreciated you coming to see her. Come come-"
They rushed inside quickly evidently having only been waiting for permission as they slammed into their mother.
The room was heavy with silence, broken only by the occasional soft gurgle from Rohan, who had finally quieted in his mother's arms.
"Where is your auntie kids?"
"Ah she's finishing packing up the bison. With the guards…" Ikki muttered hesitantly.
Pema took a deep breath, trying to steady her trembling voice. "Jinora loves you both so much. You can't show her these faces when she wakes up. It'll make her sad."
'What I'd give to make this right- why is my baby even in this position…' Of course she already knew why.
Ikki looked up with wide eyes at that statement. "Mom, will Jinora even wake up? Are you sure? It's been so long already what if something happened-"
Pema swallowed hard at that, struggling to maintain her composure. "She will," she said softly, though the conviction in her voice spoke volumes, "she's a strong girl, has been since she was young and I believe in her."
Ikki nodded though she looked unconvinced, her face still holding sorrow.
They settled quietly near Jinora's side, the family not really knowing how to deal with the grief as the minutes passed by.
Just as Pema was about to sigh and get up she looked down a bit shocked as Meelo spoke.
"Like the wind that passes through the mountains, let your sorrow flow and be carried away, leaving space for peace to enter."
….
"Waa?" Ikki looked over to her brother with a dumbfounded expression, her mouth gaping accurately describing what both she and her mother felt.
The bald boy looked down before he spoke. "I read it in book inside the temple. I thought it sounded nice."
Turning her eyes to him as he fidgeted under her gaze she knew he was only trying to lighten the atmosphere so she tried to follow his lead before being beaten to it.
"It does sound nice but it's like something you'd say at a funeral. She isn't dead, you know."
Meelo gasped, offended.
"You're just mad you didn't think of it!"
"No I'm not, I'm just saying!"
"Yes you are!"
"No-"
"Ikki, your brother is only trying to help please don't." Pema sighed seeing the girl stick her tongue out a bit petulantly before looking down evidently not really meaning it.
She turned her eyes over to Meelo.
"Well Meelo, I'm glad to see you expanding your horizons."
'Even if it is more morbid than I would like.' She added internally, about to question him more before she paused.
…lap
"Well it isn't like I wanted to. Dad forced me to read…mom what's wrong?"
"Shhh." The woman hushed both children as she held Rohan tighter before concentrating on the faint sound.
It took some time but eventually the woman realized she wasn't hearing things as the near imperceptible flapping came again.
"Kids. Get your sister we need to leave now," The woman whispered looking over to her children with nervousness seeing them sweating along with her, obviously hearing exactly what she did.
The kids looked at each other before nodding quickly.
"Yes mom," She turned away, seeing them scrambling before looking at the metal latch on the window as she made up her mind.
Getting up rocking her youngest hoping to keep him quiet she neared the window as the room fell into a brief uneasy silence.
Her eyes quickly cut across the room seeing the lamp tremble before her eyes darted all along the walls seeing portrait shake like a earthquake was-
"What the heck is going on?!" Meelo shouted, unable to take it before he was answered.
*Creak*
Everyone froze, acutely feeling the weight that landed on top of the roof akin to a flying bison.
After only being able to hear her heart for a second Pema immediately began shuffling the children out and shited Rohan into his back holder, cursing that she hadn't immediately followed Tenzin to Republic City.
Trying to ignore whatever it was she was only able to barely push them out into the hallway before she glanced back terrified hearing the window open loudly.
'Nononono-'
About to slam the door behind her and scream for help breaking her silence wondering why no one had seen such a large thing she paused as her eyes opened wide.
'What in-'
Ha ha ha ha
It was a monkey adorned with…feathers and wings of all things and that wouldn't be too strange if it wasn't glowing blue and green. It gasped like a dog dying, as golden light escaped its form causing it to…shrink?
'A spirit willingly showing itself?! Is this Unalaq's?!'
She didn't stay to find out. Who knew if more was coming?
The family hurriedly took off, as Pema looked down to her children who were obviously slowing down for her.
'I'm going to regret this but-'
"Ikki! Do you remember the bell back home?!"
The girl looked up quickly with shining eyes. "Do you mean the one dad always rings and you're always complaining that it's too loud!?"
The woman barely refrained from rolling her eyes.
"The very same! Do you think you can-"
"You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this moment!" The girl cheered, shoving the lower half of Jinora into Meelo's hands as his face turned red in strain before quickly boosting forward and pushing away from her family.
'Wait where did she get that?!' Pema's eyes widened seeing the strangely shaped wooden whistle that looked awfully a lot like-
"Mom, get down!" The fart master immediately dropped to the floor pulling her down as Ikki took a deep breath.
Right after a massive brief wave of wind blew past them easily ruffling their clothes as Pema huddled down struggling to close her eyes.
'My goodness!' The woman hugged Rohan as she shielded her eyes, feeling the wave of wind finally calming down.
As her hair went back down from the wind she looked up seeing her daughter on her back panting with a wide smile.
"Ikki what-?"
"They're coming!" The girl didn't explain at all simply saying so as the girl looked out the window with anticipation.
"They?" Pema mumbled before her eyes widened hearing the responding roar that was audible from even here.
"The bison?! It was a bison whistle! Great thinking Ikki!"
"Huhu!" The girl puffed her chest before immediately deflating, going back to catching her breath.
The woman glanced back down the hall seeing nothing coming as the bison herd led by what she knew as Ikki's Cinnamon Fluffybutt.
"Quickly now and be careful!" Pema took Jinora from Meelo as they boarded the bison under the window.
Pema's turn soon came as she gently rested down Jinora before reaching out to give Rohan to Ikki. As she passed him over the woman bent picking up Jinora before climbing out of the window carefully.
"Is everyone settled in? I'm ready to take off!" Gripping the reins the woman adjusted them about to take off and try to warn the guards before she got a shock of a lifetime.
"I don't think everyone is settled in…." Meelo's awe filled voice echoed as Pema looked back confused.
"What is it-"
…
Pema stopped and blinked thrice but no, the monkey bird spirit was still on top of the bison, its face completely unamused as it waved a letter around making typical monkey sounds.
The family watched in shock as it shoved the letter into Ikki's hands before jumping off the bison dive bombing.
"Oooo ooo ah ahhhhhh."
10 seconds later it was completely out of sight gliding off into the sun.
"...huh, that was anticlimactic." Meelo succinctly summarized as everyone nodded in agreement, still dazed.
Ikki's attention shifted to the letter in her hand as she slowly opened it in front of the eyes of her family. Her eyes bulged as they slowly scrolled down more and more before reaching the end.
"What's the matter? This seems a bit familiar too." Pema took the letter as Ikki wordlessly gave it to her looking on with wide eyes, glancing to and forth at Jinora.
"Naruto what is he-" Pema's eyes scanned over the letter even quicker than her daughter had coming to a full stop.
"Hey! I want to know too! What's in the letter?!" Making sure to support the baby's head he tried moving over before the letter was closed.
Reaching up, tying her hair back into a bun Pema quickly decided on a course of action. The young man seemed to be a person of character so she did not judge the situation negatively at all. There was no way he would know the state of her daughter either having been gone so long ago. Not to mention Tenzin was in Republic city too so-
"Woah!" Paying no mind to the exclamations of surprise, Pema turned her eyes at the supplies loaded on the bison before glancing at the other idly flying ones before pulling at the reins making sure to take care of Rohan on her back.
With a roar the bison ascended into the sky and made a straight line towards republic city as the herd followed.
Taking one last look back to make sure everyone was fine the woman looked forward as her eyes narrowed.
'Don't worry baby! Mama's coming!'
"Wait mom, we're leaving Aunt Kya!"
'Whoopsie.'
(Break)
"So what's the plan of action Korra? Are we just going to sit here as Unalaq regroups with his tail between his legs? If this was Nuktuk-!"
"Well it isn't Bolin! This is real life not fantasy acting! Please drop the act. It's annoying." Korra lifted her eyes up watching as Mako sighed, loosening the collar of his shirt before he glanced at both her and Asami nervously.
'Now what does that mean?' Korra sipped her drink with narrowed eyes feeling the memories come back slowly. She of course didn't say anything yet, not until she had a clear picture.
She was learning slowly that jumping in without knowing everything was just a recipe for disaster.
The Glowing Lotus, a restaurant that they had agreed to meet at while Tenzin spoke to Raiko about the threat they had faced. She had of course offered to take the lead having first hand experience but-
Flinching at the thought, Korra looked down remembering his face when she had told him she didn't even have the slightest clue where his child was. She had thought she had seen him at his angriest and perhaps she did.
Yet she would prefer him looking at her like that instead of the almost dead look he gave when she explained. Oh he acted perfectly fine and didn't treat her different at all but-
'I can feel the gulf between us. It hurts.' She could only comfort herself that everyone else didn't look at her like the failure she was feeling like.
"Korra." Tensing her body so she didn't twitch, heavy blue eyes looked into strained green ones and the Avatar wondered what she did for her friend to look at her like that.
"Don't worry. We'll find her okay? Stop beating yourself up about it. One step at a time."
'...' Looking away from Asami she shook her head with a sigh feeling that awful temper flare. What the hell did she know?
"Oh? And how exactly? I wouldn't even be able to tell you where to even start, let alone be able to help! That's not even including Unalaq and his army who's no doubt waiting for me to mess up again! What if he finds her before we do?! He's far far more intune with his spiritual side than me! Hell, everyone seems to be more spiritual than me nowadays! Damn, I can't even put him down when I try my hardest that slippery little-!"
The table rattled as a fist slammed down, shaking the utensils.
Breathing roughly the girl clenched her fist feeling the walls closing in as her failures bombarded her. How great it would have been if her bending had come back a little bit sooner during that fight! She would pinned him down so easily along with her new spirit friend.
"Woah. Calm down there Korra! It isn't as bad as you're making it out to be! Nowhere near as bad!" The spiraling thoughts were put to a hold as a hand engulfed her fist.
Looking up she saw the stern look on her friend's face as she stared her down clearly demanding for her to explain.
Mako and Bolin glanced at each other as they moved away from the heated atmosphere that seemed like it would explode.
"And what do you mean by that exactly?! How is this not the absolute worst it can get?"
"Well for starters you kicked your uncle's ass didn't you?" Korra looked away with an angry blush as Asami tried using logic on her.
Spoilers it was super effective.
"So what?! He'll just be back and probably even more annoying than before!" She grit out daring her to object.
"True but how will his troops feel seeing their lauded leader licking his wounds from your battle?" Korra reluctantly conceded that point.
"Also I doubt he'll be in any shape to pursue you especially considering this….Harmonic Convergence is ending soon? His plans should be unraveled and the nations should be able to pursue him for his crimes." Asami mused clearly, still unfamiliar with everything.
Korra was nodding along before her eyes widened realizing she was being pacified.
"Noo! Does it matter? I still have to go back to help my dad! Don't forget they are still fighting a civil war. Who knows what had happened by now?!" Korra felt a nervous breath at the thought but decided to have faith in her father.
Until she got there anyway. Then she was about to kick some-
"Okayyyy? Yet in that same vein, didn't you also stop the literal embodiment of evil from descending and plunging the world into darkness? You closed both portals didn't you? That counts for something doesn't it? Why are you being so hard on yourself-"
Korra's eyebrows furrowed as she couldn't even be happy about that but still there was something more important to be addressed first-
"Actually Vaatu is a spirit of darkness and chaos, not exactly evil…." She rolled her eyes hearing Asami's sassy whisper of "tomayto, tomahto,"
"And I'm not really sure-" Korra grunted reluctantly, not having informed anyone yet on the strange feeling she had.
Asami's eyes widened. "Right. Explain what you meant by that now! I thought we were nearly done with this barring Jinora!"
"I'm just saying something feels weird about it. I can't really explain it but ughh." Korra shook her head as Bolin, who had a horrified look on his face, finally spoke.
"Yeah Korra we are going to need a bit more than that because if I'm understanding correctly." Placing his hands on the table to make his point better he pointed to each finger.
"You successfully entered the spirit-" He glanced at her as she nodded confirming it.
"Okay, you did that, you met Iroh which is super cool by the way! Got some kind of phoenix-
"Dragon bird spirit." Mako corrected.
"Dragon bird spirit," Bolin glared at him before moving on. "You found Unalaq, realized he was up to no good trying to get you to open the portal,-"
"Err…Bolin we don't really need a recap." Asami politely stopped him with a strained smile as he slumped before she glanced at Korra.
"Though I am intrigued. How did you get your bending back Korra? I thought you had to enter the portals physically? Well from what you said anyway?" Though they tried to look normal she could see the curiosity in all three pairs of eyes before she opened her mouth.
"No clue."
"No-"
"Clue?!" All three of them at the table echoed as Korra crossed her arms looking down before nodding.
"Yeah, it's weird but I felt like I was getting stronger…well not stronger but more corporeal the longer I was there. Like something was slowly giving me my body or bending back? Then it all came to head during the fight. Does that make sense?"
"No not at all but I get what you mean. Do you think this would affect anyone? Did anything look strange while you were there?" Mako questioned seriously as Korra looked at him with a deadpan.
"Gee- I'm sure I could tell considering I've only been there once." Giggling at the startled look on his face she closed her eyes trying to remember it all.
It went by so fast so it was a bit hazy but-
"You know, now that you mention it Iroh did say something was changing in the spirit world. He looked a bit spooked about it too. I wonder what that was about?"
"Ah well I'm sure it won't mean anything in the long run. Now let's dig in! I've been starving!" Bolin quickly hand waved all that nonsense away as he picked up his utensils about to dig in.
Korra was about to follow his lead having been famished herself before she paused turning her head upwards seeing the flying bison landing.
'Tenzin? Are he and Raiko finished? No wait, that isn't Tenzin!'
"What!?" Korra got up on her feet immediately seeing the herd of bison flying above in the sky.
"Guys! I'll catch up with you all more later when I've got to go!" Not sparing any more time to their exclamations the girl flipped over the table before quickly dashing out the store and into the busy road.
"Crap, they are fast! What's the hurry?!" Boosting herself forward with a gust of wind Korra propelling over the cars as she kept her eyes on the herd trying to make out exactly who-
Beep beep
"Hey spitfire! Get inside, let's follow them!"
"Always ready for action huh Asami?!" The Avatar smiled widely, sending an arm to the side pushing herself with a gust over to the car
Oof
"Follow that Bison herd!"
"Of course! Right after you put on your seat belt." The green eyed beauty swerved through traffic expertly as they quickly came up upon the bison.
"Do I have to?"
"Yes!"
"Tsk!"
Leaning forward in the mobile Korra tried glimpsing whoever was on the leading bison but she most certainly didn't have eagle vision.
"Any clue yet of our friends yet?! We're coming up on them soon!" A particular wide swing caused the duo to slide to the left of the car harshly.
Catching herself Korra shook her head. "I recognize the bison herd now but still can't figure it out!"
"Well you better put on your thinking cap because we are here!" The roar of the bison group nearly drowned out her voice along with the siren of their newer friends tailing behind them no doubt the republic city police force.
'They are going to Air Temple Island, this must be Pema, Ikki, Meelo and Kya right?' Korra's eyebrows furrowed as they came up onto the body of water at the pier, stopping completely.
"You need to decide quickly. I got to lose these guys off my trail." Pushing a lock of hair back Asami pursed her lips as she glanced back seeing the flashing lights get closer.
"...on a scale of 1-10 how mad would you be if I grabbed you and flew upwards?"
"Korra, how is this even relevant to the situation at hand!?"
"Just answer!" Korra quickly pushed seeing Asami sigh.
"Ugh I don't know 5 eeeeeee!" The statement turned into a long drawn out scream as Korra gripped Asami by her high color before jumping off the pier.
'I'll apologize later!' The teen ignored the screaming and flailing of limbs as she curved her free arm around bending a vortex of water upwards propelling them forward towards the Bison.
"Made it! Now-" Reaching up and landing on one of the bison at the back Korra bent her knees.
Asami catching herself was just about to rip into the girl before her lungs were busy screaming as they ascended into the air again.
And again.
And again.
And again!
'I think I'm going to be sick!' The woman's face took on a green tint matching her eyes as they began swirling and her body went limp.
She was not built for this!
"You'll be fine! Or not-" Korra's face was sheepish hearing her friend barf up chunks as she looked away reaching the nearest bison to the leader.
"Hey guys! Make space for us!" She shouted watching as the family's head whipped back quickly taking on a surprised look.
"Korra! What on earth are you doing here!?" Kya shouted over the raging winds clearly befuddled.
Korra bent one last time seeing them already moving to the side before with a heaving jump she soared barely assisted with bending before landing with a thump.
Resting down Asami in her lap as Kya healed her she looked around spotting Jinora as she spoke.
"I should be asking you that? I thought you guys would be back right behind us and why are you going so fast won't you rustle… " She trailed off.
"Korra? There's been a change in plans: we're transporting Jinora somewhere that should be able to help her. Do you remember-"
"What! What do you mean by help her?! How will they, I mean who, what, where-"
Slap
"Ow! Meelo!" The Avatar growled, holding her stinging cheek looking towards the sheepish kid who pulled his hand back.
"What? You were babbling!"
Taking in a deep breath so as not to punt the punk she decided to be the bigger person for now.
"Do I remember?"
"The blonde young man you met when you came to tell us about Unalaq?"
Korra's mind blanked for a second before she quickly identified what she meant. It was hard to forget the only blonde she had ever seen ever and his unique look.
"Naruto. The one with the cute kids right?"
"The very same." Kya nodded, taking over as Asami came to.
"Apparently he and Jinora share the same talent for spirits. He had kept it a secret as Jinora herself hadn't revealed it yet but-?"
Korra's face hardened.
"But what? He isn't in on this right?! In fact, how would he even know Jinora's state if he wasn't? Is he working for Unalaq?!" The teen was loathe to even suggest it but
"Korra, stop. He said he found Jinora at his home! That's why he sent the letter to us telling us to come and get her, however we're looking for Tenzin because he seems to have forgotten to put an address!"
"H-he found Jinora but she's-" Korra glanced wide eyed at the still girl who Kya went back to stabilizing.
"I don't know. I really don't but…" Pema sighed looking away as she slowed the bison.
"-we don't have any other options and there's no way he should even know her condition or that she's without her spirit so I'm inclined to believe him! He's been a kind young man in the time that I knew him so there's no problem in having faith in him!"
Korra frowned, seeing the unbending look in the woman's eyes feeling like she should say something before a hand on her shoulder from her friend finally settled it for her.
A combination of shame and guilt stopped the girl from speaking her true thoughts on the matter as she smirked, deciding to judge the situation herself. Nice and close.
"Well if you're looking for Tenzin I think I can find someone who knows where he is. Now if you would excuse me."
As she took the reins from Pema directing Cinnamon Fluffybutt away from air temple island, Korra decided that she would see this entire thing through.
If the cute guy was telling the truth then great. She was sure they'd be great friends.
If not? Well she had a lot of steam that needed burning off.
'Heh.'
(Break)
"Come inside." The woman fixed her family portrait that had a certain face blurred out before she got back to her papers.
"Chief, there are two reports that should be made to your notice!" The voice uttered as soon as the door closed.
"Speak."
"We're getting a report about a strange unidentifiable creature hovering over the border of the North of Republic city staying out of sight." The officer spoke as he sat inside the woman's office unfolding a folder before placing the document on the table.
Lin Beifong looked up, her face flat. "Again? Just yesterday we got reports of an unidentifiable creature the size of a cruiser speeding out of the Loufu District. Just send it to the detectives and let them deal with it."
The officer's face turned strange but he nodded before reporting the next.
"Along with that our men have reported seeing a water tribe vessel…also patrolling our borders. They have tried to make contact but nothing has gotten through. What should we do?"
That got the woman's attention as she paused feeling her heart beat faster.
'Unalaq. It seems this isn't over Tenzin.'
"Be more specific. There are two main water tribes, which does the vessel belong to and are you sure they only saw one?" Placing down the pen and sitting up the woman crossed her arms over her bust as she spoke.
"Only one chief! It's a northern water tribe vessel as well. A cruiser!"
"..." Lin looked down in thought. This wasn't a coincidence. With all these spirit shannagains and Unalaq tomfoolery about , there was no doubt that they had come for the Avatar who had escaped.
'But only one vessel? What could they be planning? They can't possibly think they can take the avatar with such a pathetic force right? I can also only assume that the unidentifiable creature is a spirit.' The woman hadn't ordered an attack on the being clearly knowing they had the naval and aerial superiority as only bending could harm them.
She also was reluctant to order the task force to go out and exterminate it as that would be an overreaction to something so simple.
However with the appearance of the ship playing fence sitter was no longer an option.
"Send 2 squads to destroy the unidentifiable creature and the vessel as well if they don't respond. We can't have any threats to Republic City. Not now." The woman got a nod as the officer got up before leaving.
Left to her own thoughts the woman seriously contemplated taking a long awaited vacation. Ever since this Avatar showed up this city had been amuck of problems, though perhaps not the stubborn girl's fault.
Still it looked like war was coming on their door steps no matter how much Raiko tried to avoid it.
"Haah-" Smacking her lips the woman decided to finish up for tonight. With the situation boiling over the time in which she could sleep was far too little. She had to be aware at every moment.
"You have got to be kidding me." Lin's face twisted in mild annoyance hearing the hurried steps towards her office, however her face quickly became serious as she sensed it was Tenzin who was dashing to her office quickly.
'I'd remember those light footsteps anywhere! Why is he in such a hurry!' She got up fixing her clothes as the Airbender busted into the door looking far more ruffled than she had seen before.
"Lin! There is a situation of paramount importance that I need your assistance with!"
"What is it Tenzin? Is the Avatar in trouble again?" The woman got up, her tone deadly serious as the man quickly shook his head.
Stumped, the woman wondered what the hell else it could be.
"No! Even worse!"
The woman barely held in her gasp. Would could be worse than the damn Avatar being in trouble.
"Well! Tell me then!"
"I need your help locating a young man who moved here recently! We can't waste any time!"
"I see! Then let me see what I can….what." The woman's face crumpled in confusion as she looked at the completely serious Airbender.
Did her ex finally go insane?
(Break)
"Are the preparations done…Unalaq."
Moving into a low bow, Unalaq responded immediately.
"Yes Vaatu. The main forces have been prepared, the spirits have been gathered all together and are ready to leave at a moment's notice. At your command that is."
A suffocating silence descended as the man looked down feeling a sweat accumulated at his brow. He was far from the man he once was. Even with the premier healing of his tribe's best, his arm was still bandaged, not fully healed, his torso as well having been licked with flames by the rabid Avatar.
His hair was cut shorter from its longer length having also been singed.
Luckily all injuries were easily hidden with a slight of hand as he retreated to figure out how to salvage everything. For he had lost to the Avatar and his goal completely stopped, never to be fulfilled until 10,000 years later when Harmonic Convergence came again.
And yet…. the spirit of chaos that rested above him told him not all was lost…yet.
"Acceptable. It only took you until now." The spirit muttered in discontent as it shifted on the decorative stand.
Feeling the heavy presence lighten up, Unalaq glanced up.
The towering spirit had shrunk to but a mere fraction of his size. It's form was wispy as if about to dissipate at any moment as streams of red left its form. However the powerful emotions radiating from it told him that it would take hell on earth to get it to leave.
"You have failed Unalaq. Despite your maneuvering, your research, your superior spiritual prowess and resources you failed. Even without her bending you failed." The spirit didn't sound mad and yet Unalaq in his depression took it as so.
"My sincere apologies Vaatu! However the Avatar is no easy foe, even without her bending prowess! Not only that the companion she brought-
"Enough. I do not blame you. I know your devotion is true. It is not your own doing that you have failed. No, it is the anomaly that allowed the Avatar the ability to tap into her own power to best you. Temporarily changing the very fabric of the spirit world. Perhaps permanently. Luckily it also worked out in my favor. The spiritual energy was enough for me to…" The spirit sounded as if he was contemplating as he spoke a long ethereal tail touching where Unalaq assumed its chin was.
"Anomaly?" Unalaq questioned flinching at the pain in his arm as he shifted.
The spirit ignored him clearly thinking it wasn't worth its time.
Unable to take the silence he questioned lowly.
"I do not understand Vaatu why we are pursuing the Avatar at this point. She knows what she needs to do to stop your release and she is surrounded by many that will protect her. Shouldn't we wait and recop? You have slipped from your prison so-Ghkk!" The scheming bender choked as a tail elongated before grabbing him by his throat.
"I have waited 10,000 years to be free. 10,000." The spirit spoke softly as if it couldn't believe it as Unalaq's eyes turned red as he tried not to get his throat crushed.
"10,000 years and YOU THINK I'LL WAIT FOR ANOTHER MILLENNIA TO BE FREE?! YOU THINK THIS PUNY FORM WILL LAST FOR MORE THAN A GNATS BREATH!?" Smashing him into a wall injuring him more as the man grunted Unalaq saw stats as the simmering spirit spoke.
"NEVER SPEAK SUCH FOOLISHNESS AGAIN! I obviously have a plan as to why you need to go to this… Republic city! And it doesn't necessarily have to do with the avatar! You simply follow my instructions and my unveiling will be at hand! Now get up and show me what we are working with!"
Struggling to his feet, his mind stunned at what he told, the man kneeled, sticking out his hand as the spirit slid on it.
Walking outside glancing at his pale face children he raised his hands with spirit in them as it surveyed the pitch black sky.
"Perfect." The spirit nearly purred as the massive lines of spirits showed themselves to him. It didn't matter where they were big or small, weak or strong, the inky blot of darkness that covered the entire camp showed the spirit that he may have a chance at freeing himself before he eventually dissipated.
Whether it was the ground or the sky they covered everything only occasionally replaced with a human as the ansty spirits looked towards Vaatu who chuckled loudly.
Soon his form grew in stature until he was towering everything. His form was covered in deep malevolence as he fed off the negative emotions surrounding him.
Everything went quiet as the massive spirit revealed himself. Not even a peep was heard as the already unsure humans nearly shat themselves.
"You all have been brought together to bring a New Era upon this planet. An Era that will bring opportunity to both human and spirit in equal measure! You humans may not understand yet but no matter just know you will be rewarded for your sacrifice…" The spirit wheezed as the expenditure caught up to him forcing him back into his feeble form.
"Do not speak. Just begin the march. Our time winds down." The spirit commanded as he was caught by Unalaq who again glanced at the horrified faces all around him.
Including Eska and Desna.
The spirit had seriously underestimated exactly how that scene would be taken in.
'Dammit!'
(Break)
"Daddy stop moving! I'm doing your hair like her!" Naruto sighed feeling the fist bop his head as he felt his hair being pulled harshly.
The Uzumaki and his kids were sitting in their pajamas on the balcony as the clearly unnatural moon that shouldn't even be out tonight was shining on them in full with a full moon out.
The Uzumaki father had sensed their little guest as his children had too obviously having their own skill in Spirits. When he had tried sending them to bed he had the unique experience of being on the end of two equally powerful puppy dog eyes.
Spoiler. He fell like wet cardboard.
Still Naruto was more than a little uncomfortable by it as his shoulders were used as footstools by his little girl considering the last moon relevant enemy he faced.
However that was washed away as he felt another type of annoyance glancing to the side with a stink eye at the admittedly melodious giggle that lit up the outdoor area.
"The hell are you laughing about miss 'I'll just up and leave without any explanation?'" That got the beautiful woman's face to contort as she sniffed.
"I'm not allowed to enjoy myself then?"
Naruto glanced at her with a deadpan before looking down at Boruto who was obediently allowing the woman to braid his hair in what he recognized as a water tribe's patented braid.
The traitor.
He looked back up seeing her look away clearly knowing what he was about to say.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself quite fine without using me to your expense…whoever you are."
"You can use my name, can you not? It is only polite."
"Hard to do when rude people don't introduce themselves."
He felt satisfied seeing her eyes open as if just realizing before they narrowed.
"Why are you being so passive aggressive with me? Have I done something to earn this ire?"
"I should be asking you that, shouldn't I?" The Uzumaki shot back, not at all losing out. Man he was on his snarky game tonight!
"You…haaa-" She took a deep breath out as if she was the one whom was wronged before she straightened her back a bit clearly putting on an act to any experienced person.
"Allow me to be the bigger person and-
"Bigger people don't say they are-" Naruto immediately interrupted before being boinked by his own flesh and blood.
The traitor! The lot of them!
The woman smiled happily at the little girl seeing the scene before she brought her eyes back to the Uzumaki.
"Like I was saying. You may call me….call me uhm." The family watched mind boggled as they had the unique experience of watching someone struggle to tell their own name.
"Hey? Do you need help or-
"Tui! You may call me Tui! Yes, that's it!" She cheered before blushing as the family stared at her in suprised before they clapped for her all together.
"Wah such a bad liar!" Himawari giggled as she balanced on her legs.
"Really really bad! Lying is bad! Dad said so!" Boruto nodded with his hands folded as Naruto sat back crossing his legs with a smirk seeing the woman's surprised face.
"Heh? Lying to kids? That's a new low. Personally, could never be me." Naruto reveled in the small victory as the woman squirmed clearly unable to take being branded as a liar by his kids.
3 pairs of blue eyes blinked watching as the woman squirmed clearly trying to fight something before slumping.
"It is not a lie actually but perhaps it is? I have never quite assimilated into this role…" She whispered as Naruto wondered what the hell could make someone so difficult over a name.
Damn was she crazy? He had enough crazy to last a lifetime honestly.
Still for some reason he paid a lot of attention as she finally told him her true name looking him in the eyes the entire time.
"You, Uzumaki Naruto may call me Yui and I have been watching your arrival ever since you found yourself in our world."
Naruto nodded having already figured it out as he stretched forward.
"Well nice to meet Yui. You can call me Naruto and can you tell me why the moon is always out when you come?" He waved his hand as Himawari fell forward gripping his head to keep balance.
The woman looked at it strangely before glancing at his eyes. After a bit she took it and shook it strongly.
"Perhaps you wouldn't believe me even if I told you, whisk- Naruto."
"You sure you've been watching me for so long?"
"... your point has been taken into consideration."