Chapter 36
"Fret not, young warrior," a voice echoed around Sota in the cold darkness. His eyes opened, not sure of what he expected to see, but a glowing woman was not it.
Her hair was white as freshly fallen snow and her skin emitted a warm light that Sota wished he could move toward. Instead, she moved to him, her hands warm as they touched his cheeks. Her eyes were a familiar blue, immediately telling him that she was of Water Tribe descent.
She smiled at him and said, "Your journey has only just begun."
"Who is this?" he thought groggily. "Is…this a spirit?"
"I am a spirit, but I am also a friend," she smiled, answering his question before bringing a hand to his head and touching in the center. "You've proven yourself to be a true warrior of the Water Tribe, and the time to prove it again will come soon. But for now, you must go; everyone is waiting for you."
Drifting away, Sota watched, saddened for the loss of the light as she grew further away. He didn't know why, but something about her reminded him of the feeling he felt when the Moon was out. The pull that was drawing him to her left him aching for his bending, but the woman only smiled wider.
"All will be right soon. And please, Sota, when you see Katara, give her my regards," she told him, surprising the boy. She knew his Master? His body gave a soft glow before she departed, leaving him with the words, "I'll see you again soon," as he closed his eyes and vanished into the darkness again.
It'd been three days since the fall of Amon and the reclaiming of the city had begun. The word spread fast about his true identity, leading to the fall of the Equalist movement. Many of the Chi-Blockers ran into hiding, but a large number turned themselves in after releasing the police.
The morning was bright as the Sun peaked over the mountains on to the city. The was water perfect, as if the ocean itself was celebrating the freedom Republic City, making it easy for the seven fleet ships to make their way through Yue Bay.
On the docks of Air Temple Island, Tenzin smiled happily as he stood with Pema, Rohan in her hands. Meelo had climbed on his shoulders to see his little brother, a smile on his face, while Ikki sat on top of Naga just behind her father to get a better view.
At the edge near the ship that waited for them were Korra, Mako, Bolin, Asami and Lin.
"I can't believe Amon got you too," Lin said sadly as she held Korra's shoulders. "And Sota…"
"Hey, at least you unlocked your Airbending," Bolin offered, trying to help lighten the mood on the situation. Mako, Asami and Lin looked at him in disapproval, but Korra gave him a small smile of appreciation.
"Bro, not the time," Mako said before turning to Asami. "Where are the girls?"
"Already on the ship. They're taking it about as well as you can," she said, looking at the boat before a horn rang out in the distance.
Turning, they were greeted with the sight of a large fleet ship cutting through the water with ease. The ship was painted in shades of red, green, dark blue and gold, representing the United Republic with a large golden dragon figure at the front. A man in a red uniform, similar to Iroh's, stood on the dragon's head, his wild hair failing around in the wind. A large smile was on his face as his blue eyes shined, and as he pulled up to the island, he let out a wild cheer of enthusiasm.
"WA-HOO!" Commander Bumi cheered, clapping his hands loudly.
"Yay! Uncle Bumi's here!" Ikki cheered, though her father didn't seem to share her excitement.
"Great. Now I have to entertain my brother," Tenzin said with a sigh before turning to Korra, seeing the sad look on her face. "You saved Republic City."
"But Amon got away," she said. "And Sota-" before she could finish, a loud cheer came from their ship, drawing their attention to the deck where Jinora stood, smiling widely.
"Korra, come quick!" she called out, waving her up. "It's Sota!"
The sound of a horn rocked Sota's eardrums, a throb of pain shaking through his head that elated a groan from him. This, of course, only set off a chain reaction as next he felt his back and insides throb, as well as one his arms and legs. He knew for sure this time that he was still alive but was regretting it right now.
"Uh…" he whined, struggling to move when he heard something fall near him.
"Sota! You're awake!" Mai-Ling said in relief as she jumped up, knocking her chair over. Tears of joy came to her eyes at his reawakening. "Guys, he's awake!"
"He's awake?" Jun cried, opening the door with Jinora right behind her. Smiles came to their faces as she ran in while Jinora ran for the deck to tell everyone the news. "Sota!"
"Mai-Ling? Jun?" he asked weakly, finally opening his eyes. The room looked like it was a small ship cabin, the light from the bay reflecting into the room. The shine was too intense, forcing him to close his eyes again as he groaned in pain. "Ugh."
"Quick, get the pain medicine," Jun instructed, pointing to one of the bottles on the bedside. Mai-Ling did as instructed, pouring some of its contents into a cup before handing it to Jun. The Earthbender accepted the cup and brought it to his lips. "Drink it slow."
Sota did as he was told, opening his mouth and allowing her to feed him the medicine. The taste was bitter, making him want to spit it out, but he resisted and swallowed.
"Gross," he said, turning away from the window and into the direction his friends' voices came from. Opening his eyes, he was greeted with the smiles of the two. Various bandages covered their body, prompting him to ask, "What happened to you two?"
"Us? You're the one lying in bed right now unable to move, and you're worried about us?" Jun asked with a shake of her head and a laugh. "For goodness sakes, Waterboy."
"Sota!" Korra cried out, rushing into the room. Her smile was wide as she rushed over, dropping to her knees next to the bed. "You're finally awake."
"Korra," he said back, a weak smile on his face. "You're ok."
"Me? You look like you just went toe to toe with a Platypus Bear," she shook her head while lightly stroking his forehead with her thumb. "I'm so glad you're ok."
"Define ok," he said, looking down at his blanket covered body. His left wrist was in a small cast, and Sota could feel the binding of another on his left ankle. "What happened to me?"
"You crashed into the water after falling out of a plane," Mai-Ling explained, causing Sota's eyes to go wide as he looked at her.
"I did WHAT?" he asked in disbelief before turning back to his sister who had a smirk on her face. "How long have I been unconscious?"
"Just over 3 days. Shu said that the plane was going down and that he was stuck before you saved him, but that you got knocked off the plane into the water," Korra explained. "Luck must have been on your side because the plane hit the water before you did and softened it some before you hit."
"Ugh, of all the people to end up bedridden for, why did I pick that loser!?" he growled, eye twitching in frustration that caused Mai-Ling to snort out a laugh.
"Told you he'd be pissed when you told him," Jun gloated as Korra rolled her eyes.
"Be grateful. Shu spent an hour searching the water for you before you came back floating on a block of ice," Korra told him, watching his expression change.
"A block of ice? But how?" he asked.
"We were hoping you might know. Do you remember anything or remember seeing anyone?" Korra asked. Sota leaned his head back in thought, trying to sort through the fuzzy memories.
"Wait!" he said suddenly, eyes wide before he turned to his sister. "There was someone. A woman. She had white hair and was glowing, but everything was moving around her like water. She said she was a spirit."
"You saw a spirit? What did it say to you?" Mai-Ling asked in excitement.
"She said that I proved myself as a warrior," he smiled, a sense of pride in him. "And that you guys were waiting for me. She also mentioned Master Katara."
"Katara?" Korra asked, a light seeming to ignite in her eyes for a moment. "Then…maybe it was a sign."
"What do you mean?" he asked, though when all three girls mood dropped, he got a bad feeling. "What happened?"
"I…I lost my bending. Most of it, anyway," Korra said before holding her hand out and creating a small tornado of wind above her palm. "I finally figured out how to Airbend though, but it was only after I'd lost the other elements."
"Korra," Sota said sadly as he reached out to put his hand in hers. "I'm don't know what to say."
"It's alright," she told him, putting on a brave smile. "We're about to set sail to head home. We're hoping Katara can help, so if that spirit mentioned her…maybe there's still hope for us."
"Home…back to the South Pole…" he said, a grimace coming to his face. "Mom and Dad are gonna freak out when they see me."
"They sure are," Korra agreed with a nervous smile as she stood and started to make her way toward the door. Creeping behind it in preparation to close it, she said, "You should probably know that Tenzin's already sent them a message…and explained your condition. So best get yourself prepared because you know how Mom gets."
The sound of the door closing sent his heart thumping as he played the various different lectures his parents were no doubt preparing him for in his head.
"I'm starting to wish I had died out there," he said, concerning his friends.
"Well, maybe it won't be so bad," Mai-Ling said, trying her best to help and ease the worry as he started turning pale in panic. "Don't forget, you helped save the city. You're a hero."
"A hero who ran away from home without telling them… got kidnapped…lost his bending…and is now returning home bedridden after nearly dying via drowning in a plane explosion…"
"Twice. You got kidnaped," Jun corrected with her arms crossed, receiving a glare from Mai-Ling. Shrugging, she asked, "What? If we're being honest here, it's only fair that we correct the record. I didn't even mention the fact that he got arrested."
"They're gonna feed me to the Owl Wolves…" he said, head falling back as his eyes rolled back into it. Foam started pouring from his mouth, elating screams of distress from the two as they scrambled to help him.
Korra could feel the anxiety growing in her stomach as the ship pulled into port of her home. Her parents, as well as Katara, stood on the dock with smiles on their faces upon seeing her.
"Korra!" Her mother cried out happily as the plank was dropped, allowing them access to the ship. Senna was up the walkway and enveloping her daughter in a hug in seconds, and Korra returned the hug happily. "You're finally here."
"It's good to see you, Mom," she told her, looking up as Tonraq reached her as well. Holding her hand out, Tonraq gripped her forearm before pulling her into a hug that lifted her off her feet. "I missed you, Dad."
"I missed you too, sweetheart," he told her as Mako, Bolin and Asami walked up with Pabu and Naga. The Polar Bear Dog ran up to the couple, nearly knocking them over in her excitement as she licked them. With a laugh, he said, "It's good to see you too, Naga."
"I can tell you've grown a lot in your time away," Katara said as she made her way onto the boat to hug Korra. "It's so good to have you back, Korra."
"Katara…" Korra started to say, but the elder woman squeezed her tighter before letting go and looking to the three other teenagers. Following her gaze, she said, "Mom, Dad, these are my friends. Everyone, these are Tonraq and Senna, my parents, and Master Katara, my Waterbending Master."
"Mako, and it's an honor to meet you, sir," the Firebender said, shaking Tonraq's hand before the man moved on to Bolin. "And this is my brother."
"Whoo, it sure is cold! Bolin, and it's a real pleasure to meet Korra and Sota's parents," he said as Pabu sniffed Tonraq's hand before giving it a lick. Turning to Katara, the boy's energy nearly doubled in excitement. "It is SUCH an honor to meet you, ma'am! The stories about you do NOT do you justice."
"Nice to meet you. Korra's letters told us all much about you," Katara said, bowing to him in appreciation. Reaching out, she gently stroked Pabu's head. "Hello there. And who might you be?"
"This Pabu. He and Naga have become sort of best friends," the boy boasted, receiving a laugh from her.
"Korra, where is your brother?" Senna asked, wanting anxiously to see her son as she looked around at the various crewmen onboard. "I don't see him anywhere."
"He's down in his cabin resting. My cousins are keeping him company," Asami said, shaking both parents' hands. "Asami Sato. A pleasure to meet you."
"And you as well. Korra told us about your father. I'm so sorry you had to deal with so much," Senna told her genuinely.
"I appreciate it. Please, this way." She gestured, leading them to the stairs.
Sota was sitting up, body shaking as the smell of ice and sea salt wafted into the room. He didn't need to look out the window to know he was finally back home at the Souith Pole, something he should be excited about. Instead, he felt sick to his stomach, though whether it was from the intensity of his injuries or from fear, he had no clue.
"He looks like he's about to jump out the window," Jun said as she and Mai-Ling sat in their chairs to the left of the bed.
"You're not helping," Mai-Ling chided her.
"And exactly what help do you expect us to provide him?" Before the two could continue bickering, a knock came at the door. The three suddenly looked scared, nervous as the atmosphere became thick with tenson.
"Sota? Mai-Ling? Jun?" Asami called from the other side of the door. There was a pause as she waited for someone to answer. The three pre-teens turned to each other, none of them saying anything or moving an inch toward the door. A frown came to Asami's face as she turned back to everyone. "Maybe they're still asleep?"
"Allow me," Katara said with a smile as she walked up to the door. Knocking with her left hand as she grabbed the doorknob with her right, she said, "Sota. We're coming in whether you're decent or not, so for your sake, I hope you are," before pushing the door open. The boy in question fidgeted in his bed as the girls turned away from him, all three of their faces red though for different reasons.
"Really, Sifu? Of all the things you could say, you picked that?" he mumbled in embarrassment. Jun was trying her hardest not to laugh while Mai-Ling did her best not to look at Sota as her face burned. Looking up, he came face to face with his parents, and his mother looked ready to burst out of her skin with happiness when she saw him. "Hi guys."
"SOTA!" Senna cried out, running up to him and wrapping him in careful hug. He winced, but chuckled, not realizing how much he truly missed his mother's warm embrace.
"So does this mean I'm not in trouble?" he joked as she pulled away, a frown coming to her face as Tonraq came over to him and placed a large hand on his head.
"Oh, you're in trouble alright. You've got quite the list to answer for, young man," he said sternly. Sota turned his eyes away like the chastised child he was but looked up again to see Tonraq smiling at him. "But that all can wait for now. We're just happy that you're safe and sound."
Sota smiled, but it soon dropped from his face as Katara grabbed his ear, pulling it painfully to the surprise of everyone.
"I believe we had an agreement when I assisted you in following your sister. What were the terms I'd set?" she asked him.
"That if I came back injured, maimed or missing any body parts, I'd be doing Hot Squats till the Glacier Spirits Festival," he said with a nervous laugh as she twisted again before letting go.
"Good. Glad to see you remember. Get some rest because you're going to need all of your energy."
"Please, don't blame it all on Sota," Mai-Ling spoke up as she and Jun got to their feet and bowed to the adults. "We're just as much to blame."
"She's right," Jun agreed as they stood back up. "We wouldn't even be here if he hadn't risked his life for us. More than once."
"So, please accept our apologies. We promise to get stronger so that next time, we can protect him," Mai-Ling swore.
"Guys," Sota said, touched not just at the gesture, but by the fact that they cared about him so much. Katara rested a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it.
"It warms my heart to see that you've found such good friends," she told him before moving to the door where Korra watched the reunion with a smile. Grabbing her hand, she said, "Come. Let's get you looked at."
"Wait!" Sota called out to her. "Before you go, there's something important I need to tell you. A spirit came to me, and she mentioned you."
"A spirit mentioned me?" Katara asked, surprised. "What kind of spirit?"
"It was a woman with white hair. She didn't tell me her name, but she mentioned you and said to give you her regards," he said, watching as her eyes widened. "She said she would see me again soon."
"White hair…it couldn't be…" she said as tears came to her eyes. With a smile, she said, "Oh, Yue."
"Yue? As in Princess Yue, the one you used to tell us turned into the Moon Spirit?" Korra asked in total flabbergast as Sota's jaw dropped. Princess Yue, The Moon Spirit was reaching out to him?
"Why would a spirit of the Moon come to talk to Sota?" Jun asked, receiving a shrug from Mai-Ling. Katara, however, simply smiled at the three before guiding Korra off the boat with the others.
"Well, son, are you going to introduce us to your friends?" Tonraq asked with a smile as he turned to the two girls.
"Mom, Dad, these my friends; Mai-Ling Sato and Jun of Zaofu," Sota said with a smile as the two girls walked around to meet them. "I met them at the Probending Arena."
"It's nice to meet you both. That's quite the grip you've got," his father complimented Jun who grinned at him. "You must be an Earthbender."
"I am. Sota, why didn't you ever tell us your dad was a giant?" she said, taking in the man's full stature and broad shoulders.
"It's really nice to meet you," Mai-Ling said, bowing to Senna.
"My goodness, you're so adorable," Senna complimented as she rose back up. "It's good to see that Sota has good taste."
"Hey, speaking of taste, Mom, Mai-Ling really likes Water Tribe food," Sota interjected, not giving her a chance to say anything else like that. A light seemed to gleam in Senna's eyes at this new information.
"Well, in that case, why don't I see about making a feast for everyone?" she offered. The looks of excitement on all the kids' faces warmed her heart. Turning to Tonraq, she said, "I'll need help gathering ingredients."
"I'll have the Sentries come and bring Sota to his room," he said before turning back to his son. "We'll only be gone for a bit, but we should be back by the time Katara has had a chance to look over Korra. Until them, rest up."
"Yes, sir," Sota said, a sigh of relief coming as his appetite suddenly returned at the thought of his mother's home cooking. It looked like things were going to be ok.
Things were not ok. Sota could tell based on how quiet everyone had been since Korra and Katara had entered the other room. Everyone had been waiting for hours for any kind of update, but the worry was written all over their faces from what Jun had told him.
Tenzin and his family sat at the table, everyone watching over Rohan happily, save for Meelo who was fast asleep in his father's arms. Bolin, Mako and Asami sat on a bench in the back, exhausted and anxious for some kind of news. On the bench next to them, Tonraq held Senna as she rested her head on his shoulder in worry. Lin and Jun were next to him, the older woman's face showing her worry as she stared at the floor.
After being moved into an adjacent room, Sota had been visually cut off from the waiting room with the others. His only updates had come from Jun when she needed a break from the tension in the waiting room, coming back every so often while Mai-Ling sat in a chair next to his bed with her legs pulled up to her chest.
His parents had returned a few hours ago as promised, but their joy turned to worry when Korra and Katara had yet to return. His hunger had once again vanished as he could only worry about what was happening with his sister. The sound of a sliding door caught their attention, bringing everyone to turn to the door.
Katara walked out sadly, closing the door behind her to leave Korra to her thoughts. The Avatar was curled up in the middle of the room, head hung and knees to her chest. Frustration coursed through her body, nearly bringing her to tears as she felt once again like a failure. Whatever that spirit had meant about Katara wasn't true.
There was no hope of reversing the Bloodbending and thus no hope in restoring her bending.
"I've tried everything in my power, but I cannot restore Korra's bending," Katara told them as they all stood up. Sota felt his heartbreaking at the news, slumping down further. If Katara couldn't heal it, then it really was permanent.
"But you're the best healer in the world," Lin said hopelessly. "You have to keep trying!"
"I'm sorry. There's nothing else I can do. Korra can still Airbend, but her connection to the other elements has been severed," she explained before the sound of the door opening caught their attention.
Korra exited the room without a word, face stoic as she looked to face her family and friends as bravely as she could. They were all waiting for her to say something, but there was nothing to say. Her ability to be the Avatar has been crippled, and had it not been for luck, would have been taken away completely.
"It's going to be alright, Korra," Tenzin encouraged, and though she wanted to believe him so badly, she just couldn't. Not this time.
"No, it's not," Korra said, depressed. Without another word, she walked past them all, not even noticing the open door to her brother's room as she did, or his look of worry. Reaching the door, she grabbed her jacket and walked outside, wanting nothing more than to be away from everyone. The last thing she wanted was anyone looking at her right now. Mako started to reach out to her, but she was gone before anyone could stop her.
Senna walked into the Sota's room, closing the door behind her before walking up to the two. He was quiet as he looked away from his mother but eventually looked up when she spoke.
"We're going to give your sister some time to process this, so I'm afraid it doesn't look like we'll be having that feast tonight. I'm sorry, kids," she said with an apologetic smile.
"It's ok, Mom," he told her before looking out the window. The sound of barking and running could be heard growing further and further way, his sign that his sister had mounted Naga and was running off to be alone. "I just hope Korra will be ok."
As Korra reached the cliffside, she jumped from Naga to walk the rest of the way. The clouds were dark overhead, an indication that snow was on the way, but light could still be seen in the distance. Standing on the edge, Korra's eyes began to water as tears ran down her face, falling down into the depths below.
Her mind was buzzing with thoughts, but the one that stuck out the most was how much it hurt. She'd gotten her hopes up that this would all go away only to have them dashed to pieces right before her eyes. And to make it worse, that meant that there wasn't any hope for Sota either. At least she had her Airbending, but what did he have?
Korra began to sob, dropping to the ground and curling up like when she was a little girl. It hurt thinking about but there was no denying it. She wasn't the Avatar anymore. What was she going to do now?
The sound of approaching footsteps caused her to inhale in an attempt to stop the crying. Looking up, she could see familiar Airbender robes as the person stood in her peripheral, prompting her to get annoyed that he'd followed her.
"Not now, Tenzin. I just want to be left alone," she said, wiping her eyes so he wouldn't see her crying more.
"But you called me here," the man, who she immediately recognized was not Tenzin, said. Shooting up, Korra turned to see the smiling face of her predecessor as he stood proudly over her.
"Aang," Korra said in bewildered amazement with a smile.
"You have finally connected with your spiritual self," he said as she got to her feet and a ray of sun shined on them.
"How?"
"When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change," he told her before one by one, rows of previous Avatars began to pop up behind him. Incarnation after incarnation, as far as the eye could see into the distance. Korra's heart was filled with joy as she recognized many from the lessons she'd learned, including Avatar's Roku, Kyoshi and Yangchen. Avatar Kuruk, the previous Water Tribe Avatar, looked at her stoically at first before a large smile of pride came to his face that made her own lips turn up.
Stepping forward, Aang placed his left thumb on her forehead and his right just above her chest, a gesture she recognized from her previous vision of his fight with Yakone. Korra closed her eyes as a bright light began to come from her body. A surge of energy filled her as Aang's eyes and tattoos glowed, as did the all the previous Avatars before they all vanished.
Korra stood in place, letting the power surge and build within her before opening her eyes with the mighty force of the Avatar State exploding around her. Lifting herself up on a funnel of air, Korra threw her arms out, sending first a surge of wind that was followed by a funnel of fire. Raising her hands, the icy earth below her responded in kind, sending chucked to the water below before it too responded to her commands.
Korra remained in the air for a few moments more as she reveled in the control she had, before slowly bringing herself down to the ground. As she turned the Avatar State off, her eyes returning to normal, she turned to see Mako standing there, smiling proudly before he rushed over to embrace her.
Her smile grew as she rushed into his arms, the two embracing as she confessed her feelings to him, returning the affection as they shared their first kiss.
Naga's barking could heard well before they'd reached the house, but the sound still brought everyone outside to meet Korra and Mako.
"Korra, there you are. Are you alright?" her mother asked, confused on her daughter's sudden change of mood as the Avatar smiled at her. "
"I'm more than ok, Mom. And I'll explain everything, but first, I need to see Sota," Korra said. The adults looked at each other in confusion but shrugged as they all followed her inside to his room.
"Uh, what's going on?" Sota asked, feeling nervous now that everyone was standing in his room and around his bed.
"I've got something for you, but I need you close your eyes," she instructed, receiving a distrusting look from him.
"Oh sure, like I'm falling for that one again. The last time you said that, and I trusted you, I was eating yellow snow," he said, causing many in the room to snicker.
"You were nine when that happened and you still can't let it go," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling at him again. "I promise, you're gonna be calling me the best big sister in the world after this."
Sota looked from her to their parents before stating, "She's not 18 yet, so if she's lying, I demand either swift punishment be dealt, or that equal retaliation be allowed."
"I don't know what's gotten into your sister, but she seems pretty sure about whatever it is," Tonraq said while placing a hand on her shoulder.
Sota sighed but did as he was told and closed his eyes. He waited before he could feel Korra lightly pressing her thumbs on his upper chest and forehead. It was quiet for a few seconds before he felt a burst of energy fill his body while the onlookers watched as Korra's eyes began to glow.
The light filled the room, amazement on the faces of everyone except for Katara who simply smiled at them. Korra's fingers glowed where they rested on her brother as she focused before a smile came to her face as she finished. As all the glowing stopped, Korra waited for him to open his eyes, staring happily at them when he did.
Sota was speechless, eyes wide as the sense of longing he'd felt vanished, now replaced with an all too familiar one as his Chi seemed to surge like an angry wave. Everyone watched as he turned to look at the cup of water on his nightstand, bringing his good hand up to the glass. He paused for a second, fingers shaking in nervous excitement as he could feel the water in the glass and as he moved his hand up, the water followed. Tears ran down his face as he started to laugh in joyful disbelief.
"Korra…" he whispered, turning to her with a smile wider than she'd seen on him in a long time. She crouched down to accept the hug from him, her brother squeezing her tight to make sure that this and what she did was real. "You really are the best big sister in the whole world."
There wasn't a dry eye in the room as the siblings embraced, and after restoring Lin's bending as well, they all set about preparing and enjoying that feast. Tenzin felt at peace as he rocked his newborn son, enjoying the smell of home cooking. Ikki and Meelo were nearby playing with Pabu, clapping as he showed off the tricks that Bolin had taught him.
Asami and Mai-Ling assisted Senna and Pema in the preparations, something they were grateful for while Jun set about teasing her friend with Jinora. The two sat at one of the Pai Sho tables, and though the board set up to play, they sipped on cups of lychee tea and chatted instead.
"Is she writing the recipes down?" Jinora asked with a giggle, cup in hand watching their friend who had removed her golden bands and rolled up her sleeves. "I didn't know she liked Water Tribe food so much."
"It's suspicious, isn't it?" Jun said, before looking over her shoulder at Mai-Ling who's back was turned as she helped stir the stew before loudly adding, "You'd think she was trying to impress someone."
Mai-Ling nearly jumped out of her skin before turning angrily and throwing Jun a middle finger before returning to her work. She could hear the two laughing at her, making her blush as she tried to focus on blocking them out. A spot on her wrist caught her attention as she noticed that same weird burn mark from before and wondered if the healer had missed it. She shrugged, ignoring it as Asami brought over more vegetables that Senna had told her needed to be added.
Bolin was telling Tonraq all about the Probending circuit and how he and Mako had eventually made the arena their home before joining the league officially this past year.
"It sounds like a lot of work needs to go into training. Do you plan to keep competing next season?" he asked Bolin.
"I sure am. After the stellar year we had and how close we got, I know with Korra and Mako with me, we can definitely take the championship next year," Bolin boasted, taking a drink from his cup.
"If you're interested, I can show you a thing or two about metalbending," Lin offered as she, Mako and Korra stood in the opposite corner with their own drinks. "Jun has already asked me to give her some lessons on earthbending, so you may as well come too and try it."
"That'd be great, Lin. I've never actually tried before," Korra said as she held Mako's hand.
"I'd also advise you heading to the police academy, Mako," Lin said, surprising him. "That was some good detective work you did. The city could use more like you, and I'd be happy to put in a word with Saikhan."
"You really think I'd make a good detective?" He asked, surprised before smiling and nodding. "I'll take that recommendation, Chief."
Sota sat on the edge of his bed, smirking as he slowly worked the water over some of his injuries. Katara was assisting him, working on his ankle as it rested in a bowl of water.
"You certainly did a number on yourself," she said with shake of her head though she continued to smile. "Make sure you're not rushing and actually paying attention to what you're doing or else you won't heal properly. You're not going to be running around like normal for the next few weeks so there's no sense in trying to hurry it along."
"I know, Sifu, but I'm just still in awe. I actually got my bending back!" he practically shouted as he put the water back into the bowl next to him before placing it in his lap. Dipping his left hand in, he used his right to move it in a swirl to focus on his wrist. As the cooling effect started to take place, he said, "Plus, the sooner I get better, the sooner I can get back to training. I've learned a lot out in the city that I have to show you."
"Well, I'm excited to see it, little Waterbender. But you need to rest as well. You're a growing boy after all, but you're not indestructible. A Gran Gran can only handle so much, and you and your sister have certainly worried me more than enough lately," she joked.
"Sorry, Gran Gran," he said sincerely, and she knew it was because he and Korra only called her that when they were really sorry or wanted something. Looking toward the door, his mind went back to the promise he'd made a few weeks ago. "I made a promise to Mai-Ling that I would be her Waterbending teammate for her Probending team one day. Now that this who revolution thing is over, I wanted to get training as soon as possible."
"She's very pretty, you know. I can tell you really like her. And I do mean as more than just a friend," she told him, laying a hand on his in the water. Watching him blush sent her mind back to when she and Aang were kids, reminiscing on all the little moments they shared along his journey. "But I warn you to take it slow. Love is tricky, and sometimes painful, but things will happen when they're meant to."
"You're right," he conceded with a sigh and a smile.
"I usually am," she said, bringing the two to laughter.
Back out in the main room, Korra walked up to her father and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey, Dad, can I talk to you and Mom for a minute?" she asked.
"Is everything alright?" Tonraq asked, putting his cup down.
"It's about Sota," she told him. Tonraq turned to look at his son's room before nodding and going to find his wife. The two followed Korra outside, putting their jackets on and walking a few feet away from the hut so as not to be heard.
"Korra, what's going on? Your father said you wanted to talk about your brother," Senna said as Tonraq wrapped an arm around her. Korra took a deep breath, wrapping her arms around herself.
"When we were in the city, I got captured by a man named Tarrlok. He was one of the fellow Council Members that worked with Tenzin, but…he was also Yakone's son and Amon's brother. He was a Bloodbender," she said, shocking both her parents. "I already confirmed he's not, but there were moments where I questioned if Sota could be related to them. I know we talked about it before, but the idea that one of them could have been Sota's father and he'd never know…it just didn't feel right."
"You think it's time that we told him the truth," Senna deduced, receiving a nod from her.
"I know you guys said you wanted to wait until he was older, but after everything that's happened, it might be better if we told him sooner," she said though now that she said it out loud, she wasn't so sure about it.
"Well…I suppose this day was bound to come eventually. I guess I just hoped for a bit more time. But perhaps Korra is right and it's better that we tell him before he turned 18," Senna admitted as she looked at the conflicted face of Tonraq. "But...let's not do it tonight. I'm afraid such heavy news would ruin the mood. I'd like it to last, at least for tonight."
Tonraq was quiet for a moment before nodding his head.
"We'll wait until after his 13th birthday," the patriarch said. "After he takes the Ice Dodging test at the festival. He'll be considered a warrior, both in name and by Tribal law."
Korra nodded her head in understanding but the butterflies in her stomach were going crazy. The festival was just a little over six months away, which wasn't a lot of time. She needed to prepare both herself and him for what would soon be the biggest day of his life because once it was here, there was no going back.
Mai-Ling gave a sigh as they pulled up to the front doors of the mansion. They'd spent the rest of the night celebrating, but alas, they were due to set sail the next morning. Unfortunately for them, Sota wasn't coming back. At least that's what she'd initially thought when he'd broken the news to them.
"What do you mean you're not coming back?" Jun asked him in disbelief as the two stood next to his bed. Sota was sitting up, already looking better than he had on the way there, but his movements were still stiff with pain if he moved too quickly.
"I mean, I'm staying here in the South Pole," he said, smiling when he added, "But it's only for a few weeks until Katara gives me a clean bill of health again. She's refusing to let me go without her say so."
"So, you're not staying here forever?" Mai-Ling asked hopefully. Sota shook his head.
"Of course not! How am I gonna be your teammate if I'm still here," he grinned, and she couldn't help the smile that came to her face. He really meant it! Turning to Jun, he asked, "So, you gonna be our third, or should we start shopping around the city?"
"In your dreams, Waterboy. You two boulder brains can't do anything without me. Plus, I'm literally the one who keeps track of all the player stats and am basically a walking handbook," Jun brushed him off, though she did smile back at him.
"Then it sounds like we have a team. Now we just need a name."
Though, that was easier said than done, but thankfully it wasn't a priority at the moment and something they could figure out together when the time came. The boat ride home had been a bit rougher than the trip going which only made them all the more exhausted by the time they reached the city. By the time they stepped out of the car, they were all ready to pass out on the mansion floor.
"Home, sweet home," Jun said as the three girls walked up the steps to the front door. Noticing Mai-Ling's sulking, she commented, "Will you quit moping? You act like you're never gonna see him again."
"I know that, I'm just worried about his- "she started to reply when a shiver went down her spine and low rumble in her ears. Turning, she looked around the yard, seeing nothing, and then back at the door where the noise seemed to come from. Her nose faintly picked up the smell of a person she didn't recognize wafting from inside. Narrowing her eyes, she said, "Someone's here."
Jun turned, giving her foot a stomp to see past the doors with her earthbending and seeing a man, waiting at the top of the stairwell inside with his hands behind his back.
"There's some jerk that's just standing at the top of the stairs," she said in annoyance as she opened her eyes. Looking at Mai-Ling, she told her, "Let's get this guy."
Mai-Ling nodded and grabbed the knob, finding the door unlocked. With a hard shove, she pushed it open and marched in with Jun at her side while Asami walked in behind them cautiously. Much like Jun had said, there was a man there waiting, his golden eyes moving from one girl to the other before settling on her.
Mai-Ling's courage was immediately forgotten as her eyes widened in disbelief upon locking with his, gold reflecting gold. His black hair was well cut and jelled back to show his clean-cut face, though this made his youth more obvious. His uniform jacket and pants were a fiery red with a golden United Forces symbol on the sleeves, and his belt, dark brown to match his shoes.
Mai-Ling's knees began to shake as he took one step down, and then the next until reaching the main floor only a few feet away from here.
"By the looks of it, my arrival has caught you by surprise," he said, seeing Asami's eyes widen as well. "It seems thing have been rather hectic here, but fret not. I'll take care of things now."
"Um, and just who the hell are you?" Jun spat, preparing to attack him and only stopping when Mai-Ling spoke next.
"Rai-Ling?" She asked, still glued to her spot and feeling herself turn pale as he smiled at her.
"It's good to see you, little sister. And get used to it because I'm going to be here for a while," he said declared.
End
And here it is, the final chapter of the Legend of Sota: Book 1 – Air!
I want to thank you all for reading and I hope you're all ready for Book 2: Spirits, which should be up on my profile already. Here's a quick synopsis:
-Six months after saving Republic City, Korra and Sota return home once more for the Glacier Spirits Festival. But when family secrets from the past start to surface and Dark Spirits start rampaging, the siblings bond will be put to the test. Can their connection to the Spirits save them?
So, if you did enjoy this story and want to see how it continues, I'll see you over there. Let me know what you thought of this chapter and this story overall, and until next time, I'll see you guys later.
Blak-Ice