These are all the Fanfictions written by Fangirltothefullest.
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I really enjoyed the Avengers, but there was just not enough Frostiron, so here is my page for fan-fictions. If you have any questions, ask them on my other blog: Fangirltothefullest. Thanks!
Title: Of Spirits and Nomads
Author: fangirltothefullest (Tashi)
Rating: T [[For some swear words and darker themes ]]
Words in this chapter: 3,366
Pairing/s: Borra
Summary: Rogue metalbenders have been kidnapping people and causing havoc. But when Team Avatar tries to stop them, Bolin is captured! Now, it’s up to Korra and her team to rescue him and discover the dark secrets the Nomads hidden in the mountains are keeping, and what they plan to do to Bolin, now that they have him alone……
Part 4: Attack and Betrayal
The hot springs were FABULOUS. Bolin didn’t even realize just how tight his muscles were until he slid into the hot water and felt himself melt like butter. “Well you look happy.” Li Chen stood about ten feet away, within the pagoda’s doorway, the screen pulled back. “I’ll send someone to call for you when dinner is ready.” He added, and turned. “You just relax and enjoy the waters okay?”
Bolin, water up to just under his nose, nodded and bubbled out a soft, “Okay~” He leaned back and closed his eyes, the wind blowing gently and coolly past his face in soft whispers. Everything was so quiet here… so nice and gentle and calming. He wished he could share this moment with Korra…. Let her see the stars he could see when he opened his eyes. No city lights to block it, no smoke and smog clouding up overhead…. just beautiful, clear skies speaking of daydreamed stories long ago. He missed her. He missed Mako too. Mako could relax here…. Bolin was positive he would finally feel safe and at ease if he had been here. Sighing, Bolin remembered that Mako was always worrying.
“I wish I could leave now and come back, but that would be rude…..” He sighed. He had been here for days already, but then he was unconscious, and being looked after by Li Chen. How could he leave after that? How could he up and disappear after they helped him? After they rescued him from the metalbenders and had showed him so many wonderful things? The goatelk were soft and Bolin, though a bit afraid of heights, had enjoyed the experience of riding on the animal’s back over the mountains.
And oh the mountains! He could feel the earth everywhere around him! Feel the dirt, the rocks, and the solid ground stretching for miles and miles below him when he took the time to think on it. The mountains were an earthbender’s paradise! Well… he could live without being so high up, but the view was worth it.
“I’d bring Korra to see the pools, and Mako to see the kitchen so he could watch them making the food, I think he’d like that, don’t you Pabu?” And Bolin’ eyes snapped open. His bestest friend in the whole world, other than Mako, other than Korra, and other than Asami…. the only one he talked to about personal things, was gone. Left at Republic City where Mako was probably worried sick about him. “After this feast tonight… “He muttered. “I’m going to have to go back home. I miss them too much.” He chuckled sadly to no one at all. It had been seriously nice just talking to Li Chen all by himself. For once he was the only one getting attention, and he was being treated as a particularly special person.
For once, Bolin was not just Mako’s brother, not just Korra’s friend, not just the silly one of Team Avatar, and not just the Fire Ferret’s Captain. He was Bolin. He was the one Li Chen showed things, the one that was the special guest, and the one appreciated. “But…” He muttered, feeling better due to his own self-optimism, I’m going to have to thank Li Chen. He’s been really nice to me!” He decided, arms pushing under his head. He smiled softly and stared at the sky again.
Suddenly, Bolin’s eyes snapped open. Something…. was wrong. He scanned around the hot springs, enclosed with a tall gate to keep privacy to the occupants within, but nothing out of the ordinary could be seen. The hot springs were stacked in descending shelves like a warm staircase, several waterfalling into the others like the one Bolin was sitting in, and they carried further on either side of Bolin for about seven more circular pools. No one else was there with him, leaving the earthbender alone.
And he listened. Water dripping and splashing from the other pools could be heard, but nothing else. Even the crickets were absolutely silent. An eerie feeling swept over him, and he shrank back further, closer to the small waterfall from the pool up above him.
The misty fog that the heat created, shimmered in the lantern light, the moon not yet risen even though evening had passed and night had set about an hour ago. His heart rate escalated, his breathing picking up speed. Why was he so scared? He could feel fear, but he did not know why, and shimmering glimpses kept flashing just out of sight before his eyes, making him turn and gasp. He looked left, nothing, right, nothing, up, nothing, no matter where he turned, his eyes could not catch sight of the glimmer!
“W-who are you?!” He demanded, and with a gasp of fear. Quick as a wink, he tumbled into the waters, feeling many hands grip his arms, legs, and pressing a hand over his mouth, pulling him under. “MMNPH!!!” He struggled, panicking. The arms shimmered and glowed, and around him in the bubbled, heated waters, he could see them: glowing yellow and white faces, their eyes gone, their faces terrified in soundless screams.
‘You will pay for what you have done, you will pay! You will join us, you will suffer, you will not get away with what you have done!!!’
Bolin scrambled, kicking and struggling, but he could feel himself weakening, could feel them pressing him to the bottom of the hot spring’s floor, and the water rushing up beneath him, forcing his breath from him. He felt like falling asleep….. that would be nice, wouldn’t it….?
No, but what about Mako! What about Korra and Pabu and Asami?! Eyes shooting open, he pressed his palms down to the ground, forcing the earth to obey and pushing him out of the water. He gasped and choked, scrambling onto the grassy dirt and away from the pool. Through hazy eyes, he could see them- the spirits, hovering and disappearing away from him as he sucked in gasps of needed air, his lungs pained with every forcibly huge gasp.
‘No… no you as well…. you will too….. you will be soon, so, so soon….. run…. run from it before it comes for you… before it gets you…..!!!’
He struggled to get up, struggled to stand and bolt out of there, but he was too tired and weak from all that struggling. Uselessly, he slumped against the ground, still trying to crawl away, but suddenly more hands were on him, gentle and worried, but he swatted the man way anyways. “No, no, get off!”
“Bolin!” When he looked up, he saw blue-green eyes and a worried look.
“Li Chen!” he exclaimed. “I- there were these ghost things, and they tried to kill me!” Tossing a towel over him to dry him off, Li Chen stood.
The nomad looked around and scanned the area, eyes like a cat. He looked angry and protectively helped him stand. “Come on- hurry inside. They cannot touch you in there.” He insisted, pulling him and helping him hobble forward. Once the screen door was shut, Bolin collapsed again out of tired shock.
“W-what were they?” He asked as the other scanned the outside with narrowed eyes. “They are ancient spirits….. very powerful, and very dangerous. They try and harm those whom they catch alone. I apologize, Bolin. Having you here today distracted me from that fact. Had I recalled their initial hatred and desire to kill, I would not have left you alone. Are you all right?”
The earthbender gently rubbed his neck and nodded sheepishly, looking up at him with wide, fearful eyes. “Thanks.” He said. “I think they would have come back to get me if you hadn’t showed up.”
The other nodded and tossed him another towel. “Dry off. Your clothes are being washed.” He handed him a soft looking set of orange, red and black robes. “Wear this in the meantime.” He turned and stared at the screen, not looking. Bolin took the clothes and dressed, reveling in the cool fabric after the hot water of the springs. Though he looked back at Li Chen, and felt a little more at ease, the sense of fear was still there. The spirits might be watching- what if Li Chen was wrong, and they could get into the building? He didn’t want to die in his sleep! He tapped the other’s shoulder and when he turned, Bolin nodded gently.
“Oh don’t worry Bolin, I’ll take good care of you!” He assured, gently ruffling his hair. He must have only been a few years older than Bolin… maybe Mako’s age, or a couple years older, and the subtle gesture as the other left the room gave him the impression of his brother. Mako used to do that… well, he still did that, and admittedly, it helped calm his nerves better than just the presence of the other.
“Wait up-” He suddenly realized Li Chen was ahead of him quite a ways. “Hey! Wait!” He did not want to be alone at this point, too terrified of what he had just experienced. He couldn’t be alone… what if they came back?! He didn’t know how to fight off spirits!
When he caught up to Li Chen, the monk said, “We’re heading to the dining hall for the feast now- do you think you can wait while we set up the table?”
“Well, I can help, if you need it.” He offered, but the other shook his head.
“You just relax at the head of the table as we set up.” He assured, and walked off past the large room to some other room beyond.
“Okay….”
But once at the table, Bolin didn’t have a CLUE how to behave…. he just sat there sheepishly as they set up forks and knives and all sorts of fancy dishes and napkins. He had no idea which fork to use first, no idea how he should sit or if he should talk or keep quiet. He thanked EVERYBODY that set ANYTHING down in front of him, but he felt he was being obnoxious by a certain point and became deathly silent. Grand parties still freaked out his nerves. He wanted to be polite and proper, but what the hell did he know about being at an extremely posh and civilized dinner party? Even the one he had went to for Korra had shattered his nerves when dignitaries started trying to talk with them. He might be good at hiding the fact that he was about to explode of the desire to not mess up for Korra and his brother’s sake, but he couldn’t hold it forever. Having Korra there- just seeing her, helped steady him, but at this point, he was on his own and clueless.
When Li Chen sat down across from him, he sank in his seat and his face grew bright red, scanning everyone as they set their napkins in their laps and began to just eat. Wait, were they really not going to be so precise about everything? Still, they seemed to know what to do and he had to watch carefully. When Li Chen caught him doing that, he stood and said, “Bolin, you are our guest- there is no need for you to stand on ceremony. We are the ones here to impress you, not the other way around. You may eat however you wish. Should you bid we all sit on the floor and eat like wolfdogs, then that is what we’ll do!” He laughed and Bolin’s face became redder.
“Nono… that’s fine….” He said quietly, shaking his hands in front of him, back and forth in a waving manner.
Li Chen continued to stand and Bolin looked around the table at the other monks as they ate. They were all different- some had shaved heads, others did not, but they were all lacking in the arrow on their heads Korra had told him that Aang had tattooed. Apparently all higher monks did? What? Were these guys just not that high up on the enlightenment scale, or was it because they were a different branch or something?
“Attention everyone.” Li Chen was saying, and Bolin took the opportunity to begin piling food on his plate. He WAS a growing boy after all. “Long ago, legends spoke of the four elements and how they related to the earth and nations, the spirit world, and the nomads. Today, through study and careful practice, we have found their tales to be truth.” He looked back at Bolin, (who was currently slurping noodles) and continued. “So let us tell our guest of what we have found.” He raised his glass, and people who were serving the food came around and poured drinks for everyone. “It is said that the elements climb a ladder that follows the chakras of one’s own body. Chakras are points of energy within every living thing, that allows us to bend. If the chakras are closed or severed, a person cannot bend. The lowest of these chakras, is the earth Chakra, based at the spine. It is the chakra of survival, and is corrupted by fear.”
Bolin looked up, curious. Was that true…?
“This Chakra point marks the beginning of a spiraling ladder used to the path of enlightenment, but to reach this path, one must first cast aside the lower chakras, to ascend.” He continued. “Surpassing the earth chakra, one reaches the water chakra, then past that, one reaches the fire chakra, only to ascend that and finally achieve the highest of the chakra elements, the air chakra, situated at the heart.” His hand went to his heart, pausing a moment to allow the others at the table to copy his motion. “Any chakras beyond that, and you would be energybending. You see Bolin, here at the Xiugen Mountain temple, we have a saying.”
The other monks and nomads all locked their gazes on him and Bolin suddenly felt put on the spot.
“Live not by our roots
live not by our breath
live not by the ocean,
But live by our crest
If thoughts be our breath,
and light be our air,
let water be forgotten,
and earth be cast from there.”
Their chanting was eerie, and Bolin gulped. “That’s spooky stuff…” he muttered.
“You see Bolin, we have been through a lot on our little mountaintop…” Li Chen sighed and sat down, his food untouched as he laced his fingers together. “And after many hardships, we finally found it- the path to true enlightenment. You see, as benders, Air is the highest on the ladder, and therefore already the closest to enlightenment as one can start out as.”
Bolin took another bite, swallowed, and said, “So you’re saying that as an airbender, you’re already more enlightened than me?” s he took another bight. He thought a second after that. “I guess that makes sense, since the whole chakra thing.”
“Exactly. And here at our temple, we’ve found that those with chakras beneath the air chakra, are more susceptible to dark thoughts and bad practices. People who firebend are angry, ill-tempered, often impulsive and hot-headed.”
“Can’t argue there…” Bolin muttered, recalling how Mako could throw the worst fits, but he was usually so level-headed.
“Those of the water chakra, who waterbend, are often prone to never rethinking their opinions. They cannot change their own desires and are often prone to keeping bad habits they have formed, unwilling to see their flaws.”
He thought of Korra…. even though she was the avatar, she was a waterbender first…… Hmm… well, was unaware of things she was bad at sometimes, and she was very stubborn, so maybe that made a little sense….
“And lastly, those of the earth chakra, earthbenders, are the lowest of the low.” Li Chen spoke gently, almost pitying Bolin. “I’m so sorry Bolin, but…. earthbenders move mountains on impulse- they cast aside the repercussions of their actions, and do not think of outcomes. They are too caught up in the physicality of the world and are blind to what is around them. They are impulsive in the worst way-” Bolin stopped eating, Li Chen’s words stinging where it hurt most. earthbending was all he had that marked him as special compared to Mako…..
“Hey….”
“They cause avalanches…. they cause rockslides…. they rip apart the earth beneath their feet to create huge monumental arcs of destructive power-”
“That’s not true-”
“They tear up streets, and shift islands, disrupting the world around them and not even thinking about the consequences or the cleanup.”
“But-” Bolin’s heart raced. The last time he earthbent to stop the metalbenders, he didn’t think, he just acted….
“They take and do not give back.” Again Li Chen was standing and watching him, his eyes a bright, penetrating blue. “Water can crash and drown, but what waterbender can level an entire city if they desired? Earthbenders can rip out the earth so strongly it will cause waves or repercussions to hit cities far beyond your own, that destroy thousands of miles away and hurt the innocent!”
“N-no- stop it-” Bolin stood and backed up, pushing his seat. He scanned the room, the other nomads glaring daggers at him, their eyes solidly focused on him and him alone. “I- I haven’t hurt anyone!”
“Do you EVER clean up the mess you leave?!” Li Chen’s words were harsh and cruel, shouted and jabbed directly at him. Around the table, the others stood, and Bolin could finally see them- the rogues he was kidnapped by in their masked uniforms, standing at every entrance, appearing out of nowhere. “Have you ever checked to see if a rock you tossed damaged someone’s eyes? Broke a rib? Killed someone?! Fire burns, it is untamable, but firebenders know this and try to keep it contained! Waterbenders can drown, they know this, and they use their bending in a sparing manner! Earthbenders are impulsive, brash, uncaring, unkind, foolish, reckless, and brainless! They destroy and lave it for the others to pick up!”
His stomach churned in knots, and he took another step back, feeling trapped and accused. He tore up those runways once- who fixed it?! He left it there! He built that hideout for Korra before he was kidnapped, and who took it down? He didn’t even think about that! “No, it’s not true, I didn’t mean it- I was going to help, I just- I-”
But it was too late, and he knew it. Without another thought, he panicked and turned, bringing up the earth beneath them to give himself some space, and pushed through the rock walls of the temple, running. He couldn’t be bad guy! He- it wasn’t his fault he was a bender! He was born that way! “Mako!” He called, knowing he wasn’t there as he stumbled down the stairs and didn’t look back. He could hear them coming- he could hear them right there behind him, and he could hear the wires hurling at him!
He lifted stones and tossed them behind, again, suddenly realizing how reckless that was and how destructive. He would never put it back- he-
“Ahk!” Again he felt wires wrap around his throat and pull him back, his arms and legs trapped soon after. “Ahk- L-Li-Ch-” The nomad walked towards him and looked at him without sorrow, without pity and with the scariest, darkest look he had ever seen the nomad give. “Earthbending scum like you don’t deserve to live, Bolin, don’t you know that? Don’t you understand?” He pushed him over as the others kept him tied up. “The path to enlightenment requires us to rid the world of the lower element benders. You must understand that his is the way. Once we have rid you of your chakra, there will be balance to the world. The Air will rise again, and to do that you must agree to die for our cause.”
His vision was dimming again, and he choked out a soft, “I tr’sted you-” and narrowed his eyes. “Nev’r- I’ll n’v’r die f’r you-”
“A foolish mistake.” He stood again as Bolin was lifted. “Take him to the dungeon.”
[ To be continued… ]
Title: Of Spirits and Nomads
Author: fangirltothefullest (Tashi)
Rating: T [[For some swear words and darker themes ]]
Words in this chapter: 1897
Pairing/s: Borra
Summary: Rogue metalbenders have been kidnapping people and causing havoc. But when Team Avatar tries to stop them, Bolin is captured! Now, it’s up to Korra and her team to rescue him and discover the dark secrets the Nomads hidden in the mountains are keeping, and what they plan to do to Bolin, now that they have him alone……
[ link to MUCH bigger picture: Link Favourite it here: Link ]
Part 2: The Powerful Dawn
When he opened his eyes, Bolin found himself staring at a richly painted ceiling, intricate designs and carved statues lining four corners around it. It vaulted up to the skies through large pillars. Beyond the pillars circled a large room with windows lacking in glass, at which, Bolin was stationed in the centre. Warm sheets were beneath him, a blanket on top, and he sat up, feeling tired but more clear-headed. “What happened?” He muttered, looking around. To his right sat a man in orange and red robes, his black hood lowered, and his black-gloved hands busily set peeling what looked like potatoes. He sat on the floor next to the bed, which was also on the floor, but Bolin could feel the feathers over stuffing the bottom mattress, making it soft. Beneath him was some kind of inlaid mosaic, but it was too hard to see. In an instant, he felt terribly small as he stared up at the ceiling in this giant, empty room.
“You were in a truck, headed for the mountains when we found you.” The man explained, looking up. “From the looks of the cargo they were carrying, I think it’s safe to say you were also transported by boat at some point before that. Well… that and you kind of smell like fish.” He had soft green-blue eyes, and he was chuckling. His calm demeanor did help Bolin relax, though he didn’t tell him that. Why was he even on a boat in the first place?
“Last I remember, we were fighting rogue metalbenders in Republic City, Sir….” He pressed a hand to his head. Sitting up made the room spin a little and he swayed. Seeing this, the other reached beside him and pulled out a teacup, gesturing for him to take it.
“Here. For your head. From the looks of you, I’d say the rogues, or whoever they were, drugged you.” He explained. “To keep you asleep until they transported you wherever it was they planned to take you. We ambushed them when they came too close to our mountaintop hideaway, and found you tied up in the back.” He blinked. “Oh, sorry, I don’t believe I’ve introduced myself yet.” He held his hand out; thin wrists and a pale complexion. “My name is Li Chen.”
“Bolin.” The other replied, grateful for the tea, and took it in his free hand as he shook with the other. It did help his head to drink it! “Whatever is in this stuff, Mister Chen, Sir, it’s doing the trick.” he cracked his back and leaned forward on the bed. “Thanks for rescuing me. Um…. He paused and looked around again, seeing paintings and carvings all around the room. Old carvings, wood stained and paint chipped, but the pictures were clear. Sky bison, and white creatures, clouds and monks in ribbons across the wall, the largest image unfortunately worn away. “What is this place?”
Li Chen made to stand. “Come. Are you able to stand alone?” He asked, offering his hand anyways after brushing himself off. Bolin used him as an anchor to hoist himself up and steadied himself, nodding. “Then follow me.”
He lead him out a side screen of the room, the door sliding away to reveal a bright, beautiful world beyond. The earthbender gasped. “Golly!!”
Pillars of mountains shooting into the dawning sky surrounded them, temples and pagodas lining each with winding stairs. There were trees and cracked stones beneath their feet, fountains spewing bright water from the mouths of fish, above them, stone status of what looked like nomads standing proud. Vines and leaves snuck along the edges of the buildings, ancient ruins in their own right. Each was crumbling here and there, terribly old, but still usable. Li Chen continued to walk, but the man paused at the edge of a descending stairway, turned back to wait for him to follow. On either side of him, guarding the top of the large staircase, there lie a guarding lionturtle statue, bright pink trees weeping their leaves. they glowed like firelight as the sun broke beyond the mountains, silhouetting Li Chen against the background that could only be painted in fantasy. He gestured. “Come on, there is much to see.”
Trailing after like an awestruck puppy, Bolin could not keep his eyes from wandering everywhere as they descended the spiraled stairs to the lower level. So many trees and statues, crumbling and overrun by foliage were everywhere! Suddenly, more orange caught his eye and he turned to see a woman standing on one foot in a sitting position, her eyes closed, and her hands together in a meditative stance. “How is she doing that?” He asked no one in particular.
“She is practicing in the ancient arts of meditation. Keeping calm and focused even through a strenuous pose such as that helps focus he mind properly.” He explained. As they continued to walk through the lower level of the temple, crossing a wood and rope bridge that also looked ancient, (Bolin was kind of afraid to set even his toes on it) they began to pass more robed people.
A man stood bent over and contorted in a way that seemed unhealthy to Bolin, but he breathed evenly and deeply. Two women carried baskets of fancy offering trays, and it clicked. “You guys are nomads….” He said. “Like, air nomads, right?”
“You’re right. I’m glad you were able to figure that out.” Li Chen chuckled.
Another man stood, balancing on the edge of the cliff side, only a sword positioned just so keeping him from plummeting to his death, a hundred miles down, should he fall. When Bolin peered down the side railing of the area, he discovered something wonderful- like there were waterfalls in the distance, there lie waterfalls below them as well, falling into crisp pools that he could see stairs and bridges leading to.
“Come Bolin. If you wish to see them up closer, I can take you to one of the Seven Pools.
“Seven Pools…?”
Bolin scurried after him down several cracked steps, until they were far from where they had started. Li Chen finally stopped where a pagoda sheltered them from the sun. Past it, and hidden between a row of thick weeping trees, there fell a small waterfall, pouring itself into a shallow pool that was forever shaded by mountain and tree. He escorted him there and knelt down, dipping his hands in. “This pool is sacred.” He explained. “Do as I do.” And he lifted the water and drank. Bolin hastily copied him, and reveled in the deliciously clear taste of the water. It was NOTHING like the water of Republic City! It was so FRESH! “There are seven pools, each holding a sacred meaning.” Li Chen explained. “This is the Soul. Drinking from this pool helps you strengthen your inner self. It’ is actually the sixth pool, but you have already drunk from the seventh.”
“When did I do that?” Bolin asked, puzzled.
“You were not awake enough to remember.” Li Chen shrugged. “The pools should always be followed first to last, but seeing as you are not of our practices, going backwards shouldn’t do anything. It’s a belief system anyways. Regardless, the Seven Sacred Pools are as follows.” He sat down on one of the many large rocks surrounding the area and began to draw in the dirt, displaying their symbols. “First there is the Power, representing one’s own abilities. Second, the Mirror, representing recognition. Third is the Crystal, which represents clarity. Fourth is the Sword, representing cleansing. Fifth is the Fan, which represents shifting. Sixth, the Soul, representing inner strength, and last but not least, the Lotus pool, representing enlightenment.”
Bolin scratched his head. “Cool… but why are you telling me all this?” He asked. “It’s amazing and fascinating, but, I’m not a nomad, sir….” And nowhere near worthy to be told something so unique. After all, he was just a probender. Compared to monk status, that was kind of lame…..
Li Chen laughed. “Come now Bolin, we hardly ever get guests here! This temple is hidden- it is rare when anyone comes to visit us. Seventy years ago we had the last visitor, o that tells you how unused to it we are.” He leaned his arms on his knees. “It’s nice to have outside contact sometime. Admittedly I was going to tend to you, then send you back into the woods to wake up on your own, since we are so unused to guests, but…..” He paused and stared out at the top of the temple they had just come from. “I sensed something unique about you.” Wind rustled the trees around them and lit up the calm atmosphere with healthy life.
Bolin stood, feeling quite honoured. For once he, and not Mako, was called special. He didn’t know what Li Chen meant, but he didn’t care. He was pleased, and that attention loving pride of his swelled and ate it up- modestly of course this time, after all, he was a guest, and he gave a small salute. “Well then it is an honour to be here as your guest mister Li Chen sir!”
“Just Li Chen, please.” He replied. Bolin could only nod. “I have already arranged a seat for you at the table tonight. As our guest, you are to have a feast in your honour, and you may use the hot springs, and the temples at your leisure. We only ask that you do not poke around the Lotus Temple- the one we just came from, since it is used for healing purposes and ceremonies, and should remain closed off.”
“No lotus temple, got it!” He grinned.
“You’ll instead be sleeping in provided quarters tonight.” He began to walk once more, back the way they came. “We rise early to meditate, but I will send someone to rouse you, rest assured.”
“Okay, but how long am I staying?” He rubbed the back of his head. “And I don’t have to wear all that, do I?”
“As long as you wish~ We only ask that you stay the night so we may provide you with a proper meal and a farewell. Oh, and we’ll be washing your clothes before you leave, so yes, you will have to wear it, but only until your own clothes are dry.” He answered. Bolin followed him back along the bridge. “I sure hope you like dumplings and Turkeygoose.”
“You eat meat here?!” He gasped, astonished.
“We are a branch of the Air Nomads, Bolin.” He glanced back and waved his hand around. “So we eat meat and meditate, and practice arts quite different from other nomads, but generally we believe the same teachings.” He grinned. “Besides, who doesn’t love white meat?”
“All right! I LOVE this man!” He thrust his fist into the air and ginned. “I’m going to love it here!”
“Don’t get too excited, you’ll startle the Goatelk.” he mused, gesturing for the earthbender to go ahead of him and see the stables, where the huge animals grazed.
“Woah-!!” He gasped in awe at the large beasts. They could seat 2 people atop their backs to let hem ride, and to his surprise, several flew down to land on the grass!!! THEY COULD FLY!!”
“Impressive, right?” Li Chen pet one fondly as it chewed lazily. “Do you want a ride?”
[[ Next ]]
[ Submitted for Borra Week]
Title: Of Spirits and Nomads
Author: fangirltothefullest (Tashi)
Rating: T [[For some swear words and darker themes ]]
Words: 1498
Pairing/s: Borra
Summary: Rogue metalbenders have been kidnapping people and causing havoc. But when Team Avatar tries to stop them, Bolin is captured! Now, it’s up to Korra and her team to rescue him and discover the dark secrets the Nomads hidden in the mountains are keeping, and what they plan to do to Bolin, now that they have him alone……
[ Drag and drop the poster! Spot the puns! And NO, I did not copy Amon, he is a ninja, people, so please do not criticize!]
Part 1: Stolen
“I- I can’t take their bending away!!!” Korra’s panicked voice could be heard echoing ‘round the confines of the city’s tall buildings, the sound ricochetting around in circles, bouncing like a ball against stairs. They had been holding off these rogue metalbenders for forever it seemed, and Korra, with Mako and Bolin at her back, finally managed to get hold of one and do the reverse-granting of the time she gave the others their bending back. Surprisingly it was not too hard for Korra to take bendng away- she knew the art was a terrible thing, but at times like this, she knew it was necessary.
Lin had ordred Mako to allow none of the police force to persue the rogues, because they were too swift, and tended to take people prisoner when they got away! And so far, they always got away. She had specified, however, that if he deemed it practical, she would allow him and any others he thought were strong enough to handle these metalbenders, to accompany Korra and put an end to the stupidity of their violent actions.
He deemed himself, Bolin and Asami the only team best suited for this kind of job and as snow came down upon Republic City, Team Avatar came together to stop the madness. The only problem was, that regardless of Asami’s piloting skills, Bolin’s swift and precise shots, Mako’s fiere blasts and quick decisions, Korra could NOT take their bending away. “It’s like they’re blocking me!” she glared and kicked the unconscious metalbender aside. “How is this even possible?!”
Bolin, having constructed a large (albeit not very aesthetically pleasing) barricade, frowned. “Well… the Chi Blockers can turn off a person’s bending, maybe these guys can do it backwards?” He suggested.
“It just doesn’t seem right.” Mako said from his perch above their barricade. “Bolin, we don’t really have time to make silly assumptions- I know you’re trying, but we need to concentrate on containing and arresting them, as opposed to finding their motives. We can do that later. Right now we have to hurry this up- Asami’s got several of them backing up, but we’re not out of the clear and nowhere near good enough to catch all of them.”
Korra groaned. “Uhg! I need to ask Aang what to do-” She said with a begrudging sigh, and her arms crossed under her chest with a pout.
Mako groaned and glared. “Fine, just hurry it up!” he insisted, and leapt off the barricade, fire blazing. “Bolin, We’re going to have to keep Korra’s body safe while she contacts the other Avatars!”
”Right!” He nodded and grinned confidently.
Korra, however, shook her head. “He needs you out there too Bolin, trust me, I’ll be fine. Get out here and fight with the rest of them, champ!” She flashed him a double thumbs-up and grinned widely.
”You got it!” He nodded in return and turned to look back at her. “But don’t worry Korra, I’ve got your back!” And he circled around the barricade swiftly and pushed forward, his heels pressing sharply into the ground. Shrapnel of rocks flew towards the metalbenders, who dodged, but it pushed them back.
Finding it a bit easier to contact Aang nowdays, Korra criss-crossed her legs and closed her eyes. After some time, she finally opened her eyes again, glowing bright blue as she sought out her predecessor in the Spirit World. “Aang!!” She called, but she did not see the spirit world this time, images blurring across her vision: Airbenders; Aang among them- but why was he so disappointed? Why did he look so sad? She saw fire and smoke, water, mist, earth and various other forms of the elements across her gaze. Suddenly a large round clock appeared, winding backwards, as springs and gears flew about, and she tumbled farther and farther down it. “AAAAHH!!” She gasped, flailing as she tried to get a grip on something. Only air greeted her fingertips.
Fire shot out behind Mako and Bolin turned, glancing back at his brother as he spun wildly in his fiery inferno. “What are you DOING Bolin?!” Mako hissed in anger though it was not directed at his brother really, and was actually spawned from the fact that about six metalbenders were surrounding him, hellbent on attacking him. He shot fireballs, but it did no good since they were so fast, and so he’d resorted to spinning in his tornado-like flames. “Korra’s still over there! You can’t just leave her! Go fix the barricade so it’s less- breakable!”
The earthbender pulled several rock-disks from the ground and hurled them at the enemies trying to attack him from behind, then turned to glance back at Korra. “But Mako, she said to help out, out here!” He protested.”
“Bo, we need to keep KORRA safe-” He insisted. “Ignore what she said this time and do as I say!” The Avatar was not responding in the makeshift rock barricade, and he groaned at the sight of the poorly-built barricade. “There are some closing in- get rid of them!”
He groaned once again, feeling like an idiot somehow, but at the same time, Mako was telling him to go protect her, and protect her he would. With his life if he had to! Seeing several close in, he pushed himself into the air, his earthbending giving him a boost and he cried out loudly as he slammed his fists into the ground, about six pillars of solid rock shooting up under the attackers and sending them careening into the air with loud grunts. “Korra!” He called, rushing to the barricade again. Quickly he began to lower the walls he’d made before. Mako was right…. he had definitely not thought about making the baricade structurally sound, but this time he would fix that! He toppled one wall and began to push it forward, rising another beneath it and replacing the old. He shifted his feet, the earth heavy, and slid sideways, erecting more in fine slots that combined together to make a circular barrier. He was about halfway through when he gasped and jerked, something cold gripping his wrist.
He was pulled back and gasped in pain as his arm was roughly yanked behind him. “No you don’t!” He grunted and turned, pulling with his free hand to force the metalbender forward fast enough to punch him. He got him square in the jaw with skilled force and kicked him back harshly, sending the other into the wall of a nearby building. Several more metalbenders were before him and reeling in their lines. They were ready to strike again, and Bolin had no time to panic.
“You will not get Korra!!” He insisted, becoming the barricade for her, and deflecting the barrage of cables with shield upon shield, rock by rock and brick by brick. He was fast, dodging and swerving, but this time he had to keep his ground and not allow a single cable to hook onto Korra- of he did, she would be pulled and he might not be fast or adgile enough to free her!
A cable caught his leg and he twisted, pulling again, but it let another bender’s cable shoot out and grip his wrist. This time, however, it twisted too much and again he gasped, his heart racing. They were catching him! He panicked this time, not used to this kind of thing- where was Mako when he needed him?! Apparently busy fending off several of his own….
Beneath them, the ground began to rumble in his fear, and it shook as cracks ripped through the earth and tried to swallow the rogues. He turned and pushed, trying to move forward to continue protecting Korra as they danced on the edges and laughed at his attempt, lassoing his other wrist. He struggled and twisted, pushing up another barrier to seal her off from them, and was heaved back when two more cables caught around his chest and neck. “Gahk!!” He gasped, falling back and clutching his throat frantically for breath.
One came up behind him, and with several cracks to each of his chakra points, Bolin’s bending abilities were stifled. “Ahhk! Mko- h-hlp- hnng-” He choked, but his brother did not hear him as he was bound and gagged, then stuffed into the back of a dark vehicle and stolen away.
“Bolin, I need a little help here-” Mako grimaced, feeling tired and currently fending off three at once. Suddenly, however, they began to move off and Mako took the chance and leapt into the air and shot off several fireballs at them. “Yeah, that’s it, RUN!” He hissed, but turned. “Korra!” He sped off towards the barricade. “Bolin, they’re leaving, drop the baricade-” He pounded on the dirt and paused. No reply came. “Bolin?” He looked around the deserted street. “Bolin?!” Running around to the other side, dread hit him. “Korra! Korra you’ve gotta wake up, KORRA!!” he insisted, fear gripping him. “Bolin’s been taken! KORRA PLEASE!!!”
[ PART 2. ]
