Akashi floated back, seeing the fleet of the North Pole and enjoying the sunrise.
You know, in order to travel from the North to the South, you have to cross the planet by boat and sail around the continents on the way.
To move such a force would require at least a few months of planning, and then, to move them across the world would need even more months. And it's not like the waterbenders would use their power to move the ships, as they weren't that powerful.
"They should have moved five or six months before at least," Akashi concluded as he got back into his room.
"They have a couple of days on their hands. I wonder how Korra would react," muttered Akashi as he changed his clothes, putting on a thick coat.
The weather was cold and merciless, and so were the trials ahead of him.
As much as he wanted to screw Unalaq, he had to at least let Korra free Vaatu. The key to that was opening both portals and then waiting for the harmonic convergence.
And so, Akashi acted as if nothing was wrong. He got to know some of the civilians living there, and they were nice people. At the same time, he met Asami accidentally.
She had just let out a tired sigh, saying, "Believe it or not, I managed to secure a huge investment from Varrick."
"That's amazing. Your father would be surprised," he said.
"Oh, trust me, the real surprise will be when I confront him." Asami smirked. "You didn't tell him that I know, did you?"
Akashi waved his fingers in front of his lips as if to zip them.
"Never did I tell him you know," Akashi said. "Matter of fact, I want to be present when it happens."
Asami chuckled. "Can't say that. By the way, why are you walking alone? Aren't you with your girlfriend?"
Akashi shrugged. "She's busy with her spiritual lessons and bringing harmony and all."
Asami gave him a look of pity.
"I'm alone too. Why not spend time together?" she said.
Akashi gave it a thought.
He'd have to wait for a few days before his plans took course.
And as much as he was excited for them to happen, he had learned that the more you wait, the longer the time seems to take to pass.
One needs to be active in order to make time flow faster.
"Sure," Akashi said, staring into her green eyes. The company of a pretty girl would definitely mess with his perception of time—not cheating or anything.
And so, they spent time together, playing at the festival and all. Akashi knew that he should enjoy his time while he could, because the next few days would be miserable, and that would be when the night in the South Pole was over.
Asami seemed to enjoy her time too while talking, temporarily forgetting about her father and his deal with the assassins after her. After all, she didn't know that her father was being blackmailed by the Dai Li and thought they were just normal kidnappers.
After a long time, Asami left Akashi, smiling and waving her hand at him as she entered her hotel. Akashi stood there, watching as she went in — to make sure that she was safe, not to stare at her butt or anything, believe it.
After that, he went to Tenzin and his family, meeting them, playing a little with the kids before moving to Korra's house. Korra hadn't returned, and when he asked her father about her, he replied, "She's busy with her studies." Yet, despite saying that, he sounded annoyed — and it wasn't because of the presence of his soon-to-be son-in-law.
"Do you trust your brother?" Akashi asked.
"Let's say Unalaq has always been spiritual. But even he can go to extremes to achieve his ideals. I just wish she doesn't take after him," said Tonraq.
"Anyway, nothing will happen to Korra, I hope," Akashi assured him.
"I hope so too," said Tonraq. Even he didn't trust his own brother.
"Well, whatever happens, you can count on me to protect Korra," Akashi said.
Tonraq chuckled. "Yeah, as if you can protect the Avatar. No matter how fast or strong you are, there's a limit to what a human can achieve. Matter of fact, since you're her boyfriend, you're the one who needs protection."
"True." Akashi nodded.
-x-X-x-
Korra couldn't stop staring at the lights in the sky, seeing how happy the spirits were.
On her way to the center of the South Pole, she had entered a dead forest, surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of angry dark spirits.
It wasn't until she opened the portal that life returned to the center, making the forest alive again.
The spirits, which had been dark and angry, changed their nature in a second, becoming joyful.
She couldn't help but think about what would have happened if these spirits had gotten angrier and attacked the Southern Water Tribe.
Her parents and the people she grew up with would have died and been wiped out.
Not to mention, even Akashi wouldn't have survived.
And she didn't want any harm to come to him.
Though she hadn't seen him for a whole day as she spent her time focusing on her studies and learning spiritual things from her uncle.
Currently, they were above a castle made of ice, looking in the direction of the sea.
"You see, Avatar, this is what bringing balance does," Unalaq said, walking and standing next to her.
"I see that," Korra said. "It's nice, to be honest."
"I know. But are you willing to stop at that or bring balance back to the whole world?" he asked.
"I would surely do my duties," she replied.
He smiled, as if satisfied with her behavior.
"And you know, once you open the other portal, our tribes will be one like they used to be," Unalaq said.
"Whoa, really?" she asked.
"Yes. The portal you just opened leads to another portal, which leads to the North Pole. Have you never wondered why our ancestors split and moved to the two farthest points in the world?"
"That explains a lot."
"For the sake of balance, I decided to bring my forces to protect the South Pole and put them under one rule." He pointed his hand.
On the horizon, a massive fleet approached.
Korra's eyes widened.
"What in…" The words just left her mouth as her mind went blank.
"Two tribes becoming one, they get under one rule. It's a matter of balance."
"Have you consulted the people here?" Korra turned to him and yelled. "You can't simply bring your forces and declare yourself the ruler!"
"They will understand. As for you, Korra, don't worry. It's not that I want to rule. I want to unite us. Once you open the next portal, everyone will live in both poles, and we will be one tribe. They won't mind at all once I explain."
"And you expect everyone to stand aside?" Korra argued. "This will lead to conflict!"
"Well, you at least," he said, "You're the Avatar, and as the Avatar, this matter will be between the two tribes, and you should stand by to observe. But don't worry, everything will work out fine."