Chronicles of Kairo

Declaration of War

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra, or any of the related characters. The Avatar universe is created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and owned by Nickelodeon. This fanfiction is intended for entertainment only.

Book 1: Dark

Chapter 8: Declaration of War

Hoaq, with his declaration of war, bravely seized the opportunity to confront Chief Varran directly. With a fierce determination in his eyes, Hoaq lunged at the Northern Chief, his rage and frustration boiling over. Varran caught off guard, barely managed to raise a defensive water shield in time.

The clash between Hoaq and Chief Varran escalated, and the waterbenders' movements were fluid and powerful. The guests gasped as the battle unfolded, and not so long later, the crowd of the feast, consisting of people from both tribes, started attacking each other.

Meanwhile, Master Sadin stepped forward to intervene, his experienced waterbending skills meeting the challenge posed by Chief Varran's son, Taaqtuq. The old Master and his pupil engaged in a dangerous yet elegant dance of bending, each move calculated and precise. The clash of their elements resonated through the palace, adding another layer of tension to the unfolding chaos.

The icy courtyard of the Southern Water Tribe palace, once, just half an hour ago, was filled with laughter and content, now transformed into a battleground of conflicting emotions and brewing tensions.

Mona, Gyila, and Kairo watched in horror as the once-celebratory atmosphere turned into chaos. Southern and Northern Water Tribe members clashed.

In the courtyard, Mona, Gyila, and Kairo exchanged troubled glances. The peace they had hoped for had crumbled, replaced by a violent confrontation that threatened to exploit the Southern Water Tribe. Kairo, recognizing the gravity of the situation, leaned in to share a desperate plan.

"We can't stay here. The tension is too high, and we won't be able to make a difference," Kairo urged, his eyes filled with urgency.

Mona hesitated, torn between her loyalty to her people and the realization that leaving might be the only option. Gyila, sensing Mona's internal struggle, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We need to find a way to stop this war, and right now, leaving might be our only chance. We are going to Republic City, and the next time we are back, we will come with the United Forces' full support," assured Gyila.

Reluctantly, Mona nodded, her eyes reflecting the pain of leaving her home in turmoil. "Let's go," she whispered, accepting the difficult decision. The decision to leave the Southern Water Tribe behind and seek help from the United Forces in Republic City seemed to be the only path forward.

As they moved towards the exit, Senna appeared, her eyes determined yet sad. "I am not staying here," she said, trying to sound as strong as possible. The trio didn't question her.

Outside the palace, Gyila had already summoned his loyal sky bison, Oshka, when they got the invitation to the feast. The group mounted Oshka quickly, their departure swift as the northern ship loomed ominously in the distance.

As Kairo looked at the ship, he couldn't contain himself and asked, "Why did you and your father come with the ship? Why didn't you use the portals instead?"

Senna exhaled, "My father is a superstitious man; he believed that this ship ride would be the last to be made between the tribes, as he would unite them."

Kairo, after that little clarification, took out his phone. "Jinora, this is Kairo. We're in a desperate situation. Chief Varran, with Taluru's support, tried to declare unity between the tribes. He plans to exploit Southern resources. Then Mona turned into the great spirit of Aisu, Guardian of the Water Tribes, then Hoaq, some guy, declared war, and everyone started to fight. We manage to leave before anyone spots us. Oh, and Senna, Varran's daughter, has joined us, and we're on our way to Republic City for help. We need the United Forces to intervene and prevent a catastrophe." Gyila told all those very quickly and all in one breath due to shock and adrenaline.

Jinora's voice crackled through the device, a mix of concern and urgency. "Kairo, stay safe. We'll do everything we can to help. Keep us updated on your journey."

The sky bison soared through the frigid air, carrying the burden of hope and the weight of impending conflict. As they left the Southern Water Tribe behind, the city lights faded in the distance. The fate of the tribes was hung in imbalance as they embarked on a journey towards an uncertain future.

After eight hours of constant flying, Mona was more than amused to see Republic City again. It has been more than three years since Mona returned to the city where she grew up and was born. Even so, she couldn't help but notice the changes. Skyscrapers were taller, roads were fuller, and the lights were shinier. Mona could hear the cars honking even up on Oshka's back. She noticed the Air Island, which she has been to several times for school trips.

Gyila lowered Oshka and rushed to Jinora, who had been waiting for them. The old, wise woman looked at the troubled young men and women. Jinora was an old woman, older than Mona thought she would be and older than Gyila remembers. She was ninety-three years old, after all. This kind old woman greeted the young men and women in front of her with a slight bow. "It is a pleasure to meet you all," she said in her kind voice.

Jinora glanced at Mona and said, "I have been hearing a lot of you, Mona," with a warm smile. Mona figured most of them were from Gyila and couldn't help but flush her cheeks red. She looked away in embarrassment. Over next to her, Gyila was very much amused by Mona's struggles.

After the greeting was over, Gyila turned to Mona when they were left alone. "Are you okay, Mona?" he asked, clearly concerned. Mona thought momentarily.

"No, I am not..." she said. The things she experienced in the last 48 hours were much more eventful in the whole twenty-two years of her. She spotted Gyila and Kairo; they went to the Spirit World by using the Southern Portal. She was kidnapped by spirit trees, then found a great spirit lady called Aisu, and then she fell asleep. When she woke up, they were faced with Varran. She became the Master of the Avatar. They went to the very rollercoaster-of-a-ride feast. She danced with Gyila; she felt rage and was possessed by Aisu. Then, with an actual declaration of war, she left her hometown in turmoil and flew to the Republic City, hiding, like a coward. Of course she was not okay.

"I know maybe this is hard to believe right now..." started Gyila with a sad voice. "But everything will be alright." Now his eyes met Mona's, finally looking up from the ground. His cute face was filled with sad hope.

"Thank you," started Mona. "It is not hard to believe," she murmured; Gyila smiled when he heard her. The melody of the wind chimes calmed Mona's tired soul.

"Let me show you where you will be staying tonight," he offered. Mona nodded in response.

As they walked inside the Temple, Gyila stopped and opened the door for Mona's room. "It should be big enough," he started as they entered her room. They dropped Mona's belongings on the ground as Gyila put his hand towards the door, signaling that he had more stuff to show Mona. They stopped at the entrance of the room next to Mona's. Gyila found his keys and opened the door.

"This is my room... If you need anything, anytime, please let me know," Gyila said with a smile. Mona responded with a warm smile to his gentlemanly gesture.

After a brief silence, as it was getting close to midnight, they decided to try to sleep. Right before Gyila closed his door, Mona exclaimed, "Wait!"

Gyila waited patiently and managed to hold the door before it closed. "Can I... Can we stay... uhm..." stuttered the ever-so-slightly confidant waterbender.

"Anything, Mona. You can tell me," assured Gyila, his brown hair partly covering his blue tattoos. "I would be happy to," he added.

"Can I stay with you?" she managed to ask after the reassurance from Gyila.

Gyila opened the door, welcoming her inside his room with the warmest smile.