Book 2 "Recovery"

Chapter 4 "Family Ties"

I let out a sigh as I set in my tent and looked at my hands. I couldn't believe that they could think that I wasn't my fathers daughter. I knew that being an airbender was strange for the daughter of a water tribe Chief, but I didn't think it would make people believe I wasn't his daughter.

I heard fighting and quickly ran out of my tent. I saw something attacking Korra and used my airbending to keep it in place. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh as I calmed my breathing. I felt the spirit screaming and felt our minds connect.

"We mean you no harm." I thought.

"Pain! Pain!"

"Allow me to help you." I whispered as I opened my eyes.

I watched it glow and then it faded away.

"You are strongly connected to the spirits." A voice said.

I turned my head and saw Unalaq and the others walk up to me.

"How did you-"

"I don't know, I just... spoke to it." I said as my eyes went wide.

Tenzin looked away from me and I wrapped my arms around myself. I looked up into the sky and let out a sigh.

"How are you able to control that spirit when no one else could?" Korra asked as she looked at Unalaq.

"As your father could tell you, I have spent my life studying the spirits and learning their ways. All of this knowledge is lost in the South, but I could teach you everything I know."

"Chief Unalaq, clearly you are very knowledgeable, but Korra still has much to learn about airbending. And I hope that going to the air temples will help her connect with the past Avatars." Tenzin said softly.

"The air temples will teach her nothing. Only I can give her the training she needs to be a complete Avatar." Unalaq said softly.

"I've told you that will not happen!" Tonraq snapped.

"Hey! I'm right here! Anyone want to ask me what I think?" Korra asked with a frown.

"Korra, please listen." Her father said softly.

"I'm tired of listening to you. Both of you. You keep me locked up, telling me you know what's best. But both of you were powerless against the spirit attack. I think it's time I had a new teacher." Korra said as she looked away.

"Now Korra—"

"Unalaq has proven he's the only one who knows what I need to learn. I have to go with him." Korra said cutting her father off.

"Please, I know you're angry, but we've come so far together." Tenzin said softly.

"I'm sorry, Tenzin. This is as far as we go." Korra said as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"It has been a pleasure serving you, Avatar Korra." Tenzin said as he bowed her head.

I watched him walk away and I let out a sigh. I felt eyes on me and turned to see Unalaq watching me.

"May we speak?" He asked walking up to me.

"What do you want to speak about?" I asked with a frown.

"Follow me." He said calmly.

I let out a sigh and followed him to his tent. He turned to look at me and I bit my lip.

"You wanted to speak to me?" I asked as I held my breath.

"It appears Koda did a blood test on you when you were first born." He said calmly.

"See I told Harmony that I was his daughter and she had nothing to fear." I said happily.

Unalaq let out a sigh and set on the ground.

"It came back negative."

My eyes went wide and I looked at him shocked.

"That's... that's not possible." I said softly.

"I'm afraid... you aren't the daughter of Chief Koda."

"Do.. do they know who my father is?" I asked as I held back tears.

"Koda wouldn't say.. nor would your mother. I'm sorry I had to tell you."

"I have to speak to him... I need to-"

"Leave. You must leave tomorrow. The Water Tribes have ordered you to leave."

My heart shattered and I felt tears threaten to pour out.

"I'm sorry... but you are banished from the North and South Water Tribes." He said softly.

"I.. this is my home! You can't do that! Just because I hid my bending! How can you all banish me for that!" I yelled as tears streamed down my face.

I wanted to fight to yell at him, but I could tell that he was not going to change his mind.

"I'm sorry, but everyone but one person agreed on it."

"Who was the one person? My father? Tonraq? Who was it!" I yelled.

"Harmony." He said softly.

I felt my heart stop and I felt like I couldn't breath. I instantly stopped looking at him and looked to the ground. I couldn't believe it, my own father hadn't spoken up for me.

"I truly am sorry." He said before I turned and left the tent.

I saw Tonraq and I felt anger boil up inside of me. I stomped towards him and reared back and hit him as hard as possible.

"Akari! What was that for?" Bolin asked as he held me back.

"EVERYTHING I DID WAS FOR YOUR DAUGHTER! AND YOU BANISH ME OVER ONE LIE! I HATE YOU!" I yelled through tears.

Tonraq looked up at me shocked as he held his nose. Bolin gently pulled me away and led me to his tent. I felt tears stream down my face and I let out a sob as Bolin pulled me into a hug.

"They banished me... my own family banished me."