imagine an Avatar AU with Korra.
She's already a full-fledge avatar, perhaps the best at combat, of all the avatars. Everybody knows this.
People tried kidnapping Asami, Bolin, Mako... her parents... anyone that might be a vulnerabilities, but it wasn't enough, instead it just emboldened her to be better to save them unharmed.
So people got creative.
One was a tyrant seized control of the Earth Republic, once known as the Earth Kingdom. Their "brilliant" idea, if you could call it that, was nothing short of madness and immorality.
Using the conveniently well-organized census of Earth Republic citizens, they rounded up anyone with Earthbending heritage. People from all corners of the world vanished, and blame fell squarely on their shoulders.
Korra arrived late to the scene. By the time she uncovered this sinister plot, the Earth Tyrant had amassed over a hundred thousand hostages, imprisoned in an artificial valley designed to be both a settlement and a prison.
Korra did what she did best—she fought. Alongside her comrades-at-arms, she liberated thousands of hostages, but it felt like a futile endeavor. For every thousand she saved, ten thousand more were captured. The only solace was that, within this oppressive regime, the captives remained relatively healthy and able.
Eventually, the Earth Tyrant, wearied of the incessant reports of attacks and breakouts, invited the Avatar for a diplomatic parley. This one-on-one meeting occurred in an old Ba Sing Se tea shop. What transpired inside remained a secret for almost two centuries, save for the moment when the Avatar's enraged shouts rattled the establishment.
The Tyrant emerged, their face with no hint of emotion, while Korra exited shortly afterward, uttering, "Keep your promise, and I'll keep mine," before departing. This marked the last known sighting of Korra within Earth Republic territory.
Years rolled past, and Korra remained an active Avatar, though the years had taken their toll. She transitioned into a role as a commander, using her combat expertise to train new recruits and develop strategies, from search-and-rescue missions to conflict de-escalation efforts.
Meanwhile, the Earth Tyrant continued to control the Quagmire Valley, aptly named for its inescapable nature. Seemingly, they upheld their end of the bargain, as Korra refrained from intervening in their activities, thus far.
At some point, the White Lotus announced Avatar Korra's retirement due to health concerns. The announcement also marked her departure, along with her wife, Asami, from Republic City to an isolated location.
The Earth Tyrant, having waited patiently for this moment, couldn't contain their anticipation. However, impatience grew with each passing day, week, month, and year. They dispatched spies worldwide in their relentless pursuit of news about Avatar Korra's whereabouts, driven by a purpose known to only a select few and shrouded in mystery for decades.
At the age of 97, the Earth Tyrant passed away in their sleep, far from peaceful. That night, the presidential palace echoed with curses as the Tyrant bemoaned the untimeliness of their death, lamenting that a few more years were all they needed.
Their successor, a Protégé, inherited power and continued their policies without deviation. The Protégé, however, shared information with their Successor on a need-to-know basis. Although on the surface, the government remained stable, compared to the Tyrant's reign, corruption ran rampant among high-ranking officials. These once-fearful officials now viewed themselves as experienced and superior to the Protégé.
It would have taken only a few more years before a conflict arose. In a twist of fate, the Protégé met an unfortunate "accident" and died at the age of 82.
The Successor, wielding power carelessly without a clear vision, initiated their own downfall. Unaware of the secret plan for the Valley residents, they acted without regard for its consequences.
When corruption allegations surfaced more than two decades into their rule, the Successor and their cronies realized they could no longer contain the people's anger. The turning point came when a group of freedom fighters, led by a young earthbender from the valley, infiltrated a bank. They destroyed all records of debts and collateral, distributing the vaulted wealth among the common citizens, sparking a revolt throughout the valley and the republic.
Ultimately, the Successor and the corrupted officials were apprehended and imprisoned. Despite being the most influential figure following the civil war, the earthbender from the valley, who was revealed as the next Avatar, declined office, choosing instead to complete their official training with the White Lotus and be an independent force for peace.
During their global travels, the Avatar stumbled upon a hidden temple believed to be Avatar Korra's resting place. While meditating there, they made a connection with Korra, who revealed the details of their agreement with the Earth Tyrant.
It turned out that the Tyrant had struck a deal with Korra. They would not harm the kidnapped people, provided Korra never set foot on Earth Republic soil again. Though infuriated, Korra imposed her own condition: the hostages were to be treated as legitimate republic citizens, provided with food, shelter, and healthcare. If someone were kidnapped, they could bring their immediate family, with their consent.
In her retirement, Korra and Asami went into hiding in a temple nestled within a mysterious swamp, surrounded by colossal trees. Here, Korra meditated and kept to herself, with Asami, Naga and Oogi, as her sole companions. Korra used the roots of the trees to maintain a connection to the outside world but remained isolated.
Asami also frequently encountered danger during her travels. She would discreetly contact the chief of police, providing valuable intelligence gathered by Korra. During these journeys, she had to fend off relentless stalkers and hunters attempting to locate Korra's whereabouts. This setup persisted until Asami passed away from old age.
After she buried Asami, herself, Korra dedicated herself to meditation, her sole mission was... to delay her death, even if only by a few more days, weeks, months, or years.
She outlived Naga, Oogi, her parents, her friends, and Asami. Eventually, she outlived the Earth Tyrant, but she knew her task was far from over. The protégé was privy to the secret plan, and it would be a lengthy wait, but Korra was unwavering in her determination.
One day, as she reconnected with the swamp's roots, she received news: the protégé had been assassinated. She felt her strength weaken, but she clung to life. The successor might be privy to the plan. A few more days, perhaps weeks. She could wait. She would wait.
During these final days, her connection to the spirit world grew stronger. Her parents provided solace, Mako and Bolin offered cheer, and Asami, in her spiritual form, held her tightly, whispering, "A few more days, Korra, I know you can wait."
When all her doubts had cleared, Korra finally let go. Her life had not stretched as long as Kyoshi's, but she stood as a close second, reaching 195 years.
She had clung to life to ensure that the next Avatar would not fall into the clutches of the Tyrant and their protégé, to be corrupted and controlled. Disconnected from past lives but still possessing immense power, such an Avatar could have posed a dire threat. Thanks to Korra's steadfast efforts, the world remained safe from this malevolent ambition.
Thanks to her efforts, the world remained untainted by this malevolent ambition. While she had been recognized as a formidable combatant throughout her teenage and young adult years, she had earned the endearing title of the Avatar of Patience, a moniker she undoubtedly teased her Airbending master with in the Spirit World, much to his chagrin.
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