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thatonebirdwrites · 4 months

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Crossover Shenanigans: Korrasami and Supercorp

Korra and Asami stand in front of a strange purple portal. Korra: You know, I'm a little relieved I'm not the reason for this portal for once. Asami: True. Mako: I don't think it's safe to mess with it. Maybe stay here? Asami: How will we be able to determine where it goes? The best way to test a hypothesis is through an experiment. *proceeds to tie the rope around her and Korra's waist and then spools it around hte pulley-crank system she's built. It's several hundred meters of rope* So all you two have to do is keep an eye on this. If the rope is tugged three times, then crank us back. Bolin: *digs into his bag of cookies* Easy enough. Mako: *sighs dramatically* Don't yell at me when this goes badly! Korra gives him a thumbs up, takes Asami's hand, and enters the violet portal. A brief moment of weird stomach-churning nausea hits them, and then they enter a large white room. Two people stand behind a counter with strange devices that Korra and Asami have never seen before. Asami: Wow. That looks like a fancy typewriter. *Points to the keyboard with a strange square attached to it, that looks like a very thin mover screen.* Brunette-and-very-pretty-woman: Who the hell are you two? Korra: Hey! That's not very nice! We're explorers. Investigating the new portal. I'm Avatar Korra. *jerks her thumb at Asami* and this is my super awesome girlfriend Asami Sato. Asami: *blushes* Do you have to introduce me like that every time? Tall-muscular-blonde: Oh, hey! Great to meet you! I'm Kara Danvers, and this is Lena Luthor! *grins and holds out her hand* Asami stares at it for a long moment. Korra rolls her eyes and shakes Kara's hand. Asami bows instead. Lena: Okay, so nice to meet you, now go back through so I can shut this down... Asami: Wait, you made this? How did you make it so small? When Korra made a spirit portal, she energybended a massive explosion, which ripped open the fabric of reality... Lena: What is energybending? Asami: Oh, it's something only the Avatar can do. She manipulates energy in people or the environment. Lena: So she manipulated a massive explosion to create a portal? That seems a very destructive way. *gestures to the portal behind Asami* I built this using Nth metal, magnetic coils, and... Asami: *whips out a notebook from her jacket* What is Nth Metal? And magnetic coils? That's actually a brilliant idea. I've been experimenting with those lately. . .

Kara and Korra watch as the pair dive into an intense conversation about electromagnetics and engineering.

Korra: Yup, that's Asami there. My girlfriend.

Kara: Yup. That's Lena. My girlfriend.

Korra: Huh. So what can you do? I can bend all four elements and metal! *shows off by waterbending the water from Lena's glass, then uses airbending to boost herself upward briefly, and bends stone around the room* Lena: Would you please put my water back in its glass? Asami: It could short-circuit the electronics. Korra: Whoops. *Drops water carefully into glass but then bends the metal bar that's lying on the table into a knot*

Kara: Okay, but that was really awesome. So, as Supergirl, I can do this. *Flies into the air, shoots lasers from her eyes, then lifts up half the lab with one arm.* Lena: Kara, please, if you're showing off, do it away from the portal. *turns back to Asami* So you're saying, you build a powered suit using pistons, hydraulics, and platinum? Are you sure its platinum? Because the hardness and tensile strength you described sounds like titanium to me. Asami: You know, maybe that's what it's called here. Let me show you. *proceeds to draw the chemistry diagram for the metal*

Lena: Fascinating. That's definitely titanium.

Korra: I bet I can beat you in a fight.

Kara: No way. I could beat you.

Lena and Asami: If you're going to fight, take it outside please.

Lena: I'm also filming it. *Reaches over and picks up a round ball and then proceeds to type something into her keyboard. Asami watches fascinated as the ball rises into the air and follows Kara out of the room and onto the porch area of the lab* Asami: Was that a tiny mech? Lena: Robot. Asami: Wait, so what powers it? I've struggled with decreasing the size of batteries due to... Korra unhooks herself, cracks her knuckles, and follows Kara outside. MEANWHILE IN AVATAR-VERSE: Mako: Why did the rope go slack?

Bolin: OH NOES. Do you think they got eaten?

Mako: Bo, by what? *his eyes widen* Oh no, they could really be in trouble then.

Bolin: We go to save them! But we need someone to man the ropes for us.

Mako: Let me radio Jinora. *picks up the portal radio* Jinora? Can you send some help to the new portal?

Opal and Jinora soon join them. They agree to man the ropes while Mako and Bolin head into the portal. MEANWHILE ON EARTH-38:

Mako and Bolin exit the portal and stare in shock at Asami standing by a brunette, while Korra and Kara battle outside. The walls are transparent, and the fight is intense.

Bolin: Asami! We're here to save you! *puts up his fists*

Asami: Wait what? No! Korra and I are fine.

Lena: Who the hell are you two?

Mako: So you're not about to be poisoned or something? *has fire blades ready in his hands*

Asami: NO! Lena here was chatting with me about the technology here. Korra is just sparring with Kara. Lena, that's Bolin and Mako, our friends.

Bolin: Oh. Do you have any snacks? Because I got to see this.

Mako: *sighs* whatever.

Lena: *grumbling but opens snack cabinet and tosses food at Bolin* I hope no one else comes through. I still need to calibrate... Asami: For the calibrations, do you have to manually type commands? Lena: Actually, no, I write code for that. Asami: TEACH ME.

Mako and Bolin sit down with their snacks to watch the increasingly intense fight. Korra has all four elements and is in Avatar state while flying in the air. Kara is blocking all the attacks using invulnerability and trying to get close enough to do a right hook.

After several minutes, Jinora and Opal rush through the portal.

Jinora: Are you all okay?

Opal: Woah, nice place.

Lena: What the fuck is with you people?? Go home! I can't turn off the portal with y'all here!

Bolin: Can't! Got to see who wins!

Jinora: I apologize for the intrusion! I'm Jinora and this is Opal. We were worried about the brothers.

Asami: Here's some snacks. Korra is battling Kara to see who is stronger. *gestures to the windows* I think it's an even match so far.

Lena: *scoffs* Kara is obviously winning. She's invulnerable to all of Korra's attacks. She also has the ability to fly, and her laser vision can easily incinerate most of what Korra fires at her.

Asami: *laughs* So? Korra's ability to dodge with airbending keeps her a moving target. Kara has yet to land a punch. Also, the fire blasts, ice daggers, and stone spikes keep her on the defensive.

The pair fall into an argument into the science of their girlfriends' powers and how they may work scientifically. The argument ends up so heated that Lena finally throws up her hands in defeat.

Lena: FINE. Let's find out who wins then?

Asami: FINE. More snacks are needed though. Bolin eats enough for three, I swear.

Lena grumbles under her breath about insatiable eaters, while she makes popcorn for all of them instead using her bunsen burners.

Alex, Kelly, Brainy, and Nia burst into Lena's lab.

Alex: Are you okay? We heard about the invasion!

Asami: Invasion? We're just visiting.

Lena: Don't interfere! This is important research.

Alex: Who the hell are these people? *gestures to the Avatar-verse people*

Mako: Who the spirits are you? *jumps to his feet with his fire blades ready*

Bolin: We need more popcorn! *waves an empty bowl*

Nia: Did you say popcorn? Yesss. You're my new friend.

Opal: So you're all friends of Lena? *Opens snack cabinet and ignores Lena's glare at her touching Lena's things. Takes out snacks and tosses them at Jinora who hands them to the others*

Kelly: Yes. Don't tell me, she had an accident in the lab?

Lena: Not an accident! I might have unintentionally created a bridge to another multiverse that is directly parallel to ours per M-brane theory --

Asami: M-brane theory? Spirits, we're way behind. We just figured out quantum entanglement exists and how to build planes. Tell me all about M-brane theory please.

Brainy: I posit that if you tell her that could alter the trajectory of their world with dangerous consequences--

Lena and Asami: Shut up Brainy!

Bolin hands out more popcorn for the now TWO shows: Kara and Korra fighting still -- the fight has gotten more and more intense with no sign of either being able to land a significant blow on the other. On the other hand, Asami and Lena fall into an intense argument about physics, which is interspersed with yells at Brainy to stop interrupting them.

Brainy: Sharing this with a person of lesser technology may interfere with the time modality of their multiverse --

Lena: Brainy, if you don't shut up, I'm kicking you out!

Asami: It's not like I'm going to completely rebuild the entirety of all engineering in my world. I mean, I could, I am rich, and you know, that would be a fun project...

Lena: Ah, shaping society through money and technology. Sounds like me... *she trails off and stares at Asami*

Asami: Oh my spirits

Lena: Oh my god

Asami and Lena: ARE WE THE SAME PERSON?

Bolin: *throws popcorn into his mouth* Yup.

Nia: And those two fighting are probably the same person too.

Brainy: I calculate that the probability of two identical people from alternate universes could disrupt the time continuum-- Everyone but Nia: SHUT UP BRAINY.

Nia: *shoves a beer into his hands and pulls him down next to her* Shush, just enjoy the show.

THE END... FOR NOW?

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romancemedia · 4 months

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Cartoon Romances + A Lover's Quarrel

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hotpinkrathian · 2 months

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Ahhhh so I have to admit I have been working on something, it's a very big project for me.

It's 30 000 words long as of now, and I estimate to be about 1/2 - 2/3 of the way through the story. I'm super excited about it, however I don't want to get to a point where I'm almost done and don't finish, which is why I am writing it so much.

I want everyone in the kyalin Fandom to be right there with me when it's ready. So I'm going to do my best to finish it before I start posting.

How would I describe it???

A Kyalin mystery slowburn

Here's a snippet from Chapter 3 (spoilers ahead)

“Here,” Tenzin said, passing Lin a notice.

“So secretive,” Kya joked, pretending to lean over.

“It's not that secret,” Tenzin said, “two more came forward getting letters, bringing the total to-”

“Forty-nine.” Lin finished. The names added to the list weren't familiar to her. An Earth Republic mayor, and a fire nation general. “Something tells me there's one more out there,” Lin said.

“You think? An even 50?”

“Stopping at forty-nine would be good thinking on their end,” Kya said, “I mean, it would have everyone worried over the 50th letter, which doesn't exist.” She elaborated.

Lin raised an eyebrow, shrugging it off.

“What are the odds they get out anyway?” Kya asked.

“You mean the dirt?” Lin clarified.

“Yeah. Are the threats… real? Do you think they actually know something, or is it… broad enough to make yo- people think they did something.”

“Well we've bounced around that idea for a while,” Lin said, “but I think the general consensus was that… they were a little too close for comfort.” She looked to Tenzin, whose harrowing eyes reflected the anxieties of her own.

Her own letter bounced around in the back of brain, waiting to be unpacked. She had divulged so much into dealing with the case, and worrying about Suyin, she hadn't put much thought into how she would deal with the information revealed by her letter.

What she would do.

What she would say.

She didn't inherently think she had anything to be ashamed of, but there were plenty others who wouldn't see it that way.

It would be career ending, perhaps enough to chase her out of town in search of a fresh start.

If Suyin was still alive, Zaofu could make for a nice retirement place.

“Excuse me for a moment,” she said, getting up. She made for the bathroom down the hall, but instead opened the window at the end of the hall.

Delicately, and with precision, even in her wine-induced stupor, she climbed outside, hanging onto the ledge.

She'd done it a thousand times in her teen years. Scaling the air temple had been a right of passage, and a necessity, when she was with Tenzin.

It was second nature to her as she hauled herself to the upper floor.

Luckily, the window wasn't locked and she got back inside with ease.

She walked quietly down the hall, praying she didn't wake the kids. It was as she remembered. Almost nothing had changed, and a strange wave of deja vu overcame her.

It ended when she entered the left door, and not the right.

Kya's room was one she hadn't been in much, especially as she got older. It looked as she had envisioned. It was tasteful and colorful. Lin envied her ability to pick out pictures and tapestries of varied colors, still managing to make them go together.

First she checked the nightstand, which had a lot of interesting things, but nothing she was looking for.

She checked the duffle bag on the chair, nothing but clothes and towels.

She sighed, looking around.

She noticed the bed was lifted slightly off the floor. Tenzin used to keep… stuff under his bed.

Perhaps these airhead all thought alike.

She got on her knees before laying herself gently onto her stomach.

She outstretched an arm under the bed, feeling around until her palm landed on a box.

She pulled it out, and allowed herself to stand up before setting it on the bed and opening it.

The unmistakable waxy green seal.

The inky handwriting on the back with a clear name designation.

The clear indication that it had been open and removed multiple times.

She held it in her hand, her fingers frozen.

Fifty

#legend of korra #kyalin #korrasami #atla #lok #lin x kya #tenzin #pema #korra #asami #mako and lin #bolin x opal #post cannon #kuvira #should i hide a secret in the tags #mystery

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wilcze-kudly · 5 months

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Reasons why YOU should ship Bolin and Wei Beifong:

1.Gay🏳️‍🌈

The Avatar universe has a lot of WLW characters, but not many MLM ones. And having another member of team avatar be comfirmed as queer is always a good thing (they're all canonicaly queer in my heart tho).

Also having Bolin be queer adds a lot of interesting dimension to the character, eapecially to his previous interactions with female love interests. I've always headcanoned Bolin as very comphet. Discovering you're queer is something I wish were more explored with Korrasami, but Bolin 'i have a new heterosexual love interest nearly every season' would also be an imteresting character to follow through that process. Feel like it would give him an existential crisis and I want to see that bisexual disaster happen.

Especially if contrasted by Wei, who comes from the very liberal Zaofu. Look me in the eyes and tell me Su doesn't support gay rights. Zaofu is like the gayest city in the Avatar universe. Just look at their slay outfits and Aiwei's cool nosering.

2.Good Chemistry

Between the cute little sparring moment with the pebble and the famed rescue scene, these two do have some excellent chemistry. Look at them. LOOK AT THEM.

The lil 'you impressed?' eyebrow raise and smirk from Bolin. Wei's smile. THE PAT PAT. Bolin's little confused bi moment. The fact that they're just CHILLIN with Bolin holding Wei bridal style while Toph is RIGHT THERE and the fact that they're in such a high stress situation and that the rest of Wei's family needs to be rescued. BUT NO, THEY'RE JUST STARING INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES BECAUSE THEY'RE IN LOVE, YOUR HONOUR.

3.Rivals to friends? to enemies to friends again to lovers???

Wei and Bolin's first interaction is a little squabble during sparring, where Wei sandwiches Bolin with 2 metal plates and Bolin smacks Wei with a pebble. They've got this whole cute little rivalry thing going on and i think it's adorable.

Assumedly, they start getting along more after Bolin and Opal start dating. This probably doesn't last long, since after Bolin joins Kuvira, his relationship with the Beifongs probably sours tremendously. Even outside of a shipping context I would wanna know what Bolin's relationship with the other Beifongs was at the time.

I imagine especially after the Beifongs get captured by Kuvira's forces, Wei wouldn't be too inclined to like Bolin. But when Bolin comes to rescue them, Wei is the first to get tossed over, which would require a lot of trust in both Lin and Bolin. And Wei's first interaction with Bolin after Bolin catches him is *ahem* very friendly. Which seems to imply that, at the very least, Bolin is somewhat forgiven.

I also think it's really fucking cute that Bolin brought metal wires for Wing and Wei to bend and I'm devastated that we didn't get the scene of him giving them to the twins. I am shaking my stick at the heavens as we speak.

Presumably, fighting side by side against Kuvira would have Wei and Bolin bonding more and perhaps striking up a genuine friendship. I love it when gays bond over traumatic events. It's the purest form of courtship.

Also whenever the twins are standing next to Bolin, Wei is always the one closer to the guy... like i know im grasping at straws here but i just... im not sane anymore

4.Lavabending/metalbending symbolism

Do I need to say more? They're both talented in two of the most prominent earthbending substyles. Also there is interesting symbolism to Bolin having struggled to learn metalbending his entire life and failing but then getting a metalbender boyfriend could be really cute. THEY LITERALLY COMPLETE EACH OTHER GUYS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND

(also you can't tell me that Wei wouldn't find lavabending incredibly.... hot....)

5.Tension filled sparring

Their first interaction was a sparring session during which they were playing litte dirty tricks on each other. Also we all love sexually charged sparring sessions.

6.Detecting lies/performer symbolism

So I've kinda talked at length about how Bolin is a 'performer'. (Which @thenamescaba has pointed out could very well be masking. Bolin is very autism) Bolin often seems to act in a manner that would make people like him, rather than genuinely. Which is pretty in line qith his childhood. Assumedly being homeless didn't win him any perks socially, so now he's compensating by trying to garner as much positive attention as he can nowadays.

This can have an interesting contrast with Wei, who comes from a family with the ability to detect lies and assumedly also has this skill. I could totally imagine Wei calling Bolin out on contorting himself in order to be more likeable.

7.Height/Size difference

This is just self indulgent to be honest. I headcanon all the Beifongs as a pretty short family in general and while I'm pretty sure that Wei isn't very small, I have a soft spot for tall/average characters who are absolutely dwarfed by their giant, bulky partners. Also, how strong is Bolin because he is just holding a guy his age with apparently no effort???

8.Daring rescue/princess carry aesthetic

Listen, fairytales had this trope down pat for a reason. Sure it's cliche and overdone but it is a guilty pleasure for a lot of folks. Plus, I do think there's a lot of humour a usually capable metalbender having a major case of damsel-in-distressitis.

There is also the fact that the scene is unintentionally (or intentionally, i feel like SOMEONE in the writer's room has it out for me) paralleling the Nuktuk posters, for which Bolin posed with a love interest.

9. The Freedom/belonging contrasts

Now this here is a stretch, but an interesting and fun one. With Bolin we see a huge, underlying theme of him 'trying to find himself', practically feom the first season. He bounces from job to job, tries new things but nothing feels good enough. This probably stems from his childhood in the streets, he may be compensating for all the lost opportunities or something else. What does matter is that Bolin is 'untethered' and floating rather aimlessly, to his great distress. It's shown in book 2 that he envies the rest of team Avatar, who have already found their places in life.

Now, for Wei we can only use context clues and his siblings as reference but bear with me. We see that Suyin is a slightly overprotective mother, who would rather all her kids stay at home with her. We see this with Opal's hesitance to leave doe the Air Temples and with how harshly Su reacted when Kuvira nad Baatar Jr left Zaofu. This, paired with the fact that Wing and Wei are the only ones of their siblings who are 'upholding the legacy of their mother and grandmother ' might place them under a lot of pressure.

Therefore, Wei, in stark contrast to Bolin has a firmly set place in the world, one from which it would be incredibly difficult to free himself. This is completely different from Bolin, who , while he hasn't found himself yet has the freedom to be whomever he wants to.

One could set forth the idea that Wei and Bolin envy one another.

Bolin, envying Wei for having everything Bolin had wanted as a child. A stable family and life and a meaningful legacy. While Wei could be jealous of Bolin being able to forge his own path, instead of treading water.

10.Good angst potential

Being in love with your sisters boyfriend (why yes, I cannot look at Satisfied from Hamilton the same way, how did you know) is angsty even of itself, but then said boyfriend joins your fascist estranged siblings? Is this a greek tragedy? Especially that the twins and Opal seem rather close, so I think it would be unlikely that Wei would try to interfere in his sister's happiness.

Even as an unrequited romance, weilin provides a lot of potential for an amazing story. And we get to torture one of Toph's grandkids. As a treat.

On Bolin's side, realising you're queer can be a long and arduous process, especially if you've been taught otherwise. And I don't exactly believe the Triple Threats would be super accepting. This could also lead to some really sweet moments between Bolin and Mako, because Mako, for all his flaws is a very good big brother. And Korrasami could be the cool bi mentors. DO YOU SEE MY VISION. (Also Opal would be 100 percent supportive she's an absolute queen)

11.Good comedy potential

Just two himbos, dumb as the rocks they bend, tryna get together but both being too stupid and nervous to actually take the plunge.

Bolin is usually very forward with his advances, but perhaps trying to get with a guy the first time would feel like unfamiliar territory and make him even more nervous. And even so, Bolin's usual flirting is a sight to behold.

While we don't exactly know how Wei would react to this i can see him being a bit of a tsun. He just has that vibe. I could also see him not knowing how to react to being flirted with, since I can imagine that he spent most of his childhood isolated with his siblings.

I can totally imagine them both being much too awkward to make the first move and everyone around them being absolutely mentally exhausted by this weird little himbo mating ritual.

12.Because i said so

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avatarfan11 · 3 months

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Korra: i have tops from all the nations *opens closet with tops with colors of all nations except red* oh i will get the red top now.

*Asami walks in*

Opal: Nice top.

Asami: Hey i have a name.

Korra: *Blushing*

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auduux · 2 months

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I don't care what anyone says, Eska and Bolin is better then Opal and Bolin and I will die on this hill willingly

#no i have not reached my peak of dumbassery #opal beifong #bolin #opal x bolin #eska and desna #eska x bolin #avatar the legend of korra #the legend of korra #avatar the legend of aang #avatar the last airbender

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bxrryjun · 6 months

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Y'all read my fic

Btw it’s not done but I’ll post the first chapter next week. Feel free to give your opinions and suggestions ✦★

Click here

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deimagines · 6 months

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Her Falling and Her Legacy *Part 3 ( A ATLA and LOK Imagine)

Been away for so long cuz of college. But I am HERE! and I am not leaving! Part 1/2/

General Iroh II arrives at the Air Temple and Zuko has a dream.

Ba Sing Se

100 AG

Y/N smiles happily that her mooncakes have come out perfectly. It was the first time she had made them, and she was proud of how they turned out. She even gave them a little dragon design on it, circling a jasmine flower.

She took a careful bite to taste the flavors and smiled.

“Mmh, not bad!” She says to herself and makes a small plate for her and her roommates. She just wished that Zuko would wake up soon.

After Zuko released the Avatar’s flying bison, he became sick.

Iroh said that his aura is changing drastically and was the reason for his illness.

She sighs in worry but puts on a brave face before placing the plate on the kitchen table.

Iroh took one and tasted it. A smile was presented on his face. A clear sign that he was happy by the taste. “Incredible! You have outdone yourself, Y/N.”

“Thank you, Iroh. It’s my first time making these.”

Zuko entered the room and Iroh presented the mooncakes to him.

“Look, nephew, Y/N made mooncakes. Try one!”

Zuko looks at the hopeful gaze on Y/N’s face over his uncle’s shoulder and takes one.

After taking a bite, he hums lightly. “Pretty good.”

“Really?” She asked, worry washed away.

“Yeah. Really good, actually.” He takes another bite.

“Maybe we should add them to the menu of our tea shop.” Iroh suggested.

“Okay, but only I get to make them, I don’t want anyone stealing my recipe.”

“Deal!” Iroh finalizes their ‘business’.

Northern Air Temple

171 AG

Tenzin watched his pupils, yet again, with frustration.

It had weeks, but he still has ye tot manage to shape them into the ideal air nomads that he and his grandfather had dreamed of for as long as he can remember. After the close call with the bison herd from getting stolen by animal traffickers, if Kai and the other airbenders hadn’t interfered, he had expected they would at least become more serious about their training.

He winced as another was hit and out of the spinning paddles.

Not a lot, but at least a little.

He sighed once again and continued to watch until one certain pupil caught his attention.

At least one of them had expected those expectations.

“Don’t just stand there, Rookie! Be the leaf!” Meelo orders her as he pointed at the gates with his chest puffed up.

She looks down at him and then back at the paddle with a steady gaze. She watches as they spin and spin and then something just clicks.

“A leaf. . . I get it.”

She took her position and started moving her feet and walked onto the course, eyes closed.

Tenzin watched in tense, nobody had done it the first time with eyes closed before.

Yet she did the impossible, and moved like Meelo has instructed, like a leaf. But it wasn’t just dodging, it was like she was dancing. Like the leaf, she redirected any impacts that she stumbled upon her way through the grates and let the wind guide her to safety.

She finally arrived at the other side, unharmed and lowers of hands together.

The others looked at her with amazement and envy as whispers broke out.

“Wow.”

“She’s amazing.”

“She makes it look so easy.”

Bai-La was an incredible pupil. The most attentive, the most graceful and hard-working student that he has ever had the closest joy to have.

Other than the poor man that he had to demonstrate to shave, Bai-La was the only one who willingly volunteered to have her hair shaved. Technically, she asked for a half-shaved look to not lose all of her hair. He hesitated, but she was the only one who volunteered.

She passed every test and breathing exercises as well as understanding his lectures and stories, excluding.

If she kept it up, she would be at the same level as his children and Korra.

And . . . another thought had haunted his mind ever since he saw her eyes.

Y/N. The girl who would’ve been the Fire Lady.

Zuko’s first love.

Though he was not sure if it was just a coincidence, Bai-La's eyes and face were the exact copy of the girl who would’ve been his aunt.

Everyone knew the story. How Y/N The Gentle fought and aided future Chief Sokka, his would-be wife, Suki and future Chief of Police Toph to stop Fire Lord Ozai’s invasion.

Only Y/N was sacrificed for the cause.

His mother once told him of how broken Zuko was when he heard of the news of his beloved’s demise, but he had to remain strong as he was the next Fire Lord. He managed to find happiness in Mai, but even she knew that she couldn’t compete with the girl who had stolen her husband’s heart, their respect for each other is unreal.

In fact, the now Fire Lord, name, Izumi was half of Y/N’s name, Y/N Izumi, to honor her in memory.

Which brings him to another situation.

“Alright everyone, that’s enough for today. We’ll continue tomorrow after our morning meditation.”

Most of them sighed in relief and even went on their separate ways in groups or alone. Bai-La jumps done and lands on her feet gracefully.

As she was about to leave, Tenzin stopped her.

“Just a moment Bai. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Yes, Sifu Tenzin?” She looks up at him.

“Follow me.” He says, and they made their way out of the training grounds.

They reached one of many balconies of the temple and he took out an envelope from his robes.

“Here.” He hands it to her. “Letters from your family. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise of bringing them here, but the letter that you sent to them was most helpful.”

Bai-La smiles gratefully and bows to him. “Thank you. These mean more a lot to me than you can think of.” She opens one and immediately begins to read.

Tenzin nods. “I’m glad. . . there is something else that I need to bring up.”

“Yes?” She looks back up at him.

“As you know by now, our situation with the world leaders have been a little. . . strained with the idea of airbenders being back to society.”

“You mean President Raiko?”

Tenzin didn’t reply. “Our first impression was not . . .impressive, per say. Two days from now, General Iroh will come visit by to write a report on our activities and how fair we are doing.”

“You mean spying?” She teases lightly.

“Yes.” He couldn’t help but to comply with her humor. “But General Iroh is a good man. The one he’s working above him, however.”

“No need for more explanations.” She raises her hand to stop him. “But I still have yet to understand what it has to do with me?”

“Well, other than Kai and my brother, you Bai-La have the greatest potential out of all the other airbenders. In fact, you’ve become a sort of prodigy. Which is why I want you to be a representative of the airbenders once the General arrives to build his report.”

“I don’t know what to say.” She says in surprise. “I am . . .”

“Just don’t get it to your head.” Tenzin teases as he places a hand on her shoulder. “You should prepare, the General will be here next week.”

“Yes, and thank you, Sifu Tenzin.” She bows with her fist connected to her palm.

He returns it and they began to walk away until Bai notices something.

“Is that an old oven?”

Tenzin looks over his shoulder and sees a familiar oven that brought up wonderful memories.

“Why yes, the air acolytes use it, but they’re a little old fashion these days. I used to make cakes with my father here once, Bumi did not like them.”

“Were they that bad?”

A secret smile made its way up to the corners of his mouth. “Not exactly.”

“Well, then, can I use it? I would love to make some mooncakes or some sweetbread.” She had sparkles in her eyes as she explained.

Tenzin raises an amused brow. “I don’t see why not. Here, let me show you a recipe my father taught me.”

***

Bumi was happily taking a stroll until something fell from the sky.

His head was suddenly covered in frosting and cake bits. He shouted at the sky in anger, knowing exactly who was responsible.

“TENZINNNNN!”

Tenzin and Bai-La looks down from the balcony and they both laugh. They then bow to each other.

“Your aim is perfect, my bright pupil.”

“Thanks, Sifu Tenzin.”

***

The Fire Nation.

The winds brushed his hair wildly as he stood there in the courtyard where the fountain lay, the exact one from Ba Sing Sae. The one where she took him there by accident.

Cherry blossom petals suddenly fall from the sky. Where did they come from? He doesn’t know.

“Zuko.”

His eyes widened and he slowly turned. The wind blowing through his hair as the owner of the voice that had called out to him was full in his sight.

There she was.

Young and beautiful as he remembered.

Her dress was the one she wore on their first date.

He felt his youth coming back as he suddenly morphs back into the young lad he used to be when they were still together.

He ran to the other side of the fountain, where she was and crashes her into a hug. She let out a giggle as he twirls her around until he settles her back to the ground. Her head burry on his chest as he hugs her.

“I missed you.” He whispers into her hair.

“I missed you, too.” She muffles into his chest.

“This is another dream. Is it?” His tone of content did not waver.

“I’m afraid so.” She confesses. “But it’ll be over soon.”

His hold on her tightened at those words. This dream always ended the same way. He begs her to stay longer, but she always says no.

“Please. Just a little longer. A minute even.”

“You don’t understand, Zuko. It will be over soon.”

He frowns, this was different. He pulls away to look down at her. “What will be over soon?”

She raises a hand to cup his cheek, her thumb caressing the edge of his scar.

This was different too.

But he didn’t care, he leans into the touch and grabs it to kiss the palm of her hand.

“You’ll see.”

He suddenly wakes up.

He sat up and looked at the morning sky from his open window.

It has been days since he arrived at the Fire Nation to protect Izumi. She was reluctant to take the decision, saying that she didn’t need any protection, but he insisted. She has only heard of Zaheer and the Red Lotus, never seen them of what they are capable of.

His hands clutched the silk duvet as he imprinted the words of his first beloved.

It’ll be over soon.

But what did she mean by that?

***

Bai-La sighs as she wipes the sweat on her forehead with the back of her hand after setting the last batch of mooncakes on tray. She smiled at her grandmother’s signature design on the treats as fond memories began to unfold. She looks at the ready mooncakes that were packaged in boxes. At the sight of it, there was enough for a whole fleet. Which was what she was going for.

Ikki was there too, sitting near the baker on a rail of the balcony munching on a cake that Bai had given her. “Mmh! This is the best mooncake I ever tasted.” She pauses. “Don’t tell my mom I said that.”

Bai only smiles. “I’m glad you like them! It’s my grandmother’s recipe, never changed and never left eaten without a single crumb behind.”

Ikki looks at the number of mooncakes. “But why are you making so much? Is there a party? Are we having a party? Is it someone’s birthday?”

“Nope,” Bai answers quickly to cut off any remaining questions that the little girl has. “These are for the Air Acolytes as a thank you for helping us settling in the temple and for the Fleet of the United Republic of Nations as a welcome present.”

Ikki looks at the many boxes. “That’s a lot of mooncakes.”

“Ooh!” Meelo made himself known. “Mooncakes! Score!”

He was about to touch the ones that were already packed but Bai lightly taps his hand with a wooden spoon. “Apbububu- No touchy. Those are for the Air Acolytes and our guests tomorrow.”

Meelo rubs his hand in dismay, but his mood suddenly changed when a plate of mooncakes was in front of his face.

“These however are for airbenders.” Bai smiled.

He gladly takes one and takes a bite. His eyes sparkled as his tastebuds sings his mood. “Whoa! It’s like I’ve been taken to Flavor Heaven!”

He then takes more and more to stuff in his mouth, but Bai pulls that plate away from him as she laughs. “Hey! Save some for the others, Little Sifu.”

Little Sifu was a nickname she had given him since she started her training, Meelo didn’t seem to mind since the word Sifu is being used directly to him.

“Alright, since you two are here. Mind helping give these out till’ dinner time? I’ll put in a good dozen of mooncakes for you once we’re done.”

“You trade in a hard bargain, lady.” Meelo comes by and takes a few boxes with Ikki.

“But the temple is so big. How are we gonna take these to everyone by dinner? I’ll be tired from all the walking.”

“Who says anything about walking?”

Ikki and Meelo shared a look.

***

An air acolyte was done cleaning the windows, when suddenly, he hears the familiar sounds of wind whistles.

Before he could look behind, three figures passed by him, and he felt something in his hands. He looked down and was surprised to see a white box in his hands with a sweet aroma coming from it.

He squinted to the culprit that gave him the box and see Bai-La with the airbending children on air scooters with other boxes balanced on the top of their heads.

“Thanks for your hard work!” Bai shouted.

The air acolyte raises a brow but opens the box, nonetheless, he takes out a mooncake and smiles to where the benders headed before taking a bite.

“Mmh!”

***

Like Bai had hoped, they managed to deliver the mooncakes to every acolyte at the Temple by dinner. Some were surprised but mostly happy by the thoughtful treats.

Everyone finished their meals and the airbenders were surprised by Bai’s mooncakes waiting for them.

“So, this is what the commotion was about within the acolytes.” Tenzin said as he takes one.

“I wanted to thank them for helping us settle in the Air Temple.”

“How thoughtful.” Pema complements as she takes a mooncake as well. She noticed the design and admired it. “What a lovely touch.”

Bai smiled. “Thank you, it’s my gram-gram's signature.”

“These are delicious!”

“I know right!” Ikki was happily eating them.

Bai sat in her seat as she was being thanked and asked for making mooncakes again from airbenders and acolytes alike. One even asked for the recipe, but she shakes her head.

“Sorry guys, family secret. My grandmother would haunt me if shared the recipe from outside of the family.”

The mood in the room changed drastically after hearing the comment.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Bai.” Tenzin apologizes.

The young woman only smiled and shakes her head again. “It is fine, Master Tenzin, it was a long time ago. . .” She fiddles with something that tied around her neck that Ikki seemed to be the only one to notice.

“What that?”

Bai pulls it up a bit to show it. It was a half pendant that shined brightly in the light.

“It’s an heirloom, it belonged to my grandmother once, before she passed away. “

“Pretty! But where’s the other half?” Ikki tilted her head.

“I don’t know, my grandmother never really explained it to me.”

As Bai tries her best explain the mystery, by mere sight of the necklace, Tenzin was suddenly pulled into flashback, a memory that he had almost forgotten.

When Lord Zuko was telling them the bravery of the only fallen friend during the war.

Y/N the Gentle.

The portrait the Fire Nation Palace displays for her honor was made with as much detail as possible, the beautiful smile and kindness showing in her eyes. But what really stuck to young Tenzin the most was the necklace that the young girl was wearing around her neck.

One that took a similar resemblance to the one that Bai-La has in her hands.

And if he remembered the tales that Iroh had told him when he became older, Lord Zuko had the intension to marry Y/N after they brought peace to the Four Nations. But that promise was taken away from him when Y/N sacrificed herself to save his uncle and Toph Beifong.

He frowns at the sight of the necklace as the possibility ran through his mind.

After dinner, he stood up and announced that he had something to take care of in his study.

Once there, He rummaged through the bookshelf until he found what he was looking for. He opens it and flips through the pages until he stops at a chapter where the first page shows a picture of the same portrait, he’s seen in the Fire Nation Palace. He takes a small magnifying glass from his desk and moves it around the portrait until it stops to the model’s neck.

A pendant around the girl’s neck gave him the clue he needed for his question.

***

Tenzin and the acolyte elders watched as General Iroh’s fleet had docked the port on a blimp. The General himself was walking down the ramp and he saluted.

“Greetings, Tenzin.”

“General Iroh, it is good to see you.”

They shake hands.

“You as well.”

“I’m sorry you have to be put up with this assignment.”

“No trouble at all. It’ll be a short visit, but at least me and my men have a time to relax, away from Republic City.”

“And the President.”

Iroh smirks. “Especially.”

They began to walk and catch up, they have not talked since their ordeal with Unalaq. Once they reached the outskirts of the Temple where they were airbenders training on top of the poles. Iroh and Tenzin, and Iroh’s first mate, who was taking reports and writing them down on a clipboard, watched as they all worked through their training, some have fallen but few have managed to stand their ground on top of the poles.

“As you can see, they have a long way to go until they become proper airbenders.”

He winces as another pupil falls.

“Very long. Also, if you have the time, there’s something that I need to discuss with you.”

“What-” Before Iroh could even finish, a voice call from above.

“Look out!”

One of the pupils jumped with a powerful gush of wind by accident and suddenly fell on the General himself with a loud thud.

“Ow.” Iroh croaks as the pupil gets and apologizes repeatedly and bows many times, knowing who exactly he had dropped on as Iroh turns to his back.

A gasped was heard from above.

Suddenly, a sound of soft wind was heard, and a pair of legs was delicately floating down to the ground with airbending and lands in front of Iroh. He looks up to see that it was a woman close to his age.

The stranger leans and offers her hand.

“Are you alright?”

He took it and almost froze when he looked up and caught her eyes with his own. They were so bright and beautiful.

But his admiration was brief when she tugged his arm up and he snapped out his gaze and stood.

She was a short woman with long hair, yet the side was shaved off, it was styled in a very delicate way as well as edgy.

He clears his throat, remembering his manners. “Thank you.”

She smiled as Tenzin came to her side.

“Iroh, this is Bai La, one of the freed airbending prisoners from Ba Sing Se and finest pupil in the temple.”

“Hello.” She bows. But when she straightens her posture back, she moves her hair away from her face when a breeze passes by.

Iroh then had a look of realization but was able to hide it from the woman before him. A look that Tenzin had predicted.

“I hope you and your men are hungry. The air acolytes and I prepared a welcome dinner in honor of your visit.”

“Yes. Thank you.” Iroh could only answer as his mind was plagued with possibilities because of her face.

“Hey, Bai!” Kai from above calls for her. “I thought we have a bet going on?”

“Coming!” She turns back to the General. “See you at the dining hall.”

She then jumps with the help of airbending to set herself back on top of the poles.

Tenzin finds himself back at Iroh’s side.

“She’s. . .” He hesitated, yet Tenzin knew already what the Crown Prince was going to say.

“Yes. Exactly.”

Iroh had returned from his military training from the Northern Water Tribe. His mother took him on a walk, and they suddenly found themselves in the hall where all his forefathers and mothers portraits hanged, including the heroes of their nation.

His mother, who suddenly stopped at one specific portrait that which she had mentioned was one of her favorites because of the story behind the person’s cause and bravery.

Yet, she had surprised Iroh then with a single sentence.

“You know. . . I used to hate her.”

Iroh’s eyes widened a bit as his mother confesses.

“When your grandmother Mai told me of Y/N, I grew angry at your grandfather, wondering why he could ever disrespect the woman who gave birth to me. Whispering her name in his sleep and she cried every time.”

She closed her eyes and opened them, filled with wisdom, yet despair. “But she explained to me that on the day of Sozin’s Comet, when Y/N was lost, he became a broken man, almost unrecognizable. That’s when I knew that I couldn’t hold on to that anger anymore, especially on a brave woman who gave her life to save the world.”

Iroh places a hand on his mother’s shoulder. “I‘m sorry you had to go through that, mom. It must’ve taken a great deal of strength to accept it.”

She smiles and looks up at him. “Thank you, my son.”

They both continued to look at the portrait. Admiring the woman who could’ve been Fire Lady.

The general continued to watch Bai as she jumps from one pole to another circling with Kai to see who can stay the longest.

“But. . .are we even sure?” He asked.

Tenzin whispers to him. “Look around her neck.”

Iroh squints and sees what Tenzin is referring to watch for. It was a pendant, broken in half. A pendant he was all too familiar with.

“We can’t know for sure. Have you talked to her about this?”

Tenzin looks at Bai with a conflicted gaze. It was clear that she had become his favorite student. He tried to keep all equal feelings for his airbenders but Bai was a kind and bright being that had the potential to become one of the greatest Airbending Masters.

“I just don’t want to overwhelm her.”

“You might now have a choice.” Iroh states in a calming manner. “With things going on at Ba Sing Se and the Red Lotus, there might not be a chance to tell her. Or . . . him.”

Tenzin looks back and watches as Bai laughs to whatever Kai was saying. Lord Zuko was

“No, there might not be.” He sighs. “I’ll arrange a private meeting with her. Will you join us?”

Iroh nods as he continues to gaze Bai. “Of course.”

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randomwritingguy · 9 months

Text

The Myth of Y/N (Korra x Reader) Part 38

Y/N ALONE - PART THREE

Y/N'S POV

"What does it mean to be an Air Nomad?"

Tenzin's voice is loud, confident, rich full of wisdom and knowledge. I can feel it in my bones and probably so can the others in the room as we novices sit crossed leg outside on the training courtyard before him. Even the wind is absent, not daring to interrupt the moment.

The question is simple. Almost too simple.

Before I can answer, one fellow nomad raises their hand eagerly.

"Yes, Xi?"

"To master airbending!"

A simple answer but not at all correct. Or, at least, not entirely.

"That is an aspect of our nation, yes, but not the main purpose of our culture." Tenzin explains. "Anyone else?"

I raise my hand.

Tenzin spots my hand instantly and gives a hint of a smile. He's trying not to play any favourites but I still noticed it. "Yes, Y/N?"

"To be peacekeepers."

The smile on the master's face widens slightly in approval. "Elaborate."

I sit up straighter to reflect confidence in my answer. "To be an Air Nomad is to strive for peace. Violence is always the last resort, no matter how dire the situation is. That is our responsibility."

Tenzin nods in further approval. "Very good, Y/N. Well done."

I bow my head in thanks and slump back down slightly. I feel a nudge to my right side, and I glance to see Kai giving me a small grin. "Nice one."

I chuckle quietly. "Thanks."

"Of course, we must not forget the other important aspect of being an Air Nomad." Tenzin continues. "Does anyone remember that?"

I frown in confusion. Is there something I'm forgetting?

At my left, I see Opal with her right hand in the air slightly but not entirely, as if she's hesitating to give her answer. She bites her lip in nervousness.

She's worried she's wrong.

I nudge her slightly. "Don't be worried. You got this."

Opal quickly gives me a nervous smile and, after a moment, finally rises her hand into the air.

"Yes, Opal?"

"That all life is sacred?"

Tenzin's smile, full of warmth, is now directed at her. "Yes, Opal. Good job."

A bright grin etches on Opal's lips, and she turns to me and whispers a "Thanks."

I give her a smile back and turn back to our airbending master. I can't believe I forgot about that.

"Years ago, my father asked me the very same question I have directed to you all and the monks asked that same question to him as well. While the times have changed, while our nation has changed, our core mission is the same. To preserve peace and life, even the life of a spider caught in its own web."

Another hand raised this time. This time I can see its from Eshah.

"Yes, Eshah?"

"What about bad people? What about the people who are evil?"

That...is the same question I had in my head. And, knowing Tenzin so well, I know what he's going to say.

"That is a dilemma many Air Nomads face during their lifetimes." Tenzin explains gravelly. "Even my father faced it at the height of the Hundred Year War. He was pressured and told countless times that he had to take the life of Fire Lord Ozai. And yet, with the help of the lion-turtle, he found another way. He stood by his beliefs and found another solution. This can be a great lesson to us all. No matter how evil a person may be, no matter how much we may despise them, we must not act against the principles we uphold as Air Nomads. All of life is sacred, even the lives of those that the majority will think are otherwise."

I glance at the others, and I see them nodding their heads in understanding and agreement.

I don't nod. Instead, I frown as I try my best to ignore my frustration at the answer.

I also try to ignore the dragon's whispers at the back of my head.

How can Tenzin say that? After everything the Earth Queen did, how can he say that lives of people like her is sacred? What gives him the right?

No. Stop. Please. Not now.

"Which is why our presence in the world and our roles as peacekeepers are necessary. We have to put other lives before our own. Avatar Korra made the ultimate sacrifice when she turned herself in to save our nation. There are times where some of you might have to face a similar decision. In the end, it is either you or them. And the answer is always them. We must protect and preserve the life of others, even if it costs us our own. I understand that is a stressful burden, but we must stay strong for those who cannot protect themselves."

Now, that, I can agree.

I nod along the others in understanding and agreement.

I hope I don't ever find myself in that position. But, if I do, I will do whatever it takes to protect others...even if it means sacrificing my life to do it.

The words of the Kyoshi Warrior just uttered echo in my mind.

The Earth Empire. The Earth Empire. The Earth Empire.

Grating my teeth, I restrain the urge to let out a frustrated scream. I fucking warned Raiko about this and he didn't listen. He dismissed them all as just mere fucking rumours. Rumours.

Nothing about this are rumours now. The Earth Empire is the cold truth that none of what I heard was a hint of exaggeration. They were all true.

I hear a quiet curse muttered under Yukari's breath, clenching her own hands into fists in frustration. "What are they doing now?"

"They're taking our food and supplies!" The other exclaims panicked. "When some civilians protest, they get shoved and harassed! They even threatened arrest! What do we do?!"

Yukari opens her mouth, probably to attempt to give her some reassurance that everything is going to be fine, that they can find a way out of this, but no words come out. She closes her mouth into a firm line and her eyes flash with pain. The leader of the Kyoshi Warriors doesn't know what to do. No, she does know: They have to submit to it.

No.

"I'll deal with them." I declare, my own voice booming with power.

The two Kyoshi Warriors snap their gazes towards me, eyes widened and mouth agape. I can feel their shock from their looks alone.

"Don't be stupid." Yukari tells me. "One single airbender can't fight all of them and if you're going to ask us to fight with you, forget it. Even if we do drive them back, Kuvira will just send more troops to punish us. And don't you even dare suggest we abandon our home."

I stay silent. I just shake my head in refusal.

"No." I tell them. "I am going to make a deal with the Earth Empire."

"A deal?!" The other Kyoshi Warrior questions. "What kind of deal?"

I sharply inhale and exhale. "I know Kuvira personally. We first met back at Zaofu three years later. She even offered me to join her. I'll tell them I will go with them if they stop their harassment of Kyoshi Island If I can talk to Kuvira I might be able to convince her to stop all of this. Her and I are friends. She might listen to me."

Even as I finish my plan, I can see the many risks that come with it. So much of it can go wrong.

It seems like Yukari knows that too as she scowls. "You do realise how dangerous that is, right? They could just take you prisoner and still continue being tyrants. Spirits, they could just kill you for kicks."

"Do you have any better ideas?" I counter.

Neither of the warriors respond. They just exchange worried glances.

"You're just going to potentially sacrifice yourself to save some people you barely know?"

"Of course." I answer without hesitation. "Your lives are sacred. I will be doing a disservice to you and my nation if I just sat by and let you all suffer."

I march at a confident and determined speed but before I can go outside Yukari grabs my shoulder and gives it a tight squeeze.

"Don't be ridiculous." She tells me sternly. "We're coming with you. We aren't just staying in this shrine and do nothing."

My first instinct was to refute that idea and tell her it would be better if they stayed here. That idea immediately vanishes when I realise who they are talking to. They're Kyoshi Warriors. They may not be the fighters of old, but they still have their stubbornness. They'll go with me whether I like it or not.

And because of that, I nod in acceptance.

The walk down the hill and back to the village was a long and silent one. Yukari and her friend not once ask me if I am really sure about my plan. Honestly, I'm not so sure myself. Kuvira's lack of response to my letter isn't a good sign that our friendship is still intact. But maybe, just maybe, I could help snap her out of it? We have much in common. She might listen to me. After all, I owe her that much. She was the one who helped me come to the decision to join the Air Nation no matter what would happen to my relationship with my parents. This time, I'm going to help her.

When we finally reach the village, my heart freezes.

Before us, dozens of Earth Empire soldiers consume the small area with banners of their regime scattered all throughout it like a virus. Men, women, and children cower in terror as the masked troopers barge themselves into their homes and ransack everything of value they can find.

And the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors? They're just standing there. Their body language indicates they are trying everything in their power to resist the urge to help them, knowing the severe consequences that will ensue if they intervene. At the same time, their frustration and hatred at the Earth Empire and themselves radiates off them like a foul stench.

I also notice that Spectre isn't there. That means either he's still in the woods or he's been caught by the Empire. Let's hope it's the former.

"It's worse than I thought." I hear Yukari mutter, breathless at the sight that beholds us.

Clenching my fists in anger, I turn slightly in her direction. "You meet up with the other warriors and help the residents. I'll deal with the troops."

"Good luck." Yukari says genuinely.

Taking a deep, long breath, I advance further into the village.

It doesn't take long for the Earth Empire troops to spot me due to my colourful wardrobe. As I walk further and further, I hear whispers of conversation about me. I don't let their hateful gaze deter me. Not a chance.

Stopping with finality, I take another deep breath and then let out a booming command. "Who is the person in charge around here?"

"That would be me."

I turn sharply to see three figures approaching me. The man in the middle, marching towards me with his hands behind his back and with a sneer as poisonous as venom, bore no helmet of his own unlike his two companions who act more like bodyguards than troops. His piercing green eyes strike my very own and I tell from that look alone that he is the leader here. Good.

They finally stop a few breaths away, clearly unafraid of me. Either they are ignorant or foolish. Probably both.

"You're a long way from your temple, Air Nomad." The man in striking green uniform states with confidence. "And much further away from help."

I hold his gaze. "I've learned you can always find help in the most unexpected places."

The leader chuckles without humour. "Really, now? I admire your optimism, airbender, but I'm afraid none is coming to help you. However, that isn't important right now. What is, is that you should be aware that Kyoshi Island is the property of the Great Uniter and the Earth Empire."

I glance around and spot the banners that mark the regime once more. "So, I've noticed."

Clearly that wasn't what the man wanted to hear as his already present sneer increases tenfold. "Perhaps you fail to grasp my meaning, Air Nomad. You are trespassing on our island."

"The people here have accepted me therefore how can I be trespassing?" I ask. "If anything, I would argue that it is the Earth Empire who are the trespassers based on the fearful and uncomfortable looks on those you are taking advantage of."

His jaw tightens and his fists clench. I can feel the rage coming off him.

As much as I want to continue pissing him off, I know that if my plan is going to work then I need to get him to comply. I shouldn't push him too far.

Before he can retort or issue a command to his troops, I speak up. "But I'm not here to force you to remove your presence from Kyoshi Island nor am I here to make enemies with the Earth Empire."

My complete change in attitude causes the leader to stiffen slightly, his eyes widening a bit. Then, a split second later, he regains composure.

"Then why are you here, airbender?" He finally asks with intensity.

Taking another deep long breath to maintain my calmness, I exhale slowly and give him a determined look. "I wish to talk to the Great Uniter."

No-one says anything for a second, the air thick full of heat. I can tell that was the last thing anyone expected as I see the two guards' glance at each other slightly, their masks expressionless but the gesture that of confusion. The leader, on the other hand, has widened eyes for a brief moment but a second later starts chuckling. Then, that chuckling turns into laughter, which then turns into cackling. Cackling as if I just told the funniest joke in the entire world.

My eyes narrow and further clench my fists. "Is something funny?"

When the man finally finishes his laughter, he gives me a condescending grin. "You think any average Joe can just walk up and ask to talk to the Great Uniter? You are deluded if you think anyone is going to follow that request."

"I'm not any average Joe." I respond, not letting his words get to me. "In fact, your leader and I know each other quite well. One might say we are on a first-name basis. She even asked me to join the Earth Empire a year ago."

The man chuckles again, clearly not believing a word that I am saying. "Oh, really now? And what is your name, airbender?"

"Master Y/N of the Air Nation." I tell him. "And you are?"

"Commander Hion."

"Well, Commander, I respectfully request if you can get into contact with the Great Uniter. You can verify my comments with her."

Hion chuckles again, clearly amused with this. "Fine. I'll humour you." He pauses for a brief moment and the smile vanishes. "Hold on, where's your bison? An Air Nomad always travels with one."

I swallow. "Knowing Spectre, he probably got scared off when he noticed your arrival. He was always very twitchy. He's most likely half-way back to Air Temple Island as we speak."

My lie comes easily and without difficult. I just hope Hion will buy it.

Unfortunately, he seems suspicious of my answer. He turns to one of his troops sharply. "Take some of your men and search the island extensively, inch by inch. A big white bison wouldn't be difficult to find."

The troop silently nods and rushes off. As he does so, Hion turns back to me and gives me a smirk.

"Well then, Master Y/N, let's see if you are as close to the Great Uniter as you claim."

I nod. Before I start walking, I quickly steal a glance behind me. I see all the troubled and pained faces of the villagers and the Kyoshi Warriors. I see Yukari looking at me with concern and I nod slightly in assurance, to tell her that everything will be fine.

TIME SKIP

Just like my journey to the village with Yukari and her comrade, the walk to the Earth Empire airships silent and deadly. Well, almost silent. Despite the confident mask I wore when confronting Hion and the troops, I can feel my heart threatening to burst out of my chest like a predator that demands to be freed from its cage and the sweat around the palms of my rough hands. But I don't let it get to me, keeping my straight and neutral face so none of them can see my increasing fear.

When we finally enter an airship, the interior brings out memories of the Earth Kingdom airship that Mako, Bolin, and I stole to escape the ruined Ba Sing Se or the one that Team Avatar and others were on when we were finding airbenders to recruit. However, while the former had a sense of formal welcoming vibe and the latter a sense of coming home after a long day, this particular one had been militarised. All the life that might have been present once have been drained away, replaced with a dull silver grey with a touch of an acid green in some sections. Again, like outside, none of us says a word even when troops inside shot my escorts questioning and curious looks. No-one says a word.

Eventually, we reach the front end of the airship in a small-confined room where inside a radio and maps are located.

Hion, without a word, approaches the radio and turns it on. After a few minutes of requests to speak to the Great Uniter, silence falls on the other side. Then, just before it looks like the commander is about to check whether they were hung op on, a cold-robotic voice fills the tense atmosphere.

"This better be important, Commander Hion. I am busy."

The sound of that all-too familiar voice brings my heart to a stop and air ripped from my lungs.

Kuvira.

It's been so long since I've heard her voice. However, something's changed. Unlike when I met her back at Zaofu, her voice has an edginess to it that wasn't there before. It's more distant and more calculating.

Hion briefly stills uncomfortably at the displeasure in his master's tone but continues a moment after. "I apologise for disturbing you, Great Uniter, but something occurred on Kyoshi Island that I believe you should be aware of."

"And that is?"

Hion continued. "An Air Nomad was found approaching the village that we were occupying. An airbending master, actually. They claim that you know them and that they wish to talk to you."

When the commander finishes, the room is filled with an intense silence once more. Time seems to slow down as we all wait patiently for her response, and I can feel my heart returning to the frantic beating.

Eventually, Kuvira responds with a tense tone. "What is the Air Nomad's name, commander?"

"They say that their name is Y/N."

Silence returns but this lasts for only a few seconds this time as Kuvira speaks up, louder than before, with a sense of urgency.

"Where are they now?"

Hion slowly turns to me, his amusement now vanished, and responds while still locked eyes with me. "Right in front of me, Great Uniter."

"Leave us."

My heart skips a beat at the command whilst Hion's eyes widen in confusion. "Ma'am?"

"Leave us. I will talk to Air Nomad myself alone. Have you located their air bison?"

"W-We are looking for it right now." Hion stutters out a response, though the confusion is still evident. "But ma'am."

"I gave you an order, Commander. Leave us."

The man opens his mouth to respond then closes it, biting back whatever he's about to say. Then, he breathes out a heavy sigh. "As you wish, Great Uniter."

He places the radio onto the table and then walks past me, his teeth grating in anger as he realises that he was completely wrong about me. I give him a cocky smirk and a second later I am the only one in the room. Taking only a few steps that feels like I'm walking through water, I reach to the communicator, grasp the radio tightly, take a deep, long breath, and speak.

"Hello, Kuvira."

"Y/N. It's been a while."

I gulp. "It has. How have you been?"

"Quit the small-talk, Y/N. What are you doing on Kyoshi Island?"

"I could ask the same question to you, Kuvira. What is the Earth Empire doing here?"

"We are restoring unity to my nation which I stated in my letter, if you remember."

I clench the fist that I am not using. Damn, she's already bringing up that letter?

"I do." I softly tell her. "In fact, that is the reason why I wished to speak to you. Preferably in person."

"Tell me now. What do you want?"

Gritting my teeth, I continue. "I...I wish to join you into helping to restore the nation."

This time, Kuvira doesn't respond immediately. I wonder if she looks shocked or not. Would it be obvious or subtle?

"I am not a fool, Y/N." Kuvira growls, anger rising with each word she spits out. "I am not easily deceived."

Shit!

"Kuvira, I swear to you I'm not!" I exclaim. "You were right! About everything! Since I responded to your letter, I've seen just how terrible the Earth Kingdom has become without order and unity. Wu will be a terrible leader and bring the nation to ruin. I want to make sure that doesn't happen again! I do want to join you, I really do!"

Some of what I said was truthful. I do truly think Wu will be an awful leader of the nation. However, he would definitely be better than Kuvira.

She stays silent for an uncomfortable amount of time. Every second feels like an eternity as I wipe the sweat off my forehead, my hands getting sticky.

"Very well." Kuvira finally responds, her voice containing something I cannot distinguish. "I'll have you transported to my current location. There we can talk in person."

"Before you do," I quickly say before she can proceed. "I want your men to stop harassing people of Kyoshi Island. They have been abusing their power over them and those living there are terrified. They can stay on the island but please, Kuvira, just make them stop disturbing them!"

Another silence yet again. Shit. Am I pushing my luck?

"Fine." She responds sternly. "I'll give the order to Commander Hion to stop disturbing them."

...huh. That seemed easy. A bit too easy.

A wave of concern and suspicion washes over me but before I can act on that Commander Hion walks back in without knocking.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Great Uniter, but my men were unable to locate the Air Nomad's bison."

"Where is it, Y/N?" Kuvira asks loudly without even addressing Hion.

"Like I told your commander, Spectre probably got scared off. He was always a bit twitchy." I lie smoothly, trying to not let the tension in my body seem evident.

The troops couldn't find Spectre? Either he's still on the island and somehow managed to avoid detection...or he actually left. To do what? To get help?

"I see." Kuvira simply responds. "Commander, take Y/N to a spare room. You will transport them to my current location. Order your men to suspend the raids of the villages on Kyoshi Island, also."

At the corner of my eye, I see Hion take a step back slightly in confusion. "Are...Are you sure, Great Uniter?"

"Are you questioning me, Commander?"

"No! No! Of course not! I'll get on it!"

"Excellent. Have your men take Y/N to their room. I need to discuss something with you before we depart, Commander."

Huh? What is she talking about?

I open my mouth to ask her what she means by that but before I could, both of my arms are grabbed by two soldiers and I am holstered up and, very roughly, guide (or, more accurately, push) me to an empty room.

"Stay here until we arrive, Air Nomad." One of the troops demands in a rough voice. Then, just as quickly as I was holstered up, slam the metal door in my face and I hear the dreaded lock, trapping me in my room.

Letting out a sigh, I drop to my knees and cross them into a meditative decision.

Well...it could have been worse.

Still, there are some things that are bothering me. Where in the spirits is Spectre? Why did Kuvira agree so quickly to my plea to stop the harassment of the villages? Because of our past friendship? What did she want to talk about to Commander Hion? And, of course, where am I being taken to?

As I hear the engines of the airship beginning to start up and I can feel the transport lifting into the beautiful blue sky, I feel a sense of uneasiness and worry wash over me like a tidal wave. Not mainly because of my unanswered questions, though that was certainly part of it, but...I have a strange feeling that something very bad is going to happen when I get to Kuvira.

First no Korra in sight, then the Yuchin Order, and now this. Did I receive my vision of Kyoshi Island to learn about those ancient radicals? Was it to sacrifice myself? Or was it to lay down the path for what is to come?

Closing my eyes, I take a deep, calming breath and try my best to untangle this web of questions and clues. I have a long journey ahead of me before I reach Kuvira.

Hopefully this uneasiness will fade by the time I arrive.

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And that's it!

I apologise for the long wait for this chapter and I thank you for your patience! I hope the wait was worth it!

Feedback is appreciated!

See you all in the next chapter! :D

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