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randomwritingguy · 9 months

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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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hedgethemaze · 6 months

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I stumbled upon this meme, a couple of days ago and I thought, since it's been quite a while since I posted anything LoK related reblogs don't count it would be cool to give it a go, while also freshen up some of my views on the series and... *he he he* while I was hoping for some of them to have changed over time, I see that most of them didn't🤣

Original template done by: purfectprincessgirl on deviantart

A bit of analysis is under 'keep reading', plus, some silver medals because like half of these weren't as easy to sort out as I thought 😅

WARNING: Long post ahead!

Favorite Character

Asami is no silver medal, she's the gold for me! Honestly, she should be the one in the image above (my n°1 favorite character in the series). The main reason I chose Korra for it was for the sake of not having repeats (she's my 2nd most fav character) 'cause Asami is unarguably my number one pick in another category (more on that way below)

Least Favorite Character

The author of the meme describes this category as follows: "LoK character you dislike the most, and they either annoy/bore you too much to ever enjoy their presence whenever they're on-screen"

Runner-up

Raiko embodies this definition to a tee, yet what Zaheer does to Korra during their confrontation in the Book 3 finale is plain torture and really painful to watch. I don't just dislike Zaheer, I hate the guy!

If it wasn't for the airbenders' intervention, he could and would have killed her - something Raiko would never be capable of, or even think of doing. Basically, he gets a pass for being harmless lol

Favorite Episode

This one may have been the hardest I had to consider. The runner-ups are too many to count, so I had to resort to the author's meaning yet again, to decide.

Long Live The Queen is an exciting episode with a lot going on - some of it being quite serious and grave, but with enough lightheartedness to not be an agonizing watch.

Watching Korra and Asami working as a well-oiled machine to escape not only imprisonment by the Earth Queen's men but also the dangers of the desert is a blast (plus, the more Asami gets to show off her skills and have relevancy in an episode, the better). Meanwhile, Mako's struggle and failure at getting Bolin to metalbend, Lin finding Naga and Pabu, and Korra getting to meet Zuko for the first time on screen are moments that lift off some of the tension from the fact that the Red Lotus are rapidly gaining on their hunt for the Avatar the on-screen assassination of the Earth Queen.

It's because of the balance between these elements that I chose this episode over the one I consider to be the best episode in the entire series.

Runner-up (among many!)

Korra Alone is a masterpiece of animated media and one of the best written episode in all of the avatar-verse.

To me, it cemented the titular character as one of the most significant, ground-breaking and inspiring protagonist of all time - I could go on and on about how great of an episode this is but I don't think I need to - yet, it's because of the heavy topics it deals with that I don't prefer it over many others...I love the episode immensely, but to see Korra go through such despair and torment is not exactly my idea of a good time😅

Least Favorite Episode

Quite the opposite to choosing a favorite episode, my least favorite episode has always been clear, no runner-ups needed.

In short, Beginnings is my least favorite episode because it is the answer to a question I never asked, as I stated at the end of this post of mine almost two years ago (see n°34). It is really hard to sit through these episodes for me.

Now, if you want a more fleshed out explanation - which, in turn, touches on some of the reasons why I picked my least favorite season as well - I encourage you to watch THIS video on youtube by Hello Future Me, if you're interested.

Favorite Season

I made this choice easier by counting how many episodes I love from each season, against how many I just like, otherwise it'd take me more than a day to make up my mind. As a result, Change won with me favoring 10 out of its 13 episodes, giving it a score of 77%.

With that in mind, the runner-up is...

Me loving 9 out of its 13 episodes gives it a score of 69%.

Looks like I'm on the boat that considers the second half of the series to be the "better" half, huh. I still would've placed Book 1 as the runner-up, thought - for two reasons only: Asami's untapped potential in that particular season and having more screen-time and dialogue than in Book 4, and me liking the main antagonist more (despite some issues I ultimately have with his execution).

*ehem* Anyway, Balance also has a far better finale in its favor, so it wins its silver medal fair and square!😁

Least Favorite Season

Even without giving it a score - which I still did, 43%, 6 out of 14 episodes - Spirits is my least favorite season, bar none.

Though, much quicker than talking about what I didn't like about this season (again, you can watch THIS video by Hello Future Me), is to talk about what I did like:

Delving into Korra, Tonraq and Senna's family dynamic (Unalaq gets included here but only for the first 4 episodes of the season), the introduction of Bumi and Kya, and their sibling dynamic with Tenzin and the appearance of Uncle Iroh! - these are the aspects, I think, the season touches on perfectly.

Then there's the not-so-perfect bits I still enjoyed, even though they went nowhere or got resolved in an unsatisfying way, like: Mako's detective work on the bombing of the SWT Cultural Center and finding out who's stealing Future Industries goods, which pushes Asami to having to sell a controlling portion of her company to no other than the one making profit out of the civil war between the tribes😱 Speaking of, Varrick's partnership with Bolin and the introduction of movers war propaganda, was fun but.....well, this is on the not-so-perfect stuff that I liked about Spirits so, yeah.

Most Overrated Character

One of the reasons for me to choose Kuvira is because I never shared other's fascination about her (which in most cases I've seen, it boils down to be either because of her looks, her fighting/bending skills, or both), nor did I ever bought into the parallelism they tried to draw between her and Korra.

But the one thing that could never get me on the Kuvira-train is the show going out of its way to try and give her the Avatar equivalent of Hitler seemingly redeeming qualities. Nothing Kuvira did since her raising to power across the EK, up to the end of the series, is justifiable or excusable.

Even so, I can't ignore the one thing I do like about her and that is Zelda Williams' flawless performance. I especially remember her speech in The Coronation, her delivery gave me chills! Throughout the season, honestly, there's like a haunting quality to her voice - it's like, I don't like the stuff she's saying, yet I still wanna listen lol Truly, she did incredible.

Oh! Almost forgot about the runner-up:

Originally, it was going to be Meelo (a petty choice on my part, I know) I can't believe I'm still salty about Patterns in Time

But I'll give the silver fairly to Zaheer because I seriously cannot get the hype for this guy. Even if he's my first exposure to an airbender actually murdering someone...even if he unlocked the ability to fly.

He may be a skillful martial artist, but if it weren't for the other members of the Red Lotus, Zaheer wouldn't be half as terrifying, imo. And he's also a coward.

Most Underrated Character

*sigh* Asami Sato, my beloved...do I need to elaborate on why this category (in my eyes) goes to no one but her? No matter, I've done it already: here (see n° 25)

It's also quite masterfully, and better explained here by Unicorn of War.

Ironically, I gave this category not one, but two runner-ups

Technically, Mako should be the runner-up.

To me, Korra is just as deserving of being the most underrated, underappreciated, and underestimated character in the whole series as Asami (then again, no repeats) - yet, Miss Sato is also mistreated (no pun intended) not only by others within the series but its creators, as well.

First thought of as one of the bad guys, Mike and Bryan created such an extraordinary character - with a killer design to boot! - who in spite of having less appearances and fewer lines than other 'main' characters, spoke loudly enough to write her own narrative. From the very first time we see her in Book 1, Asami pulled all the stops: She could've been a rival to Korra, an enemy to her friends, an ally to her hateful father...still, she ended up being one of the most compassionate, kindhearted and loyal characters in the series...despite all that, more often than not, the creators simply didn't know what to do with her💔

Now, imagine I didn't write all of that. That I don't put Asami above anyone else here.

Korra is the most underrated character in her own series, everybody knows this. The amount of complaints and criticism she gets to this day, unfairly so, is insane!

As for Mako, let's check the autho's definition of this category: "LoK character that you think doesn't get enough attention, as they're usually almost always forgotten about/bashed-on for the lamest of reasons in your eyes"

Well, in my opinion Mako does get a fair amount of attention, and while he does get forgotten from time to time, so are Asami and Bolin, so that doesn't bother me much. It's the last bit that gets me...

For the most part, he's hated because of the love triangle fiasco - a mess of a plot line that happened literally a decade ago. If to hold that sort of thing over one character isn't lame, I don't know what is - and I say this as a Korrasami shipper, an Asami simp and a Korra stan.

Moreover, these people easily gloss over the fact that both Korra and Asami moved on from that rather quickly, forgave Mako and still are good friends with him. More than underrated, I feel like he's misjudged - because those who complain about him don't take into account why he is the way he is, or rather, was.

They forget that, pretty much like almost everyone in LoK, he had a struggling childhood and went through his own share of trauma (like witnessing the murder of both your parents at the age of eight is no big deal) not to mention he had to be a parental figure and look after his little brother from a very young age, while fending for themselves on the streets...but besides all that, Mako was a 18 y/o teenager putting up a brooding front when the triangle happened, he should be expected to make stupid decisions, jeez!

If I had to blame someone for that mess, even today, it'd be the writers. To those who still shame and bash Mako for it, I'd tell you to either grow up or move on (if you're dumb enough that can't do both)

Favorite Villain

[I feel like, at this point, I've held anyone that's still reading this at gun point for too long. Let's speed up!]

Amon is my favorite villain of the series because of how entertaining he is to watch, maybe part of it has to do with the way he kind of resembles a classic horror movie baddy - he's definitely got the best design out of Korra's main antagonists (and I'm talking about masked Amon, not paint-faced Noatak). Steve Blum's performance is also a hook.

One of the first things I remembered when having to pick this one is how incredible I thought it was, back in the day, to have the first season's main threat be a waterbender. I know they did it first with Hamma in ATLA but she wasn't exactly a main villain.

Anyway, I'm aware Book 1 is quite contrived and it has lots of issues going on and off screen that I don't care to unpack. At the end, Amon is a fraud and, as a thread, he falls flat rather quickly. Despite being wasted potential, he had a good run. At least, he had one thing over Korra no other antagonist has and that's a frightening first impression.

Runner-up?

I don't think I have one...

Least Favorite Villain

Well, I already got Zaheer and Kuvira up there, and there's my 'no repeat' self-imposed rule. Btw, did you notice that it's a rule now? XD

I think it's fitting that my least favorite season has my least favorite villain. Give it up for UnaVaatu! One of the most bonkers concepts this show ever came up with is the 'Dark Avatar' ugh! because an Avatar shouldn't be either pure Light or Dark, sorry, not sorry. Also, spirit energy shouldn't be equal to laser beams - at least Kuvira had crazy engineering and mad science to make it so. UnaVaatu just...did it😂

Runner-up

I had to give Varrick the silver medal, simply because he isn't even a villain (ultimately, that is)...talk about wasted potential, this guy is frustrating in this regard, because he could've been a good one.

But...he had to conveniently spring a conscience in the middle of the last season, he had to turn good (sort of) and have a wedding. Well, at least he's a fun character *shrug*

Favorite Couple

It's all been said before - Korrasami belong together. Their relationship is supportive, caring and loving, and their characters fought against all odds to make it happen. Even if Korra is to answer a bigger calling as the Avatar, and Asami has to be at the helm of the largest company in Republic City, I just know, these two will always be there and committed to each other.

Runner-up

I almost didn't pick a runner-up, because I noticed that besides Korrasami, I don't give too much mind to shipping in this series. Then again, I can't deny that Tenzin and Pema's marriage is refreshing. I love how their personalities gel so well together and how she brings out the best in him.

Least Favorite Couple

When the description for this category said that non-canon ships can apply, well that is it...First, let me say that I never cared what other people ship and I still don't. You ship whatever you want! But I'll be damned if I don't find this revolting...and if there's even the tiniest need for me to explain my distaste for this pairing then there's something very wrong here.

How could anyone ship someone with the murderer of their last living relative - the one they were starting to rekindle their relationship with?! (*sigh* I explained it anyway) Not only Kuvira did it in cold blood, but even after the fact and wanting to atone for her other crimes, she never showed Asami any remorse for it.

(Feel free to correct me if it did happen in the comics, I honestly don't remember)

Runner-up

I know I sound like an hypocrite, I'm sorry. But shipping Amorra should be illegal. Ugh, I hate that I know what their ship name is.

#legend of korra #lok #nickelodeon #the legend of korra #korrasami #asami sato #avatar korra #mako #beginnings #avatar wan #lok tenzin #lok pema #lok zaheer #lok kuvira #amon #pemzin #I got one hell of a headache writing all this #controversy meme

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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 1 year

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Korra x Female Air Acolyte Series: Part One

Imagine being an air acolyte and a budding romance forming between you and Avatar Korra

Part Two, Part Three, Part Four and Part Five.

You were an air acolyte that lived on air temple island. You’d originally lived at the Southern Air Temple with your sister who was also an air acolyte. That was how you met Pema. She quickly became close friends with your sister and was always a kind motherly figure to you. Pema left when she married Tenzin but when she heard your sister, your only remaining family member, passed she invited you to live with her at her home. You were only 12 at the time and although you were a fully qualified acolyte neither Tenzin nor Pena made you stick too strictly to your duties. They took you in and gave you a home and a purpose. You were happy and cared for. The Airbender kids were like younger cousins and although you weren’t one of their children you felt safe with Pema and Tenzin.

As you got older you began taking a more active acolyte role and Tenzin began mentoring you. At the age of 17 you’d been in the field a while and were very experienced. Tenzin viewed that as enough experience to travel with his family to meet the avatar and you were so excited.

Oogie began to descend and you peered over the side excited to get your first view at the Avatar’s compound. You recognised Tenzin’s mother immediately and watched amused as her grandchildren interacted with her. Your eyes however went to the girl behind her, the Avatar.

She didn’t look as you expected her to, she looked...normal. You’d been expecting a towering powerful giant but this girl just looked like a friendly normal teenager. She waved slightly and you smiled back at her. Tenzin finally caught sight of her and rushed to greet her. He introduced you and Korra grinned "this is so great! Are you going to be joining us for our lessons? I can’t wait to have someone my age joining me". You frowned and looked at Tenzin. Pema sighed "you'll have to tell her eventually" she sighed. Korra looked crestfallen as Tenzin told her the news, he wasn’t here to train her. Over dinner Korra tried convincing him to change his mind but Tenzin held to his reasons. You tried to help, offering suggestions but nothing would budge Tenzin and Korra stormed away angrily. You watched her walk away and frowned. You understood she was disappointed and wished there was some way you could comfort her. You were sat next to Katara who knocked her cup off the table “ow how clumsy of me!” she cried and you smiled “let me help you”. You reached down to grab her mug and she leant in “Korra always goes to the kennels when she’s upset, they’re outside the main door and to the left”. You stared at her confused and Tenzin’s mother just smiled at you. You excused yourself and followed Katara’s instructions.

You found the kennels but no Korra. However there were some footprints so you followed them into the snowy grounds. You were sure you were lost when you heard a noise. You turned to see a polar bear dog barreling towards you. You gasped and fell backwards as you tried to run. The polar bear dog roared loudly and you closed your eyes before someone intervened. "Naga stop!" someone called and the Avatar appeared. "Bad girl y/n is a friend". The avatar then turned to you "sorry about that, Naga hasn't met you yet and she knows everyone in the compound so she assumed you were trying to hurt her". Korra offered you a hand up and you took it. The girl pulled you effortlessly to your feet surprising you and bringing your faces close together. “Are you okay?” she asked her blue eyes practically dazzling you. “I’m fine...are you?” you asked “I know Tenzin’s revelation couldn’t have been good to hear”. Korra sighed “it’s fine, I mean there are worse things to happen I’m just sick of waiting around for my life to start! I’m kept here like an outcast and whenever I ask about leaving they just tell me I have to wait until I’m a fully training avatar...”. “Hence why you’re so eager to master airbending” you commented and Korra nodded “exactly! Now that’s been pushed back indefinitely so i’m stuck” she said sitting down angrily in the snow. You watched her wondering how you could help her when an idea came to you. “What if I showed you a few things?”. Korra hesitated “what?”. “I know i’m no Airbender but a lot of airbending forms are practised by acolytes too for their health benefits, not to mention we’re around them 24/7, what if I showed you the basics?”. Korra’s face lit up “that’d be amazing! Thanks y/n”. You blushed under her intense gratitude and shrugged “no problem, now let’s get started!”.

You and Korra trained in the snow for a while before Katara found you and told you it was time to leave. Korra was upset but you thought your training had helped a little. She promised to practice the forms you’d shown her every day and you promised to ask Tenzin every day when she could come to Republic City. Your deal was made and you left the Water Tribe with a very strong positive first impression of the Avatar.

When you returned to Republic City you got back on with your normal life. You kept your end of the deal and bugged Tenzin but to no avail. However you were soon going to learn the Avatar waits for no one.

You were on your way to City hall on an errand for Tenzin when you heard blaring police sirens. You turned to see cars all heading down the same street chasing after what seemed to be...a polar bear dog. You squinted at the figure on the bear’s back but couldn’t see them clearly enough. You joined in the crowd rushing to follow the chase and spotted an officer. "What’s going on? Who is that?" you asked. The man recognised you due to your air nomad uniform and shrugged "no idea, some girl from the water tribe. She resisted arrest after attacking some gang members. Apparently the damage was pretty bad, though I don’t get how one girl could do all that. It looked like a few benders at least". Realisation set in and you shook your head "or the avatar".

You knew Korra wouldn’t be able to outrun the entire police so you just hurried to the police station and demanded to see the avatar. You were taken into the most secure room and the door opened. Korra sat there chained to a table. Her eyes lit up when she saw you and you smiled...before you saw who she was talking to. All the way here you’d prayed it wasn’t Beifong but of course it was. "Chief, Avatar Korra" you nodded to them both "I came as soon as I heard". Lin tutted at you "why did you come?". You paused "to help of course. I'm sure whatever happened we can work out an agreement". Lin turned to you "an agreement? The girl’s a menace. She destroyed countless properties and goods with her vigilantly attitude". "But I'm the avatar! I have to help people" Korra cried. "That title might impress others but not me" Lin glared at Korra and you sighed. "Cheif Beifong please try to..." you started when Korra gasped "wait Beifong? ...you're Toph’s daughter!". Lin sighed "I don’t see why that's relevant?". "Well your mother was friends with Avatar Aang! My past life! She helped him". "Still not relevant" Lin shrugged and you rested a hand on Korra’s chair. "What the Avatar means is your mother understood the value of the Avatar and their role. While Korra’s actions were disruptive she did save those people and she was doing what she considered her duty. How is that any different from the harm your officers caused barreling down the street trying to catch her? I saw atleast 3 overturned Sato mobiles, was that a menace or just officers doing their duty?". "Yes exactly!" Korra cried. You wanted to smile but had to remain serious. Lin sighed "I appreciate what you're trying to do but it won’t work kid. Ordinary people have no ranks to take the law into their own hands, that's the polices duty Avatar or not. So I’m sorry but..." when the door opened. "Y/n?" Tenzin asked and Lin groaned "there’s more of you?". Tenzin managed to arrange Korra’s release and she was set free. You walked with her out of the cell and couldn’t help but laugh as she shot Lin an *I'm watching you* sign. Tenzin however wasn’t in as good a mood. He scolded Korra for travelling here and used this as proof she wasn’t ready. You tried speaking up for her but Tenzin snapped at you and Korra gave you a signal to stop.

It was decided Korra would go straight home and Tenzin led you both there in silence. So you waited at the docks for Korra to be sent away. You weren’t happy about it and made this known by refusing to look at Tenzin. You watched as Korra said goodbye to the Airbender kids and Tenzin sighed. "I know you don’t think it's right but this city is far too busy for her, she needs a more stable environment". You shook your head "does she? She's been locked up in that compound for years. How is she going to learn how to help the world if she’s never experienced it? Locking her away isn’t going to help her but being here in a living breathing city...she’s already learnt to be more careful and respectful to the law and that’s in one day! Imagine what else she could learn". Tenzin was silent and when you looked at him you saw he was thinking. Finally he stepped forward. As Korra went to say goodbye he announced she could stay. "But how...why?" Korra asked and Tenzin glanced at you "let's just say I had some good advice". Korra beamed and rushed to hug you "thank you y/n!". You smiled blushing slightly at the attention "I just said some words that’s all!". "Well I'll always be grateful to you" Korra smiled squeezing your hand and you smiled squeezing back.

Tenzin brought Korra to Air Temple Island and you showed her around. You got her all settled in a new room and brought her all the things she’d need. "We can get anything else in the city" you told her "for now just make do and try to rest. Your training will begin very soon". Korra cheered "yes! I'm so excited! I've been waiting years for this and finally it’s happened". You smiled at how endearing she was and nodded. "Well you've earned it! Get some rest, I'm right across the hall if you need anything". You went back to your own room and prepared for bed. You’d just gotten into the blankets when there was a knock and Korra appeared. "Hey y/n I can’t sleep...". You smiled. She must've literally tried for a minute before giving up. "Well would you like to stay here and talk for a bit?" You asked "perhaps you're a bit excited?". "Yeah that sounds good" Korra agreed, wriggling into the blankets so she was beside you. You kept the lights low to try and make her sleepy and just talked. Korra told you all about her life and you told her about yours. You eventually felt sleepier and sleepier until you could hardly keep your eyes open. You went to tell Korra you were too tired to continue when you realised she was sound asleep. You smiled and covered her up more with the blankets before going to sleep yourself.

Now the Avatar was in Republic City something told you things would be very different...

_____

Season one Korra has a special place in my heart. I loved when she was so cocky and hot headed 🥰🥰

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howhow326 · 2 months

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Wait a minuet

Why dosen't she do this???

#source: kataangcaps #i hope I spells that correctly #anyway #its because the LoK writers wanted to be as lazy with waterbending as possible #they couldn't think of a sub element to give Ming Hua other than bLoOdBeNdInG #so they slapped the octopus arms technique on to her #It made her more interesting than half of Zaheer's gang #but still #and why is Kya barred from cloudbending?#“Aang and Katara didn't teach her” ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT #THEY DIDN'T TEACH HER THE SUBBENDING STYLE ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR LOVE????????#same thing goes for Tenzin #atla aang #atla katara #kataang #lok kya #lok tenzin

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emblemxeno · 1 month

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WOO-HOO! 🥵🥵🥵

#lok tenzin #tlok #tlok first watch #the legend of korra

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radishinthegarden · 1 year

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reminder that my commissions are open!! (more info on pinned post)

in the mean time have some tension <3 (yes i know the air is kinda scuffed don’t bring it up)

#legend of korra #lok #tenzin #lok tenzin #airbending #atla #avatar the last airbender #avatar the legend of korra #drawing commisions #digital commisions #art commissions #commission #someone please commission me wahhhh

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bluebird-writing · 4 months

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Midnight Snack

Fandom: Avatar: Legend of Korra

Rating: Teen and Up

No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationship: Korra and Tenzin

Summary: “When trying to sneak a midnight snack, Korra was not expecting to find Tenzin, and she surely was not expecting to hear him swear.”

#fanfic #fanfiction #archive of our own #ao3 #legend of korra #LoK #korra #tenzin #lok korra #LoK Tenzin #Midnight Snack

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knightofthenewrepublic · 20 days

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bumirang · 3 months

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wait rohans a waterbender? since when?????

Since I made it up? I dunno, I like the idea. I doubt they'll go that direction in canon (unless they HIRE ME to make some damn COMICS)

Rohan being an airbender is boring to me. It's totally expected, practically makes the kid a non-entity. It's much more interesting to make him something else and explore what that means for the family dynamic. That (likely) means non-bender or waterbender, though earthbender is a possibility since Pema's from the Earth Kingdom. I'm just going to assume that Katara wasn't bullshitting when she touched Pema's preggo belly in the very first episode and said the baby would be a bender. She just got the element wrong. It was a safe bet!

First off, it'd raise some questions about how bending is passed down. Based on what we've seen in canon, it's easy to assume that a bender only passes down their own element to their offspring, with it either manifesting or staying dormant, possibly for multiple generations. But what if it's more complicated than that? Tenzin may style himself as Mr. #1 Air Nomad, but his mother's element and culture are part of him, too, right? With the different nations intermarrying more than ever before, it creates the potential for any type of bending to pop up in any part of the world, which has many fun worldbuilding implications. It'd also make a lot of sense, considering how the new airbenders pop up the way they do. They may all have had airbenders somewhere in their ancestry, with that potential lying dormant for centuries or even millennia until it was finally activated by Harmonic Convergence. I know this isn't a groundbreaking fan theory, but whatever.

Anyway, back to Rohan.

The discovery that Rohan's a waterbender would be a surprise, maybe even a shock, and it'd give the Kataang clan a new point of conflict and introspection, particularly for Tenzin. He'd have to grapple with his kneejerk reaction being denial, followed by disappointment. Then comes the doubt...

Why does he suddenly feel more distant from Rohan? He reviews his own interactions with the boy, both before and after the discovery. Does he treat him differently now? Should he? Of course he doesn't love his son any less, but it changes their relationship, or seems like it must. Is it fair to bring him up like an Air Nomad, the way his siblings were raised? Would it be better to introduce him to more Water Tribe traditions? He realizes how little he valued his mother's culture compared to his father's. It's not that he doesn't care, but...

Is this how Aang felt about Bumi and Kya, before he was born? How did he come to terms with that? Did he feel this same ache? And knowing now how alienated Bumi and Kya felt from their Air Nomad heritage for so long, how can he stop himself from making the same mistakes? What does this mean for the future of his people? Can Rohan be an Air Nomad but not a member of the Air Nation? Is such a thing possible?

He sees himself reflected in his son's innocent, trusting eyes, his own expression one of confusion and fear. He's lost again. Nothing in his readings of Air Nomad wisdom or his memories of Aang tell him what he should do, and he's too ashamed to admit his conflicted feelings.

Finally, Tenzin's head explodes.

Plus, hey, it's a great excuse to bring Auntie Kya around for lots of fun waterbending lessons! Both she and Bumi get to say "toldja so" to Tenzin once he admits his struggle over his relationship with Rohan and what that made him finally truly understand about their childhoods, about what it meant for all three of them to be children of the last airbender.

Meanwhile, Rohan's just being this precocious kid—a lot like his sister Jinora—inventing whole new ways of bending water like it's no big deal, and all the adults are too tied up in knots to even notice. His siblings notice, though, and help him figure himself out. He's a true Cloudbaby, a perfect cinnamon roll.

In the end, they do work it all out, and the whole family is closer than ever before... until Meelo announces he's joining the United Forces and all hell breaks loose.

#headcanon #ask #lok rohan #lok tenzin #legend of korra #tlok #lok bumi #bumi ii #lok kya #kya ii #lok headcanons #anonymous #rohan is a waterbender #air nomad culture #lok meelo

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flamingtoads · 10 months

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Gaang kids back at it again <3

#gaang kids #tenzin #izumi #kya #lin beifong #bumi #suyin beifong #kyalin #avatar #legend of korra #avatar the legend of korra #lok #bumi ii #kya ii #the memes return #bruh i had to deep dive to find the original meme #flamingtoadart

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randomwritingguy · 1 year

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The Myth of Y/N (Korra x Reader) Part 22

Another chapter for you all!

Hope you enjoy! :D

BA SING SE

NO-ONE'S POV

The sound of the speeder rushing down the calm tides of the ocean floor was a soothing background noise that drowned out the Earth into obscurity.

Sat in the small speeder were three individuals. Three criminals. Three of the most dangerous people on the planet.

Zaheer.

Ghazan.

Ming-Hua.

Members of the Red Lotus.

Zaheer had made tremendous progress since his escape from his imprisonment. In a short matter of time, he successfully broke the lavebender out of his specialised prison and together they rescued their waterbending friend. Now there was one left to go.

Her.

His beloved P'li.

Zaheer still remembers the desperate and pleading look on her features as the White Lotus dragged her away. He still remembers the tearful shouts of his name from her lips that echoed the halls. Her beautiful face still haunts his dreams. Her crimson eyes, delicately designed tattoo third eye, and jet-black ponytail. It had been so long. Too long.

But he will see her again.

What he hadn't expected was his airbending.

It was yet another tedious and repetitive day in his torturous cell when he discovered his abilities. He was always fascinated with the culture of the Air Nomads since he was a child despite his lack of bending. He was still able to become one of the most skilled warriors in history in his pursuit for true freedom in the world.

But this?

This was a sign.

As much as he hated to admit it, as much as he refused to accept the feeling, as much as he was so determined to escape from the horrid confides of his cell that has become his home for over a decade and see his friends again, there was a trace. A flicker...

...of doubt.

He felt it. He was beginning to lose hope. He was beginning to accept the possibility, the mere idea, that he might never taste freedom in the physical world ever again. That he might never see P'li, Guzan, and Ming-Hua. In that moment, he felt the chilling embrace of the reality of the situation.

And then Harmonic Convergence happened.

And then he was gifted airbending.

And then everything changed.

That was when his hope had been restored. That was when his certainty of his place in the universe was confirmed.

Zaheer and the Red Lotus will eradicate the scum of the world. It will rid society of corrupt Queens, Fire Lords, and politicians.

And, finally, balance will be restored.

Zaheer opens his eyes and lifts his gaze to the starry night once more. He hasn't seen those tiny flickers of light in years that felt like an eternity.

Yes, balance will be restored. No-one will stand in their way.

Not the Earth Queen.

Not the Fire Lord.

Not the politicians.

And not Avatar Korra.

Y/N'S POV

My hair blows against the wind as I stand on the top balcony gazing upon the upcoming destination we are about to arrive to. I see the iconic, or to some infamous, stretch of brick and heavily defenced wall that have only been at great risk once during the Hundred Year War.

Ba Sing Se.

I can't believe it. I'm actually going to be in Ba Sing Se.

I have read all about the city and some of its history in the books. I've read about all the crazy stuff that went down in the city during the Hundred Year War with Long Feng and the Dai Li. I've read how Princess Azula was able to effortlessly infiltrate the palace and take over the landmark with ease and seemingly kill Avatar Aang. That was the darkest moment of the war.

Thankfully, it isn't as bad as it once was. At least, I think it isn't as bad as it once was. Hopefully.

Glancing downwards, I see Jinora, Bumi, Eshah, and our newest recruit, Kai.

Much to our surprise and delight, just before we set off to Ba Sing Se, we managed to recruit another airbender. Around Jinora's age, he came to us after a, well, interesting performance done by the group as another method to persuade more to join the Air Nation. Admittedly the introduction was rough with him lying about his background and tried to run off with stolen goods, but I'm certain we can have him change his ways. We were all happy to have him on board except Mako. Though, I can't really blame him. Kai's actions probably triggered alarm bells in the detective's analytical mind. Bolin seems to be happy to have someone who can be a younger sibling to him.

But, much to my shock, the person who seemed to be the most thrilled to have Kai onboard was Jinora.

The memory is still fresh in my mind. I hadn't even got back onto the airship and I saw the young airbender stuttering and blushing to the newest recruit as she offered to train him. When I realised why I could barely contain the laughter. Why? Because now I can tease her about her crush on Kai! After all the teases she's done to me about my situation with Kyuni, I think I am perfectly justified.

And, from what I've seen, it seems like Kai has a crush on her too. Ah, young love.

"It's so exciting to be on a diplomatic mission to Ba Sing Se!" Korra exclaims to my right. I'm with my best friend and Tenzin on the top balcony observing the city. "What's the Earth Queen like?"

"I've never met her, but I've heard she can be quite...demanding." Our mentor replies uncertainly.

Demanding? Oh, great. Please don't tell me she isn't some stuck up royal who thinks she can do whatever she wants. I've had enough of corrupt and arrogant leaders as it is.

"Well, I hope she's at least charismatic." I bitterly reply. "From what I've read her father, Earth King Kuei, he seemed to be a decent guy."

"Indeed." Tenzin replied. "Although the relationship between Kuei and Fire Lord Zuko had a rocky start, the Earth King's cooperation was what helped create the United Republic of Nations. We can only hope his daughter will be just as collaborative."

I hum in acknowledgment. Yes, we can only hope. These days, though, I tend to be disappointed with how many leaders or authority figures end up being corrupt. First Tarrlok, then Hiroshi Sato, and then recently Unalaq. It just seems like most leaders are only out for themselves instead of the people. It's sickening.

"We've dealt with worse." Korra says confidently. "I'm sure she won't be as bad as ones we've met before."

"I envy your optimism on this matter, Korra." I tell her plainly. Then, I smirk and say "If you're wrong then you owe me."

She glances at me with an amused raised eyebrow and chuckles. "Owe you what?"

I shrug. "Don't know. I'll figure something out."

Before she can respond, however, Bolin lets an excited squeal. "Ba Sing Se, here we are!"

We finally reach the Outer Wall of the city and begin flying over the Lower Ring and I finally get a good look of the area with my own eyes.

It looks...dreadful.

Trash and litter littered across streets and alleys, buildings on the verge of collapse and full of rust and dirt, civilians sleeping on the pavements. It looks like hell!

"Uhh, the Lower Ring looks terrible." Korra comments with disgust and shock.

At the corner of my eye, I see Bolin holding his nose to block out the stench from below. "Yeah, I can smell it from here. No wonder Dad left."

While my friends seem disturbed by the sight, I am enraged. How can the Earth Queen allow this to happen?! These people are suffering! They deserve better!

My grip on the metal bars of the balcony tighten so hard that it almost hurts. "This is monstrous! How can the Queen allow this to happen?!"

I hear a sadden sigh near me. The heaviness of it resembles the tense nature of Tenzin.

"Unfortunately, some leaders choose their own needs before others." The airbending master melancholy replies. I can hear the sadness in his words. "Even the positive influence of my father and Lord Zuko couldn't change that."

My heart skips a beat at my surprise. Not my surprise of Tenzin's words. I knew this sad reality for years but my surprise that, for the first time ever, my mentor's words leave me...unsatisfied.

"Why hasn't anyone done something about it?" I ask with bewilderment as I turn to Tenzin and Korra. "Why isn't anyone doing something to help these people?"

My words appear to have struck the wrong chord as I see Tenzin frown slightly and Korra's eyes washing with concern. Did I say something wrong?

"I am frustrated and saddened by this as much as you are." Tenzin tells me with a hint of gentleness. "However, we can't just force the Earth Queen to rule her kingdom the way we want her to. It is not our place."

Again, Tenzin's words leave me unsatisfied. No. Not just unsatisfied. Frustrated.

"That sounds a lot like giving up to me." I mutter bitterly, turning my gaze from the two of them to observe more of the city.

How can we just sit back, clap our hands, and call it a day? How can we just sit back and let innocents suffer because of these corrupt, horrible, vile people? I haven't even met the Earth Queen but the sight of the Lower Ring already tells me everything I need to know about her.

Despite having the gift of the air shared by the bisons, the rage within my form feels like the firebending of the dragons. I can feel the rageful dragon desperately trying to break free from the shackles created by my heart, mind, and morals and force me to do something about it. To end the suffering of the many and restore peace, freedom, justice, and balance to Ba Sing Se. For a moment, I humour the temptation.

A moment after, however, the gentle touch of a hand on my shoulder draws me back from my mind and I return to the here and now.

I glance to my left and see Korra giving me a worried and concerned look. Her all too familiar ocean eyes wash over me and vanquish the dragon's fiery breath within me.

"Y/N," she begins, her voice gentle and so soft. "I don't like it as much as you do. But Tenzin's right."

The last sentence catches me off guard and I can feel the embers inside begin to rise.

If Korra really cared as much as I did, she wouldn't give up so easily.

What?!

What am I thinking?! I'm sounding like Tarrlok or Unalaq!

Shaking my head to rid me of those horrible intrusive thoughts, I turn to my best friend and give her a sad smile. "I know."

She sends me a smile back. "How about I mention it to her when I speak to her?"

I feel my hopes lift from the suggestion as my smile wideness, sadness replaced with relief and gratitude.

"That would be great!" I tell her. I quickly wrap her in an embrace, arms wrapped around her waist tightly. I can feel her let out a short "oh!" in surprise only to reciprocate the hug.

"I've never seen you so passionate of this." Korra notes with curiosity.

I nod. "I just hate seeing innocents like this. It reminded me of when Tarrlok was trying to arrest all the non-benders during the Equalist crisis."

I can feel and hear Korra humming in acknowledgement. When we pull apart, I see her smile is still present. "I know how you feel. I promise, I'll have a word with her about it."

Before I can respond, I hear Asami's voice from the inside of the airship. "We have arrived!"

Oh, crap. Really?

Ripping my gaze away from Korra, I turn to see the Royal Palace. It's big, bold, and screams of power.

Welp here goes nothing.

Walking down the ramp of the airship, we are all greeted by an old but well-dressed man who appears to have a high status in this sector.

Bowing respectfully, the man gives us a welcoming smile. "Avatar Korra, Master Tenzin, it is a pleasure to welcome you and your party to the Upper Ring of Ba Sing Se. I'm Grand Secretariat Gun."

Korra bows in return. "Thank you."

Bolin, being Bolin, begins sniffing furiously. "Ah, it's got that Upper Ring smell."

Oh, Bolin. Never change.

Gun, rather than amused by the earthbender's actions, is panicked as he notices Pabu on his shoulder. "Oh no, the queen hates animals." He then notices Naga and Oogi and his panicked look intensifies. "You'll have to get them out of sight."

I tilt my head in confusion. The queen doesn't like animals to the point we have to hide them? That seems rather dramatic.

After coming up with a compromise that involves Pabu going undedr the earthbender's shirt, we begin walking to the quarters we will be staying. Despite my criticisms, I cannot deny that the Upper Ring looks beautiful with brilliant, architected homes and bridges. As we walk, I hear Gun rambling to Korra. He appears to be very nervous with his shaky voice and sweat on his face.

"Now, when you meet the queen make sure you bow low enough, that's very important, and don't look her in the eye, she can't stand that. If any food is served, don't eat before she eats. Well actually, I have to taste her food first, then she eats, then you can eat. Better yet, just don't eat."

What am I hearing?

A standard to how low you bow? Don't look her in the eye? Don't eat before she eats? This is absurd.

Korra seems to share my opinion. "Seems like an awful lot of rules."

"It's ridiculous." I mutter under my breathe.

Beside me, Eshah hums in acknowledgement. She leans slightly toward me so Gun can't hear me. "My mother was a big fan of the queen. Loved her strictness."

I snort. "Based from my meeting with her, I can't say I'm surprised."

She chuckles. "Yet another reason I am glad I got airbending. Best thing that ever happened to me."

I frown slightly at her words. Eshah and I haven't spoken much since she was welcomed aboard on the airship. She was busy getting to know everyone else. And, yet again, she expresses how easy it was to leave her mother behind to pursue her dreams and goals.

My circumstances are much different. While Eshah and her mother seemed to have a strained relationship from the start, mine with my parents was great. It definitely will be harder for me to leave them behind if I choose to pursue the career as an Air Nomad.

"I'm glad to hear it." I reply, trying not to sound fazed. "For most it would be hard to leave their old lives behind."

She hums in acknowledgement. "I can understand that. Was it hard for you?"

I clench my fists at her question. Shit. I didn't think about that.

"The next time we talk, you better tell us you are not joining the Air Nation. If not, don't contact or visit us ever again."

I hesitate for a split second. Then, I take a big gulp. "Something like that."

"Oh." She mutters. I think she understands what I mean. "Sorry about that."

"Sorry about what?" Mako asks from behind with a curious tone.

"Nothing!" I exclaim. "We were just talking about, uh, all of the stuff that happened back in the Spirit World a couple weeks ago, that's all."

I send him a toothy grin in hopes the firebender would buy my lie. He narrows his eye slightly, analysing my story like the true detective that he is, and shrugs. "Okay then."

Phew. That was a close one.

I look back at front and I see Eshah giving me a slightly stunned look. I shake my head a little and change the topic and start to bring up the environment. Knowing this, she relents. For now, at least.

When we finally reach the Swanky, I am rather impressed with the interior. It's a rather fancy accommodation if I do say so myself. Two floors, with the second having a balcony around it, a table in the centre of the room that is a smooth and polish brown and there are multiple rooms. Well, at least the Earth Kingdom has taste.

As the others venture around the place to explore I stay near the entrance to marvel the whole scene before me. Then, from behind, I hear Gun.

"Avatar Korra, if you'd follow me, we don't want to keep her majesty waiting."

I quickly turn back around to send Korra a smile. "Have fun with the Queen."

My best friend gives a sheepish smile of her own as she walks away. "I'll try my best."

I chuckle and as Gun and Korra walk further and further away, I turn to Tenzin who was watching them depart too.

"You think she'll be fine dealing with the Earth Queen?"

The airbending master hums in thought. "I'm sure she'll be fine as long as she's patient with the Queen's...demanding...personality."

I hum back in acknowledgement as I think about to Korra's training in airbending. While her patience has improved substantially since then, it's still one of her greatest faults. "Patience has never been Korra's strongest suite. You and I know that more than anyone."

The wise man nods in agreement. "Indeed. I have faith Korra can get through this, however."

"So do I." I tell him, glancing back outside. Gun and Korra are gone. "So do I."

There's nothing to worry about. Korra has got this.

What's the worst can happen?

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And that's it!

I hope you enjoyed it!

Feedback is always appreciated! :D

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avatarkyoshisfansss · 11 months

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#thoughts??#was hard to fit everyone where i actually wanted them tbh #lok #the legend of korra #avatar the legend of korra #legend of korra #damn this show has a lot of names #korra #asami sato #mako #bolin #opal beifong #suyin beifong #lin beifong #jinora #tenzin #bumi #kya ii #kuvira

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gladerwolfstarkimagines · 2 years

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Imagine getting annoyed when Korra puts herself in danger because you're in love with her

As a strong bender around Korra’s age Tenzin thought you’d be a perfect companion for her and so he sent you to the water tribe compound before him to meet Korra. Ever since that first encounter you wondered if Tenzin was psychic as well as a master Airbender. You instantly connected with Korra and became fast friends. Your feelings quickly grew to more and you realised you were in love with the avatar long before she moved to Republic City. She was strong and sweet but also cocky and dramatic which you loved. The only downside was her lack of self-regard. Korra could be reckless and every time you saw her come back with physicals injuriess or emotional wounds it hurt you too. You tried telling her to be more careful but she never listened. She threw herself into the fight against Amon and then Tarlock too when he brought in his non-bender curfews. You watched in horror as she almost got into a fistfight with the northern water tribe representative in the middle of the street. You agreed what he was doing was wrong and were very upset Asami, Mako and Bolin had been arrested but you thought Korra’s behaviour was just out of hand. You finally managed to get her back to your apartment without being arrested but Korra didn’t seem happy about that. She started ranting about Tarlock and you finally snapped.

"Korra you can't just jump into dangerous situations like that avatar or not!" you cried. "Why can’t I?" Korra asked "i’m literally the most protected person in the world, i have the avatar state to save me". "So you just put your life at risk at every opportunity?". "Our friends were in danger you really expected me to sit back and let it happen?" Korra shot back. "There was nothing you could do but you risked your life on a fool's errand that had little chance of success". "Maybe but I had to do something. It doesn’t matter if I get hurt in the long run as long as Amon is stopped" Korra nodded adamantly. "That’s not true!" you yelled "Korra If you get hurt we all get hurt too. You being in pain isn’t something we just ignore. If you saved me at the expense of yourself I wouldn’t be happy I'd be just as bad". "Why?" Korra cried and you sighed "because I love you, you idiot!". Silence followed and Korra blinked "you...what?". You sighed "I'm in love with you Korra and have been for months...you're pretty oblivious". "I...I guess I am" Korra nodded "but why?". You paused "why what?". "Why do you love me? How...". You sighed "I mean I guess that's a hard question and at the same time an easy one. Ever since I met you I've been mesmerised. I've never known a person be such a paradox. You're the strongest most confident person i’ve ever known and at the same time you're so gentle and naive. You're so intelligent and then other times you just jump into things blindly. You can be closed off but are also so loving and caring to everyone. You have the literal world on your shoulders but then little things like watching pro-bending excite you. You can be so hot and attractive and then also be so adorable I'd punish anyone for hurting you. You're just one in a million and not because you're the avatar but because there’s no one like you, Korra. That's why I love you". Korra stared at you "you really feel all that about me?". You nodded "so I guess the only question is...have I just made a fool of myself? How do you feel about me?". Korra looked down and you felt your heart skip. "I...I feel a bit differently" Korra admitted. You winced but nodded "that's okay...". "I don’t think you're a paradox I just think you're amazing". You looked up daring to believe this was what you hoped it was. "You've always been there for me and I feel like I've known you years not months. You’re one of the few people who I know only has purely good intentions for me and I like the person I am around you. You were my first proper friend and I think...there’s nobody else I'd want to become something more with than you". "You would?" you grinned and Korra smiled "yeah so...can I kiss you or are you still angry at me for risking my life?". You smiled "I'm still angry but a kiss might actually solve that". Korra smiled "well I'm happy to try as many times as you need" and she leant into you.

A while later you gasped for breath pulling away but Korra didn’t seem to want to let this moment go. She kept her strong arms around you and peppered your neck with kisses. "Shouldn’t we go bail Asami and the others out of prison?" you asked. Korra looked up at you mischief in her eyes "we could...or we could let Tenzin so it. I alerted him to the situation so he’s probably almost there now...so it might be pointless for us to go too". "Korra are you really ditching your friends to make out with me?". Korra blushed "well I'd probably just aggravate the situation, if anyone can get them out its Tenzin. So I think I'm exactly where I need to be" she grinned that crooked grin that made you weak. "You know I'd be inclined to agree" you nodded and gripped her tunic tightly taking her back towards you.

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