Hey, guys! Welcome to another one of my stories! Some of you may have read the summary and you're probably thinking "This story might be as bad the summary, but I'm just going to read it anyways". I know I'm bad at summaries, but I do promise that this story will not be cringe-worthy... at least I hope. Anyways, obviously this will take place years (approximately 3-4 years) after the events of Book 4. Korra still hasn't returned from her little vacation into the Spirit World and people believe that she's starting to neglect them and her duties as the Avatar. The Earth Kingdom, especially Republic, is still in the process of healing, both emotionally and physically, after the end of Kuvira's tyranny. A lot of changes, a lot of unhappy people, a lot of rebellions/riots, etc. You can imagine what I probably have in mind.
Subplots revolve around Korra's mixed feelings about Asami, Korra deciding between Asami and Mako, Asami probably being swept off her feet by a handsome -*cough* totally hot *cough*- Fire Nation prince/General of the United Forces (bet you can't guess who though), Bolin's life as a husband, father, and actor (because I can totally imagine him going after a career in the mover industry since it benefited him so much in Book Two), and a little problem between Jinora and Kai (don't worry, it's not a breakup or anything like that). A lot of drama, but a lot more focus on the main plot. It eventual all becomes intertwine as the plot progresses though. I'll make it work, you'll see.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THE LEGEND OF KORRA OR ITS CHARACTERS IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM AT ALL!
~Unity~
~PROLOGUE~
She opened her eyes and yawned. She stared up at the clear blue sky, watching a few spirits soar. The woman shivered, goose bumps forming the dark skin of her arms, as a cool breeze ran across the lush meadow. She simply laid there, surrounded by purple flowers, with her arms behind her head. "There you are."
The woman quickly sat up, suddenly surprised, and looked behind her. She ran her fingers through her medium-length dark brown hair as her eyes were greeted by a somewhat plump old man with a silver beard. "Hello, Iroh." She smiled. The woman moved to get up and was soon towering over the man.
"I was worried when you didn't show up for tea." Iroh smiled back. "I should have known that you were probably taking a nap."
"I'm sorry." She looked down at the ground sheepishly.
"Don't be." Iroh stated.
"I can't explain it, but, ever since I arrived, it felt like a weight was lifted off my chest." The woman commented. "I'm just able to... forget and relax. Sometimes I wish it could be like this every day in the real world."
"The Spirit World is definitely a relaxing place, whether you're stressed or trying to run away from painful memories." Iroh explained. "Even in times of uncertainty, the Spirit World is capable of clearing away the thickest of fogs and putting the mind back at ease."
"I wish I could stay here forever." She sighed delightful, smiling sadly. She lowered back down to the ground and simply sat, watching the flowers dance with the wind.
"You are the Avatar, you cannot forgo your duties." Iroh placed a hand on her shoulder and took a seat next to her. "The world needs the Avatar to guide it and bring hope when all seems lost. If the world didn't need you, then that defeats the purpose of your existence."
"I know." She replied. "I... I'm just nervous. I've been gone for so long. Once again, I've abandoned my people and who knows what has happened in the past four years!"
"There is nothing wrong with taking some time off to recompose yourself, Korra." Iroh assured her. "Your friend had left a long time ago because she had already dealt with her problems. You, on the other hand... You struggled. You suffered, only to recover and shortly go through more suffering."
"I-I don't know, it might not seem like a lot... but four years is way too long to be gone." Korra ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "What should I do?"
"Don't ask me." Iroh shrugged. "The decision is yours, not mine. Asking for my thoughts would be like me providing an answer for you, instead of you coming to one yourself. Just ask yourself this question: Are you ready to go back?"
Korra paused, her body stiffening. She rubbed the back of the neck with her hand and shrugged. "I think I am, but I'm more worried about what will happen when I do go back." Korra replied honestly.
"We cannot predetermine our destinies." He stated. "If we could... I would have had a lot more happier moments in my days. You'll eventually learn that some things are better off unknown until they are meant to happen."
Iroh stood up, cracking his back with a groan. "Are you OK?" Korra looked at him with concern.
"I'm fine, but it is you who I worry about." Iroh smiled. "I sense a lot of uncertainty within you, but something tells it doesn't have to do with the events that might occur."
"It's just- I don't know what to do when I get back." Korra groaned in frustration. "Republic City was in pretty bad shape when I left, I can only imagine what it'll be like now."
"Seems like you've figured it out for yourself." Iroh stated.
"What?" Korra blinked in confusion.
"When one part of a nation suffers, then the whole nation suffers- not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well." He explained. "The Earth Kingdom needs your help to unite it once again."
"That had been Kuvira's goal in the first place." Korra grimaced.
"Kuvira's intentions were good, but the circumstances... they were not so good." He said. "However, now it's your turn to make things rights. Hopefully, you'll think of a different approach and finally mend the torn seams."
"Thank you, Iroh, you've been such great help ever since I arrived... I don't know how to repay you for the advice you've given me." Korra smiled.
"I think you've covered it by being a wonderful guest; it's been an honor serving you, Avatar Korra." Iroh smiled back. "Although, perhaps, you'll come by and visit me every now and then. It does get quite lonely here and I deeply enjoy your company."
I was kind of lonely after Asami left,Korra pondered as Iroh left her side to return to his tea shop. She looked around to find Iroh had truly left and sighed. Korra got up from the ground and brought her backpack onto her shoulders. She began walking, suddenly consumed by her thoughts. The press will be all over my sudden return like when Naga gets a new toy to play with.
If you don't show your face sooner or later, the people will begin to think that you've disappeared like the Avatar Aang disappeared during most of the Hundred Year War. They need you. Avatars don't take vacations.
But does "sooner" have to be now? I'm sure the world wouldn't mind if I stay in the Spirit World a little longer. I mean, technically, you're kind of late.
Well, better late than never.
Never late is better. Just imagine all the criticism you'll face when you suddenly show up if things turn out to be worse than what you've imagined.
You're being selfish. Don't you want to see your friends and family? Don't you feel bad for worrying them to death?
Well... yes, but-
Now you're making excuses. It's time for you to go back. Unfortunately for you, you're the Avatar and that means you're always needed for one reason or another. Imagine all the utter chaos and destruction that have happened while you were gone. Don't you want to catch up on what's been happening with everything? Your friends? Family?
Before Korra even knew it, she was standing right before the Spirit Portal. Her palms were suddenly clammy as she wiped them on the sides of her pants and gulped silently. She sighed shakily, finally coming to her decision. "Republic City, get ready to welcome back the Avatar." She muttered to herself as she slowly stepped into the light, feeling it's warm, pulsating glow wash over her. Korra closed her eyes to soak in the sensations.
OK, so I think the prologue went pretty well. Hopefully, Korra and Iroh weren't OOC, but I wouldn't be able to tell because I'm a little biased -*cough* major understatement *cough*- when it comes to my stories or just writing in general. Anyways, thanks to everyone for reading. Criticism is always welcomed and very much appreciated; flames, however, aren't. Have any questions, feel free to ask! I'll be more than happy to answer any. R&R! See ya!
~L. Dylan~
Goal: 5-10 Reviews (please)
(P.S.- I'll be doing little "Question of the Day" thingies and prizes will be range from an excerpt of a future chapter to one-shots/drabbles dedicated to whoever gives the correct answer. Now, I officially, bid everyone adieu.)