Hey guys, this is my first attempt at an Avatar fanfict so bear with me while i figure everything out. As with everything else, I don't exactly have a plan as to how this is going to go, i just play everything by ear. But, I am going to make this fun.

1) I'm going to let you guys get involved with this.
i don't mean you're going to plan my story out for me but I will take storyline suggestions. Don't be critical. If you like this story, then don't start going on and on and on about how messed up it is. that only pisses me off and will turn me away from writing it. if that's what you want, then by all means aggravate me.
What i meant by, I'm going to let you guys get involved with this, is this-I'm going to let each of you have a character. If you want in, all you have to do is give me a name, nationality, bending type, and any minor details you want. If you'd like, I can send you a character worksheet via e-mail to fill out. just add your e-mail in this format:
username at provider dot com. I promise i won't give your e-mail out to anyone. just fill out the sheet and e-mail it back.

2) Name guessing game.
Since I can't just keep asking a bunch of people whether they want a character, i will be stealing names from random shows and movies I'm a fan of. Among those are other anime. You're job is to figure out where that name came from. I'll have an asterisk (*) by the name I want you to guess. Some will be pretty obvious while others won't. Guessing the name will earn you a guaranteed placement in the story. Of course I'll let you have a spot but it'll be more fun.
Some of the names in this story do come from Avatar Last Airbender and Avatar Legend of Korra so those aren't bonus point names. Also, since I only have so much room in my head for so many characters, if you don't make it in book one, you'll probably make it in books 2 and 3 (Water and Air).

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: Legend of Korra and anything that appears. However, if you haven't heard of it, it's mine.

Prologue

Republic City, the shining star in the future Avatar Aang had planned for all, was now in deep mourning. Benders and non-benders alike waited with bated breath for that one radio announcement that would overshadow all announcements: Avatar Korra, Aang's successor, was dying.

The life of an Avatar is a strenuous one, full of perils and dangers. Yet, every few generations has one. A single person gifted with the ability to wield all bending elements. The Avatar are the mortal bridge between the human world and the Spirit world. Without an Avatar, the world would go out of balance.

Avatar Korra was a greatly loved individual. People loved Avatar Aang, yes, but many loved Korra in a different way. They saw her as a figurehead to peace, the one person who helped bring balance to Republic City when a madman tried to eliminate all bending from the world. Since then, Korra had spent days restoring people's bending. But Aang's view for peace had a long way to go before it could be restored.

Aside form these duties, Korra had settled down and made a life for herself with Mako, her Pro-bending teammate and crush. Together, Korra and Mako had three kids, all benders of different kinds. For a long time, Korra seemed healthy, but her health was, indeed, failing. Now, at age sixty, Korra had fallen into an unpleasant illness. One that could not be cured, even by the best Water Tribe healers both in and outside the City.

Katara, Korra and Mako's eldest, drew her chair close to Korra's hospital bed. The young Waterbender's face tight with worry as she took her mother's hand in both of hers. Korra smiled and reached over to stroke Korra's Katara's face.

"Why do you worry so, Katara?" Korra asked.

"Because, mother, I don't want to lose you." Katara admitted. She didn't dare let the tears flow though she wanted to.

"My dear child, have you forgotten who I am?" Korra asked.

"The Avatar." Katara said.

"That's right. And what is the Avatar?"

"The Avatar is the bridge."

"And what happens with the Avatar dies?"

"It's reborn."

"See? I won't be gone. I will just be something else." Korra said.

"How will I know it's you?" Katara asked. Her mother was slipping. She could sense it.

Korra closed her eyes and smiled more broadly. "Look to the cycle, child. Look to the cycle."

With that, Korra breathed her last and was gone. Katara wept, bitterly, for the loss of a wonderful mother.

In the south-western district of Republic City, an Earth Kingdom couple lovingly welcomed their newborn daughter into their lives.

I

"Toph!"

The sound of a heavy ruler cracking against the desk made me jump nearly our of my skin. I adverted my gaze from the flowering field outside the classroom window back to the feisty, golden-eyed gaze of the Fire Nation woman in front of me. Miss Zura, who happened to be my history instructor. Until now, I hadn't even been aware that I was daydreaming. Miss Zura, apparently ha. It was said she could see a hermit fly daydreaming from the other side of the room. Making daydreamers jump was something she got a kick out of on a daily basis.

"Are you paying attention?" Miss Zura asked, sternly. A leer visible on her narrow features.

"Yes, Ma'am." I said, abruptly. I groaned inwardly as I knew what was coming.

"Then tell me, Toph of the Bei Fong clan, who was the father of Fire Lord Ozai and General Iroh?" Miss Zura asked.

I blanked on a response. I knew this woman expected an answer and fast. Not only did Miss Zura like attentiveness, she adored timely answers. I quickly spouted off the first name that came to mind—hoping to the Spirits it at least sounded Fire Nation.

"Fire Lord Sozin." I said, trying to keep the question out of my tone.

"I'm afraid that's incorrect." Miss Zura said. Her statement was met by giggles all around. My pale face turned red with embarrassment and I wanted to hide behind my long bangs. "To the corner with you."

I rose stiffly out of my chair, letting my green and gold school robe flutter down to my soft shoes. I shot Miss Zura a scathing look before going back and sitting on the high stool in the corner. While the corner was supposed to be a humiliating punishment for slackers, it served as a blessing for me. This way, I didn't have to listen to the rest of the lesson. Unfortunately, my brain wouldn't turn off.

"Fire Lord Sozin was the Fire Nation King during the time of Avatar Roku." Miss Zura said, making good of my mistake. "Can anyone tell me what Fire Lord Sozin is best known for?"

I kept my eyes on the hard wood floor. But I could still feel the glances of ridicule coming my way. Among those I could fee, was the shiver in the air as someone raised their hand.

"Mei?" Miss Zura said.

"The invasion of the Earth Kingdom." said the prissy Fire Nation girl toward the front of the class.

"Correct." Leave it to Mei to come up with the right answer. "Fire Lord Sozin was a very proud Fire Nation King. The Fire Nation was becoming a very profitable country. Fire Lord Sozin wanted to share the profits of the Fire Nation with the rest of the world—at least, that's what it says in our history."

Great! More history! I thought.

I tried to make my mind leave the classroom. I tried picturing the vast field outside my family manor house where me and my older brother, Boar, could frolic; practicing Earthbending techniques. In the background, I heard Miss Zura drone on and on about how Sozin invaded the Earth Kingdom colonies and how he fought with Avatar Roku who defied him. I barely heard Miss Zura continue the lecture on how Sozin invaded the Air Temples and slaughtered defenseless Air Nomads. The only thing I found fascinating about the lecture was how Miss Zura could tell the story about her ancestry and not sound proud.

Another shift in the air told me someone raised their hand.

"Miss Zura, how did the Airbending Avatar survive the raid." asked Noatok, a young Waterbender.

"Legend says he ran away. A hundred years later, two Water Tribe children found him in an iceberg." Miss Zura answered. The sound of her voice told me she was pleased at least someone was paying enough attention to ask.

"Coward." I heard Mei mutter.

I scrunched the edge of my robe up in my hand. It was never a good thing to insult an Avatar, much less a dead one. I almost wished in that moment bending was allowed against non-benders. I wanted to clean Mei's clock, but good.

"He wasn't ready to accept the path as Avatar." said Abinsur*, the son of Rohan and great-grandson of Avatar Aang. "It's a long and dangerous trip. Not an easy one either for that matter."

"Abinsur is right." Miss Zura said. "Avatar Aang wasn't ready for the lot. It is tradition for the Avatar to be recognized at sixteen. Aang was twelve when the monks told him he was the incarnation of Avatar Roku, the previous Avatar. In many ways, Aang never wanted the lot."

"Who's the next Avatar, Miss Zura?" asked Flint*, another Earthbender. My head came up, expectantly.

"We do not know yet." Miss Zura said. "It could be any Earthbender sitting in this room, or in this district, or in any of the other districts. I believe that the Avatar will be revealed in time."

The bell rang and I immediately slipped off the stool, groaning when Miss Zura announced a surprise test on the morrow. I snatched up my bag and left the room in a huff; dying to get outside.

The Fifth District school was located right near what used to be Air Nomad territory. The school was built to keep the value of education alive—and old Earth Kingdom philosophy. I had only wished they had kept me out of it. Kids of all levels of income could get a decent education for little more than a yuen or two. A brick wall with an arching doorway surrounded the academy and a courtyard with a sparkly fountain fronted the main entrance. The courtyard was full of various students of all different types. Different style school robes identified each person for what they were.

I marched passed the sea of blue and white, green and gold, red and black, yellow and brown robes; not bothering to notice the plain, solid colors of non-benders against the bi-colors of the benders. I just wanted to get out of here.

"Hey, Toph."

I stopped and looked up, sighing with relief when I saw it was Miakoda hailing me. Miakoda had been my friend for quite a long time. Both of us were unique in our own way; which was probably why we understood each other so well. But while I loved Miakoda dearly and enjoyed her company, it was jealous of her, too.

Miakoda was a head taller than me with blue eyes that sparkled on any given day, but could turn icy at a moment's notice when angered. Her long, white hair was arranged in several, wait-length braids and stood out against her coppery skin. Her blue and white robes were extra ornamental with the seal of a Water Tribe healer student over the left shoulder. The fact she could heal with Waterbending was no surprise to me, actually. Miakoda just had that way about her. Her hands were gentle and she was gifted with Waterbending like no other. Not to mention, her white hair—odd for anyone, bender or non—only made her status all the more valuable. Miakoda was called 'Blessed by the Moon Spirit" by all members of her Tribe.

"Hey, Koda." I said. I tried to sound cheerful, but I couldn't keep the aggravation out of my voice. Damn that Miss Zura!

Miakoda cocked and eyebrow at me. "Uh oh. Got in trouble with the Southern Dragon?"

"You know me well." I said, knowing she meant Miss Zura whose nicknames were "The Southern Dragon" and "The Snap Dragon". "You're lucky you signed up for healing classes when you did. You don't have to take normal school classes." I rolled my shoulders. "How did you manage it, anyway?"

Miakoda flicked a beaded braid over her shoulder and played with the end. "Actually, there is some history, math, and science involved in my classes. My teacher, Katara, says it's important to learn these skills whether you're going to be a healer or not."

I scowled. School always put me in a bad mood by the end of the day. But, Miakoda came away thinking her day was complete. I envied her in this way. Miakoda had her entire future figured out. She'd always wanted to be a healer ever since she discovered that application was possible with Waterbending. Her future was stretching out in front of her. I couldn't see my future and I wondered if I even had one.

I stuffed my hands in my pockets and went to the school paddock to retrieve my mount. Miakoda followed me. Although I secretly didn't want her company anymore, I didn't have the heart to tell her to go away. She understood me better than anyone, including my parents who expected me to succeed in school and honor the Bei Fong name. Somehow, that expectation fell on me, but not my two brothers, Brik and Boar.

To hell with it! I thought, darkly; retrieving the Earth Kingdom style saddle from the wall mounts. I walked to the wide stall and peeked over the wall at my pet, Ichiru* the kangaroo horse.

Normally, kangaroo horses—or kangorses, as the public called them—were brown with black flecks. Ichiru wasn't. He was born white with black markings. His legs, the end of his tufted tail, and the base of his spiky mane were solid black or gray. The rest of his body was spotted intermittently. I thought he was beautiful, my parents didn't; preferring the brindle kangorses or the obscure ostrich horses over the monstrosity I had chosen as my own.

Ichiru's soft eyes locked with mine and he rose onto all fours; thrusting his soft nose at me. I knew he was looking for the vegetable and grain treats I carried with me on occasion and I presented him with one in the palm of my hand. His rubbery lips snatched it up and he crunched on the delightful snack while I flipped the green and gold blanket over his back and cinched the saddle up to the appropriate tightness.

Miakoda watched me from the front of the stall. She also never questioned my reasons of choosing Ichiru over the other preferred animals my parent's stablehand raised. She understood it was because Ichiru was so undesirable that I took him as my own; feeding and watering him twice a day, cleaning his tack and stall and giving him hay and treats. In return, Ichiru allowed me to ride him and even lay my head against his warm belly. Miakoda had joined me from time to time and so did my big brother, Boar, who understood why I choose Ichiru only about as much as my best friend did, because even Boar had rebelled against Mom and Dad's wishes and raised a badgermole from a kit in secret. At least until it developed its Earthbending ability and gave itself away. Since then, Dad tried numerous times to get rid of Zero* the badgermole, and had little success as it continued to come back.

I smiled at the memory of Dad's latest attempt. Zero came back through the dining room wall while we sat down to supper. Boar happily greeted Zero and promised Dad he would keep Zero in the stables with the other Bei Fong clan animals. I had to admit thought, while I had unconsciously rebelled by choosing an unwanted creature, at least I had picked from the paddock my family owned and not from the wild lands where Boar had found the now-half-grown badgermole.

"So, what are your plans for tonight?" Miakoda asked.

"History test tomorrow." I said, grumpily, slipping the bit-less bridle over Ichiru's head.

"Ooh." Miakoda said, sadly. History had never been my thing, as she knew well. Didn't help I had an incredibly difficult teacher, the Snap Dragon. "Well, are you going to study this time?"

"Probably."

"Which chapter is it over?" She reached for my bag and I let her take it.

"Something about Sozin's comet." I said. "Although, I'm pretty sure it has something to do with Fire Lord Ozai and General Iroh." I was surprised myself by remembering that much.

"I can help, if you'd like." Miakoda offered.

"No homework, tonight?"

"Math test. Factoring." She blanched.

I shuddered. "Eww."

"Yeah. Tell me about it."

"What, does little miss 'Blessed by the Moon Spirit' have trouble with advanced math?" I teased, knowing this was about to bite me in the ass.

"Does little miss 'Earthquake' have trouble with remembering names and events?" she teased in return.

"Fine. I get your point." I said, draping the reins over my shoulder and walking out of the stall with Ichiru at my side. "Let's go."

Miakoda patted Ichiru on the shoulder in a hello gesture and he pressed his nose in her hand; looking for another treat, no doubt.

"My parents are at a meeting today." Miakoda said. "I can help you study for the test tomorrow if you'd like."

I know she was offering out of the kindness of her Waterbender heart. But I also knew there was an ulterior motive to her offer. If I didn't have a study partner, my brother and I would goof around like Earthbending children often did. Plus, she probably wanted my help in factoring. Not that I could blame her.

"Sure." I said. "You're always welcome at the Bei Fong clan manor."

"Thanks, Toph." Miakoda said.

When we stepped out into the evening sun, I noticed the county and was still full of students; especially the athletes, who were prepping for bending practice as soon as the gym opened. I looked a little closer at the cluster of benders by the fountain and wasn't surprised to see the Boar chatting with Sasuke* and Lakota, his Fire and Waterbending teammates. While it didn't bother me that Boar was staying behind for practice, it annoyed me that a group of fangirls were watching from a distance. I couldn't blame them, really. Boar was big and handsome in his own way. Sasuke was adorable and Lakota had a sweet-looking baby face. Boar and Lakota were the only ones truly discussing whatever topic came to mind. Sasuke, on the other hand, stared at the ground with half a smile on his face. He was enjoying the attention.

"Look at that." I scowled, nodding at show-off Sasuke. "He's loving every minute of that fanclub praise."

"Can you blame him? He is pretty cute." Miakoda said.

"Cute, yes. Extremely good-looking, no. Girls just like him because he's the number one Firebending athlete on District Five's bending team." I said.

"He's won more district matches than anyone in the past."

"That doesn't make him all the more important. He's just an athlete. In time, he'll lose his thunder. Just you wait. That perfect body of his will sag when gravity no longer plays nice."

Miakoda blanched. "Eww. I'll never get that image out of my head, now. Thank you."

I smiled. Somehow, grossing Miakoda out always made my day.

I turned away from the spectacle and went out the door with my best friend shadowing me. Normally, I would have hopped onto Ichiru's back and ridden him back to the clan house. Today, with Miakoda along, I decided to walk. We passed through the town, side-by-side. I couldn't help but realize just how different Miakoda and I were, both in appearance as well as in posture. Miakoda walked straight and tall with all the confidence of a well-bred Waterbender—both parents were representatives for the Northern and Southern Water Tribes on the council, hence the main reason why my parents allowed her in the manor house. And me, grouchy and hunched over with my eyes downcast. For once, I was glad my long school robe sleeves covered the clan tattoo scrawled across my shoulder. Otherwise, the people would expect better of a daughter of the esteemed house of Bei Fong.

Thinking about my family's expectations, I stopped and sat on a bench in front of the marble statue. I didn't want to go home quite yet and I knew Miakoda couldn't care less how soon we got there. I looked up at the statue, wondering if the figure standing on its pedestal had a similar problem, being the Avatar of last time and all. I stood up, preferring not to dwell on this.

Miakoda flicked her braids of silver-white hair over her shoulder; blue eyes locked on the stoney ones of the Avatar Korra statue mounted in the town square. She grinned while looking at me.

"Have you ever wondered who the new Avatar is?" Miakoda asked me.

I snorted. "All the time."

"I think it would be pretty cool being an Avatar, don't you?" she said.

"Better you than me." I responded, stuffing my hands in my pockets as I trudged back to the Bei Fong family manor; Ichiru following close behind me.

"Toph, don't you know anything about the Avatar cycle?" Miakoda said.

I shut my ears, waiting for another lecture. "Some." Was my only answer. I glanced over my shoulder at her.

"The last Avatar was a Waterbender. The next Avatar is an Earthbender. If either of us could be the Avatar, it would be you."

"I hope it isn't."

"I disagree Toph. I think you would make an excellent Avatar."

Part of me wanted to tell Miakoda she was wrong. That I wouldn't make a good Avatar. I'm not a people-person—never was, actually. I really couldn't care less about people and their problems. Caring, in general, was in the job description for the Avatar.

Miakoda, on the other hand, loved people. I had seen her healing ability, as premature as it was, and knew it came from her desire to ease suffering. Not for the first time, I wished Miakoda and I could switch places. At least then, her chance at being the Avatar would be better.

I knew it was out of the kindness of Miakoda's heart that she was praising me and telling me I would make a good Avatar, but I really felt she didn't know what she was talking about. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying so.

Miakoda noticed my silence. She looked like she wanted to hug me but knew I wasn't big on physical contact, so she refrained from doing so. Instead, she sank her hand into the downy fur of Ichiru's coming-winter coat. He looked over at her and let out a small nicker. Miakoda grinned and patted him.

I stopped outside the manor house front doors and looked at Miakoda. "How soon do you think we'll find out who the new Avatar is?" I asked.

"Getting curious, are we?" Miakoda teased. "Anxious to find out who it is?"

"Just so long as it isn't me." I grumbled.

Miakoda looked thoughtful. "The last Avatar died sixteen years ago. The Order of the White Lotus says the new Avatar is born right when the old one dies. It's also said the new Avatar is never identified until age sixteen. So . . . it could be any day now."

"Who do you think it is?" I asked.

Miakoda shrugged. "Any Earthbenders, really."

"I thought so." I said.