Notes: Hello everyone! This is my second fanfic, the first in the Avatar Universe. Feel free to follow, favorite, and tell your friends! I have another story titled: "Of Love And Loss". If any of you have read that, welcome to this new story! I hope you all enjoy this!

*Disclaimer* I do not own any of the Avatar series original characters. All existing rights belong to the creators. Any new characters are creations of my own.

Book 5: Omens

Chapter 1: Letters

Korra smiled as she watched Asami walk gracefully up the slope ahead, her porcelain hands running through the spirit ferns. It was their twelfth day in the Spirit World, and Korra wouldn't have chosen to spend them any other way, or with anyone else.

"Don't go too far ahead now!" Korra giggled.

Asami flashed a smile over her shoulder and rolled her eyes. "I can take care of myself, Avatar!" she yelled back, running over the crest of the hill and out of view.

Asami's smile always managed to leave a warmth in Korra's heart, a warmth that persisted. When they had first stepped into the portal, they had done so hand in hand. Neither of them had spoken of that moment, but consciously aware of the closeness they could feel between them. Ever since she began to write to Asami three years ago, Korra's feelings toward her best friend had blossomed into something more. She was acutely aware that Asami may feel the same way, but she was afraid of making the first move.

Even with being so hesitant, Korra didn't feel the slightest bit uncomfortable. Asami gave Korra a sense of peace she had never felt. Growing up and into her teenage years, she was always expected to be the Avatar, no one expected her to be Korra. Asami didn't seem to notice a difference, and Korra loved that about her.

When Korra was with Mako, things were great at first, but she had come to realize she was never truly in love with him. This new feeling with Asami scared her. Asami occupied her thoughts constantly. She never wanted to be apart from her, not for a second. To Korra's delight, Asami seemed to be completely at ease around her.

The first day they had arrived, Asami was attached to Korra's hip, always holding her hand. Korra didn't think anything of it at first, until she noticed after the first week it had become a habit of theirs to hold hands no matter where they went. Now she wondered if that meant they were more than just friends...

A loud scream snapped Korra from her memories, fear gripping her heart. She bent a ball of air underneath her and sped toward the sound. That was Asami. When Korra reached the area she thought Asami to be, she dissipated the air scooter with a wave of her hand and gazed around intensely, no sign of Asami.

"Asami?!" Korra shouted hesitantly. She began to walk toward the tree line, breathing methodically to keep herself from panicking. If she was in trouble I would sense it. Korra walked calmly over to a small patch of mud, a few footprints leading deeper into the forest. She frowned to herself, and put a hand on her hip.

"You look cute when you do that."

Korra jumped, her heart skipping a beat. "Asami! You nearly scared Raava right out of me!" Korra yelled, holding a hand to her heart.

Asami was doubled over, her laughter infectious. "Y-your face…it wa-hahaha…so priceless!"

Korra scowled at her, a blush rising to her cheeks. Asami had finally recovered and she started walking toward her, Korra turned her back in embarrassment crossing her arms.

"Oh come on Korra, you gotta admit it was a little funny!" Asami chuckled, wrapping her arms around Korra's stomach from behind, resting her head on her shoulder. The sudden contact caused Korra to tense, she hadn't expected it. Asami pretended not to notice and continued to hold onto her.

You've hugged before, just relax.

Korra let her arms drop to her side and eased into Asami's embrace, causing her to smile. The two of them stood there for a few minutes, simply enjoying each other's presence. Asami could feel Korra's soft, yet firm abs through her shirt, suddenly aware of just how intimate a moment they were sharing, but oddly enough she was completely content.

"I was worried." Korra muttered suddenly, low enough that Asami couldn't hear her over the sounds of the spirit forest.

"What?" Asami asked, still holding her.

Korra broke away and took her hands, looking at the ground. "I said I was worried…"

Asami smiled and brought a hand up to Korra's chin, tipping ever so slightly so she could look Korra in the eyes. "It was a joke, I'm right here." She spun about, holding out her hands. "See? How about we go set up a camp for the night?"

Korra grinned and nodded sheepishly, letting Asami lead her by the hand back toward their campsite from the night before. When they entered the clearing Asami got out their bedrolls and laid them out while Korra bent a ball of fire into the ring she'd made the previous day, using wood they'd brought from the city.

Korra smiled to herself, it had been Asami's suggestion to bring wood from their world. Korra appreciated Asami's reverence for this place, it deserved to be untouched. The Avatar walked over to the edge of their campsite, a steep drop-off offered an unhindered view of the mountains. Korra sat down and crossed her legs, putting her fists together in her meditation position.

Before closing her eyes she looked back over her shoulder, Asami was doodling into her journal. "Do you ever stop working?" Korra asked playfully.

Asami smirked, her eyes still on the page. "I'm trying to perfect the glider suits for the Airbenders. I think if I use a better material it will let them be more aerodynamic. Not that they already aren't, but it's just that much more of an edge…" Asami trailed off, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I'm going to meditate for a while then." Asami hummed in response, sketching on a new page. Korra resumed her original posture and closed her eyes, willing her spirit inward.

Asami glanced down at the schematic she'd been sketching for the past hour. The current design allowed for the Airbenders to soar expertly as if they were using a glider staff, but many over the years had offered the suggestion that Asami use an even lighter material. She had the perfect solution, one that was a closely guarded secret.

When Varrick had been working with Kuvira, he had discovered that the skin of the spirit vines could be woven into a fabric, its toughness comparable to hardened leather, but as light as a feather. He had run tests on it in secret while in the Earth Empire's employ. The material was able to offer more protection than the current suits and was even more breathable. The implications had astounded and excited Asami. She had asked Varrick why he brought the information to her, he simply shrugged. "You're the one most 'suited' to the task of course! Get it?! 'Suited'!"

Asami chuckled to herself, Varrick had changed a great deal over the years, they all had. Perhaps the most apparent change in any of them had been Korra. She smiled as she gazed at her best friend's form at the edge of the clearing. A mixture of emotions assaulted her heart every time she laid eyes on her, but never once a negative feeling.

Asami shut her book and stowed it in her pack, getting up to sit next to Korra. She was still in her meditation posture as Asami quietly seated herself next to her. Her thoughts trailed back to earlier in the day when she'd scared her. A grin broke out across her face as she recalled Korra's adorable reaction. But that was Korra, always caring, always concerned.

She had noticed over the last several months since Korra returned to Republic City that when she meditated it was no longer a confused or frustrated expression that graced her tanned face. Korra was stronger, more in tune with the spiritual world. It was a fitting example of just how far Korra had come since her first battle with Amon and the Equalists. The brash, aggressive, and sometimes foolish girl had turned into a level-headed, although still forward, strong woman, and was now a fully realized Avatar.

Asami took a moment to admire her best friend. She's so beautiful, she thought to herself. A pair of azure eyes opened and were suddenly peering into her own. Asami's heart felt as if it would burst from her chest.

Korra grinned crookedly at her, "How long was I gone?"

"O-only about an hour or so." Asami murmured, looking away in embarrassment.

Korra nodded and turned to the dancing lights below, still smiling. Asami sighed, her feelings for Korra were beyond friendship, but what she should call it? She had never looked at another woman that way before, but Korra was different.

"It's amazing isn't it? I never thought I'd be able to set foot in the Spirit World when I began my Avatar training…" Korra trailed off, looking at her hands.

Asami beamed at her. "I'm grateful you brought me here Korra. This vacation has been the best two weeks of my life."

Korra smiled broadly, "You deserved a break. Heck! We deserved a break."

Asami laughed and set her head on Korra's shoulder. She didn't feel Korra bristle at the contact this time, instead she felt an arm slip around her waist. Korra was thankful it was dark so she could hide her flushed cheeks.

The two of them sat silently for a few minutes, watching the spirits in the valley. Asami basked in the feeling of Korra's body next to her own. If only she could find the courage to confess her feelings...

Korra's shoulder shook for a moment and Asami looked up at her, a single tear rolled down a tanned cheek.

"Korra? What's wrong?" Asami sat up and took her hands, searching her eyes for an answer.

Korra took a deep breath and wiped another tear away. "I'm sorry..."

Asami was taken aback. What could she possibly feel sorry for?

She cupped Korra cheek and turned her head toward her so their eyes met. "Sorry for what?"

Korra closed her eyes, sighing. "For being gone those three years. I shouldn't have ever pushed you away-no let me finish..." Korra said, as Asami began to open her mouth. "You were the only one that offered to come with me, to help me. You've always been there for me."

A few more tears fell from her face and she looked into Asami's eyes. "You sent me a few letters after I had left, and I just let them sit there. I didn't have the courage to write you back, I was ashamed. But you kept sending them to me, the only on-"

Asami wrapped her arms around her. "You don't have to apologize. For anything."

"But-"

Asami pulled away and kissed her cheek, hoping she didn't cross a line. Korra froze in place, her eyes wide in surprise. "You wrote me back eventually right?"

Korra's eyes lowered as she looked at the ground. "Yeah. But..."

"No buts, Korra. You don't have to be sorry about anything. You'd been through so much pain. But look at you now!" Asami smiled radiantly at her. "You stopped Kuvira, you overcame your mental block with Zaheer, the poison..." Asami looked her dead in the eyes. "Korra, you created a spirit portal."

Korra chuckled at that, wiping away a few tears. "I guess when you say it like that..."

Asami grinned, "See? Everything is fine. You might think we lost three years of our friendship, but these last two weeks have meant the world to me Korra. I couldn't ask for anyone else by my side."

Korra stood up and took Asami's hands, lacing their fingers together. "Thank you." Asami gave her one more hug and took her by the hand leading her back to the campfire.

"We should probably get some sleep since we have to head back tomorrow." Asami said, easing into her bedroll. Korra pulled her own cover up to her chest, resting her hands under her head.

"Can I ask you something?" Korra said, looking toward Asami's direction.

Asami propped up on an elbow, raising an eyebrow. "Sure, what's on your mind?"

Korra looked away shyly, unsure of how to speak her mind without spilling the beans. "You're my closest friend Asami, and when we get back...I'd rather not go our separate ways. I mean, yeah we'll see each other all the time, but I just..." Korra sighed throwing her hands up.

Asami smiled inwardly, her heart fluttering in her chest. "You just..." she mused.

"I just feel so at peace with you around, so I wanted to see if you'd want to come stay on Air Temple island with me. I'm sure Tenzin would be okay with it, you've stayed there before. I know you have the mansion..."

"Korra." Asami interrupted.

She glanced over at Asami, anxious at her answer. "Hmm?"

"I think that would be great." Asami said, smiling. "As long as Tenzin is alright with it."

Korra laughed, "He'll have to be, I'm the Avatar."

Asami rolled her eyes and chuckled, laying back down. "Alright Avatar, you need to get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow..." she said yawning loudly.

"Yes we do. Goodnight Asami." Korra whispered.

"Sweet dreams."

"Kuvira! Give up!"

Kuvira held her side, her ribs were killing her. She couldn't give up now, after everything she had done, and to stop now? No.

"Never." she whispered to herself. Kuvira stumbled ahead to a wall of vines. As she parted them her eyes grew wide, the spirit cannon was suspended there, just waiting to be used. She rushed toward the base of the tree and quickly rose up to the cannon, using her earthbending to assist her ascent. Stepping into position by the loading chamber she heard the Avatar again.

"Please stop this madness! It has to end now!", she yelled.

A part of Korra's plea reached Kuvira's heart, but she shut it away. She'd come too far, this was the only fitting end. She placed her hand on the handle, prepared to ready the cannon.

"If you really want to end it, come and get me!" Kuvira retorted. It has to end here. I can still win this fight.

Korra burst into the clearing, gasping when she realized the situation she was in.

"Now it's over." Kuvira muttered coldly.

"Don't!", Korra screamed.

Pulling back on the handle, Kuvira could feel the weapon powering up...and unleashing it's fury. The cannon erupted in brilliant pink light, blasting the ground where the Avatar had stood mere seconds before. Suddenly the vines wrapping the cannon began to glow pink and Kuvira realized her folly. It was going to keep firing.

The cannon began to sway out of control, sending the beam far into the city, ripping apart the already damaged skyline. Kuvira was struggling to keep on her feet to prevent her fall when she saw Korra standing in the clearing.

"Shut it down!"

Kuvira understood that unless she did so, it would spell disaster. She pulled back hard on the handle, but nothing happened. Panic began to rise within her. She looked back to Korra, for the first time showing fear. "I can't!" The cannon lurched to the side and she felt a sudden rush of wind as she fell to the ground.

Groaning she lifted herself up, only to come face to face with the maw of the cannon. The Avatar leapt in front of her suddenly, her eyes a bright white, and her hands directly in front of her.

She's trying to save me...

Spirit rays shot in every direction around the two of them, suddenly the light built in intensity and Kuvira could feel the energy pulling her inward.

Kuvira awoke suddenly, panting hard, sweat pouring from her face. It was the same dream, played over and over each night from the day it all happened. She wiped her face on her coat and threw it into the chair in the corner of her cell. She slowly walked over to the sink, still trying to catch her breath as she splashed water on to her face. Kuvira looked into the mirror. It had been two weeks since she was put in prison, awaiting trial.

Kuvira had told Suyin that she would accept any punishment that was rendered, and she had meant it. But now she was becoming increasingly afraid. She watched her reflection as a tear rolled down her cheek. I look vulnerable. She punched the wall angrily, her seismic sense echoing through the solid platinum.

She'd never felt so lonely or ashamed in her life, at least not since the day her parents abandoned her. Suyin had taken her in, and she threw it all away by causing such devastation and ending so many lives, the guilt was insurmountable. She couldn't escape it.

Her thoughts wandered back to the conversation she had with the Avatar in the Spirit World. Korra had risked the entire Avatar Cycle to save her life. A life that was viewed by millions now to be worthless. Why was she still here?

I guess, I see a lot of myself in you. That had angered her, she couldn't have possibly been akin to Korra. What could she know? But Korra had talked her down, the compassion she displayed toward her...Kuvira couldn't wrap her mind around it. She did not deserve to be spared, but here she was. Alive. Kuvira owed the Avatar everything.

Besides Suyin, Korra had been the only one throughout her entire life that saw through her hard outer shell, that she was still wounded from years long since past. A wound that never truly healed. She was grateful that someone understood, as much as she hated to admit it.

Directly after her incarceration, all she could feel was the need to end her own life. She felt suffocated by the guilt, but Korra's words echoed through her mind every day. She wanted to live, and correct everything she'd ever done. The Avatar had shown her that even the most imperfect people can achieve great things. She wanted a second chance...

...the problem was convincing the rest of the world.

"Rohan put that down!" Pema yelled, scrambling over the table to grab the air glider out of the toddler's hands.

Ikki turned to Asami and Korra talking animatedly, "So what did you guys do in the Spirit World? I bet you had lots of fun-did you visit Wan Shi Tong-Jinora is his favorite and she visits him frequently but I think he's kind of boring-oh! Since you two entered the third spirit portal where did it spit you guys out at-"

Asami was laughing as Korra's expression turned from amiable to annoyed as Ikki continued to ramble when Tenzin's booming voice caught her attention. "Ikki!"

"Yeah Daddy?" she asked bubbly.

"Let the girls finish their dinner, I'm sure they'll tell you all about it later."

Korra smiled in thanks as her and Asami dug into the meal Pema had prepared for them. Once they had exited the Spirit Portal they radioed Air Temple Island and asked Pema about staying there and if they could stop by, and of course she insisted. The two of them arrived only an hour ago and were instantly bombarded by Ikki and Meelo, and the questions only just now had ceased.

"Er! Ternzin!" Korra suddenly blurted out, her mouth full of noodles.

The scowl on his face caused Asami to laugh. Korra's manners were as impeccable as ever.

"Yes?" he asked, one eyebrow raised.

Korra swallowed quickly, "Asami has been working on a new design for the glider suits!" She went right back to her noodles, still listening but increasingly being drawn in by the wonderful aroma in front of her.

Tenzin's expression brightened immediately, "Is that so? What have you drawn up so far?" he asked, turning to Asami.

"Well, I have to keep the details somewhat scarce, I don't want word to get out about what I'm using. Competitors and all that. Anyway, I'm fairly certain I've got a new, lighter, but even more durable material available for the glider suits. It will offer more protection, without sacrificing weight or aerodynamics and even an included sheath that a glider staff could be attached to, based on the preference of the airbender." She concluded with a smile.

Tenzin's expression was one of pure delight. "That's wonderful! How soon do you believe you could get these under development?" he asked excitedly, receiving a playful slap from Pema. "I uh, mean of course we would be incredibly grateful for your assistance." He said, clearing his throat.

Asami smiled sweetly, "It's my pleasure Tenzin, really. I think my company could start manufacturing these by next week if my prototypes go well enough."

Tenzin nodded his gratitude. "This would be a huge help Asami, the Air Nation is lucky to have such an ally."

They began to talk about a few more of the details as Korra finished up her dinner. As she drank the last of the broth from her bowl it finally dawned on her that Jinora hadn't joined them yet. Korra didn't ask about her earlier because she assumed she was out meditating, but here they all were at the dinner table and she wasn't anywhere to be found.

"Tenzin?" Korra asked, when there was a pause in his conversation.

"Yes, Korra?"

She gestured around the room. "Where is Jinora?"

Tenzin sighed, "Well, as you are aware, the Red Lotus destroyed the Northern Air Temple a little over three years ago. When you were gone during that time, the Air Nation was so caught up in stabilizing the Earth Kingdom and maintaining balance here in Republic City, I had to pull everyone from the Southern Temple. While you two were on vacation, I convened a Grand Council of the Air Nation."

"A Grand..." Korra's eyes widened at the significance. "Tenzin! Are you reforming the Council of Elders?"

Asami spoke up then, "What is the Council of Elders?"

"The Council of Elders were the leaders of the Air Nomads before the 100 Year War. The Northern and Southern Temples had head monks, the Western and Eastern Temples had head sisters. It used to be that males were restricted to North and South, and females East and West. I will not restrict the Air Nation in this way, but in order to keep a connection to our past, the Elders representing each temple will always be male and female respectively."

"So..." Korra wondered aloud.

He smiled, continuing. "Before the battle in Republic City, there were only three Airbending Masters alive, myself, Jinora, and you. Opal and Kai proved themselves to be quite capable and their progress in training had not gone unnoticed. For their last trials, I tasked them with overseeing the restoration of the Southern Air Temple."

"I thought the Southern Air Temple was completely restored three years ago before I left for the South Pole?" Korra asked.

Tenzin nodded, "It was. However, I had to spread the Air Nation quite thin during your absence and coupled with some devastating storms that battered the Patola mountain Range, it needs to be restored. One of the towers has nearly collapsed. Kai and Opal make a very cohesive team, so I sent them together to oversee the project, we have crews from Zaofu assisting in the project as well."

Korra chimed in, "That's wonderful, so Opal and Kai will be the newest Masters when that's completed?"

"If Opal chooses to accept, yes. Kai has already made it known he wishes to. It is my plan that Opal, should she choose to become a Master, will be the Elder of the Eastern Temple, and Kai the Elder of the Southern Temple. As the leader of the Air Nation, I will be the Elder of Air Temple Island. The Elder of the Western Temple, will be Jinora."

Korra frowned at his words about Opal, but decided not to press it. She made a mental note to ask Bolin about it when she next saw him. "Kai? And you're okay with that Tenzin?"

Tenzin sighed and shook his head, "Not exactly, and Kai knows that. I would have rather it been Bumi, but he has no interest in it. I'm hoping he'll come around eventually, but right now it looks like Kai is the likely candidate."

"So they will be called Elders, even though they are so young?" Asami asked, seeing the disparity.

Tenzin smiled wryly, seeing her point. "Correct. It is merely a formality. But they will be the leading Masters of the Air Nation. We have to start somewhere."

"So Jinora is..." Korra mused.

Tenzin took a sip of his tea and stood. "I'll show you. Asami you may come as well." He turned to Pema and kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Dinner was wonderful dear."

As soon as Asami and Korra took care of their dishes, Tenzin began to lead them to his study, talking as he went. "Jinora, naturally, wanted to go with Opal and Kai to help in the restoration. I was going to let her." He turned to the two of them, giving them a rather grave look. "Until we received a letter." Opening the door to his study, he motioned for them both to take a seat in the chairs in front of his desk as he sat down.

"The letter was from a few Airbenders I have stationed at the Western Air Temple. Structurally, it is sound, due to it's insulated location. But they were not able to enter the inner sanctuary due to an unforeseen problem. At the time, I had only one Master to send, Jinora. Seeing as she will be the new Elder, it was only fitting. She is on her way there now."

Korra was fidgeting in her seat. "I don't mean to be impatient Tenzin, but what was the letter about?" Asami chuckled at her friend, always hasty.

Tenzin reached into his desk and pulled out a slip of paper, handing it to Korra. "Read for yourself."

Master Tenzin,

Everything appears to be holding up just fine, the sleeping quarters, bison stables, training areas. However, when we tried to open the sanctuary doors yesterday, Ria collapsed and began to scream of a loud ringing in her head. Her ears began to bleed a few seconds later. I am afraid she is comatose, and has been for several days. The doors seem to be completely immovable, as if there is something barring it on the other side. Several of the acolytes have reporting seeing bright flashing lights coming from inside, through the cracks in the doors. I went to investigate this myself, but I have not seen such lights and they seem to have been witnessed the night before Ria fell ill. I am putting in a formal request for a Master.

Wind be with you,

Shu

Korra looked up from the letter, concern written across her tanned face. "Tenzin, this sounds serious. I can help."

"It does sound serious, I agree. However, I believe the Air Nation can handle this." He didn't want Korra to get dragged into a regional issue, unless it was a larger issue. He was hoping it wasn't.

Korra scowled at him, "Only if you're sure."

"I am. I'll be sure to send for the Avatar if I deem it necessary. Besides, I'm sure you'd like to be reunited with everyone." Tenzin put the letter back into the desk drawer and stood. "Now, as Pema has informed me, you two shall be staying here for some time, yes? We have only one room available however, the one Asami stayed in when she first came here."

Sharing a room with Asami. The thought of it sent a warmth through Korra's body. "That should be fine, you don't have an issue with that?" she asked Asami.

The emerald eyed girl smiled at her sweetly. "Not at all."

"It's settled then. Now if you ladies would excuse me, it's late and I've had a long day." The three of them walked into the hallway and parted to go to their separate wings.

Asami laced her fingers into Korra's as they walked silently back to their room, surprised to find their belongings already on the desk. Korra swallowed hard, there was one bed. She'd slept in close proximity to Asami before, but never in the same bed.

Asami could see how tense she was, but chose to ignore it. Just make her feel comfortable. Asami walked over and vaulted onto the bed. "So which side do you want?", she asked chuckling.

Korra gave her a crooked grin, the one Asami adored so much. "Umm, closest to the door!"

"Deal!" Asami said, returning her smile.

The two of them began to get ready for bed, both of them avoiding looking at the other as they undressed into their sleeping clothes. Asami already had her sketchbook out, improving her designs as Korra began her stance to meditate, her nightly ritual.

"Asami?"

"Hmm?"

"Shake me in an hour?"

"Sure." She smiled, glancing up at Korra.

A knock at the door caused them both to jump. Both sat mutely for a moment when the next knock came, Korra crossed the room and opened the door slightly.

"Tenzin?"

"I'm sorry Korra, but I almost forgot this." He handed her a small note, the official seal of Zaofu on the front. "I'm not sure who it is from, but it is addressed to you. Goodnight." He bowed his head slightly as he left.

Korra shut the door and stared at the paper in her hand. Who would write her from Zaofu? Couldn't they just simply call on the radio?

"What's wrong?" Asami mused, seeing Korra's expression.

"It's a letter from Zaofu..." Korra said, opening the letter and scanning quickly, but not as to leave out details. Her brow only furrowed further, peaking Asami's curiosity.

"Who is it from?"

Korra looked up from her hands, a saddened expression on her face.

"Kuvira."

Notes: And Chapter 1 is in the books. If you all liked what you saw, be sure to follow/fav and what have you. Thanks for reading!