To My Dear Readers,

Forgive me, I just need to let the creative juices out. Ever since episode 3 of book two of Legend of Korra, I got a little pissed with Tenzin. So I decided to write this. I'm pretty sure some Kya fans, and or Tenzin fans will hate me for this, but this is one of my theories about Kya, my favorite character. I'm hoping that I can write the next part, but with the Finals coming up I highly doubt it. But seriously, I'm thinking just 2 maybe 3 chapters for this mini fic then it's either back to Code Geass or Samurai Jack. ~ Ciao ^_^


I do not own the Legend of Korra franchise, but this story and all original characters, I own. ^_^


Family Remedy

Chapter 1

Tenzin, along with his family and siblings, decided to spend the rest of their family vacation visiting Katara in the South Pole. It was not part of his initial vacationing plan, but after receiving an invitation from the Order of the White Lotus he did not dare refuse.

Tenzin received the invitation two days prior from their departure. An air nomad came running to him holding a silk pillow with the letter safely placed on top of it. When Tenzin opened his letter, he immediately instructed his family and his siblings to pack their bags for the long journey towards the South Pole. By now, they have been traveling via-sky bison for two days. The kids have not set foot on land for a long time and started to get irritated with the trip.

"Are we there yet?" Meelo asked in his high pitched voice.

"Not yet Meelo, be patient!" Tenzin insisted.

"Okay. What about now? Or now? Or –"

"Meelo, please! I'm trying to steer Oogi!" Tenzin had enough of Meelo's childish questions and was about to scold his son, when he felt Bumi suddenly slap his shoulder with a smile.

"Don't worry little brother, I got this!" Bumi grabbed Meelo by the waist and sat his nephew on his knees. "Meelo, did I ever tell you the story of how me and my men traveled into the center of the ocean, and defeated the mighty Snake Shark with our bare hands?"

"Not yet uncle, tell the story!" Said Meelo, as he ecstatically jumped on top of Bumi.

"I want to hear it too!" Ikki exclaimed.

Bumi was pleased that his niece and nephew were excited to hear another adventure story from him. Massaging his hairy chin with his large right hand, the children sat in front of him and waited. They leaned towards their uncle and looked at him full of hope and wonder. When Bumi had finally thought of a way to tell his tale, he slapped his knee and snapped.

"It was a dark and stormy night," he started. "me and my men were sailing in the ocean with food rations that would only last us a few more days. We were starving, lost; they were scared but you know I wasn't! And then, out of nowhere, we felt something hit the bottom of our boat. As the captain of the ship, I peered over the side of my ship, and saw…"

Ikki suddenly cut Bumi, and raised her hand. "Ooh ooh ooh, I know, I know! The mighty Snake Shark!"

"Hmm sorry Ikki, it was just a bunch of sharp rocks, but the Snake Shark will be coming soon." Bumi answered.

"Aw, man!"

Tenzin was listening to their conversation. He hated the idea that that his brother would tell tall tales to his children, and passing them on as true stories. He gave Pema a distraught look, pleading her to take their children away from Bumi, but her hands were already full with Rohan. He thought about asking Kya, but he knew that she would choose Bumi's side.

Tenzin let out a low grunt and concentrated at the sky. "Snake sharks don't exist!"

Jinora was sitting beside Tenzin the whole time he was mumbling to himself. In her hands, she had the envelope which her father received two days ago. She was very curious with what the letter contained, but whenever she asked her father if she could read it Tenzin would not allow it.

"Dad, what is in the letter?" She asked.

"Jinora, I've told you that you can't open the letter."

"I'm not opening it." She said. "I'm asking you what's in it.

Tenzin let out a sigh and took the letter from Jinora's hands. "We're going to celebrate the Festival of the Sun with your grandmother and the Order of the White Lotus."

"What's the Festival of the Sun?"

Tenzin was about to answer his daughter's question, when Kya suddenly interrupted from the back. "Jinora, sweetheart, you know your father can't answer that." She pointed out. "He's never lived in the South Pole."

"Of course I have! I've lived there for a long time!" Tenzin raised.

Kya snorted at his remarked and corrected him. "Yeah, for three months; and that's only when you visit!"

Looking at Kya, he gestured his hand towards his daughter. He was doubting that Kya would not be able to explain it like he would. Intellectual and fact filled. "Okay then, Kya. Why won't you explain the festival to my daughter?"

"Glad to!" Kya moved upfront and sat next to Jinora. "The South Pole's weather can be unforgiving, and the worst one would be the South's infamous long winters. For four months, the sun would not shine in the South because the snow is so thick that even the sun could not penetrate through the clouds. The Festival commemorates the return of the sun after the harsh four months. Years ago, the festival was exclusively only for the southern water bending masters. They used to meditate and pray around a fire for a week until the sun came up. The time of the sun's return was a sign of hope and thanksgiving and back then the water bending masters believed that they were the only ones capable of greeting the sun because of their high meditative prowess. But now, it is open for everyone who are willing to travel far. For older travelers, this festival has become a pilgrimage. The festival is filled with games and extravagant feasts! On the day of the sun's return, everyone will join hands and create a giant prayer circle to greet the sun. The people of the South still give thanks to the sun for not leaving them."

Jinora's face lit up and hugged her aunt for the wonderful explanation. "Wow aunt Kya, I didn't know you knew so much about the festival!"

"Of course my dear. Since your grandmother was always an honoured guest, I always tagged along." Kya said with a breath of proud air.

"The Festival of the Sun sounds amazing!" Jinora exclaimed. "Don't you agree, dad?"

Kya looked at Tenzin and teased him. "Yeah dad, don't you agree?"

Tenzin humphed at Kya's playful jeer and shrugged off the conversation. "I could've said it better." He said to himself.

"What was that Tenzin?" Kya hollered.

"Oh, nothing, I said nothing! Oogi, yip yip!"

A few hours later, the family arrived in the South Pole and were merrily greeted by the Order of the White Lotus. It has been six months since Tenzin and his family had set foot on the compound, and from the time they left nothing much has changed.


The White Lotus' compound was a secluded place, and was far from the main city. If someone from the city decided to visit the compound on foot, it would take them at least two months. Riding a snowmobile would take the traveler at least three weeks. Given that the weather would be fair. Like the other villages of the South Pole, the compound sheltered the members of the order in tents made out of wood, animal skin and thick animal fur. The only difference was that there were gaming booths, food stalls, and a stage filled with color changing lights for entertainment.

"Tenzin!" A member of the order opened his arms and gave Tenzin an awesome hug. "We thought you wouldn't make it in time." He was burly and dark skinned. But don't let his appearance fool you; amongst the other members of the order, he was the most approachable.

The man's hug was spine crushing. Tenzin could barely breathe but he didn't want to kill this man's spirit. "It's nice to see you too, Hoda." He said, stuttering to catch a breath. "Could you please, uhm –"

"Oh, forgive me old friend!" Hoda lets go of Tenzin and helped him straighten his back. "It's just that it's been so long."

Hoda then looked behind Tenzin and saw his family. His children got off Oogi with ease while Pema carefully slid down at the sky bison's side, with Rohan tucked safely in her arms. Kya and Bumi on the other hand were expecting to be treated the same way during their stay in the Southern Air Temples and brought the luggage down one by one.

"Where are my manners?" Hoda rushed towards the sky bison and stopped Kya and Bumi from doing the unwanted tasks. "You are our distinguished guests, you don't have to. Please." When Hoda clapped his hands a handful of servants rushed into the scene, taking care of their luggage problems. "Your rooms are already prepared. Please, get yourselves comfortable and join the rest of the people in the festivities."

Bumi watched as the servants lifted all the bags making them disappear from his very eyes. He was happy to know that the order knew that he and his sister were also children of Avatar Aang and not servants. "Ohoho, I can get used to this!" He nudged Kya by the shoulder and winked. "I should have retired here instead!"

"That's nice Bumi." Kya wasn't paying any attention to her brother. She was focused at her surroundings as if she was looking for someone. "Hoda, wasn't it?" She raised. "Have you seen our mother, Katara?"

"Ah yes, master Katara." Hoda's expression gleamed. "She arrived here yesterday."

"That's great! Where is she?"

"Even though we insisted that she shouldn't lift a finger, she is currently going from hut to hut healing people who have, how do you say, 'partied too hard.'"

"Typical of mom," Bumi intruded. "she has a soft side for injured people."

"Now that we know where gran-gran is, can we please play some games?" Ikki tugged at her father's sleeve as she pointed at one of the gaming booths tested the customer's throwing arm.

"Sure Ikki –"

"I'm sorry, dear little one." Hoda suddenly interrupted. "But your father's presence is requested by the White Lotus elders."

"I am?" Tenzin raised.

"Of course, Tenzin. Didn't you read the letter?" Hoda reminded.

"Ah yes, I almost forgot." He looked at his daughter, who had disappointment written all over her face, and caressed the top of her head. "Don't worry Ikki, daddy will play with you and your siblings, after."

Ikki then flashed a smile and nodded. "Okay! In the meantime, aunt Kya and uncle Bumi can play with us!" She looked at her aunt and uncle, filled with hopeful expectations and took no for an answer.

"Sure, we'll play with you guys! How about we start with that one?" Bumi pointed at one of the gaming booths that had guns that shoot pellets at moving targets. "Last one there is a smelly Otterphant!"

Bumi dashed towards the booth with the children following behind him yelling that he is a no good cheater. Kya shook her head and laughed.

"Kids! Don't forget to wear your coats. It'll get colder as the day goes by." Pema reminded in a shout.

"Yes mom!" The children answered.

"I can't say no to that, I guess." She said to herself. "What about you Pema?"

"I'll be resting in my room. Rohan and I need to catch up on our sleep. Don't we little one?" Pema wiggled her finger in front of her youngest son, and he responded with childish chortles and giggles.

"That's fair enough." Kya said. "Tenzin, we'll be seeing you, right?"

"Of course." Tenzin answered. "This is a family vacation after all."


Going their separate ways, Tenzin was accompanied by Hoda. He was led into the biggest tent in the area and in it, the five White Lotus elders were sitting at the end of the room with a hearth blazing in the center. In front of them was a straw box about fourteen inches wide lying in front of them. Hoda secured the door and led Tenzin towards the center.

"Elders of the Order, I present to you, Tenzin, the air bender!" Hoda's joyful expression quickly changed once he was in front of the elders, presenting Tenzin in a restrained manner.

The elder at the very left of the line lifted his head and spoke. He was bald, and the lines on his face corresponded his age. "Tenzin, do you know why you are here?"

Tenzin looked at the elders and cleared his throat before he spoke. He had white hair tied into a high ponytail and had dark skin. "Yes; but are you all certain that you have made the right choice?"

The elder at the center looked at the others before he answered Tenzin. "Of course, Tenzin. You are the only air bender after all."

"But I am unworthy." Tenzin raised. "I don't mean to be rude, but your age is proof of your experience. I am still a novice compared to all of you."

"Don't belittle yourself Tenzin." The elder at the right side of the elder at the center spoke. "Hoda here joined the order before the festival started. And you're almost at the same age." He pointed out."

"Besides, joining us would restore the elemental balance of the White Lotus. We need the element of air to complete the circle." The elder at the far right added.

Tenzin was about to reproach the elders, but felt Hoda's hand clasp his shoulder. "Tenzin, we know what happened between you and the Avatar."

Tenzin had a doubtful expression upon his face. "Give me some time to think about the offer." He said.

"We understand that this is a difficult decision and we respect your answer. However, you are only given one day to answer, before the Sun appears." The elder at the center said.

"Thank you." Tenzin bowed at the elders and was about to leave.

"Wait, Tenzin." Hoda called. He ran towards the elders, gave them a bow, and grabbed the straw box in front of them. "We know that you haven't given us your answer, but please accept this." Hoda offered the straw box to Tenzin.

Grabbing the straw box, Tenzin opened the lid and was shocked to see what was inside. His face softened and his mind was cleared from any unsettling memories. The White Lotus elders looked at each other with a smile, seemingly knowing what Tenzin's answer would be.


Back in the festival, Bumi and Kya were moving from one game booth to another with Tenzin's kids. They rarely have the opportunity to spend time with their nieces and nephew because of their uptight little brother, but whenever the children have time to visit they spend as much time as they can with them; especially whenever Tenzin had other important matters to deal with.

Playing in rigged game booths and eating festival snacks was never cheap. With Tenzin's kids running about, it was no surprise that Bumi and Kya had thought of another way to have fun and save a couple of Yuans before the festival ends.

Bumi rounded up the children and told them that they would be playing with snowballs. At first, the children thought that an innocent game of snowball fighting would not be as exciting as the games in the festival, but when Bumi said that the three of them would go against him and Kya, the children's previous thoughts about the match worsened.

"No fair, uncle Bumi!" Meelo stomped his foot on the snowy ground, and tightened up. "You're older than all of us combined."

Hearing Meelo speak about their age was never pleasing to Bumi's ears, and dropped that fact. He patted the little boy's back and got closer; whispering to his ear. "Did I mention that you guys get to use your bending while Kya won't?"

Meelo's face lit up and ran to his sisters, sharing this sudden rule change. Kya overheard the boys' conversation and let out a modest laughter. "I didn't know that you of all people would play fair."

"Hey, have a little faith in me sis. Besides they're just harmless kids. What's the worst they can –"

Suddenly, three wads of snow smacked Bumi in the face, knocking him down to the snow. The children let out a successful laughter. Using their bending, they shot their snowballs towards their aunt and uncle, the speed of their shots were incredible leaving their aunt and uncle helpless.

"Cheaters!" Bumi roared.

"Hey, you said we're allowed to use our bending!" Ikki retorted.

Kya helped her brother up with one arms while shielding against the children's snowballs with the other. "How's it like playing fair?" Kya joked.

Before getting up, Bumi grabbed a handful of snow and threw it at the kids, hitting Jinora's forehead. "It isn't fun!" He answered.

Bumi and Kya took their positions and started returning fire. The children scattered across the festival's square doing their best to avoid hitting other people but their aunt and uncle. Even Kya and Bumi had that same strategy.

Their heated battle came to a close when Jinora slipped, accidentally throwing her snowball astray. The kids eyed the loose snowball and were shocked when they saw it floating in the air. Meelo and Ikki had thought that the snowball had gotten possessed by a snow ghost, but Jinora knew better. She looked up and saw her Katara, hovering the snowball with her bending and smiling at the children.

"Gran gran!" Jinora stood up and ran towards her grandmother, giving her a well-deserved hug. Ikki and Meelo followed their sister and did the same.

"Oh, I thought I'd never see you this soon!" Katara gave her grandchildren a hug and kissed their foreheads. "You look adorable in your coats!"

"I look like Oogi!" Meelo exclaimed as he twirled in his blue water tribe fur coat.

"Thank you gran gran for giving us these coats." Jinora said.

"Oh, it's nothing, I knew that there would be a day where you'll be staying in the South for a few days." Katara mentioned. "What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be resting from your long journey?"

"Sorry about that mother," Bumi answered. "But kids will be kids." Bumi and Kya greeted their mother the same way the children did.

Katara looked around and noticed that Tenzin was not in their group. "Where's Tenzin?"

"Tenzin went somewhere with Hoda." Kya answered her with a bit of disappointment in her voice. "Pema and Rohan are in their tent, if you want to visit them."

"Oh…" Katara seemed like she was not happy to hear that Tenzin was not with them. Kya noticed this and reassured her that Tenzin promised them that he will spend time with his family after his business with Hoda. "That's not the only thing I'm worried about," Katara brought up. "It's just that –"

"Hey, everybody! Sorry I'm late." Tenzin came running. There was something odd about him, as if he has received great news leaving a huge smile plastered on his face. But that was only one minor detail of his oddity. He was wearing the uniform of the Order of the White Lotus. The indigo garment flowed in his sprint. He looked very noble in his new attire.

"Wow dad, you look cool!" Ikki ran to her father and tugged the garment with her hands.

Tenzin held Ikki's hands and tugged them off his garment. "Thank you, Ikki. But please, try not to tear it. It's fairly new."

The children ran towards their dad to admire his new look. Bumi also complimented his brother, telling him that he looked like a stiff lamppost. Tenzin's new attire pleased his children. But when Kya looked at her mother, thinking that she would praise him as well, saw that Katara's joyful exterior disappeared. Her forehead creased downward and her smile became a frown.

"Mother, what's the matter?"

Katara looked at her daughter, with tears forming in her eyes. "I thought that Tenzin knew better." She started. "But, it seems like he had found something more important than his family." She said with a sigh.


Later that night, when the kids and Pema were all asleep; Tenzin crept out of his hut and hovered through his way to the White Lotus' main tent. It was in the middle of the night, everyone was resting and the gaming booths and food stalls were closed. The sky was still heavily covered with heavy clouds filled with snow that torches had to be lit to light the whole compound. Tenzin did not want anyone to know what he was up to, and did his best to keep his feet off the snowy ground. He looked back at his tent and saw that the lights were still out. Letting out a sigh of relief he looked towards his initial direction, but was suddenly joined by his two siblings.

"Ah, Kya!" He shrieked in a hushed tone. "What are you doing here?"

"The question is, what are you doing here?" Bumi reiterated as he clasped his brother's shoulder letting his feet touch the ground. "Shouldn't you be back in your tent with your family?"

"I know I should be in there, but I… I have to finish something –"

Kya grabbed the letter of invitation from her pocket and fanned it in front of Tenzin's face. "You accepted the orders' offer, didn't you?"

Tenzin was surprised. "How did you… Mother told you, didn't she?" He grabbed the letter from Kya and crumpled it in his hands.

"Was that the main reason why you came here?" Kya started. "You said that this would be a 'family vacation,' not about you!"

Tenzin suddenly became frustrated with his sister. "Why do you care what I do with my life? I can do whatever I want!"

"Does your family know?" Kya suddenly asked.

Tenzin held his retort. He suddenly hid the letter in his pocket and took a step back.

"Well, I guess we know the answer to that." Bumi exclaimed. "Tenzin, are you sure you know what you are doing? Mother is quite disappointed when she saw you wear that uniform."

"So what?"

"So what!?" Kya suddenly raised her voice. "Tenzin the order devote themselves in meditation and training twenty four hours a day! Do you know what that means?"

Tenzin crossed his arms and pouted. "Of course I do!"

"Liar!" Bumi pointed out.

"What?"

"You cross your arms and pout when you lie." Bumi pointed at Tenzin's form with his finger. "You're doing it right now."

"Tenzin, that means you'd have to leave Pema, and your kids behind." Kya explained. "I thought this was a 'family vacation?'"

Tenzin stomped his foot on the ground. "It is!" He insisted.

"Oh no it's not." Bumi corrected him. "You're here because of a job opportunity. After the president took his seat in Republic City, and being dismissed as the Avatar's mentor, you thought that you would regain your authority by joining the White Lotus."

"That's not true!"

"Stop lying to us!" Kya said as she raised her voice to her brother. "Ever since dad found out you were an air bender, he spoiled you like crazy! Whatever you wanted, you got, and all you had to do was just open your mouth! You loved having power ever since you were a child!"

Kya and Bumi's constant bickering got louder. Tenzin was growing tired of his siblings downgrading him and had enough.

"Can you two, please stop bossing me around!" Tenzin roared, his face flushed red. "I am a grown man, I can do whatever I please!"

"We're not doing this for you, you selfish airhead!" Bumi spat. "We're doing this for Pema and your kids."

"What?"

"Mom's worried about you," Kya held Tenzin's shoulder and gave Bumi a concerned look. "We're concerned about you too."

Tenzin looked at his siblings, and began to laugh. He took their concerns as a joke. Tears started to form in his eyes. Once he was done, he took a few seconds to catch his breath. But his siblings were serious. After he was done fooling around, they were looking at him sternly.

"You weren't joking?"

"Why would we kid about your family?" Bumi raised. "You know, we've spent more time with your kids than you have ever since you decided to take a vacation. You should hang with 'em more."

"Excuse me?" Tenzin raised a brow.

"I agree with Bumi," Kya exclaimed. "starting now, you are going to back to your tent, take off those ridiculous clothes, and have a fun filled day with your family tomorrow."

Tenzin's face cringed. Hearing more lectures from his siblings, about him needing to spend more time with his family irritated him. His fury filled every single bone in his body and he started to lash out.

"You think that I don't know what's best for my family!?"

"Tenzin, we didn't mean to –"

Tenzin cut Bumi short. "You can't tell me how to raise my family! You're not married!" He growled.

Kya pushed Tenzin to the side to cool him off. "That's enough Tenzin, you know that we're only thinking of what's best for the kids."

Fumes snorted out of Tenzin's nostrils as he gave Kya a menacing look. "And as for you!" He pointed at her sternly. "I don't want to hear anymore parenting advice from you."

"Tenzin I –"

"I'm a better parent than you are, you hear me!" He roared. "Because even though I was not always around for my kids, they are still alive!" He said angrily as he pointed at his hut.

Kya suddenly trembled. Hearing what Tenzin had to say had made her uneasy, and somewhat scared. She pulled herself together and looked at Tenzin, trying to act brave. "What… What do you mean?"

Tenzin crossed his arms, and gave out a loud snort. "Oh please, don't play dumb, Kya! We both know your daughter died because of you!"

To be Continued…