I do not own The Hobbit or Avatar: The Last Air Bender(cartoon).
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Blackspeech"
A cold wind blew across the desolate ice fields of the North. Kori smiled as the cold wind tickled over her bare skin and caught the end of her pigtails. She loved the feel of the cold against her chakra warmed skin.
"Kori! Come inside before you freeze." Kori let out a sigh as she turned and ran towards the single tent in the entire area. "Honestly, what is it with you and the cold?" Old Nan tutted as she handed Kori a bowl of hot soup.
"I love the cold Nan. It's in my blood." Kori laughed as she gulped down the piping hot soup. Not minding the burning sensation. Changes in temperatures didn't bother her. Not since she had completed her Avatar training. "So what's going on again? How come I've never heard of Harmonic Convergence before? What do I have to do? Is it going to take a while? What should I-" Kori stopped when Old Nan held up a hand to stop her.
"Harmonic Convergence happens once every century." Old Nan began as she sipped her soup. "It is a time when Chaos and Order fight for dominance."
"So, I'm going to have to fight?" Kori asked as she refilled her bowl. "And I know about Raava and Vaatu being the embodiments of Order and Chaos, but I never knew they had to fight." She frowned as she swirled her soup around. "Old Nan, did Vaatu beat Raava last time?"
"Spirits no." Old Nan spoke harshly. "This war was not caused by them." She smiled at the girl to try and calm her. "Many people have voiced the troubles of an Avatar. Knowing that when one is reborn they do not posses the memories of the previous one. But the White Lotus helped to preserve the history of the Avatar. It was Men that corrupted it and began this war for the Avatar."
Kori nodded as she finished her soup. "I'm going to bed." Kori cleaned her bowl out with snow before crawling into her fur sleeping bag. She took calming breaths to ease her mind. Slowly slipping into the silence of sleep.
Old Nan sighed as she watched Kori sleep. She had been caring for the girl since she was a babe. And now at the age of 18 she was still a handful. Impulsive but a great strategist, hot headed but controlled, and hesitant but firm. So many contradictions put together. But that was her granddaughter, Avatar Kori.
Kori woke up and stretched loudly as she yawned. She could still hear the wind howling outside, and it was already light outside. "Nan?" She looked around the tent, but Old Nan wasn't inside. She got her boots and coat on before walking out of the tent. She stopped when she spotted Old Nan talking with men on Polar-Dogs.
Old Nan turned and smiled at Kori. "Good morning dear. These men were just wondering what we were doing out here."
"Oh." Kori closed the tent flap and walked over to them. "We were just heading up to North Portal City. Harmonic Convergence is in a week and we wanted to make sure we got there on time. Old Nan here didn't want to take any form of travel other than her own feet." Kori laughed as she finished speaking.
"Funny. She said you were the one not wanting to take any transports." One of the men sneered. "Says you were scared of them."
Kori tensed as she looked over at Nan in fake embarrassment. "Nan!"
Old Nan chuckled as they continued to play their roles. "Is that all Sir? We need to start our journey for the day."
"It's dangerous out here. Wolves everywhere up here." The man gave two signals to his men. They all dismounted. "We will escort you to the city."
"Oh." Old Nan perked up. "That would get us there faster. Although I'm not sure my granddaughter would be comfortable on the Polar-Dogs."
Kori looked over at the animals curiously. One of them whined as it came close to her, giving her a big lick once it was close enough. "I think it will be alright Nan." Kori returned to their tent and helped pack their camp. Once everything was put together and packed onto one of the Polar-Dogs they were off.
It took them an hour to reach the city. It's tall buildings of white and blue stood tall and imposing. They entered one of the underground ports and let them off. "You can go to the entrance center over there to get in." The border officer pointed them towards a large welcome sign. "Enjoy the festival." He gave them one last nod before riding back out into the frozen landscape.
"Well that was lucky." Kori stated as she shrugged on her overly large backpack. "Where to now Nan?" She looked over to see her Nan staring up at a statue. She approached and noticed several other statues lining a long hall. "What is this?"
"Past Avatars." Old Nan spoke as she placed a hand on the base of the statue. "This is Avatar Kavu, he was the last Avatar from the Water Tribes. He died only 55 years ago."
"Wow." Kori spoke out loud. 'A full cycle in a little over half a century.' She thought saddly as they moved down the line of Avatars, but something was wrong. "Why are there only Avatars from the Water Tribe?"
"That's all they want to acknowledge." Old Nan stated as she sopped in front of one particular Avatar. "They only want to show what they controlled. But long ago they didn't control the Avatar. This is Avatar Korra, she was the Avatar over 9,000 years ago. And if history books are to be believed, she is the one that began this war."
"But I thought the war was over." Kori looked up at the statue of her previous incarnation. "What happened back then?"
"Welcome to North Portal City!" Both Kori and Old Nan jumped a bit as they turned. A man dressed in a uniform gave them a large smile. "First time? No worries! We can help you with everything you need. Hotel? Spa? Sled rental? Festival information?"
"Is there a camping ground?" Old Nan asked the man sweetly. "We wanted to be under the stars and watch the Convergence up close."
"Sadly no one but the Avatar is allowed close during the Convergence." The man said as he kept a smile on his face. "But we do have excellent camp grounds with a great view." He led them to the welcome center. "We just need to do a few security checks. I'll need name and birthplace. As well as Bender status."
"Naira, Port City, Northern Water Tribe." Old Nan spoke as she gave the man a smile. "Non-bender."
The man nodded as he looked down at his counter. "Alright. And you my dear?"
Kori could guess what was on his desk, a bowl of fog, a lit candle, a dish of water, and a plate of dirt. "Kori, Port City, Northern Water Tribe. Water-bender." She took calming breaths as she focused on her water bending alone. She had been training for this, to detach herself from the other elements so they could not detect that she could bend them.
The man nodded as he checked his desk once more. "Alright. Everything checks out. Welcome to North Portal." He handed them a map and a guide book with a smile. "Enjoy the festival."
Kori gave the man a smile as she and Old Nan walked out into the vast under-ice city. Kori let out a breath as she wiped her forehead. "That was close. But Nan, I did it." She gave her grandmother a wide smile as she contained her excitement.
Old Nan gave Kori a smile. "I'm proud of you. Now let's go set up camp."
Kori gave Nan a nod as she opened up the map. "Looks like it's this way." She led her grandmother through the crowd and down many lanes till they came to a second port. "It says the shuttles to the camp ground are located on the east wall." She scanned the wall and smiled as she saw the sign for Light's Campground.
"Welcome! Here for the Harmonic Convergence Festival?" An enthusiastic little girl asked them happily as they made their way to her desk. She got a nod form them both and jumped over the desk. "Well then your in luck. First 20 people to rent a lot for the entire festival gets half price."
"That's awesome!" Kori smiled as she pulled out her money purse. "We just need a large sight. And we want a clear view of the Convergence."
"Well, I've got plenty of openings." The girl walked around her desk and pointed to a map. "Let's take a look." She pointed towards several open campsites. "These are all of the large sites. And these ones would give you the best view."
Kori looked at the map, there were only two occupied camp sites. "People don't camp much anymore huh?" She noticed a sad look cross the little girl's eyes. "We'll take this one." Kori pointed to the one in the very center. "And we won't pay less than top dollar for it."
The little girl looked at Kori with astonishment. "Really?! You don't have to!"
Kori shook her head as she pulled out the money. "You need it more than we do." She gave the little girl a wink as she set the money down. "Lot 24 right?"
The little girl nodded as she counted out the money and marked off the spot. "Thank you miss."
"The name's Kori. And your welcome." Kori turned away from the girl and walked down the hall to head towards the camp ground. She looked back at her grandmother, Nan was giving her a large smile. "What?"
"You are always spoiling children." Nan chuckled as she followed behind her granddaughter.
Kori shrugged as she kept walking. They stepped out into the cold air and kept going as they began to pass lot numbers. The two occupied sites were near the entrance. "At least this gets us closer to the site of the Spirit Portal."
They soon reached their designated lot and set up their tent fully. As they traveled they only set up the main tent area. Now that they would be staying for longer, they could set up more of it. When it was done, it had it's large main tent for gatherings and eating, it's smaller tent for the bathing room and another one attached for the outhouse, two more tents for the sleeping areas, and halls connecting them all.
Kori sighed as she laid back in her sleeping bag in her room. She hadn't set it up since they left Port City almost 2 weeks ago. She loved her Nan, but she looked forward to spending time alone. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the spirit energy around her. She focused on it and felt around for the other sources around her, they were few and weak.
Kori opened her eyes and smiled. 'Perfect.' She silently put outer clothes back on and snuck outside. It was dark, so it was easy to sneak. She slowly made her way towards the pillar that was the Nothern Spirit Portal.
She wasn't surprised to find it guarded, but she was shocked it was guarded so lightly, only one guard ever ten feet or so. She gave a stomp and smiled as she got a map of the entire layout. There was a small forest around the portal, and there was no one within the fenced area. She looked around her, trying to find a way in, but the only way in would be by tunneling. "I was hoping not to get dirty."
Kori let out a small complain before pulling her body into a tight spin, drilling into the earth with her bending. She continued to twist and spin as she directed herself towards the portal. Once she was past the fence and into the small forest, she aimed up to the surface. "Dirt." Kori complained before she shook off as much dirt as she could, then used water to wash the rest off.
A smile spread across her face as she looked over at the bright pillar of light before her, the Northern Spirit Portal. "I'm coming Raava." She spoke to herself as she walked into the light, temporarily being blinded. AS her vision returned and the light dimmed, she found herself surrounded by a lush green field. Colorful spirit creatures flew around her. "Hello everyone." Kori smiled as multiple spirits flocked to her. "Where is Raava?"
"Here child." Kori looked up as the majestic Spirit of Order descended towards her. "It is almost time."
"Yes." Kori stated as she walked up to the white spirit. "But why haven't you told me about Harmonic Convergence? I know what it is, but I don't know what to do."
"Fear not little one." Raava spoke calmly as she wrapped herself around the Avatar. "All will be well." Raava floated away from the girl. "Come, I wish to show you where we shall meet for the Convergence."
Kori followed the spirit across the field of grass and over hills. Soon it all gave way to a single barren valley. Two Spirit Portals stood at opposing ends of the circular valley with a third in the very center. The Southern Yellow Portal and the Northern Blue Portal stood at their sides while the mixed Blue and Yellow Portal of Republic City stood at the very center.
"That is where we shall meet Vaatu and decide whether Darkness or Light shall rule the next century." Raava floated down into the valley. Kori followed close behind her. "Vaatu has yet to choose his champion, but he will choose one he feels will defeat you. You are the first Avatar to reach maturity in centuries."
"Since Avatar Zara 500 years ago." Kori had read the history books and the Avatar Log. Most Avatars, after her, only reached their 13th birthday before being killed. But it was more common nowadays for an Avatar to be killed before they even reached the age of 5, when they first discover their bending abilities. "And with Avatar Korra losing connection with the Avatar incarnations before her, there is only the dozen or so after her and then all of the children after Zara. Not exactly a lot of experience to go off of."
"But Korra is strong and wise. As was Zara and all the Avatars between them." Raava turned to Kori and lifted Kori's chin with a ridden of her's. "You are very much like Avatar Korra, but you are also so much different than her. Forge your own path, Kori. No matter where you go." With that said, Raava touched the end of her ribbon to Kori's forehead.
Kori gasped as her sight went white. She couldn't see anything, hear anything, or feel anything. She tensed as her hair stood up on ends. Slowly she calmed herself down, Raava would never do something to harm her.
As soon as her senses were taken from her, they returned. And Kori found herself falling. "Ah!" Kori screamed before she landed in a pool of water. Kori surfaced and took a large breath as she made her way to the shore. "What the heck?" Kori got out of the pool and looked around her curiously, but it only confused her more. "Where am I?"
All around Kori were white arches and flowing trees. She was not in the North anymore. But this was also not the Spirit world, she could feel her connection to her elements, but not as strong as when she entered the Spirit world through the Northern Portal. And none of the architect looked like anything she had ever seen before.
"Hello my dear." Kori spun around and was surprised to find someone dressed in all grey standing before her. "I do not believe I know you. And I know many people with complexion such as yours. So who are you, might I ask?"
Kori bent the water off of her before she faced the tall grey man with her hands on her hips and a smile on her lips. "My name is Kori. Might I ask where I am?" Kori eyed the man as he gave her a smile and a curious look.
"You are in Rivendale, Kori. Have you more to your name?" The man asked as he eyed the young woman before him. "I promise no harm will come to you."
"And who is making that promise. I don't even know your name." Kori eyed the man, his aura told her she could trust him, but he seemed like the secretive sort. "And it's a title, Avatar." She noticed him mull over what she had told him as she looked around once more. "Rivendale you say? Is that in the Earth Kingdom? I haven't been everywhere there yet. And I know the Fire Nation has no place close to this. It's either mountains, beaches, or thick forests."
"I don't know about any Earth Kingdom, Avatar Kori. This is Middle Earth. And I am Gandalf the Grey." Gandalf spoke as the woman tilted her head at him. "What has brought you here, if I might ask?"
"You like asking to ask things." Kori pointed out as she crossed her arms. "And I'm not even sure how I got here. I was talking with Raava and-" Kori stopped herself. "Raava sent me here."
"And who is this Raava?" Gandalf asked.
"Mithrandir? Who is it you are speaking with?" Gandalf turned and smiled as the Lord of Rivendale approached them. "Hello, I am Lord Elrond."
Kori stared at the man before shaking her head and giving the man a bow. "Avatar Kori."
"Avatar is an interesting name." Elrond could not place where she might be from. Her complexion pointed south of Mordor, but her light told him she was from no such dark place.
Kori snorted a laugh behind her hand. "Sorry." She apologized before schooling her features. "Avatar is my title. It's what they call me back in my home."
"And where would you be from?" Lord Elrond asked as he looked from the young woman to the wizard and back.
"I'm from the Northern Water Tribe. But I'm guessing you have never heard of such a place." Kori scratched the back of her head nervously.
"So you are a traveler then?" Gandalf asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Kori was a bit worried about the man's look, Old Nan had that look a few times. It never ended as expected. "I guess that would describe it best." She looked back over to Lord Elrond. "Sorry for dropping in unannounced."
"That is quite alright, Avatar Kori. Welcome to Rivendale." Lord Elrond gave the woman a smile. "Might I ask what being the Avatar entails?"
"Sure. The Avatar is someone that is meant to help others and keep the peace. It also means I have mastery over all of the bending elements." Kori faltered a little as they raised their eyebrows at her. "Have you ever heard of bending?"
"I'm afraid the only bending we are aware of is bending objects into shapes with force." Gandalf explained. "But I am presuming the bending you speak of is different."
Kori gave the man a nod. "It is. It would probably be best to show you." Kori cracked her knuckles as she stretched. "Water is my native element." Kori reached behind her and pulled a fairly small amount of water out of the pool, it was only enough to fill one glass. "This is water bending." She bent the water into an continuos loop till it made a knot as it flowed. She let out a breath and froze the water in it's knotted state. She let the knot drop into her open hand and tossed it to Lord Elrond.
Lord Elrond caught the knot of water and examined it. No carver could repeat this in such details. "Extraordinary."
Kori laughed at the man's stunned expression. "And that is only one of four elements. Well, five if you count spirit bending."
"I may have need of your skills." Gandalf spoke abruptly.
Kori perked up. "I would be more than happy to help. I haven't been able to help people in a long long time."
"Do your people have no need for an Avatar?" Lord Elrond asked, regretting as a sad expression crossed the woman's face.
"Not in the way I wish I was needed." Kori looked up at the two men with a sobered expression. "My world has been at war. The four nations are out of balance. All because they all want the Avatar to be the general of their army and give them power over the world. At least, whatever will be left of it."
"Has war followed you here?" Lord Elrond asked cautiously. He did not wish to submit his people to another period of bloodshed.
Kori held her hands up as a non-threatening gesture. "No no no no no. I doubt anyone can follow me here. Spirits maybe, but not anyone else." She lowered her hands when she saw both men relax. "I was trying to prepare for Harmonic Convergence, but I was sent here instead."
"What is this Harmonic Convergence?" Gandalf asked, having never heard of such a thing.
"It's an event that happens once every 10,000 years in my world." Kori began to explain. "It's when the Spirit of Chaos and the Spirit of Order battle to see who shall rule the next 10,000 years. And since the Spirit of Order is fused with my own spirit, I am part of the Harmonic Convergence."
"Your spirit is fused with another?" Gandalf frowned as he examined the young woman again. And indeed there was a second spirit within her, put it was also part of her. He chuckled seeing Kori shrug, most likely not knowing how to explain herself. "You are most certainly a complicated person, Avatar Kori."
Kori chuckled with the old wizard. "Trying to explain what the Avatar is to someone from another world was never in my job description. But I'm a rather simple person." She gripped her hands behind her back and rolled onto her heels. "I'm not too picky about food, I love food. I'm a very patient and understanding listener when it comes to conflicts, but I won't hesitate to help someone in need."
"Admirable traits." Gandalf looked from the Avatar to the elf Lord. "Would it be alright if she stayed here a while? Until I return?"
"Of course." Lord Elrond spoke to his old friend. "May I ask where you are going? Last journey you took kept you away for a few decades."
Gandalf laughed seeing Kori's worried face. "Just too see an old friend. I should be gone no more than a month or two." He laid a hand on Kori's shoulder to draw her attention. "I will see you again soon. And I will be needing your help."
Kori gave the old man a smile. "I'll be waiting." Kori gave him a bow, which he returned before he walked away. Kori turned her attention to Lord Elrond. "Thank you for allowing me to stay. If there is anything I can help with?"
"It is a pleasure to have you stay, Lady Kori." Elrond motioned for her to follow him.
Kori giggled a bit at having been called a lady. "Avatar Kori sounds better. I am far from a lady. Besides, I don't think ladies dance the way I do."
"You dance?" Lord Elrond examined the girl once more. He could see the muscles that shaped her figure. But she held herself more like a warrior than a dancer.
Kori nodded at her host's question. "It helps with my bending. Especially my water and fire bending. Earth bending is a bit more rigid, and air is more about being quick than complex movements. But they both have dances as well. I just haven't worked out the details enough to teach them." Kori nimbly followed the tall man up a flight of stairs.
"You are a dance teacher." Elrond stated as he led them through the halls of his home. "I would very much like to see you dance, as well as your bending."
"I would love to show you. It's been a while since I have danced though. So please forgive me if I'm not that good." Kori stopped beside Elrond in front of a door. "What's behind the door?"
"You room." Elrond pushed the doors opens and allowed Kori to enter the room. "There is a bathing room with a wash basin and tub beyond that door. There are dresses in the wardrobe. And if you require any assistance or have any request, please feel free to ask. You are my guest, Avatar Kori."
Kori was in awe at the room. It looked to be made of marble, everything. "Thank you, Lord Elrond." Kori gave the elf a bow before he turned and left as well. Kori bit her lip as she explored her room. The bathing room was also made of white marble, and just as stunning as the bedroom. And the dresses were the most beautiful Kori had ever seen. "This is going to be quite an adventure."
And so it begins. So just for those who haven't kept track, Kori is the avatar about 9,900 years after Korra, as in after she left through the spirit portal with Asami. I'm assuming she spent time in the spirit world before dying and her spirit being reincarnated. But more info on that later on. And also, due to the war, technology and civilization has been reversed a bit, since none of the nations are on good terms and want to conquer each other. They still know about technology and other things, but they don't have the resources to make or utilize them.
Let me know what you think about the story idea I have begun to put to words.