The spirit portal hummed the usual sound of a human entering the Spirit World. Some of the spirits stopped and turned towards this now-familiar sound. This time there was considerable power coming through the portal. They'd felt it before, and they were very familiar with it, too.
The Avatar, Korra, walked through the portal and stopped, looking around. She lowered the hood of her parka, bearing the blue of the Southern Water Tribe. The last time she worse something like this, she was looking for something else. Though they could not read her mind, the Spirits knew there was something she was looking for.
Naturally, they were curious. A little leaf spirit bounded up to her and pulled on her boot to get her attention. "Avatar Korra!" it said. "What are you doing here? And where's your friend?"
The Avatar looked down and smiled at the little spirit. "I'm just here to take care of something," she said gently. "Do you know where Iroh is?"
"He said he was looking for tea," said the spirit. Typical Iroh.
"Thanks anyway," she said. "To be honest, I don't need him, but I'd appreciate his help."
"We can find him for you if you want!"
"I'd love that," she said. "Thanks!"
The spirit ran off while Korra looked around. Though the spirit didn't ask what she was there for, she didn't mind. This was something she wanted to do on her own, or with Iroh's help.
It was almost 4 years on, and she still hadn't reconnected with her former lives. Ever since Harmonic Convergence, she kept trying and trying to reconnect, only to fail. It wasn't frustrating, but the desire to do so was stuck in the back of her mind and made her want to do it, either way. If she could get rid of the nagging shame of losing her past lives, then so be it.
Now, she knew what she was looking for. But how to find it was the hard part. But she knew a good place to start.
The Tree of Time stood off in the distance, as if waiting for her to come by. She could always count on the spiritual energy when she needed it. Perhaps she could start there.
So she set herself up in the hollowed-out husk of the tree. Already she could feel the spiritual energy spiraling around her and giving her more power. This was the perfect place to do her work. She pulled her legs in, connected her fists together, took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
As her meditation began, she could see the spiritual energy around her in many different colors, like a rainbow. With every breath, the colors either contracted or expanded with her. It was clear that she was controlling the energy itself. Any other spirit around her could be drawn to her. Perhaps Iroh could know.
Soon, she felt a loving warmth radiating from her chest. It reminded her of Asami. But she knew it wasn't her. She couldn't see herself, but she was glowing a bright blue, and Raava's form appeared on her chest.
In her meditation, she found herself floating in the air and landing on a platform. Stars filled the sky and she could hear the sound of the rushing wind. Another light appeared as Raava flew in from the darkness. The Spirit of Light circled her avatar as if curious. "Hello, Korra," she said warmly. "What do you need?"
"Raava, I want to reconnect with my past lives," she said.
"Why?"
"Because I still haven't gotten over Harmonic Convergence," she replied. "I know everyone says I'm wise, but… it just doesn't feel right without my past lives. And to be honest—,"
"I understand, Korra," Raava reassured. "But you have shown yourself to not need them. However, if you need my help, I will try my best."
"Thank you, Raava," said Korra.
Raava landed in front of Korra and the Avatar walked up to her. She held her hand out. She was nervous, but confident. She took another deep breath and touched Raava.
She could feel Raava's power surging through her. She could feel it even in her meditative state. Of course, no other spirits could see this, since from the outside she just looked as if she was still meditating.
But eventually it was too much. And she could not find any of her past lives. She let go.
Korra collapsed in front of Raava, her astral form sweating and hyperventilating. "Are you alright?" Raava asked.
"I couldn't find anyone," said Korra.
"Vaatu's power is indeed strong," said Raava. "Even I did not expect this to be easy."
"Will I ever reconnect?" Korra asked.
"Whether or not that happens is uncertain," said Raava. "But, if you ask me, you do not need to. It will certainly help, but you have forged your own path. Let your guilt go. You still hold incredible power and you are still wise. You have learned so much. I am proud to call you my Avatar. Now, you may wake up and return to Asami. I am sure she misses you."
"Thank you, Raava," Korra said as the vision disappeared.
Korra woke up and stretched, feeling refreshed. "Avatar!" the little leaf spirit called as it ran up to her. "I found Iroh, but he was busy. He said he'll be glad to help, though."
"Thanks, little one," Korra said as she rubbed the little spirit's head. "But I couldn't find what I was looking for."
"Oh, I'm sorry," said the leaf. "What are you going to do?"
"I'll keep trying," she replied. "But I'm not going to dwell on my guilt."
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For day 4 of Avatar Week.I kind of feel that Korra would try to re-connect with her past lives at some point after the Battle of Republic City. Of course, whether she succeeds or not is up in the air, but I like the idea of her at least trying. Perhaps she doesn't need to, but personally I would feel better if she did. But that would take a multi-chapter fic. So, here's this one-shot of her connecting with Raava to at least try.