Seven years have passed since Harmonic Conversions which have lead team Avatar in great directions. Award nominations, engagements, and promotions are upon many and our lovely Avatar has been traveling the world but stumbles upon an ancient mirror which hurls back memories of a forgotten firebender
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN ATLA OR LOK.
Chapter 1:
"I know it's over but still I cling. I don't know where else I can go?"
"Korra?"
She looked up into her own eyes; her reflection. Her eyes held a brighter shine yet lacked color. They were more icy blue than how cerulean than they used to be. Her features softened but her skin became tighter from bruises and scars upon her journeys. Her physique still toned but feminine Water Tribe curves graced her below her slim waist causing wide hips. To her discomfort, her breast had filled in more than what she had expected leading her to use extra bindings in order to keep them in place at all times. She was still short though and didn't really mind that at all. Korra felt her height matched her personality; small yet full of surprises. She realized her skin had gotten a little more glow since her stay in the Fire Nation capital for prince Iroh's Fire Lord Coronation. It had happened today and she felt a sense of déjà vu… as if Aang's memories had transcended through her mind in order to make her remember when Aang was present for Zuko's coronation. It gave her a warm yet proud feeling. She knew that these were both hers and Aang's feelings.
Since the fight after Vaatu and Unalaq, Korra has ignored feelings that passed through her. At times she wonders if they're hers or if they belong to previous Avatars but she ignores that. The waterbending master knows that she must be her own person rather than relying on past lives. She meditates and enters the Avatar state every now and then but hasn't spoken to any past Avatars and would prefer not to.
"Korra?" He called again. She turned to face him with pink stained cheeks from embarrassment.
"Sorry." Her eyes cascaded down not witnessing his bright smile.
"Are you okay? You seem a little down." He spoke with concern and cleared his throat. "I hope nothing has offended you." He tugged on his collar from worry.
"No I'm fine really. Just a little sleepy that's all." Korra said slowly while rapidly blinking.
Now his golden eyes had cascaded down too.
"Get some rest. I wanted to invite you to have breakfast with me tomorrow in the palace's main garden where the turtle duck pond is. How does nine sound to you?" His speech started strong but ended weak from nervousness.
Korra didn't get it.
"Great." He signed out of relief.
"I mean I could schedule ten since waterbenders like to sleep in" The Fire Lord chuckled while the Avatar smirked, crossing her arms.
"I think I'm offended now."
He smiled brightly at her. She turned away breaking their connection, not realizing the blush that stroked against his face.
Both benders had left The Hall of Mirrors. It was a new hall requested by former Fire Lady Ursa. At young age she was known to have been very humble. Beautiful dark locks and pale moonlight skin like her mother's enhanced her golden eyes that had been passed down from her father, former Fire Lord Zuko. She was perfection and admired by many. Her sudden death had devastated not only her son but the people of The Fire Nation. She had been their queen that continued her father's legacy in amazing ways. Her reason for installing the Hall of Mirrors was in honor of her aunt Azula. She knew about what had happened with Azula's insanity and actually met her aunt. She managed to befriend her before her death, which lead Ursa to become fond with mirrors. They were her spiritual key for balance. Whether if she would gaze into her reflection for hours or take a quick glance at her appearance. If Lady Ursa was not found in hospitals, her office, or meetings, she was found in this hall.
It had crept Korra out for a second being in a huge room full a thousand different types, sizes, and shapes of mirrors at first but she became used to it and found it quite interesting. Each mirror had its own purpose as she remembered being told by Iroh when he gave her a tour of the palace.
Korra smirked as she glanced at what was known to be known as the "fat mirror" and "stick mirror". Turning away from them she felt a sudden magnetic pull.
"There's no full moon out..."
Her eyes widen at a mirror with an image of a full moon she had seen countless of times at Republic City. She approached the small round item with such curiosity. She smiled then frowned, and scowled at her memories being played by the mirror but nearly lost her balance when she saw his face.
There stood his sharp, handsome features, thick hair, genuine smile, and strong determination that would awake in her hidden and darkest dreams. It was Mako. The firebender who she had always wanted but never truly had. His flames burned her once before and once their fire had gone out years ago all she felt was pain. It tugged her and saddened her. The first few months from their breakup hit her hard and she knew she wouldn't find comfort
in Republic City. She had to leave. Her excuse was to travel and start on international "Avatar duties", really, but deep down inside Mako was the main reason.
Ever since then, Korra has been living a gypsy type life. From town to town, nation to nation, she has seen the world and all though no place was like home, she enjoyed the Fire Nation's Ember Island and the swampy lakes that the Earth Kingdom had to offer.
Although she missed Republic City, her friends would write, except for Mako. He wrote once but stopped and so did Asami. She congratulates her on her birthday every year but Bolin is the only consistent one and always informs her about what's going on.
He said Asami was engaged.
Her heart sank a little.
"Lady Avatar Korra?" A quiet tender voice spoke.
Korra smiled. "Tai?"
"Lady Korra, its late and you should get some rest for tomorrow to spend your last few days of visit with Fire Lord Iroh." She pointed towards the direction in which her room was in and gave her a playful wink.
"Thank you."
"I'll walk you to your room."
Korra liked Tai. Tai had grown up serving the royal fire nation palace since she learned how to walk and speak. Her great grandmothers had served which now lead her to where she is now. Catering and housekeeping skills ran through her veins. She was also the first and only firebender her mother had given birth too since her father was one. Being the only firebending servant served for a lot of beneficial purposes. Whenever a cook wasn't around she would be able to help heat meals or dry off laundry quicker. Things were always clean and in order when Tai was around. Her tall porcelain skin looked soft but pale due to the lack of makeup and her brown curly locks where always in a bun. Brown eyes locked with icy blue ones and smiled. They had arrived to Korra's room. Tai open her small mouth once more.
"Please let me know if you need anything Avatar Korra." She set a pair of clean towels on Korra's nightstand
"No thank you Tai. I will be fine okay. Please get some rest." Tai walked out the door and peeked in a little before nodding her head at her.
"Thank you so much." With that she left.
Korra stepped into her guest room and tumbled on the bed. The sheets were red velvet along with pillows. Something she wasn't used to but became fond of. Her relationship with Iroh was the same way. She was unsure of how he would be like but she eventually liked him. He was supportive and respected her views without questioning them by giving his input without being biased. Something she has always searched for in a friend. Bolin and Asami had the same trait but Iroh knew how to fully present it. As for Mako... Mako. Mako supported her but gave her doubt. Korra hated doubt.
And she eventually hated him. But knew there was some sort of love that she could no longer express which was why the hate was created.
Maybe Vaatu and Raava were hate and love and had possibly gone through the same.
Korra laughed.
"NO!"
But her main question was why the hell was she thinking of Mako anyway?
Curiosity sparked her. The young avatar dashed from her bed and snuck out of her guest room. She quietly passed guards and multiple corridors arriving to her destination.
Lady Ursa's Hall Of Mirrors
An empty yet butterfly feeling surged Korra's tummy. The ache to gaze into that mirror again hungered her mind. She twisted the door knob and thankfully found it was not locked. She quietly walked in and closed the door behind her approaching the small piece of vanity and closed her eyes feeling her mind drifting away.
"Korra?" A strong masculine voice broke her concentration.
His voice again.
"Iroh?" She blushed turning to him yet again but it wasn't him.
Her blood pressure dropped.
"Who?" Mako's brows furrowed.
Her heart skipped beat. "Mako?"
"Yeah." He cleared out his throat.
"What?" She questioned him.
What in La's name is this?
"What do you mean what?" His tone was beginning to get pretty annoying.
Korra rolled her eyes. "I mean like what's going on?"
"Are you ok?"
"No my head hurts." She squatted on the ground.
"Go lie down. Don't worry about dinner I can always heat it back up." He turned carelessly away from her. It didn't hurt her though.
"Okay." She got back up feeling empty.
She had no idea why they were having dinner. Korra knew this was Mako's apartment but what the hell was she doing here? One minute she's in the Fire Nation Palace and now here? She stopped dead in her tracks.
This was the past...
KORRA WAS IN THE PAST?!
She ran to the nearest mirror.
Her hair was up! She stopped wearing it up in a pony tail seven years ago when she had cut it shoulder length and only left her two signature wolf tails. Plus her attire wasn't a long sleeve navy blue top but a familiar baby blue short sleeve that showed off no recent Water Nation tattoos. Her bottoms were the old baggy ones she had left for a long double thigh high split navy blue skirt with black tights and combat boots underneath. She frowned realizing her change yet knew she had always been a tomboy at heart. Whether she had gotten a tad bit more feminine by appearance, her tough nature always shines through any situation.
But not this.
And now she remembered what this day was… It was Mako's nineteenth birthday dinner.
Her body went ridged as she remembered clearly what happened this day. This day was one of the many reasons why she left Republic City. Of course she wanted to travel, meet new people, and see new places, but she also wanted to forget for a while. Remembering a memory that should be forgotten is the worst way to wanting to put the past away.
"That mirror must have…"
"KORRA COME ON DINNER IS READY!" Bolin popped up from the bathroom and pulled Korra before she could protest. She panicked but the strong grip of the earthbender overpowered her tiredness. Bolin nearly tossed her in her chair as she was barely able to grasp the table without slipping on the floor. She blushed and hated it. She brushed it off adjusting herself in her seat. Bolin handed her a plate full of food as she frowned not having any appetite at all. She hopped no one noticed.
"Korra are you okay? It's been seconds and you haven't touched your plate." The green eyed beauty spoke. The Avatar was about to excuse herself when to her displeasure Mako spoke up setting his plate on the table.
"Yeah, I thought you were going to rest for a while."
"It's okay I am fine." No one really bought it and Korra knew because she remembers that on this day she was actually acting bright because she secretly enjoyed Mako's cooking.
Minutes passed with casual conversations about the most random topics. The Water Tribe female warrior bit her lip waiting for their announcement. Her fingers tightened against her pants and teeth began to make blood pour from her lips.
Any minute now.
Any…
Minute…
"So I just wanted to announce something you guys. Well I know things have been complicated but Asami and I have decided to continue our relationship."
NOW!
This time she didn't tense up. She didn't throw her plate at the wall, burn things, or run out the apartment. She wouldn't cry herself to sleep, nor flee but start a new journey. Yeah that sounded more professional for an Avatar.
Bolin didn't want to say anything until Korra spoke but Bolin being Bolin spoke up first.
"That's great you guys!"
Now it was her turn. She prayed to Yue that all courage would be with her.
"Congratulations! Is there any dessert?" But her eyes flew down to her full and untouched plate. She blushed wildly.
"You haven't eaten properly for dessert." Mako retorted.
His tone of voice still irritated her.
"Well I'm not in the mood for this. I think I would be better off with something sweeter."
The heat in the room began to rise.
"Um yeah, I think I would like some sweetness too guys."
Mako groaned in defeat and stood up to walk to the kitchen.
"I'll be back guys I'm heading to the restroom." Korra stood up as well. Asami's eyes carefully watched her but relaxed when Korra went the other way Mako went.
"Korra wait. What is up with you?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to me. You're not acting like yourself. Is it cause of Asami and I?"
"No. I just need to go to the bathroom."
And that's when it happened. He touched her. Her world went black and white. She remembered seeing his face of worry. His eyebrows held fear and amber eyes were calling out for her. Her heart sank into his strong arms but the spell broke when her vision went from blurry to clear.
It was now Iroh holding her.
She was back.
He was calling healers.
Something Mako would have done.