Author's Note:

Biggest change - Technology is NOT as advanced as in the show. Imagine slightly more tech than ATLA, but sorry nowhere near cars popping up.

Secondly, this is going to focus more on inner turmoil and the spirit aspect of being the Avatar.

If you're impatient, you can skip this chapter. (Although, I obviously suggest reading it.) Most major changes occur in the following and upcoming chapters.

And if you actually read this, please review it or message me any questions.

Tonraq greeted the Order of The White Lotus with a smile. An older man gruffly entered the small home, followed quietly by two younger soldiers of the order. It was clear that the leader was tired from his journey. Indeed, he had traveled between the two poles more times than anyone would like. A back and forth that left the superior jaded and bitter. So many children, some of which would one day be waterbenders of fantastic proportion, but none of them were the one.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Tonraq gestured to some stony bench covered in furs. "Senna and Korra have just gone out to get some fish for dinner."

The other man tsked, crossing his arms while his two followers eagerly took the small break. "We have several tests to see if your daughter is indeed the Avatar. We may be here quite a while and we have many more"Avatars" to see. When exactly will your wife and daught-.."

A small hole erupted from the wall. "Daddy!"

Korra crawled through the fissure and ran to her father, giggling when he picked her up high in the air. Senna quickly appeared through the conventional door of the home.

"Sorry," Senna breathed. She put the heavy basket near fire pit, wiping her forehead. "Korra saw the torches on our way back and we ran to whole rest of the way here."

Mouth agape, the older man asked, "Did your daughter just earthbend?"

This was unheard of. Could it be an elaborate lie? Surely, no parent would go through that much.

Tonraq smiled. Setting Korra on her feet, he crouched down to her. "Turtle duck, these men want to know if you're the Avatar."

Her blue eyes shined; she loved this game. Getting in a fighting stance, her little brow furrowed.

Making the meanest face she could, Korra shouted, "I'm the Avatar and you gotta deal with it!"

With a small punch, a tiny fireball burst and died in front of her hand. Next, smoothly reaching down to the ground and raising her hands, a small glob of water rose and freely dropped. Finally, her shoulder stiffened as she dug into the air, pulling up and bringing up several small rocks from the ground as well. Laughing, the little girl let them fall back down.

Senna walked over to her husband and daughter. Hugging them both, she affirmed, "Gentlemen, your search is over."

The student yelped, barely dodging a fiery kick from his relentless opponent. A fire whip followed soon after. He braced himself for the hit and prepared to counter. Next, he channeled a gust of fire in front of him, but it was briskly dispelled and parted. Through the flames, the fierce assailant pounced, knocking him down. Crouching over him, their fiery hands came closer.

"Yield," the student squeaked, inching away from the two flames still getting closer.

"Korra," Master Zalo warned. "That's quite enough."

The young Avatar stood, shaking her hair after removing her helmet. She looked back down and extended her hand, "No hard feelings, right, Luhan?"

Luhan smiled weakly accepting the help up. Standing up and panting, he assured her. "Don't worry about it. It's okay to lose to you. You're the Avatar. I'm surprised I lasted as long as I did." He winked and then his eyes went over to the bench near the bending court.

There were five young men hunched over, obviously drained from their previous bouts with the young woman.

Korra grinned, "Maybe they'll let me take you guys all on at once."

Zalo walked over to the two students. "Luhan, you've made much more improvement in defensive maneuvers. It's a difficult feat in firebending." Luhan nodded, accepting the praise before heading to the bench with the other boys and waterbending healers standing by.

"Korra..." She smiled, waiting to hear what her Master had to say about her match. "We will have to speak later." She frowned and grumbled.

She hated that tone in his voice. It was some mix of disappointment and pride, as if he couldn't tell what to make of her. Somehow all her bending masters had found that tone somewhere during her training.

As her teacher left for the pavilion, Korra started making her way to the buffalo-yak pens near the small arena. It was time to go home. The furry behemoths snorted and whinnied as the Avatar opened the main gate. But, suddenly, loud stomps echoed through the large kennel, something big was coming, much bigger than a buffalo-yak. A white blur ambushed the young girl and she was knocked to the ground.

"I missed you too, Naga," Korra chuckled, petting her polar-bear-dog, who was mercilessly licking her face. The Avatar was freed and went to the wall to get Naga's harness.

"Let's go home, girl" Naga's ear pricked up and her head tilted in confusion.

Korra sighed, "No such luck. I'm not a master firebender yet."

The young girl jumped onto Naga's back, reaching forward to pet her friend's face. The polar-bear-dog brushed against her master's hand and whined in understanding. With a flick of the bridles, they were on their way.

It wasn't a long ride home, but Korra relished every moment of it. The icy terrain surrounding them seemed to go on forever. The teen briefly forgot about the barricades somewhere just out of sight. Naga could run as fast as she could and Korra would feel the wind blow in her hair and feel free.

She was Avatar, an all-powerful spiritual being. She didn't need all this protection; she could take care of herself. She had mastered water, earth, and, I don't care what they think, fire as well. Every student they threw at her never stood a chance. In a moment of stubborn pride, Korra believed she could even battle her masters and win. They were selling her short, the White Lotus and her masters always watching, doting on her, thinking she was some defenseless child. She would show them, she would...

Korra shook her head frantically, trying to shake away her anger. It was crazy talk. Would she fight her masters? Would she fight everyone? They all cared for her and taught her well. Besides, after she was officially done mastering fire, there was only one element left.

Air.

The wind still rushed past her ears as Naga continued to gallop through the snowy plain. The girl closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze.

She had never airbended before. No matter how hard she had tried, the wind remained free from her will. But once she mastered airbending, she would enjoy its independence. She would be a full realized Avatar and there would be no need for barricades or guards or rules. She would have no more masters to prove herself to. She would fulfill her destiny. She would travel to every city, every town, and help to bring balance to the world.

Korra smiled at that thought. She wasn't sure how to bring about balance, but she knew she could do it. She was the Avatar. Surely, it would come naturally to her. It was these walls and peering eyes that kept her from understanding how. Once she was free of them and in the open world, everything would fall into place.

Naga's pace began to slow as they neared the residential area. Huts and tents were strewn about between larger homes are of ice and rock. The polar-bear-dog maneuvered expertly through the small crowd of people. Some waved as the pair trotted by. Korra waved back and grinned. Would she even have to bring balance to the world? Looking around at her tribe, everything was peaceful as it was.

Certainly, the rest of the world couldn't be that far off. If there was a problem, it had to be small and easily fixed. Other nations shared this kind of happiness, right? She had only heard stories of the other nations from bending students talking to each other. They would talk about their homes in the fire nation and earth kingdom. Korra would listen eagerly, but she was too embarrassed to ask for more details.

They were friendly and Korra liked her fellow classmates. However, she also knew that it wasn't quite reciprocated. They liked her, sure, but they weren't her friends. They never came to her home. They never talked to her outside of the arena. They were acquaintances. Anyhow, she was the strange one, wanting to know about their home on the beaches of the fire nation. To ask about the food and smells there. To know about the people and dances there. It must be amazing in the other nations, she thought.

Naga grumpily whined when they got to the house. Korra hopped off and pet her reassuringly. "I know, girl. But you don't fit inside. You know where to go."

The teen walked into her house to find her mother busying cooking.

"Korra! Good, you're home. Could you stop by Takun's and pick up some fresh sea slug? I'm making you faaaavorite," Senna said, singing the last word.

"Mom," Korra whined, still smiling. She plopped down onto the fur covered couch. "I just got home. And why are you making Shuwai Slug? What's so special about today?" Korra pouted angrily; there was nothing special about today. She still hadn't mastered firebending. She was still just as stuck in the compound as before.

Senna stopped adding spices to the simmering pot and went over to her daughter. "I had a feeling you could use a little pick-me-up," the mother said sighing. She put her arm around her daughter's shoulders, rubbing her arm.

"Now, how was your firebending test?"

Korra scoffed, "Just that. Another test. And there's probably going to be another and another and another!"

Senna brought her daughter in for a hug and she returned it. Still upset, she continued. "I'm sick of training. I'm ready to be the Avatar. It's everything I'm meant to be."

Her mother kissed the top of her head, rubbing her back. "Honey, you're going to be a legendary Avatar. I know it would be nice to just go to the end where everything's done, but that's not how life is. You need to crawl before you walk. And I promise that when you've reached your destination, you'll understand and appreciate your journey."

Senna released her daughter and Korra looked up to smile faintly at her mother. "Can I get kelp chips while I'm at Takun's?" Korra teased.

The older woman chuckled, "As long as you appreciate the journey there."

"Thanks, mom."

Korra headed out back into the cool breeze of the South Pole and her mother sighed happily. She imagined her daughter, now sixteen, back when she was toddler, walking with just as much determination out into the snow.

"When did my little baby girl become the Avatar?" Senna mused.

Tsssssss...

Senna hurried back over to the now boiling over pot.

"I believe that Korra has mastered firebending."

Zalo glanced across the table to gauge the reactions of his peers. He had called a meeting to discuss Korra's future. It was late in the night before they could all meet. The leader of the Order of the White Lotus seemed annoyed as always. Master Hahn, Korra's former earthbending teacher, and Katara remained stoic.

"She has displayed excellent control of the element. Her...," He paused, searching for the right words. "... passion is unparalleled."

Katara and Hahn knew what Zalo truly meant. When Korra sparred, she gave it her all. She was strong, but not nearly practiced enough for a real fight. The boys and girls she had practiced with had never fought back with the same determination. None of them possessed a fraction of her prowess. All three teachers feared that should Korra meet an opponent of equal bending skill she would fall. But how long could they keep her safe in the compound? One day, she would have to venture out.

"The girl is reckless and stubborn. I can't believe that none of you have been able to put a leash on her," the White Lotus leader argued, glaring at the bender masters.

"She's not an animal," Katara countered. "She's a young woman that we've kept caged her entire life."

The Leader practically fumed at the ears. "You were Avatar Aang's wife! You know it was his dying wish that we keep the next Avatar safe!"

But I know he didn't mean for this, Katara thought.

"There's something else at hand," Hahn chimed in. "We have received a message from Tenzin. Because of his councilman duties in Republic City, he will not be able to come to the South Pole to teach Korra."

"Then she will have to wait to learn airbending," the leader said matter-of-factly. "Have her work on the Avatar spiritual connections."

The Earthbender scoffed. "We all have tried to work with her spirituality, but none of us are monks." He leaned forward, resting one arm on the table. "Besides, none of us are the Avatar. We can't very well tell her how to be one."

Katara calmly stood from her seat. "Korra must find her own path as the Avatar." She looked to Zalo, now standing as well. "If she has truly mastered firebending,..." The master firebender nodded his head in agreement. "...then we, as teachers, have done all we can."

The White Lotus leader knew what the waterbender was leading at. "Avatar Korra cannot leave this compound until she has become a fully realized Avatar. You all have seen the horrors of war. You know what can happen to her if that tide should rise again," he pleaded.

The three masters bowed their heads in thought. Certainly, they each had seen what a war torn world could hold. Katara especially knew the struggles Korra may have to face, but these were peaceful times. Korra had grown arrogant, unafraid. Katara thought of the young girl and felt a pang of guilt. It was their fault. Korra had never lost a fight and so she didn't know what came with loss. The young Avatar fought as if she had nothing to lose, but she had so much.

"Korra will stay here and work on her Avatar spiritual connection. When Tenzin is ready, he will come here and teach her airbending," the leader finished and the others reluctantly agreed.

Soon, the master benders and leader had said their goodbyes and gone their separate ways. Only Katara remained in the room, standing at the table. The waterbender had not moved since she had first stood. The old woman breathed in and out slowly, before looking down to the ground.

"Come out, Korra."

Korra's heart froze in her chest. She was in trouble now. Zalo had told her they would speak later, but she didn't hear from him after dinner. She hadn't heard from him before nightfall. She should have been patient, but she couldn't help it. She had only wanted to speak with the firebender about her test. It was an innocent enough mistake. When she heard the other voices, she decided to hide and listen to the rest. They were only taking about her life anyway. It couldn't be anything she couldn't handle, right?

"Master Katara." The young Avatar bowed, her head hung in shame.

Katara beamed a maternal smile at the young girl. "Korra..." Her old eyes looked over the girl before her. Korra was strong, both physically and mentally. Her bold arms and quick wit were testament to that. She had grown into a beautiful, capable young woman before her eyes.

"Did you really mean what you said? That I should find my own path?" Her blue eyes still glued to her shoes. She had heard the hesitancy in their voices. None of her masters were ready to let her go on her own. She would prove them wrong. She was ready. She would show them they didn't have to worry.

"I did."

The young woman looked up with resolve. "Then I know what I have to do."

Katara watched her leave with an anxious smile. She knew this was for the best. She thought back to when her children were small. She had tried so hard to protect them, to hold them up, but they still fell, but, more importantly, they still got back up. The world may knock Korra down, but she had faith that the young Avatar would rise to the challenge.

It was a tearful goodbye between Korra and her parents.

"We'll always be proud of you, turtle duck," Tonraq held his daughter close.

"We both love you so much, Korra," Senna joined in, kissing the avatar's cheek. The embrace ended and Korra sniffed, wiping her face.

"I love you both too. I'll miss you." The young woman jumped onto Naga's back and then with a final wave, the two were off. Her parents waved, calling after her.

"Take care of yourself out there!"

"Be careful, honey!"

It was the middle of the night and the wind was particularly cold and biting. After the Avatar tunneled under the wall, the pair was free to run to the port. Korra held tightly onto the bridles. She was terrified. For so long she had dreamed of seeing other places, but now she was doing it. Now, she wasn't so sure, but the unforgiving wind was pushing her on. She made the decision to start and it was time to finish.

The port was quiet and empty. Korra hopped down and put a finger to her lips before signaling Naga to stay. She tiptoed over to the large barge ship and leapt onto the deck. Passing under a window, she heard voices.

"...-one be out there?" one man questioned.

"Are you kidding me? I'm not one of these water tribe otter-penguins! It's freezing out there. Tell me who's gonna be out there tonight?" the other countered.

The first man seemed to agree, groaning "Fine, it's on you then." before they continued a conversation about something or other, Korra had stopped paying attention. She continued her way to the cargo bay door. Pulling the heavy lever down, the door started to rise.

"Next stop, Republic City." A short whistle to Naga and the two ran inside, glad to be out of the cold and on their way.

"You're going back to the South Pole," Tenzin said sternly, leading Korra out of the police station.

"You have to teach me airbending and you can't leave Republic City. I made it easier. I came to you!" the Avatar argued to the airbender's back.

He stopped, turning to face her, his annoyance evident on his face. "What you've done is break the law and cause thousands of yuans worth of damage. Your first lesson for airbending shall be patience."

The air billowed under his cloak as he turned, the wind nipped at Korra's shins. Tenzin started walking again, but the young woman lagged behind, looking guiltily at the ground. "And you will wait for me at the South Pole," he concluded shortly.

Korra followed her new teacher once more. They headed through the crowds of people outside the station to a large open area. It was a corral for the city's many mounts. As Tenzin began to climb onto Oogi's back, the Avatar paused. "Wait. Where's Naga?" Her voice full of concern for her friend.

"Your polar-bear-dog is already on Air Temple Island. I assure you she is safe."

The young woman climbed onto the sky bison awkwardly. She had never seen a sky bison in person before. He made Naga look like a little pup. She had to admit, it was exciting flying for the first time. Korra looked over the edge of Oogi's saddle, gazing down at the busy city below them.

"So...," she started nervously. "Does us going to Air Temple Island mean you've had a change of heart?" Korra smiled weakly, hoping. She glanced over to Tenzin who was sitting cross-legged and straight-backed on Oogi's head.

"It means that the next ship to the South Pole does not leave until tomorrow morning. You will be spending the night there before going home," he said, not bothering to turn to face her.

Korra crossed her arms in front of her and leaned back over the edge, trying to memorize the city below them. She didn't care that she had gotten in trouble. She had helped that shopkeeper. Those bending thugs didn't know what hit them. Admittedly, she could have been more careful about not earthbending said thugs into the surrounding buildings. But she had been caught up in the heat of the moment. There wasn't exactly a guide to being the Avatar. She saw bad guys. She kicked their butt. It all helped maintain the balance, right?

"Korra must find her own path as the Avatar."

Master Katara...

She believed that Korra would know the right path to take as the Avatar. She had let her leave the compound. She had basically given her permission! The master waterbender believed in her. She had helped Avatar Aang. She knew better than anyone; she had to be right.

"Hiding me away from the world isn't helping me become a better Avatar. I have to find my own path," Korra said to the wind, sitting bracing herself on the brim of Oogi's saddle. "Katara believes that."

Tenzin's jaw tightened. How dare she bring his mother into this? His mother had not given this teenager permission to run amok in the city.

"I've seen a lot of the city today, Tenzin. I understand why you can't leave. Republic City does need you." She turned to look defiantly at his back. "But it needs me too," she finished sharply.

Tenzin sighed, unable to find the right words as they landed on the island. Pema and the children ran up to greet them. "We'll discuss this later," the older man said, causing Korra to scowl.

"Avatar Korra! Avatar Korra!" one of the girls exclaimed, waving and jumping up and down as the young woman slid down Oogi's tail. Her scowl quickly became a grin.

"Hello," she said with a laugh and a wave.

The little girl ran up to Korra, jumping and airbending all around her. "Is it true you blew up a record store? Did you beat up all the triads? I heard one was twice your height! Oh! I like your armband! Does everyone in your tribe wear an armband? And why is your hair like that? I remember Grandma wears two loopies. Why don't you wear your hair like-"

"Ikki, please," Tenzin calmly called out to his daughter. He put his arms around his wife's shoulders. "Allow me to introduce you to my family. You've already met my youngest daughter, Ikki."

Ikki remained quiet, but bounced on her toes as she waved.

"This is my eldest, Jinorra."

Jinorra bowed. "It's an honor to meet you." Korra raised her eyebrows; Jinorra seemed quite serious for her age.

"My youngest, Meelo."

Meelo beamed at the young Avatar, "HI!", extending his hand before realizing his nose was runny. He wiped his nose before quickly offering his hand again. Korra opted to wave politely back.

"And my wife, Pema."

Pema hobbled over, holding her pregnant belly. "It's nice to finally meet you, Korra." She hugged the young woman and Korra smiled. It was the first warm greeting she'd had in Republic City.

"What's that?" Ikki pointed off to the white blur heading Korra's way.

Suddenly the two hugging were covered in saliva. Korra couldn't help but laugh at Pema's face as she wiped the polar-bear-dog's spit away.

"Allow me to introduce you to my friend, Naga."

The airbender children all took turns climbing onto the artic beast. Even Jinorra couldn't hide her interest in the exotic animal. Naga liked the attention, wagging her tail excitedly.

Pema smiled up at her husband, "She's great with the kids." Tenzin nodded in agreement, absentmindedly.

The older woman knew something was on her husband's mind. She knew that Korra had run away to see him and caused quite a commotion today. She hooked her arm with her husband's and reached up with the other to rub his shoulder reassuringly. No matter what he decided, she'd support him.

Tenzin looked down tenderly at the woman by his side before looking across Yue Bay to the statue of his father, Avatar Aang.

"I have to find my own path."

"Republic City does need you, but it needs me too."

Tenzin's brow furrowed in thought. Korra was Avatar. It did the world no good to have her locked away. On one hand, she was brash and arrogant with her bending ability. But on the other hand, there was only one way she could learn. Experience.

Meelo sat on Naga's head, grabbing her ears and calling "Yip yip!". Korra giggled and pulled the boy away, placing him in front of her on the animal's back. The two girls cheered behind the Avatar as the beast reared up on her hind legs playfully. All of them were piled on top of the polar-bear-dog's back, giggling and smiling.

And Tenzin thought, she really is great with the kids.

The morning would come too quickly for Korra. Dinner with the airbending family had been wonderful. Tenzin may have tried to pretend he didn't enjoy the water tribe girl's presence, but even he cracked a smile during the meal. Afterwards, the girls had pleaded with their mother to have a slumber party with the Avatar.

"It's like having an awesome, older sister!" Ikki argued, to which Jinorra took some offense.

"I don't knoooow," Pema said uneasily, passing an already knocked out Meelo to her husband.

"Isn't a bit late to have a sleep-over?" Tenzin posed before taking his son to bed.

"Noooooo!" Ikki begged.

"Please, mom? We'll get plenty of rest, I promise," Jinorra offered hopefully.

"Wellllll." Pema locked eyes with Korra. The Avatar looked back expectantly. She was an only child. It was nice to have pretend little sisters. "As long as Korra says it's ok."

"Woo hoo!" Korra cheered and the girls joined suit.

They had stayed up most of the night. When Korra showed the pair her water, earth, and fire bending, they had been fascinated. Ikki asked her so many questions about what it was like bending the three elements. The Avatar tried to keep up and answered as many as she could.

Jinorra asked her to show them her airbending next. Korra was almost embarrassed to say she couldn't. These girls were looking at her as if she was the coolest thing in entire world. And then she admitted she couldn't even conjure a little puff of air.

"I'll teach you! I'll teach you!" Ikki exclaimed before airbending herself up to the ceiling and swirling back down. "Me too!" Jinorra joined in.

Korra's cheeks hurt, she was smiling so wide.

The elder sister took the Avatar's hand, leading her to stand up. "We'll teach you some right now," Jinorra insisted.

The elder stood to the young woman's left side and took a stance which Korra mimicked. Ikki settled down and positioned herself on the Avatar's right.

"We can start really slow."

The three, led by Jinorra, started a small airbending exercise. Their hands swept in slow, circular motions as if pulling the wind to their body before expelling it. Korra knew she wasn't going to learn airbending tonight. She knew these girls were still learning it themselves. But they were so happy to help her.

Korra sighed, standing next to Naga on the dock of Air Temple Island. She'd miss them. Her blue eyes ventured up to the sky. The sun was high in the clouds. Soon, the boat back to the South Pole would be there.

"Korra!" Ikki sailed down on her glider, followed by Jinorra and Meelo.

"You can't stay with us, Korra?" Jinorra asked, sadly.

The teen knelt down to the kid's level. "Sorry, guys. I've got to go home." Korra couldn't hide the disappointment in her voice. She opened her arms to hug the three.

"I'll miss you guys."

"We'll miss you too." Ikki hugged Korra tighter.

"I didn't get to see you bend!" Meelo complained.

Korra let out a small laugh as she let the kids go and stood. "Maybe next time, champ." She stomped onto the ground, forcing the earth underneath the small boy to pop him up a foot into the air. The girls clapped as Meelo airbended down slowly, an enormous grin on his face.

"Korra, wait," Tenzin suddenly called. The teen raised a confused eyebrow at the man walking before her.

"I've thought a lot about what you said. I believed my duty was to carry on my father's legacy by staying here and maintaining peace in Republic City. But… you are my father's greatest legacy. I would be..." He paused in hesitation, taking a deep breath.

Korra held her breath, her eyes wide.

"... honored if you would stay here and allow me to teach you airbending."

"Yes! THANK YOU! You're the best!" Korra rejoiced, scooping up the cheering airbending children and next Tenzin. Naga cuddled her head into the group hug, wagging her tail.

Tenzin readjusted his cloak and brushed his shoulders off once released. He cleared his throat before announcing, "Your training will start at dawn tomorrow. I shall have to inform the Order of your new arrangements."

Korra rolled her eyes at the mention of her old guards. She hadn't missed them.

"I'm sure they'll want to send a few groups here. Now that this will be your new home," the monk finished, his back already turned away as he headed back for the main building.

Great, the Avatar thought. Just when I thought I got rid of those guys. Meelo, pulling on the fur wrap at her waist, distracted her from her thoughts.

"You can show me MORE bending now!" He stated, somewhat demandingly. He pulled at Korra's wrap more, urging her to shoot him into the air again.

"We can have sleep-overs EVERY night!" Ikki clapped excitedly at that thought.

"Korra, you're gonna be an airbender. Just like us!" Jinorra bubbled.

"Yeah," the young Avatar looked back up into the sky, closing her eyes and smiling crookedly. The breeze off of the ocean caressed her face. "I am, aren't I?"

Sorry, this is pretty much the same as the first episode. Hope you enjoyed reading.