Opal let Korra take Juicy back to Air Temple Island. It was better than taking an airship away that could help more in the earth kingdom. The avatar, although obviously needed more time to heal the mental wounds from her battle with Zaheer, was more afraid of returning to republic city than she let on.

Korra was grateful for having Opal to talk to but she could never tell all her fears to her. In a weird way she was glad she had her nightmares because it gave her an obvious out when it came to talking to people about what was bothering her. Zaheer might have been the reason she woke up screaming in the middle of the night but the dreams that caused her the most pain, were the ones where she woke up silently crying with images of emerald-green eyes glaring at her with disgust.

Korra landed on Air Temple Island in a few short days. She asked Opal not to inform anyone that she was going home. She said it was to surprise them but she really didn't want to see Asami waiting for her there. She hadn't spoken to her since the night she left for Ba Sing Se and it was obvious her best friend wasn't pleased about her leaving.

"Korra it's only been a week since you've gained complete control of your bending back, you don't have to leave so soon." Asami said to her friend.

"Yes, I do Asami. I've been missing in action for long enough. It's time I got back in the fight." Korra responded while rummaging through her dresser for clothes.

"I get that you're the Avatar and you need to help but last night was the first time you didn't wake up in a cold sweat. You're not ready to go out and fight anyone." Asami said walking over to the girl in question but Korra quickly brushed past her in the opposite direction.

"Listen, I'm glad that you stayed with me last night. You didn't have to but you did and it helped but I-I need to get out of here." Korra said frantically.

"Why?" Asami said with a quivering voice turning to see Korra hurriedly throwing furs in her bag.

Korra hadn't looked her in the eye since last night, when she asked her to sleep with her. Asami's heart jumped at the thought of lying next to her, cuddled up in her tiny bed, but now it seemed like Korra had regretted it.

"I can't do this right now. Iroh is waiting for me." Korra said packing up her bag and heading for the door.

"Korra please!" Asami half yelled and grabbed the water tribe girl's arm.

Korra froze from the unsuspecting touch. Lately Asami's touch made it hard for Korra to think but she had to shake herself out of the daze.

"I have to go. You have a company to run anyway, I've just been getting in the way of it."

"You know that's not true. I willingly stayed here to help you get better and I have no problem making time for you and Future Industries. I can do both." Asami pleaded.

"You don't have to. I'm better now. We both have responsibilities we have to take care of. I'll just mess things up for you if I stay." Korra gently pulled her arm out of Asami's grasp and hurried out the door.

Just thinking about that night caused Korra's heart to clench. She was conflicted about her growing feelings for Asami. She needed to sort out her thoughts both about Zaheer and what it meant to get butterflies in her stomach when she said Asami's face. So she left, but all that did was give her more ghosts that haunted her dreams.

Juicy finally found a nice spot to land on the island and swiftly headed for it. Touching down quickly Korra grabbed her bag and she and Naga hopped off Juicy onto the freshly cut grass. She was quickly greeted by Ikki and Meelo who had seen the sky bison making its way towards the island.

"Korra!" they both screamed in unison.

"I'm so glad you're back!" Ikki said hugging Korra tightly.

"Yeah, you've been gone for a while and you haven't called once." Meelo said.

"I know, sorry guys. I've just been really busy the past month." Korra said bringing Meelo in for a hug as well.

"Where is Tenzin?" Korra asked.

"Daddy's in republic city meeting with President Raiko. He should be back soon though." Ikki answered.

"Okay well I'll go say hi to Pema before I go drop this off in my room, can you guys feed Juicy and Naga for me?" Korra asked.

Meelo and Ikki nodded and rushed off to go get the animals something to eat.

/

Tenzin came home to see Korra and the kids playing a new version of tag he was sure Meelo made up.

"Korra! When did you get back in the city?" Tenzin asked with a smile on his face.

"About an hour ago or so." She answered.

"Is everything okay? Not that I'm not glad to see you but why'd you come back so soon? From the way you left, I assumed you'd be gone for much longer." Tenzin inquired.

"Uh well, Opal kinda convinced me to come back." Korra said rubbing the back of her neck.

"Why is something the matter?" Tenzin asked again, worry lacing his tone.

"It's nothing serious. I'm just still having nightmares about what happened and she was worried I was pushing myself too hard. That's all. I just came back to try and clear my head." Korra explained.

Tenzin nodded in understanding. He wasn't surprised that Korra was still having a hard time dealing with what happened. Although she's matured a lot over the years she's always taken a little longer to fix emotional problems verses physical ones.

"Well take all the time you need Korra. Your mental state is just as important as your physical one. To be the Avatar you have to know how to create balance in the world but you first have to maintain balance in yourself." Tenzin lectured.

"I know, I know."

"Dinner is ready everyone come on inside to eat, Bumi and Kya are waiting for us." Pema beaconed.

The dinner was just what Korra needed. She had been fighting nonstop since she landed in Ba Sing Se and hadn't realized how much she missed just laughing around the table with everyone.

"Alright guys, I'm beat I think I'm gonna go wash up and head to bed." Korra said leaving the table.

Today was a good day. Korra didn't think simply being back on Air Temple Island would help release her stress but she couldn't have been more wrong. Although the day was a very relaxing one she was sure it wouldn't stay like that for long.