A/N: Hi! I don't own Legend of Korra, nor any of the characters!
Sorry to keep you all waiting! May I just say the response has been overwhelming! Thank you, thank you all so much !
Okay guys, for a more clear idea of the dress: it is Korra's dress in Episode 4, but slightly modified. Rather than that pants-like thing she had for a bottom, I made it a skirt. I also added a fur wrap, 'cause Korra deserves it ~ hope that helps!
Incendium
by sweetlittlething
Chapter Two: Spark
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Spark (n.) - One resulting from friction, a sudden flash of fire.
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"General, we've just received a message from your mother," the young man heard over his shoulder as he kept his golden eyes trained out on sea, arms folded behind his back expectantly. It had been a safe and uneventful sailing back home, needless to say, the young Firebender had always been dedicated fully to his job, even now keeping a close eye on any signs of suspicious activity.
"What is it?" he called back calmly, basking in the warmth of the sun as he heard a shuffling of paper behind him.
"Firelord Ursa says," his second-in-command responded, as the young General waited patiently,
"'Come... back... home... quickly... We... are... waiting... for... you..."
"Is that all?" he inquired, as polite and respectful as always to his fellow men. They were due to arrive later that day, surely he had alerted mother already? Though she was always very pleased for him to come home, she never really did seem so urgent or eager at his arrival, trusting his swift efficiency in coming back safely whilst she busied herself with other more pressing matters. Certainly, her sending out a message to him to come home was rather out of character.
Noticing the silence stretching by, the esteemed Firebender finally allowed himself to turn around, addressing his subordinate fully. "What is it? Is there something wrong?"
The man shaking his head, the lieutenant finally looked up at the General, eyes wide and mouth agape. Intrigued by what his mother had said that could of possibly shaken his comrade to such a point of disbelief, and also feeling a twinge of worry that something far more devastating had happened that he hadn't anticipated, the General braced himself, tense and ready.
"Tell me, Lieutenant. What happened?" he ordered commandingly, attempting to remain as composed and unaffected as possible.
"General," the man finally whispered, looking up at the young man in disbelief, as the young Firebender willed himself to remain calm, "your mother, she says..." he trailed off, quivering in something akin to either intense fear or disbelief. The sight of him was enough to stretch the young General's anxieties all the more, despite his convincingly calm and collected façade.
"What? What did she tell you?" he asked once again, this time much more urgently, panic threatening to seep over. If anything had happened...
"She says," the man spoke, looking down at the paper in doubt before looking up again, "the Avatar has arrived."
And for once in his life, General Iroh allowed his perfect façade of stoicism to slip.
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"All right, let's get straight into it!" Korra shouted giddily, shooting a stream of fire into the air as she leapt up. Korra had never felt more alive, more excited in her whole life! Finally, she was doing it! She was unlocking her true potential as a Firebender, and as the Avatar!
"Korra!" Firelord Ursa instantly reprimanded, as in the way a mother turtle duck would nip at her young whenever they became too rambunctious. Instantly, Korra stifled her eagerness, shrinking back as the woman's golden molten eyes glared into her own. "Firebending is not just simply about 'power' or 'destruction'! It involves discipline, and control!" Ursa stated commandingly, emphasising each and every one of her words. "To begin, we will start off with the fundamental breathing exercises."
Korra felt her excitement dampen significantly as the grin slipped off her face. Oh boy, here we go.
"Listen," Ursa said, moving into stance as Korra mimicked perfectly, albeit rather reluctantly, "a wise man once told me 'Firebending comes from the breath, not the muscle.'
"Firebending may appear wild, and deadly, and it is so. But Firebending, the true Firebending," Ursa told the younger girl patiently, as her eyes reflected a fire not even Korra could begin to explain, "is an ancient art only mastered by those who can cast away rashness and recklessness, who can accept the fire as a part of them and remain unafraid of the possibility of it burning them. 'Fire, is the element of power'," Ursa breathed, her eyes alight with distant memories, "but you cannot achieve power without realising what true power is."
"I... I never thought of it that way," Korra admitted truthfully, staring at the palm of her hand reflectively as Ursa gave a small chuckle.
"Do not worry yourself. Just as you did, my father too, as well as even the previous Avatar himself experienced difficulty in mastering the true nature of Firebending in their youth. But this component of Firebending is essential," Ursa said, as Korra's eyes shone the truest of blues, lips parted in wonder, "and even the smallest of sparks can create the biggest of fires. At least, that is what my son always said, when he underwent this ordeal," Ursa smiled, thinking back to fond memories.
"Your 'son'?" Korra suddenly blinked, both surprised and confused. Never had she taken into account the possibility that the Firelord had a child, no less a son. Korra's imagination suddenly ran wild. Firelord Ursa was a beautiful woman, and her father Zuko had been recounted as just as attractive as well. Was Ursa's son as beautiful as them? Korra's cheeks darkened significantly. Why was she even thinking about such a silly thing anyway?
Upon hearing the girl's tone of disbelief, as well as noting the pink now dusting the girl's cheeks, Ursa let out another laugh, smirking with amusement. "Yes, my son. I believe you'll be seeing him, just in time for the banquet. Mind you, he's a bit of a stiff one, always playing the perfect prince," Ursa confessed almost huffily, "but underneath that he's rather amusing really. Just like you." Ursa added, giving the girl a good-natured pat to the head and stifling her laughter as the Avatar literally jumped out of her skin.
"What..." Korra began, stumbling for words, "what's his name?" she finally managed, blinking innocently as yet another worry-inducing smirk traced itself across the Firelord's lips.
"Why don't you ask him when you meet him?" Ursa remarked carelessly, secretly stirring in her deviousness and amusement at the Avatar's curiosity.
Korra couldn't help but pout grouchily at the Firelord's lacklustre response. Really, the Firelord was being so coy, so ambiguous! It irked Korra to no end!
"Korra?" Ursa interrupted gently, one eyebrow raised delicately, "shall we resume our training?"
"O-of course! I was just curious, was a-all!" Korra quickly clarified, flustered and bewildered. "... One more question," Korra quickly slipped in, "what does he look like? Is he as beautiful as you, Firelord Ursa?" Korra suddenly blurted out, cheeks flaming as her embarrassment shot skyward.
Ursa had to restrain the grin that now threatened to tug at her lips. She had to hand it to the girl, Korra certainly was rather... direct. Attempting to remain unfazed by the Avatar's brutal flattery, Ursa shut her eyes, feigning total and utter nonchalance. "I suppose you'll have to see for yourself, isn't that right?" she replied, calm and composed as Korra's face shut down with frustration and disappointment. "Now enough of this idle tarrying. Let us begin our Firebending lesson, shall we?" Ursa suggested, her tone of finality instantly shooting any further hopes of the Avatar to pry more answers from her.
Noting Korra's grim face, Ursa allowed a small smile of success spread as she began her breathing exercise.
What an interesting child she is... yes, the meeting between her and Iroh should prove rather a most fascinating encounter, I should think...
And just like that, the sparks of curiosity and idle attraction had been lit.
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It had been two hours since their Firebending session had properly begun, and already Korra could feel the striking differences between her previous training and her current one. Certainly, her masters back in the White Lotus were more than capable in teaching her the basics in Bending, but this... this was different, better in ways she could never have imagined. The thought of the Firelord's son long gone from her mind, Korra focused fully on the Firelord's teachings, now attempting to apply it to the small flame in her hands. Their breathing exercises had taken a full hour, when back in the South Pole it had only taken a few minutes, but already Korra could feel the difference. Here, her flames were stronger in some way, better. Where she had previously generated her fire with reckless abandon, here she did it trying to harness the power of her heat from her core rather than converting it all into dangerous power. When understanding had dawned on her face, Ursa smiled, praising the girl lightly.
"You see Korra," Ursa imparted, as Korra gently released the fire flickering in her hands, "Firebending has been so feared because it has been taught to be used with hate, anger and rage. But Firebending, true Firebending," Ursa continued, creating her own flame, to Korra's utter surprise, was blue, "is not generated by such emotions. Firebending, Korra," the Firelord explained, as Korra gazed at the fire in wonder, "is generated by power. Not the power used to defeat the innocent, or the type corrupt politicians hunger for, but the determination to overcome a task, no matter how difficult the odds. Many Firebenders have distorted this idea, ruining it and twisting it into a pathetic shell of its former self. But Bending, in any form, is not fully achieved through things such as hate and anger. Bending, just like fire, must be understood as something capable of destruction, but also fundamental in life itself." The blue flame suddenly flared, threatening to burn everything it touched, but vanished instantly, Ursa's palm empty. "That," Ursa finished, "is what Firebending is about."
"Woah..." Korra managed in her stupor, as Ursa swiftly turned away.
"All right then, we should be done within a few minutes for the day. We will round off today's lesson with fifty sets of hot squats followed by ten sets of fire fists. Tomorrow, we will commence some sparring to see what you already know and what we can further improve." Ursa took a moment to give a quick look over the young Avatar, before a smile settled onto her face. "By the end of this, I am sure you will be a greater Avatar than ever before, perhaps even a greater Firebender than your predecessor himself," Ursa commented lightly, whilst Korra's face bloomed with another blush.
"Thankyou, Firelord Ursa..." Korra bowed appreciatively, feeling renewed and refreshed. Firebending... she had never before comprehended what a complex, what a sacred art it was. Suddenly, to even Bend fire seemed almost like a privilege, an honour undeserved.
"Of course, Avatar Korra," Ursa bowed slightly back, her face still very much in its elegant small smile, "now, begin on your hot squats.
Tonight, we shall celebrate."
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The hot squats had taken longer than expected, and the fire fists had made her biceps hurt like Angi knew no end of it, but the young Avatar remained undeterred in her drive to accomplish the arts of true Firebending, eagerly grinning as she padded out of her personal bath. How she had never known the true beauty of Firebending until now Korra did not know, but already she was anticipating their next lesson, her brown muscles taut for more and her eyes flashing in enthusiasm. Her stay in the Fire Nation had been better than she thought. If not for Waterbending, she may have even been so bold as to say Firebending was her favourite out of all of them.
Patting her body down with the towel provided, Korra extracted the water out of her hair via Bending and immediately set to work in preparing for the big banquet ahead of her. Earlier, during her training, the Firelord's servants had slipped in just as Ursa had promised and filled the wardrobes with several different outfits, ranging from casual Fire Nation garments to even an elaborate dress shipped straight from the Earth Kingdom. What lay on Korra's bed, however, astounded the girl severely.
There, laid out on the bed, was a beautiful Water-tribe gown.
Korra had gasped as soon as she had spotted it, dropping her towel and forgetting all modesty as she clutched the dress to her breast, admiring it greatly. Whilst she was admittedly usually unaffected by boys and girlish things like marriage and fashion, Korra could not help but swoon and marvel at the elegance of the gown. The dress... it was just perfect. When Korra held it against her, instantly she was reminded of her home across the South seas, of the land of ice and snow. Closing her eyes briefly, Korra drifted back to the beautiful brown skin of her people and their hauntingly-breathtaking blue eyes. Oh, how she missed them terribly.
The dress was a phenomenon, crafted by the high spirits themselves. Composed of a blue that Korra could only liken to the sparkling seas of her home, the dress was sleeveless, consisting primarily of a cheongsam-like upright collar and a beautiful jewel embedded right where the collar ended, resting just between her collarbones. Fitted around the waist was a white ribbon which connected to the skirt, form-fitting and blue as ever. Accompanying the dress, just to match, was a snow-white pelt of the softest fur Korra had ever felt manufactured into a stole, completing the elegance of the dress. Korra twirled around in her room as she hummed a cheerful tune.
The dress was enough to soothe her of all her troubles.
Slipping it on, and pulling on an appropriate pair of shoes she had uncovered in her now bursting wardrobe, Korra could not help but smile as she gazed at her reflection, feeling more than elated at her outfit. It wasn't so much that she was beautiful; Korra couldn't care less about such a trivial thing, but the significance the dress held. For one, it coincided with her fierce love for her home. And second of all, it showed the great devotion the Firelord had to respecting and actually listening to her thoughts and wishes, something which Korra held no reservations in doing just the same back.
"Excuse me, Miss Avatar," a voice echoed politely from the other side of the door, "the Firelord requests your presence in the guest hall. She says the banquet is due to begin any moment now. When you're ready, if it pleases you madam," the voice continued, Korra feeling her heart drum in excitement, "I shall escort you there."
Korra gave herself one last steely gaze in the mirror, staring intensely into the blue eyes reflected back at her as she quickly released the tie upholding her ponytail. This is it, Korra, she told herself steadily, taking a deep breath, this is the time the world meets you: their Avatar.
Don't blow it.
And so, shooting herself one last determined smile to her reflection, Korra exited the room and joined her escort, her heart racing as her excitement peaked to a new high.
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Iroh was late, that much he could discern from the lively music already playing and the jubilant conversing going on below. His journey had taken a little longer than he had expected, but as soon as he had reached land the young Firebender had instantly leapt off his ship, propelling himself via Firebending until he had finally reached the palace. Home. Heart pumping, the young General had sprinted to his room to get changed, the festivities having already started without him. Inwardly, Iroh had cursed himself as he slipped into a cleaner version of his military uniform, fastening every button and straightening every polished medal. The scolding from his mother would be endless.
Needless to say, as soon as he had arrived, his mother swooped in on him right away.
"I see you certainly took your time," he had heard her curt, dry voice state behind him as he smiled politely at the passing girls who giggled bashfully in response. "Especially even after I had specifically told you not to come late."
Inwardly, Iroh winced as he forced out another smile at another interested girl, already dreading the wicked punishment to come for his tardiness. His mother, whilst as soft-hearted and loving as his Grandfather at times, could quickly taken on the fierce temperament of his Grand-Aunt Azula as well too. It was what made her such a fearsome, such a beloved leader. "I know," Iroh grinded out in a low mutter as he gave a sweeping bow to one of his superiors in the United Forces, "I tried, but..."
"Enough," Ursa cut him off, her voice thunderous yet quiet at the same time as Iroh cringed visibly this time, his smile pained, "I'll deal with your incompetence later. Right now, however," his mother's voice suddenly rose, Iroh now feeling nervous at the smirk he could practically see painted on her face right now, knowing well enough now that his mother's smirks were never a good sign, "I have a far more pressing matter for you to attend to.
The Avatar, for instance."
Right on cue, Iroh felt himself stumble as he quickly regained his composure, head swimming madly. The Avatar! Mentally, Iroh face-palmed himself. How could he have been so careless to forget that of all people, the Avatar was here? Slicking back his dark hair into its usual perfection, Iroh tried to studiously ignore his mother's not so subtle sniggers at his antics, his gold eyes now roaming across the room.
Where was she?
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The Avatar had never felt more out of place in her life. Sure, she certainly did enjoy talking to people and having a good time, but this... being stuck in a room with hundreds of strangers all staring at her, whispering about her was quite frankly not Korra's idea of fun. Especially when she felt like an awkward turtle-duck whilst everyone else was a pretty little raven eagle.
Secretly, Korra wished she hadn't attended at all. Her entrance had been grand enough, her giving a decidedly odd but adequate speech about how she was ready to serve the world (just unsure of how yet) deemed decent by the polite applause of the crowd, but as soon as Ursa had drifted from her side, everything had fallen apart from there. So here she stood now, awkward and terribly alone.
There had been several people she'd had the pleasure of meeting. Hiroshi Sato, for one, wealthy inventor of the Satomobiles. He'd seemed friendly enough, even informing her of himself having a daughter around her age that he was sure Korra would get along well with. Frankly, Korra had appreciated the sentiment, but had politely declined his proposal to go and befriend his beloved daughter. His daughter, a beautifully elegant girl, seemed rather busy anyway, and Korra wasn't really in the mood to talk.
Then there was the politican from Republic City, a Northern Water-tribe man who went by the name Tarrlok. Tall, intimidating, with something slightly seedy about him and his deceptively deflective smile, Councilman Tarrlok was an imposing presence who spoke in words of civility and poised elegance. Korra hadn't liked him at all, and had just as quickly avoided further conversation with him as he had wasted no time in approaching her.
And so, her night continued on, stifling and chokingly unbearable. She was so bored, was this what the Avatar was expected to do? Was this their idea of fun? For Korra, fun was going penguin-sledding or even some good old fashioned sparring matches. Not this. This, with the forced polite exchanges and the prying eyes. This was no fun at all.
Korra had tried earlier socializing with some girls that looked to be about her age, their painted faces and elegant robes painting an inviting image as she made the move to approach them. What had first seemed like an intriguing opportunity to make friends amongst a crowd of politics and civil exchanges Korra had realised to her utter defeat, had quickly become one of idle useless words and fake pleasantries. As soon as Korra had introduced herself to the slender, delicate girls, it became blatantly obvious that these girls were not in the mood to discuss Pro-bending or what it was like living in the Fire Nation. Instead, it went like this:
"So, do any of you guys follow the Pro-bending back in Republic City? I heard it's pretty amazing," Korra had started cheerfully, her face lit with excitement and enthusiasm. Pro-bending had always been a passion of hers! Surely these girls must have felt the same way, right?
But instead of vigorous nods of agreement, all Korra was met with was well-controlled disdain, their noses wrinkling at her make-up-less face and odd, almost boyish antics. This was the Avatar? Surely the Avatar should have been more... elegant. Instead of the beautiful Waterbender they had expected with flowing brown hair and the grace only a goddess could muster, there in front of them was a muscled, ill-mannered, outspoken teenager with the daintiness of a hog-monkey to match. Needless to say, they were not impressed.
"'Pro-bending'?" one of them sneered, as Korra's face fell. "What in Agni's name would we have to do with such a barbaric sport? It is so uncultured," the girl complained, as Korra's shoulders sagged slightly.
Her night was not going as well as planned after all.
And so, any futile hopes of Korra making friends tonight had quickly flown out the window from that point, leaving her to a disappointing state of loneliness. Though the Avatar hated to admit it, she hated being left on her own, abandoned in her solitude as she watched the world move by her. That, she supposed, was the reason she hated being confined to the White Lotus Compound for so many years.
Korra felt unsettled.
I've got to get out of here, Korra told herself anxiously, peering over the crowd to search for the nearest exit. Ah-ha. There, she concluded with a small smile of success as she began to slip through the crowd, eyes focused on the door. Just a few more steps and she was closer to freedom - !
"Korra!" a voice called over the crowd, as Korra swiftly turned her head to address the voice. It was a familiar voice, one that reminded her of wisdom and inner-peace. Korra's eyes widened when she saw him. A blue arrow and orange-yellow clothes. Korra let out a small gasp.
"Tenzin!"
Of course he would be here! He was one of Republic City's council-members, attending the official début of the Avatar would definitely be one of the imperatives on his agenda! Korra mentally berated herself as she turned to walk over to him. How could she have missed them? Even from where she stood, amongst the crowd, little Ikki's and Meelo's giggles could be heard, the both of them obviously up to no good. Jinora and Pema were probably here too.
Korra felt a feeling of warmth bloom in her chest as she gently moved through the crowd towards the tall Air Nomad. Now this is more like it, Korra thought in relief as she felt another brush of fabric against her bare arm, now if I could just -
"Korra!" Tenzin shouted once more, snapping her out of her thoughts, "look out!"
But it was too late. For just as Korra had swiftly turned to determine what exactly she was meant to 'look out' for, it was too late by then. A collision of bodies, a gasp of surprise, a groan of pain, a sudden brush of heat and the thud of two bodies collapsing on the floor was all that occupied the young Avatar's mind as she found herself rushing to the floor, the sharpness of red fabric being the last thing she saw before she shut her eyes in dread.
And when she opened them, gold.
Just pure, beautiful, mesmerizing gold.
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"Are you the...?" a low, husky voice rumbled from beneath her, as she felt her palms press against something hard and broad. Korra's eyes widened when she realised what it was. A chest! She was on top of - !
"I'm so, so sorry!" Korra began, as she became very, very aware of the eyes all pinned to her now, watching her as she made a fool of herself. Korra felt her cheeks bloom with shame and humiliation. This man! She didn't care if he had the nicest eyes she'd ever seen (vaguely reminiscent of the Firelord for some strange reason), he had made a fool out of her and she had only been the official Avatar for a few hours now! How dare he!
"The Avatar," the voice rumbled pleasantly beneath her, as her cheeks remained as hot as ever, eyes still pinned to the enchanting gold gazing right back at her, "I've been looking all over for you. And to think, never would I have anticipated our first meeting to start off as this..." he chuckled uncertainly, as Korra felt the indignation swell in her chest. Laughing? When she felt like such a fool!? It was unacceptable!
"Well," Korra began hotly, feeling her temper flare as her hands pulled off from his chest to cross over her chest pridefully, "if you hadn't walked into me, none of this would have happened! I'm - "
"Forgive my manners, Miss Avatar," the voice suddenly cut in fluidly, as she felt the body beneath her, the body she was straddling (much to her utter horror), rise up slightly beneath her to regard her, eye to eye, "I've yet to properly introduce myself.
I'm General Iroh, of the United Forces," he began, as Korra rose slightly off him, eyes now fully taking in the ink black hair, the immaculate uniform, the slight smirk in his eyes, "and the future Firelord," he commented, as Korra's eyes widened, one hand flying to her mouth in surprise, a whole different kind of heat licking away at her insides and cheeks, his gold eyes meeting her own blue steadily,
"it's a pleasure to meet you, Avatar Korra."
A spark.