I am so sorry for the previous chapters! They are all so awful! I write what comes to mind, and I only hope that it makes sense. So many chapters have led up to this finale, we shall hopefully end the season one this chapter, but it may not end. I try my best but most of my writing is spontaneous and rash. Thank you for your acceptance and commitment!
The ground became softer and softer with each step. They were nearing a cave after a two days journey. They entered and blindness overcame Mira. Lights lit above them, a path by gems.
"Nanna! Look! Gems! They are a beautiful, oh, I am sorry." she quieted realizing what she had just said.
"No, Mira, follow them. They will lead us to our final destination." she explained, "We are in the Tunnel of the Two Lovers, Oma and Shu. They found this place a safe haven before their untimely deaths."
"Omashu! The city! It was named after them right?" She got excited. "Yes, and here is where I learned to Earth-bend."
They continued. The tunnel split off in many directions, but the true path was lit by the starry jewels, and the cavern was gigantic. A statue was in ruins and markings on the sides were faint. Nanna frowned, she walked in a circle around the perimeter.
"It is ruined, no. I will not accept it. Mira, I have brought you here to learn of the Earth and it's history. how to feel and know it. When the time comes, we will return home."
"Nanna, what about food?"
An alarmed girl questioned. Her weight shifted slightly and Nanna reacted. She took the girl into her arms and said to her quietly and calmly.
"Mira, do you trust me?" The child held the neck of her caregiver, she shook still, nervous and cold.
"Yes, Nanna. I have no reason not to... and I am stuck in here." She nestled her head in the crease of broad shoulder. Mira reached up and felt the familiar rough hair. The rhythmic rise and fall of her hero's breath.
This is Love isn't it? To put all of your trust in someone and to know they will always hold you close despite anything and everything. She Mira smiled and rested in the calm embrace of her Nanna. She knew that everything would turn out right.
She turned to Nanna still embraced in the old woman's arms.
"I Love you, Nanna."
*The next three lines (italicized) are pulled straight from the episode. I want to disclaim this part, however it is an important scene of the show!*
Katara: I've tried everything in my power, but, I cannot restore Korra's bending.
Lin Beifong: But you are the best healer in the world, you have to keep trying!
Katara: I am sorry, there's nothing else I can do. Korra can still Air-bend, but her connection with the other elements has been severed.
Horror covered the faces of everyone in the room. Korra looked at her parents, tears fell, and she ran out of the building. I couldn't stand it. Never had Lin looked so sorry, she looked like she was struck by lighting, frozen. Tonraq and Senna sat together, just as lost in emotions.
I couldn't take it anymore. There was for too much depression in one room. I should have more pity than this. I understand this is the Avatar we are taking about, however I have just met her. I still hardly believe I am with family aiding the Avatar. I have heard stories about 'Team Avatar' and their adventures. I have dreamt about having those adventures and being free to be me.
But I left to my quarters. I don't think anyone saw me leave. I was getting hungry anyways. Mako and Korra were still out in the cold. Everything will be different now, all I can hope is that Korra can handle it.
"Okay my badgermole, the first thing you must learn first about the Earth is how to find the Earth itself. Feel the ground and meditate on it." Nanna sat and faced her on the ground. "The first Earth-benders were the Badgermoles, as I call you because I believe young one, that you will become as good a bender as they."
"Nanna, how do I feel the earth?" Shhh! The cavern became quiet as night. Nothing moved, Mira sat and waited. She focused, searching the ground with her mind.
When the time came to that of noon, both hunger and silence forbear the two ladies. Mira glanced up, giving the slightest hint of hungerness. Nanna did not dare say a thing. She but felt the ground and traced few symbols. She sang a few notes and took Mira into her arms.
"My badgermole, listen, bending earth is no simple task. It takes time, but not the patience such as that of an Airbender. You must be strong and willful, tough yet easy to mold. You must take the force of gravity and pull it, use it and uptake the task of extending your body into the world around you."
Her small hazel eyes made their way up to the cavern light. She closed her eyes and crossed we legs. Leaning back and planting her palms flat, she breathed in. A long deep breath turned into a relaxed and controlled exhale. This was repeated over and over as Mira focused on the ground.
As one feels grains of sands, and searches an X-Ray, small sparkles glittered in the back of her mind. Spots and masses of this material clumped together at the will of her mind. She but only imagined, she felt a small tug in her gut and a flipping feeling in her gut.
Then it tore, immense strength and fire erupted in her stomach, her throat clinched and yet she felt no pain. Mira opened her eyes and raised her hand naturally. These spots in her mind came together as water droplets join with touch, and when her hand raised, a pebble rose also.
She smiled! Excited and fulfilled Mira stood. she planted her feet and could feel the ground around come alive with life.
"I feel it! Nanna! It is everywhere. How do I pick a specific point?"
"Good, let's proceed with lifting pebbles consistently and accurately." Nanna replied, now standing in front of her pupil. Nanna pulled the girls' arms up, fixing her poise and stature.
"Now that you can feel the earths power, we will start with the basics. Every Earth-bender finds them-self practicing this daily." Nanna slipped into a squatting positions, her arms bent and her core tight. teeth gritted and prepared she struck the ground. Pebbles flew up.
"As earth and air are apart always available, you must learn to find and control it."
"Oh my goodness! Land!" Mira shouted as the shore of Republic City appeared. "I could kiss it!"
Lin came up from behind, silent enough that only a fellow earth bender could feel the difference and hear the slightest step. Although Air-benders have been found harder to catch Mira turned around.
"Lin, you have your bending back, what now?" her eyes glanced up but only a stricken face returned it.
"Well, I am going back to be Chief. Saikhan won't be happy." She chuckled, "Imagine the faces of the people who see it can bend again."
She said quietly, "I also understand now how you non-benders could have distaste for us. It really helps daily life."
"Can I still live with you?"Mira stated with no emotion.
"You ready ruined my apartment, people would think Amon made me crazy if they saw your room with no explanation." she paused and the sighed, "I supposed I can allow that. But you must provide for yourself."
"Really?! " She whirled around, spontaneously jumping onto Lin and then slid slowly off the stiffened woman. Her lips pouted and Mira scoffed. "Lin, at least I am thankful about things. I never once saw you show a hint of appraisal. But you know what Lin? I don't care."
She mimicked Lin's slightly turned hip and fist clinched, Mira placed her weight on one foot and stared up at the face of the Police Chief.
"Oh Lin, You are not 18 anymore," mockingly, "Don't even try me on the emotional rollercoaster and attitude. I so beat you."
Hips swaying and strut on point, Mira headed to the Dining Hall.
"Bolin! Pass the noodles, and the chicken, and the water." Mira shouted, "Actually, nevermind! I am moving."
She stomped over, nonchalantly falling in between Bolin and Asami. Sorry! Sorry! She mumbled under a giggle. She reached over Bolin and grabbed the potatoes, and filled a plateful of food.
"What are you doing?" Asami exclaimed, peering over at the strange girl next to her.
"Imh ehtingh!" she mumbled, "Pash the Meath pleesh!" Her mouth full. She gulped the food down and smiled a sweet smile. "Can you pass the meat please?"
It was Lin's turn to stare at this phenomenom, her gaze never wavered. The Dining table was full of chatter, but for these few moments, Mira took the stage. Bolin never had a chance to get a chicken leg before the last one was gone. Mira glanced apologetically and patted his knee.
"Thanks for helping a pal out." she stated. All innocence returned and her small plate was piled with meat, potatoes and gravy. Mira's eyes sparkled and the fork available had already found itself within a huge serving of macaroni salad.
Criss-crossed, Bolin savagely grabbed a piece of chicken breast, announcing his favor of this girl.
"Murosha! You can dine with us whenever you want! Finally someone who appreciates food!"
"Uhm, It's Mira." she said quietly.
"Okay Mira! First thing you have to know about Bolin is, Quiet doesn't Work! Be loud!" he leaned over and repeated, "Seriously though, I couldn't hear you."
"It's okay. Bolin gets like that. All excited and stuff. Now we know what you enjoy!" Korra chipped in.
"I am so sorry! That was rude wasn't it?" Mira responded, her eyebrows furrowed.
"Nah, Dude. That was chill" Korra said, "You been cooped up with all the important people. We're gonna show you how to be a real teen!"
"Uhm, Korra, I don't think thats the best answ-"
"Shhh! Mako, this girl needs the Avatar's help! She doesn't know how to Live the Good Life!" Korra laughed! "We're gonna be good buds. Hey! Tonight there's a competition at the Arena! You wanna come?"
"Yeah! Of course!" with no hesitation, "I would love to!"
"No." was a stiff response.
"Lin, remember, stop controlling me. My life!" returning the look, "Besides, I will be out of the house. It ain't like you wanted me there in the first place."
"Fine. But when you get home I am laying down the rules." Lin spat.
"Mhm...Okay Chief. Gotta be in charge and in control. Make up more rules because that's my job. To follow your command." God, what else must I do? She rolled her eyes and turned to Korra. "Thank you for the invitation. I will see you there!"
The table had been silent through the mishap, the younger kids had found their way outside long before, however lunch was awkward as ever. Mira sat for the rest of lunch quiet as ever. Her food had disappeared long ago, but her stomach didn't feel any more full.
Her mind contradicted her soul, she wanted Lin to love her, but she wanted to have friends and feel acceptance. Uncertainty made her nocious, her gut turned in circles, and the thoughts wandered in her mind as if it had no filter.
"I'll be ouside if you want me." Mira said, getting up and leaving, "I am sorry."
There is nothing I can do to make her like me. I am trying my best Mother. All my efforts, all my thought are to become better. I want to please you. I wanted to prove to you I can raise a child, but that will never happen. Mother, it's been so long. You struggled with us, and now I understand why. I will do good.
