And So we finally get to the third of the big three! Though we still haven't technically met Hao yet.

I hope you all enjoy!

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The First Avatar

Book 2: Envy

Chapter 04: Tensa

Korra eyed the strange man suspiciously. The man, identified as "Tensa" was simply smiling and watching Korra, waiting for her answer to his offer of help. Korra couldn't shake a horrible feeling from her; it was like fear, but it wasn't the fear of death or loss of her bending, like it had been with Necros and Amon.

This was just fear; no reason for it that Korra could identify.

Tensa's eyes were a soft, smoky grey and his clothing was actually very similar to a black version of the normal airbender apprentice's clothing; but with no shawl. It was instead replaced by a large white cloth that was tied around his chest and stomach and then flipped over his shoulders like a scarf. A very conspicuous black sword was held in place by the white cloth, and Tensa had one of his black gloved hands resting on the hilt.

"Miss Korra, are you alright?" Tensa asked, looking concerned.

"Um yeah… sorry, but do we know each other? You know my name, and yours sounds really familiar."

Tensa looked a bit confused. "You may have seen my face, but I doubt you would have heard my name. I am a travelling monk; I deal with spirits that run wild and fight against evil. We've run into each other three times before; but I don't think you ever noticed me."

Korra blinked. "So I may have seen you three times before now? When and where?"

Tensa put a finger on his chin, thinking hard. "The first time would have been in Republic City… you and your polar bear dog nearly ran me over as you ran off a ship. The second time was when the Dark Spirits plagued Republic City. I went to help fight them, but when I arrived, you were already purifying the large ape spirit. And the third time was earlier this evening; at Varrick's party."

"Wait, so the first time you saw me was the day I first arrived in Republic City? That's a heck of a coincidence. But why were you at Varrick's?" Korra asked, smiling a little bit as Tensa sat on the step beside her; leaving a comfortable distance.

"Varrick is a wealthy eccentric. I tell him stories of my battles with evil spirits, and he gives me fine food and wine. What more could a humble monk want?"

Korra giggled. "That sounds like something a mercenary would do; not a monk."

"Hmm, maybe I should rethink my profession then? Maybe you could put in a good word for me as the Avatar?" Tensa grinned.

"So, you do know I'm an Avatar… I'm actually not so sure I should be." Korra said, her thoughts drifting back to her self-doubt.

Tensa looked disapprovingly. "As a Monk, I have a good relationship with the spirits. This relationship is even better, since I am somewhat of a misanthrope." Tensa noticed Korra's confusion. "That means I don't like people. Back to my point; the Spirits do not like humans at all; they resent that fact that the world they live in can still be invaded by humans when they die, but Spirits can almost never get back to this world. They want the Spirit Portals open, and they pray to the Avatar to do it. The Avatars are as much a spirit as they are a human. In fact, many Spirits believe Avatars are servants of the Spirit King."

Korra raised her eyebrow. "Spirit King… And wait, spirits want the portals open?"

Tensa nodded. "Yes they do. Spirits need Experience; the name of a human's physical energy, to be able to live and grow stronger without killing each other. Reunited the two worlds would help them grow. And as for the Spirit King; he resides in the deepest level of the Spirit World."

Korra looked up at the sky, leaning back to place her back on the snow covered ground.

"So you think I should open the Spirit Portal? Maybe meeting you here was fate…"

"Was that why you were out here? The people in there were arguing about opening them?"

Korra nodded without a word.

"Well then; this monk says open them. I can't guarantee everything that will change for both worlds, but I can promise that if you open it; you'll find out something very important about the origin of Avatars." Tensa said, standing up and beginning to walk away.

"Wait! You're leaving?" Korra asked.

"Yes. I can tell from the way you act that you still fear me. My time on in this world has not been kind, and it has left me with a scary disposition. So, some final parting words between us." Tensa waved his hand and a strong black wind whipped up around him. Korra's eyes widened and Tensa smirked; removing one of his gloves to reveal a black arrow tattoo.

"You're an airbender…"

Tensa smiled wider. "Avatars are gods Korra. They are literally gods; humans with a Divine Spirit living within them. Raava will reveal that to you soon." He said, disappearing into a Black Wind.

Korra stood alone in the snow, her breathing shallow and her heart beating rapidly. Raava…wasn't that one of the names Silver said she was called in the past? The young Avatar lightly slapped her cheeks to get her focus back, before turning and running back into the feast. Silver and Korra's friends were gathered around Unalaq and they were still arguing amongst themselves as to whose fault it was that Korra ran off.

When Silver saw Korra's expression, she looked concerned and ran to her. "Korra…you look like you've seen a ghost! What happened?"

"I-I think I did see a ghost… I met a man outside, a monk in black. He told me to open the Spirit Portals, and it would help spirits grow, and that spirits are praying to the Avatars to open them."

Unalaq looked even more surprised by this than Silver did. "A monk in black? No monks I have ever heard of wore black. It was supposed to be bad luck."

Korra looked Tenzin in the eye, "That isn't all. Tenzin, this guy was an airbender. He bent Black Wind and had a black arrow tattoo on his arm! He may have had them on other places, but I couldn't see them."

Tenzin looked overjoyed by this, "Another Airbender? Are you certain? Where did he go, did you ask if there were others!?"

"No, he vanished after showing me the arrows. Silver I… Silver?" Korra looked at her teacher, who was staring darkly at the ground.

"Did you get his name? The monk I mean, did you find out his name?" Silver asked.

Korra nodded. "He said his name was Tensa. He also told me that Avatars were gods, and that Raava would explain it to me."

The air in the room became thick and silent. The chattering of the other party guests had stopped and was replaced with fearful glances. The ground at Silver's feet was slowly cracking and Team Avatar was beginning to sweat, despite the cold air.

"So, he's still alive. I thought Kye killed him, but he survived." Silver muttered, not loud enough to be heard.

Despite not hearing her words, it was clear that this man was something to be feared. Even Tenzin, only moments ago ecstatic to hear of another airbender, was now cringing at the name. Lin was the first to notice his loss of enthusiasm.

"Tenzin, what is it? Do you know who this person is?" she asked, going back into her normal police demeanour.

"I don't know the man personally, but Tensa used to be a name of high honour. It was supposedly the name of the first Air Nomad Avatar, and the founder of the Air Nomads, but another Avatar with the name Tensa would later cause it to become a black name; one forbidden by our laws to give to anyone. It means Vengeful Wind."

Lin raised an eyebrow. "So either the man chose the name himself when he grew up, or his parents were sick people."

Silver shook her head. "No. Tensa's name would never be given to anyone. It's a curse."

Unalaq, seeking to take advantage of the situation and Silver's sudden submissiveness, decided to act. "Well, Korra may have met a very odd man, but he did speak the truth about the Spirit Portals. I can understand that it would be a big change, which is why you fear it Silver, but I believe Korra has made her choice."

Silver didn't even blink. "If Korra wants to open them, she can. If this Tensa is who I suspect him to be, we have much bigger problems. I'll need to do some research on him."

Tenzin put a hand on her shoulder. "We were going to go to the Air Temples anyway for our vacation. You can find almost anything you need about our history whilst there."

"Thank you Tenzin. If we can, I'd like to go tomorrow." Silver said.

"But what about the portals? I'd rather have you with me Silver." Korra said. She had faith in her uncle, but the idea of doing something on this scale without the First Avatar was worrisome, especially now that the business with Tensa and Dark Spirits has grown worse.

Silver just smiled, regaining her composure. She knew that if she kept acting scared around Korra and the others, it would unnerve them. "Have faith in yourself kiddo. But I really need to warn you about something; as things are now, there is one Black Spirit in the human world, with the others trapped in the spirit world. If you open the portals, they can all pass through. They WILL come for you after learning about Tan being purified. If you open the portals; there is no going back. I suggest you think on it whilst travelling to the portal; if you change your mind, there isn't any shame."

"Are you sure? You seemed so adamant about keeping them closed a while ago." Korra said, looking doubtful.

"I know Korra, but that was because I was afraid that you wouldn't be able to handle all of the Black Spirits coming at you at the same time. But with Necros, and possibly this Tensa figure, you'll be facing just as great a threat regardless. This will be a trial by fire for us both."

Asami took Korra's hand in her own and squeezed it tightly. "You won't be alone either. You'll have me and the boys with you."

"Myself and my children will be with you too." Unalaq said, making Eska smile at Bolin.

"As will I. I won't let my daughter do this without me." Tonraq said. Despite his words, his real worry was leaving her with Unalaq…

Lin looked reluctant. "As much as I want to keep an eye on my deputies, I have to return to Republic City. The election will be ending soon, so they need me there."

Korra smiled brightly, feeling warmth in her chest. "Thank you all for being here with me. Lin, don't worry; I'll deal with the Dark Spirits so you don't have any rampaging monsters in your city."

Lin smirked. "Just be gentle on my deputies. These boys aren't as tough as you."

Tahno, Mako and Bolin looked irritated at that comment while Tenzin and the others smiled and laughed. The only person who was reluctant was Jinora.

"Korra…I want to stay with you. I have a really bad feeling about this Tensa guy… I don't know why, but his name makes me feel funny; like I'm really cold and scared." The young airbender said, grasping Korra's other hand.

Korra patted the girl's head affectionately. "I know you're scared, but we'll both be fine. Silver and your dad will be with you and they're much better than I am. Plus, if all else fails, who can stand up to Emperor Meelo over there?" she joked.

Jinora gave a tiny smile at the joke, but still looked conflicted. "Okay. But come back and see us at the temples as soon as you can, deal?"

"Deal." Korra promised.

The feast ended shortly after and everyone returned to their accommodations; preparing to leave for their respective journeys. That night, Jinora was plagued with another nightmare, this time it held a harrowing message.

Jinora's eyes shot open and looked out of the inn window. It was early morning, but Korra's group had already headed out.

"Korra… don't trust her… The faceless people…"

Jinora choked these words out before falling back into her bed and back into the arms of sleep. Thankfully, this time it was dreamless.

Avatar Extras

Trivia

1. Jinora is not the First Airbender to show the ability to see the future to some extent. A character in Book 3 of the original was also able. That character will be met in the future of this story.

2. Tensa is a major liar and will say anything to anyone to get what he desires. Out of Necros, Hao and Tensa, Tensa is the weakest, but he is also the only one who is willing to do absolutely anything to attain his goal. Even with his madness, Necros is unable to break certain rules that he has set himself.

3. Korra, Silver and Unalaq all possess the ability to perform Spiritual Waterbending; which I named the Spirit Mirror Technique. In this book we also see the Spiritual Earthbending Technique, named the Spirit Prism, and if we may see another as well, though you won't notice unless you reread this after the future books have been released.

4. Tensa bending Black Wind and Necros bending Black Fire is connected. The significance of Black Elements is explained in the coming books.

5. The Primary villain of this book is obvious to anyone whose seen the second season of the show, but the secondary villain will be revealed properly in the story arc leading up to the portal opening. Many of you may have already guessed it.