Chapter 6: The Dream

Korra woke with a start, she had been dreaming. A very unusual dream at that, there had been a lot of mist and a boy's voice calling out. As she had been walking through the thick mist when she had seen him, a young boy with brown auburn hair and glowing eyes. The boy called out, saying "Wake up" and then more loudly "Wake up Korra..."

Before she could see his face properly the mist had given way and she been falling, until she had woken up shaking. She sat up in bed breathing hard, she felt the steady trickle of sweat on her forehead. It had been so very real, but Korra figured it must've just been an result of the hard work she has been putting in. Only just one week ago had she passed her earth bending test with resounding marks, and now she was preparing for the long training that followed with mastering the next element, Fire.

Korra yawned and got up out of bed, she put on her usual attire on and exited her room. She was met with several people already gathered eating an early meal, she sat down and helped herself to some breakfast while brooding on the mysterious dream she had dreamt. Could it have meant anything? As the Avatar she was susceptible to strange visions or signs, The white lotus masters had told her that the Avatar is the bridge between the spirit and the human world and therefore she shouldn't be surprised if anything odd were to show itself. But Korra couldn't help but wonder what it could've meant, for despite the insistence on the behalf of the White Lotus, she had never dreamt anything out of the ordinary except now.

She was poking her food absentmindedly while still humming the dream over in her mind when someone sat down right in front of her, Korra looked up and saw Master Katara. The aged woman was wearing her usual clothes and the traditional south pole hair loopies and looked particularly happy about something, she greeted Korra with a "Good morning" Korra yawned and greeted her back "Good morning master Katara" she said tiredly. Katara on the other hand was beaming with a happy glint in her eyes, noticing this Korra asked her "Why are you looking so happy?" but Katara just stood up and said "Come with me Korra, I've something to tell you." Slightly apprehensive, wondering if some reprimand was in order she stood up and followed Katara out the room. Though she needed not to worry as Katara said "No need to look so worried, I just wanted to tell you some news" They exited the main hall and arrived on the landing to the courtyard.

The cold outside had slightly lessened by the arrival of the sun, who was shining on the compound with a warm glow. "I wished to congratulate you on your splendid performance on the earth bending test, your parents would be proud" said Katara kindly while walking towards the edge of the compound where Korra knew her best friend to be, Naga. "Thank you" said Korra brightfully, Katara had been the only person in this place who wouldn't treat her with disapproving looks and tell her off for being slightly goofy or childlike. They descended the stairs that led into the paddock, Korra opened the gate and greeted her friend Naga with a smile and a pat. "Naga! It's good to see you girl!" said Korra while scratching Naga behind the ears, the great polar bear dog closed her eyes in enjoyment. "Was it something else you wish to tell me?" asked Korra in curious tone to Katara who had been watching them with a smile. "Ohh yes, I spoke to Tenzin yesterday over the radio. He tells me that he has found a boy in the fire nation that can airbend. Not any boy either, but someone who wasn't even from any of the Nations." said Katara, she was looking very excited.

Korra stood quickly up and faced Katara. "Really!? They found another air bender?" asked Korra with wild interest, she had been told the stories of how the air benders had been wiped out in the hundred year war and how Avatar Aang had been the only air bender left. The legacy of the air-nation had now been left to his only airbending son, Tenzin. And now they have found another air bender, but Katara had said that he wasn't from any of the nations.

"Where is he from if he isn't from any of the nations?" asked Korra curiously. "I'm not sure, Tenzin said that he had been informed that the boy was born on some far remote islands to the north-west of the fire nation" said Katara with air of trying to remember something in passing. "He also asked how your training is going, in which I told him about the earth bending test you completed last week." Katara was now looking at Naga absentmindedly, who was rolling on her back in the snow. Korra spared Naga a glance before asking the big question, "Are they going to visit before they are heading to Republic City?" said Korra in almost whimpering excitement.

Katara smiled and said "Yes, they are going to stop by before heading back, as Tenzin is still on vacation he thought it prudent to check in." She scoffed in amusement, and then she added almost in a mutter "As if he needs to an excuse to visit his mother" Korra however was beyond excited, her constant training usually meant that she wasn't allowed any disturbances, and she sought any other company than stern guards that watched her every movement. With the absence of people her own age meant that she didn't have a lot of friends, but usually with Tenzin around she would at least have something to laugh at while she trained, as Katara would always fuss over him and he would rebuff her like a teenage boy caught in the act of wrong doing. "So when are they arriving?" asked Korra with still that wild excitement, "Well, Tenzin said that they had just left the Fire nation capital. And that they would be arriving in two days from then, which means some time tomorrow I'd imagine." said Katara with a smile.

And so Korra went to bed that night with high hopes of fun filled tomorrow, and unbeknownst to her she would be dreaming the same dream that she had waken her so unceremoniously that morning. A dream filled with mist and a brown haired boy with glowing eyes.

()

The journey from the beach house had been rather pleasant, the moment Hiccup had woken up he had found Tenzin sitting in a corner speaking into some sort of metal instrument and to Hiccup's amazement someone actually replied. Hiccup was dying to know how it worked, but Tenzin said that he would explain more once they arrived in Republic City, but first they would have to visit the fire nation capital to consult the order of the White Lotus. They would decide on whether Hiccup actually was the Avatar, and if he would set out on the training that every Avatar was forced to do, to master every element.
Before they could be on their journey however Hiccup was examined by the healer that had saved his very life the day before. What struck Hiccup as strange however was that the healer didn't give him herbs or some complicated remedy that his old village would've done in case someone happened to be sick. Instead he seemed to be prodding parts of Hiccup's body, mostly his right arm where the damaged had been the most severe. When Hiccup curiously asked what he was doing, the healer simply explained that he was checking Hiccup for whether some muscles groups had been damaged or torn in the injury.

However after a small session with prodding and checking for any abnormalities the healer happily concluded that Hiccup was in peak health. 'Well as anyone can be after been struck by lightning' Hiccup thought exasperatedly.

As Hiccup's tunic had been destroyed along with his waist coat in the incident, he was wearing some air acolyte robes that Tenzin had lent him. To Hiccup's surprise it was extremely comfortable and very easy to move in.

Once it came to the eventual take off it resulted in Tenzin and the rest of the airbending family riding a creature called Oogi while Hiccup rode Toothless.

The moment they had left the ground Hiccup had felt as if he was embarking on a new chapter in his life, a chapter of wonder and exploration. He had risen alongside Oogi and heard Tenzin call over the wind "Is everything as it should be Hiccup!?" He looked slightly apprehensive, possibly thinking that the fin and saddle mechanism wasn't entirely safe.

Hiccup who was completely relaxed on top of Toothless said happily, "Ohh, Everything is great!" and he beamed at Tenzin. Any excuse to be up in the air was fine by him, he closed his eyes as the wind hit his face pleasantly. He took one quick deep breath and turned to Tenzin "I'm going to just enjoy the air, I'll be right behind you!" Hiccup called to Tenzin with a wink. The whole family looked at Hiccup and Toothless before they went into a sharp dive. Hiccup just caught the faces of Tenzin and Pema just before he dived, they looked as if someone had hit them with a heavy weight. Hiccup urged Toothless forward, and they reached the water with incredible speed. Within seconds the familiar whistle sound of Toothless wings enveloped them.

They were nearing the water when Hiccup sharply pulled them out of the dive before they hit the surface, skimming the water they went into a climb and rose rapidly again. Hiccup let out a whoop and Toothless roared as they rose fast through the air. They broke through the canopy of the clouds with a bang like a bomb as air seemed to press itself top of them. Only the blue of the sky stretched on forever as they flew above the formations and turrets of clouds. Far below them Hiccup could see the little speck that was Oogi with the airbending family on top. "Let's try this again" said Hiccup to Toothless. He snorted in acknowledgement and began to roll over to position them above the people below.

During their journey to look for Johann had Hiccup and Toothless had developed certain aerial acrobatics as a way to practice flying. They had taken to doing an acrobatic move that involved Hiccup jumping off the saddle and falling through the air alongside Toothless and just before they would hit the ground or sea Hiccup would realign on top of the saddle and pull out of the fall. Hiccup smiled as he clicked the pedal that forced them into a dive. They were gaining speed until Hiccup unhooked his safety line that tethered him to Toothless and proceeded to jump into the air. They both fell towards the ground with sickening speed, the wind seemed to crash into Hiccup's body while he fell.

He saw the figure of Oogi getting closer and closer as they fell, they continued to fall until Hiccup got as close as to catch everyone's stricken faces as he fell past them in a blur. The ground was getting closer and closer and Hiccup skillfully angled his body to reach the saddle, he hooked himself to the saddle and clicked the pedal into place, the familiar whistle noise resumed it's volume as they speed along with incredible speed. Hiccup clicked the pedal again and they rose again spinning and rolling hither and dither until they leveled out, "Alright that's enough for now" said Hiccup and Toothless huffed in agreement. They rose to fly beside the sky bison, who inhabited a very shaken Pema who was clutching her heart and a very stern looking Tenzin. "Hiccup!" he called as Hiccup and Toothless came close enough to be heard. "You can't do things like that, you're going to give us both a heart attack. Just promise not to do stuff like that without telling us..." he said very sternly, breathing heaving steadying breaths. However not everyone seemed shaken by Hiccup's flying display, Ikki was jumping up and down in excitement chanting "Ooh-Ooh do it again! Do it again!" and Jinora was gazing at the flying figure of Hiccup in reverence.

()

The flight to Fire Nation capital didn't take more than a couple of hours at most, and Hiccup had found it difficult not to gasp in awe once the outer edges of the city loomed into sight. The city was huge, and everything was made out of stone. Hiccup stared as building after building was magnificently built on stone and metal, and everywhere was the color red. The city seemed to be in some sort of crater because it was surrounded by tall spiky looking mountains surrounding the outer edges of the city. They kept flying until they reached the middle of the city, where they were presented with a magnificent palace with a huge courtyard. They landed at the bottom of the stairs that led to the palace, and as soon as they had landed with a great flurry of wings from toothless and small groan from the Oogi a great deal of people began spilling out of the front doors.

Within seconds they were surrounded by people in red, mostly servants and guards but in the lead was a horty looking woman with some ornamental crown in her hair. "Tenzin. Good, they're waiting to see you." said the woman. She turned to look at Hiccup with a inquisitive look "And who is this?" she asked. "That is Hiccup Haddock, the person I've been telling you about" said Tenzin.

Still looking at Hiccup she gave a furtive nod and said "Ahh yes I understand. My name is Fire Lord Izumi. I welcome you to my palace, Avatar Hiccup."

"Thank you" said Hiccup slightly nervously, and feeling that he might've been impolite he added "I'm honored to be welcomed to such a splendid place" He gave a short bow in respect.

Izumi looked at Hiccup for a moment, and when Hiccup wondered if he might've insulted her somehow she gave him a thin lipped smile. Suddenly he felt someones hand on his shoulder and peered around to see that Tenzin was steering him away, "Thank you Izumi, it's always a pleasure." said Tenzin while giving a respectful nod towards her.

Hiccup was led up the stairs and through the massive metal bolted doors. The doors led into an entrance hall that held many doors, and on all sides were people cleaning and sentries on every door. Tenzin removed his hand from Hiccup shoulder and beckoned for him to follow, they went through long corridors lined with paintings and torches in brackets, to small circling stone stairs. Hiccup marveled at how anyone could navigate this maze of corridors and stairs, but as soon as he had reached this thought however they stopped outside a heavy oak door with a flower symbol edged across the middle.

Tenzin sighed. "Come on" he said to Hiccup and they both went inside. The room that followed was slightly dinghy and very dark, a number of torches illuminated about a dozen people behind a table. They all wore white robes and most looked very old, they wore the same symbol as the door they had just gone through on their chest. "Master Tenzin, we've gathered at your request to discuss a discovery you've made." said one of them. "Yes, Grand Lotus Haru. I believe that I've found something unbelievable." said Tenzin and he raised his voice, as to make sure everyone heard what he said next. "I believe that I've found the second Avatar." Gasps and disbelieving looks followed this statement, it had been clear that they was not expecting anything as important as this. Every single one seemed to press their gaze upon Hiccup until one of them spoke "You believe this boy is the "second" avatar?" said one of the men in mock suggestion. "Yes, Master Vepo. He is undeniably the second avatar. Show them what you can do Hiccup" said Tenzin and gestured for Hiccup to step forward.

"Uh-hh" stammered Hiccup due to nerves, he had never liked formal occasions very much. He stepped forward into the middle and held out his hand. He thought FIRE and to his relief a steady blue flame appeared at the bottom of his palm, to the crowds wonder. "But he's got a blue flame!" exclaimed one of the old men "Rare among Fire benders, it reveals itself after long mastering of the element. How long have you studied Fire bending boy?" the old man asked. "Ehhh, I only found out that I could firebend two weeks ago." said Hiccup nervously and the old man reared back in awe at this revelation.
"But this is simply astounding!" the old man exclaimed. Everyone was most impressed, except one. He gave a snort and said "But can you do any other element?"

Hiccup stared at the old man, he threw a punch towards the ceiling and thought WIND, and to the amazement of the old men wind flew out of his Hiccup's fists and streamed around the room in a haze flapping robes and whistling wind. The sudden wind made all the torches all die, suddenly plunging them into total darkness. As to emphasize his actions more Hiccup opened his palms and lit the blue flame again, it blazed across the room in a blue florescence. "Alright! We believe you!" called one of the masters and then he added "Master Beloi, the lights if you please!" Quite suddenly the air was alive with flames and they were all put into a semi darkness once again as all the torches was re-lit.

"What remains to be known is your name young man" asked the man in the middle of the old men. "Hiccup Haddock" answered Hiccup, "Well, Avatar Hiccup. If Master Tenzin hasn't informed you yet, it's the Avatars job to protect all people of the nations and to keep the world in balance. In your previous life, Avatar Aang tasked us, the White Lotus to train the next avatar and keep him or her safe while they mastered all of the elements. For there is a lot of people in the world who like to rid themselves of the Avatar." He looked at Hiccup intently before continuing.

"If you please Avatar Hiccup, I wish to discuss the matter of your training with the rest of the council. We will call you back once we've reached a decision." said the old man. And so Hiccup was forced to re-enter the corridor along with Tenzin who was looking for some reason slightly grim.

"What is going to happen to me?" asked Hiccup slightly apprehensively after closing the heavy oak door behind him. Tenzin looked at Hiccup and didn't answer right away, he looked like he was choosing his words very carefully. "They are going to decide where you are to start your training." he said finally.

"My training?" asked Hiccup blankly. "I thought I was going with you to Republic City. Where you would teach me airbending." inquired Hiccup indigently. Tenzin looked suddenly very tired, his eyes wore sort of low shadow that gave him a look that a much older person might've wore.

"And so I would've done" said Tenzin and he looked like he was steeling himself for the final resolve. "But ever since the subject of your avatar status is in question it is my duty to report it to the white lotus." He finished. Hiccup wasn't sure what to make of this. Tenzin crouched down to Hiccup's height and looked him straight in the eye and said.

"I don't always agree with everything that they decide upon. But I do agree that your Avatar training is paramount. Regardless of whatever decision they come up with, I would like you to trust your own instincts Hiccup. You're the Avatar and therefore should decide your own fate." said Tenzin finally.

Hiccup said nothing, he didn't exactly like that a bunch of men he never met before was deciding his fate for him, all he wanted to do really was to live a peaceful and happy life alongside Toothless and be damned anyone else, he had had enough of people forcing purposes on him, first his village's dragon killing mania and now some old fools with their training schemes. Tenzin was still looking at him and Hiccup gave a solemn nod before turning as to not having to look at him. They both waited in silence until someone from inside called "We've reached a decision, you may enter!"

Hiccup and Tenzin entered and again they were enveloped in that torch-lit darkness once the door was closed behind them. "Avatar Hiccup, it's the will of the council of the White Lotus that you are to be trained in Air bending by Master Tenzin" he turned to speak to Tenzin "You will set out to reaffirm the continued progress of Avatar Korra's training and then to train young Hiccup in air bending once you reach Republic City. That will be all." said the man in the middle. Tenzin nodded curtly and gripped Hiccup's shoulders with his own hands as if to lead Hiccup back through the door when the old man spoke again. "And since no one knows about our new Avatar existence yet, it is prudent not to share it with anyone else until he is ready to wield the mantle. For now you'll have to reserve your bending to airbending Avatar Hiccup, as to not draw attention to your avatar abilities while in training." he made to turn but then a sudden thought struck him.

"You are not to enclose any of this information to Avatar Korra, it may disrupt her training." finished the old man. Tenzin looked suddenly outraged "Grand Lotus Haru, I must protest! She deserves to know, Hiccup here is the only one like her!" said Tenzin angrily but the old man shut him down "We've made a decision Master Tenzin, it's to ensure both of the Avatars safety. Now it's best you are on your way now." said the old man scathingly and with a swish of his robes he exited the room through a previously unseen back door.

Minutes later Tenzin and Hiccup arrived at the palace landing outside the front iron bolted doors, and within seconds they were met with Pema and the airbending children. "What did they say Tenzin?" she asked right as she got within hearing distance. Tenzin still looked slightly irritated and Pema possibly picking this up asked instead "What did they do now?"

"Hiccup is to come with us to Republic City, where I'll tutor him in airbending" said Tenzin and the airbending children cheered, Hiccup who had been slightly downcast since hearing that he was being forced upon yet another fruitless journey felt himself smile as he witnessed Ikki and Jinora running around and jumping up and down in happiness. "But then it's not that bad-" Pema said but she was interrupted by Tenzin who said "We're going to visit Korra first, and to report on her progress, and we're not to tell her about how Hiccup is the second Avatar." He was pinching the gap between his eyes in irritation, Pema also looked outraged "WHAT?" she yelled earning several stares from people passing by. "Yes, but it's the council's decision and we have to obey it." said Tenzin in a defeated voice and then he said "Come on, We've got to start heading to the south pole before it gets dark"

()

The day stretched on as they continued their journey, Hiccup never knew there could be so much land in one stretch of time. It seemed to pan out of forever until they reached the coast again. They passed great amounts of islands on their way, from small to larger island in which occasionally inhabited villages or small towns. With a pang Hiccup remembered Berk with it's fruitful forests and shores, and he sighed heavily. He wondered how things would've turned out if he had actually persuaded his father and the rest of his tribe. Maybe he would be in forge right now, possibly experiencing a sarcastic comment by Gobber or maybe repairing several swords that someone from the village had left behind. It hurt to remember those times, and Hiccup shifted his thoughts to the journey instead. "How far is it?" Hiccup asked Tenzin.

"It's about a day left" said Tenzin, he squinted at the horizon and continued "I think we're about to reach the southern air temple soon. I think it's best if we camp out there for the night. It's only reachable by flight so we wont be visited by anyone unwanted." explained Tenzin. He then urged Oogi to go faster with a shake of his reins, the sky bison gave soft grunt and picked up speed. Within the hour they reached widespread amount of land that was covered in high mountain tops. From their considerable height they only skimmed the tops of the mountains as they flew. They passed long valleys filled with trees and wide rivers far below them. After about an hour of passing mountaintops Tenzin finally spoke. "We're here..." said Tenzin and Hiccup wondered what he was talking about, for all he could see was mountains all around him, and then he understood.

Out of the mist loomed a great temple made on top of the mountain, Hiccup gasped in awe as they flew closer. The temple was beautifully made with long stone towers and blue tinged roof tops. Hiccup was expecting people to greet them when they landed on the platform like before, but his surprise neither people or a sound was heard from among the houses and towers. Hiccup looked around curiously for any sign of life, but nothing except a number of birds chirping could be heard throughout the silence, he also thought he caught several creatures that looked like white furry bats perched on one of the rooftops.

"Where is everyone?" asked Hiccup in surprise. Tenzin dismounted Oogi and was closely followed by the rest. "This Hiccup" he gestured all around him "This used to be the home of the air nomads, before they were all wiped out by the Fire Nation during the hundred year war." Hiccup gasped in horror, "But-t didn't we just leave the fire nation? Are you saying that they are the ones who killed all these people?" asked Hiccup. "Once upon a time yes, but their war-waging times are over." said Tenzin.

"My father, Avatar Aang along with at the time Crown Prince Zuko ended the hundred year war and brought peace to the nations. They both founded the republic of the united nations, a nation that all people could prosper. The capital of this nation was called Republic City, and that is where we are going after we've visited the south pole. " explained Tenzin. He looked around and seemed to have spotted something, "Come with me Hiccup, I have something to show you." said Tenzin and he began to walk towards a bridge that led further into the temple.

Hiccup followed curiously, they crossed the bridge and went along ancient stone paths that were suspiciously clean. It didn't show any sign of being once upon a time attacked by the Fire Nation. "How comes everything is so good condition if the temple was attacked?" asked Hiccup.

"Since the hundred year old war the temples has been restored to their original state in the hope that one day they can be filled with air nomads again" explained Tenzin and Hiccup's slight embarrassment there was a definite gloom to Tenzins voice. Hiccup started and said quietly "I'm sorry Tenzin, I should've realized that it must be hard for you, to see how your people was killed and all." Tenzin stopped abruptly and turned as to look at Hiccup. "Hiccup, you are our chance at rebuilding air nation again. I'm showing you all this to teach you the past's mistakes. It's your duty to care for all people, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem. They will need your help." said Tenzin very seriously.

Hiccup looked into Tenzins slightly worried face and said something he knew in his heart of heart that he must accept. "I will try..." said Hiccup and he uttered the very thought that had been on his mind the past two days "But I can barely defend myself. How will I help people when I can barely help myself?" asked Hiccup in a defeated voice. Tenzin however didn't seem worried anymore, in fact he was smiling.

"Hiccup, I don't know what kind of Avatar you'll be, but know this... " He sighed and he went on "Often whenever we help someone else with their problems we find the solution to our own. I know that you're gonna do well regardless of what you do. It takes a lot of intellect to build something like that saddle and fin that Toothless has, and if you put it to good use, you can help others as well as Toothless." said Tenzin kindly. "Speaking of Avatar business, follow me" said Tenzin and they began to walk again.

They walked across many stone paths and along alleys of blue painted houses until they reached a giant door with weirdly shaped metal tubes. "Stand back, unless you wanna get a faceful of wind" said Tenzin and Hiccup stepped back several paces. Tenzin walked forward and skillfully threw his arms out in several quick jabs towards the metal tubes and they were suddenly filled with wind.

The sound of horns was heard the tubes were filled simultaneously. The door had been reinforced by some sort of lock because when the tubes was filled with air, the pieces unlocked itself and the door swung open. Tenzin stood back as to let Hiccup pass him. The room that the door had been hiding was enormous, Hiccup had to crane his neck to see the roof way above him. What struck him as stranger was the assortment of statues that stood everywhere. Hiccup looked around curiously and spotted the closest one, a tall man with arrow shaped tattoos, just like Tenzin. He knew who this person was, except he couldn't explain how he knew. "So this is Avatar Aang..." said Hiccup in reverence. Tenzin nodded and said "This is the room of the Avatars. Every avatar has a statue of themselves in here, it is said that they appear once the current avatar dies. Once they die the next avatar is reincarnated."

"Wait- you mean to tell me all of these people were my previous lives?" asked Hiccup incredulously.

"Yes, they are." said Tenzin simply.

Hiccup couldn't understand this, how could all these people be him? It was absurd, but it still made some distant sense to him. He nodded and then he spotted something that he hadn't before, the statues were all in some sort of pattern. "Is there some pattern to the statues?" asked Hiccup.

"Yes." said Tenzin. "The avatar reincarnations has a cycle, like the seasons. After each avatar the next one is always the next element. Fire, Earth, Air, Water." concluded Tenzin. "And what element am I? asked Hiccup curiously. Tenzin looked suddenly very thoughtful, he put his hand on his beard and stroked it absentmindedly. "I'm not sure Hiccup" said Tenzin finally "From what you've told me about where you are from is that there is no indication as to what element you originate from. It's even possible that you being the second avatar is an anomaly as are you not apart of any of the nations and therefore couldn't be chosen from the cycle." said Tenzin still looking thoughtful. "All we know is that you are the avatar and that you need to master all the elements and that will do for now" He turned and exited the cavernous room, leaving Hiccup to wonder how what part in all this he had to play.

()

When the time came to leave, Hiccup did so quite cheerily. It wasn't like he didn't like the place or anything, but it seemed to as if he was intruding upon some sort of grave, or that of something very personal. He wondered if there ever would be anyone living here, he'd hate to see something as beautiful as this temple to fall into ruins. The journey took about a day, they had left early in the morning. The sun had been high upon the sky and the air was pleasantly ruffling Hiccup's hair and clothes, as if he was taking a leisurely stroll down some forest path back at Berk.

Though as they reached nearer to the south pole the air became steadily colder, as if someone had turned down the temperature by twenty degrees. Hiccup however was used to the cold back on Berk and it didn't bother him much. On and on they flew until the distant glaciers and icebergs drifting across the waters announced land. It was completely covered in snow and more snow. Hiccup gaped at the land before him, he marveled how there could a place in the middle of the summer that could hold snow. Glacier after glacier, iceberg after iceberg they passed until Hiccup could distinguish a small cluster of buildings far below them, around them was a wall of what looked like snow. They circled the buildings twice before coming in to land, several sentries called over the wind "They are here!"

With a small muffled thud into the deep snow they landed. Hiccup dismounted Toothless and looked around interestingly. All around them was small houses and what looked like several elaborate poles with ropes, and after several seconds of confused staring it dawned on Hiccup that this was some sort of training course. Oogi landed softly behind Hiccup and he looked around to see Tenzin getting off with Ikki riding his shoulders. "Hello Mother..." said Tenzin tiredly and Hiccup turned to see an old woman standing before him. She was now hugging Jinora who had jumped off Oogi and rushed to embrace her.

The old woman turned to look at Hiccup and she spoke to him. "You must be Hiccup. I'm Katara, Tenzin's mother." said the woman called Katara. She leaned forward to grasp Hiccup's hand gently, she wore a very similar kind smile, very similar to Tenzins. Hiccup smiled back, "It's a pleasure to meet you Katara" said Hiccup politely.

"It's quite the place you've got here" said Hiccup and he shivered slightly. Katara's eyes lit up concernedly, and she said "You must be tired from the long journey, you do have to tell me about it."

"Ohh I'm fine, I'd be happy for a tour though. I've never been to the south pole-" Hiccup broke off as he spotted someone behind Katara.

That someone was a teenage girl, and Hiccup stared at her with round eyes. It was her!

It was surreal to see that very person who had occupied his restless dreams standing right in front of him, in the living. But one detail that Hiccup noticed was that her eyes weren't glowing white but a pure blue, a color you could get lost in.

She was also staring at Hiccup in disbelieving round eyes, Hiccup blushed slightly at the intensity of the stare. It seemed suddenly to occur to her that she shouldn't stare and she promptly looked away, slightly red around her cheeks. Tenzin walked forward and spoke to the girl "Korra! It's so nice to see you." and then he noticed that Korra was looking at Hiccup in wonder and he seemed to draw the dots together. "Ehh- It's time we made an introduction" said Tenzin slightly apprehensively. He gestured to Hiccup and said to Korra "This is Hiccup Haddock." The girl called Korra looked even more confused when he heard Hiccup's name, and when she looked at him with wide blue eyes, it came off as slightly withdrawn. He grinned a slightly nervous crooked smile at her, and to his relief her face relaxed and she sent him a wide smile in return.

She walked up to Hiccup and held out her hand "My name is Korra!" she said confidently. Hiccup grasped her hand and shook it, while doing so he couldn't fail to appreciate how pretty she was. "Master Katara mentioned that Master Tenzin had found an airbender in the fire nation, was that you?" asked Korra.

"That would be me." said Hiccup calmly.

"Really?" now Korra's voice was filled with excitement. "Is it hard? Air bending I mean. How much can you do?" said Korra going straight to the point.

Hiccup started, he really didn't know a whole lot about airbending seeing as he only discovered it about a half a month ago.

"Not much, but I suppose I'll learn soon enough. I mean I just found out about two weeks ago that I could airbend." said Hiccup calmly, Korra's face fell slightly and she said jealously "I wish I could do airbending, I just can't seem to do it. I've tried and tried but it doesn't agree with me."

Hiccup was all too familiar with that feeling of being unable to do something despite trying so hard. He had tried so hard to fit in back on Berk and he just never seemed to be enough, to always fail at everything was sort of his trademark thought Hiccup dispassionately.

"I'm sure you'll get it some day, it's always hard learning something new." said Hiccup empathically and then he added as an afterthought "Though I'm sure if anyone could do it, it's the avatar." Korra looked up and she beamed at him. She seemed to lighten up as she sent Hiccup another question.

"Katara tells me that you're not from any of the nations. How is that possible?" asked Korra. Hiccup knew that this question would surface with the introduction as some point and he had his answer ready.

"I was born in the Barbaric Archipelago, a series of islands far to the west of the fire nation. On a small island called Berk. After I was banished from my village I set out to understand my sudden abilities which like I told you, I only discovered two weeks ago. Only once I met Tenzin was when he told me that I was an av-airbender." he almost uttered the wrong words but Korra didn't seem to pick up on it, in fact she was more interested in how Hiccup got banished from his village.

And so he began to tell her, just like he had told Tenzin, Pema and the rest when he had meet them. He told her about his village and how he got banished for befriending a dragon. His consequent journey on the words of his friend and how he had been injured in trying to cross the serpents gap, once he reached the part of him passing out Tenzin elaborated helpfully with his side of events. Once Hiccup finally finished with the retelling of him being told that he was an airbender by Tenzin did Korra's speak again. She wore an air of trying to understand impossible things.

"You said that you trained a dragon!?" asked Korra wildly and Hiccup nodded fervently. "His name is Toothless. I flew on him here, now where has he gone?" Hiccup looked all around and Toothless wasn't anywhere in sight. "Toothless!" he called, No response. He could hear Korra whisper to Tenzin "He named his dragon Toothless?" Tenzin just grinned and said calmly "Ohh he's quite harmless you'll see.."

"Toothless! Come out bud!" yelled Hiccup and suddenly a second later something monstrous appeared behind a snowdrift a little distance behind Hiccup. Hiccup looked around and sighed half exasperatedly and half amused sigh, Toothless was peering over the snowdrift with a wide gummy smile. He then promptly leapt over the snowdrift and landed gracefully on the snow in front of Hiccup. He heard Korra gasp loudly at the suddenness of Toothless's leap.

Hiccup held out his hands and gestured to Toothless in front of him, "This is Toothless!" said Hiccup proudly. He looked at the figure of Korra standing like a statue, frozen in place. Standing next to her was Tenzin, who looked completely relaxed. Hiccup's face fell slightly as Korra remained statue like. Hiccup began to walk with Toothless in tow towards the statue like Korra.

Korra recoiled nervously when Toothless got closer, but Hiccup said soothingly "Don't worry, he's not dangerous. He wont hurt you."

Toothless was now within touching distance and Hiccup held out his hand towards him. Toothless purred happily once Hiccup's hand met his nose. Korra let a involuntary gasp of awe, her eyes were wide with apprehension. "Don't worry, you can touch him. He wont hurt you" Hiccup said gently. Toothless looked at Korra with green gentle eyes, and then she slowly reached out her hand, and a heart stopping moment followed, or so it seemed to Hiccup as Korra's hand met Toothless nose.

Toothless closed his eyes and purred as Korra began to scratch him on his chin, "He's gorgeous" said Korra almost in a whisper. "He's certainly is something" said Hiccup modestly. Korra stood up quickly and smiled at Hiccup. "Come with me! I'll show you around!" said Korra happily.
She gave a loud whistle and suddenly something very big came running towards them. Hiccup reared back in fright as that something came suddenly to a halt abruptly in front of them. Hiccup looked up and saw something he never thought he'd see. It looked like a cross between a very large bear and a dog.

"This is Naga" said Korra proudly and the great bear like creature panted heavily and gave a small whine while looking at Hiccup. After a moment Hiccup reached out contentedly and scratched the same spot as Toothless always enjoyed, right under the chin. Naga closer her eyes in enjoyment and then quite suddenly once Hiccup stopped scratching Naga began licking Hiccup all over. He groaned and reared back in disgust as saliva covered him from head to top. Hiccup spluttered and spat out hairs out of his mouth, "Charming" he said sarcastically, and Korra giggled.

()

UPDATE: I have some stuff throughout next week and therefore can't upload chapter 7 until week after next, though it should be on the Friday the 4th of June.

Summary: Hiccup set out from the place in which he was hurt in pursuit of what this new world entails. He comes through the Fire Nation Capital where he gets small taste of responsibility and duty. Later Hiccup discovers that Hiccup and Korra share a some sort of connection in which they both can't explain. Even though Hiccup know that they are both the avatar he can't understand why he's experiencing these dreams, or their purpose.

(Reviews)(Repeat) I will try to answer each and everyone of the reviews in this paragraph, anyone who is kind enough to lend me a couple of words of either encouragement or helpful criticism is a saint, thank you.

MORTAL18: I was more leaning into HiccupxKorra as I've thought of an specific theme among this. I've been debating long with myself whether to make it Hiccstrid but I thought I ought to make it different. I do realize that my second chapter might've indicated some romance between them, however it was only bittersweet romance. Personally I like Hiccstrid more than what I've gone for now, I think their relationship is far better in the movies and TV-series than I ever could gesticulate with my stories.
As for Pema and Tenzin, they are just guiding Hiccup in this new world as I thought to age Hiccup later on. Otherwise it would've taken to long to reach the first season of Korra. I appreciate the review and I hope I can suffice with my fanfiction.

Guest May 13th: I'm glad you agree with my statement, I hope I can carry on with gusto into the summer. Thanks again for reading and leaving a review!

Guest May 15th: Very good question! I definitely think that Hiccup will have a much easier time learning air than Korra, mostly because it aligns with his personality the most. Not to mention how he always enjoys flying with Toothless. Air bending encapsulates being quick on your feet and thinking yourself out of problems. Which I think really fits within Hiccup's character. As for him being the Avatar, there is no question that Tenzin is right. I meant this story to take aspects from both worlds, hence the crossover. With Hiccup and Korra being the two avatars means that they are the ambassadors of their separate worlds within fiction. As for how Korra reacts, I wont spoil to much of future chapters but Hiccup's nature is to show empathy to any who is struggling and Korra will find a way to live with that, perhaps even grow to love it. I think things will be alot clearer once we reach further into this story. Once again I'm so thankful that you decided to leave an review and let alone read my story, it makes my day to know someone is invested in what I write.

Please feel inclined to ask more questions if you feel like it.

Wodenfang: Once again I greatly appreciate the review. It does wonders to know that you enjoy the chapters.

(Disclaimer)(Repeat) I hope to make my updates a weekly, either on a Thursday or Friday. I write fairly regularly and therefor I usually keep ahead in chapters. I really dont want to make this into a chore. I will express if I either want to take more time in writing more detail or more thought out storytelling. However, I will update this section if I ever were to mention a delay or news.