The ancient ones

by jalpari

Noor is ready to return the stolen powers to help the lion turtles and the spirit world, but Korra has something else in mind.

Noor gawked at the enormous beings. They seemed surreal, almost statuesque. It was hard to believe they were alive. But her doubts were soon dispelled when one of them, the one that had emerged from the forest, opened its eyes slowly. Its gaze was directed at Noor and she felt it pierce through her soul.

"I see you the carry the power of the elements...through our essence."

Noor nodded meekly as she trembled.

"I apologize on behalf of humans. I am willing to give all these powers back, if it means saving you and the spirit world!"

"Step forward", the voice commanded in a kind yet assertive voice.

Noor did as she was told and the lion turtle reached out for her. It placed a claw on her forehead and another on her chest. Noor felt a surge of fire blaze through her and rush out her body. When it was done, she felt the force inside her, that up until now she had kept resisting, diminish.

Next, the lion turtle that arose from the sea came closer and did the same. When it was done, the power inside her seemed almost non existent. After more than a month, she felt like there was nothing inside her that was trying to overpower her. She breathed a sigh of relief but a few seconds later, it began feeling like there was a void inside her.

She gulped and pushed the strange feeling of emptiness away as a third lion turtle came and placed its claws on her only to pull back.

"You do not possess the power of earth it seems."

"I don't know…", Noor mumbled. "Oh! Maybe one of these", she pulled out the two vials, "may carry your essence."

The lion turtle lowered itself to Noor's level and placed its claws one of the vials.

"Open this one."

Noor hurriedly opened the vial and startled as the glowing substance floated out. It made its way to the lion turtle's forehead. The creature closed its eyes and the glowing mist vanished into its skin. The lion turtle rose again and seemed to smile at her.

The fourth lion turtle appeared and Noor offered it the last vial. She took a step back and saw all four lion turtles turn towards her and observe her intently.

"We thank you for returning our life force. You have done us a huge favor. For your deed, we shall grant you one wish."

"I...I don't wish for anything...except to go back. Now that I am free of this power, I would like to go back to my friends."

"So be it", their voices echoed.

"But before I go", Noor frowned, "What can you tell me about the creature...what does it want...how can we stop it?"

"Korra and Jinora can explain everything", a lion turtle replied. "They will help you find your way back to the abyss."

Noor nodded and turned to climb Pipi but was interrupted by Korra's voice.

"Wait! I don't think this is the right thing to do...not yet at least."

"What do you mean, Korra?" The lion turtles turned to the woman and spoke as if one spirit.

"The creature is more powerful than any we have seen in a long long time. It has made a connection to the spirits like no other human on earth. The spirit world has been struggling with the repercussions of its actions even now."

'What did it do?" Noor frowned.

"Vaatu...the spirit of darkness...became more powerful because of the strife and evil intentions the creature brought with it. Up until its arrival, Raava had maintained a strong hold on Vaatu. Now, Vaatu has been able to gain some power, just enough to turn some spirits dark. The creature stole the essence and escaped but he left us with a renewed battle between dark and light spirits. We can't let this continue. We must put an end to it before the creature does more harm."

"What are you suggesting?" The lion turtles spoke.

"It seems that once again, the world...the universe...needs the Avatar."

"How is that possible? The cycle...has ended right?" Noor gasped and looked at Korra bewildered.

"The cycle can always begin anew", Korra smiled. "It started over with me when my connection to Raava was broken."

"This could be quite dangerous", the lion turtles spoke after several seconds, "She has no understanding of the powers and no past lives to guide her."

"Umm...hello!" Korra rolled her eyes. "I was the Avatar once remember? And there are many more here who can help me in training her. Even if we don't begin a new cycle, she can be the Avatar for now and then return her bending once she has defeated the creature."

"Very well", the ancient ones replied.

"Uhh...but won't you weaken again if you give me your essence?"

"There's a difference between having our essence stolen and granting you the power willingly."

"How did the creature steal your essence anyway?"

"The creature seemed to have unlocked knowledge that was lost a long time ago. And with the help of Koh, another dark spirit, and some others who had turned dark during his time here...it was able to draw out our essence. Something we had never thought was possible."

"If it was so spiritual, why could it not hold the powers within itself?"

"The lion turtle's essence only blesses those who are worthy. It was different when bending became a normal part of the human world, passed down by parents to their children. But before that, when the power was granted only through the lion turtles, they would judge a person before letting them hold the power."

"So I...I'm worthy?" Noor whispered.

"Yes", the lion turtles replied. "You have a spirit that can withstand any storm. It seems you already have survived many trials and yet you have the capacity to hold light within you."

With those words, the lion turtles placed their claws on Noor one by one and she felt the energy surge once more - fiery, flowing, free, and firm all at the same time. This time, she didn't feel it gnaw and eat at her. This time, she didn't feel the need to fight.

"Noor...we grant you the powers of the four elements. Breathe to become fire. Surrender to become water. Still to become earth. And empty to become air. You hold the gifts of the cosmic forces within you now, for you are worthy. Use these gifts to restore balance and bring peace. Let the light within you guide your actions and let the love around you strengthen your will. After thousands of years, the Avatar returns to once again, be the protector not just of humanity but of the universe."

"Thank you", Noor knelt and lowered her head to the masters, "I will do everything I can to help."