Earth

Fire

Air

Water

Only the Dual Avatars master of all four elements can bring balance to the world.

Book IV: Balance

Chapter I: Kintsugi

Kintsugi- (Noun) To repair with gold; The art of repairing metal with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken.

A large cargo ship docks on Air temple island; the sky gray is covered with clouds. Asami, , Mako, and Bolin, with Pabu on his shoulders, walk up to Tenzin, Jinora, Wan and Korra. It is after Jinora's coronation. They both sit on their wheelchairs, Bolin walks up to the duo. "Now don't take this the wrong way, but I can't wait for you two to leave!" He says a bit too chipper, Wan's eyebrows arch slightly in confusion. Mako beside his younger brother looks at him with annoyance as he crosses his arms to his chest, "How else are they supposed to take that but the wrong way?"

Bolin shrugs sheepishly at his brother, "I mean because I've never had a pen pals before! I'm gonna write so many letters and, just to get the ball rolling, here." Bolin takes out two letters from his pocket and hands one to both Wan and Korra. "Spoiler alert: Pabu and I already miss you two."

"That's very kind...Thank you." Wan glances down at the letter, Tenzin's hands rest on both Wan and Korra's shoulders. "Now, I don't want you both to worry about a thing while you're gone. Your recoveries should be your number one concern. Jinora, the airbenders, and I, have everything under control." The former librarian kneels down to Wan's level, "Wan, I brought you something that might help you not get bored." hands Wan a brown sack of books. "I have gotten a few classics for you." She winks before as she hugs the man with care. "Take care, darling."

The ship departs with both Wan and Korra, along with Kya and Korra's parents. Wan downcasts as he hears the team's goodbyes.

The first Avatar twists and turns in his bed in the Southern Water Tribe. His face twists in pain at the nightmare taking place, his mind goes back to Korra, and how he watched her suffocate. How the poison went through his skin. Wan hollers as he wakes up from his nightmare, he pants heavily with shaky breaths. He looks over to see his wheelchair, he hasn't truly spoken to Korra in weeks . He doesn't know what to say, what could he possibly say? Wan uses his upper body strength to get into the wheelchair, he wheels himself out of the room and into Korra's. He hesitates for a moment, before closing his eyes and knocking on the door, hoping Korra would hear. The door opens to reveal Senna. "Wan?"

"Hi, Can I speak to Korra please?" Wan asks, Senna nods as she walks out the door. Wan pushes his wheels to come in. Korra is sitting out on the porch looking out at the stars and the southern lights, her mind drifting off, once again waking up in cold sweat. "Hay.." Korra says, almost aware of Wan's presence. "How are you holding up?" Wan says looking at her. "Fine," Korra lies.

"I know we haven't spoken to each other, but I want you to know...I'm here. I understand your pain." Wan says, his voice trembling as he is near tears. "I know how you're feeling because I feel the same." Korra's eyes start to water, as she starts to speak. "It was so hard . Seeing you...like that. In pain..." She admits as she closes her eyes letting tears fall down. "I couldn't help you…" She clenches her robe on her leg, "I'm sorry if I have been distant with you…Sometimes it hurts to see you after what happened."

"It's okay, I understand… I felt the same way." Wan says as tears fall down. Korra takes a few deep breaths, "I've been having really bad nightmares, and you're the only person who understands this, so...can we share the same room?" Korra glances down. Wan nods and for the first time in a while, he smiles with some happiness.

The Dual Avatars sleep together face to face, feeling each other's heartbeats, and warmth as they both rest, knowing that the other is alive.

Together they'll be okay.


Korra wheels into the living room, where Wan is reading. Her once gloom expression is now filled with happiness. Wan glances up and down at her, and asks, "How was Katara?" Korra smiles, exclaiming, "I moved my big toe!" Wan gasps in excitement, "That's great, I knew you had it in you! Now come on, give me some.." Wan offers his fist, Korra fist bumps it, and they wiggle their hands making a boom sound. The duo laughs at the end, but then Korra's face turns serious, "Wan, you should really go to Katara. I mean it, she can really help." Her hand touches his hand, tenderly. "Just give it a shot, Wan."

Wan glances down at Korra's hand then back at her gorgeous cyan eyes. He is hypnotized by her beauty. "Alright...I'll go." Wan relents softly, still staring at her eyes. Korra blinks at Wan staring at her. "Are you okay?" Her head tilts to the side a little bit. Wan snaps out of it and blinks, "Yes- Ugh, of course. I was just thinking." Wan picks his book back up but Korra pops up next to him. "What are you reading?" Korra curiously looks at Wan, Wan blushes, "Ugh...The tale of the two dragons." Wan answers then he smiles, "You want me to explain, don't you?"

"Well, obviously," Korra sasses a bit.

Without the duo realizing it, Tonraq and Senna watch Korra interact with Wan, both seeming in much better moods. "They get along quite nicely," Senna smiles as she looks at her husband, who smiles as well. "I'm glad Korra is up and in spirits."

The next day, Wan goes to see Katara, with some tough love from Korra. Screaming while counting made him relent. Katara bends the water as the glow follows her moments. "The poison did a lot of internal damage…" Katara mentions, Wan breathes in, "Is it fixable?" Katara hums, "Yes, but whether you get better or not, is up to you." She looks at Wan as she stops healing and the glow fades, Wan closes his eyes. "If you dedicate yourself to getting better, you'll recover, stronger."

Wan nods as he looks up at the ceiling still in the water, "That's what I want. I want to walk again, I want to run again..."

"Try something for me. Concentrate, on your big toe. Visualize it moving in the sand," Katara smiles at the first avatar as he closes his eyes taking a few deep breaths. "Good," Katara guides him. Wan opens his eyes and his big toe twitches. He gasps and sits up, trying to do it again, and it works. "I-I did it!" He stammers in stunned surprise.


Wan screams as he covers his mouth, his entire body trembling and shaking. Tears falling from his copper eyes, another one. He could swear he saw the poison dripping from his mouth, it tastes like nothing yet he feels it burning in his throat. He isn't sure if it's real, but it feels like it. The burning sensation gets even worse, making the first avatar cry out in pain. He whimpers, hoping Korra won't awaken from the noise. He gurgles as he feels the poison begin to suffocate him. The night lamp turns on and Korra gasps as she sees her partner in a mental breakdown. "Wan, Wan listen!" She exclaims, "What's going on?" Her voice almost breaks in worry.

"My mouth," Wan sobs, "The poison."

Korra tries her best to move over, she rubs his back seeing nothing. "Wan, I don't see anything." Wan looks down and where he once saw the poison flowing is nothing- it was only his imagination. Wan lowers his hand in shock. He turns over and hugs Korra, sobbing. "Shhh." Korra rubs his back as he cries himself to sleep. Soothing him with her voice, but soothing herself just as much- it's not like she's free herself from the plaguing memories, and the years leaking silently from her eyes prove this.

But they have each other, and that's all that matters.


Korra has gone through the letters that are sent from Dual Team Avatar back in Republic city, reading each and every one. Today, Korra decides she wants to take a step but ends up falling to another flashback of Zaheer. She collapses on the ground and starts to cry, Katara does her best to comfort her but it does little. Korra places the letters from her friends down and begins to cry. Wan quickly notices on the other side of the bed, Wan hugs her as she leans on his chest. No words are needed, Wan stokes her soft hair as she continues to sob on him. "Everythings going to be okay," Wan reassures as he rocks her back and forth with his upper body. "I'm useless," Korra sobs on his chest, "I'm completely useless!" Wan lets a few tears fall down his face. He has no words, because what more can he say to comfort her?


Nearly eight months pass. Wan sits on his wheelchair in front of two metal parallel bars while Katara sips tea. Wan has been consistently failing at even taking a small step, Korra has already started to walk months ahead of him, and he is stuck on a wheelchair. Of course, he's happy for her, why wouldn't he be? She worked hard to even take those few steps. Katara places her tea down, "Whenever you're ready Wan."

Wan downcasts to his feet, unmoving. He closes his eyes while his hands cover his face. "It's been eight months and I can't even take a single step. Korra is almost able to walk with crutches."

"Every person is different with recovery, Wan," Katara reassures. "What's the point!? I've been at this for nearly a year!" Wan yells, now starting to get more frustrated with himself. "A mad man poisoned me, and I can't even do the tiniest things for myself! And this whole time, my friends have been off helping the world, while I'm what? Being a failure of a first avatar!" Wan shouts as he pants, finishing his rant. "Let your anger and frustration flow like water," Katara says. Wan trembles, "Why me? Why did this happen to me?, I'm so frustrated and angry and tired." The waterbender master kneels next to Wan, "Wan, I know you feel alone right now. But you're not the only Avatar who's trying to overcome great suffering right now."

"I know." Wan recognizing the reference to Korra, "But it feels as if she's doing better..." he admits, Katara shakes her head, "You're on different paths of recovery, and that's okay. Sometimes it may feel as if the other has a lead but remember you are two different people, with two different realities of things. Everyone's melody plays at a different beat. But you two, you create harmonies, understanding and supporting each other no matter what step you're on, so your song can continue to play. I'm going to tell you what I told Korra." She gazes deeply into his eyes. "Aang lost his entire culture. But he never lost his spirit, and in the end he found meaning within his suffering and eventually... found peace."

Wan glances at the old waterbender master, "What am I going to find?" Katara smiles at the first Avatar. "I'm not sure Wan, but won't it be interesting to find out?" Wan remains quiet at this and nods, "Let's try again." He determinedly gets on the two metal bars, holding on to them for support. Katara is right beside him, speaking softly. "Close your eyes. Visualize yourself walking, across the sand. Can you see it?" Wan closes his eyes and nods firmly. "Good, now take the step." Her voice is a calming presence in the back of his mind, a forceful guidance for him to take the right direction. Forwards.

Wan braces himself for the pain as he takes his right foot forward, slowly placing it on the ground, followed by his left foot. He continues to take more and more steps. Grunting and struggling but completely focused and determined, he reaches the end of the bars and Katara smiles widely. "Wonderful job, Wan. You did it!"


Wan rushes down the hall putting on his coat, now fully on his legs and able to run and walk. It's been a full year and a half. Today, after numerous therapies he is finally able to bend fully again. The first avatar runs down the stairs and uses his airbending to catch himself. Korra smiles waiting for him, "Hey, you ready to go?" She rubs Naga's fur softly. "Yeah, I'm pretty excited to be training again," Wan is almost beaming, "So where do we go?"

At the compound, Oogi flies by, descending towards it. After landing, Tenzin dismounts, and as soon as he turns he sees the dual avatars running towards him. "Tenzin!" Wan bear hugs the airbending master, who smiles and parts from the two."You two look great!"

Korra grabs Tenzin's wrists and drags him along, "We've been great! Come on, me and Wan want to show you something!"

The Dual Avatars are now geared up and in the firebending training mat, Wan's longer hair is in a low ponytail with Tenzin and Katara standing on a viewing platform behind the dueling mat, observing. The two firebenders take their positions, Korra and Wan attack, sending multiple blasts of fire towards them. They don't attack, only block.

"Attack! We can take it!" Korra yells. The firebenders look at each other and begin to attack, Wan dodges gracefully as he uses the fire blasted at him and redirects it back. Then, Wan is hit with another flashback of the poison being forced through his skin and the agonizing pain he felt. He sees Zaheer flying over him. Wan completely stops in his tracks, Korra and him collapse at the same time. Tenzin rushes to their aid, holding his hand up signaling the firebenders to stop. "All right! The sparring match is over!"

Tenzin helps the dual Avatars up, Korra, frustrated, throws her helmet down. Wan takes his off calmly with a defeated look on his face. "I thought we were ready." Wan says. Tenzin's hand rests on his shoulder, "There is no shame in taking the time you need to make a full recovery. Being the Dual Avatars can wait."

Korra glances down, "But what about the Earth Kingdom? I hear it's still chaos out there."

"The situation has been stabilizing since Kuvira took charge," Tenzin answers. Wan scoffs, "Kuvira? I'm sorry but that should be us helping bring balance and peace back, not her ." he crosses his arms."I know you both want to help. But trust me, everyone has this under control. I just think both you need to..." Tenzin drifts off as he sees both Korra and Wan's spiteful expressions. "If you say 'be patient' I swear I'm gonna water-smack you in the mouth," Korra angrily retorts. Tenzin avoids the Dual Avatars' glares, "Nooo ... I was going to say, you both need to ... not worry about the future. Be grateful for where you are now and the progress you've made."

Wan sighs, exasperated, as he and Korra walk off.


Wan breathes in and out, focusing on trying to connect with Raava again. He hasn't heard her voice in ages, longer than usual. He meditates on top of the Water Tribe Avatar Temple as spirits place themselves around the building. Wan's eyelids close tighter as he becomes more upset. He can't feel her...Why can't he feel her? He is so used to her light inside of him but now, he doesn't feel her warmth. "Raava...Please, talk to me." He whispers. No, he couldn't be alone again. Raava was his only friend from his first lifetime. Please, no.

Please no.

No response.

"Raava, please...I want to talk to you...I need to talk to you please, I can't go into the avatar state...Talk to me." Wan pleads and his hands shake, as he waits for a response, nothing comes up. Wan's eyes open as tears swell in his eyes. "Raava!" Wan screams as tears fall from his eyes. He can't speak to her, and his heart breaks into a thousand pieces.


Wan's hair has grown immensely long over time. Frankly, he doesn't care. While the Dual Avatars can move and walk again, their minds aren't yet healed. Both would have horrible night terrors and the other would have to do what they could to best comfort the other even though they too, are in pain. Korra softly rubs Wan's cheek as he sobs from another nightmare, both are sitting close to each other in nightwear. Korra can't help but cry at her partner's suffering; she clenches her teeth as sobs wracked her body.

It hurts her more than he'll ever know.

She isn't sure of her feelings, but she knows she deeply cares for Wan. He was there for her even in the direst of times, he supported her, defended her. He was her partner, he understands her better than anyone. Korra in her tears starts to realize her newfound feelings for the other Avatar, she looks at him for a moment, her mind instantly noticing how handsome he is, despite being in tears.

Korra's mind rejects this, but her body doesn't. No. No. She doesn't think of Wan like that . How could she? He is like a brother to me. No. No. This is not the time, it is not the time for this- The more she denies the harder her feelings knock on her door. Oh, this has been brewing for years now, Korra has been fighting for too long. She always knew in her mind that he was very attractive but this is pushing bounds. Korra tries to not give it too much thought and goes to sleep.

Wrong move.

Korra doesn't wake up in a cold sweat because of Zaheer like she is so used to- something else wakes her up. She turns to Wan, who is thankfully asleep. Korra turns away blushing, her face begins to turn red as she remembers her little dream. Wan not only attacked her very heart but her mind as well. Soon her head is filled with lewd thoughts about her partner. It's not the change of pace she was hoping for but she can't complain. After all, it felt so right . She wanted to touch his bare chest, she wanted him to hold her and kiss- Woah.


Wan hums as he turns over to Korra's side, yawning. He strangely had a good night, his hair is all messy and all over his face. Korra smiles as she brings some tea into the room offering Wan a cup. "Morning." Wan takes the offer and takes small sips, "Morning."

"Korra, I wanted to ask you...Can you go into the Avatar state?" Wan asks while looking at his reflection, Korra's eyes widen, "You too?" Wan nods, "And...I can't contact Raava." Korra's face slowly turns sympathetic for Wan, she moves in closer. "Oh...Wan. I-" Wan shakes his head, "It's okay…" Korra hugs him tightly, and Wan through trying to withhold it begins to sob on her, long agonizing pauses. "I'm a failure and Raava knows it...I failed not only once but twice . Now people are taking up for my failure." Wan breaths as sobs go through his entire body. "Wan...Look at me." Korra's hand softly guides his head for her to see him, "You're not a failure. You changed the entire world. You outwitted Vaatu, You are the first person to master all four elements, you are completely amazing ."

Wan sniffles, "You're just saying that." He averts his gaze from Korra. "What?" Korra gasps while she laughs, "I adore you so much! You're intelligent, brave, kind." Wan's face reddens with a soft blush despite his tears. "You're great, really great." Korra hugs him and the duo falls back to sleep in each other's arms.


Wan takes a hike after another failed attempt to talk to Raava. Wan's long black locks, now down to his back, flow in the cold breeze. He doesn't want to cry but sadness washes over him and he hugs himself letting his tears flow, something big and furry sits next to him and nudges him. Wan turns to see a huge white-patched black, four-legged mammal, which is shaped like a cat, but much bigger and furrier. Wan blinks awkwardly at the Arctic cat-deer who blinks back, its green eyes reminding him much of Mula. Wan rubs its fur to which it purrs. "Aren't you cute?" Wan sniffles as he smiles, "You lost?"

The Arctic cat-deer purrs again, sounding a bit remorseful, Wan turns sympathetic. "Oh..I am too in a sense, I guess we are both lost in a new environment, I was reborn into an entirely different era..crazy huh?" The creature continues to purr as it moves closer, snuggling the first avatar and making him laugh, Wan looks down and realizes that the cat-deer is a girl. "Hmm, now what should I name you?" Wan pounders as he rubs her fur, "Hum, how about Baru?"

She purrs with delight, Wan chuckles, "Baru it is."


"Naga!" Korra yells as Naga chases after the Arctic cat-deer trying to avoid the chase, she hisses at the polar bear dog. "Knock it off you two!" Wan shouts as he rubs Baru's fur. Korra glares at Naga, who whimpers. "Naga, you and Baru will be spending a lot of time together. You have to be nice." Korra explains to her animal guide, softly stroking her fur. "Which means stop chasing each other." Wan turns to Baru, who wiggles her tail. Wan pokes out his lips, "I mean it Baru.."

Later on, the duo is in the bed while their animal guides are beside them. Korra chuckles at the thought, "Baru is sassy. Just like someone else I know." Wan shrugs as he softly rubs her gray fur, "Yeah but she's a softie, and haha, very funny." Wan pulls his hand back and begins to read. Korra folds her arms in amusement, "What? It's the truth. Wan, you are notoriously sassy."

"Like you're notoriously hot headed?" Wan retorts playfully. He is soon hit with a soft blow from a pillow. "I am not!" Korra pouts with a laugh. Wan closes the book, "Sure, keep telling yourself that."

"Well, you're boring." Korra smiles. Wan bursts out laughing at this, Korra joins in. The duo calms down with a sigh. "She reminds me so much of Mula." Wan smiles at the thought of his old companion. Korra moves next to him, "Can you tell me about him? Or her?" She adds.

Wan chuckles, "Him. Mula and I met when I was banished; I was searching for food and I stumbled on him as he was trapped. I wanted to free Mula, so I could eat him."

"You tried to eat your- Wow."

"In my defence, I was hungry and I had nowhere to go, but I didn't have the heart to do it. So I decided to free him instead. The hunters from my old home wanted Mula but I defended him and outwitted the hunters. Aye-Aye saved me when one of them got the best of me, and I stayed in the oasis with the spirits and Mula." Wan finishes with a soft sigh, his eyes watering as memories come back. "He had a long good life," he smiles softly as he wipes his tears, "When I saw Baru, I just couldn't help but be attached. She's just like me, lost in a new world."

"I get it, I met Naga when she was a pup, I ran away from home when I was four and she lost her pack. We got lost in the snow storm and she really helped me feel better, my dad found me and she was my best friend since." Korra grins, she looks over to the side and gasps. Wan does too as the duo see Naga and Baru sleeping next to each other. "Awh."


Wan notices Korra has been very withdrawn over the past week, he makes some warm jasmine tea for the female Avatar to help her get back in good spirits again. He opens the door to their room, or rather Korra's room. He opens the door to see Korra crying and hugging herself, Wan quickly pushes aside the tea and rushes to her side. "Korra?"

"I saw him-I keep seeing him. It never stops!"

Wan's eyes widen and his hands shake, she didn't say the name but he knows . It's like an unspoken connection between them, making them closer than anyone, anything. Wan cuddles next to her as she sobs on his chest. "I keep feeling the air being ripped out of me." Korra chokes on her tears, and all Wan can do is rub her back, unable to speak as her words sink in.

He has felt the same.

And despite all his efforts to shut it out, deal with it and move on, it still plagues him. But he has to push through. For Korra. He breathes deeply and focuses on the fact that he is ok. She is ok. He is gone. The poison is gone. He has air in his lungs, oxygen running through his veins. Wan tries to convey all this through the hug, and as if she feels this, Korra gulps, beginning to calm down.

And step by step, they will get through this.