Legend of Korra: Life
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights and characters to the Avatar Last Airbender & Legend of Korra Franchise, they are owned by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino and other respective owners and creators. I gain no profit from this; it's purely for fun. I only own my OC characters.
If you enjoyed this story and want to know more about my work, you can like the Rurrlock-God of Power Facebook page.
Chapter 3: The Search Begins
Tenzin breathed silently with relief the moment his trusty air-bison landed safely on the ground of Air Temple Island. It had been quite the white-knuckle night, and he was thankful to be back home with his family and see the morning sunrise over the horizon, causing the waves to shimmer. Once Oogi was settled, Ikki and Meelo leapt off and onto the ground, followed by Rohan, who was more tentative.
Too wrapped up in his own thoughts, Tenzin remained seated. Just when the world seemed to be finding stable peace and balance, a new force was out for Korra's blood, and this deeply distressed the wise old master. He felt guilty just for leaving Korra back in Republic City to return home with his family, but he knew that she would be safe with her friends, and it wasn't like she couldn't defend herself alone. But a part of him still worried.
Pema noticed the stillness in her husband as she sat behind him, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, getting his attention. ''She'll be fine.''
''How did you know I was thinking about…''
''I can tell when you're worried,'' She noted with a teasing smirk. Her smile didn't leave, but her expression was more serious as she continued. ''And I understand you would be worried. We all are.''
''It's just…'' He hesitated. ''The last time someone with a vendetta against Korra went after her…it nearly destroyed her. I don't want to see her ever go through that again.'' His hand reached to touch Pema's shakily.
Suddenly, Meelo stepped forward with a confident swagger. ''Dad, you worry too much. Korra is the Avatar. No one in the world can beat her!''
''Are you sure?'' Rohan questioned curiously.
''Absolutely, little brother! In fact, if that coward didn't run for the hills, I could have taken him myself.''
Ikki didn't know whether to scoff cynically or laugh ironically, so ended up doing a mixture of both, earning a scowl in her direction from Meelo. ''Yeah, right. What makes you think you could have done something?''
''Hey, that creep interrupted Asami's party, and I was planning to present the world's most awesome flying lemur show ever staged!''
Whilst the siblings continued to bicker amongst themselves, Tenzin still couldn't shake away the feeling that something was amiss. Ever since Korra chased off Shǔ, it was as if a dark force was clutching at his very soul. He theorised that something spiritual was in place, and all he needed to do was make a connection to find out what, however, the fear of what he might find plagued his thoughts.
Before long, a familiar voice called out. ''So, I'm guessing from that glum expression of yours, the party wasn't too exciting,'' Bumi shouted. He walked towards the family with hands folded behind his head and a carefree expression that contrasted completely from Tenzin's. ''Although knowing you and parties, it probably was a good one but you just weren't in the mood.''
Despite being frustrated with his brother's rudeness and lack of understanding towards the situation, he felt relieved to hear Bumi's voice.
''Haven't you heard the news?'' Pema called back.
''I haven't had the radio on all night.'' He replied as he scooped up little Rohan in his arms. The boy excited to see his favourite uncle. ''I've been catching up with some old United Forces buddies of mine who visited from the party. Why? What happened?''
''Korra was attacked by some crazy water bender who froze the whole city!'' Meelo yelled dramatically.
Tenzin followed. ''Not the whole city, thankfully. But it was serious.''
''Whoa,'' Bumi gasped. ''Is Korra alright?''
''Yes, thank goodness.'' Finally, Tenzin slide off of Oogi, quickly helping Pema afterwards. ''There hasn't been any trouble here, has there?''
''No…well…'' Bumi sighed with a guilt-ridden expression. ''Some of the guys may have had a few too many drinks. So if you see any broken furniture, misplaced Air-Nomad artefacts, or stolen cabbage waggons…''
''I meant any trouble relating to the Water Bender!'' Tenzin said, rubbing his temple. Beside him, Pema tried her best to suppress a giggle.
''Oh, no. I manned the fort and kept it safe and sound for you.'' Bumi stated proudly.
''Then at least one thing went well tonight. Is Jinora inside?''
Bumi's eyebrows knotted together and he stared at Tenzin and Pema. ''Didn't she go to the party with you?''
The worried expression returned in full-force, both with Tenzin and Pema. ''N-No. We haven't seen her.''
''Neither have I, nor anyone else on the Island. Also, Kai has been missing in action too.''
Everything went cold as the realisation of their situation dawned on them. A thousand possible scenarios played in each of their heads in a matter of seconds. ''We have to find them!'' Pema said worriedly. ''Those two can't be out on their own with this attacker on the loose.''
''I agree,'' Tenzin said firmly.
Meelo raised his hands to get everyone's attention. ''Okay, let's all think of the positives, everyone!''
''What positives?'' Ikki questioned.
''It's not like the attacker is going after Jinora and Kai. So what are the chances of him finding them?''
At that moment, a White Lotus guard burst from out of the island home, rushing as quickly as possible towards Tenzin and the others. ''Master Tenzin, you have an urgent call from Avatar Korra!''
''No…'' Tenzin gasped and the colour drained from his face after hearing Korra's story through the radio transmitter. Ikki's protective arms wrapped tighter around her shocked mother, while Meelo stood beside a teary Rohan. The Air-bending family felt helpless after hearing what Korra had to say; it was the equivalent of having their hearts ripped out of them. ''Are you sure about this, Korra?''
''I'm not certain,'' The Avatar's voice was doubtful but nonetheless serious. ''But it seems too much of a coincidence for Jinora to be looking for Shǔ's weakness, and have him not go after her.''
''But why would Jinora not tell anyone about this? She's not the type to go off on her own…''
Meelo glared at Ikki. ''Unlike others.'' This earned him a hard thud in the side from his aggravated sister.
''That's what I thought. But it's happened, and we have to do what we can for now.''
Tenzin sighed heavily, trying to regain his composure. ''You're right. We have to find her before Shǔ does.''
''I'll do everything I can to find her, I promise you,'' Korra said with fierce determination. ''But, I'll need all the help I can get.''
Before Tenzin could reply on the radio to her, Bumi leant forward, practically flopping himself over his brother to get to the speaker. ''I'm joining in on this search and rescue mission. You'll need the help of a master tracker like me.''
Ikki and Meelo hopped on top of their uncle, resulting in Tenzin becoming more crushed under the growing pile of weight. ''Us too!'' Ikki chanted heroically. ''Our sister isn't going to go on an exciting adventure and leave us out of out.''
Suddenly, the three of them were blown off of Tenzin by a huge gust of air as the old master yelled out loud. ''No one is going on an exciting adventure! This is a search and rescue mission, nothing else! We find Jinora and Kai and bring them home before Shǔ finds them. And I will not risk the safety of any of my children!'' He turned his attention back to the radio, speaking to Korra in a more professional tone. ''I will meet you at the Republic City Dock within the hour. We can take Oogi and fly to the nearby islands to begin our search.''
''Sounds like a plan,'' Korra stated. ''We'll get ourselves ready before moving out. We have to prepare for the worst with Shǔ out there, especially if he's going after Jinora as well. We don't want to give him the 'two birds; one stone' scenario.''
''I couldn't agree more. I'll see you soon.'' The faint click signalled the end of the transmission from Tenzin's side, and Korra hung up from her end. She rose from her seat and headed for the other room to return to the others, quickly thanking the radio handler in the presidential communication office. Luckily, Korra didn't have to travel far to call Tenzin after getting her cryptic message from the spirit not long ago.
Before the knowledge of Jinora and Kai's disappearance, Korra felt that the situation regarding Shǔ wasn't too desperate. After all, it seemed like he was on the run, but know Korra feared that he was merely just shifting his target. As accomplished as an Air-Bender Jinora was, Korra worried that Shǔ would be too strong for her to handle, even with Kai's help. He kept Korra on her toes and only retreated after she went into the Avatar State. Not to mention there was still the lingering feeling that something else, something darker was in play; her nightmare from the night before had to be a sign. Right now, though, all she cared about was finding Jinora and Kai.
She stepped into the main room, everyone's heads; Asami, Mako, Bolin, Lin and Opal, all turned to face her and wait for an update. ''I got through to Tenzin. He and Bumi are getting ready to meet at the dock in less than an hour. So if anyone can help, now's the time to get ready.''
''You know we've always got your back,'' Bolin said with a hopeful smile. ''Team Avatar always sticks together.''
However, Lin cleared her throat and everyone turned to face the veteran officer, who had her arms crossed and a sorrowful look about her. ''Unfortunately, Mako can't go with you.''
''What?'' The Fire-Bender gasped. ''Chief?''
''Raiko's orders! Every cop in the city that's available is to stay on duty for as long as possible with this terrorist threat at large. I wish you could go, but it's out of my hands.''
Mako's frustration was clear as he raised his voice to his superior. ''That doesn't make any sense. This could be a chance to catch the terrorist and stop the threat.''
''Raiko doesn't see it that way. You know what he's like, he wants to put the safety of the people in Republic City first.''
''But…'' Mako wanted to argue further, hoping to find some way to win this argument. But it was fruitless trying to win an argument with a Beifong, especially one under orders from the President himself.
Before the detective could say anything else, Korra patted a hand on his shoulder, turning his attention towards her. ''It's okay. Make sure that Shǔ doesn't return whilst we're gone.''
His eyes diverted away from looking at hers, feeling as he was letting her down by not being there by her side. As he clenched his fist tightly in infuriation, his arm shook uncontrollably, forcing him to shift his body to the side hoping that no one would notice. Now wanting the attention off him, he sighed before nodding slowly. ''Alright.''
Korra offered a reassuring smile and a quick, comforting hug. ''We'll be back soon.''
After parting ways, they left the room. Once the door had shut behind them, an awkward silence filled the room for a split second. ''Chief…''
''When were you going to bring up the fact your arm hasn't healed yet?'' She questioned impatiently.
He froze on the spot. ''What…what do you mean?''
''Don't play dumb with me. It doesn't look good on either of us.''
''There's…it…'' He hesitated to find an honest answer. ''I've been having it checked at for the past two years, Chief. Every doctor I've been appointed to says my arm has physically healed.''
''Then explain the constant shaking, looks of discomfort, and your lack of fire-bending efficiency.''
''What makes you think there's something wrong with my fire-bending?''
''You do recall that we have to report assignments we're tasked with, including fellow officers you work with,'' She stated, growing notably impatient with him continually dodging her inquiries. ''Including the one for tonight, where it states you had a free shot at the attacker but reeled back in pain before taking it!''
Yet again, Mako couldn't look eye to eye with the one speaking to him, finding himself backed into a corner. The throbbing in his scarred arm wouldn't stop, not helping his case one bit. He did have it regularly checked the first few months after the scarring, but after a while, it seemed fine, and he could even start Firebending again within half a year. But recently, it hadn't been the same.
''Is this the real reason you don't want me to help search for Jinora?''
Lin closed her eyes and exhaled through her nose. ''No, Raiko really did call for every officer in the city. Trust me, I would like you to be out there helping find Jinora. But for now, your place is here, and under my order. And as an order, you won't keep this injury of yours under wraps. Get your arm checked out as soon as possible. Believe me, keeping the pain inside doesn't help.'' Her tone became softer with every passing word. Bitter annoyance replaced with genuine sympathy.
This change in tone was the kind of kick Mako needed to get a good response from him. ''Okay, I will.''
''Good, you're one of the best we've got, and I want you in tip-top condition.''
''Yeah,'' He agreed with a forced smile, a smile that slowly vanished as he stared down towards the burned tissue over his twitching fingers. ''Tip-top.''
''Please, dad!'' Meelo and Ikki begged for the hundredth time as their father rushed past them, stacking provisional supplies into a small rucksack.
''For the final time, you two cannot come with me!'' He replied sternly whilst hurrying along to retrieve more items for the search. Ikki and Meelo were not too far behind, following him wherever he went.
''But you'll need all the help you can get!'' Ikki said with bubbling frustration.
Tenzin turned sharply to face them. ''I will have your Uncle Bumi with me.''
''Even Uncle Bumi gets to go?''
''Your Uncle Bumi has had many years experience working with the United Nations Forces, and is an exceptional tracker…'' He paused mid-sentence and his gaze averted elsewhere as he pondered. ''Perhaps exceptional is too strong a word…''
A yell followed from Bumi in the other room. ''I heard that!''
Ignoring his brother's offended call, Tenzin continued with arguing his case to the children. ''What I'm trying to say is that Bumi will offer all the assistance I need for now. In the meantime, you two will stay here and…''
''This isn't fair!'' Meelo griped.
With his patience growing thin, and the overwhelming worry regarding Jinora's safety clouding his judgment, Tenzin's voice grew louder. ''It's not about being fair. This isn't some game or fun adventure…''
''We know that!'' Ikki yelled, silencing her father. ''We're not little kids anymore. We know this is going to be dangerous, and that's why we want to help any way we can. We're not saying it isn't fair because it's about Jinora, it's unfair because we're family too and we have to help.''
There was a moment of silence after that aggressive outburst. Tenzin didn't utter another word for a short time, and his expression softened ever so slightly. He could see the grit and determination in their eyes, even with the argument now ceased. Tenzin placed his rucksack on the floor and kneeled down. He imagined facing them eye-to-eye at this level. However, he discovered that they were now looking down on him. They were growing up faster than he realised. ''I'm sorry.''
Ikki and Meelo were taken aback for a moment.
''You're right. You have just as much right to protect Jinora as I do. I'm just…I'm scared. I don't know what's happening to her right now, and it's that lack of knowing which terrifies me the most.''
Ikki offered a reassuring grin. ''Jinora's really smart. If she's ever in trouble, she can always figure her way out. Don't tell her I said that.''
''I'm going to tell her,'' Meelo said.
She ignored her brother and stepped closer to her father, grabbing his arm softly. ''We're a family. The responsibility falls on all of us. You don't have to put all that pressure on your shoulder.''
''Yeah,'' Meelo cut in, pumping his fist in the air. ''Because we're all with you to help lift that pressure. Airbender style!''
''Not how I was going to phrase it, but the same basic principal,'' Ikki said.
It was an overwhelming feeling in the midst of such dire and unsure times. He couldn't stop the smile on his face from growing as he looked at his children, beaming proudly. He placed his hand over Ikki's. After a soft exhale, he nodded. ''Very well. You can come along. Get your things packed! We'll be making this at least a day's work, so make sure you have all the provisional you need.''
He could see that the young Airbender wanted to leap for joy, but they instead chose to keep their feelings inwards and opted to respectfully bow to their father and teacher before heading back to their respective rooms.
Tenzin stood tall and watched his children head off down the corridor, the smile never leaving his face. A voice from behind caught him off guard. ''I was wondering how long it would take,'' Pema said.
He arched an eyebrow at her. ''For me to give in and allow them to come along?''
''To notice they're growing up faster than you realise.''
Tenzin's gaze shifted to the floor. ''I know.''
His heart felt heavy as memories flickered before his eyes, seeing each of his children grow up in a flash. To him, it felt too close to reality at this point. A warm, gentle hand cupped his cheek and forced him to turn and stare his wife in the eyes. ''They want to protect their family just as much as you do.''
However, after a moment, her brave look began to falter. Tenzin wasn't the only one reliving memories of their growing family. An image of Jinora came to her, and this threatened to open the floodgates. Her bottom lip wobbled. ''We have to find her.'' She whimpered.
''We will. I promise.''
''I know that this all can't be a coincidence,'' Korra stated as she paced back and forth in the room. ''My nightmare…Shǔ…Jinora's secret mission! They're all connected in some way and I can't figure out what.''
At the other end of their room, Asami was busy frantically packing up all the essential supplies they would need for their trip.
An open bag lay sprawled on the bed with maps folded into pockets. Warm clothes were left dangling on the corner ready to be stuffed in. They weren't sure where exactly they were going to be going yet, although Korra had a few places in mind that she theorised Jinora could potentially visit. Even if they couldn't find her, they need some indication of where she might have been and may clue the group in on what she was planning.
Worried that Korra might end up pacing herself through the floor, Asami stopped packing and rushed over to grab her girlfriend by the shoulders gently. ''Korra, you can't worry about that now. Once we're looking for Jinora, we'll figure something out. For now, we just have to make sure we have everything we need packed and ready. We don't want to get halfway around the world only to realise we're down to our last water bottle.''
Korra tried to relax. However, this was a task too difficult for her to accomplish right now. Her mind was spinning with terrible scenarios scratching at the surface and making her body tense. She had stopped pacing, but couldn't stop trembling, even when Asami wrapped her arms around her and rested her head on her shoulder.
The soothing sounds of Asami's breathing finally helped her to calm down. It was the first moment in what felt like a long time where Korra felt draped in the consoling quietness.
''What if…'' Korra hesitated. ''What if Jinora doesn't need my help.''
''Korra…''
''No, I mean it. What if me getting involved will put her in more danger? She told me I shouldn't go into the Spirit World. Maybe she thinks I could do some to jeopardise whatever she's planning?''
''I don't believe that,'' Asami said firmly.
Korra turned sharply to face her. ''Then how else would you explain her keeping me in the dark?''
''For your protection is one possibility! Just as we believe Shǔ is going after her, maybe Jinora was thinking of not getting you involved because she thought that might endanger you and make you a target.''
It was a logical enough reason. Korra's eyes looked away from Asami's, becoming lost in her own thoughts and wondering if that was something Jinora would do. ''I just…I feel…I feel so useless right now. I'm afraid that no matter what action I take it could put her in even more danger.''
''If Shǔ is going after her then I don't know how she could be in any more danger than she already is.''
Another moment of silence between them set in. Korra then suddenly felt a surge of pain sting around her midriff. Her hand pressed against her waist, pushing onto the bandage that covered her cut from her scuffle with Shǔ. Noticing the pain written all over her face, Asami guided Korra over to the bed and the two sat on the edge, quiet and unmoving.
Finally, Korra mumbled. ''We're going up against an enemy we can't figure out and don't know the limits of what he's capable of. The only way we have a chance of beating him is finding answers. I don't know how we can find those answers without Jinora.''
''We'll find a way. We always have.''
Korra nodded slowly, happy to hear some encouraging words. Still, a feeling of shame and guilt crawled its way inside her, making her want to shrivel away and hide. But she couldn't afford to do that now, not when people needed her the most. She tilted her head to plant a tender kiss on Asami's forehead. ''I'm sorry that this birthday didn't turn out how we planned.''
Asami didn't reply right away. Instead, she glanced upwards to cup Korra's cheek. ''They'll be another one next year,'' She then forced a cheery smile. ''And I promise, that one will be just a quiet gathering with loved ones, unlike the circus last night.''
''The sad part is that I can't if you were referring to the Waterbender attack or Raiko's publicity hogging,'' Korra mumbled sarcastically, earning a sincere giggle from Asami.
Korra wished that this peaceful moment could last for a little longer. Unfortunately, they knew that they couldn't afford to waste any more time. They needed to hurry and get their last few things packed before meeting with Tenzin and Bumi very soon.
Despite how heavy her heartfelt and how close she felt to being engulfed by everything, she eased those feelings to the side to be dealt with later. The fire inside her flickered, burning brighter and brighter until it shone within her very eyes.
''Do we really need all of this, Bolin?'' Opal asked as the two of them hurried to the dock where they would be meeting with the others.
The Airbender didn't feel the needed to fill her back with everything, only the essentials. A habit she had picked up when studying the ways of Airbending. Learning those small rudiments can make the biggest difference in the long run. Her overeager boyfriend, who was stumbling behind her, not so much…
''I wanted to make sure that we were well-stocked on everything, and I mean everything,'' He gasped, pouring with sweat and on his very last breath as he jogged beside Opal with a large rucksack strapped to his back, almost overflowing between the loose straps and holes. ''You'll be thanking me later. Trust me, going to the bathroom in the wild, natural-style, ain't all it's cracked up to be.'' He wheezed.
''Okay,'' Opal said amusedly. ''Just don't pass out carrying those supplies before we even set off.''
''I can't make any promises,'' He replied with a cough and slowed down for a moment.
Opal got herself ready just in case he really did pass out. But he managed to pull himself together and sprinted forward. Just as she wondered whether they'd be able to fly with Bolin's rucksack, even with the size of a fully-grown air bison, a ball of red fur poked his head out from one of the holes in the rucksack before running down and nestling himself onto Bolin's shoulder.
''Pabu, that's where you were,'' Bolin said, nudging his head against his animal companion. ''See, that's why the bag was so heavy. I feel much better already…'' He said to Opal conceitedly and then started to lose his balance from moving his head too far to one side. Before he could fully lose his footing, a stray gust of wind helped him back up. ''Thank you.''
''You're welcome.'' Opal grinned.
Luckily for Bolin, the dock wasn't much further, and they could see that everyone was already there waiting for them. Korra and Asami were standing by waiting, whilst Tenzin, Bumi, Ikki and Meelo were all seated on top of the yawing Oogi, clearly frustrated at being awake this early in the morning.
Opal was the first to reach them, immediately noticing the two younger members of their team. ''You guys are coming too?''
Meelo offered her a thumbs-up gesture. ''Of course! If anyone messes with my sister, then I'm here to show them a world of pain.''
His uncle wrapped an arm around his shoulder, enthusiastically pulling him closer. ''That's the spirit! With my tracking skills and your youth, we'll be the dream team to end all dream teams.''
As the two of them revelled, Tenzin and Ikki shot each other a quick glance, already contemplating if bringing the pair together was the wisest decision.
Korra turned to Opal and Bolin. ''Are we ready to go?''
''Yep,'' Bolin huffed and puffed as he finally set his huge rucksack down onto the ground, almost accidentally throwing Pabu off his shoulder from the momentum. ''More than ready.''
''Way more than ready judging by the size of the house you're carrying,'' Korra stated, trying to suppress the urge to laugh.
The armpits of Bolin's shirt were drenched with sweat, and his trousers were unbuckled and embarrassingly close to falling down below his knees. ''This…is…my…'' He breathed heavily. ''Ultimate survival kit! It will save my life, I guarantee you.''
''Not if it crushes you first.'' Asami quipped.
Opal rolled her eyes and smirked. ''There's no point in arguing, I've already tried.''
''What's there to argue? I am fully prepared for this trip! There is nothing that I will not be ready for from this point onwards.''
In the distance, a voice called out. ''Bolin!''
Everyone turned to see a United Forces captain rushing over in their direction. As he got closer, Bolin felt the need to rest against his rucksack, needing a moment to catch his breath and hope that his blurred vision would pass. By the time that it did, the captain had reached them, saluting the group before facing the Earthbender with a serious expression. ''We need you to report back to the ship. We're going to be heading out.''
Bolin's eyes bulged out from their sockets, and he shot up to his feet. ''What? Why?''
''General Iroh wants our unit to report back to the ship. We'll be returning to our station in the Fire Nation, and from where Firelord Izumi will be giving us new instructions to combat this terrorist threat.''
''But…but…I…we…the Air Bison…'' He panted, stretching out his shaky arms and constantly shifting his body back and forth between the captain and his friends waiting for him. ''I promised I would go with them.''
''I'm sorry. These orders are not only from the general but also from the Firelord herself. We're being called back. Report to the ship within the hour; no delays!'' He spoke firmly before turning heel and marching away.
Bolin's body slumped forward so far, his hands dropped to the ground. It wasn't just from the exhaustion of carrying his admittedly heavy rucksack, but also the feeling of disgrace he felt within himself at leaving his friends. Thinking of his friends, he turned around to see the glum looks on each of their faces, in particular, Opal, who suddenly found the ground much for interesting to look at.
''Guys…I…'' Bolin stammered, unsure of how he could excuse himself. No, he knew that he couldn't.
Korra stepped forward and offered a kind smile. ''Don't worry. They need you.''
''But you need me.'' He responded sadly.
Her face twitched, almost exposing her dejection at the whole situation. ''We won't be gone long. Besides, think of it this way, you'll be helping us to cover more ground with the United Forces. If you guys find Jinora and Kai first, then you can let us know.''
''I guess,'' Bolin said, understanding both what she was suggesting and that she was just trying to make him feel better. But there was something that she couldn't make him feel better with, and she knew what it was when he turned to look at Opal. ''I am so sorry. I honestly didn't know we would get called back…''
''Don't think that I'm angry, I'm not…'' She said dolefully. ''I understand that you're needed elsewhere. I'll see you when we get back, okay?''
He couldn't look her in the eyes, but he managed a nod. ''Okay.'' Feeling more tired now than he did when carrying his rucksack he turned away so that he could follow the captain back to the ship. However, he stopped and grunted loudly with frustration when he realised that he had forgotten something. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed his rucksack and dragged it onto his back before staggering away.
Before heading back to the others, Korra turned to Opal and saw the Airbender fold her arms over her chest. Opal sighed quietly. ''It never gets any easier. Saying goodbye.''
''No, it doesn't,'' Korra said. Wanting to help her friend before they head out, she placed a comforting hand on Opal's shoulder. ''But, I like to think it makes the hellos feel much better.''
''That doesn't work for me,'' She replied quickly and harsher than what she had meant. She knew that Korra was just trying to help. She felt the Avatar's hand on her shoulder flinch at her response. Feeling bad, she grabbed Korra's hand and squeezed gently. ''Thank you for saying that, though.''
A small grin grew on Korra's face.
Even though they weren't going to be heading out with everyone like they had planned, they couldn't afford to waste any more time. Shǔ had already made enough ground to potentially be anywhere on the planet at this very moment. Korra knew that if they wanted to have a shot at finding Jinora first, they would need to go now.
She turned to the group, a look of determination infectiously rubbing off on the others. ''Let's go.''
To Be Continued…
If you'd like, you can follow my original stories on Wattpad. My penname is Thomas-LF. Thank you for your time, if you do read them, I hope you enjoy them.