The Legend of Korra: Skarloey Kail

Chapter 5

Once the sages had given Korra a Sky Bison to use, she and Skarloey set off, headed for home, or so Skarloey had thought. "Korra?" he spoke up after a few minutes. "Any reason you are going the wrong way?"

"You and I have something we need to take care of. Harmonic convergence is only a few weeks away, the sages just told me. which means you and I have to get this done fast, or else you won't be able to bond with your spirit partner in time."

"And how does that work exactly?"

"I'm not entirely sure, I'll need to make contact with my past lives to figure this all out."

"If that's the case, head for Ember island, we can get you someplace secluded to meditate."

"Already headed there, actually that is exactly where we need to be." She turns around to look at him, lying down on the bison's back, staring into the clouds. His words from the night before echoed in her head. 'You are my purpose in life,' she hears his declaration ring out in her mind and shakes her head before turning back forward. She then begins to think to herself, 'Did he mean that…He plans to stay with me…forever? does he really feel that way about me?'

By nightfall the pair had reached Ember island and landed in an area where all the vacation houses were abandoned and destroyed, seeking a place to be alone. They searched what was left of the homes but found nothing useful at all. Skarloey soon left to get firewood as Korra used her water bending to catch some fish from the ocean.

Once finished eating they let the fire continue to burn and sit in the sand, watching the stars. "Hey…Skar," Korra says quietly, breaking the silence.

"Yeah?" He asks in return.

"Is it me you want to protect? Or the Avatar?"

"Why can't it be both?"

"You said you didn't feel that way about me. The other day you said you didn't know me well enough?"

"I still don't know you very well but, Korra I'm not going to pretend to know what I'm doing or getting myself into, but I know that it is what I need to do.."

Korra scoots over in the sand until they are close together. "Mako made me realize I'm pretty abrasive and too forceful."

"Not surprising…Mix a fire bender with an Avatar that prefers fire bending and get a hot passionate mess."

"Ya…I guess you do."

"I don't claim to be a calm and collected guy but-"

"No stop, you really are, you are always so calm unless someone threatens a friend of yours. Just promise me something okay?"

"What is it?"

"If I step out of line…put me back in it, yell at me, don't back down until I listen to you. That was one of the things I never liked about Mako…he wouldn't stand up to me when I treated him unfairly."

"Hah, you got it Korra."

Soon enough the pair found themselves drifting asleep in the sand as they starred up at the stars.

The next morning Korra wakes to find them still lying there in the rough sand of the beach. She wiped some of the sand off of herself and looked out over the ocean, the sun only just rising. "Well…everything's quiet…now is as good a time as any." She crosses her legs and rests her hands on her knees, closes her eyes and begins to breathe deep and long breaths. Her eyes slowly open again, glowing white, in the Avatar state and looking straight ahead of her at the sunrise. In her mind she finds herself floating in a void before Aang appears before her.

"You are getting much better at meditating Korra, eventually you won't even need to go into the Avatar state to contact us."

"Thank you…Aang."

"I know what troubles you Korra, we all do, Skarloey's request."

"Yes…I want to help him, I really think it is a good idea, his heart is in the right place and-" but she stops when she sees Aang hold up his hand, taking it as a sign to stop and she sees him smile.

"I agree with you."

"Really?" She asks, very surprised by his answer. "So you'll help me then?"

"In every way that I can, ask away."

"How did you find the Lion Turtle on Ember Island?"

"I didn't, I was asleep one night and when the Lion Turtle came close by to the island I began to sleepwalk, and awoke the next morning on it's back. I was attracted by its presence, and so shall you be when it arrives."

"Did the Turtle tell you what element it once gave out to the ancients?"

"No, this Lion Turtle taught me to bend the energy inside people."

Almost as soon as Aang finishes talking they both notice Wan appears beside Aang. "Wan?" Aang gasps in surprise.

"Korra, that Lion Turtle is definitely the one who gave me the element of fire, however, they all said they would never give humanity the power of the elements again," Wan says as he stands beside Aang.

"They have already gone back on their word once for the Avatar, by teaching Aang to energy bend," Korra says trying to figure this out.

"In a way I suppose, Energy is not one of the elements, but for the Avatar I'm sure they would make one exception," Wan says scratching his head in thought.

"Okay then," Korra starts again, "on to item number two, I need a Spirit Partner for Skarloey to merge with."

"He wishes to learn fire bending yes?" Aang asks as he scratches his chin.

"You would need a very powerful fire spirit to handle such a task, only a dragon, or perhaps a phoenix-bird could be capable of such a partnership. I don't think I have ever come across a dragon who wasn't too proud to be partners with a human…except for-" Aang is suddenly cut off by the appearance of Avatar Roku on his other side.

"My animal guide…Fang," he says slowly, thinking the situation over.

"Do you think Fang would do it?" Aang asks his older counterpart.

"To protect the Avatar? Fang would do anything."

"So we can really do this thing?" Korra says excitedly.

"There is no guarantee that Skarloey would Survive this ordeal, and it is up to Fang to decide, it's not my place to answer for him. Skarloey seems to be quite the trustworthy and selfless young man though…it is possible he will succeed."

"Ya trust me I noticed…" Korra mumbles out, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "How can I find Fang?"

"I will ask him, I was the one who sent Fang to find Aang when he needed my help, I have retained a spiritual bond with him, it will only take a minute or two to explain the plan to him, excuse me." Roku then dissipates and Wan follows suit, Korra and Aang wait patiently for Roku to return.

"Do all of the Avatars retain a spiritual connection with their guides?" Korra asks a bit shyly.

"Yes, we all do, I have retained a connection with my guide Appa, even Wan and Mula remain connected."

After hearing this Korra smiles brightly knowing she will be with Naga forever, and Roku shows up to give his verdict.

"Fang has happily agreed to your proposal, he is heading out of the spirit world as we speak to find you on Ember Island."

"Will he be able to merge with Skarloey if he is just in spirit form like when Fang found me?" Aang asks.

"He won't have to Since the southern portal has been reopened Fang will be able to return to the physical world as a flesh and blood dragon. Hopefully, too many people don't spot him on his way to you. Most people believe there aren't any dragons left in the physical world and we need to keep it that way."

"So, assuming all goes well, would Skarloey and all of his decedents become like us? Able to contact each other? Able to remain connected to their animal guides? I'm not sure he could spend eternity without his guide…" Korra says quietly thinking of how much love Izera and Skarloey had for each other.

"There is no way to be certain, again, this has only ever been achieved once before, but it is the best possible outcome yes. All you need to do now is wait for the lion Turtle, it frequents on Ember Island, and will more than likely find you there within the next day," Aang answers her.

"Thank you all, for everything, I'll go wait for Fang with Skarloey," Korra says before pressing her right fist to her left palm and bowing shortly. She leaves the Avatar state and immediately sees Skarloey sitting right across from her in the sand, watching her meditate. She smiles and leans forward, pulling him into a hug. "Mission accomplished," she laughs out.

"Really? That seemed pretty easy?"

"Turns out we had just the dragon for the job lying around. He should be here by the end of the day he's flying here from the southern spirit portal. Now, all we gotta do is wait for the Lion Turtle to show up."

"When will that be?"

"Probably within the next day."

"Thank you Korra," he smiles out and hugs back before letting her go.

"I should be thanking you… you are risking your life to protect me."

The two wait nearly all day, and as the sun is setting they hear a mighty roar coming from the sky. They look up to find a red and white dragon descending from the clouds toward them. They stand up to meet the dragon, but as it gets close to the ground it coils around Skarloey, separating him from Korra. Fang stairs down into Skarloey's eyes, as if judging him, and Skarloey looks straight back, trying not to show any fear. Korra looked on, hoping Fang wouldn't hurt Skarloey or the other way around. Neither of them had ever seen a live dragon before and were too shocked to call out for each other.

Suddenly one of Fang's whiskers extends toward him and connects with Skarloey's forehead. Skarloey feels as though his body is electric, as pictures begin to flash in his mind. First came a picture of Roku riding on Fang's back, second came a picture of Raava fighting Vaatu. Next came a vision of Raava holding the element of air for Wan, and then Raava passing through him and switching elements with him. Next came images of Raava and Wan combining their bodies and entering the Avatar state and touching the southern portal during Harmonic Convergence. Then Fang took his whisker back and Skarloey staggered a bit holding his head in his hands, Fang backed away and let Korra rush to Skarloey's side.

"Ooooohhkayyy…that's gonna take some getting used to," he says rubbing his head. He feels Korra place her hand on his shoulder.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine, he can talk to me by sending pictures into my head."

"What'd you see?"

"He showed me how we need to change elements, and also what we need to do to permanently combine as Wan and Raava did. We gotta get this done as soon as possible so I can combine with him on Harmonic Convergence, so I can help you defeat the north and so I can help you if Vaatu gets out of control. You may need to remain neutral in the conflict but

I don't," he smiles out to her.

"You would do that? For me?"

"Korra, you are the Avatar, you are the bridge between worlds, no matter what happens you must remain neutral unless the safety of the world is at stake. You have to do all the goodie goodie crap, but I don't. No one knows about me, I'm a new face, a blank slate. I'm a street rat, and the only thing the world knows about me is my last name. I can become whatever I want, I can do the dirty work that you can't"

"Sounds great if you ask me, so now we wait for the Turtle?"

"I guess so."

Later on, that night they are back around the campfire and Skarloey is getting to know his new partner. "So Fang, do you get along with other animals?"

The dragon looks back at him, curious as to what he means.

"I hate to tell you but I have an animal guide already, she's a Tiger-wolf. Once you and I merge it will be for, hopefully, eternity. You ready for a commitment like that?" Skarloey sees the dragon nod it's head once in agreement, "good to know," he says thankfully knowing Izera will be safe around him.

Once everyone had fallen asleep that night Korra suddenly woke in a flash, her eyes glowing white. Her eyes return to normal as she looks over the ocean to see something massive headed their way. "What is that?" She says softly, squinting and rubbing her eyes out. "Is that…the Lion Turtle?" She says shocked at how truly massive the creature is. She shakes Skarloey awake and points out the Turtle to him and they both notice Fang begin to stir. He lies down flat on the ground and looks to them before nodding his head toward his back. They hop on his back carefully and he flies them a little ways away to a large cliff and motion for them to get off. They do as instructed and turn their attention back to the Lion Turtle, which has gotten significantly closer, headed right toward them. When the Turtle reaches the shore it is completely uncovered from the water and walks up to the cliff, the young humans face to face with the ancient creature.

"Great Lion Turtle," Korra begins, "I seek your help with a request."

"The Lion Turtles no longer interfere with human affairs," the massive creature replies slowly.

"Please make one last exception, seventy years ago you granted Avatar Aang the knowledge of energy bending, and it was you who granted Wan, the first Avatar, the power of fire."

It looks them over slowly, thinking to itself, "What is the request?"

"To grant my friend the power of fire, in order to create a second being able to control more than one element."

"You wish to seek out all the Lion Turtles to create a second Avatar?"

"No, this being will only be able to control two of the elements, rather than all four. He will be an aid to the Avatar, to lighten the responsibilities. The world has grown too crowded for one person to handle the responsibilities of the Avatar alone."

"Wan was not the only person to ever attempt this, there is no guarantee you will survive the process."

"I am well aware of that fact," Skarloey speaks up, Fang growling in agreement with him.

"Your spirit partner is a wise choice and your intentions are righteous, I will grant you the power of fire, however, your partner will have to hold it for you until you have mastered it.

"Thank you," Skarloey says before bowing to the great creature, Fang coming to rest beside him.

Once Fang has received the element for Skarloey, the Turtle turns back toward the ocean and walks back into the water, leaving Ember island. Once out of sight, Korra and Skarloey climb back onto Fang and he flies them back down to the beach. They climb off and Korra takes a few steps away from them Skarloey stepping out in front of Fang.

"Alright Fang, go time, hit me…I have already mastered Earth bending, there is nothing to learn that I don't already know. I need to concentrate solely on fire until harmonic Convergence has arrived." Fang nods in agreement and takes off, flying around a bit and getting a good run up on Skarloey. He then flies full speed right at Skarloey and when they connect, he goes straight through him as a red aura shines off of Skarloey's body. He feels an extreme weakness and by the time Fang has passed through him all the way he staggers and nearly falls to the ground, but Korra rushes to his side and holds him up. Skarloey breathes heavily and feels a bit faint for a minute or so before looking up at Fang.

"Are you alright Skar? Maybe this wasn't such a goo…"

"I'm fine Korra…don't worry." he then turns back to Fang. "You got my element?"

The dragon nods to him and Skarloey holds himself up on Korra for a moment before standing up straight on his own and returning his breathing to normal. "I'll be fine, I never realized how weak I felt before I had a mastered element. Most of my life I have been earth bending and metal bending, to have such a strength removed from me was just a little shocking."

"So then, it worked?"

"Only one way to find out," he says as he stands tall and stomps the ground, expecting to be able to see all around him, feeling for vibrations, but gets nothing out of it. "Yep, I got nothing."

"So, you wanna give some fire a shot?"

"Let's do it, instruct away."

"Okay," she takes a few steps back from him. "In my experience, my fire bending is fueled by my rage, but I have come to learn that true fire bending comes from one's passion, their love."

"Aang teach ya that?"

"Yeah actually, deep breathes fuel the fire, the more breath the more fire, but make sure to keep it under control. In fact, practice toward the ocean so you don't set anything on fire," she laughs out quietly.

Skarloey takes a ready stance and Korra steps in to correct him. "You are too solid, fire is more fluid then earth, loosen up a little."

He does as instructed and closes his eyes, loosening up a little, palm up in front of him. "Okay," Korra approves, "Now I'm going to pass you a flame, all you need to do is keep it going and contain it."

"Got it," he says calmly.

She produces a small flame and gently places it above his palm, the flame lighting up his face. "It's so…beautiful…it's like-"

"A little heartbeat," she finishes his sentence, getting a short flash of the first time Aang held fire. She feels her face heat up and she watches as he controls the flame, fascinated by it. He then took a more ready stance and punched toward the ocean, flames erupting from his palm, before dying back down to the small flame it started as.

"Wow," she says watching him closely. "You're a natural!" She stands beside him and watches his little flame dance in his palm. He looks down to her, watching the reflection of his flame in her big blue eyes.

"All about the breath right?" He asked rhetorically. "Just gotta exhale when you strike and the fire will grow and shoot forward. Simple enough."

"Hah, don't go upstaging me so easily Skar. It takes years to master bending an element, even if you've already mastered another.

She said that but wasn't entirely sure if she had meant it or if she was trying to heal some wounded pride. Fire bending had come just as easily as Water bending for her. Possibly even easier. Earth had been more of a struggle but not by much. She was still a bit ashamed of how long it had taken her to grasp even the basics of air bending. She still wasn't even very good at it yet.

"Well, some elements are more closely linked than others ya?" He asked, cutting through the silence.

"Yes. In theory, the hardest one for you to master would have been Air bending since its the opposite of Earth bending. Besides between me and Fang, teaching you fire bending should be pretty easy. You've got the Avatar and a literal fire breathing Dragon to show you the ropes," She laughed as Skarloey smiled up to where Fang's head lingered above them.

"Oh you think so huh?" she chuckled out. He couldn't really tell but he swore he saw Fang's lips curl as if confirming the statement. "Well, I'm not tired yet so, teach away."

End of chapter 5