A Legend of Korra Snapfic

Lessons

Part 4

By

Joshua Trujillo

You know, a certain Avatar said to Korra. It's really not all bad having two lovers.

Korra looked back at herself seated form. Her meditations frequently meant popping out of her body and she wasn't really sure how she felt about it. The much taller Avatar giggled quite girlishly, which, for someone nearly a foot taller than Korra, came as something of a shock. Korra turned back to Kyoshi and the taller woman covered her face coyly with her fan.

"Did you have these kinds of problems?"

Yes, Kyoshi smiled gently. Not in this way, but problems. You see, my…proclivities…ran toward women. Since I was the Avatar, no one really mentioned this, but I knew there were people who hated me for it.

Korra turned and huffed in frustration as the sun bloomed. She could feel the heat of the sun on her face, even though her mind was here and her body was there. Kinda weird, but neat too.

Korra, is that why you wanted to talk to me? I didn't stay with one person because I never found a person that would accept that, as the Avatar, I would have duties that might take me away from them. I loved all of them, though. In my own way. Times were different then, too. The Avatars were treated as emissaries and were famous, then we had what happened to Roku.

"And Aang's absence in the chain did…what?" Korra began. "Make people not see the Avatar as something wanted?"

Needed, Kyoshi continued. A whole generation grew up having to depend on their own bending and their own laws and justice. The world grew independent. And, because of the Fire Nation, they had no hope. That's the greatest service the Avatar can give. Hope.

Korra opened her eyes as she heard someone land near the bushes behind her. She closed her eyes again and sniffed as the person sat gently next to her.

"Something still bothers you, Korra."

"Yes," she said. "I was talking with Avatar Kyoshi. She had similar problems in her time, but no real answers."

Tenzin studied his young charge. He could see the progress that she'd made in such a short time under his eldest child. Secretly, he couldn't be more proud of both of them and it proved to him that, at least in the near future, Jinora would be best to take over the temple. Of course, Tenzin had his own concerns about the future, but he decided that Korra might not be the person to talk to. Of course, he couldn't think of anyone that might be someone to talk to!

"We each have burdens on our souls, Korra," Tenzin joined his charge in meditating on the sun and closed his eyes. "I believe my father knew that his time was short and he tried to spend as much time with us children as he could. Mother sometimes chided him for being lax in his other duties, but she really understood."

"Did Aang ever…" Korra wondered how to broach the subject. "Did he ever have someone other than Katara that he loved?"

Tenzin cleared his throat.

"Not that I know of, Korra," Tenzin said cautiously.

"I know you had that problem."

"We'll not go into whatever Pema might have told you," Tenzin sniffed. "After all, neither of you are in possession of all the facts in the matter."

Korra chuckled, but settled into silence again. After a moment, curiosity got the better of Tenzin.

"Is…" he began softly. "Is that a problem you have?"

Korra blew out a heavy sigh as she slouched forward.

"Oh, Korra," Tenzin began. "I'm sorry. I know how that stretches you back and forth. No wonder you have problems with your bending. Who is the other boy? That earthbender Bolin? Someone I haven't met yet?"

"Tenzin…" Korra snorted. "No. Bolin has his own-"

Korra stopped as she realized to whom she was talking and why he might have issues finding out about Bolin's entanglements. She choked back what she almost said and just shrugged.

"Bolin has a girlfriend," she finished. "As for the other person, no, you've met her."

She let that hang in the air.

"Well, who is it?" Tenzin went on. "It's not like I have-"

Korra snuck a look as the pause grew. Tenzin had grown a cute shade of pink in the morning sunlight, the mustache curling slightly at the edges as his eyes grew large.

"It's Asami Sato," Korra said softly.

Something in Tenzin went plink. He blinked a couple times and sat up straighter. He coughed and smoothed the front of his tunic.

"I can see where that would cause issue with your spirit, Korra."

Korra couldn't help herself and broke down laughing. Tenzin also couldn't help but let out a chuckle of his own. His uncle had always been a great proponent of humor, after all.

"I understand why you were talking to Kyoshi," Tenzin said as he got up. "I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance, Korra, but I really didn't have two loves. Lin and I…well…let's just say that Pema didn't have that much trouble."

Tenzin chuckled at himself, shook his head and turned back to the temple.

"If you really want my opinion," he said quietly. "Don't think about it. Just let whatever happens, happen. That's not to say you can't plan, but like Meelo is fond of saying, be the leaf in the wind."