.

.

.

.

Tenzin and Unalaq were standing together within the palace throne room, where Eska and Desna also waited patiently with him. Yuki offered the chief a cold beverage but he was to anxious to drink, as was Tenzin.

"How could she disappear like that?" Unalaq asked them, his hands behind his back while pacing back and forth. "It's been hours. Where could she have run off too?"

"We should double the search parties." Tenzin suggested, "Get all the troops at our disposal to look for her."

"That won't be necessary." a voice called out to them both and the large doors opened up, allowing Korra and Mako to walk inside. Tenzin quickly arched for his daughter, holding her in a tight embrace.

"Korra! Where have you been? We've been looking everywhere for you and I-" he stopped and looked down upon the firebender, pointing a finger at him. "You!"

"Me?!" Mako was startled by the accusation he did something wrong.

"Where did you run off to with my daughter?!"

Korra quickly came in between the two, slightly shoving her father away from her friend. "Dad, it's not his fault! It was all my idea, I took him to see grandpa's iceberg."

Tenzin was shocked by this, "You did what?! I told you never to go there alone!"

"I wasn't alone! And besides, that's not what I came here to tell you. We saw another dark spirit."

At the mention of this, Unalaq hurried to her side. "Are you certain?"

"Positive. We made it out okay but that thing was relentless. It's clear that something needs to be done about this."

Somehow, Tenzin did not like the sound of that at all. "Korra, what are you saying?"

The Avatar was silent for a moment, looking back and forth between her father and uncle before stating her decision. "I want to train with Unalaq and learn about the spirits. I want to do what I can to help them and the south."

Tenzin was clearly against this. "No, that's not a good idea."

"I think it's wise." said Unalaq to his niece, "Most spiritual knowledge is lost in the south. I can teach you all you need to know to save the spirits and our people."

Tenzin intervened again, "Chief Unalaq, clearly you are very knowledgable but Korra still has much to learn about airbending, and I hope going to the air temples will help her connect with the past Avatars."

Korra hopelessly groaned at this. Once again, her father was trying to make decisions for her.

"The Air Temples will teach her nothing!" Unalaq stated at the air nomad, "I understand you only want what's best for Korra, so do I. You have taught her very well but I can help her become a full Avatar if she lets me."

"I told you that will not happen!" Tenzin pointed a finger at the man, causing Korra to intervene again.

"Hey, I'm right here! Anyone want to ask me what I think?"

Tenzin tried to reason with his eldest daughter. "Korra, please listen."

"No dad, I'm tired of you keeping me locked up, thinking you know what's best for me but you were powerless against the spirit's attack and so was I! You won't even teach me about the spirits, why is that?"

"Because…because…well…"

"You can't even answer me that?"

"This is absorb! I made my decision and-"

"With who I train should be my decision, dad! Not yours!"

"Now, Korra-"

"Unalaq is the only one who has proven he knows what I need to learn. I have to go with him."

"Please, I know you're upset but we've come so far together."

"I know, but I need to go farther than that. I need someone who can show me more and, as much as I hate to say it…dad…you just can't." at the last two words, Korra turned her gaze away from her father. She didn't want to say this but it was true. So far she felt incomplete with her training. Her uncle could help her, and sadly, her father could not. He wouldn't even give her a reason as to why.

Realizing he had no other choice in the matter, Tenzin complied. Much to his dismay. "If you feel it's best to train with your uncle then…I should respect your decision." with a heavy heart he made his way towards the exit, but not before turning his head to remind her, "Dinner will be ready at eight." he said before leaving.

Korra felt awful. She didn't want to hurt her father's feelings but he was being unreasonable. She needed to do something about all of this, she couldn't let other people suffer because her father was too scared. Unalaq placed his hand over her shoulder.

"I know this was a hard decision, Korra." he said compassionately, "But now it's time to start your training. I have big plans for you."

(~)

Underneath a secret location, a mysterious cloaked figure tinkered with certain jars and concoctions. Her hands traced over a specific jar on a shelf, smiling wickedly at the wiggly black creature within it. She knew it was smart of her master to capture one of these little monsters. And to think, some naive folks wanted to 'save' them from being consumed with darkness. She laughed at the idea. There was only one thing these creatures were good for, and she was going to take advantage of the situation.

She placed the jar on a table and using a pair of tweezers she stuck it into the creature, removing a bit of its dark ooze. Once that deed was done, she took something from a basket nearby. It was a bright shinny apple she had brought with her on the trip. The South always had food imported from various regions of the world. And this bright red fruit would serve her greatly in the near future.

(~)

The next morning, the dragon birds were sound asleep in their own little blanket. Pinkie Pie was snoring, while her little talon was shaking like that of a puppy dog. However, they were all rudely awaken when Korra literally leaped out of bed, her white hair a complete mess, and was practically speeding around the room like a chicken loosing its head. She had overslept and needed to get ready for her new training.

"Okay, first day of new training, come on girls, move, move, move!"

The little creatures groaned in annoyance at this. "What's the idea waking us up so early in the morning?" Rainbow asked, "The morning is evil."

"Sorry R.D but this is a very big deal." she rummaged through the drawers, "Where's my hairbrush?" she saw Fluttershy hand it over to her. "Oh, thanks." she started brushing her messy hair until she remembered something else.

"My parka!" Rarity flew on over with it on a hanger, much to Korra's relief, "Thank you. Wait, where are my-" she saw Applejack shove over what she needed and Korra sighed, "-boots. Thanks, A.J."

Rainbow and Sunset Shimmer carried for Korra her shirt while Twilight and Pinkie Pie handed her her pants. Korra managed to get dress in time and was about to place on her parka when her mother walked into the room.

"Morning, sweetheart."

"Mom! Ever heard of knocking?!"

"Well, sorry." Pema rolled her eyes. She was the one who changed Korra's dippers as a baby, and gave her baths after all. But, being a teenager, of course she would want her privacy. She complied by closing the door and then knocking again.

"Morning, sweetheart. Better?"

Korra managed to rearrange her two hair tries and her parka. "Yeah. Well, gotta run."

"What's the rush?"

"I'm late to meet Unalaq."

"Well, you should eat something before leaving." Pema said, only to be surprised when Korra dashed out the door, her dragon birds behind her with Rarity shouting.

"Darling, wait! We're not done with you just yet!"

Korra rushed to the dinning room of the hut where she and her family were staying. Kya was making breakfast but Korra only managed to stash several apples, pears and a few morning muffins into her satchel bag. She left out the papayas since she hatted those.

"Whoa! Slow down there ya road runner!" said her uncle Bumi.

"I can't, I'm late." she gave him a kiss on the cheek, followed by her aunt, siblings, and mother, each one saying. "Love you. Love you. Love you, and you and you. Love you." she finally reached her father who, while not really mad, but their relationship was now a tad strained at the moment. She wanted to kiss him and say she loved him but she feared it was a tad too soon. She simply smiled and waved goodbye.

"Bye, dad."

And just like that, she was gone. Tenzin tried his best to hide his disappointment, but the air inside the hut was now chilling cold.

(~)

Korra ran all the way to the palace and Rarity finally added the finishing touch on Korra, placing a lovely hair clip behind her long white locks. "Thanks!" she said before heading to see her uncle. She was very excited to be learning spiritbending.

She panted a bit before stoping in front of the palace entrance, where her uncle was already mounting his arctic camel.

"You're late." he said.

"I know, I'm sorry. I was up late last night because I could hardly get to sleep. I'm pumped up to learn that spirit fighting thing you do."

Unalaq chuckled at his niece's enthusiasm. "I'm not here to teach you to fight spirits, I'm here to help you begin your spiritual training. We're going to one of the most remote places in the world. The long neglected spiritual center of our tribe. The Frozen wilderness."

"You're going to train me in the wilderness?"

"We will do more than just train." he said, "By neglecting the spirits the people of the south have brought darkness upon themselves. And now it threatens to destroy our tribe. We must set things right. The southern water tribe depends on you."

"A dangerous trip to the frozen wilds? Count me in!"

(~)

"Count me out!" Asami crossed her arms while turning away from her friend. After informing her best friend about the trip she was hoping she would come along.

"Come on, Asami! It'll be fun."

"Fun"? There is nothing "fun" about going into the unknown wilds of the south pole? You have any idea what's out there? Snow leopards and wolves and polar bears!"

"Oh, boy." Korra rolled her eyes.

"Korra, I love you and you know I support you, but there is no way, no how, that I am going to be a buffet for a bunch of killer carnivores!"

"But you faced equalists and street thugs before, remember? And they were twice our size!"

"Yeah, but while they had only muscles to back them up, these things have teeth!"

"You'll be fine. Me, my uncle, Mako and Bolin will be there. You have nothing to worry about."

"I don't know."

"Besides, you said you'd do anything for me. Don't you remember?"

Asami's mind flicked to when they were kids. She and Korra were eight and nine-years-old and crazy adorable to boot. She remembered the specific sentence she said to her friend long ago.

…

"I'd do anything for you, Korra! Even face giant snow beats in the south pole!"

"Do you Pinkie Promise?" young Korra asked.

"Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"

…

The heiress pouted in annoyance. "Oh, crud."

"And you know you can't break a Pinkie Promise."

Asami wanted so badly to strangle her right now, even going to far as to clench her fists but quickly gave up. "Curse my conscious. Fine, I'll go."

Korra hugged her friend tightly, practically lifting her off the ground. "Thanks Asami! You're the best!"

"If I die, I'm never speaking to you again. Ever."

(~)

Korra and Mako mounted the supplies onto the arctic camel they were going to share. The dragon birds were coming as well, they had no problems with the colds. Their feathers were very resilient.

"I thought you said Asami was coming." said Mako.

"She said she'd be here. Hope she hasn't chickened out. Speaking of missing people, where's Bolin."

"He said he'd be here too. But I can't worry about it. I have to make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip."

Korra simply smiled, it was just like Mako to care about another's well being. "Thanks Captain Expedition, but I'll be fine."

Korra then heard the sound of an engine approaching them. The engine of a snowmobile. But what was even more surprising was who was driving it.

"Dad? What are you doing here? And how are you able to drive that thing?"

Tenzin gently parked the vehicle, "You didn't think in the time I dated Lin I wouldn't have picked up a few things?"

Mako's eyes widened at this, "Wait, he and Beifong use to be a thing?"

"We don't talk about it much." Korra said, "At least, not while she's around." she then whispered, "If anyone asks, she dumped him."

Unalaq spotted the air bender and approached him. "Master Tenzin, what are you doing here?"

"I heard you were taking Korra to the wilderness. I'm coming too." he said crossing his arms.

"Absolutely not! You're a distraction to Korra and a hindrance to what needs to be done."

"My daughter is not going without me! She needs someone to watch after her."

Korra approached the two men, already mounted onto the camel with Mako sitting behind her. "Dad, I know you're not completely okay with my decision, but Unalaq's right. Maybe you should go back to the hut."

"You don't understand Korra."

"I know you're worried but you can't keep controlling every decision I make."

"It doesn't matter. What matters is the Everstorm."

"The Everstorm?" Mako asked.

Fluttershy didn't like the sound of that, "Everstorm? Nobody said anything about an Everstrom!...So, what's an Everstrom?"

"It's a massive blizzard that's battered the South Pole for decades." Tenzin explained.

"Oh, joy" said Fluttershy both sarcastically and fearfully.

"I'm coming." he said stubbornly to Unalaq. The two men stood there, glaring at each other while Korra stood ideally by. Most teenage girls have to deal with two boys fighting over them, now she was being torn between her adoptive father and biological uncle. Being the Avatar was truly not an easy job to handle. Thankfully, a very happy-go-lucky voice came in to lighten the mood.

"Guys! Hey, wait up!"

Bolin zoomed in on a slick snowmobile with an attached sidecar where Asami sat on, both wearing snowsuits, Bolin's had the Varrick industries logo on it. The earthbender stopped the vehicle and smiled confidently and removed his hood. His new snowsuit was the same color as his old one. "Check it out, Sami and I are traveling in style!"

Rarity marveled at the vehicle he was ridding on, "Style is right."

"Uh, where'd you get the ride?" Korra asked with an amused smile.

Asami removed the hood from over her head as well as her goggles, "From Varrick. What? You didn't expect me to go into the unforgiving cold wasteland without my tech, did you?"

Both Korra and Mako rolled their eyes while Bolin demonstrated them their new stuff. "That guy is awesome! He also gave me this fancy snowsuit! It's inflatable, with an internal heater, emergency beacon, and food pouches! I mean, if I get lost, I can survive in this thing for like a month!" He reached into his snowsuit and pulled out some treats, "Who wants some freeze dried cucumberquats?"

Pinkie Pie quickly grabbed them with her tongue, and ate the entire handful; she chewed with a great big smile, "Mmmmmm. Yummy!"

Pabu stuck out of Bolin's suit and ate the remaining cucumberquats. Bolin then noticed the serious expressions from everyone, "Did I interrupt a conversation?"

"No, the conversation is over." Korra said strongly before turning to her father, "Dad, come if you want but don't interfere with my training." She pulled on the camel's reins as they all prepared to leave. Tenzin swore he would not allow his daughter to get hurt, no matter what.

Asami adjusted her goggles when Eska approached the two on the snow vehicle. However, Bolin immediately felt a shiver go up his spine. He did not want this crazy girl around him or his girlfriend.

"Does this sidecar have the capacity for two passengers?" Eska asked in her usual monotone voice.

Asami stood up and politely addressed to the princess, "Well, yes but-" she was interrupted when Eska forcibly shoved her aside and took a seat on the sidecar. "Wait, that's my seat."

"No anymore. I will be traveling with Bolin."

Bolin himself flinched in fear. "Uh, I don't want to sound rude but, Asami and I were planing on riding together. You know, as a couple. Her and me. Me and her. Just the two of us. A couple." Eska was silent for a moment, not even blinking, and Bolin cleared his throat, "So, if you could maybe se so kind as to, let her sit. Please?"

"I believe I previously established you shall now be my boyfriend and not hers."

"Wait, what?!" Asami could not believe what she was hearing. Was this the reason Bolin disappeared back at the festival and didn't return until later that night? It would explain why he looked like he had seen a ghost but was too terrified to say anything.

"You were serious about that?!" Bolin exclaimed in horror, "I thought you were joking!"

"I never joke."

"I can see that now, yes. Look, Eska, you seem like a very…nice girl, but I'm just not into you that way."

"You will be. Nobody can say no to me."

"I technically just did. No!"

"Start the engine." Eska received a surprise when Asami stood in front of the sidecar, placing her hands firmly onto the vehicle, glaring at the princess.

"Look, I don't know how common curtesy works where you're from, but where I'm from folks won't stand for this kind of behavior. And neither will I. I can't do anything to you because, One: you're a princess, and Two: you're my best friend's cousin, but you are crossing a serious line here and if you keep it up I won't hesitate to give you a proper stern Republic City talking to. This is just a little sneak preview, but the real show won't be so G rated. Have I made myself clear?"

Eska remained unfazed by this woman's threats. She simply blinked and stood up. "And here I thought my cousin was the irritating one. Very well, you may have won this battle. But you have not won the war."

The icy princess stepped away from the sidecar, bitterly allowing Asami to take her seat back. Bolin was both relieved and amazed by his lady's powerful will.

"You never cease to amaze me." he said, practically swooning.

Asami smiled, "Awww, you're so sweet." she then surprised him by punching him in the arm. "And so stupid!"

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"Bolin, I know you don't like confrontation but you've got to stand up to her too."

"I've tried, but she's terrifying! She's like a spider waiting for the kill!"

"Well if she keeps this up you're going to have to get more of a backbone. I'm saying this because I care."

Bolin sighed. "I know you are. Okay, I'll try."

This time, she kissed him in the cheek. "That's my boy."

(~)

"And so, our quest begins. Just a small party of friends and family, scouting the cold, dark and unforgiving homes of the frozen wilds. Will any of us make it out alive? Who knows. But I do know one thing: Korra's responsibility on saving the south pole rests on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. As the Avatar, it is a sacrifice she is willing to take….Know what I mean?"

Pinkie Pie had been monologging throughout most of the trip, much to many of the other dragon birds and even Korra's annoyance. She envied the fact that the others couldn't understand her like she could.

"I think I liked it better when I could only hear you chirp." said the Avatar. She told her camel to head forward towards her uncle. "So, once we get to the wilds then what?"

"You will open an ancient spirit portal." her uncle said, earning a confused look from her and her friends.

"I'm sorry, a what now?"

"There is a portal that connects our world to the spirit world, but it has long been closed."

"Is that why the spirits are attacking?" Korra asked, "Why they're so angry?"

"If you can open the portal in time balance will be restored."

"In time? You mean on the Winter Solstice?"

"So you are aware of this." Unalaq said, actually being impressed by his niece's knowledge.

"Having a book-loving little sister has it's advantages." said the Avatar, "On the Solstice is when the physical world and the spirit world are closer together."

"Exactly. Only then can you be able to open the portal. Being the Avatar you and only you have the power to do so."

"But the Solstice is tomorrow."

"Exactly, we can't afford to wait another year."

Suddenly, the seven dragon birds felt a strange presence. They all landed onto the snow, fluffing their feathers and hissing at something in the distance.

"Girls, what is it?" Korra asked. She squinted her eyes to see what it was that stood before them. In the fogy distance stood three tall figures, dark in color and glowing a very faint blue color. They mere presence was enough to make everyone feel an immediately uneasy feeling.

Bolin hid his head under his hood. "What are those?" he asked fearfully.

Korra, on the other hand, remained unfazed. She had still not forgotten what one of them did to her grandfather's iceberg the other day. They did not show any respect for a property of the Avatar's past. Her bitterness towards them grew.

"Dark spirits." her voice was cold as ice.

As quickly as they came, the creatures vanished into the night. Once they were gone Tenzin revved up his engine. "Let's keep going. We need to find a safe place to set up camp." he led the way on his snowmobile and before long they did find a cave where they could rest peacefully.

The group made a fire for everyone to keep warm while Unalaq offered them warm soup for them to eat. It was going to be a long journey. While they ate, Korra could not stop thinking about the spirits. She was still angry with them but another part of her was concerned. Something didn't feel right about them at all.

"Uncle, why are the spirits following us?" she asked.

"Can we not talk about dark spirits, please?" Bolin begged as he clung closer to Asami.

Mako rolled his eyes, "My brother doesn't like ghost stories."

"Sadly, this isn't a ghost story." said Unalaq. "This is real."

"Not very reassuring." said the eathbender as he clung closer to Asami.

"I just don't understand why the spirits are angry." said the Avatar, "It can't really be because of the festival. I just can't help but feel there's more here that we're not getting."

"I agree." Tenzin said before standing up, "Which is why we mustn't remain here. I too have studied the spirits and I believe it is best not to anger them even further."

Unalaq also stood up, "You don't understand, Tenzin. These spirits are corrupted by darkness and the Korra is the only one who can bring peace to them. I've seen the kind of Avatar she is, she has a powerful light inside of her. It's that same light that will save these spirits as well as the south. What I don't understand is why you are so against this, I thought the son of Avatar Aang would know better."

"I don't want my daughter putting herself in harms way!"

"She's not in any danger, I'm with her."

"How can I trust you to protect her? You weren't there when she was left alone in the cold as a baby. You weren't there to watch her grow up, to wipe away every tear she ever cried. You were never a part of her life!"

"I know that and I regret not having doing so, which is why I'm trying to make up for it now. I lost my brother and my sister-in-law before I could make amends over the rift we forged over the years. Korra is the only link I have left of them both. I care about her as much as you do."

"If you truly cared about her you will let her come back home with me!"

"Enough!" Korra stood, once again, in between the two men and pointed at her father. "There you go again, trying to decide my future! Why are you so against me learning about my powers?" her father was silent. "Answer me!"

"Korra, I know just as much from the spirit world as anyone and-"

"Well if you've been there so many times why haven't you taught me about it?"

"You've been to the spirit world?" Unalaq asked, rather surprised.

Tenzin froze once all eyes fell on him. Korra knew this look, it was her father's nervous look, the one he gave when he didn't know what else to say. This clearly signified he was hiding something from her.

"Dad…what aren't you telling me?"

"I…I…" the poor air nomad knew there was no fighting it. He had to confess. "I've never actually been to the spirit world."

Korra gasped in horror before backing away a few feet. "But-but all those years of you meditating in the temple."

"Trying to get in. But it never happened."

"Why didn't you ever tell me? Why did you keep this a secret?"

"Because I was too ashamed. It's my greatest shortcoming an an airbender, a spiritual leader, and son of Aang."

"So that's why you never bothered to teach me about the spirits." Korra realized, already feeling betrayed, "You didn't even trust me with this."

"Korra, please try to understand."

"Understand what? That you lied to me, that you don't even want me to learn of the spirits just because you couldn't do it? Is that why you didn't want me to come?"

"No! I didn't want to lose you to these spirits and since I've never been into the spirit world I feared I wouldn't be able to help you."

"And you don't even trust Unalaq? You don't trust him to teach me? To protect me?"

"I hardly know him!"

"He's part of my family, and he's a chief, he saved me from that dark spirit how can you not trust someone who would risk his own life for me? Face it dad, you're never going to let me go. I'm tired of you protecting me!"

With a wave of her white hair, Korra turned away from her own father, ignoring his cries for her. She didn't want anything to do with him at the moment. Tenzin felt terrible, how could he have done this to his daughter. Even Korra's friends didn't know what to do.

The young Avatar needed to be alone and sat on a small snowy hill not to far from the campsite. She never felt more betrayed in her life. Her own father didn't even trust her with this information and he was suppose to be her spiritual mentor once she uncovered she was the Avatar. She was interrupted from her weeping when the sound of a roar was heard in the distance. The others heard this too and all immediately stood up, taking on defensive stances.

"What was that?" Asami asked, taking her electric glove from her satchel bag, ready to fight off whatever that was.

Korra stood up as well, wiping the tears from her eyes, and tried to scan the area for any signs of the creature that roared. The sounds carried on for a while, followed by a howl. They suspected it could have been wolves or leopards. Everyone stood their ground, Mako ignited a flame in his hand. As quickly as the sound came, it seemed to stop. For a moment all was peaceful. Perhaps the creature was farther away and they had expected.

They were proven wrong…

A large monstrous creature rose from the snow, snapping it's razor sharp teeth at them, growling in anger, it's pitch black eyes sending shivers up their spines. The creature was massive, almost as big as their arctic camels, its body was covered in white fur, it's ears were that of a hound, as well as its snout and head overall. Its upper body resembled that of a large polar bear and the back of a dog.

"It's a polar-bear dog!" Tenzin exclaimed in terror.

"See, I knew this kind of thing would happen!" Asami stated, "But nobody listens to me!"

The creatures leaped forward, causing the ground to jump out of the way, the beast's landing caused the snow to distinguish the fire and the arctic camels started to flee, along with their supplies. Korra and Mako rushed towards the camels, leaping up and landing on their backs, yanking on the reins to stir them while the other two arctic camels fled in fear, dropping the supplies on their saddles. Korra and Mako aimed at the creature, sending fire blasts in its wake. The beast managed to dodge their attacks, proving to be smarter than it seemed. Unalaq used his waterbending to lure the creature away from his niece while Tenzin blasted wind at it. The creature roared in anger, not wanting to give up. It used it's massive paws to knock both men down and Unalaq now pinned down by its massive weight.

Korra then bended the earth from underneath the beast, forcing it to release her uncle. The creature shook its head, glaring its eyes at Korra. Mako ran to her aid but he too was knocked down by the creature's massive raw power, as was his arctic camel. Korra tried to face the creature but fell backwards onto a rock. She scurried away from the beast before it leaped onto her, showing her its sharp teeth. Korra was trapped. Fear consumed her, until…

She noticed something peculiar about the beast. It's ribcage was wounded, claw marks and semi-dry blood could be seen. Everyone else was so terrified of the beast that they did not notice its injury. But Korra did. This creature was hurt. All of a sudden, she was no longer afraid. The beast as ready to attack her but Korra slowly raised her hand up. The beast growled at her causing her to flinch but she kept her position. Ever so gently, and slowly, not thinking about how afraid she was, she placed her palm over the beast's nose. At the feeling of her skin, the creature slowly started to calm down, but kept its teeth visible.

Korra started to adjust herself to sit up straight, keeping her hand on the creature's nose. "It's okay." she said in a soft tone. "No one's going to hurt you."

Everyone else managed to get back up, the camels now completely calm, sensing they were no longer in any danger. The group could not believe what they were witnessing. Korra was able to tame this gigantic creature that tried to kill them earlier.

Korra managed to stand up and the polar-bear dog finally hid its teeth. She allowed Korra to trace her fingers through her fur, the human girl's touch was so serene and calming, she knew she could trust her. Korra then approached the creature's ribs, feeling sympathy for her.

"So that's why you attacked. You thought we would hurt you too."

The creature, as if knowing what she said, gave her a silent growl. Using her waterbending Korra formed the snow into pure water, making it glow and placing the soothing water onto the side of the creature.

Flower gleam and glow

Let your power shine

Make the clock reverse

Bring back what once was mine

As Korra sang her soothing melody everyone took notice of how not only the water, but also her hair, was glowing brightly. The polar-bear dog relaxed against her touch while listening to the lovely song.

Heal what has been hurt

Change the fate's design

Save what has been lost

Bring back what once was mine

What once was mine…

Once she was done healing the wounded creature, Korra's hair stopped glowing…and the polar-bear dog thanked her by licking her face. The Avatar laughed at the loving gesture and rubbed the creature's ears. "You're welcome. I promise, we won't bother you anymore. Now go on."

The creature licked her one last time before running off into the distance, finally at peace. The others were amazed by this, especially Unalaq. "Korra, how did you do that? I've never seen anyone tame a polar-bear dog before."

"She was hurt so I helped. It's really no big deal."

"She? How do you know it was female?"

"Unlike some kids, I actually stayed awake in health class."

"Amazing!" Unalaq knew his niece was special but even he was still amazed by this new discovery. "You truly are one very special Avatar, Korra."

Mako was just as proud of her as well. It seemed that every new thing she did was enough to make him swoon all over again.

But Asami and Bolin were both still shocked. "Her hair glows." the earthbender finally said. "I didn't know she could do that. Her hair actually glows. Why does her hair glow!" he started shaking his girlfriend frantically, only to have her slap him in the face once to snap him out of it. "Thanks. I needed that."

"But yeah, how did you do that?" Asami asked her oldest friend.

Korra traced her hair, looking at her white locks. "I…don't know."

"It must be a sign." said Unalaq, "A sure sign this is your destiny to save the spirits and the south pole. You have light inside of you Korra, and it is that very light that will save us all."

Tenzin had no choice but to watch from afar as the chief congratulated Korra for her heroism. Maybe he was right and maybe Korra should remain with him. But he still refused to leave her alone.

Mako and Asami approached the rest of their supplies, which were now scattered everywhere. "Well, the polar-bear dog sure knows how to show her gratitude." said the heiress as she started picking up her things.

"At least they're not covered in drool." Mako stated while he assisted her, but did manage to find one piece of luggage that was slobbered all over. "Mostly, anyways."

"And now we lost two of our camels." said Eska. "It would be wise if Desna and I sat on the sidecar this time."

Asami wanted so badly to claw this girls eyes out, but with no other form of transportation, and and only two remaining camels, there really was no other option.

(~)

Asami crossed her arms bitterly, being forced to ride alongside Mako on one of the camels while Korra rode with her uncle. Bolin was forced to drive the snowmobile with Eska and Desna on the sidecar. Asami was fidgeting on her seat, much to Mako's annoyance. "Will you stop that?"

"I'm not used to saddleback travel. Besides, I'm not in the mood right now."

"You do realize there's a zero chance of Bolin ever being interested in Eska, right?"

"Pretty sure she's not going to let that stand in her way."

"Relax, I'm sure everything will be fine."

Asami was surprised by his words, "Wow, not even dating for a week and Korra's already having an impact on you."

The firebender couldn't help but blush at the comment.

Meanwhile, Korra rode with her uncle while her father rose beside them on his snowmobile. His daughter was still not speaking to him.

The winds then started to pick up more power and above the sky began to change into a strange and mysterious green color along with storm clouds with lightning overhead. They had made it to their destination.

The Everstorm.

With their hoods over their heads, the group made their way through the storm. The dragon birds hid underneath Korra's satchel bag for safety. The Avatar ordered them to remain, the winds were far too powerful for them to fly on and would surely be swapped away by the powerful currents.

The winds then carried what sounded like shrieking in the distance. Bolin began to shiver, and not from the cold. "Is that what I think it is?"

"We must keep moving!" said Unalaq, just as the winds picked up even more.

"Oh, man! I really don't like this."

"Bolin, just stay calm." said his brother, "There's no reason to-" before he could continue, a dark spirit emerged from underneath him and Asami, attacking the two. "-Panic!"

More and more dark spirits emerged from the ground up, frightening the arctic camels by ripping off their supplies, and causing the creatures to buck their riders off of their backs. Korra rolled onto the snow when one of the spirits came at her, only yo be stopped when Tenzin intervened and blasted the creature away.

Korra heard another spirit coming at them and used her waterbending to create an icy ramp to slide on and dodge the creature's attack. She landed safely down only to be pinned down by another dark spirit. She managed to sucker punch it in the face and ran away from it, taking a stance to fight it off.

Asami and Mako tag teamed to fight against the spirits that came after them. Asami leaped up and electrocuted the spirit. For a moment it landed on the ground before coming back up again.

Another spirit managed to submerge itself into Bolin's snowmobile.

"Oh, it's in the engine!"

The creature came out, causing smoke to emerge from the hood and the vehicle when haywire, while Bolin screamed in terror.

Korra and the others fought against the creatures, but soon they started to swarm around Korra like wolves after its pray. One of the spirits managed to grab Asami's arms and legs, wrapping her up and it did the same to Mako. The two struggled to break free while the other spirits aimed at Korra. It was her they wanted. Tenzin and Unalaq were just as trapped as well, the spirits trapping their limps like tentacles of an octopus.

Korra tried to blast them away with her bending but they kept coming at her. One manage to grab hold of her arms and knocked her down, wrapping her hands with its gooey substance to keep her from bending.

Just when it seemed all was lost, a loud roar was heard and a large puff of white fur leaped over Korra, snarling at the dark spirits, causing them to leave the Avatar alone. The polar-bear dog snapped her jaws, slapped the creatures away with her gigantic paws and the other dark spirits released the other humans to fight off the beast, who released a powerful roar, so loud it could be heard for miles and mile away. This, somehow, was enough to frighten the spirits, seeing this large beast was protector of the young white haired maiden.

Korra stood up beside the polar bear dog and, quite boldly, leaped onto her bag, holding onto her fur like horseback and the beast rammed itself onto the spirits, knocking them down while Korra blasted them away with her air and fire bending.

Finally, having had enough of a beating, the spirits ran off from the scene, leaving the humans alone. Korra leaped off of her new friend's back, who immediately started licking her face.

"You good girl." The creature started to growl once Mako and Asami approached their friend. Korra managed to calm her down. "It's okay, they won't hurt you this time, I promise."

"She actually came back?" Mako said in amazement.

"I guess she wanted to return the favor." said Asami.

The polar-bear dog nuzzled Korra's face in an affectionate manner and the Avatar rubbed her head. "Sometimes, you just need to show a bit of kindness."

Asami them remembered, "Speaking of kindness, where's Bolin?"

"AHHHHHHHH!" the sound of his girlish screams got everyone attention. The snowmobile was heading towards a large mountain. "I CAN'T STOP IT!"

Eska and Desna did not show any reaction to this scenario, but they did manage to stand up and leap out of the snowmobile while holding onto the frightened Bolin. The vehicle crashed onto the mountain while the two twins bended water onto their feet, creating ice-like shoes to slide down the hill. Bolin's snowsuit inflated, with Pabu resting on his chest, and started to slide down as well.

"I'm a raft!"

The twins slid towards the others, perfectly safe, awaiting for Bolin to arrive. Mako stopped his landing with his foot.

"Uh, could someone please deflate me?" Bolin asked. Eska bended some share icicles to pierce through his suite, deflating him in the process. "Thank you."

Asami helped him up and immediately hugged him in relief. He returned the gesture but were interrupted when an ice wall literally formed between them and around Bolin's neck, forming him to turn to Eska.

"I believe I should receive thanks for saving your life." she stated rather bitterly, and Bolin gulped in fear.

"Uh…thank you?" he said fearfully, much to Asami's dismay and she scoffed in annoyance.

But while everyone was safe and sound, there was still one pretty big issue Mako had to address. "Oh, great. There goes the rest of our equipment. Now what are we suppose to do?"

"You mean, aside from what to do with Fluffy, over here?" Asami pointed her thumb to the polar bear dog.

"Her name is Naga." Korra said while rubbing her head.

"What? Korra, you can't name that thing. Once you name it you start getting attached to it."

"She saved our lives. Besides, I think she might like being part of a family. Isn't that right, girl?" she tingled Naga's chin and the creature panted, sticking her tongue out with happiness.

Asami had to cross her arms, "What's the point of being here if nobody listens to me?"

"There is only one thing we can do now." Tenzin said, "We have to turn back."

Unalaq immediately disagreed, "No! The Solstice is tonight we're so close."

"This mission is too dangerous! We're leaving."

Korra had had just about enough of all of this. Her father was being unseasonable and unfair. She needed to take a stand.

"No dad. You're leaving."

(~)

With their supplies now gone the team had to hurry and get to the portal before the Solstice was over. Korra mounted onto Naga's back and spotted Mako speaking with her father, who readied to leave on his snowmobile.

"Don't worry, sir. I'll keep an eye on Korra for you."

Tenzin, for once, did not shun the boy down, but rather shook his hand in gratitude. "Thank you, Mako."

With the snowmobile destroyed, Bolin was now forced to be pulled on by Naga, with Eska and Desna still on the sidecar seat. Mako and Asami rode on Naga behind Korra, who was still bitter about her father. Asami was literally shaking, annoying Mako.

"Asami, will you relax?"

"Need I remind you we're ridding on a beast that tried to kill us!"

"She wasn't going to kill us." Korra stated, "She was just trying to defend herself. Besides, she's really just a big sweetheart. Aren't you, cutie?" she cooed at her new companion, who barked happily at her while her tongue continued to stick out. Asami was still uncertain about this beast, but then again Korra did have a way with animals, especially the really big ones. The woman owned like twenty sky bisons back home and taught them all tricks in the spare of two weeks.

"Well, it's better than ridding on a camel." said the heiress.

Mako was still feeling rather uneasy about what happened between Korra and her father. He wanted to say something but wasn't sure if it was his place to do so. It was a personal family affair and unless Korra wanted to speak about it he believed it was bet to remain silent for now. However, he didn't need to any longer for once Naga started to head forward, Korra spoke to him.

"So, what exactly where you and my dad talking about?" she asked, though she tried not to sound angrier than she already was.

"Nothing. He was just worried about you, that's all."

"What else is new?" she replied rather bitter under her breath, but Mako heard her.

"Look, I'm not saying he was right in making you leave but at the same time you can't really blame him for feeling threatened."

"Threatened by what? My uncle? There's nothing to be threatened by."

"Have you told him that lately?"

Korra for the moment was silent, for she did not have the right response to that question.

"We've arrived." said Unalaq, stoping his camel.

Korra's eyes widened at the sight before her. It was a forest that looked completely uninhabited. The trees bared no leaves, no hint of life at all, the old branches looked like hands ready to grab hold of anyone that came by. Another thing that made them both fantastical and terrifying was that they were completely frozen in ice, which shimmered underneath the green glow of the evertsorm clouds above.

The ground dismounted their beasts and Korra took one step forward towards the forest. The dragon birds were just as astonished by this view, they didn't know if they should consider it wondrous or terrifying.

"Trees frozen in ice." said Korra, already seeing her old breath coming out of her mouth.

Unalaq approached and stood beside her. "It wasn't always like this. These trees use to grow beautifully with life, now they are completely frozen."

"What can I do?"

"You must find your way to the heart of the forest where the dormant spiritual portal lies. From here, you're on your own."

Mako stepped forward beside the Avatar, addressing to the chief. "Wait a second, there's no way is she's going in alone." he said defensively.

"Yeah if she goes, we all go!" said Bolin, and Pabu emerged from his snowsuit, chirping in agreement. Asami stood beside them all, also agreeing with them.

"The Avatar must go alone." said Unalaq.

Korra felt very uncertain about this. "But how am I suppose to open the portal if I don't have any connection with the spirits. So far, it seems like they hate me."

"You have to believe in yourself, like I believe in you." her uncle said encouragingly.

"We all believe in you Korra." said Pinkie Pie who landed on her shoulder. Korra looked back to see the other dragons birds on her human friends, all smiling in encouragement. Korra turned away with a somewhat serious/saddened look.

"What is it?" her uncle asked.

"I guess I'm so used to people telling me how to do things that I forgot what it was like to have someone trust in me." She smiled at her uncle who smiled back with much pride.

"Korra, all the past Avatars live on inside of you. Let them guide you. Let them help you find the light in the dark."

Korra looked at the frozen forest and then to her friends, "Wait here, I'll be okay." she said before heading toward the forest.

"Good luck" Mako said as he watched his girlfriend enter the forest. Asami bit her bottom lip before stepping forward.

"Wait!" the heiress stood before her friend, who stopped to turn around and face her. Asami wrapped her arms around Korra's neck and hugged her. Korra returned the gesture, knowing how much her friend cared about her well being. Once the hug ended Korra waved at her before going into the forest. Bolin wrapped his arm around Asami fro reassurance while she rested her palm on his chest and the two watched as Korra entered the forest. Mako silently whispered a prayer.

"Be safe."

(~)

Korra walked deeper into the frozen forest with a look of uncertainty and fear. Though she was focused on the task at hand, she couldn't help but admire the detail and shimmering beauty of the icy forest. She knew Rarity would become incredibly inspired by all of this. Suddenly, Korra was broken from her thoughts when he heard a noise coming from behind her. For a moment all was silent before something emerged from behind her.

She turned around and gasped in horror as two snake-like dark spirits charged at her!

Korra quickly turned and began to run from them, but they managed to catch her and began to wrap themselves around her body and legs. Another spirit attempted to attack Korra, but she defended herself with a blast of fire and freed herself from the spirit wrapped around her with airbending. They once again charged back at Korra, but she stopped them by creating an ice wall, intercepting between her and them. She could see their reflections on the other side of the ice. The Avatar took in a deep breath as she turned away from the spirits. She found herself in a large cave, where she saw a glowing dome in the very center. Her eyes sparkled with fascination.

"The spirit portal."

This was it, this was what she was looking for. She had never seen anything more incredible in her entire life. Her gaze held onto the orb like she was in a trance, completely unaware of her snow white hair glowing brightly. She squatted down on one knee, her hand slowly lowering down, her index finger was only inches away from the glowing orb. If she touched it she knew something would happen.

The young woman's hair stopped glowing when a strange and abnormal-looking hand suddenly dragged her wrist and she scurried away from whatever it was. She gasped when she saw a mysterious hooded figure approach her, crunching down like some sort of hunchback. She couldn't distinguish exactly who or what this thing was, she couldn't make out his face but he could somehow tell he was barefoot, which was strange considering the environment they were in.

"You shouldn't have come here." it said in a raspy voice while Korra stood up, trying not to cause a fight with whoever this was.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean any harm."

"Step away. Step away!" he ordered.

"You don't understand. The spirits are unbalanced and if I don't open this portal I-"

"Get out!" the stranger took the staff he was holding and attempted to hit the young woman, who dodged his attacks.

"Please, stop! I don't want to hurt you!"

"Get out!" the stranger waved his staff once more, dodging his attacks. Meanwhile, the dark spirits that had been on the other side of the wall managed to break free and surround the two. The stranger was immediately terrified of these things and tried to swat them away with his stick. Korra knew that she couldn't waste anymore time. She saw the portal right in front of her. She rushed towards it but was slammed back by one of the dark spirits. The woman groaned and gasped when the beast aimed for her again. She summersaulted out of the way and ran towards the portal, finally having her hand make contact with it.

The orb started to glow brightly, making the dark spirits suddenly start to shriek and glow. The stranger was horrified.

"No!"

Before he could do anything when a golden ring formed around the cave and the ground cracked beneath them, creating a powerful blast that tossed Korra and the stranger aside. The spirits began to loose their dark coloring, slowly changing into bright colors.

Outside, the others watched in awe as a green beam of light rose up from the heart of the forest and into the sky. In a blast, the night sky was surrounded by stunningly beautiful light patterns that danced in the sky like rainbow waves. In the process, the Everstrom dispersed, the clouds disappeared and the lightning stopped and the now colorfully bright spirits flew around it before disappearing into the night sky.

Korra stood up, her white hair glowing brightly much to the stranger's shock. "It's…it's you." he said nearly out of breath.

Korra looked at him confused. "Who are you?" she asked. She slowly started to approach him, extending her hand. "Let me help you."

But the stranger only backed away, as if terrified of her. "I can't stay. Not here. Be warned, m'lady. Beware of the company you keep. Do not be deceived. Do not be deceived!"

Korra shielded herself when the stranger waved his cape around, causing the winds to circle around him before disappearing from sight. Once all was clear the stranger was gone, leaving behind only his cloak. Korra took the cloak in her hand, noticing it had what appeared to be hairs. But not just any hairs.

"Lemur fur?"

She looked up, noticing the brightly beautiful lights in the sky. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.

(~)

Mako had never seen anything more beautiful. The Southern Lights were truly a breathtaking sight. "I can't believe it" he said breathless.

"Me neither" said Asami, equally amazed.

"It's beautiful" Bolin said as he wiped away a tear.

Unalaq grinned as he admired the beauty of the lights. From afar, Tenzin stopped his snowmobile and looked upwards into the sky smiling proudly.

"She did it."

The others spotted an image emerging from the forest, revealing to be Korra, her hair no longer glowing but bellowing in the winds. Bolin leaped forward to welcome his friend.

"Hey, Korra! You're back!" he happily exclaimed as he ran to her and shouted at the others, "Hey, Korra's back!" Bolin ran up and surprised Korra with a big hug. She returned the gesture, but then an ice wall separated them and brought Bolin to face an annoyed looking Eska. Again.

"Why are you initiating physical contact with yet another woman?"

Bolin looked at her with a weak fearful laugh, before Eska melted the ice.

"I don't know about you but she gives me the creeps." Rarity whispered to Rainbow Dash, who nodded.

Korra walked toward her uncle, smiling happily at what they had accomplished. "Everything you said was true."

"Avatar Korra, you have taken the first step in bringing balance back to the South, and soon the whole world."

To Unalaq's surprise, Mako rushed in between them and hugged Korra, lifting her up and twirling her in the process. It was a very impulsive reaction but Korra didn't care in the slightest. Mako rested his hands around her waist while her hands remained on his shoulders.

"You never cease to amaze me." he said, lovingly gazing into her eyes.

"Thanks" Korra replied, her cheeks red with blush, bashfully while fiddling with her fingers, "By the way, I'm really sorry for being a total pain before. Things were really stressful and confusing. It's hard being the Avatar."

He then jokingly nudged her arm, "Good thing you've got us around to makes things interesting, hu?"

Korra giggled at his humor and the two hugged nice again, followed by Asami and Bolin who joined in the embrace, as did the dragon birds and Naga.

But even with their victory, Korra still did not forget about what that stranger said to her. What did she need to be aware of? Who would deceive her? So many questions arose from this.

(~)

The next morning, after a long journey, the group as finally heading back to the south pole. Asami was so happy to be returning back to civilization. The ride was unbearable as she leaned against Mako's back while ridding on Naga, with Korra still leading on. The firebender gently shook her awake.

"You okay?"

The poor heiress rubbed her sleepy eyes, which had bangs under them. "I'll be fine, just get me back to civilization before I ruin the upholstery."

"Now that the northern lights are back, I don't think we'll be seeing anymore angry spirits anytime too soon." Rarity said while she brushed her messy mane with her wing.

"We should have a "Southern Lights Welcome Back" party!" Pinkie Pie blew on a party whistle. The others smiled while rolling their eyes.

However, as much as everybody was expecting a nice quiet return home…things did not look the same as they did before.

Over the edge of a cliff, they all saw the Southern Water Tribe….as well as a number of battleships entering the harbor. Northern Battle ships from Unalaq's tribe. This was not something they were expecting to see once they got back and it made very little sense for them to be here. They also spotted water tribe troops marching in as more battleships approached the city.

"Hey, what's all this about?" Rainbow asked.

"Who are they?" Twilight asked just as curiously.

"Troops from the North." Korra stated. She turned to her uncle for answers, "What are all of your Northern troops doing here?"

"Opening the spirit portal was only the first step in getting the Southern Water Tribe back on its righteous path. There's more difficult work to be done before our two tribes are truly united."

Korra and Twilight both shared unsure looks before looking ahead at the troops.

"I've got a bad feeling about this, ya'll." said a very worried Applejack. But she wasn't the only one.

The moment troops started to walk out of the ships and onto the shores, Korra felt an uneasiness in her stomach. The relief she felt after opening the portal was now gone, being replaced with worry and fear.

Mostly fear.

(~)

Again, I say sorry for the long wait. So, here is another chapter and things are starting to get interesting. Did you spy any disney references in there? Also, YAY NAGA'S FINALLY HERE!

Catch you all next time.

God bless, *kiss kiss*