.
.
.
.
"Mako! Bolin! Asami! Where are you?!"
Jinora cried out nearly to the top of her lungs, hoping she would hear her friends, but received no reply. The rapids had taken her to another clearing, safe from the lion-dog creatures, but she was completely alone.
"Hello! I'm lost, can anyone help me?"
She wasn't sure if anybody would really hear her, but she had to at least try. She heard the sound of humming coming towards her from behind, followed by a familiar chirping sound. The child smiled upon seeing her friend.
"Furry-Foot!" Jinora giggled as she ran towards her friend, who was even bigger in his own world than in hers. He landed and hugged the young human girl. "It's so good to see you again! And you're so big here!"
Furry-Foot allowed Jinora to scratch his belly, making hims thumb his rabbit foot in delight.
"I don't suppose where the others are do you? We were supposed to find Korra but I don't know how to find anything around here."
Furry-Foot flapped his dragonfly ears/wings and slid down, allowing Jinora to climb on his back. Since she couldn't airbend, and didn't have her glider, she couldn't really fly on her own. She loved flying. No matter how many times she'd done it, it never ceased to amaze her. The wind in her face, the feeling of lightness on her feet. There really wasn't anything like it.
Furry-Foot carried Jinora across the grassy plane towards what appeared to be some kind of forest, where she spotted what appeared to be an upside own building dangling from the trees, covered in vines.
"It's like an awesome tree house!" Jinora said in amazement, "Wait. I read about this place. Grandpa Aang came here. It's Wan Shi Tong's spirit library! Man, I wish Korra could see this!"
Furry-Foot flew towards the building, maybe here Jinora could get the answers she was looking for.
(~)
While they were now free from any more monsters trying to snap at them, Mako, Bolin and Asami were still lost. Mako sat beside a tree trunk, his head hung down in despair while Bolin paced back and forth, trying to come up with a solution, since Mako was still to quiet to come up with anything right now. Asami was leaning against the tree trunk, still pulling leaves and twigs out of her hair. Their cloths were torn to bits and their hairs were a complete mess.
Asami stuck out her tongue in disgust once she pulled the last of a muddy leaf. "Well, I'm never coming here for vacation." she said as she wiped her hand with her already torn up skirt.
Bolin slowly stopped his pacing, "Yeah, I thought this was supposed to be magical and fun. This isn't. At all!" both teens turned to Mako, who sensed their gazes but didn't face them.
They were both kind of hoping he would come up with an idea, but he looked as if he was just about ready to give up. In reality, Mako felt devastated that he had lost Jinora. That poor girl could be anywhere, lost, alone and scared. How could he have messed this up. What would Tenzin think if they came back with her lifeless body? He pushed Korra away, and now he had placed the life of an innocent child in harm's way. Why didn't he wait for Tenzin to come back, he would know what to do.
Bolin and Asami looked at one another, uncertain on what to do next. Bolin spoke up first, "So, bro…any ideas?"
"Why you asking me for?" the firebender replied, slightly moving his head to his side, barely facing his brother.
"Well, you're the idea guy."
"Oh, I'm the idea guy?" Mako finally turned around to face them and stood upwards, revealing his already torn up jacket and messed up hair. "I'm the one who's suppose to save the day? Okay, let's look at our situation here, shall we?" he began counting the ways with his fingers, "We've been chased by a stamped of lion-dogs, fell down a cliff into rapid waters, lost Tenzin's daughter, ran miles in the dirt in the mud, fighting off all the bugs, and slugs and spiders that live in the dirt in the mud, avoiding living trees that don't know the meaning of personal space, walking around this place in circles and, on top of that, we don't have our weapons or our bending, so yeah why don't we all ask Big Brother Mako for advice since he seems to have all the answers to everything!"
The word 'everything' echoed in the forest, bouncing off the tree trunks, causing several winged creatures to fly off in terror at his yelling. Bolin and Asami just stood there, blinking, not knowing what to say next. They didn't even think of what Mako must have been going through right now. Jinora was gone, they had no idea how to get around this place, and on top of that, they still weren't any closer to finding Korra. They now had to seek two of Tenzin's daughters, and they had no idea where to begin.
Mako sighed before sliding back down against a tree, sinking back to the ground.
"We're sorry." Asami said, breaking the silence. "I know this is hard for you too."
Mako didn't reply. He didn't even look her way. Asami began to feel as though her spirits would drop as well. Seeing this, Bolin tried his best to brighten up the mood.
"Oh, come on you guys! We can't give up now. Don't forget, we've survived way worse than this. Hakuna Matata, remember?" but even his efforts weren't making much of an impact.
"The encouragement is appreciated, sweetie." said Asami, "But we need an actual plan."
"Well…any ideas?"
"Pray for a miracle?"
Mako scoffed as he tilted his head back, "Oh, great plan!" he said sarcastically before yelling out to the sky, "Hey, you up there! If you're listening mind giving us a hand?" for a moment, all was silent. Mako looked back at his brother and friends, shrugging his shoulders. "Well, that was a bust."
Suddenly, the all heard what sounded like footsteps approaching, and a bright light began to slowly appear from behind them. The light was bright, warm and welcoming, in complete contrast with their grim environment. Mako stood up, taking on a defensive stance, ready to fight whatever it was that was coming towards them. The light became brighter as it drew in closer to the group.
"The light!" Bolin said in awe, "This is it. Goodbye cruel world! We had a good run, I love you guys." the earthbender got down on his knees, ready to meet his maker.
"Don't be afraid, young man." a voice spoke.
"Is that you grandpa?"
The voice chuckled lightly, "I'm afraid not." the voice did sound rather elderly, belonging to that of a man. The light that was shinning was actually coming form a lantern, being held by a short bald man with a long white beard and long white hair around his head, revealing the baldness above. He wore traditional Earth Kingdom clothing, but his eyes were a bright amber, belonging more to that of Fire Nation heritage rather than the Earth Kingdom.
"You children look lost." he said, once Bolin finally stood up to see that this was not in fact a ghost, but an actual person of flesh and blood. "Maybe I can help you."
Asami squinted her eyes a bit as she gazed into the eyes of the elderly man. He looked so familiar. His face, his eyes, his beard. "Wait…I think I know you."
"I was good friends with Avatar Aang." the man replied, smiling kindly at the young firebender. "Which, I suppose makes me a friend of Avatar Korra as well."
It was then, Asami finally recognized the man, having seen his face in the history books of Air Temple Island.
"I can't believe it. You're Iroh! The Dragon of the West! Korra used to talk about you all the time when we were kids!"
"You must be Asami Sato, Korra's best friend."
"How did you know?"
"I have been watching her since she was a child. I don't think she could have found a more loyal and trustworthy friend like yourself."
The heiress's expression dropped, "I'm not so sure about that."
"Don't blame yourself. That apple was to blame for your behavior just as it was for Mako."
"You know who I am too?" the firebender asked in disbelief. He was even more amazed that he was speaking to the great Iroh himself! He had heard about him from time to time, and Korra mentioned him several times before. It was unreal to think he was standing right in front of him.
"Indeed, young man."
Bolin's eyes were as wide as saucers, he giggled with glee and stomped his feet like an excitable little boy, waving his hands and giggling with glee. "Oh, my gosh! This can't be happening!"
"There are a few tree trunks around here for you to do that, my boy." Iroh said with a humorous laugh.
"What? No, no, no, it's just, I can't believe I'm seeing you in person!" he scooted a bit closer to make sure he wasn't just a hallucination. "You are in person, right?" he slowly rose up his index finger and lightly tapped the tip of his nose, feeling the sensation of skin on his finger. This was definitely the real deal. The younger brother was at a loss for words.
Mako quickly pulled his excitable brother away, and bowed in apology to the elderly man. "Please, excuse my brother. It's an honor to meet you, General Iroh."
"It's an honor to meet you as well. I see you've all been through quite the ordeal."
"You can say that again." Asami said while inspecting her still messed up hair.
"Come with me. I know a place where you can reenergize yourselves. And maybe fix those cloths of yours."
With Iroh lighting the way, the tree teens followed the man through the dark forest. As they went on, somehow, the darkness of the area faded, slowly brightening the path, the trees slowly gaining a green-like tint on their trunks, almost as if grass was begging to grow, and the dark spirits were no where to be found. Iroh looked so peaceful heading around the place with no signs of fear or worry.
"I'm glad you all came to visit the spirit world." he said with a warm smile, which was complimented by his kind eyes. "You came just in time."
The teens slightly squinted their eyes as daylight began to shine through the darkness. No longer where they in that dark and dreary place, but were standing in yet another beautiful field, surrounded by tall mountains in the distance, similar to the one they were in before they lost Jinora and the others. They spotted a lovely teashop in the very center, with tables all around. On the chairs sat the most colorful, and most unusual creatures they had ever seen. There were animals that stood on two legs, plants with faces and leafs used as hands, amphibians, reptiles, even ghost-like creatures. Each one was either eating a yummy looking treat or sipping some tea, looking as happy as ever. It was such a lovely sight, almost like something out of a painting.
"We are having a little tea party to celebrate May-Jim's wedding."
Mako, Bolin and Asami took their individual chairs and sat around the table next to the friendly spirits. The guests of honor, the newlyweds, was the two headed frog beside Mako. One head was taller with orange colored eyed, while the second was shorter with blue eyes. She wore a headset consisting of blue and purple leaves and feathers, while the other wore one of red and yellow.
"How can you marry each other?" Mako asked curiously. "I mean, aren't you…?"
"Complete opposites? I know!" said the female head, May, who smiled happily.
"I tried to fight it but she really grew on me!" said the male head, Jim, smiling just as much.
Mako couldn't help but somehow relate to his male frog's story. He was in the same boat as well. He still kind of was.
Iroh placed a few plates of delicious looking cakes for the teens. "Help yourselves to some tea and cakes. They're spirit cakes, so you won't gain any weight. Of course, you won't lose any either!" he said with a laugh while rubbing his belly.
Just as the teens were about to eat they were suddenly surprised when something began speeding all around them like a tornado, first around Bolin, then Asami, and finally Mako. In the blink of an eye, their cloths were back to the way they were before, and Asami's hair even got styled to perfectly, with a lovely braid on the side of her head, while the rest was curled and lose. A flower adorned her hair as well, instead of her normal hair clip.
The one who was responsible turned out to be two tiny little mouse spirits, who tipped their tiny hats before getting back to drinking their tea.
"Little mice can be excellent tailors." said Iroh.
"This place is really amazing!" said Bolin in awe, just when one of the mice gave him a sugar cube for his tea. "Why, thank you little mouse."
But as nice as this was, Mako didn't want to waste anymore time here. He didn't want to be rude to Iroh, and he was getting pretty hungry. He hadn't eaten since they arrived, and no doubt they would have needed their rest from that ordeal. He didn't know why but he felt pretty drained after coming out of the forest, but this place was slowly reenergizing him. Maybe staying for a little while would do them so good.
"Make sure you eat plenty." said Iroh, "You three still have a long way to go. But for now, allow us to serve you."
One by one, each spirit kindly prepared the silverware, plates and such for their new guests.
Be…
Our...
Guest!
Be our guest
Put our service to the test
Tie your napkin around your neck, my dear
And we'll provide the rest
A large flower-like spirit kindly gave Asami a napkin to tie around her neck, but she kindly placed it on her lap. Several more of the tiny mice offered the group all kinds of food to try. Who knew the spirit world had so many varieties.
Chestnut soup
Hot hours d'oeuvres
Why, we only live to serve
Try the gray stuff, it's delicious!
Don't believe me?
Ask the dishes
The little mice began to harmonize as they danced across the table with the plates, forks and spoons in the most dazzling performance. It was like dinner and a show.
They can sing, they can dance
Spin, twirl and even prance
And the dinner here is never second best
Come on, unfold your menu
Take a glance and then you'll
Be our guest
Be our guest
Be our guest!
One by one, the little mice paraded across the table, allowing the spirits to take their pick of the dazzling foods offered to them. It really was like something from an expensive restaurant, but it still carried that homemade and friendly vibe to them. The teens took their pick from the plates, amazed at how good it tasted.
Beeft ragout
Cheese souffle
Pie and pudding "en flambe"
We'll prepare and serve with flair
A culinary cabaret!
You're alone and you're scared
But the banquette's all prepared
No one's gloomy or complaining
While the flatware's entertaining
We tell jokes, we do tricks
The mice perform with chopsticks
Spirits: And it's all in perfect taste
That you can bet!
Come on and lift your glass
You've won your own free pass
To be our guest!
Iroh: If you're stressed
It's fine dinning we suggest
Iroh and Spirits: Be our guest!
Be our guest!
Be our guest!
The three teenagers had to admit, this was quite entertaining. They could already feel their spirits lifting as their new friends continued to sing and make them feel at home.
May: Be our guest
Be our guest
Sakes alive, well I'll be blessed!
Tea's been poured and thank the Lord
I've had the napkins freshly pressed
With dessert, you want tea?
Oh, my dear, that's fine with me!
While the cups do their soft-shoein'
I'll be bubbling, I'm be brewing
Tea is warm, pipping hot
Heaven's sakes, is that a spot?
Jim, clean it up! We want the company impressed!
Jim: "Of course!"
We've got enough for you
You want one lump or two
For you, our guest!
Spirits: You're our guest!
You're our guest!
You're our guest!
You're our guest!
The table just turned into an all out dance show, with mice, and spirits, and plates and all kinds of things dancing and singing, even to the point of creating a tall building that resembled Harmony Tower with all of their utensils and silverware, while the mice kept on dancing. Spirits tossed confetti, which was really just sprinkles, as the teens laughed with delight at the display. It was truly a sight to behold.
Be our guest
Be our guest
Our command is your request
It's been years since we've had anybody new!
And we're all blessed
Have your meal
Ask with ease
Yes, indeed, we aim to please
While the dancing mice still tapping
Let us help you
We'll keep going
Course by course
One by one
Till you should, "Enough! I'm done!"
Then we'll sing your favorite songs as you digest
Soon you'll have your strength up
But for now, let's eat up
Be our guest!
Be our guest!
Be our guest!
Please, be out
Guest!
Once the song came to a close, all went back to as it was before. The teens clapped for their performance, Bolin even whistled, that was just how impressed he was.
"Alright! That was awesome!"
Asami giggled with such happiness, and Mako smiled at this. He was beginning to feel so much stronger now. Happier. More hopeful.
There was just something about this place, and about Iroh that seemed to really get to him, but in a good way. It felt, almost as if…they needed to be here.
But none the less, he still couldn't get his mind off of the task at hand. They had to find Korra, and Jinora. But how?
(~)
Furry Foot landed on the hard stone floor of the abandoned library and Jinora jumped off his back. The whole interior was marvelously detailed with images of owls on the walls and the cylinders were wrapped with vines all around the place. There stood many tall shelves which were lined with all kinds of books and scrolls as far as the eye could see. Within the shelves she saw various fox-like creatures organizing books.
"Wow. I could just stay in here forever, reading." she said to herself, only to latter gasp when she heard the sound of large flapping wings within the walls of the library. Her irises shrunk in fear and shock once she saw the master of the library descend from above the ceiling, his large colossal pitch black wings stretched out, his large talons sharp as swords, and his face, his front was white as snow, with piercing black eyes and a sharp beak, though small looked like it could crack a skull in seconds. The giant owl landed in front of the girl and her spirit companion, the ground shaking as he did. His large presence could strike fear into the most fearless of warriors.
It was the great owl spirit Wan Shi Tong. Jinora had heard stories about him, told to her by Korra who heard them from their father and Gran Gran. Her fear grew once the spirit spoke. His voice sounding old and wise…and threatening all at once.
"The last human who said that is still here." Wan Shi Tong turned his head for Jinora see the skeleton of a man wearing traveling clothing, leaning against a shelf of books, one remained in his hand.
"Professor Zei!"
"I see you have some knowledge of the past, little girl." said the owl spirit, "So you should know that humans are no longer allowed in my library. Get out!"
His head lowered down to intimidate the child, but Jinora stood her ground while Furry-Foot hid behind a pillar.
"I thought anyone could come in if they brought you some knowledge?" Jinora said to the spirit, showing her bravery. She was Korra's sister after all.
"Those are the old rules. Besides, what has a little girl got to teach Wan Shi Tong, he who knows ten thousand things?"
The young girl bravely approached the sprit, "Well, since you've been down in the spirit world, the humans have invented radio."
"Yes, I am well aware of the radio."
"But do you know how it works?"
"Of course I do! There is a box, and inside the box, there is a tiny man who sings and plays musical instruments."
Jinora wanted to chuckled right then and there, but she kept her composure. "Actually, when we speak, our voices produce sound waves. Radio takes those sound waves and converts them into electromagnetic energy that is transmuted through the spectrum-"
"All right, enough." Wan Shi Tong interrupted, already feeling embarrassed, "I did not know that. Apparently, I have been fed some misinformation about the existence of tiny men in boxes." he turned to look angrily at a sad little fox, one of his knowledge seekers, who then walked away whimpering. He turned back to the girl. "Still, I am not interested in that human garbage. Now, go away."
"My grandfather was the Avatar, and I came to the spirit world looking for my big sister, who's the new Avatar. I would think you'd wanna help us."
At the sound of this, Wan Shi Tong turned around. "You came with the Avatar, hm? Well, why didn't you say so? Fine, you may look around. But don't break anything….I'll know." With that he flapped his large wings and flew away.
Jinora smiled in triumph before turning back to her frightened friend. "Come on, Furry-Foot! We gotta hurry!"
(~)
Korra, Zaheer, Tonraq and P'Li carried on their journey across the mysterious forest, following the trail of pixie dust that led them. They no longer knew how long they had been traveling at this point, but Korra las laser focused on finding their way.
"I still can't believe it." she said, "Dad used to tell me all kinds of stories about the spirit world, but I never imagined I would be seeing it with my own eyes." Korra was taken aback a bit when thy heard something coming from the bushes.
Instinctively, Tonraq held Korra's arm, slightly dragging her away as he readied his knife, ready to defend his family.
"Don't, Tonraq!" Zaheer exclaimed, extending his hand to stop his friend. "We don't want to provoke the spirits here."
"Well what do you suggest we do?" he felt his daughter wiggle out of his grip and bravely approached the sound. "Korra, don't!"
"It's okay, dad."
"But you don't know what's there."
"No…but I'm still not afraid."
"Korra-"
"I'll be okay." she replied once more, turning around to face him, smiling in reassurance. "I'll be okay." she knew she would be. She had Faith she would be. She took in a deep breath and marched forward. The safest thing would be to flee, but something was urging her to see for herself what had frightened the others. If it was a dark spirit it would have attacked by now. Slowly, she moved the bushes, her heart pounding but still staying strong.
Once she saw what it was all fears left her body. It was nothing more than a poor little fawn, trying to free itself from a tangled vine. The poor thing looked so scared once it saw Korra.
"No, it's alright. I won't hurt you." she said as she slowly approached the poor infant creature. "There, there. You're going to okay. I'll get you out of there." Korra managed to untangle the vine around the fawn's leg by figuring out its pattern. With ease, the fawn was freed.
Tonraq, Zaheer and P'Li were astonished to realize the creature was really just a harmless little fawn. But even thought Korra had helped him he still shivered in fear. He tried to back away but his skinny legs wobbled and he fell. Korra lightly chuckled before helping him stand up.
"Come, you can do it." she insisted kindly. No doubt this little fawn was still only a baby, a baby still learning how to stand. But, if she knew her animals correctly, wasn't the mother supposed to help him?
"Where's your mother?" she asked, though she knew the little fella couldn't reply. Only he did, with his eyes. His ears lowered in sadness. Korra's heart sank. "You lost your mom too?"
The little fawn nodded his head in 'yes'.
"I know how that feels." she slowly stood up and got behind the little fawn, helping him to stand. "Come on, try and stand up." the poor little fawn shook his head stubbornly. "Don't worry, I'll be right here to catch you. Come on, get up."
Ever so slowly, the fawn managed to straighten his legs but wobbled in an effort to keep his balance.
"You're doing great. Don't give up now." she kept on encouraging the fawn, who slowly grew more and more determined in his effort to stand. "That's it! You're halfway there.
In just three steps, the fawn was standing perfectly still. No wobbling whatsoever.
"There we go. Now take one little step." The fawn looked up at Korra hesitantly. "You can do it." she insisted. The fawn gulped nervously and did as she said. Trusting her, he took a single step. He smiled once he realized he hadn't fallen.
"Good job! Now another." The fawn obeyed and took one more step. "Now another. Keep it up. There you go, you're getting it." the little fawn smiled as he began to get the hang of walking. Happily, he began to frolic and jump!…only to get his legs tangled and fall to the ground.
Korra winced at the sight and rushed to his side, crunching down to help him stand up. "Try taking baby steps next time, okay? But you did it!"
The fawn got himself back up all by himself, smiling at his accomplishment. He nuzzled his nose against Korra's cheek, making her giggle and started licking her face. She giggled.
"You're welcome, little one."
Tonraq, Zaheer and P'Li smiled at the scene. Korra took a moment of her time to help this frightened and lonely fawn in its time of need.
"She's learned well." Zaheer said to his companions, while smiling proudly.
(~)
Back at the Tea Shop with Iroh, Bolin and Asami were happily engaged in a game of pai cho. The heiress moved the tile across the board, smiling in triumph.
"I win."
"Wha?!" Bolin was practically pulling his hair out in frustration before calming himself down, "Alright, alright, you know what, that was just a fluke. Best two out of three."
Iroh happily sipped his tea as he sat beside them watching the game. "They say that the game of Pai Cho was invented by the spirits. It takes great patience." he said…right before Asami won the next game in less than two seconds, surprising her boyfriend.
"Aw, come on!"
Iroh chuckled at the earthbender's reaction. "Of course, not everyone can grasp it properly."
"Ha, ha, very funny." Bolin said sarcastically.
"Patience, my boy. Time does not mean much to use here."
"How long have you lived here?" Asami asked, "I thought the spirit world wasn't the afterlife."
"No, it is not. I have been here for many years. I had always enjoyed the company of the spirits, so when my work was done in the material world, I chose to leave my body behind and come to the spirit world. It can be a wonderful place, and I've made so many friends."
"But, don't you miss your family?" Asami asked.
"I do, and I know I will see them again."
"What do you mean?"
"Eventually, my time will come to pass here as well. One day, when my work is done, I will return to my family where I truly belong."
"Wait, so you're saying your only here for a short amount of time?"
"Aren't we all."
"Well, yes but, what I mean is-"
"I did say my work was done in the material world, but I also have a purpose here as well."
"What is that purpose?" Bolin asked curiously.
"You will find out soon enough."
Asami and Bolin exchanged curious looks and looked back at Iroh. He truly was a mysterious old man.
However, one person in particular was not enjoying the festivities. Mako sat on the table, moving his cup around, aging at the steaming hot tea, not even taking a sip. After recharging themselves they should be out there looking for Korra, but had no idea where she could be now.
Iroh noticed the boy's distress and approached him, leaving Bolin and Asami to their game. "Mako, what's wrong?"
"We came here with Jinora to try and find Korra but…we lost her."
"I can see you are carrying a lot of baggage within your heart my friend." Iroh placed his hand over Mako's shoulder. "I'm sure whatever it is you did you can make up for it."
"How do you know?"
"There is no sin that can not be forgiven."
"But, it wasn't even my fault. Yuki tricked me and made me betray Korra's trust!"
"The poison apple was not your fault, that much is certain, but I don't think that is all that is bothering you, is it?"
Mako sighed sadly, looking down at his cup. "What happened? A couple of months ago I was just a pro-bending street-rat trying to get food on the table, and then I met Korra and everything changed. Now, I'm in the spirit world with a living legend, sipping tea with a bunch of spirits and missing one of Korra's sisters. How did my life come to this?"
"It happened the day you choose to open your heart and allow that young girl to walk right in. That, my boy, was the first step. You are incredibly blessed, Mako. You may have started out with nothing but the cloths on your back, but even with less you can do so much."
"But what if we can't find Korra and Jinora? What if we can't stop this war? What if…what if she never forgives me?"
"If you confess with your heart you will. Sometimes life is much like a dark tunnel. You can't always see what is at the end of the tunnel. But if you just keep moving, eventually, you will find a better place. The Light has a plan and a purpose for you, Mako. Once you accept it you will discover you are capable of more than you know. That goes for you and all of your friends."
Mako smiled at the old man. His words would forever remain with him. He was right, life didn't go as he wanted it to…but, maybe not always knowing the answer was all part of life. And in time, the answer would be clear if he was willing to listen.
"Thank you, Iroh. You know, you really do give great advice. And great tea."
"The key to both is proper aging." the old man chuckled before giving the firebender one last bit of advice. "One more thing you must always remember. The greatest kind of love, is the love that sacrifices your own desires for another. No greater love is he who gives his life for his friends."
(~)
The pixie dust carried on, leading Korra and the others. The little fawn was now joining them, since Korra refused to abandon him in the woods. The pixies led a path down a creepy-looking forest before finally dispersing and flying away.
"Hey, where are you going?" Korra called out.
"I guess their work is done." said P'Li.
The little fawn caught a whiff of something in the air. His ears perked upwards and ran ahead, finally finding strength in his legs to do so.
"Sweetie, wait!" Korra called out and ran after the fawn. Her father, Zaheer and P'Li followed close behind. The fawn ran all the way out of the forest and into a grassy field, where the sun shinned and the darkness of the forest no longer existed. Korra was speechless at the sight before her. There stood a simple teashop with various spirits sitting on tables.
The fawn ran up to the table, startling Iroh and Mako. "Well, where did you come from, little one?" he asked while handing the little creature what he wanted. Some delicious spirits cakes.
Mako smiled at the adorable little creature but his heart suddenly leaped once he saw that the creature was not alone. A figure approached the group, and the person stopped on her tracks.
Bolin and Asami stopped their game, dropping their lotus tiles in the process. They were just as astonished as Mako was.
"Asami? Bolin? Is that really you?" The Avatar was beyond speechless once she realized her friends where in the spirit world.
Mako was literally frozen in place, so many emotions and thoughts going through his head right now. Should he embrace her? Explain everything? Would she still be mad.
Luckily for him, Asami and Bolin reacted first by running towards Korra and enwrapping her in a great big bear hug, much to her surprise. Bolin laughed happily. "It's so great to see ya!"
"We've been looking for you everywhere!" Asami said once they ended the hug, "You will not believe what we went through!"
"We fell of f a cliff!"
"But-but how did-I mean, when-what-how did you get here?!" Korra asked.
"It's kind of hard to explain." Asami said, "But Korra I have to tell you something. What happened back in Republic City wasn't me! I mean, it was me but I wasn't acting like myself. Yuki gave me and Mako some poison apples, only I ate both of them and Mako only took two bites, so then he was cursed to tell lies and I became evil and heartless and I said all those horrible things to you which I didn't really mean, then I tried to sell weapons to the south for the northerners to win the war, then I kissed Mako to break Bolin's heart, then I framed Mako and got him thrown in jail and I almost downed them but the Bolin's confession of love woke me up and now I'm on probation and I hope you can forgive me!"
Asami got down on her knees and hugged Korra's legs, practically begging for forgiveness. Normally, Asami was more dignified than this, but only in moments of extreme guilt did she do anything like this. This was all the proof she needed to know she wasn't lying.
"Wait, Yuki gave you a poison apple?"
"I know it sounds crazy, but it's true!"
Korra face palmed herself, "I can't believe this!"
"I'm really sorry."
"I know you are." Korra smiled in reassurance, "Now let go of my legs, people are starring."
"Oh, sorry." Asami stood up and the two best friends hugged it out.
Korra was so relieved to realize her best friend was still her best friend. "I should have known you would never say that stuff to me. And Mako he…wait." Once the hug ended, her smile faded and she placed her hands on her hips. "Did you say you kissed Mako?"
Asami blushed in embarrassment, "For what it's worth, it was like kissing a cement wall."
Mako didn't know if to feel relieved…or insulted.
Speaking of which, Korra turned her gaze towards him, and his heart immediately skipped a beat. Her hair had grown longer, styled into a long braid decorated with an assortment of exotic flowers. She slowly approached him, making him all the more nervous. But just when Korra was about to speak to him, she was distracted by the old man beside him.
"Iroh?"
"Hello, Korra."
The Avatar smiled happily and screamed with delight before embracing the old man in a great big bear hug. "I can't believe it! It's so great to finally meet you! I've heard all about you from my Gran Gran, it's-wow, it's such an honor!"
"It's wonderful to meet you as well, my dear. Tell me, how are my nephew and great-great-nephew doing?"
"They're doing great. You know, you look a lot like Lord Zuko with that beard."
"I will take that as a compliment."
"It it. I still can't believe it." she giggled and hugged him once more. He gave such warm, grandfatherly hugs she just couldn't get enough of them.
She finally turned to face Mako, who scratched the back of his neck nervously. He shyly waved at her, "Hey."
"Hey." she replied, no longer feeling upset about before. "Look, I'm really sorry about how we left things. I thought that-"
"You don't have to apologize." Mako said.
"But, you were under a spell. You didn't mean all that stuff you said. Did you?"
"No, of course not! But I still feel terrible. I tried to fight it but it was no use."
"But then, how did you break free."
The firebender blushed as the memory replayed in his mind. "The kiss."
Now it was Korra's turn to blush. "What?"
"When you kissed me I had control again."
"A kiss of true love." said Iroh with a smile and nudged Mako's arm with his elbow. "I told you."
The old man's words made the two teens blush, and shyly turn away from one another. They already knew how they felt about each other, but for somebody as old and wise as Iroh to so bluntly point out they had true love was…well, it was still a bit embarrassing but still…they didn't really complain.
Their attention shifted back to Bolin who spoke up. "Uh, quick question; Who are these guys?" he gestured to the three adults Korra had come with.
"Oh, right." Korra approached her new friends and introduced them properly, "Guys, I'd like you to meet Zaheer, P'Li and Tonraq…he's my dad."
At the mention of the word "dad", Bolin's jaw literally dropped, only to be closed by Asami. The three adults bowed in respect to the three teens, who were still very surprised to see Korra's biological father standing in front of them.
"Wait, he's actually alive?! Or is he part of the spirit world?"
"No, he's real."
Bolin zipped closer to the man, slowly raising up his finger to poke him, only to stop when Tonraq grabbed his hand in his powerful grip while wearing an deadpan expression.
"Real enough for you?"
Bolin blinked and slowly backed away, smiling and chuckling nervously. "Well, now I know where Korra gets her charms."
"How did you find him?" Mako asked the Avatar.
"It's kind of a long story." she confessed, "I don't even know where to start."
"Just tells us everything." Asami insisted.
"Everything? Well, okay…" Korra took in a deep breath and began informing everybody on what happened, "After I left the city I was attacked by my cousins and then swallowed up by a dark spirit, then I was washed up on an island inhabited by spirits, that's where I met Zaheer and P'Li who are actually two of the people who tried to kidnap me when I was a kid but now they're good people and then I found my dad, then they told me all about the history of the first Avatar and how he and his girlfriend, the light spirit Raava imprisoned her evil brother Vaatu, who Unalaq is actually trying to free by Harmonic Convergence which is only a few days away so he can bring eternal darkness to the world, and that's why he made me open the spirit portal in the first place and now I need to close it again!"
The three teens blinked twice before Bolin shook his head, trying to process everything. "Okay, time out. Let me get this straight! Those guys were the ones who tried to kill you when you were a baby, and the reason you and your actual dad were separated for years, and now you're all buddy buddy with them?…Did I miss something!?"
Korra couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction, "Relax, Bolin. I know it's hard to believe but they've changed. If it weren't for them I wouldn't even be here."
"Well, either way, we're just so happy you're here now." said Asami, smiling in relief, "And good timing too because, everybody back home is starting to think that you might possibly be, kind of, sort of… dead."
"They do?"
"Yeah, you're dad's worried sick." Mako said, right before realizing what he just said, "I mean, you know your other dad, I mean-"
"Wait, does he know you guys are here?" Korra asked, "How did you get here anyway?"
"Jinora brought us here." Bolin responded.
"Jinora? Well where is she?"
The three teens both exchanged worried looks before nervously trying to tell the Avatar what had happened. But, their expressions were answer enough.
"You lost my sister?!"
"Not "lost", exactly." said Bolin, fiddling with his fingers, "Just…misplaced?"
Just when Korra was feeling relived to be reunited with her friends again, she began to grow frantic. Jinora was only a ten-year-old girl, the thought of her being lost in this big mysterious world was too terrifying for her.
"When was the last place you saw here?"
"In a river…a rapid, topsy turvy river…going in the opposite direction to who-knows-where." Bolin replied hesitantly. He never was very good at lying.
Seeing her distress, Iroh spoke up calmly with the little fawn beside her. "Don't worry, Korra. There is a way for you to find your sister."
"Really? How?"
"Sometimes, the best way to solve your own problems, is by helping someone else." he scratched behind the fawn's ears and the little guy nuzzled his face against Korra's leg, warming her heart. "This little one needs to go home as well. Maybe, if you help him find his family you will be able to find yours."
Korra squatted down at the little fawn, who's big brown eyes sparkled with such youthful innocence. His eyes reminded her so much of Jinora. Maybe helping this little one would help them find her.
"I'll take you home." she said to the fawn, making the promise known.
"Not alone you wont." said P'Li as she and the others approached her and the combustion woman petted the fawn. "So, where do we go?"
"The golden gardens is where all fawns live." Iroh explained and pointed to his left to the horizon. "Go directly west, past the river, and there you will find the garden."
(~)
Jinora groaned in frustration after closing the last book she was just reading. "It's not in here either! I have to find the portals, the others are probably already there waiting for me." she turned her head to one of the foxy knowledge seekers. "I need to find a map that shows where the spirit portals are. Could you help me?"
The fox creature walked over to a shelf and pulled out a dusty old book. He placed it on the floor beside Jinora, who now sat cross-legged, and opened its pages.
"Thanks, this is it." Jinora petted the fox's head in gratitude before continuing reading the words. She was finally on the right track. Going through the pages she found something that really fascinated her. In the book was an image of a strange tree with a twisted trunk and dead branches. In it appeared some form of eye shaped hole.
"The tree of time?" she read out loud, "Where have I heard that before?" she asked. She continued her reading, unfolding the age old story before her very eyes.
"After Avatar Wan defeated the dark spirit Vaatu the elders believed that as long as the portals were closed during Harmonic Convergence, Vaatu will remain imprisoned and the battle between good and evil will not be fought again."
Jinora arched an eyebrow as she read the story. "Harmonic Convergence? What's that? And who's Avatar Wan? Or Vaatu?" she shook her head and continued reading. "But if both portals are opened, the spirit energy will be amplified greatly. During the Harmonic Convergence this energy will be great enough for Vaatu to break free from his bounds and both the human and spirit worlds will be consumed by darkness for a thousand years."
Jinora asked at the horrible images of the so called Vaatu person. All of this information had to be the reason Korra was missing for so long. Why else would the spirits have brought her and the others here. Something was telling her this was indeed the reason, and now it was more crucial than ever that she found Mako, Bolin and Asami.
"We have to find the others!" she said to Furry-Foot, "We have to warn them!"
"Leaving so soon?"
A chilling voice was heard, and Jinora's eyes widened to see Korra's very own uncle with Wan Shi Tong. This time, he smiled the most wicked smile she had ever seen. This man was revealing his true colors out in the open.
"When Wan Shi Tong told me we had a visitor I had to see it with my own eyes. I can't believe Tenzin sent his daughter instead of coming himself. What kind of a father is he?"
"Better than you'll ever be!" Jinora exclaimed, defending her father. "Wan Shi Tong how can you be helping him?!"
"Unalaq has proven to be a true friend to the spirit." The gain owl replied. "Unlike the Avatar."
"Why would you want to help Vaatu escape? He'll destroy everything!"
"Don't believe everything you read." said Unalaq, smiling smugly. "Why don't you come with me so you can do some first hand research?"
As the man began to slowly approach her, Jinora stepped back, only to feel Furry-Foot's paw on her shoulder. But something was terribly wrong. The moment he touched her, his body began to shift and change, becoming dark blue with shark claws and growling down at her. Somehow, Unalaq's very presence caused him to change.
"Furry-Foot?!"
(~)
Korra looked over at the horizon. The garden seemed like a long journey, but she knew she couldn't abandon her new friend. He was counting on her, and she would follow Iroh's advice.
"You sure about this?" Zaheer asked the Avatar.
"No. But, a wise man once told me I should place my energy into seeking the Light. And that's what I'm doing. Besides, look at this little guy." her gaze shifted to the fawn, who nuzzled against her legs, "When you guys first saw him you were scared, right? Well, does he look scary now?"
Zaheer chuckled lightly, "Nah."
"Some things that seem threatening in the dark become welcome when we shine a little light on them. That's what my father did with you and P'Li. He gave you both a chance and you found your way back. So, now we're doing the same for this little guy. We're bringing him back where he belongs."
Zaheer smiled proudly at the Avatar. No longer did he see that angry, bitter and broken hearted child when she first came. She had been transformed and been cleansed by the healing waters. She had lost sight of the Light, and now she had found it once again. He believed in her…just as she believed in him.
Tonraq and the others approached with the rest of the group behind them. "You ready, Korra?"
Korra nodded her head and turned to Iroh, hugging him goodbye. It was a shame she had to say goodbye now. "It was wonderful to meet you, Iroh."
"Likewise, Korra. Come back and visit us again. In this life…or the next." he wiped away a single tear that escaped her eye before turning to the other teens.
"Thank you so much for all of your kindness." said Mako, smiling and bowing in gratitude.
"I wish you all the best of luck. And, don't go eating anymore apples from strangers, okay?"
The four laughed at the joke and the three embraced the old man in a hug. Tonraq and Zaheer shook his hands in gratitude before making their way down the path to take the little fawn home.
Korra turned her head once more to get a glimpse of Iroh, who waved in her direction. before their very eyes, the scenery appeared to have expanded, and before long the teashop was now miles away, seeing only a strange rock formation in the distance.
"I'll never understand this place." said Asami, right before the group carried on their way.
(~)