((Sorry for the wait, it's increasingly difficult to find time to write new chapters! A few time-jumps in this one, speeding up training being one! Hope you enjoy!))

A Voice from the Past:

"Hello Korra."

The woman smiled. She had kind eyes and her posture was solid, showing a strength of character that Jahn hoped to one day emulate. "I believe you need my help. All the wisdom of past Avatars are open to you now that the connection has been restored with my death."

Jahn nodded, slightly starstruck. His past life was sat opposite him as though not a day had passed since she last sat in the material world. "How—how did you die?" he asked without thinking. He immediately regretted it.

"I became ill. After my battle with Kuvira, my girlfriend Asami and I decided to take a vacation to the Spirit World through the new portal in Republic City. At the time, it all seemed peaceful; Kuvira was imprisoned, the rebuilding efforts would soon begin and I finally overcame my block from the battle with Zaheer. It was the Spirit World that ultimately proved to be my destruction.

When we arrived, the spirits were all glad to see us. They understood whatever bond Asami and I shared was the same as anyone's, so they were especially nice. Even Iroh showed up and gave us some tea. Honestly, that vacation was the best…

It was when we returned to Republic City that I realised I wasn't very well. Something felt off, like even Raava was uncomfortable. It didn't stop me being the Avatar though, so I helped Tenzin, Bolin, Mako and the others to establish a spiritual perimeter around the portal and then focused on helping Raiko to create plans for the new areas of the city.

In the next two years, I faced more challenges but none as bad as what I'd already dealt with. I gradually felt worse and worse but by the time I realised something was wrong, it was too late. I made peace with my family and friends and departed."

Jahn was stunned. Korra seemed so nonchalant about her own death in a way that brought tears to his eyes. Her matter-of-fact tone was so heartbreakingly honest that he immediately felt a bond with his past life. "So what was the illness?" he asked, his voice breaking with emotion.

Korra shook her head. "I don't know. My guess is that it was spiritual in essence; it targeted me as the Avatar as we're fused with Raava. I was probably the first victim of it but there are bound to be more. Whoever is spiritually enlightened will probably suffer the most. Please, you must check on Tenzin and the new Air Nation for me. They're bound to have heard of it."

Jahn nodded slowly. "I spoke to an airbender, Jinora, in the spirit world. Is she one of the Air Nation I'm looking for?"

"Yes. She's Tenzin's daughter", Korra said with a smile. "You must find her soon. I worry that the illness passed to them when I left this world."

"I will. But first, I need your advice. I'm in a White Lotus compound but I don't remember leaving Taku. The Grand Master here said something about an Avatar Power?"

The waterbending Avatar blinked. "They didn't tell you? The Avatar State must be controlled, it seems pointless to keep the knowledge hidden from you. Aang had a hard time mastering it as a child and I guess you are too."

The two Avatars conversed for a short while as Korra explained the Avatar State and how it empowered the Avatar with all the knowledge of their past lives and gave them incredible power. It could, however, backfire if he was killed whilst using it. Keeping Jahn's emotions under check would be a priority unless he wished to hurt those around him.

"I must go now Jahn. Whilst you may talk to me at any time, long periods of time such as this are increasingly difficult. If you need advice, do not fear to ask the other Avatars. They will almost certainly help. And remember, please go to Air Temple Island as soon as you can", Korra whispered as her form broke apart into mist.

The firebending training was going surprisingly well. To begin with, it was difficult to create fire without the rage that had gripped him in his confrontation with Saall, but after some rather short-tempered tutoring from Akirai, Jahn had finally managed to click with the bending art. In their duels, Akirai still clearly outmatched him in skill but Jahn could finally hold his own, firing blasts in quick succession in a fiery, aggressive style.

"Oof!" he grunted as he hit the floor. Blasting himself to his feet, he powered along the floor, shooting fire from his feet to speed himself up. Jumping, he kicked two fireballs at his mentor and span as he descended, becoming a flaming drill. Akirai easily dodged the first blasts but was too slow to avoid Jahn himself, who collided with the Fire Nation royal. She hit the floor hard for the first time but Jahn did not waste any time celebrating. Instead, he rolled and took a stance, ready for a counter attack.

The sound of clapping distracted him. Zukoh was stood at the side of the field with a number of White Lotus members. A number of them were grumbling as they exchanged money.

"You were betting on this?" Jahn asked with a laugh. He was flushed with success; it was the first time he had even marked Akirai, let alone knocked her down. She was sat on the floor, head bowed in anger.

Zukoh walked over as Akirai climbed to her feet. Bowing slightly, she inclined her head to the Grand Master but instead of immediately storming off as she usually did when angry, she stood her ground. "Well done Jahn! You've become an extremely proficient firebender already. You have a long way to go before you master the art but to come as far as you have in two weeks is remarkable," Zukoh admitted.

Akirai nodded begrudgingly. "Yeah it wasn't bad."

Zukoh raised an eyebrow. "Really, Akirai, you could give the boy a bit of encouragement now and again. He has behaved himself after all, as you were so keen for him to do."

"Piss off Nephew, I agreed to teach the kid but he can go fawn for attention from someone else. I'm here to make sure he doesn't get his butt kicked again."

Zukoh made a tutting noise. Before he could speak, Jahn stepped forward, a hopeful expression on his face. "So if I've learned firebending to a good enough degree, can I travel to Air Temple Island now?"

"This again? No, Jahn. As I've told you twice before, you must stay here and master firebending and when the time comes, we shall contact the island and bring a master here," the Grand Master said resolutely. Not even mentioning Korra's request would sway the man.

The loneliness of the compound was the worst about it. Jahn had still not seen his mother and Kuvu was apparently not allowed to visit. The compound was increasingly becoming a prison, whether it was meant for his training or not. Even Korra wished him to break out and run a personal errand for her. The only thing the Avatar seemed to be doing lately is what other people wanted him to do, not what he wished.

Zukoh sighed as the man tripped over and spilled an armful of cabbages all over the floor. It was a wonder this compound wasn't falling apart, judging by the staff.

"My cabbages! Sorry Mr White Lotus man, I'll pick them up!" the man said as he scrambled on the floor.

The saying rang a bell in Zukoh's memory. "Aren't you related to th—?"

Nodding frantically, the man stood up quickly. "Yes Sir, Cabbage Corp is the family business! Supplying the White Lotus with fresh cabbages since time began!"

"Really. So it preceded even Raava and Vaatu then?"

"I have no idea what you mean Sir but yes indeedy, Cabbage Corp is the best around!"

Zukoh sighed again. "You don't need to try and convince me, we already hire you…" he said. Turning to a White Lotus member, he motioned for her to handle the cabbage situation. It wasn't exactly like he had time to waste on this.

The issue about Avatar Jahn puzzled him. The young man was powerful and stubborn, two traits he did not like seeing mixed together. He had been fighting them ever since he arrived and now he persisted in the idea of going to Air Temple Island. He hadn't even mastered Firebending yet. Although maybe Zukoh himself should try and show him some moves. It had been a while since he'd had an excuse to spar with anyone; instead, his time was spent organising cabbages, apparently.

"Grand Master Zukoh!" a voice shouted urgently. The guard that usually covered the evening shift of Jahn's quarters was sprinting up to him, surprise still clear on his face.

"What's the matter? Shouldn't you be at your post?" Zukoh asked, hoping it was just a trivial matter that brought the guard here.

"No Sir, not when there's no Avatar to guard! Jahn's gone, he bust himself out of the cell and made a run for it!"

The Grand Master was not at all pleased. "This Avatar is turning out to be the most bloody annoying one yet!" he said in anger. "Go to Republic City, find Avatar Jahn and bring him back!"