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Korra's POV

I was going back home. As soon as I had gotten away from Howl and Asa, I had grabbed the map we used getting here and saddled up Gama. With a roar the sky bison took off just as the Firebender and Waterbender caught up to me. I actually felt sorry for leaving the sentry behind but I knew he would have found a way to make me stay and I couldn't. I didn't want to.

Gama and I stopped at night to get some rest but I just couldn't bring myself to get a good night's sleep, too excited, scared, worried to do that. I would only manage a few hours just before the sun rose and then we would get some water and take off once again.

Three days letter I finally spotted Air Temple Island. Gama let out a loud roar at this and I smiled petting the beast on its head. She had missed being home as well. My smile faded. Home. Last time I had been here I had nearly destroyed everything my father had worked hard for…almost…I couldn't finish that thought.

I had to admit I was surprised that everyone seemed to be outside when I came closer to the island. The Airbender kids saw me and ran inside, probably to let everyone know I was back. I sighed and got off Gama, petting her head and silently thanking her.

The fluffy beast gave me a lick and I chuckled at this before turning to look at the crowd that was heading towards me. I sighed. Here went nothing. I looked up again and couldn't help but smile when I saw a familiar dark skinned Firebender run towards me. I knelt down on the ground and held out my arms just as he slammed right into me.

His little arms wrapped around my neck and I held him tightly to me, letting a few tears fall at this. I could feel his hot tears against my neck and I soothingly rubbed his back, letting him know everything was going to be fine now.

"You came back," he said when he pulled away, his little cheeks stained with tears.

I smiled at this and nodded, wiping his face and caressing his cheek. I took a moment to look him over. His hair seemed a little longer and if I wasn't mistaken, he had actually grown a little too. Or maybe I had just missed him so badly. His eyes, however, seemed tired and I had to wonder if he'd even slept at all while I was gone.

"I told you I would, Speedy," I finally replied.

He smiled at his nickname and hugged my neck again as I stood up, with him in my arms. My parents reached me first and they held me against them, begging me never to leave like that ever again.

I told them I wouldn't.

"Korra! Where have you been?" a familiar infuriated Airbender yelled as he approached me, blasting wind everywhere.

"I went to go see a guru," I answered as calmly as I could. "To master the Avatar State."

"I find that hard to believe," Tenzin answered. "Every time a problem comes up the only thing you apparently know how to do is run away. Your actions beforehand were reckless and irresponsible! How could you leave Jason-?"

"That's enough, Tenzin," Katara finally snapped. "You will not torment Korra now that she's home. She had her reasons for leaving. Let it go."

"I'm just-"

"If you have anything to discuss with her, you will do so in private, not with the children around," my former master continued inclining her head to the smaller Airbenders and Jason.

"I've had enough of your rantings. It seems to me that you look for any excuse so you can throw it in her face." Her son seemed taken aback. "Now leave her and her family, appreciate her return."

I actually blinked a few times at this. I had never heard Katara speak that way before and I could tell that Tenzin, along with everyone else, was surprised. The Airbender turned away, blowing air as he did so. Soon the kids followed him after shortly greeting me.

Katara stepped toward me and I gave my mother Jason so that I could hug her, whispering a thank you. She held me tight before pulling away, placing a hand against my cheek.

"We're all happy you're back," she told me. I smiled at this. "Get some rest, we have a few things to talk about after you get some sleep."

I inwardly groaned but nodded, taking Jason in my arms once again and following my parents back home. Once there I took him to his room and told him I'd be back as soon as I showered. When I came back, he was sitting on the bed, waiting for me. He smiled as I walked inside and jumped off the bed. I picked him up and kissed his temple before he kissed my cheek.

He scooted over when I laid him on the bed and waited for me to lie down before going under my arm as he had before. Shortly after my parents walked in, checking if I needed anything. My father covered both of us up and my mother sat in the chair next to the bed, running her hand through my hair while humming an old tune.

In that moment, with Jason in my arms and my parents watching over me, I had never felt more at peace. And there was nowhere else I'd rather be.

Katara's POV

Howl had arrived a few days after Korra. Apparently she had ditched him just like before, but he confirmed that she had been with a guru to help her control the Avatar State. When I had asked whether she had succeeded, he simply lowered his gaze and nodded his head. My eyes narrowed at this. Something had happened, I knew it. The sentry and my former pupil had become something similar to friends in the past couple of months, which is why it puzzled me that she had left him.

Since her arrival, Korra had gone into a deep sleep, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. Senna and I frequently watched over her, making sure she had everything she needed. Tonraq also stood by her side, as well as Jason. The little Firebender slept almost as much as his surrogate mother and I couldn't help but grin when he snuggled closer to the Water Tribe girl, causing her to smile in her sleep.

I was waiting for her in the courtyard now that she had finally awakened. I had meant what I said about having a talk with her. Though I understood her motives for leaving, I still needed to let her know that she could never let this happen again or there would be no more chances with the boy.

"Katara?"

I patted the seat next to me and she sighed before sitting down. I could tell she was still tired, but was as active as ever, playing any chance she got with Jason. It wasn't a surprise that they had both missed each other.

"Korra, I know you were scared," I began. Her jaw tightened at this. Being afraid wasn't something she was used admitting to. "But I want to make it very clear to you that it is unacceptable what you did. You acted on impulse, something you cannot do if you want to care for Jason."

"I know," she answered tiredly. "I just-Everything came crashing down on me and if I would have lost him…" the girl stopped there before shaking her head. "I left to show you that I had the control that I needed to be with him, and I accomplished that."

"At what cost?" I inquired. Every Avatar had to give up something. Control always had a price.

The young Avatar straightened at this, not expecting the question. "What do you mean, at what cost?"

"Korra, what did you do?"

"I gained control," Korra answered. "That's all you need to know.".

She stood and I did the same before grabbing her wrist. "Korra, listen to me," I insisted. "There will come a time in your life when you will have to let go of those around you. It is essential to becoming a fully realized Avatar. It will be hard, but you must learn to let go."

She looked over at Jason, who was sitting next to Senna. The boy was showing her his little toy cars. Korra watched the scene for a moment, her eyes revealing her reluctance to let him go. Finally she nodded before removing her wrist from my grasp.

"I know," was all she said before leaving.