Chapter 13: The Avatar Party
Korra had no clue what would happen after she had completed the instructions for the Restoration, and certainly did not anticipate the regrowth of the Great Banyan tree, but she certainly wasn't expecting this. She appeared to be standing inside a massive hall, which was filled with over 100 people - a good number of which she recognized immediately. She saw Raava standing in front of her in a formal dress in her human-y form, and she saw everyone else staring at Raava's new form. As she began to scan the crowd in more detail, Korra's heart jumped - she could see Avatar Wan, Avatar Aang, Avatar Roku, Avatar Kyoshi -who she recognized from history books - and all her other past lives! A rather severe woman Air Nomad Avatar who was staring at Raava and a male Water Tribe Avatar who was approaching Raava caught her eye. The Water Tribe Avatar came up to close Raava and said, bending over to look Raava in the face, "I bet if you ever grow up, you'll be a looker, Raava." As the closest Avatars began laughing wildly, Raava cursed and flicked him in the forehead, sending him crashing into Korra. As their bodies collided, she instantly knew who he was - it was Avatar Kuruk, who Raava had once mentioned as having lost a loved one's face to Koh.
Seemingly knowing what Korra had been thinking about, Kuruk asked her "So what's that no-good scumbag centipede up to these days? He try and steal anyone's face recently? I gotta get back to hunting that villain - I never did get him to give Ummi's face back, even if I decided to not kill him." He frowned at the ground, seemingly ready to cry - which seemed rather uncharacteristic. This brazen man had just hit on the human-y form of one of the most powerful spirits in the universe. Korra explained the threat Long Yumao had given Asami, and Kuruk scratched his head lightly, saying, "Wait - I don't get it. How does that compare to Koh stealing my beloved's face…?" Korra whispered in his ear, and Kuruk's cheeks turned a deep red, Kuruk saying, "Oh, sorry, Korra - I never figured that some girls bent that way. Might help explain why some of those Air Nomad chicks just walked off before I could show them my tricks." Kuruk said, putting a hand on Korra's shoulder, "Now that I think about it, I don't really mind - just as long as somebody was getting some action." Kuruk winked at Korra, making her laugh, and he continued, "I get the bad feeling you aren't done telling me what happened while I was trapped in that icecube - go on." When Korra told him about Raava, Asami and her own encounter with a freewalking Koh in the spirit world, Kuruk nearly had a fit. He managed to sputter, "That's just awful! Koh was enough of a menace when he stayed holed up in his tree, even if he did help Aang... sort of. I hope this Long Yumao can't uphold his end of their disgusting pact." Kuruk stormed off, apparently annoyed to be trapped with the other past lives of the Avatar instead of harassing Koh.
When she saw Aang walking towards her with Roku at his side, she realized with a start that Aang no longer took the form of the middle-aged man she had seen before who had restored her bending - he was 12! Aang, seemingly anticipating her question, said loudly, "When you restored the link, some Avatars chose to not completely reverse the backwards aging - I chose to stay 12, and I know Wan chose to stop aging once he got to the age where he and Raava fused during their fight with Vaatu." Aang pointed at Roku, and said, "Here's Roku, my mentor! He helped me a lot when I was trying to defeat the Fire Nation." A nasty frown suddenly appeared on Korra's face, and she asked, "Yeah, about that kind of help, Aang - why didn't you warn me about Harmonic Convergence anyways? I didn't see or even hear much of you at all until recently." Korra shot the little boy a rather nasty glare. Aang just began laughing, saying, "Sorry, Korra - I let myself get… distracted, shall we say. Even after death, I always loved to check in on Katara." Roku gave him a face that outdid her own scowl, and smacked Aang across the face, yelling, "THAT'S what you were doing before Avatar Korra got swallowed by that Dark Spirit?! Honestly! You told me you were trying to get more information about Harmonic Convergence out of Wan Shi Tong - you're lucky your granddaughter didn't get hurt by that smug owl." Aang blushed slightly, and said, "Yeah - maybe it wasn't the best decision. I don't think I was thinking with my brain. Anyways, Korra - I want you to tell me everything that happened since Unalaq and Vaatu imprisoned us." Seeing that Roku was curious as well and they were serious, Korra groaned slightly, and prepared to start talking - again. Before she could, she saw Raava sneak up behind the two, who told Korra, "Touch their foreheads! This party may not take any time in the real world, but I don't feel like standing here for two 'hours' either!" She put her palms on a laughing Aang's and a confused Roku's foreheads, and withdrew her hands once Raava removed her own from their backs. Roku stared at Korra, saying, "That was amazing! All that information at once…" Roku trailed off, and looked angry again, saying, "Wait - so Firelord Izumi didn't make it to Republic City in force in time? It doesn't matter if Kuvira attacked one week early. I know I wanted the Fire Nation to stop messing in other nation's affairs, but I think she's grossly overshot the mark. That crater in the middle of the city…" Roku headed past the tea table, straight for what Korra recognized as some sake bottles. Korra turned to stare at Aang - she was still angry at him for his… dereliction of duty. Aang could tell that Raava was angry as well - the small spirit had her hand on her hips, seemingly ready to launch into a barrage of curses. Aang twiddled his fingers nervously, and yelled, "Off to spy - I mean, check up on Katara again! See you later!" He ran off, staring out what appeared to be a window. Raava made to chase after Aang, but stopped, and sighed, "It's no use - he always was a big kid, even on his deathbed. Why don't you talk to these two while I join Roku at the sake table?"
Korra giggled at the idea of a great spirit getting drunk. Raava shot her a wink as she left, and said, "You might want to try alcohol with Asami some time - I get the feeling both your inhibitions will melt away like ice before fire." Korra remembered what Asami had said about hanky-panky and mansions - that sounded like a really good idea. Korra was dragged back to the present when she noticed two severe Avatars approaching her - one, an Air Nomad woman who she did not recognize, and the other what must have been Avatar Kyoshi. She would recognize that outfit and makeup anywhere. Kyoshi started, asking, "Who's this 'Kuvira' you mentioned? Don't tell me some fool is trying to follow in the footsteps of Chin the Conqueror. And none of that weird information dump thing Roku was so excited about. Why don't you just start from the time both me and Yangchen were imprisoned." Korra now knew the other Avatar's name. Korra groaned loudly, and said, "It's not like I could do it anyways - not with Raava half drunk all the way over there." She heard loud awkward laughter from the direction of the sake table - apparently Roku was making up for over 170 year's lack of drink with a vengeance, and Raava couldn't get enough of this strange new "human-y" pleasure. Korra vaguely considered cutting out certain parts, but the curious yet stern looks on Kyoshi's and Yangchen's faces convinced her that wasn't a good idea.
When she had finally finished - it was a good thing this party wasn't taking up actual real time, she thought with relief - she saw Yangchen staring at her in an odd mix of disbelief and admiration. Kyoshi looked to be fuming, but likely to stay silent for now. Yangchen said, putting a hand on Korra's shoulder, "I can't believe it - the Air Nomads, no, I guess the Air Nation now - back after all this time. And your sacrifice to protect them… You even put your life at risk to stop Kuvira's weapon from turning her into ash. I thought Aang's energybending of Ozai was merciful." She blushed slightly, adding, "I can see my own 'mixed' reputation precedes me - this 'Opal' girl sounds a lot like me, and Jinora sounds an awful lot like Aang. I believe they are both right, in their own ways, about taking life. I counseled Aang myself that he needed to just kill Ozai, and when I saw this 'New Ozai Society' I thought I had been right. I never expected one as violent and brash as yourself to show that there's a time and place for everything." Yangchen looked slightly concerned, and began to say, "The New Ozai Society came to mind when you talked about Iroh's prophecy, and I fear a repeat of that may happen in the Earth kingdom, except not around Kuvira - she 'disgraced' herself in the eyes of her followers, most likely, with her surrender." Yangchen barely finished before a much more visibly incensed Kyoshi pushed her aside, and pointed an accusing finger at Korra, and cursed at her in blind rage loudly for at least a good five minutes, Korra detecting a slightly… defensive tone in Kyoshi's voice, as though making up for something. She heard Raava laughing hysterically, who, given the loud thump at the end, must have fallen face-forward onto the floor in her drunken stupor.
Kyoshi actually began to talk instead of cursing, and she lashed into Korra, saying, "So you mean to tell me your incompetence let an anarchist madman plunge the Earth Kingdom into chaos, destroying countless artifacts and inflicting massive property damage in the process, and then you seriously considered SURRENDERING to this same lunatic? Which, I may add, if you hadn't gone to him like you did, he would never have been able to poison you. And that brings me to my second point - this 'Kuvira' woman. She sounds WORSE than Chin the Conqueror! All those slave-labor and 're-education' camps… I can hardly believe you didn't just crush her like the vile insect she is outside Zaofu, 'Dark Korra' hallucination or not. Then, instead of letting the Universe exact poetic justice on this horrible, evil person, you SAVED HER FROM HER OWN WEAPON?! I thought you were supposed to be more like I was - strong, willing to kill, and an instrument of order. I guess not - For crying out loud, you just started a SPIRIT CIVIL WAR! Someone told you were a 'legend', Korra - I think you're a disgrace. Now, to join Roku and Raava at the sake table - I need a good stiff drink after hearing all that ... that… " Again, with the cursing. With a final angry grunt and curse, Kyoshi stormed off, almost stepping on a floor-bound Raava who was singing horribly off-key with Roku.
Before Korra could start to cry wildly, she felt a very familiar energy near her, and looked up to see who it was, smiling to see Avatar Wan say, "Avatar Korra, I've always wanted to meet you directly. As the First Avatar, I know quite a bit more of what has happened than that brute of a woman did initially. Avatar Wan finished, "Even inside that ice, my special connection to Raava let me see the odd vision here or there," wiping a solitary tear from Korra's cheek. Wan began to drag Korra towards the sake table - the last place she wanted to go. Seeing the look on her face, Wan said, "I want to see Raava up close, after all this time - even if she is so drunk she can't see straight. Never thought I'd see my friend in the form of an intoxicated little girl." Both Korra and Wan laughed loudly. This got Raava's attention, who managed to waddle over, saying, "Hey, Waaaan! Nishe to shee you againnn! If I evur get a bigger 'human-y' form, wanna do the… The Thing?" As Raava hiccupped and then giggled loudly, Wan's cheeks flushed, and he said "Hey! I may have sworn off humans - much less intercourse with one - after I fused with you, but I'm not your husband or boyfriend. Now, please, do this new 'information-sharing' technique with Korra, before you pass out or something." Korra was rather surprised - she had never heard of an asexual individual before. Raava slurred, "Fiiine. Now jusht hold shtill, and don't questionnn where I put my handsh. It issh completely necesshary." Korra put her palm up to Wan's forehead, and laughed loudly as Raava made her move - she firmly grasped Wan's buttocks, producing a surprised yelp from the first Avatar. After a short time, she saw Wan swat Raava's hands off his rear. Raava groaned loudly, "Awwww! And I wash jusht shtarting to feel that feelinggg Korra said I couldn't feel as a shpirit. You arrr no fun, Waaaaan." With the last word, Raava feel backwards again, landing on her long braided white hair. The small clasped teapot now sitting on Raava's chest let out a muffled mad laughter, vibrating as it did so. Roku burst into hysterics, Kyoshi actually snickered, and she could hear Aang laughing wildly - apparently, he had become bored of the Katara peep show. Wan said, still blushing slightly, "I believe I have something to tell you, Korra. Now let's get away from these drunken hooligans." Raava managed a weak "I'm no hoooligaaaander - I'm the mosht powerful shpirit in the Univershe!" before blacking out again as Wan and Korra walked away.
Wan stopped when they had reach an empty corner of the odd house, and said "You seemed surprised when I said I held no desire for humans after fusing with Raava. After seeing all that humanity could do, I felt dirty even being near anyone but my closest allies, and even they regarded me with a small amount of fear - there had been no Avatar before me, and they never really knew if I was going to glow it up on them. Given this, I never developed a close relationship with any human - the closest thing I had was my bond with Raava, and despite her impious behavior just now, I can't find myself attracted to a big spirit, much less a little girl." Korra gave Wan a confused look - while this information was interesting, she didn't see what it had to do with her. She told him as much, and Wan said, "Ah, yes - so direct. What I brought you over here to tell you, Korra, is that you are not alone." Korra was getting slightly angry, and said curtly, "Of course I'm not alone! You're standing right here, next to me! If you have something to say, spit it out!" Wan laughed, and said, "Okay then - Korra, you are not the only Avatar to have a same-sex relationship. You are the first outside the Air Nomads to actually follow through on your desires. There was only one other Avatar who pursued his love as far or farther than you have - a male Air Nomad, Avatar Garkan. His time occurred after the finding by Air Nomad scholars that Tenzin showed you." Korra could hardly believe what Wan was saying - she truly was not alone! Korra began to grin broadly, hugging Wan, saying, "That's wonderful news! What about the other Avatars who weren't heterosexual?" Wan looked down at the floor, and said with clear disgust in his voice, "They had to keep their relationships secret, or worse - they kept their desires pent up inside. Unrequited love - not because the target of their affections would have rejected them, but because they knew they would become a 'lame turtle-duck' Avatar if they showed their feelings openly. It is as Iroh warned you - there is much intolerance in the world, especially before your time. Even for the Avatar, the most powerful human on the planet."
Korra felt an anger rising inside her she had only felt a few times before. It blossomed fully, and she felt tears running down her face. Had she been in the physical world with Raava inside her, she thought she would have incinerated all within a hundred feet of her body, even turning earth and steel to ash and slag. Wan lightly tapped her head, and said, "I did not tell you this to make you 'rage against the machine', Korra - it is my hope that you may help change the world's attitude towards non heterosexual relationships. You won't get anywhere incinerating cities like what that anger would have done, however. While the Spirit Civil War is ongoing, this may need to be put to the side - you will need the support of humanity, even bigots, if you are to successfully stop Long Yumao's growing influence and defeat him." Korra was still seething with rage, so she asked Wan, "Can you show me one of these Avatars? And please, no depressing stories - at least not right now." Wan ran off suddenly, dragging a large man behind him in Air Nomad attire, who looked very surprised. After Wan whispered in this Avatar's ear for quite some time, the burly man stepped forward.
A deep voice boomed, "Hello, Avatar Korra - my name is Avatar Garkan. Wan told me of your relationship with this 'Asami' woman and his own conversation with you, among other things. He made it clear you didn't really want to hear the other gay Avatar's testimonies of woe right now, so allow me to share my own story." Korra felt a small head at her side - apparently Aang wanted to hear this story as well. Before Garkan could begin, Aang piped, "I had heard of this decree that Korra 'mentioned' in the information sharing earlier before, but never knew anyone who it would apply to. Hope you don't mind, Avatar Garkan." The large Air Nomad Avatar laughed deeply, and said, "You can just call me Garkan. No need for formalities here. As I was about to say, I noticed that I never looked at girls with desire when I was young - even less than the average airbender monk. By the time I was told I was the next Avatar, I had already engaged in relations with another boy - Air Nomad Ryung. Just like you and Asami, Korra, we had not gone beyond close physical contact yet."
Seemingly satisfied that he had answered Korra's main unasked question - which he had not - Garkan continued, saying, "I grew up during a time of peace - the previous Avatar, Avatar Akane of the Fire Nation, had ended a brutal war between the Northern Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom over territory. Her skillful use of the Avatar State ended the lives of the lead generals before they could command their armies to fight to the death outside Ba Sing Se's walls. The leaders of both nations found themselves free to talk out their differences and reach today's borders without the threat of a military coup de 'tat hanging over their heads. Nobody really felt much like fighting anyways, once both generals' remains had been burned together as a symbol of peace and the Avatar's power." Garkan pointed two large fingers out - one at Aang, and one at Korra, saying, "My life as Avatar mainly revolved around diplomacy and finalization of peace, unlike your own tumultuous experiences. From what Wan told me, Korra, you will have some diplomacy of your own to engage in shortly - remember, draw from each of the Four Nations for inspiration, and listen to this 'Su' - she sounds like a highly intelligent woman."
While what Garkan had to say about history and diplomacy was sure to prove useful, Korra was getting rather impatient, and said, "Okay - the reason I wanted to talk to you wasn't about diplomacy or peace talks, Garkan. I figured you might have some solid advice for me on how and when to come out about my relationship with Asami. Do you?" Garkan had a rather resigned look on his chiseled face, and said, "No, I do not, Korra. I am sorry. The reason I told you about the environment that I was Avatar during was because I did not face the divisive challenges you or Aang faced. This allowed me to freely pursue my relationship with my lover, Ryung - even outside of the non-judgmental environment of the Air Nomads. I did not have to worry about the other three Nation's opinion of me - they were still in awe and fear of Avatar Akane's feats. Her legacy, combined with my physical strength, size and elemental prowess, made it so none would challenge my 'odd' relationship with Ryung. We grew old together, as I hope you and Asami will - all without a derogatory look from anyone." Garkan smiled lightly, then put a massive hand to his chin, thinking. He finished, "On your original question - I think I may have a partial answer. You have done much during your lifetime to command respect, according to Wan. I think the best time to bring your relationship with Asami and the plight of non-heterosexuals into the spotlight would be after a major victory against an unambiguous foe. While you may think this applies to Kuvira, I do not believe that situation is so simple. You need someone that almost all of humanity hates, like Ozai - Long Yumao sounds like he's trying his best to fit the bill." With that, Garkan walked off towards the sake table - what was it with people and booze?
Aang told Wan "Last one to Raava's a rotten egg!", and the two rushed off towards a now semi-lucid form in the distance. Korra felt herself running over as well - she felt ready to leave, and she needed Raava to come to her senses first. As she approached, Raava said, with much less of a slur, "Ready to get back to the human-y world, huh, Korra? Here - take my hand." Raava extended her hand, and Korra grasped it, but not before Raava said, "And I'm not done with you yet, Waaaan," and slapped Wan on the butt again. As Korra felt herself fading, she heard a smack on someone's face, and a small girl giggling in reaction.