AUTHOR'S NOTES: And now here's how Korra actually gets her bending back. The notion that Katara, the world's greatest healer, couldn't undo damage done by another waterbending move, never really sat too well with me. But rather than just have that be a copout, I still found a way to tie Korra's past lives into this, including Aang—but like with her method of beating Amon, she doesn't just get off on easy street. No, that would be far too effortless.
Happy Reading!
BOOK TWO: CHANGE
CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT: REVITALIZATION
After Korra let her friends out of her embrace, she turned to them and glanced into the chamber.
"I dunno if you guys want to follow me in or not, since there's nothing there apart from a bunch of Avatar Statues… but if you want to, you can."
"I do wanna see yours…" Bolin stretched, "but I think I'll do that after a bit of a nap."
"I'd be inclined to agree," Mako confessed, "but we were up all night trying to open the stupid thing—not to say it wasn't worth it, since it was; just that you might have noticed we're all on the verge of falling over, pretty much."
"Asami?" Korra turned, prompting the brothers to do the same to look behind them. Asami did not reply, but with the way she was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, she looked like she might have been flat-out ignoring them. However, a quick glance at her demeanour betrayed that she had actually legitimately fallen asleep on her feet. Bolin and Korra both giggled before the former nudged the latter.
"We'll make sure nothing comes in after you," he promised, "you do your thing—and remember: we've got your back, Korra."
"Thanks guys," Korra smiled at Bolin and then at Mako. "Seriously—thank you so much. I know opening a door in some ancient temple might seem meaningless, but it means a lot to me; it's… it's just difficult to explain."
"I know throwing a wad of cash at someone when you've got millions more might have seemed like nothing to you, Korra," Mako smiled at her, "but it meant a lot to Bo and I. Sometimes, a little favour for a good friend can go a long way—I hope you understand that."
"Well, when we get back and clear all this shit up you're both getting some more," Korra grinned, "and tell Asami I said thanks too when she wakes up."
"Will…" This time Mako was interrupted with a yawn, "...will do. Take care, Korra."
She closed the massive door behind her. Unlike with entering the chamber, leaving it was just a matter of pushing the door. Korra didn't understand the lock, but figured it was of the same supernatural construct that the Avatar statues were. She knelt down in front of her own statue, undoing her hair and removing her boots as if to loosen herself up a little.
"Alright, well I'm here." she called out to no one in particular. "Where are the Interregnums now?"
This was met with silence, and Korra wasn't sure what she had done wrong. Her focus was still out of balance from all the recent traumatizing events she had experienced, both personally and those that she had watched her closest friends suffer.
And then right as she was about to give up, she reached the right state of meditative calm to call one of her past lives to her. She expected Zeruda out of irony; or maybe Aang since she was his immediate successor—but instead, she was met by Avatar Zakura, the final character in the infamous Interregnum Cycle.
"So were you in on this whole shindig about the Interregnum Avatars having my back or whatever?" She pouted, "Because I lost my bending and it's really…" she sighed, "It's really disheartening and I honestly don't know what I'm supposed to do!"
"And yet you came to the right place," Zakura smiled, "you heeded our call, and while none of us can just magically restore your bending, know that we can and wish to help."
"Well, what can you do?" Korra asked, "I mean, if there's a way for me to get my bending back I'll do anything. If I have to relearn everything all over again like Avatar Sanaki then I will—but I just can't abide not doing anything and hoping for it to return on its own or through dumb luck."
"I hardly pictured you the type," Zakura chortled, "No, close your eyes, Korra. Relax, and let your mind clear itself of everything that ails it. Cleanse your mind, Avatar Korra…"
"Cleanse your mind, Avatar Korra…" Korra heard this statement 21 different times altogether, with each voice sounding different than the last. She saw visions of Shigeru, Zakura, Lakha, and the rest of the Interregnum Cycle in reverse order, all the way back to Delun and Kozue. After they had all said their parts, Zakura returned again.
"Let it not be said that the Interregnum Avatars don't have your back, little one," Zakura assured her, touching her hand to Korra's forehead in a similar way to how Aang or Amon had removed someone's bending. "And while your efforts did not go unnoticed, there comes a time when you simply need to rest."
"I can't rest!" Korra gawked, "I can't just do nothing and hope my bending comes back!"
"And yet that is what your body needs at this point," Zakura advised, "Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Republic City and return to your roots."
"What good will that do?" Korra tilted her head, "The White Lotus will probably just use it as another excuse to lock me up again."
"Sometimes, the touch of a masterful healer can do wonders for you, Avatar Korra," Zakura explained, "I spent over a month in the home of a Southern healer who helped me on my long road to recovery after I was poisoned and nearly slain. Did you not end up in the care of a healer after your own life was jeopardized, years ago?"
"You think Fukui could help me?" Korra tilted her head, "Is she even here? Wait, how do you even know about her? This is all thousands of years after you!"
"We can see through your eyes, Korra. When you invoke the Avatar State, you are calling upon the Avatar Spirit as well as your past lives. I'm sure you know the rest. Heed our council, little one. We have done what we can to help cleanse your mind, but for you to fully heal, you must take the final steps yourself."
And with that, Zakura's spirit dissipated, leaving Korra alone in the quiet chamber. To her surprise, when she stepped out, she found Fukui standing amidst her friends, whispering things to Naga as she rubbed the polar bear-dog's head. Mako and Bolin were seated against one of the stone columns, while Asami was still on her feet against the wall. All three of them were still soundly asleep, their exhaustion from the efforts to pry open the door apparent on their creased visages. Fukui looked up at seeing Korra, and gave pause.
"Avatar Korra,' she put a hand to her chest, "Did you manage to recover your bending then?"
"How did you know I was trying to recover my bending?" Korra gave a curious pout, "and where did you come from?"
"I've been here," the healer replied, "If I am not tending the temple itself, I am usually out hunting or foraging atop these cliffs. I did not, however, see a reason to disrupt the meeting between you and your friends where it was not my place."
"Well," Korra looked her over, "I need a healer. Do you think you could help?"
"While I would be happy to help, I do not think I possess the strength of the Mezhiak Healers," Fukui admitted, "But Master Katara does—and if anyone can help you, it's her."
"You know Katara?" It was rare for Korra to meet someone else from the Southern Water Tribe. Most waterbenders she had run into had either lived their lives in Republic City or were from the North. "And what's a Mezhiak Healer?"
"Avatar Serenez was a Mezhiak Healer, and that potent ability has run through her blood for centuries," Fukui replied, "And while I myself am a distant descendant of that woman, I still have much to learn. Whether or not Master Katara is also descended from them, I know not—but with her skill, she might as well be."
Korra thought about this for a moment, and wasn't sure how she felt about the idea that Katara might be descended from an Interregnum Avatar. It was one thing to be descended from an Avatar in general—Tenzin was the son of Avatar Aang; and Kwan, through her grandmother Azula and great-grandmother Ursa, was descended from Avatar Roku. But the Interregnums were a different lot entirely. Korra was mixed about them because she was still not sure if they were heroes or villains. She would have to meditate on this later.
"So what do you think I should do?" Korra asked her, "I know you're not a teacher or mentor or anything, but I owe you my life, which means I believe in your judgment."
"If you want my opinion," Fukui massaged Korra's shoulders to try and ease some of the stiff tension she had there, "I would advise seeking out Master Katara. Perhaps her healing powers are potent enough to finish the job your past lives started."
And thus, this was where Korra went. She rested a bit out of respect for her friends who were still burned out from the whole all-night operation they had performed on the door, but after they woke up and Korra shared her idea, it was met with enthusiasm and support.
"And hey," she scratched her head, trying to find silver lining to keep her mind off of the fact that she was still devoid of her bending, "maybe I can introduce you to my parents."
Korra mentally cringed as she remembered the horribly awkward first meeting she had had with her parents in Asami's presence. It had been years, and so much had happened since then, but she wondered what her parents still thought of her. She was terrible at correspondence; and wasn't even sure if Tenzin had shared anything that happened to her with her parents. She was about to find out, however.
=Southern Water Tribe, a day and a half later…=
Tenzin's family was also down in the Southern Water Tribe by the time Korra's friends arrived there, as were Lin and Kwan, with the latter having helped the former get there.
"Korra," the lavabender opened her arms, "Glad to see you here; did you get your bending back?"
"I didn't," Korra sighed, "but I think I know what I need to do in order to get it back."
"Well let's hear it," Lin demanded, "I don't mean to sound bitchy, but I'm sure you know by now about that hollow, lifeless existence that comes in the wake of getting it stripped is like."
"You're telling me," Korra shook her head, "but no—I need to find Katara."
"That's what I suggested, but Kwan seems rather against it." Lin pointed out.
"Katara's fine," Kwan frowned, "It's Senna that I'm worried about, and I guarantee that she's going to be there, especially now that Korra's here."
"Story time?" Bolin exchanged looks with Mako and Korra and subsequently with Kwan.
"She and I may have tried to kill each other before," Kwan sighed, shoving her hands into her coat pockets, "twice now, actually. Once during that fight where she and a few others busted up the Red Lotus; and another time in Si Wong—Operation Desert Storm. Red Lotus lost a bunch of strong folks that day, and your mom killed at least half a dozen people with just a hunting knife and a broken whiskey bottle. You would think it'd be easy to floor a waterbender in the desert—if you went against Senna, you'd be wrong."
"Well, she's my mom," Korra asserted, "I'll try and smooth things over with her, but first I need to see Katara." She seemed surprised at this revelation, but put it in the back of her mind for now. The notion that her mother killed a dozen insurgents with just a hunting knife and a whiskey bottle did intrigue her though. Was this another one of Kawn's tall tales, or was there truth to it?
"That's a good idea," Kwan nodded, "Glad to see you're not quite as dumb as you act."
"I love you too, Kwan." Korra couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "I promise I'll intervene if either of you try to do anything, but for now… let's find Katara."
There was in fact an audience inside the old healer's house as Tenzin's family, Korra's friends and parents, as well as Lin ( Kwan waited in another room) waited to see what Katara would say about Korra, or if her damage could be repaired. The outlook seemed bleak since she had already revealed that she could do nothing for any of the former airbenders, not even Ikki (whose bending was still somewhat intact, albeit extremely weakened), despite her best efforts. However, with Korra there was something different.
"Your chi paths are remarkably clear, Korra," she commented as she ran water up and down Korra's body. "There are still notable blocks like there are with my son and his children, but yours feel… clearer. What did you do different?"
Korra explained the story of her trip to the Western Air Temple and her connection with the Interregnum Avatars. Unlike most others who spoke of them, Katara did not seem to see them in the same negative light as many others.
"Help can sometimes come from the places you would least expect." she smiled, "and sometimes it is when you are at your lowest point that you are most open to change. Aang used to remind me of that all the time."
"So do you think this will work?" Korra looked up. The water felt delightful against her bare, slightly scarred skin, and Korra wasn't even bothered by the fact that she was wearing almost nothing at the moment.
"I do," Katara smiled, "I can feel your chi starting to flow again—and soon I feel I can get you to full strength. They don't call me the best healer in the world for nothing!"
She gave a hearty little chuckle, as if trying to make a joke. Her expression betrayed fond memories of something or another, although Korra didn't think to ask what it was about. It wasn't that she didn't care; but more that she did not wish to disrupt Katara's pleasant thoughts. Instead, she felt herself become lighter, as if a heavy load was being taken off her system. She twitched her hand, and the water around her moved with it.
The exuberant expression that suddenly came across Korra's face was unmatched by any she had ever made in her life. Katara smiled fondly, although she too was taken by somewhat surprise as Korra sprang up with excitement.
The following events were nothing short of comical. Korra accidentally smashed through a wall in a manner uncannily similar to how she had revealed herself as the Avatar to the White Lotus nearly 14 years earlier, except this time, little airbending moves were included in her arsenal, and instead of a potbellied 4-year-old, she was a vivacious girl only 2 weeks shy of 18, and wearing nothing but a cloth around her loins. Unsurprisingly, the bug-eyed expressions of everyone in the room made her realize what she had done.
"Well," she crouched slightly, putting her arm across her bare chest, "this went from amazing to awkward a lot sooner than I had expected! Uhhh, let me get dressed!"
Korra disappeared, and sealed up the hole she had made in the wall, and almost immediately there was laughter, much of which was hysterical. Korra herself found the situation rather hilarious, and was assured by the fact that even Katara had a smile on her face.
"That… was certainly one for the record books." Mako had tried to keep a straight face, but he had seen more of Korra than he had ever expected to.
"She has a really nice... back." Bolin commented, changing his word choice at the last second.
"And her bending's back!" Ikki jumped up. "She might be able to help us now!"
"Yeah!" Meelo chanted, "Go Korra!"
Korra emerged through the door this time, fully dressed and her eyes aglow.
"My bending's back!" She exclaimed again, spreading her arms, "And I think I've got what it takes to restore everyone else's too."
It was a new and special level of confidence, but Korra started with Tenzin, putting her hands on his chest and his forehead, calmly, channeling spiritual energy through her body and into his—and sure enough, after a few moments, Tenzin was able to airbend again.
His three children were excited as well after Korra restored their bending, Ikki in particular, who described weakened bending like "trying to breathe through a straw".
Lin tested her newly-restored bending outside, where she lifted up several massive rocks and spun them around before dropping them back to the ground again, almost exactly where they had been before. It was a demonstration of precision and versatility, which meant that Korra had truly restored Lin's bending—as well as everyone else's—to its original state.
"...Thank you, Korra." It was the humblest Korra had ever heard Lin speak, and it was easily the warmest smile she had ever received from the older earthbender.
"Yes," Tenzin stepped up and nodded in agreement, "Thank you for everything… Avatar Korra."
"Like I've always said," Korra sighed with relief, "I can't abide suffering. I see people in need, and I want to help them—especially if they're my friends."
"Well get some rest, kid." Lin ruffled her hair, "you've earned it."
"I will, I will." Korra chuckled, before her eyes met those of Tonraq and Senna, "I definitely need it after everything that's happened to me in the last couple of weeks alone. I just need a word with a few people first…"
Despite all the burdens lifted from Korra's back, the haunting words about Kwan regarding Senna in particular nipped at the back of Korra's mind, and she felt like she wouldn't truly be at peace until she had also gotten to the bottom of that situation—and solved it. That was what she did, after all—she was the Avatar. Solving problems was right there in the job description for her, and she couldn't imagine it any other way.