Wan Shi Tong's appearance isn't quite what Korra had expected. He's just... a barn owl.
A twenty foot tall one, of course, but still only a bird.
With dark, beady eyes trained on them, the spirit waddles out from his hiding place behind a tree. Korra isn't sure how much of their conversation he's managed to hear with the ears of a predatory animal, but he's heard enough to know that Korra would fight him, if necessary, to protect her girlfriend.
Ever the smart one, Asami instinctively knows to step behind her. The non-bender's electrified glove was left behind in the material world, and even a human skilled in martial arts would stand no chance against such a spirit. Korra, at least, still has her bending. She has Raava.
Raava, Korra pleads silently, willing the spirit to help her.
"Hello," Korra starts. She clears her throat and raises herself taller, trying not to look so flustered in front of him. There is a hierarchy of power here, she's been told, and legendary entities such as Koh the Face-Stealer and the Spirit of Knowledge all command respect. Even so, Korra decides not to apologize for the challenging statement she's made. "My name is Korra, and I'm the Avatar. We come seeking knowledge from your library."
"The Avatar, hmm?" Wan Shi Tong flexes his long talons into a root beneath him until it begins to splinter. His voice is almost haughty as he speaks. "If I have met one Avatar, I have met them all. What makes you so special?"
He isn't impressed. But that isn't surprising, as many spirits have not been impressed by her title. Korra isn't sure how long some of these spirits have existed, and it would make sense that those like Wan Shi Tong have met her past lifetimes. Korra is just one of many Avatars to have passed through this realm. She likely isn't the first to be intimidated by Wan Shi Tong, either.
That gives her a slightest bit of hope that this library will contain something useful. If other Avatars have been here, maybe they have left something important behind over the millennia. An autobiography, research notes, a step-by-step guide on how to reconnect to one's past lives, perhaps?
"I am looking for information on the Avatar spirit," Korra explains to the owl, "or a way to possibly reconnect with the previous Avatars. My connection to the others was severed when Unalaq and Vaatu destroyed Raava during Harmonic Convergence."
Wan Shi Tong's head straightens as he considers her words. This is news to him, apparently. Not many people know she has been unable to contact the past Avatars. It had never been made public knowledge for a multitude of reasons, her already abysmal reputation being just one of them.
"An Avatar without the Light Spirit is not an Avatar at all," he states, but he takes a step closer as if intrigued. The inquisitive look on his heart-shaped face reminds her of a bird of prey stalking a mouse more than a spirit greeting an old friend. The manner in which his beak moves, not quite matching the sound of his voice, is unnerving. "I sense a lightness in you. Are you sure she has gone?"
"I have Raava," Korra clarifies. "She was reborn from Vaatu, as darkness cannot exist without light. She returned to me, but the other Avatars are gone, and I can't— I haven't been able to consult with them."
Wan Shi Tong stares. It feels harsh as his eyes narrow, considering her words.
It abruptly occurs to Korra that perhaps explaining everything to him is a moot point. Clearly Wan Shi Tong sided with Unalaq because he wanted Vaatu to win. He wanted Raava and the Avatar destroyed, for ten thousand years of darkness and chaos to reign.
"He is neutrally aligned," a womanly voice from inside Korra speaks. She is startled for the second time in one minute—as much as Korra has reached out, she hasn't heard Raava's voice since she first re-entered the spirit world with Zaheer's guidance. Behind her, Asami doesn't seem to notice any voices. The sound must only be inside of Korra's head.
What? Korra thinks loudly, hoping Raava can hear her. Neutrally aligned?
"The Knowledge Spirit desires spiritual prosperity above all else. Offer him this."
"I am not sure if my books can help you," Wan Shi Tong discloses. He eyes the two women contemplatively, looking little like the dreadfully evil beast Jinora had described. His so-called 'fox minions' are nowhere to be found, as well. "You are the Avatar that opened the portals, correct?"
Spiritual prosperity, Korra thinks. Spiritual...
Of course! Wan Shi Tong only wanted Unalaq to win so both worlds could be ruled by spirits once again. Opening the portals has only increased the amount of spirituality in the physical world. Wan Shi Tong may have actually appreciated her opening them – she has already granted his wish for prosperity, hasn't she?
Wan Shi Tong may not hate her after all.
Asami touches her knuckles to Korra's back, grounding herself there in wordless support.
Hope overtakes the nervousness inside of Korra. She tries to keep her tone even as she speaks. "Yes. I purposely left the northern and southern portals open after Harmonic Convergence so that humans and spirits could live together peacefully. The third portal is located in Republic City, my home and the centerpoint of mixed cultures in the human world. I believe spirits will be happy there."
The owl doesn't need to know that the third portal's creation had been a complete accident, caused by bending the energy from a gigantic, vine-powered death ray. It is better to let him believe she has always been on his side, right?
"You are a friend to spirits, as Unalaq was," Wan Shi Tong acknowledges before bowing slightly. Any offense she may have taken from his words, being compared to her uncle, is eclipsed by surprise from the owl's apparent sincerity. "Thank you for opening the portals, Avatar. But I cannot allow humans in my library. You only desire knowledge to gain power, and the Avatar has never been an exception to that. Time and time again, your kind has betrayed mine."
The knuckles against Korra's back spread into a flattened hand. Asami steps forward, lining herself up directly beside her.
"Excuse me, Knowledge Spirit," Asami voices without hesitation. Korra shoots her a confused frown, but the other woman ignores her. "I am Asami Sato, the sole CEO of Future Industries, the company that created satomobiles, mecha tanks and biplanes. My company also helped rebuild Republic City's infrastructure and constructed the international railroad system. If you help us, I would be willing to give you detailed information and schematics of the technological advancements made by my company."
Wan Shi Tong cocks his head again. "Your company made all of these things? I have heard rumors of these... biplanes, the metal contraptions that fly as spirits do, but have received nary a sketch of one. I was mistakenly led to believe radio consisted of little singing men in boxes. Forgive my hesitation believing men can fly in a different sort of box."
The barest hint of a smile flirts on Asami's lips. "Yes, biplanes are real. But they're not boxes. Under my father's direction, Future Industries also played a role in a few human conflicts, war profiteering and such. Would you be interested in our bookkeeping records? It's quite scandalous, even for human standards. What would be of literary interest to you?"
The owl's wings ruffle and suddenly he laughs, deep and loud, the sound echoing as if coming from down within a well. "I see you've brought an intellectual with you, Avatar. That is an improvement. The last time you were here, as Avatar Aang, your friends were not considerably bright."
Korra doesn't know how to respond. Asami, a human with no bending ability nor extensive experience with spirits, has made Wan Shi Tong, the mighty spirit of knowledge, laugh.
By joking about... finances? War?
But, at the mention of her past life's name, hope surges again. If Aang the peaceful air nomad Avatar had been here, there must be countless other Avatars who have entered the library as well, seeking guidance, knowledge or power. Did any leave their own notes behind?
"I do not care for human toys," the owl continues, sobering himself up. "However, your offer is... tempting, if just for scholastic purposes. War profiteering, you say? Do you have records of such? I would like any documents that would retain historical significance in the future. There is nothing more enjoyable than reading about the past and sneering at others' folly."
"I will make it worth your while," Asami promises.
"Certainly." He steps forward even further until he's just several feet away from them. One wing unfurls from his side, and its tip, covered in long, black feathers, reaches out to touch Asami. She does not flinch as Wan Shi Tong touches the gear-shaped logo on her jacket's shoulder, proof of her association with the company. She does not blink as he retracts his wing and hunches over, bringing his small beak level to her face. "You intrigue me, Miss Sato. I have met many Avatars and their lovers, young and old alike, and very few have I truly wished to host."
Korra feels her cheeks flush with warmth and she half-steps away from Asami.
"Ah, we're not... we're not lovers," Korra stammers, embarrassed. Immediately, she wants to retract that statement, knowing Asami has heard her. There is no shame in their relationship – it's been great, truly, but everything is still so new, and scary, and— "I mean, we're not lovers yet. We haven't done the... love... stuff."
Asami hides her face with one hand, but Korra can hear a stifled snort of laughter.
Korra wants to earthbend herself into the ground.
"Interesting, indeed," Wan Shi Tong says, nonplussed. He raises himself up to his normal height. "Very well. If you bring enough material to add to my collection, Miss Sato, you and the Avatar may peruse my library for however long you desire. Or until I grow bored of you."
Asami lowers her hand to peer up at the spirit. Her mouth twitches as she tries to keep a straight face. "Thank you. Do you mind if we return with one more friend? There is another bright mind that may help us achieve our goal more quickly."
"Bring schematics of those planes for me," Wan Shi Tong says as he expands his wings, preparing for flight, "and you may bring whomever you wish."
Korra and Asami return to Republic City as soon as they part ways with the owl.
Asami, unsurprisingly, had a sharp idea: bring Jinora with them to the library. The airbender is well-versed in spiritual matters, and she enjoys reading books more than either one of them. The spirit library seems exactly like her kind of place. She even said she longed to return there, as it was a veritable treasure trove of wisdom.
Unfortunately, back in the physical world, Jinora isn't interested in joining them.
"I have things to do here," Jinora says as she folds freshly-washed sheets and blankets for the civilians currently located in shelters. Kai is helping her, though he is admittedly less skilled at doing chores. "There is too much to do, with so many displaced. Some of us can't spare the time to go on a vacation right now."
There is an unwarranted edge to her voice that bothers Korra.
"I stopped Kuvira," Korra reminds them irritatedly. She still has tender bruises from that battle, deep scratches from being slammed and rolled across the ground. "I saved this city and I ended a war, once again. Isn't that enough? What would you like me to do next, make some special Avatar soup for the homeless?"
"It would help," Jinora says plainly. Her eyes don't look up from her laundry, but Kai stands beside her with a stack of sheets in his arms and a deep frown on his face.
Something hot flares within Korra, but before she can snap some rude retort back, Asami grabs her arm and tugs her aside. "It's okay," Asami says, "we can just go by ourselves."
"We're just stressed," Kai interjects. Jinora sets down a half-folded sheet, and Kai continues with some hesitance, "Jinora had to take over directing the other airbenders, since Tenzin is helping President Raiko with his plans to expand the city. We are all trying to help the people whose homes were destroyed. Civilians are trickling back in now that the threat of war is gone, but we don't have room for everyone. There is just so much to do here. But it's okay if you two leave... I mean, Korra, you did win the war for us. You deserve a break. And Asami, you..."
Everyone falls silent. It is true that Asami needs time away just as much as Korra. She needs to be relieved of her duties. The death of her father and the destruction of her company must have taken a toll on her mental well-being, even if Asami is too stubborn to show just how much it has affected her.
"It's alright. You don't have to mince your words around me." Asami's hand lingers against Korra's arm before releasing her. "I'll go find those papers to give to Wan Shi Tong. And I should probably speak with Raiko, he'll be wanting my input. Can you pack our bags, Korra?"
"Sure."
Asami moves to leave the room, eyes averted, but Korra stops her. "We can leave in the morning, okay, Asami?"
"Okay. The mansion is still in one piece, so I guess I'll just— I'll be there. Let me know when you're ready."
Korra leans forward to kiss the corner of Asami's mouth. "Okay. See you soon."
"Okay."
Korra smiles, attempting to comfort her girlfriend, and Asami returns the expression.
When Asami finally does leave, Korra finds Kai with his jaw open. "Whoa."
Jinora nudges her boyfriend with an elbow. "Hush. I told you they were a thing now. Congratulations, by the way."
Korra grins more broadly at them.
Kai sets down his neatly folded stack and moves on to a pile that hasn't been touched yet. Hesitantly, he picks one sheet up, as if needing something to occupy his hands and detract attention from the elephant-koi in the room. "So, uh... I was gonna tell you to bring Mako to the library. He likes books, and he's a pretty smart detective guy, so maybe he could be helpful. But I guess it would be kinda awkward now if just the three of you were in there, huh?"
Korra's expression begins to deflate. Mako... Of course Mako would be a great help. He is probably the best alternative to Jinora, aside from perhaps the studious Tenzin, who is far too busy to even consider asking. But Mako is recovering from second-degree burns on his arm and belly, and it's true that he would probably feel awkward if he knew both of his ex-girlfriends were now dating one another.
"He doesn't know about us yet," Korra admits. "Do you think he'll be upset?"
Kai and Jinora share a look.
"No, I don't think so," Kai says.
Korra wonders idly about Mako, off and on, for several hours.
A long, hot shower on Air Temple Island works to knock the kinks out of her back. Sleeping outdoors for two weeks has not been a wholly pleasant experience, and the one thin bedroll split between her and Asami did little more than work as a barrier between the two of them and the ground.
Korra packs everything they may need for another trip, 'they' meaning her, Asami, and... well. She still isn't sure if she wants to invite him or not.
She does, because it's Mako.
But she also doesn't, because it's Mako.
While debating with herself, the rations she scrounges up are basic: a few tin cans of vegetables, jerky, beans, crackers, rice. Clean water is fortunately plentiful in the spirit world; every body of water the women have come across has been freakishly crystal clear, cool and refreshing. She washes their eating bowls and Asami's water canteen in the Air Temple's kitchen, where she finds Ikki, little Rohan, and Opal's artsy brother, Huan, preparing lunch for the dozen others scrambling around the island. Pema is out today with the Beifong twins, surprisingly enough, helping dislocated families pull important belongings from the rubble of what was once their homes.
Everyone is working together to restore peace to these strangers' lives. It makes Korra feel strange, and a bit guilty, knowing everyone else is going above and beyond the call to help. None of the Beifongs except for Suyin's husband has returned home, his reasoning being to help their hometown of Zaofu return to a state of normalcy.
Suyin has left for Ba Sing Se with Wu, with plans to turn their country into something more democratic in the near future. Bolin and Opal are away, either helping the people or making out somewhere private—Ikki doesn't know the details. Korra doesn't think to ask what newlywed Varrick and his wife are up to.
According to Ikki, Mako is curiously absent from the group. She has only seen him once as he visited the healers. Even then, she said, he looked to be in poor condition.
Korra becomes resolved to visit him before she leaves again. His wounds are serious, even now as they heal, and it just won't do to have the firebender become sickly. Infection is a very real concern.
When everything is packed and the sun has begun to set for the day, Korra heads to Mako's apartment under the presumption that he is there. With neither Bolin nor a job to occupy his time, there isn't any other place she expects him to be. Located in a more centric district of downtown Republic City, the entire apartment complex has not had its electricity returned yet. She scales several darkened flights of stairs up to his floor with ease, but she wonders how the experience must be for him, exerting himself if he is in pain. No wonder Mako hasn't left this place often.
The thought of his arm reminds Korra of the nerve damage she'd received from metallic poison years ago. It had crippled her lower limbs. Those nerves have healed over time, the poison is now gone, and her feelings toward Zaheer are now slightly-just-barely-less than hateful, but the bitter memory lingers nonetheless. She wonders if Mako has begun pushing people away just as she had during the recovery process.
The building is eerily silent save for her footsteps.
When she reaches his door, another memory strikes her, this one from the days when things were unbroken between them.
"You don't have to knock," Mako had told her, "not ever," before pulling her inside, pulling her into him, onto him. Years ago they would spend nights together here – she would sneak away from the Temple while Mako would arrange some way to get his brother out of the building. And for a while, it was easy, and it was fun.
They were teenagers pretending to be adults. Still naïve, before the real world had caved in around them. But Korra supposes Mako's always been more in touch with reality than she'd been.
She finds his door, familiar as ever, and knocks. A moment passes yet only silence greets her.
Her fingertips linger on the cool bronze of the doorknob. Reaching out with her senses alone, she can feel the mechanism inside latched into place. It's locked, of course. Mako is nothing if not cautious.
With a twitch of one finger, she metalbends the lock open.
There isn't really a premeditated plan in her mind when she enters his apartment without announcing her presence. With a look around inside, she begins to question if he is even home. It's even darker within because his window shades are drawn. She steps inside, and trips over some misplaced object on the floor. It makes her wonder when the boy she knew became a man she knows less. He was always so clean before, a neatnik perfectionist. Is he okay resting with such injuries with no one around to help?
Bending a small fire in her palm to light her way, she heads to his bedroom.
He's there, just as she expects. When she was depressed, she'd had an irregular sleep cycle, too.
Korra holds a strange fondness for Mako's appearance as he sleeps: all the guarded, harsh lines of his face soften and his mouth falls slack. It is a kind look he wears in slumber, not unlike his fleeting happier expressions. The firelight illuminates him just enough for Korra to see his sprawled form. The bad left arm, still in dressings and in its sling, rests laid across the secondary injury he'd received on his abdomen.
So stupid he'd been, single-handedly taking down the power source within Kuvira's mech. So brave.
Korra leans against the door jamb to his room, content to watch him be at peace with the world, without pain, if just for a little while longer.