The Little Pony Legend 4: Balance of the Heart

by MaggiesHeartLove


The Forgotten Ones

*(~)*

Psalm 17:6~

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.

*(~)*


The Forgotten Ones

Broken.

The mirror was broken.

Just like her.

How did she come to this?

How?

The young Avatar, or former as she would say, had been traveling all over the Earth Kingdom. Searching. Though, she didn't exactly have a very clear goal on what that was. She couldn't enter the Avatar State. She couldn't contact her past lives and she certainly couldn't win a fight the way she used to. There was a time in which she would throw fire and hurl rocks into the air with ease and pleasure. But now even bending was no longer fun. She had a hard time finding pleasure in anything anymore. It was like her brain was numb. She could barely feel anything. The only emotions she grew accustomed to feeling was despair, guilt and fear.

She couldn't even remember a time where she was happy. And even if she was, it never lasted long.

When she arrived in Republic City, she was fresh, ready to take on the world. But when she arrived, she had to face not only Chi blockers and Amon, but her own insecurities. Insecurities for which, at the time, she wasn't entirely aware she had.

She had lost her bending, but then regained it. She gained respect, she gained a boyfriend…but all of that was taken.

She lost her past lives in the hands of Unalaq and Vaatu, unleashed Armageddon onto the world, and lost the man she loved, even if, at the time, it was probably for the best. But letting him go was more painful than she would have wished to admit.

She brought back the air nation, and reunited humans with spirits…only to be nearly murdered and bound to a wheelchair for more than six months. And what was even painful, was that it seemed the world could move on without her. Airbenders would help the world far more than she ever could. It was like she was finally at the peak of her success, finally becoming the Avatar she was meant to be…and it was taken away from her.

What was the point anymore?

Maybe it was best if she was no longer the Avatar. No, a part of her didn't want to believe it. She refused.

She dropped her eyes, unable to look at her scratched and bruised face in the cracked mirror. She pulled a stream of water out of the sink faucet in front of her and began healing her elbow, which had a very nasty looking bruise. A flurry of knocks caused her to jump in alarm and look over her shoulder, briefly stopping her healing process.

"Hurry up in there!" a man on the other side of the door stood, hunched over and his knees pressed together, practically shaking. He had been holding it in for far too long and was about to explode. "Come on, I got an emergency situation!"

Korra opened the door and walked out, allowing the man to hurry inside. "Knock yourself out." she said, not even looking his way. The man slammed the door behind her and Korra continued on her way. It was late into the night, very few people were out, but she literally had nowhere else to go. Her only option was to keep on walking. She stopped on her tracks when she heard something ringing in her ears. She shook her head, her now short locks tickling her cheeks and she pressed her hand against her forehead. It was late, she was tired, it was most likely all in her mind. Then again, over the past three years, her mind had been her worst enemy.

Shaking it off, Korra carried forward. She was so lost in her own despair she nearly didn't see the light beaming at her, followed by the sound of honking. A car drove by and Korra was right in the middle of the road.

Thinking fast, she summersaulted to the other side and ran, not paying attention to the driver's angry calls. Korra sighed in relief and carried on. She staggered, holding her hand to her head. She felt so weak all of a sudden. She knew she had taken quite a beating earlier, but she felt almost as if she would collapse. She hated feeling this helpless. She wanted it to end. She wanted all of it to end. She leaned against the wall of an alley, trying to keep her balance. Her head was pounding and she could hear very faint singing. A haunting melody which constantly replayed in her mind.

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah...

Ah, ah, ah...

The noise wasn't coming from anywhere. It was all in her mind, but the voices sounded so clear it was almost as if they were actually there. She slowly removed her hand from her head and looked down into the dark alleyway in front of her. She blinked multiple times, seeing what looked like a shadowy figure at the very end of the way. Her vision was cloudy for a moment but quickly became clear. Korra's heart raced and her body tensed, drops of sweat fell down from her face and downwards to her neck. She recognized this figure. The face she had seen one too many times.

It was her.

Or, at least, what she used to be. It was a copy of Korra herself. She wore her signature blue water tribe shirt, her arm accessories and boots absent, her eyes glowing with the energy of the Avatar State and broken chains wrapped around her wrist, dangling behind her as she walked, the metal clanging against the ground. This was the state she was in when the Red Lotus captured her. While she looked identical to Korra in height, face and body shape, her shoulders were slightly hunched, her head raised and her arms limped on her sides, giving her an appearance reminiscent to that of a zombie. Korra narrowed her eyes.

"You again."

The hallucination said nothing. She never said a word, but simply stared at Korra with her blank, lifeless face. Even with the heavenly glow of the Avatar State, the creature gave Korra nothing but fear rather than comfort. Light was supposed to bring healing, peace and hope. But her eyes only carried fear. Anger, and worse of all...death.

Korra trembled as the copy started to approach her. The chains dangling behind her as she moved. Korra instinctively threw a fire blast but the attack had no effect on her. It simply went right through her as if she were nothing but thin air. Korra tried desperately to remind herself that it was all in her head, but it was difficult when the double send one of her chain directly at Korra, which wrapped itself around her leg, pulling it from under her and she fell to the ground. Korra raised an arm to protect herself, immediately regretting that decision when the copy send her other chain forward, wrapping it around Korra's arm. The apparition slowly began to advance on the defenseless woman laying on the ground, but Korra refused to go down like this.

"Leave me alone!"

Pulling her free arm back, she firebended at their haunting copy, but once the fire dissipated the hallucination had vanished. It was as if she was never there to begin with.

"What's wrong with her?" a pedestrian asked.

Korra turned her head to see she had drawn in a crowd. People looked at her with looks of both concern and fear, no doubt fear for her well being. She figured she wasn't giving them the right message. Her eye was swollen, she looked so worn and tired, and she was apparently fighting something that wasn't even there. They must think she was having some kind of panic attack. A kind elderly woman helped her to her feet.

"Young lady, are you all right? Can I take you to a doctor?"

Korra pulled her bag over her shoulder and walked away from the group as quickly as she could. "No, I-I don't need any help." she said, not looking back. As she walked down the street, the full moon lit up the sky behind her. The last thing she wanted was to be a burden to anyone. A she walked, memories played in her mind.

...……..

A large cargo ship was docked at Air Temple Island, where Asami, Mako, and Bolin, with Pabu on his shoulders, walked up to Tenzin, Jinora, and Korra, still bound to the wheel-chair. Bolin smiled at the Avatar. "Now don't take this the wrong way, but, I can't wait for you to leave!"

Mako crossed his arms angrily, "How else is she supposed to take that but the wrong way?"

"I mean, because I've never had a pen pal before! I'm gonna write so many letters and, just to get the ball rolling, here." He took a letter from his pocket and handed it to Korra. "Spoiler alert: Pabu and I already miss you."

Korra smiled at the gesture. "Thanks. That's sweet."

Asami placed a hand on Korra's shoulders, "Are you sure you don't want some company in the Southern Water Tribe? I'm happy to come with you."

Korra turned away from her female friend, her smile now gone. "No ... I appreciate it, but I'll only be gone a couple of weeks. A little time alone will be good for me." she said. Though, in all honesty, she didn't want to leave. Leave behind all of her friends? The very idea was painful for her already, but she didn't want to burden them with her condition. They knew as well as anyone that the fiery Avatar loathed feeling helpless and a burden.

Tenzin smiled in reassurance as he placed a hand on Korra's shoulder, "Now, I don't want you to worry about a thing while you're gone. Your recovery should be your number-one concern. Jinora, the airbenders, and I have everything under control."

Just what Korra wanted to hear…nobody needed her here anyways. The group waved and said their goodbyes to Korra, who waved back. Kya, Tonraq and Senna stood beside her. Though she smiled the whole time, once they were far enough away her smile disappeared, her hand dropped and she looked away.

As she looked over to the Statue of Avatar Aang, for a brief moment, she saw something spontaneously appear, right above the statue's gigantic head.

The image was static, purple in color. Like a picture trying so hard to manifest itself but it was as if something was blocking it. Keeping Korra from seeing it. It was strange, she didn't remember ever seeing such a thing that day.

Or…did she?

(~)

What was suppose to be a happy day, had turned into one of sadness and disappointment. Everyone was so excited to be seeing Korra again. But she never showed up. Twilight was pacing back and forth while everyone else either sad sadly on the floor or leaned against the wall, their heads hung down in sadness and disappointment.

"This doesn't make any sense." said Twilight, "How can Korra lie like this? It isn't like her."

Sunset Shimmer was sitting cross legged on the floor with Pabu on her shoulder, "I agree. She has everything here, why would she make up some excuse not to come back?"

While the two ponies spoke amongst each other, Mako stood against the wall close to the window, looking out at the full moon. A long time ago, he never, even in his wildest dreams, saw himself meeting, and ultimately falling for, a not only beautiful and intelligent woman, but one who's very spirit shifted him, inspired him to become better. She showed him friendship, seeing beyond your point of view, the importance of helping others and putting them before yourself. He became a cop and latter a royal guard because of her. Granted, their romance wasn't always perfect, but he wouldn't change a thing about it. He loved her and she loved him. And that was enough. They were not only lovers, they were best friends, something for which they made sure always came first.

He felt a hand touch his shoulder and turned around to see Sunset Shimmer, "You okay?"

Mako sighed as he continued to look up at the moon. "Just disappointed."

"You're not the only one….hey, it'll be okay. We'll find her." she turned to the other ponies, "Right girls?"

Twilight nodded her head, her purple eyes sparkling with confidence. "Yeah. Come on girls, let's get our girl back."

(~)

Korra's mind was hazy from what he had just seen. Suddenly, her cruel cruel mind made her relive the worst.

Her time with Mako.

The moment they met, the time they confessed their love, the time they broke up, all the way to her near death experience.

Why did she keep having these stupid memories? All they did was bring her misery. Reminded her of things she could never have. Besides, Mako had probably moved on anyways. Moved on from her and found someone better. She doubted he would go back to Asami, even if they did hook up that one time while she was away during the Civil War between the two water tribes, but it was unlikely Asami would make the same mistake twice. Especially with how close the two had become. Asami was probably her only true female friend, aside from Naga.

Then, why did that last sentence didn't feel entirely true?

More memories of her past unfolded. This time, when Katara was helping her on how to walk again.

………………….

In Katara's healing hut, Korra stared dejectedly at the parallel bars while Katara sat on a chair nearby, sipping her tea and Naga had plopped down at the end of the bars. "Whenever you're ready." the elderly woman said, lowering her cup.

Korra sighed hopelessly, "What's the point? We've been at this for almost six months, and I can still barely take a couple of steps without collapsing!"

"I know you're frustrated, but-"

At that very moment, Korra's patience had finally reached its boiling point. She turned her head to the old woman, her eyes flaring and her voice rising.

"Of course I'm frustrated! A crazy man poisoned me, and now I can't dress myself, or cook for myself, o-or do anything for myself! And this whole time, my friends have been off helping the world while I'm stuck with you, and you can't even heal me!"

Katara looked at Korra with a startled expression, saying nothing. Realization flashed in her eyes and Korra turned away, burrying her face into her hand, feeling shame and regret.

"That came out wrong."

"It's all right." Katara placed her teacup down and approached the Avatar. "Let you anger and frustration flow like water."

Korra didn't even look at Katara and kept her face buried into her hands. "I am trying to understand why this happened to me. Nothing makes any sense!" the Avatar leaned back on her chair, her eyes were pale, lacking in any shine or glow. Not even the captivating rainbow colors danced in them. She looked so…lifeless.

"I'm tired, Katara. I'm so tired."

Katara kneeled in front of Korra, looking into her pale eyes. "Korra, I know you feel alone right now. But you're not the first Avatar who's had to overcome great suffering. Can you imagine how much pain Aang felt when he found out that his entire culture was taken from him?"

The young woman's eyes fell on her lap. She had heard stories about how the air nation was destroyed by the Fire Nation. She never really took the time to think about how Aang felt when that happened. "That ... must have been so awful."

"But he never let it destroy his spirit. He chose to find meaning in his suffering, and eventually ... found peace."

Korra looked up at her teacher, "And ... what am I going to find if I get through this?"

"I don't know." Katara said, giving a soft small smile. "But won't it be interesting to find out?"

Korra decided to try again. With closed eyes, her hands grasped the bars for support as Katara stood next to her and Naga sat up at the bars' end. Her head perking up as Korra made an effort to move.

"Close your eyes. Visualize yourself walking over to Naga. Can you see it?"

Korra struggled to stay upright, but she kept her eyes closed as she responded. "Yes."

"Now... take that first step."

Korra clenched her jaw, trying her best to brace against the pain. Then, slowly, she managed to inch her right foot forward. She took another step, then another, and another, and another. Korra could hardly believe it, she was walking. Slowly and weakly, but she was walking. In her mind, she counted them. Six in total. When she took her seventh step she made the bold move to take her hand off of one of the bars. In doing so, she stumbled but kept on going. She was so close. Seven steps and she had not yet fallen. This was the farthest she had ever gotten. She managed to force herself upright and took a couple more steps. Naga was right there, the large white creature's ears perked up as Korra approached. Instinct took over and Korra threw her arms around Naga. She smiled in relief as she embraced her beloved polar bear dog, who nuzzled her head against her back.

Korra couldn't believe it. She did it, she got herself to walk.

A few weeks latter, Tenzin arrived to visit Korra. The Avatar embraced him in a warm hug. She was much healthier and could walk again.

"It's so good to see you!"

"How have you been, Korra? You look great!"

"I feel great! Come on, I want to show you how much better I'm doing." She excitedly took Tenzin by his wrists and dragged him away.

At the firebending trial mat Korra, now dressed in battle gear, stood opposite three other firebenders while Tenzin and Katara watched. Korra attacked, sending multiple blasts of fire toward her opponents which they easily blocked.

"Attack! I can take it!"

The firebenders hesitated for a moment, all equally uncertain if to give it their all. Following the Avatar's command they attacked, this time without holding back. They had fought with Korra before during her training and doing this felt almost like old times. Korra maneuvered several of their attacks by doing various flips and throwing fire blasts directly at them. For a moment, she felt like her old self again. The thrill of the fight, the adrenaline, the rush, it was all coming back to her. Her heart filled with joy and a smile formed across her face.

Sadly, those memories were not the only ones returning.

She cut through an incoming fire blast with her hands and emerged from the other side...only to instantaneously stop once images flashed before her eyes.

Visions of Zaheer zooming down from the sky towards her. His eyes filled with such rage and hatred. The scene looked so real, it was as if he was still there.

Korra lost her focus, she faltered back as the firebenders continued their attacks, unaware of what Korra had just witnessed. She tried desperately to attack back but instead she blindly threw weak strands of fire, completely missing her target. Before long, she was finally blown off her feet, coming to rest face-down on the mat. Tenzin rushed to her side and rose his hand, ceasing the firebenders.

"All right! The sparring match is over!"

The firebenders obeyed and Tenzin turned back to focus on Korra, helping her to her feet. She removed her helmet, looking visibly upset. "I thought I was ready." she said angrily.

"There is no shame in taking the time you need to make a full recovery. Being the Avatar can wait."

Korra looked up at Tenzin in despair. "But what about the Earth Kingdom? I hear it's still a mess out there."

"The situation has been stabilizing since Kuvira took charge."

"But that should be me out there fixing things, not her."

"I know you want to help. But trust me, everyone has this under control. I just think you need to …" Tenzin trailed off once Korra gave him a spiteful look.

"If you say, "be patient", I swear I'm gonna water-smack you in the mouth!"

"Nooo ... I was going to say, you need to ... not worry about the future. Be grateful for where you are now and the progress you've made."

Korra angrily threw her helmet to the floor and walked away from her airbending teacher. She was so sure she was back to her old self, but no, those stupid visions continued to haunt her every waking moment. It was torture. She hatted it. She couldn't stand it. She had to find some way to get better. She had to.

One day, she finally took the guts to write a letter to one of her friends.

"Dear Asami, I'm sorry I haven't written to you sooner, but every time I've tried, I never know what to say. The past two years have been the hardest of my life. Even though I can get around fine now, I still can't go into the Avatar State. I keep having visions of Zaheer and what happened that day. Katara thinks a lot of this is in my head, so I've been meditating a lot, but sometimes I worry I'll never fully recover. Please don't tell Mako and Bolin I wrote to you and not them. I don't want to hurt their feelings, but it's easier to tell you about this stuff. I don't think they'd understand."

…………….

Back in the present, Korra allowed a single tear to escape her eye. The only light she had was that of the moon. The wind blew and she shivered a bit.

(Where do I go from here, from Pocahontas 2: Journey to a new World)

Korra;

The earth is cold…

The streets are bare…

My hair folds against the wind that's everywhere….

She spotted a few rats scatter across her path into a trashcan.

Everyone, plays a part

In this world, there is no end

Only a brand new start

They do what they must for now

And trust in their plan

If I trust in mine, somehow I will find,

Who I am

But where do I go from here?

So many voices ringing in my ear

Which is the voice that I was meant to hear?

How will I know?

Where do I go...

From here?

As she walked down the streets, she could see images of her past. In one, she saw her saying goodbye to her parents before ridding off to Republic City. Her playing pro-bending, and lastly her and Mako's break up.

My world has changed and so have I

I've learned to choose

And even learned to say goodbye

The path ahead's so hard to see

It wind and bends but where it ends

Depends on only me

She saw more images, mainly the ones of her recuperation. Her struggle to walk, and her constant visions of Zaheer, still haunting her.

In my heart I don't feel part of so much I've known

Now it seems it's time to start

A new life on my own

But where do I go from here?

So many voices ringing in my ear

Which is the voice that I was meant to hear?

How will I know?

Where do I go….

From…

Here...

That was a very good question. Where would she go from here?

(~)

The girls grunted as their Elements of Harmony manifested on their chests. The six anthro ponies all sat in a circle holding hands. They were trying to locate Korra via the Elements of Harmony, but so far nothing has worked. They could not sense her. Finally, they released each other's hands and sighed in exhaustion.

"It's no use." said Rainbow Dash, "It's like a blocked call or something. We can't locate her anywhere."

"Are you sure?" Tonraq asked with worry, "Maybe you just weren't trying hard enough."

"Believe me, we have." said Twilight, "We can only locate Korra when she truly wants to be found and so far…it looks like she doesn't." Twilight lowered her shoulders sadly, followed by everyone else. Korra did not wish for anyone to find her. Question is, why?

The mares all stood up, feeling depressed. "I really don't understand." Rarity said sadly as she hugged herself, "She should be here with us. Her family. And I had already finally finished her wedding dress!"

"And I had the cake ordered in!" said Pinkie Pie.

"I was going to have my birds sing at the reception." Fluttershy said sadly.

And so, everyone began to recall that memorable time when they were all preparing for the upcoming big day…

……..

Korra and Mako have been together for almost three years now, and tonight was their third year anniversary. It was gorgeous, they had a simple picnic underneath the moonlight, lit by fireflies (friends of Fluttershy who owed her favor.) and all of Korra's favorites. The picnic was at the park, now dubbed Harmony Park, named after Korra and the Mane Six.

It was truly a magical and beautiful night, but as beautiful as it was Korra was a bit anxious. She was able to handle her past encounter with Zaheer rather well now. Of course, it was never always an easy road, but the smiles she received from her friends, added with the guidance, and if necessary, tough love, from Queen Leilani, she was able to move on from the past and look froward to the future, because there was a lot to look forward to.

Or, at least she hoped so.

This may have sounded a bit strange but, Korra was starting to believe she and Mako might be ready for the next step. Only problem was, she was waiting for him to ask her the most important question. After three long years, maybe tonight was the night.

"This is beautiful, Mako." she said as she admired the little fireflies hovering around them.

"Well, it is our third-year anniversary, after all. I knew I had to make it special."

Everything was perfect. Perfect for Mako to ask a very important question. The firebender bit his lip nervously before speaking, "So, Korra."

"Yeah?"

"We've been together for almost three years now."

"Yeah." Korra could feel her heart beating hard against her chest.

"And, while it wasn't always perfect, sometimes it was downright irritating and difficult, and loud, mostly on your part."

Korra arched an eyebrow, "Yyyyeah…"

"But, even so, I wouldn't change any of it. So, I have something I really need to ask you."

And now her heart was beating fast again. "Yes, Mako?"

"Korra…"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering…."

"Yes?"

"….what do you think about Amber Islands Resort?"

Korra blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

"I was thinking we could all take a family trip there this summer. You me, Bolin, Asami, the Mane Six, even Tenzin and his family."

Korra was…rather surprised by this. "That's...what you wanted to ask me?"

"I know, it's somewhat out of the blue."

"Yeah, no kidding."

"But I figured we haven't really taken a vacation in a long time, especially with your recent visits to the Earth Kingdom and your royal responsibilities. Some time away would be great for everyone."

The gesture was very sweet and she liked the idea of a vacation but…it wasn't the question she was hoping for. Still, she didn't want to hurt his feelings.

"That…would be great." she said with a sweet smile, though on the inside a part of her was disappointed. "I can't wait to tell the girls."

"I already told Bolin and Asami, you should have seen how excited they were."

She forced herself to chuckle before taking a sip of her fruit punch and muttered under her breath, "Good for them."

(~)

The two returned to Air Temple Island and Mako walked Korra to the door of her new palace. "Thanks again for the great night."

"Anytime, princess." he said lovingly before kissing her full on the lips. The two parted ways and Korra entered her home. Sighing in disappointment.

"He didn't ask."

The Mane Six, all groaned sadly as they stepped out of their hiding spots.

"Why?" Rarity asked.

"I don't know. I guess he's just not ready."

A knock on the door was heard. Korra opened it and saw Meelo standing in front of her. "Meelo?"

"Mako wants everyone inside the Temple. Said he has a big announcement to make."

Korra's eyes widened in surprise, "Really? We'll be right there." she closed the door and turned to the girls….before squealing loudly with excitement!

Maybe this was it?

The girls didn't waste time in gathering at the dinning area, with Tenzin, Bolin, Asami, Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, Bumi, Kai, even Opal. Spike sat on a table, eating berries, waiting excitedly for Mako's announcement. The firebender stood in the center, getting everyone's attention.

"Good evening everyone. Now, I know this is short notice but I have an announcement to make, and I'd appreciate it if you were all here to witness it."

Korra was giddy with excitement and so were the girls.

"It took a while, but I finally know exactly what I need to do." he stuck his hand into his pocket and pulled out a black box, though it appeared a bit bigger than expected. Mako then tossed the box at Kai, who grabbed it in his hands, much to Korra's confusion.

"Happy Birthday, Kai."

Korra and the Ponies all dropped their jaws in shock. Mako had everyone gathered here so he could give Kai a present?!

"I know it's late notice but, I figured you deserved it."

Kai opened the box which contained a wrist watch. "Wow! Mako, this is so cool, thanks!"

"Don't worry about it. Just a little something from your honorary big brother."

"Are you kidding me?!" All eyes fell on Korra, who was now fuming mad.

"Korra, what's wrong?" Mako asked.

"You gather everyone here just to give Kai a late birthday present? Really?! Er! I can't believe how stupid I've been!"

"What are you talking about?"

"The whole night I thought you were going to propose to me, okay? There I said it! I know it's crazy but--Er!." feeling embarrassed for her outburst, Korra buried her face into her hands. Mako face palmed himself.

"Oh my gosh, I--I'm so sorry. I should have put two and two together. I mean, I take you out on a romantic date, arranged a picnic, I pull a black box from my pocket. The box's not for you it's for Kai, and here you---wait a minute, what's this?"

To everyone's shock and surprise, Mako pulled out another black box from his pocket. Kai let out an excitable yelp before covering his mouth. Korra's eyes widened when she saw the box. Just what game was Mako playing here?

The room became silent, all eyes on the young firebender, his voice was soft as he spoke directly from his heart, not taking his eyes off of Korra, who was still rather confused.

"Avatar Korra. Since the day we met we have done nothing but disagree, argue, and fight. You never miss a chance to tell me when I've done something wrong every single time I do it. And I'm a better man because of it. You showed me the importance of putting others before myself and even to this day you still continue to inspire me."

Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes. Bumi was literally weeping as Bum-Jun handed him a tissue and Kai and Jinora smiled at one another while holding hands.

"I can't imagine my life without you in it. And if you stick with me, I promise you, I will spend the rest of my days doing everything I can to make sure you are the happiest woman in this or any other world."

And that was when he got down on one knee. Korra felt her heart would leap right out of her chest as Mako opened the box, revealing a stunning ring with a ruby and sapphire stone, carved into a yin and yang symbol.

"Korra…will you marry me?"

Tears swelled up in her eyes almost making the ring look blurry, but she could still see its beauty clearly. She was so overwhelmed with happiness she could barely speak, but she found her voice and gave her answer.

"Yes, you jerk!"

The room burst into applauds as Mako placed the ring on his new fiance's finger and shared a loving innocent kiss before hugging. Pinkie Pie had waterfalls coming out of her eyes as she and Bumi both hugged and cried. Even Bolin couldn't help himself as he and Varrick shared a box of tissues.

"This is the happiest day of my life!!" Bolin exclaimed between sobs.

(~)

His hand extended and Korra placed her hand on top of his. Her smile was so beautiful. Happy and joyful. Mako felt his heart leap with joy. His brother laughed happily as he rose his glass.

"To Korra and Mako!"

The Mane Six, Spike, the Alicorns, Tenzin, his family, all the airbenders, Korra's parents, Kya, Bumi, Lin, Su, her family and even Kai were all present. And even Varrick was there, as well as Mako and Bolin's entire family attended the engagement party. Yin was crying tears of pure joy. They all rose their glasses, wearing matching happy smiles.

"To Korra and Mako!" They all exclaimed happily.

Bolin wrapped his arm around Mako, "I can't believe my big bro is finally getting married!" he said happily while messing up his neatly groomed hair. Mako shoved his brother away.

"Gah! Bolin! Not the hair."

Korra giggled and ruffled her fiance's hair, reverting it back to its spiky form. "I don't know, I like it better this way."

Yin approached and took her future granddaughter-in-law by the hands. "I am so happy for you both. I never got to see my son's wedding, so you have no idea how much it means to me to be here to see my grandson's. And he couldn't have chosen a more beautiful bride."

Korra knew that tears were forming in her eyes. No matter what emotion she felt, happy or sad, she always had a habit of crying her eyes out. But these were tears of pure joy.

"Promise me you will take good care of each other."

"We promise, grandma." Mako said as she placed hand on his bride's shoulder. Korra heard more giggling as the Mane Six all gathered around the happy couple and Pinkie Pie lifted up a camera with her tail.

"Say cheese cake!"

(~)

Rarity could barely keep herself steady. The Avatar looked absolutely stunning in her pre-ready weeding down. Like most of her formal wears, it was an open up dress, exposing her long legs with grey/blue pants with long hight boots with stunning batters at the toes to look like horseshoes worn by the alicorns. The top was strapless with a separated collar-like neckline with a heart-shaped pendent. Rarity added the vail on her head and she gasped as both she and Korra observed her work in the mirror of Korra's room.

"Oh! Look at you!" Rarity shielded her eyes, "Give me a moment, please."

Korra, of course, simply rolled her eyes, "Rarity, you promised you wouldn't do that."

"I can't help it! You know I'm very emotional!" she wrapped her arms around Korra as she admired the future bride in the mirror. She just stood her, looking at Korra's reflection.

"You okay?" Korra asked.

"I'm just remembering the first time I made you a dress. You were so reluctant back then and now…here you are. In your weeding gown. After all this time you still look as beautiful as the day I met you."

Korra happily wrapped her arm around Rarity, the two always viewed one another as sisters, and still did to this day. "Promise me something, Rarity."

"What?"

"Promise me…you'll never stop being you."

"Only if you promise to never stop being you."

"Deal."

(~)

Twilight went on the list again, "Okay, so Fluttershy's in charge of music. Applejack the catering, Pinkie Pie the reception, Rarity the gowns and tuxes." she walked over to the boys and placed the groom in his position. "Mako, you stand riiiiiiiiiiiight here!"

Mako narrowed his eyes, "Oh great, because I was so unsure on where I, the groom, was suppose to stand." he said sarcastically, but Twilight ignored him. She and the others were at the wedding rehearsal.

"Asami, and the rest of us will be standing over here to Korra's right. Bolin, Flash, Spike and Tu will be on Mako's left. Jinora and Ikki will walk in with the flowers behind Asami and Meelo will walk in with the rings. Am I forgetting anything?"

Everyone looked at oner another before looking back at Twilight. Asami spoke first, "Um… the bride?"

Twilight started to panic, "Ah! The bride! How could I forget the bride?! Where's Korra? Anyone seen her?"

"I'm here!"

The Avatar Princess bursted into the room as fast as she could. "I know, I know I'm late and I'm sorry. I overslept, I have no idea why or how."

Korra stood opposite Mako when he noticed his fiance's features. She looked strangely tired. There were semi-dark circles around her eyes and her skin looked slightly pale. But what was even stranger was that she began to cough rather roughly.

"Honey, are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. It's just a cold."

"Are you sure? You look terrible."

"I'm fine, I just had a rough night."

Mako placed a hand over her forehead, "And you're burning up."

Korra coughed once more, covering her mouth as she did. "Okay, maybe I have been feeling a little under the weather recently, but I can shake it off."

"Why don't we cancel rehearsal for today and continue when you're feeling better?"

"Mako, I'm fine." Korra insisted, right before coughing hard once again. This time she gripped her throat, which was already feeling itchy and warm. "On second thought, you might be right." Korra said, not even bothering to try and fight this.She couldn't deny that she was getting sick. Question was, why?

Mako let Korra out the door to take her home to rest."You gonna be okay, Korra?" Sunset asked.

"I'll be fine. Some sleep, a bowl of soup and I'll be back up in no time." she said with a reassuring confident smile…right before she coughed again. This left the others very worried.

"What do you think made her so sick?" Jinora asked.

"Maybe she got a bug while visiting her parents?" Bolin said.

Twilight looked downwards with worry. "Maybe."

(~)

It's been two weeks and Korra did not seem to be getting better. If anything, she seemed to be getting worse. She was stuck in bed and felt so woozy whenever she tried to walk. She couldn't remember when she started feeling this way. It came out of nowhere.

But sadly, that was not the worst part.

Her nightmares returned. Her visions of Zaheer and the Red Lotus replayed in her mind constantly. It was like she traveled back to that horrible and difficult time in her life. She tossed and she turned in her bed, she could barely sleep. This worried her deeply.

One day, she took the effort to walk around the temple and enjoy the flowers in bloom. When suddenly, her mind became foggy, her vision blurry and she collapsed on the ground. Thankfully, Fluttershy was around and spotted her.

"Korra!" The Pegasus rushed to her friend. She was burning hot and was sweating. "Help! Somebody!"

(~)

With heavy hearts, they watched the ship leave the port. Katara agreed to take care of Korra for the time being. Whatever it was Korra had, the elderly woman would be sure to find a cure. As the rain began to fall down, everyone headed inside, however Mako remained, not even caring that the rain was soaking him wet. Twilight and Flash both placed their hands on both his shoulders and all walked together inside.

That was the last time they saw Korra.

………

Even today, the memory was deeply painful for everyone. It was like seeing her revert back to that Korra who was forced on the wheelchair after her experience with Zaheer.

"Maybe there can be another way to find her." Tenzin mentioned, breaking the silence.

"How?" Asami asked, "The girls already tried locating her with the Elements. If we can't use them, what else do we have?"

Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer got a great idea.

(~)

As Korra walked down the deserted street, she could hear faint harmonizing ringing in her ears.

Ah, ah, ah…

Ah, ah...

She spun around, looking to see if she was being followed. But she saw no one. Once she turned forward once again, she was startled, but also relieved, to see that while she was indeed being followed, it was only by a small little white puppy dog. The creature panted and wagged its tail happily. It was so cute and innocent. She looked somewhat similar to Naga when she was a pup, only her eyes were abnormally green in color. Korra smiled and crunched down, petting its head.

"Where'd you come from, little cutie?"

Korra suddenly sensed another presence and the two of them looked upwards to see a shadowy figure at the top of the short set of stairs. The mist around it began to slightly disperse, revealing the dark Avatar Korra, standing before them. Surprisingly, the puppy whirled around and began growling menacingly at the ghostly image. Korra was astonished by this.

"You can see her, too?"

Korra's Avatar self stood still, its glowing orbs looking down at the two, not saying a single word like always, and seemingly unfazed or surprised by the the puppy growling furiously at it.

"If you can see her too, maybe I'm not going crazy." Korra said as she stood up.

Once the puppy started barking, standing protectively between the apparition and Korra herself, the dark figure slowly stepped back, seamlessly dissolving into the mist that slowly formed before evaporating into thin air. The puppy finally relaxed and made its way to the steps from which the dark avatar once stood. Korra could not believe her eyes.

"How'd you do that?"

The puppy mounted the steps, then turned back toward Korra, barking a few times as if asking her to come along.

"You want me to follow you?" she asked. The little dog barked a couple more times before running off, disappearing into the mist. Korra pondered for a moment. Following a strange dog was...well, strange indeed, but given what she had just witnessed, what did she have to lose? Her mind was made up.

"All right. Let's see what I find."

And so, Korra followed the puppy through the streets, heading towards the outside of the village.

………………

Korra continued to toss and turn in the bed of her room in the south pole, only now, it seemed she was having a much different dream. It wasn't like the ones before. In fact, she could barely tell if this was a dream at all. She saw flashes of what appeared to be green stones being hammered into little specks of dust and poured into a liquid that glowed an aery green and the mercury poison was rising up towards her, entrapping her in it's clutches.

She gasped for air as she woke up, but she didn't feel entirely awake. She could still see the images, everything in front of her was hazy. She kept on groaning as if she would vomit. Her head pounded as voices harmonized in her brain.

Ahhhh, ah, ah, ahhhhh

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah

Ah, ah, ah

Ahh, ah, ah, ah, ah

Ah, ah, ah

Welcome to the show

Ah, ah, ah, ah

We're here to let you know

Ah, ah, ah, ah

Memories in your heart

Will be forgot

Ah, ah, ah, ah

The song was like a pledge in her brain. None of this made any sense. Why was this memory different from the others? It didn't even feel like a flashback anymore, more like a dream within a dream. It was all so confusing, Korra couldn't' tell what was real anymore.

Hear the wave of sound

As it crashes down

This will be the day

We make you run away

Time for you to fall

Your victories forgotten

You won't recall

Your blessings, just your flaws

We'll grow tougher

As you suffer

Now is time to say goodbye!

The scene shifted, turning completely green as a primer flashback took shape.

…………….

Korra disinterestedly played with her food at the dinner table. "Everything all right, sweetie?" Senna asked, both her and Tonraq taking full notice of their daughter's silence and absence from reality.

"There's something I need to tell you both." Korra said.

"What is it?" her father asked.

"I want to go back to Republic City."

"Are you sure?" her mother asked with concern.

"I know I'm not a hundred percent yet, but I feel like I've hit a wall. I need to be where the action is, where my friends are. "

Tonraq exchanged a look with Senna before responding, "I'll have the White Lotus prepare a boat and they can take you back to Republic City as soon as you're ready."

"No, I want to go alone and have some time to clear my head. It'll be good for me."

Using a small craft, Korra waved goodbye to her parents as Naga as the wind blew on the blue sails, leading Korra put to sea.

However, that was not the real truth.

………………….

In reality, Korra woke up in the middle of the night, her beautiful blue eyes now shimmered with a green glow as she stood up from her bed. Her gaze was blank, emotionless and she did not blink. She absentmindedly took a pencil and began writing words on a paper.

She placed the letter on the bed and walked out of the palace, while still in her trance she took a boat and sailed away into the night. As she did, her wings, her blue streak, the star mark on her forehead, even her cutie mark…all began to disappear into the wind like burned ashes. Her eyes stopped glowing green and she collapsed as the gentle night breeze carried her away into the distance.

The following day, Tonraq and Senna found the letter;

"I want to go back to Republic City. I know I'm not a hundred percent yet, but I feel like I've hit a wall. I need to be where the action is, where my friends are. I want to go alone and have some time to clear my head. It'll be good for me."

They figured their daughter needed some time away on her travel, however they did find it strange she did not wish to say goodbye. None the less, they respected her wishes.

Korra woke up the next day as the boat sailed swiftly in the wind and she looked off into the distance. Her wings, her magic, everything that linked her to her pony heritage was visibly gone. And she had no memory of them either. In her mind, she was no longer Princess Avatar Korra…she was simply, Avatar Korra.

As the boat sailed away, a school of flying dolphin-fish surfaced. Korra smiled as she watched the majestic creatures glide over the waters. They looked wild and free. She started to wonder what it would be like to glide like they did, or better yet...what it would be like to fly. The thought of soaring above the clouds filled her mind all of a sudden. She didn't know why, but the very idea was enough to bring her some form of joy, even long after the dolphin-fish had dove back into the waters, fading into the deep.

Korra spotted a tiny port village in a tropical archipelago, and docked her boat. She approached a man in a dockside shack, who was lazily fanning himself in the heat. She noticed he mainly sold fish and other aquamarine life. For some reason, Korra felt nauseous at the thought of eating any actual animal.

"Uh, excuse me." she asked politely, though her tone was practically lifeless, "You wouldn't happen to have any vegetarian options do you?"

The shopkeeper suddenly jerked up when he saw her. "Why, you're the Avatar, ain'tcha?"

"Yup, that's me." Korra said with a smile, the man practically leaped off of his seat.

"I can't believe it!" he said and scratched his chin a bit, "Hmmm, you look kind of different than you do in your pictures? Where are your pony friends, and your wings?"

Korra arced an eyebrow at him. "My whats?" she suddenly felt a painful jab in her brain, and those vocalizing voices were heard once more.

"Hey, you okay, there?"

Korra managed to calm herself as her eyes gave out a brief green grow before reverting back to normal. "Y--Yeah, I'm fine just a little dazed is all."

"Oh, well, hey, if you don't mind, can I take a picture for my "Wall of Avatars"?" he gestured to the back of his shed. His so called "Wall of Avatar" only had one picture, and it was one of an adult Aang doing his infamous marble trick with two pieces of seafood, wearing a look of unadulterated enthusiasm on his face.

Korra didn't really feel like taking pictures. Nor did she feel worthy of it. "Well, I'm kind of in a hurry."

"I-it'll only take a second, I promise!" he said and started digging for his camera, throwing out all sorts of things out of his shed, such as a pot, a meat cleaver, and--strangely enough--a flock of parrots came flying out, causing a startled Korra to jump backwards. After a while, he finally found his camera.

"Avatar Aang was a big fan of my seaweed wraps, you know, so, I named 'em "Aang Rolls"! Now they're my biggest seller! And they ain't even got fish in 'em!" he laughed as he set the camera down in front of Korra. "Now, smile!"

The image through the camera was upside down, but Korra none the less smiled awkwardly and the flash went off, momentarily blinding her.  

"But if I coulda met any Avatar, I'd have to pick Kyoshi. Taking down a shark squid with one hand! Now that's a lady I'd like to get to know!"

"Thieves! Get back here!"

The scream of a lady shopkeeper caught both their attention and spotted two people running off, holding large bags in their hands.

"Oh, don't worry, the Avatar's right here!" the fishmonger shouted at the distressed woman and turned to Korra, excitedly, "Well, what are you waiting for? Go get 'em!"

Korra was hesitant at first, but quickly pushed any feelings of uncertainty aside and rushed to help. She waterbended herself across and came ashore, landing in front of the bandits, causing them to stop in their tracks.

"Hand over the bags or else." she ordered.

One of the thieves earthbended a fissure into the ground, creating a cloud of dust towards Korra, blinding her from the incoming boulders the second thief threw her way. She fell to the ground, her head pounding from the impact, as the thieves ran past her. She could hear their taunting from afar. Opening her eyes, she saw the lady shopkeeper standing over, giving her a skeptical look, her while the fishmonger rushed up to her with meat cleaver in hand.

"You sure she's the Avatar?" she asked. "Doesn't look like it to me."

Korra's eyes briefly glowed green, before she clenched her head in disappointment.

(~)

That night, she finally arrived in the Republic City bay, which was surrounded by the thick nighttime fog, still she could see the golden lights up ahead. Once upon a time, the sight brought her a feeling of warmth and excitement, but now...she felt nothing. It was as if she had been shut off. The city didn't make her feel excited or happy like it used to. She just felt...worn.

The first thing she wanted to do was to arrive at Air Temple Island and get a good night sleep. She would figure out what to do next in the morning after resting on a nice warm bed, and in a place that wasn't the same bedroom she had been in for two years back at the South Pole.

But as she drew closer to the island, the thick fog burned off and a lone figure stood on a rock near the cliffside. Her eyes glowing a familiar white. Korra gasped, as she was now face to face with her Avatar self. The apparition's eyes narrowed, her mouth curved downwards into an angry frown and her long hair billowing in the light breeze. Even if she couldn't speak, Korra knew exactly what she was saying.

"You've failed. You're a disgrace. You don't belong here anymore."

Drops of sweat fell down her face as Korra closed her eyes, then steered the boat in the opposite direction, not watching as the city faded back into the mist.

She wasn't ready to go back. Not like this.

(~)

The next day, Korra docked her boat in an area somewhere in the Earth Kingdom. She traveled long into the night to make sure she had enough distance between herself and the city. It was close to noon, but the sunlight made it feel as if it were still morning.

Korra stood before a small river, gazing at her reflection. Her hair was down and had exchanged her Water Tribe outfit for that of Earth Kingdom clothes. The only thing she had left of her heritage was her armband. It used to be her favorite accessory, but now it was only another reminder of her past. A past she wanted to stray as far away from as possible for right now.

With a heavy heart, Korra removed her armband, but not before getting a strange flashback to a purple-haired girl with a beaming smile and bright blue eyes. Korra brushed it aside and tossed the accessory into the water, watching it float for a moment before sinking completely. Next, Korra pulled her hair back, took up a knife and placed it up against her long locks.

For a moment, just like with her armband, she hesitated. For some reason, this was harder for her to do than just tossing away her armband. It was just hair, right? Why did it even mater? Only, it kind of did. Somehow, her long hair symbolized something she couldn't remember. Maybe it was for the best then.

Ignoring the tears threatening to come out, in one stroke, she pulled the blade through her hair. She clenched the long locks in her fist before angrily tossing them into the waters before her.

She no longer recognized the woman before her.

(~)

Korra tugged tightly on her jacket as she moved across the snowstorm, heading towards the spirit portal of the north pole. She crossed over into the spirit world, stopping right before the Tree of Time, with brightly colored spirits swarming around it. She removed her jacket, revealing her green sleeveless shirt with a lighter green stripe, dark brown pants that exposed her legs from bellow her knees and simple floats shoed. She also had a green sash around her waist and a pair of plain brown arm bands. Korra sat down in the center of the tree and began to mediate in silence.

A tiny pale yellow spirit with two leaf-like ears poked its head from the entrance of the tree. It stared at the woman for a few short moments, then smiled joyfully upon recognizing her. She turned to her spirit companions.

"Everyone, come here! It's the Princess Avatar!" She said. her voice sounding like that of a little girl.

The young spirits gathered around the entrance, seeing Korra for themselves. Another spirit, resembling a snail with legs, turned to the leaf eared spirit in confusion. His voice sounded like that of a little boy."You sure?" he asked skeptically, "I don't sense any energy around her. Besides, she's doesn't look like the Avatar. And, doesn't the Avatar have ponytails, wings and blue hair?"

Korra opened one eye as she heard the spirit talking, breaking her concentration. What were they talking about the wings and blue hair anyways?

"Do you mind? I'm trying to concentrate here. And yes, I am the Avatar. I'm just wearing different clothes and I cut my hair."

"And what about your wings?" one spirit asked.

"I don't have any wings. What gave you that idea?"

The snail spirit turned to his yellow companion, "See, I knew it couldn't be her."

"No, I know it is!" the yellow spirit said in defense and turned her attention back to the woman, "Could you sing for us?"

Korra arched an eyebrow, "Sing?"

"Please? Just one little song."

Korra had no idea what the heck these spirits were talking about but, if she was ever going to get any peace and quiet, she might as well play along. She took in a deep breath and opened her mouth to sing the first song that came to mind. She didn't know how, but the words just came out naturally. As if she had been singing it for years.

Don't need to hear a crowd, cheering out my name

I didn't come here seeking infamy or fame

As she sang, the spirits all smiled, their joy rising. Korra's voice was surprisingly strong, sturdy and beautiful all at once. And as she sang, a smile slowly appeared on her face and the spirits bobbed their heads to the song.

The one and only thing, that I am here to bring

Is music, is the music

Is the music in my soul

Gotta break out

Set myself free, yeah

Let it all go

Just let it be, yeah

Find the music in your heart

Let the music make you start

To set

Yourself

Appart

Once the song was over, the spirits now knew for certain that this stranger was indeed the Avatar. Only she would have a voice that could bring such bliss and happiness to the spirits. Much like her, her voice was magical.

"See? I told you guys it was her!" the little yellow spirit jumped into the tree and walked up to Korra. The rest of the group followed, "How come you've been away so long?"

"I was hurt pretty bad a while ago and lost touch with my Avatar Spirit."

"No wonder I couldn't feel any energy." said the snail spirit.

"I came to the Tree of Time hoping to reconnect with Raava and turn on the Avatar State again. But it's not working." as Korra continued, the leafy yellow spirit climbed onto her lap. "The last time I was here, I saw all sorts of visions. Now I don't see anything."

"Maybe we can help you get better." the spirit said sweetly, "Help you fly again."

Korra gently lifted the spirit off of her lap and sadly stood back up. "I'm sorry, but for years, people have been saying they can help me get better. Nothing's worked." she walked towards the opening of the tree. Medicating wasn't helping, and as sweet as it was that these little spirits wanted to help her, Korra knew that no matter how good their intentions, it wasn't going to change anything.

She turned once more, looking at the little spirits in regret."I need to figure this out on my own."

(~)

After leaving the sad little spirits, Korra rode her boat through a waste of water and icebergs. Perched on one of the icebergs, she saw her double, glaring at her with glowing eyes like a wild human. She would, from now on, be a constant, though very unpleasant, traveling companion.

As Korra traveled, she began sending letters to her parents back at the south pole.

"Dear Mom and Dad, I arrived in Republic City a couple weeks ago and couldn't be happier. It's nice to be back at the temple and it's great to see my friends again."

Korra continued her journey, walking through a lava field, where, again, the hallucination appeared. No matter how many times she saw her, Korra ignored her.

"Don't worry, I'm taking it easy, but hopefully I'll be back in action soon. I miss you both very much. Please, give Naga a big hug for me. Love, Korra."

Korra's journey took her long and far, all the way to the desert. The scorching heat beamed down upon her, her skin dripping with sweat and the desert winds danced around her. She shielded herself against the unforgiving sun with her arm. She looked up, seeing a familiar white and blue entity hovering over a sand dune. Her tentacles bellowing in the wind with a heavenly glow around her.

"Raava?" With a smile on her face, Korra scaled the dune, climbing towards the spirit. "Raava!"

But once she reached the top….all she found was an empty space where Raava once stood. It was a mirage. The poor Avatar fell to her knees in despair. She was so close.

And yet so far away.

(~)

Her journey took her farther and farther into the Earth Kingdom, finding herself in a small humble village at night. Once again, she spotted her hallucination. This time, waiting at the end of her path, illuminated by a streetlight. The apparition walked away down a side alley.

That was the last straw for Korra. She had been running from her for far too long. Maybe if she confronted her, she would finally be free.

"I am ending this."

Korra chased her dark copy down the alley, where it jumped over a fence. She did not hesitate to follow and also leaped over the fence, landing on the roof of a small house. She spotted the ghost standing near the entrance of a building, the light inside illuminated the outline of her body. For a moment, Korra could have easily mistaken her for a human of flesh and blood, right down to the shadow outstretching from her feet on the ground.

Several people stood by, either chatting with one another or minding their own business, never taking heed of the glowing eyed woman with chains.

Korra's gaze was locked on her copy. Her silence taunting the Avatar. A single person passed by the entrance, and the image vanished into thin air from where it once stood.

Determination etched on her face as she jumped from the roof and headed towards the building. Once inside, Korra was slightly taken by surprise to see that it was an earthbending arena. The audience cheered at the two earthbenders sparring in the ring. Standing there, several feet opposite the two opponents, Korra saw her ghostly twin, unseen by everybody except Korra herself.

Korra narrowed her eyes and walked up to a man, collecting money from the people waving their cash at him, placing bets. She tapped his shoulder and he half-turned to look at her.

"Excuse me. Who do I talk to about getting in the ring?"

Once in the ring, Korra tried to shield herself from the incoming rocks being hurled at her, but she was more than just rusty. She fought as if she hadn't learned how to. It was humiliating, but her attention was not on the crowd's approval, it was on the match.

Another attack threw Korra off her feet and she crashed into the wall, rolling across the floor. Staggering to get back up again, her vision clouded, her opponent appeared to have multiplied and the audience dissolved into darkness, along with the bleachers and their voices. All she heard was silence as her earthbending opponent melted away, morphing into the image of her ghostly twin.

Rising defiantly to her feet, Korra yelled at the apparition. "Is that all you got?"

The dark avatar's heard slightly tilted in the most unsettling way before swinging her arm forward. The chain flew across the arena like a whip as Korra dodged it. She earthbended a rock at the creature, who disappeared formlessly before manifesting once again in mid air, bending the same rock Korra had sent her way and hurtled it at the weakest of the two of them.

Korra was hit right in the face and tumbled across the floor, slamming again into the wall behind her. The exhausted Avatar struggled to get back up, staring at her apparition with vengeful eyes, only to fall down from exhaustion. Her vision melted back into reality, the original female earthbender solidifying into full view, the roar of the crowd was heard once more and the darkness faded, revealing the audience once more.

"We have a winner!"

The other earthbender rose her arms in victory as the crowd cheered. Korra dropped her head in shame.

After that humiliating defeat, Korra went to the bathroom to heal herself, all leading up to the moment where she met the mysterious white puppy.

……………….

Korra chased dog all through the night, the village now miles behind her, though could still be seen if she spun around, which she did not. She chased the pup to the top of a hill and paused, looking at the sight before her. The view had suddenly changed, rather than see more hills, Korra saw a land surrounded by trees, along with the smell of musky water. It was a swamp. Korra was mildly confused by this.

"Why did you bring me to the swamp?" she asked. She sledded down the  small hill, still following the puppy. Korra abruptly stopped when the puppy became engulfed in a flash of light. Its body morphing into a familiar tan yellow creature with leafs for ears. Korra realized she had seen this creature before. "Wait, I met you at the Tree of Time." she said, her voice grew slightly stronger, indicating her impatience and for the creature having tricked her, "You should have told me who you were."

"If I did, would you have followed me?"

Korra's expression softened. "I get your point. But why did you bring me here? What am I gonna find in the swamp?"

"Not a what, a who." the spirit rose up into the air, her ears flapping as she flew off and disappeared through the vines.

"No, wait! Come back!" Korra cried out in a panic and charged after the spirit, roughly making her way through the vines. She stumbled and fell into a pool of green looking water once she reached the other side. Time seemed to move slowly, the waters of the swamp splashing her face as she looked up. Her body subtly trembled as she was now face to face, yet again, with the terrifying version of herself. Korra rose to her feet and tried to coax herself into believing it wasn't real, all the while taking several steps back.

"You're just in my mind." she said, her voice trembling, "You're not real."

The mirror projection's eyes narrowed in a menacing manner before throwing a powerful blast of fire in Korra's direction, sending her flying through the air, creating a massive hole in the curtain of vines. Korra collided with a tree and fell into the shallow waters. The green liquid dripped from her face as she looked up to see the creature stagger-step through the giant hole in the now burn vines. Her shoulders hunched and her haunting gaze locked on her victim.

Korra's fear shifted into anger as she send two streams of water at her double, but she suddenly morphed out of thin air the moment the stream came in her direction. She manifested herself once more, easily avoiding another stream of water, before sending a fire blast at Korra, quickly followed by water and chunks of the earth.

Korra dodged both the water and fire attacks with a summersault, but was hit by the rock and was, once again, sent flying backwards, tumbling into a hole.

The ghostly Avatar reappeared in a blink, chasing after Kotta while creating a flaming arc with its foot as it came down to crush Korra. She summersaulted out of the way once the apparition landed. Korra hurried back up, but was quickly pushed back down by a brutal blast of water from behind, and slid face first into the mud. She quickly got back on her feet and ran as fast as she could. Her fear haven taken over her actions and rational thinking.

The hallucination deformed and reformed rapidly, shooting blasts of fire at Korra, who ducked as the fire shoot right over her head. Korra quickly jumped up and sent a rock directly at her double before airbending herself high into the air and landing onto the branches of a large sprawling tree. She leaped from one branch to the other, using her airbending as momentum.

The creature unwind the chains around her wrist, wielding it like a whip and cracking it onto the ground with a powerful force it cause the dirt of the ground to rise up, and even shake the ground like a small earthquake. The sound was reminiscent of crushing bones. The apparition flung the chain towards the tree, wrapping the end around Korra's ankle, just as she finally reached the highest branch. The rays of the sun peeking through the leaves, and she felt the heat on her bruised cheeks.

Korra screamed as the force of the chain weighted her down. Her heart was beating rapidly against her chest as she desperately grabbed onto the vines around the branches, and the chain pulled tighter. As she looked down, her eyes widened in horror at seeing the ground bellow the feet of her Avatar self suddenly turn into a familiar silver liquid with which Zaheer used to poison her three years ago. The puddle grew larger and larger as Korra struggled to hold onto the vines, fighting against the weight of the chain pulling her downwards towards the deadly, silver puddle. The dark apparition's face remained unwavered as she began to sink down deeper and deeper into the mercury puddle, all the while pulling the chain that held Korra in her grip. As the doppelganger sunk deeper, the vine in Korra's hand snapped, as did the one in her other hand seconds later. The double's body was now completely submerged, save for the hand which held the chain. Korra strained as she desperately held on, but the vines could not keep her away for long.

Screaming, Korra fell into the puddle below her, her fists still holding the broken vines before it flew right out of her hands. She splashed onto the puddle, drops flying everywhere and she hurried to get herself back up again. She could feel the cold, deadly sting against her skin all over again. But as she tried to get back up, the mercery began to close in. The deadly substance had gained a mind of its own, stretching out like tendrils that wrapped around her arms, dragging her deeper in. As Korra looked up at the rays of the sun peeking through the leaves, for what she believed would be her last glimpse of light, Korra saw something hovering above her.

It was white with an angelic glow, with large white wings, a long bellowing white gown and hair that danced in the wind with various bright colors. Korra stretched out her hand in an effort to reach the heavenly image when web-like tendrils leaped out of the surface of the mercury, trapping her arms and hands as Korra continuously tried to reach into the air, grasping for something that was not there.

"Help!"

Immediately after she screamed, the silver poison wrapped around her arm and pulled her down.

(~)

Korra slowly opened her eyes, finding herself in a dark place lit by a blue colored light that shined through a deep hole opening. Given the location Korra knew she was in some kind of cave with an opening above from which the soft blue light came from. Her body laid on what felt like a bed made out of wood. With a hand on her already aching head, Korra sat upright and heard the noise of a moving liquid, followed by the smell of smoke. A shadowy figure stood over her cooking pot, her back to Korra, who could not see who she was.

"Feeling better?" the woman asked, her voice belonging to that of an elderly woman.

"Where am I? Wha-what happened?"

"I was hoping you could tell me. I found you passed out in the mud."

"How'd you know I was out there?"

"I'm pretty tapped into the goings-on around here. What brings you to the swamp, anyway?"

"A spirit led me here and told me I was supposed to find someone. Is that you?"

"Beats me. But if your Avatar magic senses called you here, you should probably listen to them."

Korra sat upright on the stone bed she was in and was startled when the woman mentioned the word 'Avatar'. "Wait, you recognize me?" Korra asked as she stood up and walked toward the mystery person.

"In a manner of speaking. We were good friends in your previous life."

Korra firebended a small flame with her hand, casting light on the mysterious person, who turned to face the young woman, revealing her face. She had long silver hair hanging down over clouded eyes. Clouded eyes that she knew she had seen before, both in pictures her waterbending master had shown her in her youth, as well as in the distant memories of her subconscious mind. Her breath caught in her throat once the face matched with the one from her memory.

"I can't believe it ... Toph?"

"Nice to see you again, Twinkle Toes."

(~)

With a pair of scissors, Rarity cut out a single piece of one of Korra's old parka's as Sunset Shimmer placed it into a shimmering liquid, which sparkled and shimmered before their very eyes. Sunset carried a stone, sustained by a string, and dipped it into the liquid. The stone glowed brightly as it began levitating over the world map of the human world.

"Will this work?" Twilight asked.

"It may take some time, depending on how many places Korra's been. But if there is any chance of finding here…this is our last hope."

The others all watched on in anticipation as the stone continued to hover all around the map, scanning for their lost Avatar.

(~)