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Fire, Air, Water, Earth. The Avatar is tasked with keeping balance and peace in the world. 

But peace is an illusion the new Avatar cannot afford. With Korra's inevitable passing, the new Avatar has cycled into the Earth Kingdom born into a girl named Tala.

Chapter 2: The Council[]

Tala sat on the top of a train, antsy. She had little company as the majority of the airbenders were riding sky bison up above, only the cargo was in the train. Hava chose to ride the train as did Kulek to keep her company since she refused to leave Ilan on the train alone. Ilan coiled up behind her basking in the sunlight.

Tala was truly leaving Omashu for the first time. She had always lived in reach of the city, even before the world learned she was the Avatar. And now, she was going to Republic City, a major hub of trade, culture, technology, and life in the world. Tala knew she wasn't ready for such a change, but would never be unless she stepped out and faced it.

She recalled the day when she met King Urri. Her family knew she was the Avatar for a long time, they told her to not show her powers, but at seven years old, she didn't listen. Her parents took her to a festival in Old Omashu on the promise that she would be on her best behavior and not bend the elements. Of all the times she broke a promise, was in front of the King of Omashu. At first she was firebending, this caught Urri's attention as there were still few firebenders in the city. But his interest was peaked when Tala started making the fire collide with rocks. Urri knew who and what she was and took her to the palace. Tala's parents broke into the palace in a rage putting a dozen guards in the hospital for months. Urri forgave them when he realized they were her parents, but took Tala in his custody nonetheless. Her parents only consented if they would have time away from the city with her every-so-often.

That was twelve years ago.

She then noticed that Hava had climbed to the roof of the train. "I figured you would be up here. Another five hours and you'll be able to see the skyline of the city on your left. Another two and then we'll be in Republic City itself."

"I'm not here for the view."

"I know." Hava sat down next to Tala, "I am sorry that you had to learn everything so suddenly and so late. Had it been up to me, I would have told you from the beginning and let you choose."

"I would have chosen Rishu, and Urri knows it. He's always been so controlling, he's stricter with me than his own kids, and now we're gonna meet up with them and have them stay with us."

"I know, Urri has been very protective of you. And I am sorry that your firebending teacher wasn't of the proper caliber."

"Not even my earthbending teacher either! I know Urri's brother is one of the best in the world but I've heard about Crown-Prince Kiir, if half of what they say is true, then no one stands a chance against him."

"No one is perfect, Tala. Not you, not Urri, not Kiir and not even Rishu. We all make mistakes and sometimes even worse."

"Airbenders seem pretty darn perfect..."

Hava took a stronger tone, "Well, we're not. Our people were wiped out, from weak pacifism and only survived in Aang's descendants until Harmonic Convergence. We have those who have done evil things as well. Look at me Tala. You see your airbending master, the most powerful airbender in the world except to maybe my sister Lio. Does that make me perfect."

Tala didn't answer, "It doesn't." Hava continued, "I am not the airbender I am today because I was born with it like Lio, I am because I struggled for it. I used to be the clumsiest boy in all of Clan Jinorra. The most serious and reserved clan could go into fits of laughter when they saw me try to airbend. There was probably a moment when I was the worst airbender alive in all the clans. I thought I was a failure. It was only through the most intense and draining discipline that I soon became better than everyone around me. And that was why I was chosen over Lio to teach you. Because I could empathize with someone who struggled with airbending, because I'm not perfect. "This world is full of good and bad, and they influence our decisions. Did Urri make bad decisions about your training? Yes, he did. But he has also protected you and watched over you. I know you keep to yourself, even Kulek doesn't know everything about you, but please think about this. No one is perfect, don't judge them to a standard they'll always fail to meet."

"I will Master Hava, thank you."

Tala was back in the train car soon and talked with Kulek, playing Pai Sho all the while. Kulek won and took twenty yuans from Tala in a dirty trick. That was when a serviceman for the train came to inform them that they would be able to see the night skyline of the city in a few minutes.

Tala watched as an opening in the mountains cleared. A majestic show of lights hit her eyes. Skyscrapers reaching far beyond what Tala had ever seen before were here in excess. And a massive beam of light shot up into the night sky creating a beautiful aurora from the spirit portal. Tala was truly amazed at the spectacle before her eyes. But caution was present in her mind, the city was beautiful from afar, but what would it be up close? Air Temple Island by all accounts was an amazing and calm place, how did the city measure up to that?

Kulek spoke in awe, "I never saw the city from this view before."

The train arrived two hours later where Clan Rohan were waiting for them, as were the Air Acolytes. They left the station and made for Air Temple Island as quietly as they could, though a few people noticed the number of Air Nomads and looked on curiously, no one seemed to realize Tala was the important passenger of the group.

When they finally reached Air Temple Island at midnight. Waiting for her seemed to be the entire community of the Island, Clan Jinorra and the Air Acolytes, in front was a woman a couple years older than Hava. She was tall, lean and graceful, she aged well but her hair had grayed. She had the tattoos of an airbending master on her pale skin.

Hava walked to her and hugged her, "Lio, its good to see you well, sister, but you look tired."

"I wasn't going to be a rude host and sleep while our most important guest came to our home." She looked to Tala, "Welcome, young Avatar, to Air Temple Island. We are most honored by your presence here."

"I am honored to be here." Tala came close to Lio and gave a bow of one to a great master.

Lio smiled, "But it is late, we shall celebrate your arrival come the morning when you are rested, and we shall talk then." She gave Tala a kiss on the cheek and departed as members of Clan Jinorra came to greet themselves to the Avatar.

Dark Dreams[]

Avatar was guided to her quarters while Ilan was led to the bison stables. Tala slept the second she hit the bed. But her sleep was fitful with dreams. Her most prevalent was her dream of a ballet wearing an Onxy Black Dress, one made of Dragon Silk. She danced with a metal mask very similar to that of the bloodbender Amon.

But her disturbing self-image was little to her dancing partner. A black dragon, with black eyes, and black teeth and white flames coming out of his maw. He circled around the Avatar, with a fierce and hungry look. Tala was doing a dance she had never done in her life, paralleling the dragon's own movements. But when the dance ended, the dragon turned to her and coiled to strike. When it did, his maw seemed to grow in size as white flames engulfed her.

The dream ended with a woman in Water Tribe garb, she looked intently at Tala and warned, "The Dragons have prepared for decades, it is time. Beware gifts of their Silk."

Tala woke up drenched in sweat hearing someone knocking on the door, "Avatar Tala, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

Tala dressed up and got the day started with some exercises and breakfast and then training in airbending, since Air Temple Island was much better suited to it than Omashu was. She showered, and had lunch with Lio, Hava, Kulek, and other Air Nomads.

Apparently, the Air Acolytes and Air Nomads that train the sky bison live by the stables. And Ilan was not getting along well with the sky bison, much to the displeasure of the trainers who had to sleep through the night hearing their roars and his baying.

Lio changed the subject to Tala's relief. "I figured I would show you around the city today, see the sights and get to go around the city's most important structures. That way you don't get into the same trouble your predecessor did when she first came." Lio smiled.

"It would be my pleasure, Master Lio. Master Hava, will you be joining us?"

Hava seemed distracted for an instance when he turned his attention back to them, "No, I have some business in the city that needs attending to. I will see you all again tonight."

Tala and Kulek left with Councilwoman Lio to see the districts of the city, a much less momentous event. Tala enjoyed the city but most enjoyed the food, it was from all over the world, from the spicy of the Fire Nation to the cuisine and seafood of the Water Tribes.

They returned for dinner where they ate much more simply, Hava returned quietly. They were discussing what they had seen, when an Air Acolyte came in with a message, Lio answered, "Ah, Yuu, I thought you were going to miss dinner."

"My apologies, Sister Lio. You have received a message from the estate of Grand Marshal Rishu."

Tala looked on. Again, it was a canister, showing the respect he bore to Lio. Lio read it intently. She then spoke, "Rishu has personally asked that you join him tomorrow at the banquet as the honored guest to commemorate your arrival in Republic City."

"That's nice, could've sent a message tomorrow for that."

"He also wants to send you a gift, a dress of Dragon Silk, it would have to be tailored, dressing for it would take all day, hence why the message came now."

Tala heard nothing after Dragon Silk. Her dream raced back to the front of her memory. "The Dragons have prepared for a century, it is time. Beware gifts of their Silk."

Was this the Silk she was referring to? Rishu was by all accounts a powerful man of the Fire Nation, people who learned to bend from the dragons. It was a stretch, but the vision of that disturbing dream didn't leave.

"Tala, are you alright?" Someone shook her out of her daze.

"I'm fine, Master Hava, I need to speak with you alone."

Hava looked at her seriously, "Certainly."

Hava took Tala to a porch and waited for her to start, "Master, I had a dream last night. I believe it was a warning." She explained the dream to him. Hava looked away, unsettled.

He turned to her, "Are you sure it was a Black Dragon?"

"Yes"

Hava sighed, "Things just get better and better." He sat down, "I spent today asking friends and friends of friends about the situation between Republic City and the Fire Nation. Things are bad, and now worse."

"What do you mean?"

"Everyone I talked to said that the 'Black Dragon' is behind everything that the Fire Nation is doing. He has set up the council position, the trade and border disputes. That the Black Dragon wants war. And Republic CIty is stupid enough to give it to him. Every action they take, angers the citizens of the Fire Nation more and more, rallying them for war against this City. At this rate, Republic City will be surrounded by the Fire Nation in two months."

"Who is he?"

"Grand Marshal Rishu, cousin of Firelord Ma-Tin. He was regent of Fire Nation immediately after his uncle died. He stepped down from the post a few years and now leads the Fire Nation Air Force. He is also the owner of the company that makes the popular Dragon Silk."

"The owner of a fashion company is the Black Dragon?"

"Never underestimate anyone, Tala. The Ailing-Sparrow is a poisonous bird that looks like it will die if left uncared for. But once it bites, there is no cure, and you die watching as this pathetic creature coos while you fade to death."

Gifts of Silk[]

Sato estate

An intimidating palace of a home, befit a great lord.

Tala arrived at the entrance of the estate. Regretting her choice more and more. She had decided to go and get a dress of Dragon Silk tailored and perhaps learn who was behind it. Now at the gates, she sees an insignia, not of the Fire Nation Flame but a black dragon flying on a field of gold.

The gate opened to allow her in, where a soldier of the Fire Nation was waiting for her. "Avatar Tala, we are honored by your presence. If you would please follow me."

"I didn't know Councilmen had guards from their homeland?"

"I am colonel Ching, I am the Grand Marshal's lieutenant in all his affairs."

"So what is the Grand Marshal doing right now?"

"He has been making the arrangements for this confirmation."

Tala thought on the Council. They had been dissolved in the wake of Amon's Equalist rebellion and their failure to respond. A President was elected, to show unified rule. There was peace for a time, but with all forms of leadership, there were flaws. It became apparent that the President couldn't do it all.

The Council was reformed as an advisory board that served at his behest. It functioned largely the same as before, but were approved by the President before joining. Rishu was unique in this case. The President approved him, but it was well known that he didn't want to. The Fire Lord, however, presented only one option, the Grand Marshal.

Ching led her to a room within the massive estate. The room was fairly large and open. A low stepped pedestal was in the middle where a man was waiting, presumably the tailor based on what he was carrying.

"Ah, Avatar, I am most honored to meet you." The man bowed lowly. "Shall we begin?"

"I'm Tala."

"Yungul, if it pleases you, great Avatar."

Colonel Ching left as the tailor got to work. Tala undressed and stood there on the pedestal as the tailor measured her. He was very mature if not indifferent about it. He first tested the measurements with a rough but very thin material, "Is this Dragon Silk?"

"Oh goodness, no! This is a material like it in thickness, making it perfect for test-fitting. Dragon Silk takes too long to make for us to make pieces for test-fitting too." The tailor's black eyes followed the lines of the cloth where folds would go in the dress.

Tala started to see what her dress would be. It would flow with long over-hanging sleeves and a trailing skirt. It was tight around her waist and chest but loose past her hips.

"You must have seen much of the world, Avatar, I wish to see half of it at least." Tala looked away at that comment.

"No doubt, you visited Capital City to learn firebending, Ba Sing Se for earthbending, and the Western Air Temple for airbending. I hear that Clans Ikki and, what was it? Meelo or Rohan? Yes, Meelo and Ikki have recolonized the Western Air Temple. That must be a beautiful sight."

"I wouldn't know, I have spent most of my life within reach of Omashu. This is the farthest I have been from home."

Yungul gave a confused look while cutting a piece of cloth, "But the Avatar has a duty to the world. They must bring balance to the world, not just to a city. Avatar Roku had a duty to the world, even when it defied his homeland's dreams of a world empire. The Avatars should learn from many sources."

"Tell that to the leaders of the world. All of them think the Avatar is a piece in their game of power. Go here and do this."

"You're the Avatar, you must do what you think is right and what is just. No one man should control you, just as you can't rule the world."

Tala thought on this as the dress was more and more complete in design. Finally, Yungul brought out the Dragon Silk. He carried two sets of it, each a different color. One was Onyx Black, but most of the material was a dark emerald. "Your dress will be emerald with black underlining."

Tala felt the material. It was so smooth, that Tala thought her hand would tear it, she receded her hand. Yungul laughed, "Don't worry, Avatar. Dragon Silk is very tough, it takes a lot to break it. However, the process of making it is slow, taking years to make a few yards."

"Wow, who would want to wait years for some cloth?"

"Dragon Silk can teach you a lesson, great Avatar. It requires time and patience to make, yes. But it needs precision as well, or you will destroy everything you worked for. This cloth had begun its journey to become Dragon Silk four years ago. It didn't happen overnight. Yet, now you see a work of art about to be laid on skin."

Yungul smoothed out a piece of the Silk, "Dragon Silk is like life, it takes years to reach your goal, it requires effort and hard work that you sometimes want to give up on. But if you finish, something amazing is there for you, and you can be proud to say it was your work."

Yungul continued to talk with Tala about anything and everything including the Omashu Loop. A famous race that was coming in a week or two. Yungul favored the Ba Sing Se racer Li, but Tala preferred the Senlin Racer. In time, the dress was complete and a beauty to see.

The dress was fit and lean, flowing with her body. It had a trailing skirt of about a foot. The sleeves were tight around the arms until the elbow where they loosened to great overhangs large enough to cross your arms in. The dress had a tight bodice making her look taller. There was a fold and hooks near the left shoulder where the dress was tied together.

Tala looked in the mirror at a completely different woman, someone who was more elegant and more open than the Avatar. Yungul picked up his gear, "You look amazing, Avatar. Now if you'll excuse me, I must prepare other suits before the party. If you take the door on the left, two ladies will help you set up your makeup." Yungul left at that in a rush.

Tala did as told and entered a room full of smells and color where two women waited antsy. "There you are, I thought you would never finish that dress!" The other woman bowed but the first was too busy with her work to mind, "Now let me see that dress. Oh yes, very elegant. The emerald fits perfectly with your eyes, gold outlining is perfect for Earth Kingdom garb. Hmmm, black underlining, very interesting, I like that tailor's taste."

The woman now looked at Tala's face, "Do you always wear your hair up?"

"Yes, is that bad?"

"No, and normally I would go with that, but today, I think we should let your hair go down in a braid." Without even waiting, the woman yanked out her clip that held all her hair in place.

"Ow! That took five minutes to make!"

"Hush, we got work to do and only two hours to do it."

The next two hours had much less talk of important things and more menial. When they were finished, Tala's hair flowed down both in front and behind her back. A gold clasp holds it all together on the right side. The woman exclaimed, "Finished!"

"We done with the torture and hair-yanking then? Finally."

JoT Tala

"We done with the torture and hair-yanking then?"

The other woman smirked, "Yes we are done. Now go out the way you came, down the hall to the right and Colonel Ching should be waiting for you."

Tala walked carefully down the hall, seeing Ching waiting for her. He was dressed formally now in garb of a traditional sword-master. "You look amazing, Avatar." He bowed as he greeted her, "The Grand Marshal would like you to walk with him as he enters the banquet, as the guest of honor. I will show you the way."

Ching led her further in until they were at the end of a hall with a large curtain in the way. Waiting for her was one of the last people she expected, "Yungul?"

"Its actually Rishu, young Avatar." The man smiled as Tala looked at him warily. "I must apologize for the deception, but to see how you react to those below your station is the best way to judge the character of someone."

Tala wanted to say something, but he was right. She would have been much more reserved and less trusting if she knew who he was. But a tailor, anyone could talk to that guy. Tala could appreciate that, she gave a curt nod to show that she would accept it.

"So allow me to properly introduce myself, I am Grand Marshal Rishu of the Fire Nation and newly appointed Councilman of Republic City." He gave a slight bow and used the hand gesture of a flame. "It is an honor to meet you, as I am sure the City will agree."

"Its an honor to meet you Grand Marshal Rishu. Since we have already broken the barrier of speaking more honestly, may I ask you a question?"

"I would love nothing more than for us to be honest with each other."

"What is your plan here in Republic City? I've heard the rumors. You hate this city. What do you gain leading it? Especially when you advocate the position of the Fire Nation in the border disputes."

"To know that is to know what I have spent my life working towards. Years I have spent to a goal of prosperity. But it turns to places I would avoid."

"I thought you were going to be honest with me?"

"I am and was. I told you the truth without telling you everything, much like you didn't say what rumors you were referring to." He faced the curtain while holding his arm out, "It is time we arrive to the banquet."

Enter the Republic[]

She took his arm and the two walked through the curtain. They were now in a large ballroom. Dozens of people were present from all over the world, at least with the exception being two parties; the White Lotus and the City of Omashu were not represent in the crowd. She noticed that the President of the United Republic was noticeably absent as well. No doubt a sign of protest.

Rishu breathed, then spoke, his tone seemed serpentine. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the Avatar! The great successor of Aang and Korra. Master of Elements." His tone seemed to hypnotize some of the guests while others seem to feel different, but all cheered for the Avatar.

Rishu and Tala continued into the crowd. The first person they met was a large and tall man in the garb of Earth Kingdom Royalty. "Prince Kiir, its always good to see you," Rishu welcomed the man who stood half a foot over him, "has your father joined us as well?"

"I'm afraid not, he is busy. Not to mention he doesn't want both the King and heir in the same place at once." He turned to Tala, "Avatar, it is an honor to meet you. I am Kiir, Crown-Prince of the Earth Kingdom. We look forward to your future as our Avatar and hope you will grace us with your presence in Ba Sing Se soon."

Tala contemplated on the Earth Kingdom. After the chaos that ensued over the Earth Queen's death, Prince Wu declared he would dissolve the Earth Kingdom into several republics. However, reality was far harsher than Wu had prepared for. New warlords attempting to repeat Kuvira's takeover and the lack of decentralized networks or experienced governors to fill in for a central state forced Wu to stay as Earth King for decades. His son, Iruei, trained in Zaofu where he was practically invisible.

Some controversy followed with some suspecting that Iruei murdered his father in his sleep, but nothing came of it. Iruei was crowned King and the plan to dissolve the Earth Kingdom faded away. The end of this plan angered Urri most, who was eager to have no one to answer to.

Kiir left to mingle and they continued meeting others when they met a woman in the garb of Fire Nation nobility. Her golden eyes illuminated, "My, am I so easily replaced, my love?" She smiled, "But I guess I should be flattered, that only the Avatar could take you away from me."

Rishu laughed heartily, "Tala, this is Lira, Lieutenant of the Sky Dragons. And my fiancee."

Tala chuckled at that, "An honor, I don't know many women who can joke about their men leaving them for a younger woman."

"To become a 'Dragon', a woman has to be made of sterner stuff." She looked at Rishu.

Rishu rolled his eyes, "When Lira first applied for the Sky Dragons, I was skeptical of her ability to keep up and meet the expectations."

"You doubted that your fiancee could make it?"

"I was the one who decided who joined the Sky Dragons. And we were not together then, and the rate of women making it to the Sky Dragons is low, in fact, Lira is one of three women out of thirty-three Sky Dragons. But I was wrong, Lira faced the adversity and burned it to a crisp."

Lira chimed in, "Yes, I was glad that the Black Dragon approved."

Tala narrowed her eyes for the slightest second. She relaxed before noticed, "Well, its good to see you succeed, the best of luck to both of you."

As they were talking, Lio, Hava, Kulek and the twins arrived. They talked for a long time, enjoying each other's company. Soon they all went separate ways, Tala and Kulek navigated through, greeting the leaders of the world.

Tala noticed that when they were not talking with her, there was tension. Whispers permeated the banquet. It was all about the disputes between the Fire Nation and Republic City. She heard a whisper that the City made it worse when they taxed a Fire Navy ship near the last island of the Fire Nation, citing border tariffs. The Fire Nation didn't pay and instead took the ship that tried to tax them. Others were whispering about leaving the City that night. Others thought that was drastic, the others said the City was a hot-spot and was going to be rubble by a year if they keeping insulting the Fire Nation.

Tala thought on this. The world was at peace, Korra had worked her whole life to bring balance, even preventing a revolution in this very city, stopping its destruction and invasion. Korra suffered immensely to protect the world order, even poison that would weaken her and decades later leave her too frail to carry out her duties. And now the world was descending into madness again. How could Tala live up to the sacrifices of her predecessor? Was there no way to avoid this conflict, to protect the legacy of Korra and Aang?

Lady Sato[]

Tala's concerns about the escalating tension bothered her as she returned from the party. She looked to Hava, his counsel was always welcomed, but she wanted to hear from someone she wouldn't have the chance to meet again if she returned to Omashu.

"Master Hava."

"Yes?" Hava responded in his calm demeanor, whatever fears he had, he masked them well.

"I am only in Republic City for a little while longer. I would like to meet Lady Sato again."

Hava smiled, "I am sure she would be pleased. You haven't seen her since you were a child."

Lady Sato, or Asami Sato, was Avatar Korra's closest friend, partner and lover. She was there when Korra suffered in her darkest moments and supported her no matter what. A genius and industrial giant in her own right. She held significant sway in Republic City. She could have run for President of the United Republic without breaking a sweat if she desired to.

Tala met Asami twice as a little girl. At the time, King Urri had refused anyone from contacting the newly discovered Avatar, even the Order of the White Lotus. It was Asami who came at the head of the delegation. Urri could do nothing to her, as harming the past Avatar's partner and an industrial leader of Republic City, would be tantamount to war. As a result, Tala's training past earthbending only progressed thanks to Asami.

Despite her age, Tala was enraptured with Asami's beauty and said, to her embarrassment later, that she was jealous that she wasn't as pretty in front of Lady Sato. Asami spent a month in Omashu at the time. Tala only learned later, that she was making sure Tala was happy and not trapped. Asami was sensitive to this after learning about Korra's frustrations about being isolated from the world until she ran away.

The next time she met Asami was later and she related Korra's experiences personally. Tala was eager to hear more, but Asami only stayed two weeks this time and didn't return. As it turned out, her health had taken a turn for the worse, and she needed to be closer to medical experts who could monitor her in case she got sick. From then on, she only ever got to speak with Asami by phone occasionally.

"I know its late, but I would like to confirm that I could meet her. She has been ill, and I would feel bad coming all the way here to never see her again." Tala genuinely cared about Asami. She was not only a link to her past as the Avatar, she was a genuinely warm and kind person. And although she had an agenda, it was purely to look out for Tala, the reincarnation of the woman she loved.

"I bet she will insist on meeting you tonight if you asked," Hava smirked. Hava knew Asami since he was a boy as Asami and Korra frequently visited Air Temple Island while he was mastering airbending. He too had a crush on Asami as a child, unaware that she was with someone else. "I'll make the arrangements."

*****

Tala and Hava traveled with their escort to the Sato estate. The stately manor had been the home of Avatar Korra and Asami and so was considered one of the most valued properties in the City, not even accounting for its value in size, technology and convenience. Tala had lived in the Omashu palace, but this place gave off a regal air all its own. She had seen movers of Korra here, and only imagined what it was like for her past life to have been so free.

As she approached the front door, they didn't even have to knock when the staff opened the way. The butler bowed with sincere reverence, "Avatar Tala, it is an honor to meet you. We are most grateful to be in the presence of the Avatar again here at the Sato Manor."

She then saw that more staff was waiting in the entry way that were also bowing. She had been bowed to often in life, but it felt different here. Some were as young as her and some were older. So not all of them could have known Korra and yet their respect was heart-felt. Tala felt a hole at how different it was to her own home.

"The honor is mine. I wish to meet with Lady Sato."

"Certainly, I will lead the way."

As Tala followed the head butler, she saw an assortment of decorations in the estate. Some were paintings, some were artifacts. But some were pictures, pictures of adventures Asami took with her friends. A newspaper clipping of Team Avatar fighting the Equalists, or Future Industries events, a picture of Team Avatar in their thirties, smiling and laughing. One that caught her eye was a picture of a couple with a child. From her history books she recognized Hiroshi Sato the member of the terrorist organization the Equalists. But the child is what surprised her. She had mistake the girl for herself if not for the different fashion. She smiled and remembered how embarrassed she was about Asami's beauty and now thought perhaps she already was. She heard a snort from Hava.

Hava had noticed Tala's attention on the picture and guessed what she was thinking. He couldn't help but laugh and did his best to hold it in. She gave him a withering look for the fun he was having at her expense.

"We are here." The butler stopped at the next door, he knocked on it, "Lady Sato, Avatar Tala has arrived."

A brief silence followed before a clear voice answered, "Let her in."

Tala nervously entered when she saw one of the most beautiful and refined women in the world sitting regally in a chair. She was dressed simply and yet it did nothing to take away from her refined nature.

Tala's daze ended suddenly when she heard a child's voice yell, "Grandma! Grandma! Look!" A boy darted out from behind the chair, holding a paper with drawings all over it.

Asami smiled as she looked at the boy, "Oh, those are beautiful, San." She stopped to look at Tala and smiled, half a tear in her eye before returning her attention to the boy, "San, I would like you to meet Avatar Tala. She is a special guest and friend."

The innocent boy rushed over and hugged Tala, oblivious to any protocol expected of the elites, "Hi!".

Tala laughed at the five year old's upfront nature and returned his hug. "Its nice to meet you San, I am Tala. I was hoping to have a word with Lady Sato in private."

"San, would you please wait outside?"

"Ok, Grandma." The boy was out of the room before anything else could be said.

The butler and Hava left and closed the door behind them. As Tala walked up to Asami she said, "Grandma?"

Asami smiled, "Technically, I am not his grandmother. San is actually Mako's grandson. Unfortunately, Mako's daughter and husband died in an accident. Mako asked me to take care of San on his deathbed. I couldn't refuse." Tala saw some emotions were being held back at the thought of her old friends.

"Lady Sato-"

"Asami! I thought I told you to call me Asami."

"Ma'am, I could never disrespect you by referring to you so casually."

Asami sighed. When Tala was little and they first met, she called her Miss Asami, however by the second time, her manners and etiquette demanded she refer to her as "Lady Sato." She missed how innocent times were just a decade ago.

"I'm sorry I haven't come back. I may not look it, but age has caught up with me."

"I understand, you have lived a full and adventurous life. You deserve some rest now. I shouldn't be hounding you for stories and answers at all manners of day and night." Asami laughed as Tala recalled how she would wake Asami up in the middle of the night to ask her questions about Avatar Korra.

"I imagine that you wouldn't anyways. I understand you are quite the critic of Korra now." Tala had a scared look on her face as she was cut off by Asami, "Relax, you may be the Avatar, but you are free to have your own opinions. Korra had her own views about her past Avatar lives. Particularly, Wan and Aang."

Tala smiled. She had changed from the child eager to emulate Korra to a young woman who had strong opinions about her predecessor's failures. She was happy these views didn't hurt her relationship with Asami Sato, the last direct link between Tala and Korra. "I guess what we think and what we want changes as we get older. I wish I could spend a year just talking with you, but hear I am nagging you for wisdom."

The refined Asami never wavered, "That is the duty of the elderly to the young, to give them wisdom and understanding so that they don't have to make the same mistakes. So, what do you need?"

"I need your counsel." Tala sighed before continuing, "I know that tensions are growing in the world, I am not living under a rock, but I am so disconnected from the world that I have no clue what to do. The Fire Nation, Earth Kingdom, Water Tribes and United Republic are facing increased hostilities against each other and I have no means to stop it or negotiate. I don't know any of the significant players and I don't know what their motives are. I feel powerless to serve as a mediator, a role the Avatar has usually taken. Avatar Korra saw multiple wars break out and was often there at the outset looking for solutions. But here I am, just sequestered in a fortress away from everything."

Tala breathed again as she finished venting and noticed the sad look on Asami's face. "Perhaps my greatest regret Tala, is not taking you out of Omashu and back with me to Republic City. I thought that by opening the city to the White Lotus, that Urri had seen reason. But I fear that the White Lotus have little backbone to stand up to him."

Asami continued, "As for your concerns. Do not hold yourself, or Korra for that matter, by impossible standards. Korra had her faults too. She struggled to find peace between the northern and southern water tribes, she had little patience for the politics of the republic or Earth Kingdom. And near the end, she was too tired to stop every incident that was of international significance. I would say her greatest mistakes in later life were that she did nothing when Iruei reconquered the Earth Kingdom, ending his father's plans to liberate the continent; and when she allowed Rishu's mother to take charge of naval crises as Grand Admiral of the Fire Nation. These two events are what have led to the current dangers. They are not your fault, or Korra's. Other people intended to carry out these agendas and the rest of us have to figure out why and how to stop it." Asami leaned back into her chair, "you will not learn that overnight."

"Do you think Korra instantly knew who to make friends with in war and politics?" Asami continued, "Of course not. And let me tell you, she had a poor way of communicating her suspicions when it came to enemies. Accusing my father of treason with little proof was no way to win me over, even if her instincts were right. However, the way she did it almost pushed me away. I had to see it for myself to believe it."

Tala listened as she tried to absorb as much as she could. Asami continued, "What will make you a great Avatar is not your power or your connections, it is your will to see through your goals. Korra lost the means to speak to her past lives, a significant blow to her power. She still achieved great things afterwards, because she was willing to work for it."

"Tala, what you can achieve is up to what you are willing to do..."

Notes[]

1. Dragon Silk is a popular and expensive material made exclusively in the Fire Nation. How or what its made with is unknown. What is known is that it takes a long time to make based on the demand compared to the output.

2. The Omashu Loop is a famous racing tournament that happens every summer. The border of New Omashu is circular and the street is perfect for high-speed racing. To win, the racer must finish the loop first. A highly popular event, especially cause bending has nothing to do with its activities.

3. The emblem on the gate of Rishu's Estate is the emblem of the Sky Dragons, A flying black Dragon on a field of gold. This shows his ties and affiliations to the Fire Nation Air Force, of which he is Grand Marshal to.

4. Tala always wears her hair up despite its great length. Its a joke that she is compensating for Kulek's shaved head.

5. Asami is alive.

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