The sun rose behind the white peaks of the Southern Water Tribe, casting amber light over the snow-covered expanse. It was time to leave.
Korra stood beside Kaiqok at the edge of the village docks, Naga pacing anxiously nearby. The ship bound for Republic City waited—steam already hissing from its exhaust ports, its hull gleaming with ice crystals.
"I haven't been there since I was little," Korra murmured. "Tenzin said the city's changed a lot since then."
Kaiqok adjusted the straps on his cloak, eyes scanning the horizon. "Then it's about to change again."
They weren't alone anymore. Since their emergence from the Spirit Well, word had spread. Whispers of the glowing boy with golden light, and the Avatar glowing with something more than spirit. The elders had grown wary. The younger benders had grown inspired.
Now, they had to step into the heart of the world—Republic City.
And find out if the future they saw in the mist could be stopped.
---
The voyage north was long and cold. The sea was still frozen in patches, and the ship carved through it like a spirit beast through fog. Kaiqok stood on the upper deck often, feeling the wind on his face, his thoughts turning inward.
Below deck, Korra trained daily—pushing herself harder, faster. Her bending was improving rapidly, but it was her spirit that had changed most.
There was an intensity to her now. Not just fire. Purpose.
Kaiqok watched her during sparring sessions. Watched the way her muscles moved, the way her form refined, the way she occasionally glanced at him between strikes, as if making sure he was still there—still with her.
Late one evening, as the sky darkened with storm clouds, Kaiqok found her meditating at the ship's stern. Her body was still, but her spirit burned like a quiet inferno.
"You haven't slept," he said softly.
She opened her eyes slowly. "Neither have you."
He sat beside her, drawing his knees up. "We're headed into something big, aren't we?"
Korra nodded. "Tenzin's messages said unrest is brewing in Republic City. Protests. Bender resentment. The Council's lost control. Something's shifting."
Kaiqok looked to the storm in the distance. "Then we're arriving just in time."
---
They arrived at dawn.
Republic City rose like a giant from the water—metal towers gleaming under the sunlight, zeppelins drifting lazily above. Steam hissed from the train lines, and the streets buzzed with early-morning chaos.
Korra inhaled sharply. "I forgot how alive it is here."
Kaiqok stepped off the ship behind her, his boots hitting the dock with purpose. "It's loud."
"Yeah," she smirked. "You'll get used to it."
They were met by an Air Acolyte who bowed deeply. "Korra, Kaiqok—Tenzin is expecting you at Air Temple Island. Please, come quickly."
---
Air Temple Island was peaceful compared to the city's hustle. The familiar scent of incense and fresh air filled Korra's lungs, bringing a nostalgic smile to her face.
Tenzin waited for them in the courtyard, his posture tense, arms folded behind his back.
"Korra. Kaiqok." His voice was clipped but calm. "We have much to discuss."
He led them into the meditation hall, where maps were spread across a low table. "Republic City is unstable. The Equalist movement is returning in secret. Several attacks on pro-bender events have occurred. And recently… someone with chakra-like energy was sighted in the city. Golden, wild, and uncontrollable."
Korra stiffened. "Like him?" She gestured to Kaiqok.
Tenzin nodded grimly. "Only… darker. As if corrupted."
Kaiqok narrowed his eyes. "Then someone's imitating my power—or worse, warping it."
"There's more," Tenzin added. "Asami Sato wants to meet you both. She's been funding a secret project—something about spirit energy containment. She thinks she can track anomalies like yours."
Korra and Kaiqok exchanged a glance.
"She's… smart," Korra said softly.
Kaiqok smiled faintly. "I'd like to meet her."
---
That night, Korra sat on the balcony of her old room, overlooking the bay.
Kaiqok joined her, offering a cup of tea.
"You think this is where it starts?" she asked.
He nodded. "The vision. The destruction. The betrayal. It all points here."
"I don't want to lose anyone."
He placed a hand on hers. "Then we fight for them. Every second."
She leaned her head against his shoulder. "You know… sometimes I wish we could just run away. Find some little village where no one knows who we are."
He chuckled. "We'd be discovered in a week. Two tops."
Korra smirked. "You're probably right."
They sat in silence, the lights of Republic City glittering like stars below.
"Kaiqok," she whispered, "Promise me, if it ever looks like I'm going down the wrong path… you'll stop me."
He looked her in the eye, his voice quiet and firm.
"I'll follow you through the dark, Korra. But I won't let it swallow you."