Chapter Text
These are dark times for Republic City, folks. The Avatar was kidnapped as a child and never heard from again. Now, with an anti-bending revolution brewing, the world needs its Avatar more than ever. But where is she?
Korra held the railing as the ship entered Republic City harbor. Mountain peaks golden in the morning sun, more skyscrapers than she knew existed. They passed Aang Memorial Island, the statue’s eyes boring into hers. Her stomach rumbled. Air Temple first, then food.
Narrowly avoiding being run over by a Satomobile or crushed by the morning crowd, she took the ferry to the Temple. A series of acolytes ushered her to a waiting room, then nothing. If this was part of the admissions test, she was probably failing. She was about to say something when the door slid open to reveal a very serious monk with a pointy beard.
“You asked to see me?” said Tenzin.
“Master Tenzin,” said Korra, jumping to her feet and bowing as hard as she could. “My name is Akna. I wish to become an air acolyte.”
Tenzin studied her. “Please, take a seat. Are you from around here?”
“Northern Water Tribe.”
“Qel’a?” asked Tenzin. “Beautiful city.”
“Oh no,” Korra said quickly. “Iqaluit, a small fishing village.”
“Well, Akna from Iqaluit,” said Tenzin. “Why do you wish to become an acolyte?”
Korra breathed in. Just like they had rehearsed. “My father was always an admirer of Nomad culture. It’s like he has a Guru Laghima quote for every situation.”
Tenzin smiled. “Trying to fulfill our parents’ dreams isn’t always wise, trust me. Do you share this dream?”
Korra hesitated. Didn’t she? “I… I was born for this.”
Tenzin raised his eyebrows. “Well. You would start as a lay member, doing your best to live up to the five precepts.”
“No killing, stealing, kissing, lying, or drinking,” Korra recited. Depressingly, it looked like only number four would be a challenge.
“Well done,” said Tenzin. “We wake early, cook, clean, meditate, and study. Then we start over.”
Korra was visibly concerned. She was used to strict training schedules back at the compound, but outside the compound lay only white wastes. Outside the Temple, an entire city was waiting! “Do we get any free time?”
“You would have free time between dinner and lights out,” said Tenzin. “You would be strongly encouraged to use this for additional study, but other activities may be permitted. Is this what you want?”
Korra nodded.
“Then welcome to the Temple,” said Tenzin.
“Wow, really?” said Korra. “No test? I can tell you about the pratimoksha vows, or the mahayana precepts, or…”
“We aren’t exactly overwhelmed with candidates,” said Tenzin, smiling. “The test will be a day at a time. I encourage you to meditate about what it is you would like to do with your life. Jinora will show you the grounds.”
The door slid open, revealing a girl in acolyte robes trying to look like she hadn’t been eavesdropping.
“Hi!” said Jinora.
#
That night, Korra had just laid down on her cot when there was a knock on the window. She got up as silently as she could and cracked it open. A dragon hawk fluttered to the floor.
“Easy there, Flaps,” she hissed. “You’ll wake the whole Temple.”
Flaps tilted her head, offended.
She untied the slip of paper on her leg and bent a small flame. Update?
Taking a quill, she added her response. I’m in.