TLOK// Aki, Son Of The Moon

Heading to the City

Emerging from a swirling portal of light, a seventeen-year-old named Korra, adorned in vibrant red armor, steps into the fray with a fierce determination in her eyes. Without a moment's hesitation, she unleashes two powerful fire blasts with a swift, by by myfluid motion of her legs, each kick sending a fiery wave toward an opposing combatant clad in similar attire.

The targeted man, caught off-guard by the sudden assault, hastily raises his arms in a futile attempt to shield himself. Despite his efforts, the force of the blasts overpowers him, sending him tumbling backward to crash heavily onto the ground, his armor clanking against the stone beneath him.

As Korra stabilizes her stance, ready for the next challenge, two more adversaries advance towards her. Moving in unison, they launch relentless streams of fire from their extended palms. Korra, her instincts sharp, counters with agile movements, weaving between the fiery onslaught with grace and precision.

Observing from a safe distance are six onlookers: four solemn members of the White Lotus order, all draped in flowing white and blue robes, the renowned Waterbending master Katara, her presence commanding and serene, and a young boy, whose snow-white hair and clear, piercing eyes seem to shimmer with an icy intensity.

Katara watches Korra's performance, her experienced eyes tracing each movement. A smile touches her lips as she recognizes the strength and skill in the young Avatar's form. "She's strong," she remarks, her voice tinged with both pride and awe.

In contrast, the leader of the White Lotus, a man with a stern face etched with lines of wisdom and concern, frowns at what he perceives as recklessness. "She lacks restraint," he comments, his tone heavy with dismay.

The young boy with the white hair turns to stare at the leader, his gaze sharp and unnervingly cold. His silent judgment hangs in the air, palpable and challenging.

Before the tension can escalate, Korra jogs up to the group, her chest heaving slightly from exertion but her eyes sparkling with triumph.

Katara steps forward, her enthusiasm un-dampened by the leader's criticism. "We should be celebrating!" she exclaims, lifting her hand confidently into the air. With three fingers raised, she continues, "Three elements down," then switching to one finger, she concludes with a decisive nod, "one to go!" Her voice carries a mix of encouragement and anticipation, rallying everyone's spirits for the journey still ahead.

The white-haired boy's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile as he addressed Korra with a respectful tone, "You are quite strong, Lady Avatar."

Korra paused, her expression turning slightly saddened by the formality in his voice. With a hint of annoyance, she responded, "Aki, you can call me by name!" Her words were edged with a desire for a less formal interaction, reflecting her yearning for a more personal connection the boy

"Korra, you know that Aki isn't one for talking," Katara interjected, her voice imbued with wisdom and a gentle kindness. Her words aimed to soften the moment, reminding Korra of the young boy's nature and upbringing.

Indeed, Korra was well aware of Aki's unique background. Blessed by the moon spirit and ocean spirit, Aki was endowed with remarkable waterbending abilities, surpassing even Katara and other revered masters in skill. His prowess was so significant that the White Lotus had chosen not to train him merely as a student but to prepare him as a soldier, tasked with the dual responsibilities of protecting the Avatar during her training and, if necessary, sacrificing his life for hers.

Korra, however, harbored no intentions of allowing such a sacrifice. Despite Aki's readiness and willingness to lay down his life-a resolve stemming partly from his isolation after being cast out by his family-Korra felt a deep-seated obligation to protect him in return. Aki might have believed he was alone, with no one to care for him, but unbeknownst to him, he had a circle of powerful benders and compassionate allies watching over him, ready to ensure his safety just as fiercely as he was prepared to defend Korra's.