Book 2 of Legend of korra: Eclipse

Chapter 17: The Rise of the Dark Avatar

(THIS CHAPTER IS LONGER THAN USUAL)

Korra's eyes widened with determination as she realized the only way to get to the Southern Water Tribe, her home, was to use her water-bending skills in an unexpected way. She focused her energy and suddenly found herself lifted off the ground by a massive wave of water, carrying her towards the frozen tundra. As she approached the tribe, she hopped onto the icy surface and sprinted past the surprised villagers, using her airbending to propel herself forward. The villagers scrambled to get out of her way, unsure of what was happening as Korra blazed a trail across the frozen landscape. She finally reached the edge of the village and began to scan the horizon, searching for the spirit portal that would take her back to the Spirit World. However, no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find it. The portal seemed to be nowhere in sight, and Korra's frustration grew as she realized she was one step closer to her goal, but still far from reaching her destination.

As Korra stood frustrated, her frustration boiling over, Katara's daughter, Kya, approached her and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. Korra's eyes snapped up, and she forced a bright smile onto her face. "Hey, Kya," she said, giving the older woman a warm hug. Kya hugged back, her eyes shining with concern. "Hey, Korra. Is everything okay? You look like you're about to burst into flames."

Korra took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... I'm looking for the spirit portal." Kya's eyes lit up. "Ah, you're looking for the portal! I know exactly where it is. Follow me!"

As they walked through the streets of the Southern Water Tribe, Kya asked Korra what was going on and how she was doing with Asami. Korra's smile faltered, and she looked down at the ground. "Asami and I... we broke up," she said softly. Kya's face fell in concern. "Oh, Korra, I'm so sorry. What happened?"

Korra sighed, her frustration returning. "It's not important right now. We need to focus on the spirit world. Mako is trying to free Vaatu, and we have to stop him before it's too late." Kya's eyes widened in alarm. "Vaatu? That's the most dangerous spirit of all! We have to hurry!"

Without another word, Korra and Kya took off running, racing through the streets of the Southern Water Tribe as they made their way to the spirit portal.

As they emerged from the spirit portal, Korra and Kya found themselves in a swirling vortex of colors and lights. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and burning incense. Kya's eyes sparkled with excitement as she took in the sights and sounds of the spiritual realm.

"Whoa, this is incredible!" Kya exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never seen anything like this before."

Korra nodded, her eyes scanning the horizon. "We need to move quickly. Mako's not going to wait for us."

Kya nodded, her expression serious. "Right behind you, Korra."

As they journeyed through the spiritual realm, the air grew thick with an otherworldly energy. Korra could feel the weight of the spirits around her, their presence like a palpable force.

Suddenly, Kya stumbled, her hand reaching out to steady herself. Korra grabbed her arm, helping her to regain her balance.

"Thanks," Kya said, her breath coming in short gasps. "I'm not used to this kind of energy."

Korra nodded. "It's not easy to navigate. But we can't afford to slow down. Mako's getting closer."

Kya's eyes narrowed. "Do you think he's going to be able to free Vaatu?"

Korra's jaw clenched. "I don't know, but I have a feeling that whatever happens next, it's not going to be good."

The air grew colder as they approached the dark, swirling clouds that marked Mako's location. Korra could feel the malevolent energy emanating from within.

"Get ready," she said, her voice low and serious. "We're about to face Mako."

Kya nodded, her eyes flashing with determination. "Let's do this."

Together, they plunged into the heart of darkness, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Korra and Kya finally reached the dark, swirling clouds that surrounded Mako. As they emerged into the clearing, Korra's eyes widened in shock. Mako stood before her, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. He was attempting to free Vaatu, the most powerful and malevolent spirit of all.

"Mako, why are you doing this?" Korra demanded, her voice firm and commanding.

Mako's eyes flashed with anger. "You took everything away from me, Korra," he spat. "You took away my love for Asami. She loved me, but you stole her away from me."

Korra's expression softened. "Mako, Asami never loved you. She just felt sorry for you."

Mako's face twisted in rage. "You don't know what it's like to be in jail," he snarled. "You don't know what it's like to be weak and helpless. But Vaatu has promised me a way to break free from all that."

As soon as Korra tried to intervene, a metal figure flew towards her, pushing her back. Korra stumbled, her eyes widening in shock as she saw Kuvira's faceplate staring back at her.

"Kuvira!" Korra shouted, her eyes flashing with anger. "What's going on here?"

Mako's smile grew wider. "You've always been the one thing that stands between me and my true potential."

Korra's eyes narrowed. "You've always been jealous of me, Mako," she said, her voice cold and calculating. "You've always wanted to be the one in control."

Mako's laughter echoed through the clearing. "You're so blind, Korra. You think you're the Avatar, but I'm the one who's truly powerful now."

Korra's eyes blazed with determination. "I'll stop you, Mako," she said, her voice firm and resolute. "I'll stop you before you can do any harm."

But Mako just laughed again, his eyes flashing with triumph. "Too late for that, Korra," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "Vaatu is going to be free and merge with me, and nothing can stop us now. Not even you."

Korra's eyes narrowed as she focused on Mako. "You're not going to get away with this, Mako," she warned.

Kya stepped forward, her eyes flashing with determination. "Korra, I've got this. You deal with Mako, I'll take care of Kuvira."

Korra hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Kya. Let's do this."

As Korra charged towards Mako, Kya lunged at Kuvira. But just as Korra was about to attack, a blast of bloodbending energy knocked her off balance. Korra stumbled, her eyes widening in shock as she saw Jasmine, Kuvira's girlfriend and the killer of her parents, standing behind her.

"Jasmine, what are you doing?" Korra demanded, her voice laced with anger.

Jasmine's eyes flashed with a cold intensity. "Do it, Mako!" she yelled.

Mako's eyes gleamed with triumph as he raised his hand. A dark, swirling energy began to emanate from him, and Korra felt a sense of foreboding wash over her.

"No!" Korra screamed, but it was too late.

Vaatu burst forth from the tree, his eyes glowing with malevolent energy. He laughed as he looked at Korra, his voice dripping with malice. "Let 10,000 years of darkness begin," he cackled.

Mako's body began to glow with a dark, red light as Vaatu merged with him. The air seemed to grow colder as the Dark Avatar began to take shape.

Korra's eyes widened in horror as Mako's body began to contort and twist. His eyes glowed red as he raised his hands towards the spirit portal.

Suddenly, a figure burst into the portal, splashing a wave of water at Jasmine. Kaito, Korra's friend and ally, had arrived.

But it was too late. Mako was already floating in the air, his eyes glowing red with an otherworldly energy. The Dark Avatar had been born.

Korra's eyes filled with despair as she realized that Mako had been consumed by Vaatu's darkness. She knew that she had to stop him, but for now, she was powerless against the combined might of the Dark Avatar.

The fate of the world hung in the balance, and Korra knew that she had to find a way to stop the Dark Avatar before it was too late.