A Time of Change {ATLA & LOK}

Chapter 32 - Return

Talia's POV

We stepped through the portal. I let go Korra's hand once through, I was thankful for her comfort as it gave me the confidence to go through. I wasn't alone anymore. I stepped to the side, next to Bumi, Kya and Tenzin. I was looking at my hands, flipping them over. Looking at my feet, sliding them against the ground. My eyes were looking around the place. I was in a sort of daze, it felt so similar yet so different. It seemed quieter, the 'buzz' of spiritual energy was lesser, I guess I had gotten used to it that coming back felt weird. Though it is 'louder' or more present than I remember, that would be due to Korra opening the portal, and maybe an increase in my spiritual awareness.   

~~~

We got back to the Southern Water Tribe City. It seemed larger than before, but that was to be expected It was a growing city. I looked around in awe, I wasn't exactly paying too much attention to where I was going, luckily Kya was next to me making sure I didn't crash into anyone or anything by guiding me with a hand on my shoulder. They told me we were on our way to mum's healing hut, that's where Jinora, a girl named Asami as well as Korra's parents, and of course mum, was. We arrived to the hut. I was hesitant, time had passed (don't actually know how long) and I just left, I never said goodbye. What did mum think of me, and what did I made her feel.  What about dad? I'll never see him again in the physical world again. My mind was racing with different thoughts and scenarios, what they thought of me, what would happen, what she would say, and the sorts. 

Tenzin walked in and went over to where Jinora was, she was wrapped in a towel her hair wet. Korra was talking to her parents as well as 'Asami'. Kya and Bumi walked in and went over to Tenzin and Jinora. I stood kinda awkwardly by the door. Thoughts still racing in my head,  I was ashamed to say, I was scared. I remained by the door frame watching the reunion. Tenzin turned to talk to Mum, Jinora now talking to Bumi and Kya. His back was to me so I couldn't see mums face or what they were talking about. 

Mum stepped out beside Tenzin, looking over at me, she had a shocked sad yet happy smile on her face as she walked over. I took a few hesitant steps into the room, before going a bit faster practically flying before hugging her. I hadn't hugged her in years, and again I didn't realise how much I missed it. A few tears slipped past my eyes onto her coat-dress. she pulled back so she could see my face and I hers. she wiped my tears gently with her thumb before hugging me briefly again. 

"I missed you, mum" I whispered looking up at her "I didn't know it though" I added sadly, looking back down. 

She reached under my chin turning my head to face her. she smiled "Its alright Talia" She said softly. "I believe you'll find your purpose here, in this time" she told me gently. I smiled up at her sniffing lightly, nodding. 

~~~

All the City was gathered outside city hall. Korra was going to give a speech and explain what happened. I was stood next to mum, in one of Jinora's spare winter coats, who was on my other side. I had my long hair down, a small bun on top to keep hair out of my face.  Korra was telling the people that the war was over, Unalaq was defeated, and the northern fleet was going home. Her father was the new chief, Chief Tonraq of the Southern Tribe. Now came the part when she explained why the portal was open still. 

"I've realised that even though we should learn from those that came before us, we must also forge our own path." She started "That is why I have decided to keep the portal's open. Humans can now physically enter the spirit world and spirits will be free to roam our world. I will no longer be the bridge" She said confidently "Humans and spirits must learn to live together" I smiled, I didn't know her well, but from the short time that I now have known her, she's a good avatar. "My mission will always be to use Raava's light spirit to guide the world towards peace and balance" I smiled, a warm feeling, as if my light within glowed ever so slightly washed over me "Harmonic convergence has caused a shift in earth's energy. I can feel it. Things will never be the same again" I smiled looking up, I could see the lights as well as all the spirits flying and floating about, it truly was amazing. 

~~~

We were all back in the healing hut. Tenzin had packed up their stuff with help from the others, and was ready to leave on the boat with oogi. I had made up my mind, I would remain here for a bit, then I will join them at my old home, air temple island. I decided to stay, that way I could spend some missed, no lost, time with mum. Catch up, before going over to air temple island. 

Tenzin looked over at us, Korra was saying goodbye to her parents, Jinora was with me and mum, we were discussing how I was remaining here for a bit, and I was saying bye, or well see you later was more accurate. 

"Korra, Jinora, Talia. Are you ready?" Tenzin called out to us, as he grabbed a small bag that hadn't been put on the boat yet. Korra gave a hug to her parents walking over nodding. Jinora gave mum a hug, me a wave joining Tenzin.

"Er , um actually" I coughed trying to word it, mum placed a hand on my shoulder with a reassuring smile. "I'm going to stay here for a bit." I gave a smile, confident in my decision. "Maybe a month or so" I added shrugging lightly.

He nodded, with a smile. He came over and gave me a hug. "See you in a Month or so then" I nodded smiling. 

They walked out the hut, I followed them, waving them goodbye as they pulled away. I turned back to mum smiling, we walked back inside.