The Demon Avatar

After morning meditation, which went as it usually does, Korra decided to take a hot shower to process what the hell she agreed to last night. Was it the wisest decision? No, absolutely not. Did it get them to leave her alone for the rest of her night? Yes and she got to roam around the city in relative peace. She sighed while she poured some shampoo into the palm of her hand before massaging it into her scalp. She had tuned herself out from everything except for the sound of running water and the thoughts in her head.

She scrunched her eyebrows as she massaged the back of head, would Lord Muzan be upset? Surely not, if anything he gave her special treatment compared to the rest of the upper moons. She could do as she pleased while doing what he asks of her when needed. She began to wash the shampoo out of her hair and then reached out for the bottle of conditioner to apply to her ends. As she did so, she couldn’t help but think that she’d most likely have to see the boys again. She groaned at the thought.

But the championships were next month, she’d only have to see them then and the rest would be history. She wasn’t here to make relationships with humans outside of the circle she’d already been surrounded by. There was absolutely no point, humans were weak, wretched beings and beneath her. But spirits, she sounds like a hypocrite because Tenzin’s family were nothing of the sort, neither were her parents or Katara and the rest of her family. There was no reason to drag others in, it’d only complicate things, she was already set on her ways. 

As she finished washing the conditioner out, she planted both hands on the wall in front of her and let the water run down her body, “Fucking hell.” Too much thinking for her liking was being done. She finished up the rest of her shower and stepped out to dry herself. She left her hair damp as she did her loincloth and chest wraps before finishing getting dressed. It was still very early, like breakfast time early for Tenzin’s family, so she decided on just wearing a white tank top and a different pair of pants which were meant more for lounging. 

Unbeknownst to her, the sound of knocking and new voices entering the household went by unnoticed as she was in her own world.

As Pema heard the knock of the door, she was pleasantly surprised to see the brothers once again, only missing Asami, who she presumed was at work.

“Good morning boys, what brings you here early in the morning?” She had a welcoming smile and ushered them inside.

“Morning ma’am!” Both Bolin and Mako greeted as Pema shook her head in good nature at being addressed by ma’am. “Just Pema is fine.”

As the boys walked in and followed Pema into the house in the direction of the dining room, they could hear the kids' voices.

“Who was it mom?” Jinora said as she helped bring breakfast out to the table.

“Did dad forget something?” Meelo said as he tried doing a handstand in the room but plopped down on his back, Ikki laughing at him.

“Yeah mom, who-” The middle child was cut off as their mother appeared with the two boys in tow. “Korra’s friends are here!”

Pema had gestured for the boys to sit, joining them for breakfast. “If it’s not too much of  a bother, Pema?” Mako asked before he sat down unlike Bolin who sat down right away. He couldn’t blame him though, the food smelled delicious.

“Nonsense,” as Mako took his seat right next to Bolin she continued, “Are you boys here to see Korra?” She had an inkling of what brought them here.

“Yes actually, there was something we forgot to talk to her about last night.” After they had gotten home last night, it dawned on Mako that they didn’t go over training in preparation for the event and unfortunately the entrance fee for the tournament to secure your spot, which was in fact a lot.

“Oh, I knew she went out last night to see your match. How’d that go?” Pema set out the plates before sitting down, “Ikki, can you go call Korra and let her know her friends are here?”

As Ikki darted towards the direction of the bathroom near Korra’s room she yelled, “Korra! Your friends are here!”

That brought Korra back to earth as she had slid the door open stepping out. Confusion was written on her face as she met Ikki’s bright smile before she made her way back to the dining room. Did she hear her right? 

Before following Ikki, she went to deposit her dirty towel and clothes to be washed later. As she finally made way to the dining room she heard their voices. She doesn’t experience headaches but if she could, she would be having one right at this moment. As she rounded the corner she was met with the faces of the two who she didn’t think she’d have to see until next month. Does she have the worst luck or something?

The boys were having a nice conversation with Pema and the kids, Bolin relaying their match to them at Meelo’s insistence and Mako adding along. It was nice, they felt welcomed in their home and by them. Bolin was saying something along the lines of how they got a new waterbender who really saved their butts last night when Korra had showed up.

“There’s our waterbender!” Bolin announced and the kids dropped their mouths in surprise.

“Oh my gosh, Korra you joined their team?!” Ikki exclaimed as she got up to go to Korra who was staring daggers at the boys. 

Meelo’s voice was filled with excitement as he turned to her, “Korra! You have to tell us everything! You said so last night!” 

Jinora’s surprise wore down and she looked pleased with herself. 

As she continued staring daggers at them, she patted the top of Ikki’s head and replied to her question, “Yes, apparently.” She was starting to regret her decision. 

“Why are you here?” She addressed them waiting for an answer. Ikki had gone back to her seat to finish her breakfast as the boys looked at each other thinking who’d be the one to speak.

“Come sit with us Korra.” Pema gestured to an open seat but Korra hesitated a little bit before taking a step forward. Pema was always welcoming, never forcing her to join them in the mornings for breakfast and she never did until after they were done. Preferring to help clear the table and wash the dishes instead and then be off somewhere in the house with the kids. It was sort of the same back at the compound, but she would always join Katara in the mornings. She never sat at the table with her but she’d sit in the room, sometimes in silence and sometimes not. She was the only person who’d talk to her even if Korra ended up being silent. 

As she finally sat down next to Jinora, Mako spoke up.

“There’s two things we forgot to talk about. The first about practice and-” She cut him off swiftly, “I don’t need practice.” Her tone was curt, Mako winced slightly at the reply but Bolin came to the rescue and brushed through it. “Well, since we are a team, it would help if we practiced together even if you think you don’t need it. It’d help us find each other's strengths and weaknesses, you could help Mako and I out so we could be a well rounded team!” 

Korra’s head was propped up on the palm of her hand as she rested her elbow on the table looking uninterested as ever. She hated to admit it wasn’t a terrible argument and knowing Bolin, he wasn’t one to give up. He’d probably come up with something about team morale and whatnot. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, “Sure.” Team morale or whatever you’d call it was something that never interested her. Every demon usually worked alone, though it wasn’t uncommon for some to work in pairs like Susamaru and Yahaba or Daki and her brother Gyutaro. But ones that worked in groups quickly would dissolve due to conflict. It wasn’t rare to see pairs but it was for groups and this was seeming to be more of the latter. This really wasn’t such a wise decision yet again, but here she was.

She really was unlucky.

Her answer had Mako smiling, glad that his brother was able to convince her and also that maybe this could help with their already sore friendship if you could call it that.

Mako continued along about practice times. “We usually practice early in the morning before I head to work since it was the only time slot the gym would give us.” Living at the arena had its perks, being given the most unwanted earliest gym slot was not one of them. 

“Oh, Korra can’t practice in the mornings.” Pema told the boys as Jinora added along to her mothers words, “She has a skin condition that doesn’t allow her to be in the sun.”

Ah yes, the lie that Tenzin and Pema fed to the kids, which actually worked but she had her suspicions about Jinora. Now the boys weren’t stupid, they caught on quickly that the kids had no idea about Korra. But a secret that only the people in her circle knew almost slipped out.

“How about right when the sun comes down? Since we won't have access to the gym, we can come here to train.” Mako proposed a solution only to get an opposing answer from Meelo. 

“But she can’t! She’s training to-” Jinora and Ikki quickly shut their young brother up before he could finish that sentence. Clasping hands over his mouth before he had realized what he had almost done. Korra’s demeanor had changed in the blink of an eye, her jaw tightened, her cold gaze snapped to him with sharp eyes. The room was filled with great tension. 

Meelo had realized what he had almost done once his sisters stopped him from continuing any further. He knew it was supposed to be a kept secret and now here he was, afraid at the sharp look in Korra’s eyes. It was a look that neither the kids nor Pema had seen. It had even shaken both Ikki and Jinora while they removed their hands from Meelo’s mouth.

The boys noticed the sudden change though confused on why.

Korra had noticed the fear in the kids' eyes, especially in Meelo’s. She hadn’t realized fully what she had done, she was more focused on that secret notgetting out. It was instinctual, causing fear in the eyes of others, in the eyes of those beneath her. 

But she didn’t mean to cause fear in the eyes of the children. For the first time in her life, she felt awful. 

As soon as she realized her wrongdoings, she relaxed her jaw and the muscles in her face. Her gaze softened towards the kids as she extended a hand outward, beckoning for Meelo to come next to her. Meelo had almost stepped away from his seat hesitantly before heading to Korra which caused a sharp pang in her heart. She hadn’t meant to and she needed to apologize to him…to them. 

Meelo knew he did something wrong, but he didn’t mean to. Yes, he was afraid but, the look in Korra’s eyes had changed and she looked like the Korra they knew.

She held her hands out for him to grab and when he did, she smiled softly at him. He looked less afraid of her now, but it seemed he was expecting to get scolded. Yes, he almost let out her identity but Korra knew he didn’t mean to. It was just an honest mistake, she knew the kids would never do that, but she couldn’t deny the fear that struck her. 

She gently squeezed his small hands in hers, “It’s okay Meelo.”  He seemed to perk up at that but his parents certainly were raising him right when he immediately apologized after. Korra continued on after accepting his apology, “Can I trust you with something big?” Meelo nodded his head happily, ready to take on whatever Korra would entrust him with.

“Can you and your sisters take care of Naga during the day and make sure you play with her?” She knew the Air Acolytes took care of the sky bison and now Naga, but she decided that she would entrust the kids in taking care of her best friend when she couldn’t. The kids were entrusted with her identity as the Avatar, she felt the need to show them that she still trusted them. They were good kids, that she knew and could tell.

“Really?!” Meelo asked out loud in excitement.

“It’s a big responsibility, do you think you three can do that for me?” 

“Of course!” The three of them said simultaneously.

After all was said and done, Pema had watched the way Korra had acted with her children. The way she had apologized to Meelo and involving Jinora and Ikki in the care of Naga. She could see Korra coming out of her shell when it involved the children. She had recognized the many ways her eyes seemed to be dull and full of emptiness, but when she saw her around the kids she had noticed that they weren’t as dull. 

As a mother, one of the skills you get really good at is knowing the emotions of your children. The telltale signs in their expression, mannerisms or moods. She could read her children very easily but when it came to Korra, she would never budge. Korra would help her out around the house when it came to washing the dishes or collecting their clothes out on the clothesline at night. She helped Pema out a lot during the day, she knew it gave Korra something to do until she could freely roam outside once the sun came down.

They often worked together in silence, sometimes she could coax a small smile from Korra or a ‘you’re welcome’ after she had finished helping out around the house. On rare occasions when they normally worked in silence, Korra would initiate small talk. Pema could see the effort Korra was putting into talking, she couldn’t help but feel proud of her. She did take notice of Korra beginning to feel comfortable around them despite her cold exterior. Her actions though were a complete opposite from that.

This exact moment was a testament to that.

She was very good to the kids and it warmed Pema’s heart to see her warm up to them through the weeks she’s been here. Tenzin and her were making their own progress with Korra, both could see the dull and coldness in her eyes though it never deterred them from building their relationship. They were not frightened of her. She was a part of their family whether Korra believed it or not.

Said family was now ruffling Meelo’s hairless head before he went to scarf down the rest of his breakfast so he could go feed Naga. Pema scolding him so he didn’t choke.

“Sorry,” Korra turned to the boys giving them her attention now, “What Meelo was trying to say was that I help them out with their airbending training.” She shot a fake convincing smile their way to cover up any thoughts that may sprout in their heads from the potential outburst. Damage control really.

“I think the girls wanted to keep it a secret from other people.”

“Woah, that’s pretty cool but you’re a waterbender, how does that work?” Bolin curiously asked as his brows furrowed along with his brothers. 

“When Master Katara was helping me master waterbending, someone had told her that you can draw wisdom from other nations, from the other elements and apply it to yourself. Understanding others reflects in your bending.” 

“So what you’re essentially saying is that we can all learn from each other no matter the element we bend?” Mako asked, interest evident in his eyes. He had never thought of it that way.

“Yes.” She said as she nodded her head along.

Both boys were very impressed at the logic behind those words. Whoever Master Katara had heard that from was extremely wise. 

Now that damage control had been done, she proceeded to ask what else they had forgotten to mention.

“Oh yeah…” Bolin sheepishly looked at his brother hoping he could possibly break the news. Mako of course took the cue.

“We need 30,000 yuans to keep our place in the championships and unfortunately our sponsor,” he had looked annoyed as he punctuated the word, “took most of our winnings from our match including the rent and groceries.” Another one of the cons about living at the arena was that the guy who owned the place was their sponsor and he was the worst. Every time they had won a match he would take his cut along with the month's rent which left them with very little money at the end of the day. Mako’s wages from the power plant helped them to be able to put food on the table and scrounge up remaining rent money.

To put it simply, they were struggling.

They don’t know how they’re going to be able to get all the money so they can have their shot at winning.

“We’re sadly 28,000 yuans short.” Bolin sighed dejectedly.

“Oh.” Was all that Korra said.

Honestly, she thought that it was weird that you had to pay to secure your spot in the championships. If you make it in, you should be in. No questions asked. Why would you need to pay for something that you earned fair and square? And in this case, they had won which should secure them a spot. 

Though she could see how this posed a problem for them, but she had no money to give. She doesn’t have a need for it either, but when she needs money (just like at the red light district), she’ll pick pocket people as she walks past them. 

“So we need help in finding a new sponsor or else that’s it for us.” It was weird to see Mako look sad, both of them actually. She didn’t like it, but she didn't know why, so she told herself it made them look pathetic.

But then she thought, if they can’t get a sponsor in the next couple days?? (she thinks), she wouldn’t have to see them ever again. Her problem would be solved. If things did follow down this path, she’d be lying to herself if she said she wouldn’t be the slightest bit bummed about not being able to partake in the tournament. Korra hated to admit it but, Bolin was right last night, she did have fun. 

It certainly was conflicting.

“I wish we could be your sponsor but unfortunately Tenzin with his council duties and well,” Pema gestured to her stomach with a sheepish smile. 

“I, the mighty Meelo, shall be your sponsor!” Meelo had gotten up from his seat and stood proud with a mock salute which seemed to lift the spirits of the boys.

“Hey Mako, why don’t you ask Asami? You got a date with her later, it wouldn't hurt to bring it up.” Bolin offered helpfully while you could see the obvious blush appear on Mako’s cheeks.

 But only one word rang in her ear, a date.

A date.

A date.

She didn’t realize it, but her jaw clenched hard, almost breaking a molar until she heard Pema’s voice come through. 

“She’s a very smart and sweet girl, if anything she may have some ideas to help you all out.” Pema added helpfully as she started to gather the empty plates from the table. Korra immediately started to help Pema, anything to distract her from the pit of anger growing once again.

As she gathered the remaining plates, including the ones in Pema’s hand, she was beelining it to the kitchen until…

“So Korra! Minus our small setback, when should we start practice? Tomorrow? Or ooooooh tonight?” Korra’s back was towards them, missing the excitement that was shown in Bolin’s eyes despite the current circumstances.

She let out a subtle sigh before replying back, “Tomorrow. I have to talk to Tenzin.” With that, she disappeared behind the curtained entrance of the kitchen. She could hear the small cheer that came out of Bolin’s mouth as she set the dishes in the sink.

This would, once again, be another time for a headache.

Pema and the kids talked a bit more with the boys before they had to leave. Mako’s shift at the power plant starting soon and Bolin going to try and scrounge up some yuans with his pet fire ferret somewhere in the city. As Pema and the kids walked them out, she gave the boys some words of encouragement, “I’m sure Korra is just as excited as you, she just takes a little warming up to.” She tried to reassure them both with a smile.

“Yeah, thanks Pema.” Mako returned the smile along with Bolin.

“Now feel free to come over for breakfast or dinner anytime, the same goes for Asami. Any friends of Korra’s are welcome here.”

Now it would be great if Korra did consider them friends…

“Ah, I’m not really sure if we’re friends just yet.” Mako had an awkward smile whereas Bolin smiled confidently with his next words.

“Don’t worry big bro, I know we’re all gonna be good friends, Asami too!”

Bolin with his optimism, Mako always admired that about his brother. He had always been that way, even when they were younger and living on the streets, even when they worked for the Triple Threat Triad for that short amount of time. Perhaps he should try to be like his younger brother.

They bid their farewells, everyone looking forward to seeing the boys tomorrow except for one person.

Korra had been focused on washing and drying the dishes before putting them back in their respective places. She had heard the front door open and close, signaling that the boys were gone. Finally, some peace.

As the kids trickled back into the house going wherever which way, Pema made her way into the kitchen to check on Korra.

“Thank you, Korra. You’re a huge help.” Pema started to help dry the last of the dishes as Korra was putting away cups in the cupboard. 

“It’s no problem.” She replied, silence settling in the air but not a stiff silence, a comfortable one which was shortly broken.

“I let the boys know that they’re welcome to come over for breakfast or dinner anytime, including Asami.”

She was quiet, continuing putting the rest of the dishes away as Pema handed them to her. Pema though, was trying to gauge Korra’s reaction from her words. She may not be the most expressive person around her (yet), but she couldn’t help that this, whatever this was, may be good for her. Up until the night she had broken into Tenzin’s study, she had only known Korra through Katara’s letters. She still didn’t know Korra all that well if she were being honest, she was still getting to know the girl who was raised in a compound. A girl who was ostracized by the White Lotus, a girl who was kept shut from the world so the world itself didn’t find out that the Avatar had become a demon. 

“I think it’s nice to see you make friends.”

At that she saw Korra's shoulders tense. 

They weren’t friends.

“They’re not my friends.” There was no bite to her tone but, there was that almost cold exterior.

“Well, either way I think you’ll all end up being good friends in no time.”

There was that silence again, the one that Pema had gotten accustomed to as they worked together. As they finished, Korra had asked her if there was anything else she needed help with at the moment which Pema said no, but before she could disappear behind the curtain Pema called out to her softly, “Don’t worry about Tenzin, I’ll give him a ring later to let him know.” 

Korra gave her a small smile and bowed her head a bit before saying thank you. Pema truly was too kind.

As she made her way out the kitchen, she walked towards her room to try and meditate by herself for a little. Hoping that maybe it would help release the pit of anger that was still left in her stomach. However, one thought escaped her mind before she tried going into a meditative state.

She wouldn’t mind seeing Asami again.