The Demon Avatar, Korra

What is freedom?

The notion of freedom felt foreign to her mind every time she thought about it. It was something she knew she craved though ever since being trapped in a compound. She felt tied down every moment of her time there except for the times when she was summoned to the fortress. There she felt the sense of freedom she craved but yet the feeling of being trapped remained.

When she finally left that forsaken compound she was chasing for freedom. However, she was welcomed with a prison again. Stuck on Air Temple Island till she mastered air bending, but that wouldn’t stop her from seeking what she craved. She snuck out; she chased the tidbits of freedom she could grasp. This was her life, and she would take hold of the reigns.

But things changed.

Korra was in fact holding the reigns of her life but the definition of freedom changed.

To die was to be free and she was seeking the solace of what that meant.

She wasn’t a proper Avatar nor was she human. She had made peace with that. She was very much content with living as a demon for the rest of her days till Tamayo came in the picture and Korra found another path hidden to her. Truths and secrets came out and that is when her definition of freedom changed.

To die was to be free of Muzan Kibutsuji.

To kill the creator of the demons was to be free.

That feeling of being trapped whenever she was summoned to the fortress had made a lot more sense. If Muzan had lost her his hopes of becoming immortal would fall. Korra had invisible chains attached to her that connected her to Muzan. She was vital to his plans but so was he to Korra. Unbeknownst to Muzan, he would lose Korra.

Three weeks had gone by a bit too fast for her liking, but she didn’t deny that she was also looking forward to it. As the time passed, she would linger in the shadows listening in on the white lotus guards’ conversations. A lot of things fueled the anger she had towards them and it took a lot of self-control to hold herself back. Her temper would have to be kept in check every time. Korra told herself that she did it so it would be easier to leave but every time she was with the krew and Tenzin’s family it proved to be harder.

She spent a lot of time with the kids in the daytime inside. She would chase around Ikki and Meelo who sometimes outran her using air bending but nonetheless it made her laugh every time. She would spend one on one time with Jinora talking about Korra’s progress with her air bending training and sometimes she’d talk about the not-so-secret crush she had on Asami with her. She noted that Jinora was quite the perceptive one. But wondered if she was so perceptive why hadn’t she caught on to who or more like what Korra was. There were things that Jinora would ask though which made her curious if Jinora knew more than she led on. Things like how come her nails were always long or why her pupils were slit like. Korra would chalk it up to just Avatar things but Jinora never asked anything else after that.

She enjoyed being around all three of them at the same time. On one occasion she was helping them put up lights outside with Pema and they all looked so happy to just help and be in each other’s presence even if they were sometimes a handful. She saw youth every single time. In their laughs, their smiles and the way they carried themselves. She wanted to protect that for them till eventually they one day grow out of it.

Korra doesn’t remember her youth. She doesn’t remember anything if she were being honest. She envisions that maybe her youth was filled with goofy smiles like Ikki’s, rambunctious behavior like Meelo’s and some of Jinora’s matureness. She barely saw her parents at the compound but when she did, she never asked because it never really came to mind. Not until she made it to Republic City. Instead of always staying in her room during the day she’d be with kids and sometimes they would all spend time together with Pema.

The kids would bug their mom sometimes and Korra liked to think that in her youth she did that too. Ikki would always ask to feel Pema’s stomach to always try and feel the baby kick because she was just so in awe that they were getting another sibling. After Ikki would ask, Meelo and Jinora would follow in towe. Pema was pretty far along and Korra knew in her mind that she’d never get to see their new sibling. It crushed her inside, but she wanted that child to live in a world with no demons and peace. What she wanted for Tenzin’s family was happiness.

She knew that they all considered her family, but she felt so out of place. She wanted to call them family too, along with her parents but what she considered family was her place amongst the upper ranks but even then, they weren’t really family. It was more of a sense of belonging when they were all gathered together.

She remembers one time a couple years back when they were all there after being summoned. Once Muzan had made his leave they had all stayed before leaving the fortress. Doma was being his very bubbly self with Akaza as always and Akaza hates him so he always ends up inflicting a damaging blow to him when he gets annoyed. She remembered that Akaza had destroyed part of Doma’s jaw during this time and Doma always shrugs off his actions and proceeds to send snarky remarks towards him.

The potted demon Gyokko was near Hatengu who always wore a cowardice face on him unless he activates his ability which spawn clones of each of his emotions. The two of them were on a staircase that was never ending just watching the altercation between Doma and Akaza. Gyokko mumbling things to Hatengu as usual. Daki who usually stood near Korra was also just watching the two demons. Korra herself was laying on her side watching them. She remembered that she liked them all a lot. Akaza could get on her nerves though always trying to issue blood battles with her or Doma. Doma and her would sometimes talk and think that Akaza was jealous that he ranked below them, but mostly below Doma because he despised him.

She remembered Daki had laughed at them. They all were and honestly, she belonged with them. They all had different personalities, and nobody knew if they even all cared for each other but that didn’t really matter to Korra nor was it important. They had all shared the same thing. Being demons.

She had enjoyed those moments whenever they were summoned even if they were berated by Muzan.

She enjoyed the moments with Asami, Mako and Bolin too though. Maybe these moments were the hardest for her. Almost every night for the next three weeks was spent with them. She and the boys would pick Asami up if she was working late at Future Industries. Sometimes they had to drag her out. Like Korra picking her up and out the building.

They spent time at the Sato estate and Korra learned that Mako had gotten a job with the RCPD and aiming to be a detective under Chief Beifong. Bolin was looking for a job, but they no longer lived above the arena. They would sometimes go to Mako and Bolin’s apartment and hang out till super late. What she liked about their apartment was despite it being small it was cozy. A lot of laughs were shared, and they watched a lot of movers, some really bad and some good.

A lot of times Bolin would always challenge Korra to an arm-wrestling contest swearing he would this time. They all knew the outcome but Korra could never say no to him, so she indulged him every time even if it ended in less than a second. Mako would always practice his catch phrases for catching perps on them and they were all cringe worthy, but it always brought a smile to all their faces. Though they all secretly hoped he never used them.

The moments with Asami alone were heartbreaking even if they just peacefully lying next to each other or Korra would watch her work on her Satomobile and helping every so often. If the boys were busy, she would spend time with Asami at the office and made it her mission that Asami would leave on time and no second later to make sure she didn’t overwork herself. She did little things to show that she cared for her and Asami appreciated everything Korra did for her.

She even helped Asami on some occasions make adjustments to her glove. It was almost like their own little project together. But every second spent with her was like a ticking clock. She knew their time was running short every moment they spent together and Korra never made an advance. She would cherish what they had till the very end. Even when she confessed her love for her that night, Asami probably assumed she was just talking about the moon when in fact she was not, but she was okay with that. She had fun with everyone.

She spent moments alone with Tenzin in his study talking about connecting to her past lives and sometimes he would ask her how she was doing. She knew she couldn’t be read like an open book, so she didn’t worry when the question came up. She would tell him the same thing every time. I’m doing alright. She did put up a wall for the last three weeks just in case or really for her sake. She couldn’t let her emotions get to her and possibly stop her.

During the last week she had started preparations for her plan. She would get everyone to come for dinner. It would be the last time she’d see them, and a proper goodbye would be in order. She needed Kya to be there and if she brought Lin it wouldn’t be such a big surprise. She had visited the hospital with the krew on Kya’s breaks and said they were having a big family dinner on Saturday and that the kids insisted that she be there. And Kya, who is a sucker to her nieces and nephew, said she would be there and would try to drag Lin along with her.

Nobody had known what was coming except for her. She wasn’t suspected at all. Even if humans were perceptive, they were all so easy to make them fall into her palm.

The last thing was to make sure Akaza was there. She had gone to a place in the city where she felt he would frequent. A gang turf. She had watched as they all struggled and fell to their knees. They were like dominoes. Akaza had sensed her presence through and challenged Korra if she was there to finally give him his blood battle. She shook her head and landed gently next to him but her aura startling to Akaza but also enjoying this new side of Korra.

She told him, well more like ordered him, to be at Air Temple Island Saturday night if he wanted to see what it means to be upper rank one. She would have him be a witness to coming back home with the rest of the upper ranks and for everyone to believe she was a traitor.

And this is where she found herself now. Outside sitting atop the house in the shadows. Fully transformed. She finally donned the haori Daki gave her over her chest binds, her feet were bandaged up to her shins, her usual blue pants but slightly torn at the ends and lastly, she wore her hair down but kept the two wolf tails in the front. Her eyes were no longer the usual cat eye slits but her rank. She would keep them that way for good.

Everyone, including Asami, Mako and Bolin were in the dining room. Korra had said she would join them after she freshened up but insisted that they could start without her. The food on the table was certainly not on her menu. She said her bittersweet goodbye to Naga as she led her to the pen with the sky bisons. She knew that they would take care of her but she would miss her best friend.

She surveyed from the top of the house for the white lotus guards that were making their rounds near the front of the house which the dining room was located nearby. Akaza wasn’t here yet but that was okay, he would be arriving during the action then. He played a big role being here and she was ready. She may have feared that she could lose control during it all during her actions but…

No turning back now.

Three guards had walked toward the front of the house in a group talking amongst themselves. Little chit chat such as how the week was going and some hateful words towards Korra.

“I wish she wasn’t the Avatar, Aang was a much better Avatar.”

“I heard from other guards that they had talked about attacking her when she was at the compound, but it never happened.”

“What really?” The guard had pondered in thought. “Why don’t we give it a shot? She can’t be strong.”

“Well, she’s a demon and demons are a threat so there’s got to be a way to defeating these things.”

“There’s not much information about demons out there but it’s not like she’s unkillable.”

They made their way towards the front of the house not knowing dark bright blue eyes were watching them. Once they did, they just stood there continuing their conversation.

This was the perfect timing. She had heard everything and with those words a malicious smile crept up onto her lips.

Unlike her usual nature, she gently landed behind them making no noise whatsoever. She crept up to her victims and spoke into the ears of one guard making them all freeze.

“And if I told you I was unkillable, then what?” She snaked an arm around the guard’s neck and drew her nails down his neck which drew blood. “I think we should test out this theory of yours fellas, how about it?”

Without missing a beat, Korra kicked him upwards sending him high into the air. The kick had shot the air right out of his lungs. Korra did not hold back any of her strength, she wasn’t going to. She was going to brutally teach them a lesson.

The guard had descended and crashed through the roof. Luckily working in Korra’s favor she knew he landed in the dining room because she heard gasps coming from the new hole in the roof. Soon they’d be running out to see what was happening.

Everyone was eating and there were jokes happening on one side of the table and a conversation happening on the other. Asami and the boys had wondered what was taking Korra so long. They talked amongst themselves and the kids would sometimes come into their conversation. It had happened right when Bolin had reached towards the middle of the table where the food was displayed for another serving of veggie dumplings. A white lotus guard had crashed onto the table and coughed up blood.

Gasps were heard as they saw the scratch type marks on his neck. Kya went to give him some aid as he was struggling to get up. He grit his teeth and hit the table. Tenzin was filled with worried and tried to assess the situation. He asked the guard how this happened, and he was met with a response that made everyone’s eyes go wide.

“Your little Avatar did this to me.” He coughed up more blood before he had passed out onto the table. It was said with such vile hatred toward Korra that it upset Asami but at the same time she couldn’t believe the situation at hand. Nobody could actually because the last couple of weeks everything seemed fine.

Why would she do this? Asami thought.

Tenzin urged his kids to go towards the back of the house with Pema for their safety. Lin was the first one to charge towards the front where everyone else following could hear where the commotion was coming from. As the door was hastily pushed open the sight was unwelcoming.

There were unconscious bodies that littered the ground around them. The bodies could be worried about for later. They pushed on trying to look for Korra.

After Korra had sent that guard flying and crashing through the roof she landed a powerful spin kick to the guard on the right who crashed to the guard next to him. She could hear the sound of his jaw breaking when her foot connected. It sent a thrill down her spine. Her blood was boiling in pure delight. She snickered to herself as the two guards landed to the ground unconsciously. Sounds of footsteps could be heard that were coming her way.

There were even more guards now who upon assessing the situation quickly started to throw attacks toward her. It only fueled her excitement even more. They held no hesitation in their attacks, and neither would Korra.

She walked towards them while dodging each attack and with each step the ground cracked beneath her.

“Let’s have some fun!” and with that she charged in with insane speed that could barely be seen by the human eye. She connected her fist with someone’s stomach and felt the blood that was coughed up land on her arm. They were sent flying backwards and rolling on the ground. She licked the blood on her arm in front of everyone and grinned mischievously. “You’re all next.”

Soon more than a dozen unconscious bodies had littered the floor around her. A couple were trying to crawl to safety and Korra then wondered if Akaza was finally here. As she was about to yell his name into the air, she heard the voice of Tenzin yelling her name. They all had appeared just a couple feet before her. Eyes all wide and in shock at the unwelcoming scene. Tensions were running high in the air and she decided to break the silence.

She spread her arms open wide that made her seem welcoming and held her chin up high, with a sinister gaze, “Do you all care to be next!”

“What the hell is wrong with you Korra!” Lin yelled while she bent a metal wire towards Korra who simply dodged it with ease.

The krew stared at her in disbelief. None of them could believe their eyes. The aura coming from her was sinister but Asami had noticed something. From the past couple weeks, she had seen her wear her tight sleeveless shirts but this time she was wearing that haori that was gifted to her. It was something small, but it seemed to be something significant. Korra had never worn it till now.

There was blood splattered over Korra’s body and Mako almost lost it. Bolin had his mouth agape and could not understand why she was doing this.

Tenzin and Kya were both in shock and could also not understand why Korra was doing what she was doing. They had also never seen her current form either.

“Korra why are you doing this! Talk to us, we’re your family!”

Korra scoffed at Tenzin’s mention of family. She had to play her role, make everyone dance to her tune.

She laughed and laughed. To the point where it sounded maniacal.

“Family! Please don’t make me laugh even more!”

She had walked over to a guard’s body that was trying to move away from her. “I don’t think you understand the situation.” She pressed her foot onto the guard’s back with pressure to stop him from trying to move. “Humans…you were all simply playing into my hand and did well if I may add.” She made quick eye contact with them all and then yelled, “OI! AKAZAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” her arms were outstretched, and her hands balled into fists. After she yelled, she had breathed out a stream of fire from her mouth.

And indeed, Akaza came down smashing into the ground from where he was.

Mako and Asami had recognized the demon with pink hair.

“It seems to me you got way stronger from the last time we were together.” He stared menacingly at the humans in front of him while addressing Korra.

“We always get more stronger as we live unlike humans who have a limit to their strengths.” Korra grabbed the arms of the body she was pressing onto and brought them back while lifting him up. “And besides Akaza, I’m having the best time of my life!” She pulled the man’s arms backwards with her foot still pressed into his back but bent a little and pulled till she heard the snap come from his bones. She had broken both of his arms and smiled sinisterly as he yelled out in agony. She felt like she was about to lose control soon so she tried to wrap things up quickly, but she could feel her blood boiling even more.

“Never took you for the type to torture upper one.”

Korra dropped the man to the ground who laid limply.

“There’s a lot to know about me upper three.” She turned towards Akaza and gave him a bright smile which seemed so out of place with the scene around them. “Now c’mon give me some praise!! I’m thinking breaking bones is my thing!”

“You’re someone who I want to fight forever Korra!”

Akaza admired strong people and this was his way of giving her praise and any other person he came across on.

However, just a couple feet across from them Mako was boiling, seething with anger. Everyone else seemed to be stricken with fear. “KORRAAAAA! YOU TRAITOR!!” He aimed a flurry of shots of fire toward the two.

“Akaza, if you can do the honors.”

He punched the air in front of him and a powerful shock wave dispersed the flames. But it didn’t stop Mako.

Korra on the other hand had finally snapped from her control. Something had overpowered her, and she suddenly found another body that was limply moving. She rushed to him and kicked him onto his back. She felt her bones contract inside her body and suddenly bones protruded through her forearms. They were curved and sharp. She admired them and an idea came to her mind.

To end this tune of hers, she pierced through the man’s cheek with one of the bones. Once it entered it came out the other side of his cheek and then she pulled it back out licking his blood from the bone. The blood was tantalizing on her tongue.

Tenzin and Kya had attacked at Korra but she was too fast. She went back to Akaza’s side who was still going at it with Mako and also Bolin and Lin. Her eyes had landed on Asami’s and she was suddenly snapped out of it. Asami looked so betrayed and now there was a sudden pang in her heart. She was playing the part in her tune and then she was so suddenly caught up in her anger that it was just one look at Asami and she was back. It was such a brief look, but it was enough to see that her eyes were brimming with tears.

She’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy hurting every single one of these white lotus guards. She didn’t enjoy the hurt on everyone’s faces though, especially Asami’s. She had to though in order for things to work out. Freedom.

She hoped Asami still trusted her after this. Trust me till the end.

She couldn’t tell them what she was planning to do because if they ever came across Muzan Kibutsuji they would all end up dead. She was the one who had to do it. She was doing what she believed was best even if it meant hurting the people she cared about.

She slung her arm over Akaza’s shoulder and drawled out his name.

“I’ve had my fun, let’s go bother Doma? Or should we actually go focus on our task of finding that flower?”

“I would gouge my eyes out if we paid a visit to him.” He had stopped his attacks and started walking towards their new destination, “I’ve heard of the flower possibly being somewhere in the outskirts of the city, so I’d prefer we do that.”

She finally sunk her bones back into her body and started walking alongside Akaza. Her back facing her loved ones. “Race ya?”

Mako had started to run after them and yelled “COME BACK HERE!”

Tenzin and everybody else yelled as well except for Asami who muttered under her breath “please don’t go…”

Then her and Akaza vanished and into the outskirts of the city they went.

This was the very last time she would ever see them again and it felt like her heart had suddenly split.

Tenzin breathed out a shaky breath, "We need to call Tonraq."