[Closed to Korra, Jinora, and Aang]

[braavado]

[A couple days after the festival, Korra pulls Jinora and Aang aside for a talk that she's been putting off since things in Republic City started getting a little...weird. A secluded patio on the island, where she prefers to meditate and think alone sometimes, seems like the perfect place; they'll have the privacy they need, since the air acolytes don't come this way very often, without having to really hide.

Plus, Jinora and Aang already know each other's identities. That makes things a lot easier.]

Okay, it's been about a week already. I think...we need to face the facts. If Tenzin, Beifong, Raiko, and the other missing people have been gone this long, I don't think they're going to be coming back anytime soon. And there's people showing up from other times, like Aang here.

We should probably decide what to do. Aang, you're still hiding who you are, right? Jinora, do you think you can lead the air acolytes until Tenzin's back? You two are the only masters left.

Comments

[bookbends]

[ Jinora's glad to get the chance to talk with Korra and Aang about the situation. With everything that had been happening they'd all been so busy, but a little direction was definitely needed. ]

You're right. I don't know when anyone... when my Dad or the rest of my family will show up again. [ She's pretty upset about that and it shows, but she's clearly trying to stay focused on helping right now. At the question she straightens up nervously, but gives a determined nod. She was made a master to help lead the new Air Nation, after all, and she should be able to do that whether her family was there or not. ]

I think so. [ And then another, slightly more confident nod. ] Just because they're not here doesn't mean we shouldn't keep training and trying to go around the city and help people, especially now. I'll do my best.

[savedtheworld]

[It's the kind of talk he's been putting off. At one point, he had been excited and afraid at the idea of meeting Tenzin. His son, a great airbending master. But then there was no sign of them. And that was scary in his own way.

His heart ached for Jinora, that wonderful granddaughter he'd discovered. Suddenly, that whole lovely family was gone, except for Uncle Bumi. And him.

He had to be there for her. No one else could. So he stands by her side while Korra speaks. And when Jinora makes her statement, Aang softly presses a supportive hand on her shoulder, while smiling proudly.]

Jinora... I don't want you to take on all of this responsibility by yourself. I wanna help however I can... e-even if it has to be from the background. [He's accepted it; it's best for him to hide who he is, even if it's hard to hide something that's tattooed into him.]

[braavado]

I want to help, too. [Korra's voice is firm, and she too offers a supportive touch. It's a bummer, knowing that Tenzin and the rest of the family's gone when Aang had been so excited to meet them, but they can't focus on that. What they need to do now is make sure everything's running smoothly while they figure out how to get everyone back.]

I might not know a lot of the air nomad history and customs, but I've lived here with you guys long enough. I think I can at least help out with the training if you're busy doing something else.

[Sensing the dark mood, Korra tries for a smile at the two of them.]

At least you have two Avatars backing you up. That's gotta count for something, right?

[bookbends]

[ A small smile starts growing on Jinora's face; first at Aang's words then at Korra's. She still looks upset and worried-- but the support of her grandfather and the girl who might as well be her sister means enough to her that she can't help it. ]

Thank you. It means... so much to hear you say that. [ A deep breathe. ] I know you're trying to stay a secret, Grandpa Aang, and you've got so much going on, Korra. So... you two have to let me help you, too.

[ She can't help but give a light giggle at Korra's attempt to lighten the mood. ] I must be the first person in history to have the help of two Avatars. But you're right. I'm not really alone. I still have some family left.

[savedtheworld]

You'll never be really alone, Jinora. [He applies a soft squeeze to her shoulder.] I promise.

I guess it sounds like all three of us are gonna help each other! I don't have a problem with that. We're all gonna do our best. For... for our family, and for the air nation.

[braavado]

No matter how much I have going on, it's not going to keep me from helping my favorite air benders. And that means you, too, Aang.

[Weird as it is to say that at all, Korra means it. There's a connection between her and Aang, and she'd never turn away from an opportunity to talk to an Avatar from the past. Not when she'd been feeling the loss of their advice so keenly not too long ago.

Korra reaches out and draws them both into a hug. Though she doesn't say it, Tenzin and his kids are pretty much family to her, too. She's sure they know that by now.]

[bookbends]

[ Jinora returns the hug tightly, a small sense of relief filling her for the first time since she discovered most of her family was missing. Having her grandfather and Korra here definitely helped, especially with how supportive and wonderful they both were. ]

Your favorite airbenders thank you. [ And then more seriously; ] The Air Nation will always be behind you, Korra. I know everyone will appreciate your help now, too. [ And she glances at Aang, hopefully. ]

They're all really great. I can't wait for you to meet them... the ones that are left, anyway.

[savedtheworld]

[Hugs, the language that Aang speaks most fluently. And even in this one, he doesn't have enough words to convey what these two girls mean to him already. Both carrying on his legacy in different ways, one his blood relation and one his soul relation. But it feels like both of them share a bit of his spirit. And both of them need all the help they can get with their responsibilities.]

Jinora's right. Every last word. And if you ever need me... I'm here. Just less spirity and old than you might remember. [He laughs softly, then turns his attention to Jinora.]

I love all the airbenders I met so far. And - and I can't wait to meet the rest of them, Jinora. As hopeful as I've been, this future... it's even more than I'd hoped for!

[braavado]

[Korra laughs sheepishly.] Actually, I didn’t get to talk to…you that much anyway. Just a few visions and the one time I actually saw you as a spirit. But even if you’re not your older self, you still just lived through an entire war and brought peace.

I’m just glad you get to see any of this at all. [She brightens up as she gets another idea.] When we figure out what to do with the barrier and the missing people, maybe we can all go looking for new air benders again. We never did finish searching, since the Red Lotus found us at Zaofu.