[Closed to Jinora]

[braavado]

As soon as it was clear the barrier was gone, Korra and Jinora had jumped into action. They let all relevant people--Aang, Bumi, Wan, Lord Zuko--know that they would be gone for a little while, and then immediately set about preparations.

Korra checked in with Naga one more time before tossing her pack onto Oogi's saddle and accepting another pack from one of the air acolytes--it was no doubt filled with carefully wrapped food for the journey. She checked that before finding a place for it on the saddle, too. They'd rushed through the packing, aware that the barrier might reform at any time and trap them in the city yet again. If they wanted to check the Spirit World for clues, they needed to do it now.

"Hey, Jinora?" Korra called out as she jumped down lightly. "Ready to go when you are."

Comments

[bookbends]

And isn't that an image that makes Jinora smile? Her grandpa and Uncle getting to spend time together. She just wishes her dad and Aunt Kya were there too- but maybe she was wishing for too much.

"I hope it's still there when we get back."

Of course she has confidence in them. Of course. But there was no denying that with some of the stories she'd heard about her Uncle and Grandpa that things could take an... interesting turn.

At first Jinora plans on telling Korra no, she's fine. She's a little too nervous to sleep anyway, not sure of what they'll see when they get there. But she knows she won't be any good if she's tired and nervous and everything else, so she nods reluctantly.

"Okay. Let me know when you want to switch off. And Korra," She hesitates only slightly. "I'm sure everyone at the South Pole will be great. They'll be really happy to see you." And then she tries to arrange herself on the saddle, looking up at the sky and pretending it's just a normal visit to Gran-Gran.

[braavado]

Some time passes, with Korra and Jinora taking turns at the saddle and resting. Once the Southern Lights become visible, though, Korra quickly reaches over to wake her friend up.

“Jinora, we’re almost there,” Korra says, lightly shaking Jinora’s shoulder. “I can see the lights from here.”

Korra stares into the distance, where she knows the chieftain’s palace is, heart beating madly in her chest. Please be okay, she thinks. If something’s happened to her parents, too, she doesn’t know what she’ll do.