1 Chapter 1: The Odyssey Begins
Fire. Air. Water. Earth.
Asami and Jinora used to share with me their adventures with Avatar Korra. It must have been a rough but fun ride. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to meet her due to the Avatar duties that kept her busy into her old age. I played some Pai Sho and joined the White Lotus, hoping to see her. Eventually, I did meet Avatar Korra, but she then died a hero just a few days later.
Just as the cycle of the Avatar changes, so does the adventures and the thrilling, new challenges. As the new Head of the White Lotus, my dream of involving myself in the protection and service of the Avatar can finally come true. The new Avatar's Odyssey has begun.
Background: The story starts in Republic City, in a mansion owned by Avatar Korra's Lifelong partner, Asami Sato.
Jinora: Asami, do you think that telling the Avatar at such a young age would be a great idea?
Asami: Relax, Jin. The White Lotus has talked about this before. We search for the Avatar by the time he or she reaches 4.
Jinora: And then train them immediately!? Asami, we can't tell them at such a young age, you know? Let the kid be a kid!
Asami: I know. (Faces at a distance) But we need the Avatar more than ever. We cannot wait 12 more years to start the training of the new Avatar. Tell me, If the monks did not tell Aang that he was the Avatar earlier, would you think that he would've saved the world?
Jinora: N-No.
Asami: Then be with me. Let Kelsang tell the new kid that he is the Avatar. Korra managed to handle it, so I'm sure that he can also control the job. I knew Korra. She can always survive daunting situations, and I expect Luca to be the same.
A few hours ago...
Kelsang is holding on to a telescope, scouting Yu Dao from above with his bison, Kiki. Pama, a Waterbender, is with him on the journey. They both came to Yu Dao along with other White Lotus Members to find "The One." The bison lands and the mayor greet them.
Mayor Granite: W-Welcome to Yu Dao, M-Master Kelsang. It's an honor to see the White Lotus visiting here in the city.
Kelsang: It has been years since we last met, Granite. Nice to see you too.
After the greetings, Kelsang did not waste any more time and started the search in Yu Dao. It has been two months since the expedition began.
Kelsang (Facing the White Lotus): We have no time to spare. It's time to search for 'The One'!
The door-to-door interview has begun in Yu Dao. Children are being told to answer questions and are being told to describe some pieces of jewelry.
Kelsang: What is your name, dear?
Haiku: Haiku Poeta, I'm around four years of age... And I like movers!
đââď¸ Next Kid!
Pama: So, Pebble. What do you know about the four elements?
Pebble: What? I thought there were 118...
đââď¸ Next Kid!
Ian: The search is over! I'm the Avatar!
Kelsang: Are you sure that I was asking you about that?
Ian: Yeah, ~ Nah. I was just kidding.
đââď¸ Next Kid!
Pama: Do you know what this is? (Shows Korra's Betrothal Necklace)
Jai: Yes! It's a necklace!
Pama: I noticed. Who owned this necklace, and what is it for?
Jai: Hmm... A gift to you by some random guy that left you behind because he found a much more elegant woman than you?
Pama: (Silence) That... Hit differently, my child.
Pama and Kelsang are both tired of searching the Avatar for the entire day. Pama insisted Kelsang to rest again and continue tomorrow. Kelsang hesitated to keep searching.
Pama (Furious): Kelsang, Let's just continue the search tomorrow. I'm tired of searching for the entire day! We've interviewed 300 kids, put them in a box, and asked them, "Are you the Avatar?"
Kelsang: We did not ask them like that, Pama. I won't be giving up today. I'm sure he or she is here!
Pama (Expressionlessly): You say...
Kelsang: Be with me, okay? I dreamed about a kid last morning. I don't know if he's the Avatar, but he told me that he lives in Yu Dao.
Pama: Kelsang, I'm sorry, but I'm not surprised. Search everywhere you want. I won't be joining you anymore! Oh, and here. (Throws the small chest to Kelsang furiously) Take it! You'll be needing it! I'm taking Kiki with me! (Walks away to Kiki)
Kelsang: Fine! (Grunts and Walks away) Who wants to be with that stupid, lazy Pama lady anyways... I'm doing ALL the work and~ Oh right. I'm the head. I am supposed to do all the work. I AM SUPPOSED TO DO ALL~ (Trips)
Kelsang tripped off and dropped the small chest. Some jewelry, including Korra's necklace, got scattered across the road. Kelsang took the time to pick them all up and counted them.
Kelsang: 53, 54, 55... Where's the necklace!?
???: Here it is, Mister!
The boy approached Kelsang with Korra's necklace in his hand.
Kelsang: Thank you, young child. (Takes the necklace)
???: Hmm... You look very familiar... Aha! You were that guy from the Portable Mover!
Kelsang (Grinning): Ah, I see. I appeared in your mover device.
We've started interviewing children since Avatar Korra Day. I think I did not talk to you yet. Would it be okay for me to ask you a few questions?
???: Wow! I was born on Avatar Korra Day 4 years ago!
Kelsang (Surprised): Wait, you are!? You might just be the~ I~ I mean, it's nice to hear you share something about yourself.
???: Thanks for the compliment, Mister. And now for the 'questions' thing. Hmm... Why not go to our place and ask me there? I can bring you to my house! Mom will surely understand why!
Kelsang nodded. The child held his hand and ran as fast as he could. By the time that they were there, Ayala was gardening, but she paused it when he saw Kelsang with the child. Ayala, knowing who he was, greeted him at the porch.
Ayala: It~ It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Kelsang, W~ Would you like some tea?
Kelsang: Thank you, but you don't need to do that, you know. (Looks at the Earth Lilies) You took good care of these Earth Lilies, Miss. I am very impressed.
Ayala: Thank you, Master Kelsang. I'll give you and Luca some time so that you can ask him some questions. You may sit down at the kitchen table over there. If you need me, just tell me, okay?
Kelsang: You got my word, Mrs...?
Ayala: Miss Ayala. Single Mother. I adopted Luca when he was still very young.
Kelsang: Ah, I see. Knowing that you told me that fact clearly at the front of him makes me think that he knows that he's adopted.
Luca: Yeah! She never hid it from me! I'm not mad or whatever. I'm honestly happy that she adopted me, or else I would be standing right outside the temple asking for money!
As Ayala chuckled at Luca's joke, Kelsang stood at the distance for a moment.
Kelsang: You are a very optimistic kid, Luca. I'm very happy for you.
Ayala led Kelsang to the kitchen and prepared him some tea. After the tea was served, Ayala left Luca and Kelsang alone.
Ayala: I will continue my garden work, Master Kelsang. Ask what you want to ask. (Faces Luca) And you, Luca. Be a good boy and answer honestly.
Luca: I will!
Ayala leaves the kitchen to continue her garden work.
Kelsang: So, your name is Luca? It's such a beautiful name for a young boy like you. I'm Master Kelsang, Head of the White Lotus.
Luca: You don't need to tell me that, Mister Grumpy Man. I heard your name from mom a few times for the past few minutes!
Kelsang laughed at the young boy for what he said.
Kelsang: Haha, really funny. (Clears Throat) So, Luca. I want you to answer these questions honestly, okay?
Kelsang paused for a few seconds, giving Luca a bright but neutral stare.
Luca: So~
Kelsang: Enough talk. Let's get into this.
Kelsang opened the small chest filled with Korra's Accessories. There were about 56 of them in there, including the necklace that Luca returned earlier.
Kelsang: So, are these objects familiar to you, Luca? (Shows Korra's Accessories)
Luca (Pointing at the necklace): This is the same necklace that I returned to you before... Ever since I first saw it lying on the ground, it reminded me of something big. Like a Marriage! A Huge Water Tribe Marriage!
Kelsang: Do you recognize the pattern?
By this time, Kelsang started recording what Luca was saying.
Luca: Yes! I do, Mister! This necklace's pattern followed that of Honorable Asami's writing.
Kelsang: Wait. Do you know how she writes? I did not even know how her writing looked like. How did you know that information?
Luca: It just came to me. Did I do something wrong, Mister?
Kelsang: No, you did not. You answered very well. I have more questions, Luca. So, There are 56 accessories. What do you think is your two most favorites?
Luca (Staring at the watch): Hmm... I like the watch. It's made from moonstone. It must be given by someone significant from way back then...
Kelsang: I see. What's the other one?
Luca (Holding the necklace): I actually like this more than the watch. I love the carvings so much. It reminds me that there are no barriers to love. (Faces at Kelsang) Mom keeps on telling me the same thing too!
Kelsang (Smiling): Good choice, Luca. Such wise words. (Stands up) Thank you for your time, but have to go now.
Luca: That's all the questions, Mister Kelsang?
Kelsang: Uh... Nothing. I~ I mean, you gave so much information that I won't even have to ask anymore. Well, I have to go, Luca. I hope we see each other again.
Luca: O~ Okay...
Kelsang left his house knowing that Luca might just be the Avatar. Luca mentioned so many details about Avatar Korra's accessories. There is only one more thing. He doubted Asami's request to tell the new Avatar his identity. Luca is still a child. He is a much more different person than Korra. What if he can't take such a task? That has already happened with Aang. He even ran away because he never wanted such duties at all. Meanwhile, in Yu Dao's White Lotus HQ...
Kelsang: (Opens Door)
Pama: Oh, hi, Kelsang... Sorry for storming off earlier. I think you might still be mad at me but~
Kelsang: I found the one, Pama.
Pama: ... No way.
Meanwhile, in Republic City, Jinora, Along with Kainora's Daughter, visited Asami in her estates. Jinora brought along Vayu, her great-granddaughter. Asami is already bedridden after getting asthma a few months earlier.
Asami: Thank you for visiting, Jinora.
Jinora: It wouldn't happen if Kainora's daughter here did not take a day off from his work, you know. Such a kind grandchild.
Asami: Well, if it's not because of this asthma, I would be leading the expedition to find the New Avatar right now. Good thing, I found someone who can do the job for me.
Jinora: Yeah. Kelsang. He is an outstanding airbending master. I can see that because I'm the one who trained him ever since he unlocked such abilities. Oh, and I told you for how many times, Asami. You should've been a vegetarian. Look what you've done to yourself! (Laughing)
Asami (Laughing): That has nothing to do with what I eat, Jinora! Nice try, but you cannot convince me not to eat chicken!
Jinora: Now, where's Vayu supposed to be? Oh, there you are. Don't be shy, Vayu. It's just me and your great grand.... Aunt something or whatever complicated rubbish this is. Come here, dear. (Vayu comes in)
Vayu: H~ Hi, great grand.... Aunt something or whatever complicated rubbish you are.
Asami (Laughs): Haha! I never laughed this much! I never knew that Vayu would act like you!
Jinora: I never really expected that I would live this long even to see Vayu~
Asami's Maid: Honorable Asami. Someone wants you on the phone.
Asami: Decline. I'm talking to someone significant right now!
Asami's Maid: It's urgent, Honorable Asami.
Asami: I said, decline the call. Tell that man to call tomorrow~
Asami's Maid: It's about the identity of the new Avatar, Honorable Asami.
To be continued...
