Avatar: The Cycle of the Seasons
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“When I was a child, I joined Avatar Korra on her adventures around the world. She, her friends and my father accomplished so much from the day she arrived in Republic City. Avatar Korra ended up changing the world more than any Avatar in recent history – including the opening of spirit portals and the subsequent restoration of the air nation. Korra, Asami, Mako and Bolin dedicated their lives to maintaining the balance of this new world order, however, when a new and more powerful darkness than ever before appeared they made the ultimate sacrifice to protect everything they held dear.
Without the Avatar balance has been unstable for a while now, and despite the Air Nation’s efforts to help, a plight has been born anew. But conflict is not the only thing that has been reborn. Like the cycle of the seasons, a new Avatar has arisen to take up the mantle of Korra, Aang and all the other great Avatars before them. They’re still inexperienced, but the world needs the Avatar now more than ever – I…We can only pray that this Avatar has what it takes to save the world.”
For centuries now the world has depended on the Avatar’s guidance. Their wisdom, bravery, and abilities made them revered heroes. Avatar Korra was no exception to this and the world fell into mourning when her light was extinguished. However, hope was born anew in the new Avatar Shamo Hua. Unfortunately for the people, there are those who wish to destroy that light – namely President San of Republic City. The White Lotus has existed since ages past and currently does its best to protect Avatar Shamo, but with the United Forces progressing even further towards the stronghold the Avatar is housed in a plan was brought forward to send her somewhere that San will not be able to find her with an elite team to protect her. Following the latest escape of San – sending his army into the spirit world for an unknown reason only two days ago.
There is a noticeable layer of tension and fear amongst the White Lotus; today was the eve of the Avatar’s departure from the protection of their latest stronghold and the arrival of her five masters and her bodyguard. Each heavy with experience and ready to take on the challenge of teaching the Avatar – not that they were given much of a choice in the matter. As for the Avatar herself? She was being prepared for her departure by a group of the White Lotus members as the boats and ships harbouring the instructors drew into their destination. Every painstaking detail had been mapped out in order to ensure the success of the mission. When the instructors arrive they are not given a moment to rest as they are given new clothes, similar to the ones being forced onto the Avatar, a grey outfit designed to be somewhat personal but neutral. An attempt to keep the group inconspicuous in under the watchful eye of San, the only exception was the Kyoshi Warrior among the group; her uniform standing for more than a set of decorative clothes.
Before the instructors can even exchange as much as a pleasant hello to one another they are led by more White Lotus sentries out into the courtyard; a row of seats designated by various symbols to signify the role of each instructor. Air next to Earth, Earth next to Water, Water next to Fire, Fire next to the symbol of a sword to designate the warrior, and at the very end a fan symbol to honor the Kyoshi Warriors. As everyone makes their way to their assigned seat it only takes a moment for another White Lotus member to make his way to the centre of the courtyard.
“Welcome honoured brothers and sisters of the White Lotus” He pauses for a small bow of respect. “You know the task for which have been summoned here for. To train, protect and serve the Avatar. To nurture her into an Avatar as great as her predecessors and for that we have arranged a showing her potential. Please, judge her for yourselves as the masters. We present to you…The Avatar.”
And just like that the Avatar is led out into the courtyard by even more White Lotus sentries; around her access to water, earth and sand. Surrounded by several opponents all donning sparring gear. There is a thick layer of anticipation as all eyes focus on Shamo – everyone eagerly waiting to see how the young Avatar performs.
“Begin!”
The shout signalling the start of the match pierces the silence and several of the benders launch their attacks at Shamo. The instructors remain on the sideline simply observing, but before three minutes even passes the match is interrupted by the sound of the warning bell and shouts calling people into action as everyone within the stronghold starts running around trying to prepare defences, ready the airship for the Avatar’s departure – the whole populace of the fort thrown into an organised chaos. The sound only means one thing; the United Forces have been spotted and they’re nearby.
The instructors and Avatar are lead out of the courtyard and toward an airship by the very sentry who greeted them at the courtyard. The airship, which several sentries are still rushing supplies onto, is a medium sized affair. It is well fortified and boasts a relatively inconspicuous design; it is certainly one of the newer models made by future industries. The group watches as their personal artefacts and various animal companions are already being taken on for them – in many ways, it is admirable how well prepared the White Lotus was for this event.
“The United Forces are nearby! You must depart at once Avatar Shamo, for your own safety. This group of men and women will serve as your masters for the final time. The next time you and I meet you shall be a fully realized Avatar, master of all the elements, ready to save the world. I hope you have, at the very least, enjoyed your time here. Goodbye, Avatar.” He offers her one last bow as a goodbye before turning to her new group of protectors.
“Keep the Avatar safe no matter the cost. Lay down your very lives if you have to. See to it that San doesn’t extinguish this hope. May luck be on your side brothers and sisters.” With this final bow he makes his way off the airship to join the other members in preparing for the United Nations – should the worst come to the worst. The sentries bring on the last of the supplies and each of them say goodbye to Shamo for one last time. Once everything is ready the airship takes off without warning speeding them into the sky and towards safety. The doors of the entranceway open and the group find themselves in the hub of the ship. There are seats and a table, a large board with a map, a pai sho board and a few other games to pass the time with – but the entertainment isn’t exactly world class.
The group is greeted by four people; a burly man wearing a hat and coat that is too big for him, a teenage boy who looks smiley and cheery, a man with some odd goggles on who seems to be laughing to himself at nothing in particular and finally a teenage girl wearing a pilot suit who looks a little bored. The man in the large coat is the first to speak.
“Welcome! WELCOME AVATAR! …And the rest of yose. The names Blackburn and I be the proud Cap’n of this here airship. AND THIS IS ME CREW and I can I just that we are more pinker than a tickled platypus bear that we’re escorting the Avatar. I been a fan of your work since the Kyoshi era! You don’t think you could sign me an autograph could ya? Just make it out ‘Your friend Blackburn. The finest man to sail on the seven seas…AND THEN THE AIR’ and I’ll be as happy as a stuffed papaya.”
A sharp jab in the ribs from the girl in the pilot suit suddenly sends Blackburn off his tangent and seemingly back to his point.
“Ah right! Enough games time for business. As you know this here is a top secret mission BUT those scurvy bilge rats found us anyway. Which means there could be a snake in the grass. We gots to get you to the top secret island Avatar, but we could keep our current course and head through this mountain pass and over near a set of Fire Nation villages OR we can take the way through this swampland. There swamp is empty because there has been some strange goings on, but it will be clear of any United Forces…Well, we gotta hour or so before we need to decide anything so we’ll leave it up to you Avatar. Me and the crew will be in the front if ya need anything! Or if you just wanna talk with your pal, Blackburn!”
And with that Blackburn and his crew made their way out of the hub and into the piloting area of the airship. The travel was slow and silent for a few minutes before the sound of a loud explosion could be heard from behind them; a look out of the windows confirmed the worst fear – the United Forces had found the White Lotus and were currently battling them. With the speed the airship was travelling however it didn’t take long before the stronghold was completely out of view and thankfully they didn’t have anyone following them.
There wasn’t much left for the group to do now except to talk, get acquainted and choose the route that they wished to travel down.