Korra and Kya were heading to the Southern dock with Naga on their tail. The path was lighted dimly by a lantern. Nothing beat the eerie silence except for the howling wind, the hooting owls, and the snow crunched under Naga’s paws as she jumped playfully onto the footprints left behind.

“So… huh...who is the Avatar Aang?" Korra asked.

“He's the Avatar before you,”  Kya said plainly. 

“I know. But what was he like? Is he... a criminal?”

Korra almost bumped into Kya as she suddenly stopped. 

“What made you think that?” Kya frowned.

“Just a guess.” Korra shrugged, “You don't like me, and Katara hardly talk about him, and for a bonus, people lock me in the compound. I just try to connect the dots.”

"I've never said I don't like you."  Kya tilted her head. 

“Of course. I must have imagined it somehow.” Korra rolled her eyes.

Kya stared at her, then went back to the walk. Korra snorted as she followed. 

“I'm sorry if I was rude. I'm just surprised. You’re, uh, my father’s past life.” Kya replied. 

“Are you mad at him?” Korra prompted. 

“We have some… unsolved business.” She carefully chose the words, “but to your question. No, he’s not a criminal. He did nothing but trying to help other people.” She paused, “He’s a hero.”

That what she always expected to hear when people talk about the Avatar Aang - He was a great man, a hero. But as the words came out from his daughter, somehow it felt forced. Korra couldn't tell if Kya being sincere, and as Korra was walking at the back, she certainly couldn't see what the elder was thinking.

“What is the Republic city look like?” Korra changed the subject.

“Can we walk in silence? We're almost there." 

"What do you have against talking?" 

“What do you have against silence?” Kya sighed. “It’s midnight, Korra. I’m tired.”

Korra dropped her gaze. “I just find it boring." She murmured.   

“Boring?” Kya laughed. 

Korra blinked in confusion. She didn’t expect to hear a laugh.

“Sorry. You remind me of my uncle. He just can’t stop talking.” Kya said. 

“Really? We would absolutely get along well then.” Korra laughed.  

“Maybe you would.” Kya gave a little chuckle, then looked sadly at the bright moon, “He had passed away many years ago.”

“I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

"He did what he has to." Korra wasn't sure what she meant, but Kya already picked up the pace, "Come on. Tenzin will love your companion.”

--

A breeze blows at her, and she could almost taste the salt in her mouth. They had arrived at the dock. 

The sun started to rise and set the sea in warm orange colour. The waves lapped gently against the rocky shore. Ships and boats were bobbing up and down on the surface, clinging to the wooden docks with worn ropes. Sea birds flew and cried in the sky, looking for any leftover from the fisherman's boats. People paced back and front, shouting as they moved to the ships.   

“This place is huge!” Korra exclaimed.

“Wait until you see Republic city.” Kya chuckled. She took a piece of paper out of her pocket and gave it to Korra. 

“Here." 

“What’s this?”

“A ticket to Republic city. How else would they let you go? Sky bison are not native to Water Tribe.” Kya laughed. 

“I know that,” Korra muttered, “Are you sure you can’t come with me?”

Kya looked at her sadly and shook her head, “I can’t leave my mother alone.”

“I know.” Korra sighed. Suddenly a thought crossed her mind. She tensed. “What if they recognise who I am? What if Tenzin refuses to teach me and send me back to The White Lotus?”

Kya bit her lip. “Considering how long I have known him, I’m afraid that what he will do. And you know the White Lotus will know where you are eventually. You can't hide forever.”

“That is relieved to hear. What souvenir do you want me to bring back for you?” Korra growled.

“I’ll see what I can do. For now, just focus on going to Republic city. It will be fun.” Kya said.

“Fun?” Korra squealed. “My whole plans are a mess! I don’t know if I can do this.”

“I have to agree your plans are a mess.” Kya sighed.  

“Thanks.” Korra muttered.

“But you’ll be alright. You found your ways to my house on your own, isn’t it?” Kya said. Naga barked objected from behind. “With Naga’s help.” She added, “And if things aren't going well, you’re always welcome to go home, and we can try again when you're ready. You’re not alone anymore.”

Korra didn’t say anything for a while. She looked at the sea, and everything gradually fell into silence. But for once, it didn’t scare her. In fact, she had never felt so calm as ever.

She took a deep breath. 

“Ok. I’m ready.”