The Legend of Anju

The Legend of Avatar Anju

Prologue

The frozen winds blustered in the night air outside of Aput's home in the Northern Water Tribe. The parchment she held in her hands was illuminated by the orange glow of the fire that had by now, burned down to embers after hours of having been ignited. It was a raging fire when she first opened the letter from her brother in Omashu, and even though she had read it all the way through many times, she just sat there staring at it now, letting the fire die for hours. The words on the page she read over and over in the fading fire light fueled her with desire. She had never gotten what she wanted, but this letter provided the next best thing: the power to bend all four elements.

My dear sister, Aput,

It's me, your brother Takoda. My husband and I are ecstatic to inform you that our daughter, Anju, is the next Avatar. After years of waiting and hoping for the return, we never thought Anju would be that beacon of hope the world needed, and we are so proud of them. She is still young but will be reaching adulthood soon, and can't master the four elements on her own in the time that she has. Anju is going to need a trainer, and I hope that you would give me and my family the honor of training them in waterbending. Although we've been apart for several years, I've seen you bend and I am familiar with your mastery- something I do not have- and I know you'd be more than competent as a trainer for my daughter as they learn how to be the Avatar the right way. Haruto and I can give you a place to stay here in Omashu as long as you need to make Anju a master, and who wouldn't want to spend time with their brother and niece? It's been so many years... I miss you Aput, and Anju would love to meet you. Please consider and send a letter back as soon as possible with your answer. I would be so grateful if you obliged.

With love, your brother Takoda.

For thirteen years, no one knew if the Avatar would return after Korra broke the connection to the past lives. Many people still held out hope while others lost it long ago. It didn't matter to Aput whether the Avatar came back. It only mattered if she had the power herself, but as a waterbender, it would be impossible, as earth was next in the cycle. But now, this letter that she held in her hands changed everything. Her own niece possessed the power she so greatly desired. And not only that, but she got to train her. The Avatar under her wing.

Aput didn't bother writing her brother back, this news was all she needed. She got on an airship the next morning and arrived in Omashu that night, greeted with much kindness from her brother, his husband, and their 13 year old daughter, the Avatar.