Like A Storm || The Legend of Korra x Reader

One | A Broken Promise

The sunset is beautiful in the South Pole.

The cloudy sky is streaked with watercolor brushstrokes of vivid flames. It shines down on the stark white expanse, painting the snow warm oranges and pale pinks. The flakes twinkle in the light like glass. Behind you the sunlight dances off the rippling waves of the frigid sea.

On your lap is a book you gave up reading hours ago - around the time you had to tuck your hands away into the mittens Katara gave you two years ago. Now you're just letting your thoughts wander. They mosey from idea to idea with no direction and they're never quite loud enough to drown out Ikki's energetic babbling.

Pema's eyes are closed and her breathing is deep. She teeters on the edge of sleep and you wouldn't dare wake her just for some conversation. Meelo is chewing on Tenzin's head as the man guides the bison toward your destination. Jinora's nose is buried in a book - one she can still read thanks to the airbender ability to regulate body temperatures.

The time bleeds together into a shapeless pool of boredom. Seconds become minutes become hours. The sun's monotonous trek across the sky is the only proof you're getting closer to the White Lotus Compound. It's the only bastion of civilization in this stretch of the arctic nightmare.

This is the first time you'll be seeing Korra in two years. You've sent letters back and forth to fill the gap but it isn't the same as seeing her smile in person. She's been your best friend since you were kids and the years passing haven't put any distance between you. Save, that is, for the physical. Living with Tenzin on Air Temple Island has kept you apart. Even if you'll only be together for the night, it's time together.

Your eyes are caught by something - a blur standing out on the horizon. As you near it you see the sturdy white walls of snow rising up around a cluster of buildings. They're built of wood - a rarity in these parts - and appear as dark dots on the pale canvas. Smoke rises from chimneys. A smile tugs at the corners of your lips.

As Oogi comes in for a landing you spot the welcoming party.

Katara is at the front, long white hair tied back, watching intently. White Lotus sentries stand at the ready.