Author here, I know there are a few people wondering how long this book is going to be, and to answer your question, it's going to be a long one :) there are also things that are going to be mentioned in this book that takes place in my other ATLA book, so if you see a name that is unfamiliar to you, you have to read my other book to understand (it doesn't change anything that happened in LOK tho, so you can still read if you haven't read the other book). Happy Reading!
...
Li Na
I remember the moment I arrived in the Fire Nation. I was mesmerized by it's beauty, but at the same time, I remember being super overwhelmed. It was such a beautiful place with lots of history behind it, but it was also very new to me. I was born and raised in the city where I was surrounded by these tall buildings and food vendors, and it was always super busy as people either walked along the sidewalks or driving on the streets in their Satomobiles. The Fire Nation is surrounded with nature and not many buildings, and it has a more calm element to it, something I wasn't to use, but open to trying. The thing that worried me was the fact that I would no longer be with brothers, but I knew I had to do it.
I was blessed to have an opportunity where I was able to attend my dream school, which was built by a lady who I looked up to for my entire life. Airbending master and first lady of the Fire Nation, also known as Firelord Zuko's wife, Lady Kimi. She built these schools for kids who were like me who had a dream, whether it was dancing, the arts, or they loved math and science, and she also incorporated the history on the four nations as well since she was an airbender herself. My goal was to channel my inner Kimi in order to succeed during that time of my life. If I knew anything about her, I knew that when she was put into difficult situations, she would do whatever it takes to come out as the winner, and I knew I had to do the same. Sure things were complicated at home, but I still had my eyes on the prize.
...
Li Na
This place is amazing! Imagine your favorite place in the entire world, and then make it 1,000 times better, and that's this place! I never had the chance to go to orientation and tour the campus, so this is my first time actually seeing it in person, and it's wonderful! There are so many people here who are older but are just like me, and I can't wait to make new friends and really get to live my life like I want to! I just wish my brothers were here to- no. They made their decision, so here's me making mine. They'll get over it, and I'm sure they'll see how great this place is when they decide to visit me.
I look at my schedule to see what building my first class is in. My first session is in the upcoming days, but since I was never given a proper tour, I've decided to give myself one so I can know where I'm going when I start. My schedule is telling me to go room 121B, but I have no idea where that is, this place is humongous. I don't know where to start!
Ok Li, find someone to help you.
I look around to see if someone can help me. I'm surrounded by so many people, but everyone here is so much older than me- that guy has a mustache! Ugh, I'm so nervous! I don't want to make a bad first impression, and I want to be taken seriously even though I am younger than most of the people here.
"Hey," I hear someone say to me.
I turn around, and it's a guy. He's dressed in his school uniform, he's tall, and he has black hair. His skin is so pale, and his eyes are dark.
He's kinda cute, but my only interest now is my education... And Wei.
"Oh, hi. Were you talking to me?"
"Yeah, you look a little lost?"
"Ugh, I do?" I ask.
"Yeah," he chuckles a bit. "Let me see your schedule."
I hand him the paper and patiently wait as he reads my schedule.
"This is great, you're a dual enrollment like me, and we have the same classes together!- except ballet. I don't do that. I can show you around if you want."
I give a smile. "Thanks, that would be nice!" I tell him.
He takes the lead and I follow him to wherever this room is.
"My name is Aki," he introduces himself.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Li Na. You can call me Li if you'd like."
"So you're a dual enrollment? Not too many of those here. You must be really smart!" He says.
"I guess you can say that," I admit. "What about you though? You're one as well."
"Yeah, but I went to a really small school, wasn't really too many students they could pick from. Where did you say you were from?"
"Republic City, born and raised. I take it you're from here?"
"That's really cool! I was born and raised here, but I've always wanted to go to the city."
"Well since you're showing me around campus, I guess I can tell you more about the city as a thank you," I tease.
"Deal!" We agree and we shake hands.
"Republic City is great, but have you heard of Zaofu?"
...
Aki ended up showing me around the entire campus, and he even introduced me to some of the other students! It was really nice to be surrounded by people just like me who have a passion for something, and not really having the weight of the world on your shoulders. I liked being on Team Avatar for the most part, but the arguing, the disrespect, the kidnappings, and the stress of having other people's lives in your hands was just a lot sometimes. It makes me sad that Korra has to deal with that. She's the Avatar, she can't just get up and leave (author- cut to season 4, lol) ...Maybe I should talk to her. I feel bad for not telling her why I left. I want her to know that I'm always thinking about her, and no matter what, I'm on her side. I at least owe her that... Even if she did agree with my brothers to send me away.
"Hey, are you ok?" I'm asked, distracting me from my thoughts. I turn to Aki and give him a smile.
"Sorry. Yeah, I'm fine."
"So for our last stop, this is the activity board. Everything is posted here. Job offerings, wanted roommates, club openings, everything."
"Hmm, maybe I can hang up a flyer here. I'm looking for a roommate, and hey! Look at this," I say as I grab the help wanted sign in front of me. "Firelord Zuko's wife, Kimi, is looking for an assistant. This is perfect! I really need a job, and I love her."
"You said you're looking for a roommate?" Aki asks.
"Yeah, you know someone?"
"I may. But anyways, you should really go for this job. If you really look up to her, you should go for it," Aki encourages me with a smile.
"You're right, Aki. Thanks!" I say as I smile back. "I had a really great time today, but I think I should get back. I need to call my brothers."
-even if they are a pain in my butt!
"Do you live on campus?" He asks.
"No, I have an apartment just outside of here."
Thank my lucky stars for Asami, she works fast! After she signed my papers, she made a few calls and pulled a few strings and was able to get me an apartment close to school. Another reason why I have to get a job so I can pay her back. After everything she's done for me, and being the perfect friend and guardian, of course I'm going to pay her back! Regardless of her saying I don't have to.
"Wow, you must come from money," he teases.
"Not exactly," I laugh. "I actually grew up on the streets, and I was raised by my brothers. That arena I told you I spent a lot of time at, I actually lived there for years. In the attic to be exact."
I feel like I can trust Aki, so I remove my gloves and show him my disfigured hand. Thanks to Wei, I have a lot more confidence in myself, and I can't help it if people spend their energy being nasty about something that happened to me as a kid. It shows just how miserable people can be.
Thank you,Wei.
"These are my battle scars," I tell him.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. It was tough after the accident, but everything I went through made me who I am today."
...
I've finally arrived at my apartment, which is 10 minutes away from school, and now I'm about to put to put the key in the door for the first time. This is so exciting, and I can't believe this is actually happening to me! I'm a teenager, but I already have my own apartment, I've been given a scholarship to my dream school, and I've been presented an incredible opportunity to possibly work with airbending legend herself, Kimi of the Fire Nation! Life is really starting to look up, the only thing missing are my brothers.. But they chose what they want to do with their lives, and now I've chosen mine.
I opened my door, and wow! I'm welcomed to an empty living room, but it's my empty living room! I walk inside and sit my backpack next to my luggage's that were dropped off earlier. First things first, I need to get some furniture to jazz this place up a bit! After I purchase my books and pay my bills, I'll take the money I have left, put half of it away and use the other half for my apartments interior. Asami gives me a monthly allowance, so I really need to prioritize and spend my money wisely. (Author- I need to take my own advice)
I walk into my kitchen and grab myself a snack. Asami made sure I wouldn't go hungry on my first night, that's for sure. Afterwards, I walk into my new bedroom and sit down on my mattress... It's lonely here. Times like this Bolin and I would share a plate of cookies while we play pai sho, then Mako would join and help me win, and right before I'd win, Pabu would run across the board and mess up the pieces, ruining the whole game...
Maybe this was a mistake..
I unload my bag and decided it's time to write Korra. I was mad at my brothers, not her. I just felt a little betrayed by her. But she deserves to hear why I left and know that I'm not mad at her. I take out a pin and paper, but I also take out Barry. Barry is my favorite stuffed animal that I've had since I was little. Bolin gave him to me when our parents were.. You know, as a mourning gift, and I've had it ever since. That time of our lives were really dark, but at least we were that little piece of light for each other that we needed.
...
Dear Korra,
I know I should've called you, but you probably don't want to hear my voice right now, and you're probably really busy with everything that's going on with Zaheer, but please hear me out. I'm sorry for leaving, but I had to. I was in a really dark place, and I wasn't happy anymore. The more I stayed the more miserable I became. Sure I know the moves and tricks, but I'm not a fighter, my brothers made that clear. I'm an inventor, and in order for me to follow my dreams and be who I want to be, I had to leave.
Being at school is fun, and I've met some really great people already, but when I come home to my apartment, it's really lonely. Just know that it doesn't matter how many people I meet, they're not you, and I really miss you. I wish my brothers could've been more supportive, but hopefully they'll come around soon, I just ask that you take care of them. I know they can be a handful sometimes. I love you , Korra.
Take care! ~Li Na
....