Chapter 1: The Cycle of Suffering

Avatar Korra wandered along a winding path through the Foggy Swamp. She had been commissioned to locate and collect mushrooms that were growing somewhere in deepest corner of this thick, muggie swampland. It was a week ago when Korra awoke to find herself in very unfamiliar surroundings. Korra remembered walking for days, through countless nameless towns and villages, neglecting to eat or sleep. She remembered being so completely fixed in her thoughts. She felt stuck with her condition, the lingering effect of her engagement in mortal combat. The Avatar had once again saved the world, but the battle just about finished her. Korra had lost hope that she would find the answers to heal her broken body. She became filled with fear and anger as she imagined that she would never reclaim her role as Avatar. Korra spend days chasing phantoms and delusions down dark alley ways. She had vague memories of giving chase to what seemed like her own reflection; its eyes were ablaze with the Avatar Spirit, the all-powerful energy from which she was now disconnected. It lead her into this swamp, and then everything went black.

Korra awoke to the sounds of someone humming in the distance, nursing her from her long, deep sleep. Korra was thrilled to find it was Toph Bei Fong, legendary earthbender, 100-year War veteran, and companion to Aang, the Avatar incarnation that came before Korra. Toph had herself risen above a disability, using her blindness as a tool to become the most powerful earthbender in history. With her superior ability to sense subtle vibrations in the ground, Toph had become an earthbending master at an incredibly young age. Korra knew that it was fate that brought her to this swamp. Korra hoped that Toph would have the answers.

"Please," Korra pleaded. "You have to train me to get back into Avatar fighting shape. The world needs me!"

"Get over yourself! The world doesn't need you one bit." Toph's tone was krass and unsympathetic. Toph was renowned for her boorish temperament.

"But, while I've been the Avatar, I've stopped some pretty bad people from doing some pretty bad things," replied Korra, indignant and insulted.

The earthbender rebuked, "I've fought crime in Republic City for 30 years. And what did that do? Did it make crime go away? No! Your worthless ego is just a hallucination of your own uninformed mind."

Korra gave the Toph a bewildered look, "So does that mean you won't train me?"

"Well, I was going to wash my feet today... but ok. We can't have the bad guys kicking your butt all over the place, now can we?"

Korra found Toph's training methods brutal. It was almost like Toph was enjoying having someone to beat-up on. Korra whined, "You've been tossing me around like a rag doll."

"I know. And I'm an old lady!" The earthbender cackled.

"I just don't understand. I'm sluggish and tentative...I just can't focus!"
"It's probably all that metal you're carrying around in your body." Toph's words set off bells in Korra's head. There was poison still left in her?! "You mean to tell me you can't feel bits of metal flowing around inside you? You really are the worst Avatar ever! Totally distracted."

Korra frowned at the insult. But, in fact, she was more worried than she was insulted as she contemplated the earthbender's words . Since her ordeal with Zaheer, leader of the Red Lotus anarchist faction, Korra felt as if her body was broken and unfixable. Zaheer had mastered a mystical, metaphysical style of airbending, using the power of detachment to realize inconceivable abilities. It was the most grueling battle of her Korra's young life. With amazing resolve, Korra had defeated Zaheer. But, in the end, her life hung in the balance.

Toph's daughter, Suyin Bei Fong was the one who saved Korra. Suyin, like her mother, was a master metalbender, and recognized that she could bend the metal poison from the Avatar's body, saving her from imminent death. Korra always assumed that she was free of the poison. Yet, she was left feeling completely enfeebled, bound to a wheelchair, unable to walk.

Under advisement of her parent, Korra underwent healing treatments administered by Katara, the legendary master waterbender, 100-year war veteran, and wife to Aang, the Avatar incarnation that came before Korra. Korra found that Katara's healing sessions were enlightening and useful. But, she eventually reached a plateau in her recovery. Toph Bei Fong was the first earthbender to ever discover and master the art of metalbending. If anyone could rid Korra's body of the metal poison, it would be Toph. Korra was elated... only to later find herself deflated.

Korra screamed out in agony as Toph's hands scanned the young Avatar's body, attempting to extract the poison.

"It wouldn't hurt if you would just stopped fighting me!" Toph scolded the Avatar, insensitive to her pain.

"I'm not fighting!" Korra said as her body clenched with pain, frustration, and rage.

After a few more tries, Toph finally lost her patience. "That's it! If you want that metal out, you're going to have to bend it out yourself. I can't solve all your problems for you." But, Korra was helpless to bend anything, much less poison from her own damaged body.

Korra spent the next few days wandering around the swamp. She felt as if this Foggy Swamp was mixing with her mind, adding to her confusion. She was beginning to feel completely numb, yet somehow she was now so very aware of the poison. She swore she could feel it burning at her insides. Her fear turned to paranoia, obsessing that at any minute, the poison would finally overtake her.

With her mind heavy with thoughts, Korra continued to wandered down the path, hoping to come upon mushrooms in a swamp that was inundated with plant and animal life; a needle in a haystack. But really, mushrooms were the furthest thing from Korra's mind. Korra finally had the answer she was looking for, only to realize that she was more stuck than ever.

Chapter 2: the Yoga of Absorption

Korra continued to push along, mindlessly following this winding path. Increasingly, however, Korra became more and more aware of a gripping, uneasy feeling that was overtaking her. It was as if the path that she walked was deliberately leading her to its own destination. Korra continued to walk along until she noticed how the path ended ahead of her at a spot where vegetation became curiously thicker. She wasn't exactly sure why, but Korra felt the need to investigate. Korra advanced through the thick brush, pushing the vines and branches to the side as she made her way.

Korra pushed her way through to a clearing. But, she swiftly stopped short, stunned at what appeared before her. It was as if someone had switched on an incredibly bright light, illuminating a massive stage. Korra gasped as she watched actors materialized on this stage. They began the show, playing out the day that she fell helpless to Amon, leader of the anti-bending revolutionist group, the Equalist. Korra continued to look, unable to speak, move, or interfere. She couldn't take her eyes away, completely fixed in terrified. It was as if she was watching someone else, someone she didn't even know, kneeling before Anon, paralyzed and defenseless. But, Korra knew that, in fact, she witnessing to her own terrible memories.

Amon had complete control, manipulating the Avatar's body, using bloodbending, a uniquely dark form of waterbending. Bloodbending granted Amon the ability to extract a bender's energy source, leaving them completely powerless. He placed his hand to Korra forehead and drained Korra to exhaustion. Korra's eyes filled with tears as she witnessed her lifeless body hit the ground. She couldn't bare it any longer. Korra tried to run from the horrid scene, but only to be stunned in place again...it was scene two in this horrifying play.

There was Unalaq, the dark Avatar spirit, intent on plunging the world into 100 years of darkness. Korra watched as her larger-than-life Avatar spirits engage in battle with Unalaq, the waterbending master who became possessed by the dark Avatar spirit, Vatuu. Korra could only sit and watched as Vatuu ripped Raava, the Avatar light spirit from her body, leaving her lifeless and powerless once again. Korra cried out as she tried hastily to back away from this horrific scene. Korra again tried to run, but her foot got caught in the vegetation, sending Korra crashing to the ground.

Then, from behind her, Korra could hear the distinct sound of heavy metal chains ringing. The sound sent chills down her spin. Korra twisted her body around and spied the most terrifying scene of all. She could see herself suspended from the ceiling by chains that bound her wrists and ankles. She had been captured by Zaheer and his anarchist faction, the Red Lotus. They bound the Avatar with chains so that she couldn't bend or defend herself in any way...she was absolutely helpless. Continuously, Zaheer's men pumped more and more metal poison into her blood; her body reacted, throwing Korra in and out of the Avatar state.

Desperate to escape this third ghastly scene, Korra used her last bit of strength to bring herself to her hands and knees. She couldn't take it anymore; she was about to lose her mind. She wanted so badly to get away, to run, but, Korra couldn't take another step. She could only drop her head and look away. But, then, as suddenly as it had begun, the chaos that surrounded Korra suddenly dropped to silence.

Korra kept her head low, her eyes closed, waiting in the silence. Her body was shaking, but she couldn't discern if it was due to fatigue or fear. She could feel her heart pounding hard in her chest as she attempted to slow her breathe and calm her body. All the chaos around her had so suddenly appeared, then it so suddenly disappeared. But where had it all come from? Where did it disappear to? Korra was now sure she had lost her mind..

"Korra…" the Avatar heard a voice that was familiar. Korra open her eyes and lifted her head.

Bearing weight on one wobbly leg at a time, she struggled to her feet. She nearly lost her balance as she spun around, wildly scanning her new surroundings. The scene had changed; It now appeared as if the stage was enclosed by four walls. But, what was this? As she peered in closer, she discovered that in fact there were no walls. What looked like walls was actually a dense crowd of people surrounding Korra's imaginary stage. Korra tried to scan the crowd for anyone familiar, but all she could see were indistinct forms. They were all in darkness, like an audience surrounding the Avatar. Korra focused her attention, trying discern the mutters and whispers that were coming from the crowd. But, the voices were also indistinct and unfamiliar.

But, then finally spoke a voice that Korra could hear clearly.

"You can choose one, Korra," Korra was excited as she recognized the voice. It was the calm, steady tone of her master Tenzin's voice which Korra always found calming and reassuring. But the voice didn't seem to be projecting from anywhere or anyone in particular. Korra had no clue how to react or what to do. She stood silently, searching for a familiar face.

"Choose whoever you want, Korra. But, you can only choose one…"

What was Tenzin saying? It was her job to protect and care for all of them, for all the people of the world. She felt humbled by the responsibility and was determined to succeed. But, there was a darkness inside her; Korra felt isolated, believing that she needed to carry the weight of the world all on her own. What was Korra to do, now that she was broken and unable to fulfill her duties as Avatar? Who would keep balance and protect the people. She felt that the people would never again look to her for security and hope; They would only ever see her as the sorry sack who was once the Avatar. Korra had walked away from her family, her friends, her mentors...everyone who cared about her.

Korra now began to realize how badly she wanted it back. Korra wanted to again to be the Avatar, to bring peace to the world, and she wanted the people who she loved in her life. She wanted her people to be there for her, not just as the Avatar, but simply as Korra, girl from the Southern Watertribe. And more than anything, she wanted to be with Asami.

"Please, Asami..." Korra hadn't actually spoken any words. She realized by now that her thoughts were being projected onto this imaginary stage. There! A big grin appeared to Korra's face. Korra recognized the familiar face that she was hoping to see. Korra walked forward with cool excitement. She reached her hand into the crowd and felt a strong, yet feminine hand take hold of hers. Korra tightened her grip, and pulled Asami into the light. Asami appeared, as clear as day. Korra was instantly enchanted, staring deeply into Asami's emerald-colored eyes; her heart swelled with pure love. Asami was absolutely perfect. She was so warm and comforting, yet to so sophisticated and sharp. She never had such feelings of adoration and admiration.

Realizing that she was all-powerful in this fantastic play, Korra moved very closely into Asami. For the first time in a long time, Korra was without fear and without any confusion. She knew exactly what she wanted. Korra gently touched her lips to Asami's. Instantly, Korra felt an invigorating rush of energy pass through her body. Feeling Asami's soft lips against her's was intoxicating, yet pacifying. Korra felt herself relax, allowing her body and mind to totally submit to Asami's essence.

"Asami, I miss you…Asami, I love you." Korra again knew that she hadn't spoken any actual words. She knew that Asami was feeling her thoughts, as their energies had become intermingled.

"Keep faith, Korra." Tenzin spoke again. And then, just like that, Korra blinked and everything vanished. Korra gasped as she again scanned her surroundings. Her heart dropped and her shoulders slumped after she realized that the swamp had returned. Asami had vanished… everyone was gone. The only thing that remained was the path leading to undiscovered mushrooms. Korra took a deep breath, and followed it back.

Chapter 3: Emptiness of the "I"

Korra sat atop a huge tree root that was protruding from the ground; it served nicely as a sulking bench. Korra sat, hugging her knees into her chest. She had been staring at the damp, moss covered ground for hours, watching all sorts of critters scurry about. She was so lost, not sure what to make of her episode in the swamp. She had been paralyzed in terror, but then instantly filled with such contentment and love. What could it all mean?

"There you are! You got my dinner yet?!" Toph barked at the Avatar as she took a seat on Korra's sulking bench.

"No. This swamp...it did crazy things to my mind. I had…visions," Korra voice trailed off. Would Toph be dismissive of the experience that she had in the swamp?

"Yeah, I figured something like that might happen." Toph's tone was quite matter-of-fact. "The swamp can tell that you're out of balance and it is allowing you to see. These visions are all just projections of your mind. They will teach you what you need to learn, if you're open to listening." Korra let out a deep sigh as Toph continued. "Over and over you summon up thoughts and visions of your past enemies. Why is that?" asked Toph, pushing hard for Korra to find the answer.

"I don't know?!" Korra answered with a angry scowl across her face. "Because they've made me and a lot of other people suffer. That's why!"

" You're so clueless! You believe that your problems come from people or circumstances. You believe your suffering comes from your external conditions, never realizing that, in fact, it comes from your own self-consumed mind. Day after day you summon up ghostly nightmares of the past, reliving them over and over. You can't expect to deal with future enemies if you're still fighting old ones! Face your fears. Bring yourself back to that place, but with a calm, clear mind. Your biggest enemy now is your attachment to who you think you are. Release the belief that you are defeated. You are the Avatar, the symbol of balance and purity. The Avatar spirit is pure Source Energy, the original source of light. You must learn to identify with this Source Energy."

"But, how am I supposed to just forget what has happened?" Korra pleaded.

"Boy, you Avatars sure need a lot of hand-holding! Get up! We're going to the Banyan Grove Tree…"

The sun was just starting to hang low in the sky by the time the travelers reached their destination. Korra followed Toph through the swamp, leaping over colossal sized, gnarled roots, ducking under gigantic branches, and pushing past endless thick brush. Their destination was the heart of the Foggy Swamp. They walked to an area where the landscape sloped up into a raised platform. Atop this raised platform was the most enormous tree Korra had ever seen. The Banyan Grove was unreal with its grandeur. Korra figured that the tree had to be at least a couple hundred feet in diameter. The tree had a massive root system that cascaded down the landscape, dissolving into endless acres of vegetation. From this peak, Korra had a clear view of the entire swamp.

Toph spoke in a soft, relaxed tone, "The roots of the Banyan Grove Tree spreads out for miles and miles, each root is only an extension of the one expansive Tree. In the same way, we are all connect to the Source Energy. The Avatar Spirit within you is the essence of Source Energy. Your problem is that you've been disconnected for too long... disconnected from the people who love you and disconnected from yourself. Connect with this the energy to find your way."

Korra nodded in compliance. She then came to one knee, holding her hand against a thick root. She then began to focus her attention on her breath, bringing it to a slow, even rhythm. With each breath she took, Korra felt an energy that was building in her body. With her pinpointed concentration, Korra began to feel an energy, a pulsing sensation leaving her hand and moving into the Banyan Grove Tree. She could also sense that the tree was pushing its energy back into her hand, and into her entire body. She sensed that the Banyan Grove Tree was communicating with her. She suddenly felt her awareness become utterly expansive, just as expansive as this massive tree.

Just as Korra started to feel that she was in complete harmony with the Banyan Grove tree, she was snapped from her trance. Her concentration was broken by a clear-as-a-bell image that had popped into her head. She saw her friends, Tenzin's 3 extraordinary talented, remarkably courageous kids. Korra could see that they were there in the swamp looking for her!

Korra jumped to her feet with excitement. "I can't believe it," she exclaimed. "I just saw Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo. They're here!"

"Good! Hopefully they're here to take you home." Toph snickered, always in wait to unleash a sny remark.

Later that evening, Korra sat around a roaring fire with Toph and her youthful friends. They had retired to Toph's cave, a cave that was constructed from an elaborate network of Banyan Tree roots. Korra felt comforted by the fire. Reuniting with the kids inspired her. The kids pleaded with Korra to return to her role as Avatar. Korra came to appreciate how much she was missed. She felt as if she was being reunited with her sense of purpose. It's the Avatar's duty to protect the world, but Korra herself felt protected in knowing that she was connected to her friends. The world needs the Avatar to bring balance and peace to the world. But, Korra now understood that she needed to first find the balance and peace within herself.

Korra jumped to her feet, declaring, "Alright, I'm ready!" Avatar Korra stood face to face with the earthbending master, Toph Bei Fong. But there would be no sparing between them this time. Korra instinctively settled her body into a wide, balanced stance, her feet spread apart, her arms bent as if to lift the air in front of her, palms facing up.

Toph began to speak in a low, steady tone. "Close your eyes, clear your mind, focus your energy. Find the metal."

Korra followed her teacher's guidance. She started by swaying her arms, shifting her weight into different stances. Her movements became the focus of her meditation, and her breath became perfectly synchronized.

"Let it move through you," Toph continued. Korra began to swing her arms in a circular pattern, creating subtle twirls of breath within her body. She used her arms to usher her breath into her abdomen, into her heart, into her lungs, and then out through her nose. At the tip of her nostrils, Korra could feel her breath connecting with the air around her. And after a short time, Korra thought she could again feel her mind start to expand. She started to feel that the Avatar state was within her reach, when suddenly, a dreadful image emerged in her mind. It was the image of Zaheer; she remembered the day she found herself in the battle of her life. Korra chest became tight, and in an instant, Korra felt the currents around her stop, and she collapsed, doubled-over, gasping for air.

"That fight is over," Toph continued to guide Korra with a low, steady voice. "The only time is now. Use your breath to guide you back to the peace of this moment. Release the fear."

Korra took a deep breath, and again began to sway and swing her arms in an attempt to recreate the currents created by her breath. After a moment, Korra felt herself falling very deeply into the meditation, completely seduced by the rhythm of her movements. She began to feel as though her body was dissolving into her breathe, so much so that Korra could no longer feel anything. She was becoming one with the wind, her body and mind were reaching a state of emptiness…becoming empty of anger, empty of fear, empty of pain, and empty of any sense of herself.

A tingle began to run down Korra arms. She could feel metal fragments emerging from her skin. Korra started to feel excitement rise, knowing she was close to liberation. She kept her concentration, feeling herself bend the poisonous metal fragments from her body with purpose. She was succeeding, bending every bit of metal out and away from her body. Instantly, in a flash, Korra's eyes began to glow, ablaze once again with the Avatar Spirit energy.

"Well-done, Korra." For the first time, master Toph's words were kind and loving.

"The Avatar is back in business!" Korra could hear Meelo, Korra precocious little companion cry out with excitement. Korra was ready! She was finally ready to continue her life's mission as Avatar. She felt that she had discovered the peace and balance for which she had been searching. And with this feeling of renewal, Korra could now looked forward to stepping into a life as a new and improved Avatar. But, more importantly, she looked forward to finally returning home.