#I need more of Kyoshi and Kelsang family content

[dartalias]

if Kelsang had adopted Kyoshi as a child

[swiftsaltsweet]

The Fire Sage Fiasco Chapter 1: The Party

Characters: Rangi and Yun (Kyoshi variant later)

Pairing: Rangshi (variation, reincarnation by a diff name :'D)

Summary:

It was just supposed to be a normal birthday for Rangi, but everything changed when the Fire Sages attacked!

(AU: What if Rangi was the Avatar?)

Other Sites: AO3 

A/N: “Another Kyoshi/Rangi centered fic, Salty?” What if I said I have a problem? ;w; Or should I say I was possessed? TT0TT

(also I realized I never posted this on here...oops)

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The sun was high in the sky with nary a cloud in sight. Rangi nibbled on what was probably her hundredth mushroom in the past hour. Her mother really went all out for her birthday. Despite the price and season, her mother had found a way to fully stock a special reserve of stalknose mushrooms just for her.

There were plenty of other delicious foods for her guests to enjoy. Her guests, which was just a small gathering of Avatar Kuruk’s, and now Avatar Yun’s, entourage, and some of her own well extended family members. 

Avatar Yun had convinced Jianzhu to celebrate Rangi’s sixteenth birthday in the Fire Nation on her home island. She told him he didn’t need to, and that she was fine celebrating it in Yokoya, but secretly she was relieved he’d done it. Turning sixteen was an important year in the Fire Nation, so the fact she was able to do it here was a blessing like no other.

The only downside is that her days before and after her birthday had been and would be filled with more and more dry Avatar meetings. Not that she completely minded, as long as she was helping the Avatar and fulfilling her duty, she was content. There was nothing she’d trade in the world for her position.

“I never thought I’d see the day! You? Enjoying something? Who would've guessed!” She heard a chuckle beside her. 

Rangi turned around and saw Avatar Yun, and pouted as she stopped consuming one of her glorious mushrooms. “What? They’re…..a delicacy. I’m just enjoying them while I can.”

“You know you’re allowed to say ‘I like this,’ right?” He grinned at her. 

She blushed in annoyance. “I-I know that! I’m just saying, it’s great to enjoy such a rare opportunity. Is that so wrong?”

He raised an eyebrow, his stupid grin turning into a stupid smirk. “So, translation, ‘I really, really like these stalknose mushrooms, Yun! I hope I get them every birthday!’ Is that right?”

Rangi kicked a sturdy rock towards him, which he knocked away with a wave of his finger. 

“Attacking the Avatar, now?” He squinted at her, challenging her. Well two could play at that game.

“It’s my birthday wish,” her voice dripping with sarcasm as she gave him her own smirk, now tapping another rock at him. He kicked it up and started to juggle it. 

She kicked up another rock, then another, and another. And he caught each one, and juggled it expertly. He switched from two hands, two just juggling them with one hand, and mocked yawned with his free hand. “Is that all you got?”

“Oh? Is the circus in town?” A disapproving voice approached. It was Rangi’s mother, Hei-Ran. 

Rangi stopped what she was doing, and stood at attention. Yun dropped the rocks he was bending and gave her a sheepish smile. “Oh, c’mon Sifu! It’s a birthday party! We’re just having fun!”

Hei-Ran massaged the bridge of her nose. “That type of fun is only allowed for children or Air Nomads. Both of which, you two are neither.”

The two teens pouted, even at a birthday party, they had to be mindful of who was around them. Even among her own family, they had to maintain their image. Maybe I should’ve had it back in Yakoya. Rangi thought sullenly. At least they wouldn’t have to worry about some of the more troublesome Fire Nation customs. It was her birthday, surely some tomfoolery wouldn’t be a sin?

A rock whizzed past Rangi right over to Yun, Yun snapped his arms to catch it. “Air Nomads can have fun you say? Then what if this Air Nomad dragged them into it?”

Kelsang approached, giving Hei-Ran a cheerful grin. Hei-Ran responded back to her old friend with a small frown, and then a nod, before walking away. Yun looked at Hei-Ran confused, but Rangi completely understood the interaction. ‘Took you long enough, now they can let loose. But don’t drag me into it.’

Kelsang took the opportunity to air puff up the rocks Yun had previously dropped, which caused Yun to start juggling again. 

Rangi resumed her original goal of finding the nearest rock, and then kicking it over to Yun like a ball. Kelsang mirrored her, but would find much heavier rocks to airbend over to the boy. Yun expertly caught each one.

Rangi found one about the size of a Kuai ball. She put her toe on top of it, before flicking it and maneuvering her same toe under it, as if she was going to juggle it with her foot. Outright kicking this rock at Yun would’ve hurt her too much, she needed to find a way to throw it. But bending down to pick it up made her feel uncool, so she opted for a foot throw.

She anchored her other foot down, and thrusted her foot forward. It sailed to Yun easily, which surprised her a little. It felt lighter than it had looked, but she chalked it up to her leg muscles getting stronger from the new horse stance routine she'd recently started. She couldn’t help but feel a bit proud knowing her muscles were getting stronger, just because she upped her training regiment a bit. 

They kept up the pace, and eventually Yun started to draw a crowd. Impressed by how much earth he was bending at once. 

The only thing that could make them stop was a gasp at the front gate. Everyone turned their heads and saw what the commotion was. 

A group of Fire Sages were marching towards through the gate, they looked haggard like they had sprinted to get there. It must’ve been an emergency.

Rangi stood at attention and flanked Yun, the party was over, she was in Avatar bodyguard mode again. Yun masterfully stopped the juggling, and lowered the pieces of earth safely to the ground.

“What seems to be the problem?” Yun asked the approaching men. Jianzhu and Hei-Ran approached just as fast as the sages, flanking Yun and Rangi’s side.

The leader of the Fire Sages stepped forward. “A-Avatar….” he gasped. 

He looked at the ground, unable to look in Yun’s direction, or any direction for that matter. None of the sages behind him could do so either. 

They looked pale, like they’d seen a ghost. 

“Yes? Again, is there an issue?” Yun’s eyes softened upon seeing the older man’s distress growing more and more.

“I-I’m sorry, Avatar!” The leader’s hand flew to his forehead, wanting to run it through his hair, but instead he almost knocked his hat off. “We-we didn’t know! It….It wasn’t time! We thought we had more time, but-but the sacred fire it just…… We had no idea! Something went wrong! Terribly wrong!”

He was choking out sobs now. Almost as if he was awaiting a divine punishment.

Benevolence rested on Yun's face as he took a step forward, reaching his arm out to comfort the sage. “Please sir, it’s ok! I’m sure whatever it is we can fix it-”

The sage head shot up, and took a step back away from Yun. As if afraid he’ll be struck by lightning. “No! No, it cannot be fixed!” He was almost angry, but where it was aimed at was anyone’s guess. 

“You cannot talk to the Avatar that way!” Rangi yelled at the man, who curled in on himself in response. 

Yun put his hand up, signaling to her that it was alright and he didn’t mind the man’s outburst. Rangi fell back.

“I-I can’t believe….” As the leader was mumbling trying to figure out what to say, a younger sage started to speak up through a thick sob. “I…I can’t believe it. That Avatar Kuruk’s record was broken, and s-so soon…and…” The young sage then began to wail.

Yun looked back at Rangi and his sifus, eyes wide and eyebrows raised. Rangi, Kelsang, Jianzhu, and Hei-Ran could only return the exact same look right back at him. What record was there of Kuruk’s to break? From one of his silly competitions? It was the only thing that made sense. But why would something like “heaviest boulder lifter” bring the Fire Sages to tears?!

The younger sage collapsed to his knees, his brethren trying to get him to stand back up. Tears were silently streaming down their faces as well.

The leader spoke again, his voice shaky. “I apologize, this should be a happy occasion. I-we….. It’s just……  thinking about how this has come about, it’s just horrible.”

The younger sage was wailing louder, through his sobs Rangi could only hear one phrase ‘too young, too young.’ He kept repeating it, like a chant. It set her entire being on edge. Her bones, her blood, her skin, it all prickled. It wasn't something bad that happened, it was something ghastly. 

Finally the leader picked his head up, and looked directly at Jianzhu of all people. His face looked like it had aged a hundred years. “I am so sorry. You all were robbed.”

Jianzhu stepped forward, his voice booming. “Robbed?! Do you mean Yokoya? Or one of my other-”

The leader held up his hand to stop Jianzhu from speaking, and just shook his head.

“Then what?! What was I robbed of?!” Jianzhu bellowed. 

The leader didn’t answer, whatever it was, it was too painful for him to say. Instead, he just turned his attention to Hei-Ran, his eyes pleading at her.

“Jianzhu, hold on.” She put a hand on her friend’s shoulder and pulled him back. “Fire Sage, please state your business here. I don’t think we can handle any more of the suspense.” 

She gave a small smile to the older man, surely hoping that friendliness would coax the answers out of him. It worked. He seemed to regain some composure, and gathered the strength to push forward. 

The leader closed his eyes, and his voice shook. “We’re here for the Avatar.”

Yun took another step forward, exasperated. “Well I’m here, so what-” 

“Not, you.” The sage cut off Yun, his face was now hardened refined like pure steel.

In what felt like an eternity, they all witnessed the Fire Sages’ eyes slowly drift towards Rangi. It took another eternity as they each, one by one, sunk to the floor into a full dogeza bow. 

“It is our honor to serve you. Avatar Rangi.”

_____

A/N: Dun dun duuuuuuuuh. 8U Was just going to make this a “haha” silly tumblr post on my main account. But then I was like “Oh but what if I really just dove deep into this lil nugget?” And now we’re here.

Anyway, AHHHHH lol, I dunno where I’m going to go with this (don’t expect fast updates TT0TT). I’ll break canon if I can get Rangshi to work (actually I don’t think I have to break anything, iirc I think I can make it work with what LoK gave me)! But atm I just wanna spiral with this and Rangi~! 

I did make an alternative version of this, it’s a one-shot called “Tea Readings”. ;U It was supposed to be funnier, but it ended up being dramatic too TT0TT 

Btw, I’m writing this before Reckoning of Roku comes out, so…..if they explain how they identify the Fire Avatar……..and it happens to not be how I do it….well…..darn. 8U How they identify the FIre Avatar was hinted at here, but should be fully explained for the next chapter (only two chapters have been fully planned, I have an idea of what to do next but nothing typed out yet).

[patrickstargang]

Forgotten Past, Hidden Future (Legend of Korra fic)

Chapter 1: Looking In The Wrong Places

Chapter 2: Lucky To Have You

Chapter 3: A Lot To Learn

Chapter 4: Kya’s Story

Chapter 5: A Tale of Miazu

Chapter 6: The Avatar’s Love

Final Chapter: The Mural

spoilers for Rise of Kyoshi in this chapter

“When I was a young girl, I worked as a servant for an estate up in what used to be Yokoya Port. Before then, I was just an orphan living on the streets. I had crossed paths with a bender who taught the Avatar before me, an Air Nomad named Kelsang. He took me in and cared for me while I was growing up. He didn’t know I was the Avatar then, but he still looked after me and I grew to see him as my father. When I was old enough, he helped me to find work and a place to stay. That place was the Avatar mansion.

“At the time, many thought that a boy named Yun was the Earth Avatar. Most of this was due to the Earth Kingdom’s somewhat archaic system for finding the Avatar, which led to desperate decision making. After I showed dedication in my work, I became a personal servant of Yun. I got to know him well and we became good friends. There were even times where I thought we would be more than that.

“I also met someone else. Someone who would be incredibly important in my life. A girl named Rangi. She came from the Fire Nation and was the Avatar’s bodyguard. She always said that she was ‘honor-bound to follow and protect the Avatar.’”

It was a brand new sight to see Kyoshi chuckle, Korra couldn’t believe it but she didn’t let it distract her.

“She was great at barking out orders, always bossing me around the mansion. But I could always sense a facade behind it all. Like the cold shoulder, she would give me now and then meant something else. But I grew to be close with the two. It seemed odd, being a mostly novice bender and having two friends who were masters of their craft. Sometimes it felt alienating. More than that, it was hard to come to terms with the fact that I had feelings for both of them. Being at a young age my mind was going in a million different directions.”

This reminded Korra of her own relationships, and the million different directions her mind went back when she was younger, going from Mako to Asami. “I definitely know what that feels like.”

“But, things started to change. The position of Avatar was being put into question as people began to slowly realize that Yun wasn’t the Avatar. Some thought I knew... that I was hiding this secret away. Rangi resented me at first, she thought it was some kind of sick joke. But it wasn’t, I’d never try to hurt her or Yun like that.”

There was a long pause after that last sentence, a long painful pause. There was a great deal of regret hanging on to those final words.

“That wasn’t the end. Someone I thought I could trust betrayed me, killed not just the only person I saw as a father but Yun as well. Or so I thought. But at that point, I felt alone. I was being hunted by one of the most powerful people in the Earth Kingdom. It felt like going back to the streets, I felt truly alone. But it didn’t last long. Rangi was there to help get out of Yokoya Port and find safety. She was by my side all the way through. At first, I just thought she was doing this because she knew I was the Avatar.

“Back when I was still a maid, there was a group of kids who would always try to pick on me. Some of them said that I was still just a poor girl just like them, which to an extent was true. But there were other things that they said about me, much more hurtful things. I’m not sure how they knew what those words meant, or if their parents told them, but every once in a while I would catch an insult from them. And Rangi, she would always scare them away. They knew they could pick on me, but they didn’t dare pick on Rangi. But she tried convincing me to stand up for myself, she was so adamant about it. It was hard for me to understand, mostly because it felt like she was mocking me. But later, I figured it out.

“While we were staying in a new city to get away from trouble, Rangi got into a fight that almost ended in her death. I felt completely helpless to stop it but she made it out before any permanent damage was done. I confronted her about the fight, I was so confused why someone would put themselves through all that suffering so recklessly. And that's when it hit me. She wanted me to know what it felt like, to see someone you love take a hit and not stand up for themselves. To just accept that suffering. She said that pained her to watch, to see me put myself through that suffering. Whether it was being picked on by some local kids or letting personal vendettas eat away at my humanity, she had enough of it. She told me that she cared about me, not as the Avatar but who I really was. She said that I deserved happiness.”

The grin on Kyoshi’s face from before returned, but it morphed into a truly affectionate smile.

“She said that she wanted to make me feel loved.

“I knew what I had to do after that. I opened myself up to her, let her know I truly felt. Ever since then, I knew that she truly meant what she said. Later on, she would become my firebending teacher. She was tough as nails but she always knew how to keep me motivated. Though I wasn’t a fan of all the horse stance practice.

“But something happened, a kidnapping took place. She was taken and a good friend was killed. I felt like I was back right where I started. But with some help, she returned and the man who killed Kelsang and Yun was gone for good. But something happened to Rangi, something that.... damaged her honor.”

Korra could tell the severity behind that statement. She wasn’t completely knowledgeable about Fire Nation culture but she knew that an attack on someone’s honor was a bigger deal than it sounded.

“Not only that, but her mother had gone fatally ill and she needed to take her to the Northern Water Tribe for proper healing. So at that point, we both had to go our separate ways for some time. I spent those days in the Southern Air Temple learning to airbend while I was on the opposite side of the world from where Rangi was. It felt like such a long time, even though it was only a few months.”

Korra recognized something familiar in what she said. She remembered Asami saying that the time she was away healing from the mercury poison felt like the longest two years of her life. She felt a knot in her stomach, realizing that despite their difference of eras that they shared many struggles outside of being the Avatar. There was a feeling of mutual sympathy.

“But eventually we found our way back to each other. From then on, we were practically inseparable. We were always out there for each other, even during the craziest missions. There was always a fear that something would happen, that this might be the last time I would ever see her. I had lost so many friends, so many people I cared about. I couldn’t bear to lose her but I had to grapple with the reality of it. But she always stayed, every step of the way.

“After we brought some semblance of momentary world peace, we decided to celebrate by finally getting married. We both wanted to do it in the Earth Kingdom, we spent so much of our lives there and it meant so much more to us. But because of the prejudice of the time, we did it in secret with only a few friends down in Maizu. Despite the secrecy, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I still had that creeping suspicion in the back of my mind that this would all fall apart without a moment's warning, but it never did.

“That being said, we did eventually move to the Fire Nation. I didn’t want to keep my love in hiding for the rest of our lives and the Fire Nation was more accepting of us in that regard. We still got funny glances from others, but it wasn’t likely they weren’t going to say anything to the Avatar and her elite firebending bodyguard.

“After settling in the Fire Nation for some time, we both agreed that we wanted a child. We went to a local orphanage, it felt like writing the wrongs of when my parents left me as a kid. It was strangely cathartic, even healing. We found a girl named Koko. It didn’t take long before we knew she was the one. She had a lot of the same intensity that I saw in Rangi, it felt like I was seeing it again for the first time. We had our struggles raising her, as we both had our own responsibilities trying to help the world. But also, I feel we raised a really brilliant woman, and I couldn’t have done it without Rangi’s support, not just for me but for Koko.

Korra seemed fixated on this, she has considered a future with her and Asami but having a kid?! She thought it was out of the question, but this conversation gave her hope for a scenario she only considered just now. If Kyoshi could make it work hundreds of years ago, maybe she can too.

“But time went on. Everyone started getting older. Before I knew it my daughter was grown up and Rangi was reaching her final years. Having to see her go was painful, it really was, but at the same time I was content. For the longest time, we were having to suffer to help each other. Trying to help save the world. Always putting ourselves in constant danger. We went through so much, our only wish was to just grow old together. And we did. I always thought that Rangi would die in battle or be taken from me too soon. It was the greatest relief to know that she lived a good, long life and went peacefully among her friends and family.

“But I still remained.”

The coldness in her voice came back, it was as palpable as ever.

“The world was beginning to shift back into chaos and I still had to do my duty as the Avatar. To me, its what she would have wanted. In that time I took down Chin the Conqueror, created Kyoshi Island with Koko’s help and established peace in the Four Nations, for the time being.”

There was a question that was on Korra’s mind, but she didn’t know if she should touch on the subject. It felt wrong but part of her needed to know. “Did you ever find someone else?”

Kyoshi seemed confused by the vagueness of the question.

“I mean....did you ever remarry?”

Kyoshi slowly shook her head. “I couldn’t. I still felt so loyal to Rangi, even after all those years. But also because I knew that I would see her again.”

Now Korra was the one who was confused, but she continued to listen regardless.

“I kept growing older, seeing all my loved ones come and go with the ages was taxing but I still had that sense of duty that I had to uphold. Then, at the ripe old age of two hundred and thirty, I decided it was time for someone else to take over. Rangi wanted me to be honorable as an Avatar, but more than anything she didn’t want me to give up my own happiness for the sake of being the Avatar. Those last few years I started to remember that. I started hanging on to some of my biggest regrets, knowing it was pointless to do so. That was when I knew it was time for a new Avatar.

“I spent my last few days in Maizu. It felt therapeutic, with all the regret that I was holding onto, to see people that I was able to truly help. I saw how much it's changed since its inception, how happy everyone has been. It felt like a symbol to the spirit of these people, to see the village still standing even after hundreds of years. After a celebration was made by the villagers, I quietly passed on, leading Roku to fill my place as Avatar. And now, many many years later, two Avatars later…..here you are, Avatar Korra.”

It was hard to hide it any longer. Korra was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down her face. She felt great sorrow for Kyoshi, having to live on without the love of her life, but still finding the courage to continue on. It felt unbearable. She also felt something else, a feeling of smallness in the face of the long legacy of the Avatar. Kyoshi’s journey defined a generation while Korra was still trying to make sense of her own. But most of all, she was confused. Confused at why Kyoshi was smiling.

The blue energy acting out the scene slowly faded away into the darkness. Korra had a burning question, a question that felt even more inappropriate than the last. But she needed to ask. “Why,” she spoke softly through sobs. “Why did you hold on to Rangi, even after all those years. Why did you say that you would see her again?! I-It just doesn’t make sense to me.”

Her confusion had given back to her sadness. It was hard for her to comprehend that level of unconditional love, a love that lasted through the eras. It was hard to see through the tears, but Korra could hear Kyoshi chuckling.

“Korra, Avatars aren’t the only ones that reside in the Spirit World.”

Before Korra could comprehend the statement, the blue aura appeared again. Taking shape, it seemed to resemble a person, somewhat shorter than Kyoshi. Then it began to fill in the details, a woman with black hair, probably in her 30s, and Fire Nation armor standing by Kyoshi’s side. It was Rangi. Korra, with watery eyes, stared in absolute amazement, beginning to smile again.

Rangi bowed slightly in her presence. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you Avatar Korra.”

Korra, trying to hold herself together, bowed back. “It's a pleasure to meet you too.”

Korra stayed in that position for longer than she needed. Once she rose back up, she was still overcome with emotion but was still smiling. “Thank you….. for everything.”

“Korra, always remember what I said to you. You're still young but you’ve done so much already.” Kyoshi let her words simmer in the moment. “Already you’ve done a great service to the world, take the time that you have to let yourself be happy. You’ve spent so much of it becoming a good Avatar, now's the time to appreciate those that truly love you.”

Kyoshi gave a cheeky smirk. “But I think you’ve already got part of that taken care of with your girlfriend.” Rangi rolled her eyes at Kyoshi.

Korra blushed profusely. “Wait, how did you know about that?”

Kyoshi stared at Korra ominously. “I see everything.” She paused for dramatic effect before Rangi gave her an elbow to the side. “I’m just kidding, I’m just kidding!”

Seeing these little interactions, the mannerisms between the two were healing to Korra. Knowing that even after years of separation and many more years of being back together, they still had playful banter with one another. It was obvious that they still loved each other. It didn’t help her already tear-filled attempt at staying collected.

“But do take her words seriously,” said Rangi. “You won’t always know when your time with the ones you love might come to an end. Take advantage of the time you have now. I may not know this girl, but I can tell from that look in your eyes that she truly loves you.”

The certainty in her tone was shocking but comforting at the same time.

“That's special, not everyone can find a love that special. Never take it for granted Korra.”

Korra rubbed her eyes, continuing to smile in admiration. She felt relieved, not just about her search coming to end, but for everything. It was starting to dawn on her that maybe she has found happiness, maybe she hasn’t fully accepted it yet. After everything, after the world continuously falling into chaos, after what was her lowest point, she really was finding true happiness. And they could tell, just from a look on her face.

“Thank you both,” Korra said over light sniffles. “I’ll never forget this, I promise.”

“We know,” Kyoshi interjected. She gave Korra one last approving face, a true sign of admiration. “Until we meet again…….”

Both Kyoshi and Rangi bowed before they dissipated into the blue aura, which itself vanished. Korra bowed back to the empty ethereal plains. The white lights around the dark began to burn brighter, becoming an all-consuming pure white. The sound of chimes started to ring in Korra’s ears.

--------------------------------------------

Korra’s eyes sprung open. She was still pouring with tears, but her breathing was slow. She glanced to see Asami and Kya, still by her side. They also opened their eyes when they heard her breathing change. Asami noticed the tears coming down her face, she looked at Korra with concern. She put a hand to her cheek just like she did at the dining hall, with the same amount of tenderness. Korra realized that this might be the first Asami has seen her cry.

“Korra,” Asami spoke softly.

“I did it, I finally did it.” Korra’s smile was massive, an affectionate look back at Asami which she also gave to Kya. She didn’t try to hide the tears, she just let them flow out like a river.

Asami returned the smile and hugged Korra. They both held on tight to one another with Kya joining in. Feeling the love around her at that present moment, it felt good, like a genuine release for what seemed like the first time in a while.

Korra chuckled, “I haven’t cried this much in months.”

They all chuckled with her, as Korra felt the collective warmth of being with those she loved. She didn’t want to ever let go of this feeling. As they all sat there together, Asami leaned into her ear and whispered...

“I knew you could do it. I’m so proud of you.”