The Little Pony Legend: Journey of Iris

With a steady drive, and a careful stop in the lot, Sunset Shimmer arrived home at one of Harmony City's apartment buildings, having just gotten back from grocery shopping. It wasn't as flashy as some of the others around town, but home was home. When it came to living her life, she now wasn't as alone in terms of the game of love, for she shared her home with her unicorn husband Nova Nightshade.

As she began to open up the back of her Satomobile to get said groceries, she stopped herself on hearing a child's innocent laughter. When Sunset looked up, she caught sight of a mother and her young child taking a stroll down the sidewalk. A nice sight to see for many, and it was followed by a husband and wife heading down across the way with their young son, who was holding onto both his parents hands, one hand per parent. After seeing both of those though, Sunset herself began to feel ... a little down, as it were. She let out a soft sight, proceeding to take the groceries out of her car and into her apartment. She held a few in her arms while levitating several more with her unicorn magic. Once inside, Sunset placed the bags on the table, reaching her hand into one of the bags to pull out the milk and various other items she purchased. As she did so, the door opened once again.

"Sunset, I'm home!"

"Hey Chi, I just got back. My shift at Future Industries was over an hour ago so I went grocery shopping."

"Oh, let me help."

"Thanks."

After the short conversation, the helpful Chi started to bring in some of the groceries alongside Sunset. At first, both sides just worked on the little chore quietly, but little by little, Chi began to notice the bummed out frown on Sunset's face.

"Hey, you okay?" Chi asked, as she placed a few cans into the kitchen cabinets. Sunset turned towards the wisp, but turned away again shortly afterwards.

"Oh, yeah. I'm…I'm fine." Sunset insisted as she continued placing each item in its place, multitasking with her magic.

"Sunny, I know you're lying." Chi made known. Sunset would try to deny it again, but her words mainly came up empty. In the end, Sunset just gave another sigh.

"It's just…it's already been a few years. I thought, that by now we would…"

"It'll happen, I know it will." Chi assured her, speaking in a kind and sympathetic voice.

"I'm not saying it won't, I'm just upset it's taken so long. I mean, Korra had Iris a year after she and Mako got married. Asami had Hiro a year after she and Bolin tied the knot too, heck same thing happened with Twilight and Flash with their kid. Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie Pie already have theirs and…"

It was clear at this point exactly what Sunset Shimmer was so upset about. After seeing all of her other friends have families of their own, and the families just outside of the apartment, it only reminded the unicorn of the fact that she had of yet to birth a colt or foal to call her own. Even after all the time spent with Nova. Chi floated over to Sunset Shimmer, manifesting herself in front of her. Not a forceful stop, but it still got Sunset's attention. She gently took what Sunset had in her hands and placed them near the kitchen sink.

"Just because it happened to them, doesn't mean it'll be the same for you." Chi stated.

"I guess being connected by the Elements of Harmony guarantees kids in some way." Sunset said, somewhat bitterly. Considering many of her friends birthed children rather quickly after their unions, it wasn't too far off for her to think that, even if it was a bit silly.

"Oh, don't say that! You and Nova are going to have your own little foal some day, I just know it." Chi assured her friend.

"But what if this means we're not meant to be parents?" Sunset wondered, the question only making her feel worse about the whole thing. Chi instinctively placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder.

"Now, don't you go sounding like Iris." Chi began with a more uplifting tone. "You and Nova would make amazing parents. I can see it now. That little kid running on over to hug his mommy, his dad teaching him how to levitate an apple, and his favorite aunt giving him piggy back rides. It's going to happen, Sunset. Trust me, some married couples have to wait a bit longer before they have their first baby, but that doesn't man it will never happen. You'll see."

Sunset could just see those exact things going on in her head as Chi went on about it. Her bundle of joy, enjoying life he or she will have with her, Chi, and Nova. It was surely some good assurance on Chi's part, and after a little while, Sunset went and smiled to her friend. The two friends then gave each other a warm hug.

"Thanks, Chi."

"Hey, what are sisters-in-law for?"

(~)

In another part of the city, Gallant was just arriving back to his parents' apartment building. Much like Sunset's, it wasn't anything too special, but it was still a nice place to live. It took a while for him to arrive to his apartment but he did triumph, and soon opened up the front door to head on in. Before Gallant could even say 'hello', another little creature suddenly jumped down at him. Not in an attack, but she was happy to see him, hugging him in the head, and giving a few licks. Gallant couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, Rosie," Gallant said, playfully fluffing Rosie's head. The little lemur got itself settled a bit easier on Gallant's shoulder, happy to see him return. He had the little lemur for a while now, and it was clear the two shared a strong bond with one another.

"Mom, Dad, I'm home!" Gallant called out. Rather than hear a reply from either of his parents, Starlight Glimmer came walking down the stairs. However, Starlight wasn't without some luggage, carrying down many an assortment of books. So many in fact, she had to levitate several others so she wouldn't tumble down the stairs for not seeing straight. Starlight didn't even notice her son standing there until after she came down fully.

"Oh, hey sweetie." Starlight said, placing the books down on the table. Seeing this happen got Gallant a little curious about the situation.

"Everything okay?" Gallant asked. Before Starlight could answer, her husband Sunburst soon walked downstairs. Much like Starlight glimmer, Sunburst was also levitating a lot of books, placing them down on the same table Starlight did.

"Don't worry about it, Son. Just, boring police work is all." Sunburst assured him. As Starlight and Sunburst sat down at the table, Gallant stared at them while placing his hands on his hips. Much like Chi with Sunset, he knew when something wasn't right with his own folks.

"Boring, huh?" Gallant questioned, an eyebrow raised to his parents. "You sure there isn't anything you need help with?"

Sunburst and Starlight looked at one another with concern. "Don't worry about it. We'll take care of it." Starlight assured her son.

Gallant crossed his arms. This smart cookie wasn't falling for it. "Mom, I know you're hiding something."

"W-What? Why would you think that?" Starlight stuttered a bit.

"Your hears are flopping."

And sure enough, upon checking, Starlight's ears were flopping quite a bit, as if a fly was buzzing around them and she was trying to flick them away or something. In a futile attempt to hide it, Starlight grabbed hold of her ears to get them to stop, but Gallant then noticed something else on the same table. It wasn't a book, but actually the same scale sample picked up from the park earlier.

"What is that?" Gallant asked, pointing to the scale sample, which gained troubled looks from both parents. They really didn't want their only son to worry his head over police work like this. However, how would they talk their way out of the sample on the table? They couldn't say it was just some nostalgic reading, because that thing was there. Sunburst was the first to nod his head in compliance. They should have known better than to try and hide anything of great importance to their their intelligent son. Why they thought they could was beyond them.

"Alright. Korra and the others found something today, and we're going to analyze it in order to figure out where it came from." Starlight said.

"Something vandalized the park this morning and we're tying to figure out who it was." Added Sunburst. Gallant took a step over towards the intriguing scale, and lifted it up to scope it with his own eyes. It didn't take him more than a minute to figure it out.

"Well, that's easy. It's a chameleon's scale."

"How do you know that?" Starlight asked, legitimately curious. It was hard for Starlight and Sunburst, never mind the people at HQ, to figure it out, and Gallant got it out of the blue.

"The coloring is very bright green with yellowish hues, which are common for the quilled chameleon found in the warmest forests of the Earth Kingdom. I did a paper on it for science class." Gallant explained, as he rotated the scale in his hand. "Though, I've never seen one of this size before. I'm assuming it's approximately forty to fifty centimeters or so, maybe less or more. But, it's biologically impossible for a chameleon to be of this size."

"That's why we're analyzing it, to learn more about where it came from and figure out what type of animal we're up against." Sunburst said, taking one of the books, and opening it out.

"But, it's nothing for you to get worked up about. We wouldn't want anything getting in the way you and your friends having a great time tonight at your concert." Starlight said. It was important that they figure this out, but it wasn't anything to trouble Gallant. Still, he wanted to help out.

"Well, let me at least get you my zoology books. You guys may know about protection spells and convergence spells, but I know animals."

"You sure? We don't want you to be late or anything." Sunburst asked.

"Relax, I've got plenty of time." Gallant assured, heading upstairs to get his zoology books. Starlight and Sunburst couldn't talk him out of it now, so instead the two started their investigation in the books they had.

(~)

Meanwhile, with the ring of the bell, Nori entered the Four Nations Boutique with great anticipation, and excitement. "Rarity! I came to get my outfit for the concert." Nori called, waiting for the unicorn in question to show up. However, the unicorn apparently wasn't around.

"Rare?"

Suddenly, a rather frantic looking Rarity came right up from behind the counter. "Oh, Nori! Sorry my dear, I was busy cleaning up back here. It's been rather hectic this week, what with that concert and all." Rarity said, a bit tired, but still up for helping out her friend.

The young merpony couldn't help but squee a bit at the mere mention of the concert. "I know! I'm so excited, I barely slept last night! I mean, how are you supposed to sleep the night before you get to see your idol in person?" Nori suddenly stopped herself, realizing what she just said. "I mean, Songbird is my singing idol, but you're still the best role model a pony could ask for."

"Oh, don't you worry about it, darling. Everypony can have more than one role model." After saying that, the lovely unicorn stroked the merpony's green and purple hair in a maternal manner, adjusting her bang a bit to make her all the more beautiful.

"Great, so, about that outfit…"

"Oh, yes, it is nearly finished."

"Oh, good because I--wait, nearly finished?!" Nori gasped. Rarity nodded her head as she walked away to the other clothes.

"Why yes. It will be ready for the concert tomorrow night." Rarity assured her, starting to rearrange some of the clothes lined up on their hangers on a nearby rack.

Nori's eyes widened in horror and started to hyperventilate. She dashed forward, sliding to a half and outstretched her arms, blocking Rarity from her cloths. "No, no, no, no, no! It's tonight. Tonight!" Nori cleared up.

"Oh, dear. I suppose I got the days mixed up." Rarity figured, going through the outfits afterwards.

"Awww, barnacles!" Nori griped, only to be caught off guard when Rarity suddenly bursted out giggling.

Then, just like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, the perfect, stylish outfit was suddenly in Rarity's hand. The whole outfit was styled in a way to represent the ocean, waves of blue and sky blue along the length, and sparkling sequins to top it off. It looked simply beautiful, Nori's eyes sparkling at sight.

"Nori, you really shouldn't take things so seriously! Would I really allow you to go to that concert not looking your very best? Why, the very thought!" Rarity said, as Nori held the outfit in her own hands.

"It's perfect! Thank you, Rarity, thank you!" Nori beamed, hugging Rarity tight with a big smile on her face. "I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

"No trouble at all. Besides, it's the very least I can do since you work so hard around here. Not to mention, your dazzling designs to my window display for my upcoming summer line are big hit!" Rarity gestured her to the window, with a beautiful aquatic themed summer clothing line-up, representing all things summer from the sea, to the coals reefs to the open ocean. Many passersby took a moment to look at the display, only driving the point home even more. Nori was happy to help Rarity out with her designs, and grateful people were loving them as well.

The door of the supply room opened and an anthro male pony walked out, carrying a box before placing it back down. This pony looked quite the specimen, with a strong, muscular body. His fur and/or skin in this case were a prominent sea green, eyes deep purple much like Twilight's eyes, and notable shiny, lime green scales with blue highlights on both arms, and the back of his muscular legs. His hair, styled into a ponytail, had a grayish-blue tint to it. A thin scar reached down from across the lower left eyebrow down to his cheek. His very physique clashed with the more feminine styled boutique. He looked more like somepony who would be at a wrestling match, or something of that sort, but this anthro was happy working with Rarity in anyway he could. The soft smile across his lips said that much for sure.

"Oh, thank you Kombu, I've been looking for that," Rarity said, taking the box and placing it down at her work station.

"Daddy! What are you doing here?" Nori gasped. Her father didn't utter a word - he couldn't even if he wanted to. Instead, he began to move his hands and arms to work out in a form of sign language.

"I knew you'd come to Rarity before returning home. So, I was helping her with the storage until you came."

"Dad, you don't have to wait up for me. I'm already fourteen." Nori made clear, playfully rolling her eyes.

"I know, but you're still my little starfish. Plus, I wanted to see the look on your face once Rarity gave you the outfit. It was worth it."

"But, you were in the storage room when it happened."

"I may have peeked for a moment." Kombu had to admit.

"Daddy!"

Rarity giggled again, catching their attention. "Well, I'm happy you like the outfit Nori."

"You really think Songbird Serenade will notice me?" Nori asked, hoping that it would. If she was to see her other idol, she wanted to make a good impression on her.

"I think it will be nearly impossible for somepony not to notice you." Rarity assured. And looking at the outfit in question, it most certainly looked that way.

"Thank you for this, Rarity." signed Kombu.

"Oh, I'm the one who should be thanking you for your help today."

"Thank nothing of it. That's what family does."

The two ponies smiled, looking at one another for a bit longer than needed. Their eyes softened, and a tint of red could be seen forcing on Rarity's cheeks. Nori noticed and couldn't help but smile at the scene, excitedly bitting her bottom lip. Oh, wasn't this kind of friendship just swell? Before it could go any further, more customers entered the store, awaiting for Rarity to come over for service.

"Well, the life of a successful fashion icon never ends." Rarity commented, sadly needing to break away.

"We'll see you around, Rarity." signed Kombu.

"You too."

They smiled one last time before father and daughter exited Rarity's boutique. As they left, Rarity waited until they were out of sight before she gave a rather sad sigh of her own, before she began to work with the customers. As Nori and Kombu went on, Nori finally spoke to her father. She groaned in frustration.

"Seriously, Dad! How much longer are you going to make me wait? Just ask her out already!" Nori insisted. Nori was REALLY anticipating something to go on between Kombu and Rarity, and the suspension was killing her.

"Nori, that wouldn't be proper etiquette."

"Oh, don't give me that bull-shark! It's already been a year, and I can tell by the look in her eyes she's dying for you to make a move!" Nori snapped. A bit childish, but still it was true. One year of their relationship going well, and Kombu just didn't take another step yet during all this.

"As much as I would love to go on a date with Rarity, I'm not sure if it will work out."

"Why? Because you can't speak?" Nori blurted out. Here, Kombu suddenly stopped. Nori was worried that she may have crossed a line with her father on this. ...

"A merstallion isn't a stallion without his voice. How can I make Rarity happy if I can't even court her with my song?" Kombu signed in question. For a merpony, music and singing is VERY important to them in cultural aspects, especially when it comes to love and finding that partner they've been waiting for all their lives. for Kombu, a merpony that can't sing or speak is  as bad as a Bull-shark without its horns.

"Dad, you don't need a voice. Besides, Rarity isn't a merpony, she doesn't care wether you can sing or not. And neither do I." Nori said, trying to comfort her father a bit.

"I know. But, what if she's not as interested as you think? What if she is too busy or says no or isn't looking to date anypony?"

"That's crazy and you know it. Maybe you should just stop beating around the coral and straight up ask her. At least promise me you'll think about it. Pleeeeeeese?" AND to give it some good measure, the merpony gave her father the good ol' puppy-eye treatment.

"Alright, fine. I'll…think about it."

"Yay!

(~)

Nori and Kombu returned to the docks of Harmony City, walking by several bystanders as they did. Once at the very edge, both father and daughter dove right into the ocean, swimming deeper bellow. In the blink of an eye, their legs morphed into fish tails, giving them increased strength to swim as fast a flying fish dolphin.

As they dove deeper towards their underwater cave home, in one of the large sewer pipes nearby the docks observed a mysterious creature. It laid down at the edge, rather comfortably, a canine paw being gently splashed by the waters of the sea.Its body and face covered in the shadows, so exact description was hard to make out aside from the paw in question, but that wasn't very much. The only thing that remained visible were the eyes, which gave a seemingly faint glow in the darkness. His ears flickered partly at the sound of waters splashing behind him yet he remained still and relaxed despite the newcomer.

"Your report?" he asked in a low yet cold voice. The other creature behind him, also wolf-like, gave a quick bow before answering.

"We found what you had requested, sir. But, I'm afraid the Queens and their mates may already be aware of our presence in the city. If we are to do anything, we must do it soon." the other wolf suggested, the voice calm and monotone. The other animal, which was larger in comparison, got up and turned around to face the other wolf.

"How much evidence did you leave at that park?" the larger animal asked. The other canine was silent for a moment before answering.

"Too much to remove overnight, I'm afraid." the wolf said. The larger wolf growled, but the other wolf stayed rather firm, sitting down almost casually.

"Forgive me, sir. I didn't mean -"

"Don't be. They were bound to catch up anyways. Though, I sincerely doubt they would figure our plans before then. Humans are so predictable. The important thing is that we have what we need. Phase one is already complete." The larger wolf sat back down by the edge of the pipe, looking out at the sea before his eyes finally fell upon the shimmering blue palace that rose from the sea, glistening in the light.

"Phase two…begins tonight."

(~)

Back on Air Temple Island, Iris quickly got to work in practicing her magic once she had arrived. The spell she was performing was one that transformed a simple flower into a stunning one with sparkles and illuminating petals. Her loyal pet orca wolf, Akhlut sat beside her, happily barking every time she succeeded. At this point Iris got her focus together, and with a good cast, she managed to pull it off rather easily. Nearby, Nova clapped his hands on sight of the completed spell.

"Impressive. Barely any effort this time." Nova complimented.

"Thanks. But, enough with the warm up, what was this new spell you wanted to show me?" Iris asked eagerly.

"Well, it's not all that fancy, but it is one that very few have managed to master. But, first we need to know if you're fit for it." Nova explained. That last part was a little confusing. she was an alicorn, and not a queen but still a strong caster, what is there to fit for?

"What do you mean?" Iris cocked her head in confusion. The air around them became silent until…

"Think fast!" Suddenly, Nova drawled out a sort of small, yet sharp weapon, and threw it straight at Iris!

Thinking fast, she brought out her hand, shooting a magical arrow right the incoming blade. The accuracy was perfectly precise, it split the weapon right in two. Iris's violet eyes darted downwards and started in surprise to realize that the so called blade was nothing more than part of a bamboo shoot.

Nova nodded his head in approval. "Good eyesight, and reflexes. I think you can handle it."

"Handle what?" Iris questioned, still confused about the weaponry bamboo shoot.

"The Keenest of Sight Spell. An ancient one, many have forgotten. Many, but the sorcerers that is." Nova explained with a wide grin. Iris chuckled and playfully rolled her eyes. Leave it to Nova to brag about how talented his people were at ancient magical spells.

"What does it do?" the princess asked. Any spell called the keenest of sight sounded a little straightforward, but interesting all at the same time.

"It allows you to see through solid objects and things from far away. Approximately, two hundred miles at best."

"Whoa…Awesome!"

"Yeah, I thought so."

"What do I do?"

Upon the question, Nova brought her attention towards the statue further away, far beyond the Air Temple isle. "This type of spell takes a lot of focus on the first try. No distractions whatsoever. But, with enough proactive you'll be able to do it in a flash." nova instructed. Iris was willing, and ready to try it, taking a deep breath.

"Okay."

Handing her the spell book, Iris carefully read over the instructions on what exactly to do for said spell. After getting the idea she returned the book to Nova, positioned herself and began to concentrate. The star on her forehead started to glow, in a similar way to that of a unicorn's horn. This same glow transcended to her eyes, though they were namely just flickering rather than a constant glow. The vision did begin to work, as she started to get a clearer, closer image of the statue of Avatar Aang.

Avatar Aang.

A smile dared to form across Iris's lips. The spell seemed to have been working, until the princess's vision began to flicker. Images of the statue and other random scenes began to manifest before her eyes. The images became clearer, revealing imaged of her mother, and even a young Avatar Aang himself. The words of Pao echoed in her head during this, making her head throb and her eyes feel as if they were on fire, yet she could not will herself to blink. The images all converged, creating a blinding light which officially broke Iris's concentration. She was finally able to close her eyes shut, gripped her head and nearly fell over. Nova caught her before she fell.

"Iris! Are you okay?" Nova asked. The yell caught the attention of Akhlut, who wasn't too far away. He rushed to Iris's side.

"Y-Yeah. I'm alright." Iris said. Akhlut rubbed against Iris, whimpering in worry over his master's health.

"I'm okay, Akhlut. Really." Iris assured her pet, rubbing his head.

"Maybe we should call it a day." Nova decided. After seeing that, maybe it wasn't a good idea to go any further with it. Iris straightened herself, determined to continue the spell.

"What? No, I just got distracted. I can do this!" Iris insisted.

"Iris, it's alright. I don't want to push you."

"I can handle it!"

"If you got hurt your mother will have my head."

Iris's main response to that was a disappointed pout. She sat down on the edge of the dock, her feet kicking the waters beneath her while Ahklut sat beside her, resting his head on her lap.

Nova took a spot beside her, one leg dangled from the pier while another leg was bent near his chest, where he casually rested his left arm.  "What did you think about anyway?" Nova questioned.

Iris hesitated before finally replying. "….Aang."

"Oh…I see."

"It's no big deal." Iris turned her head away from Nova, picking up some small pebble that was on the pier and tossed it into the ocean, which made several skips before sinking.

"Still hoping, huh?"Nova asked, in his casual, almost indifferent tone. Iris knew he was genuinely interested, it was just Nova's way of speaking when things got serious. "Well, I guess it's not much to ask. I mean, it's not like you're asking for an entire mountain to be carved into your image. Heck, your mom's statue is technically smaller than Aang's."

"I'm not saying I want one just for the satisfaction of having one. What's the point if I didn't earn it."

"I know, I know. You wanna work for what you want, that's a good thing. But, you still gotta be patient." Nova said. Being told to wait was getting a lot harder for Iris to accept. Time and time again she was told such things, and time and time again it ended up making her more impatient. She just slumped over, staring at her reflection in the water.

"You know, what's the point? I've been mastering modern and ancient spells and I've contributed to the city for as long as I can remember and yet I feel like my destiny is still too far from my reach. I know I'm not supposed to care about what others think, but I still feel like I'm walking in a circle. Maybe if I were the Avatar I'd have a better idea on who I'm supposed to be."

The mention of that last part, Nova Nightshade became little troubled. He turned away nervously. "Eh…I'd be careful about what I wished for if I were you. Besides, having your destiny set from the get go might not be as great as you think."

"It worked for my mom, didn't it?"

"Yes…and no." Nova's voice became softer, more sympathetic." Having your future set in stone isn't always as great as you think. Sure, we all have a destiny, but it's the journey upon discovering it that makes us who we are. Your mother thought her destiny was being the Avatar the world wanted her to be. But, through a lot of trials and set backs, she realized that the "Avatar" name wasn't who she really was. It's not about having your destiny set in front of you…" he cupped Iris's cheek, gently guiding her face to look at him. He gave her a soft reassuring smile. "It's about understanding it. ... Think about that."

With that said, Nova patted Iris on the head before walked away to give her some space. While it might've helped, Iris still wasn't too sure on things. Her mother had done so much for this world, one way or another, and she didn't contribute to any world-changing things beyond that one act. The alicorn stayed there at the pier, looking at the statue far off away to represent Avatar Aang. He had done just as much during his own time, there was no denying that at all. But what more could Iris do? How can she possibly compete with the Avatar?

(Parody of How Far I'll Go from Moana)

I've been told all of the stories

'Long as I can remember, I know all the words by heart

As Iris gazed at the waters bellow her, images of Ronin and the Twilight Blade breaking manifested in the soft moving waters right before

showcasing her own present day reflection once more.

I've faced and won against a mighty foe

But even after all that, I'm right back to the start

Iris finally stood back up, walking away from the pier and around the courtyard of Air Temple Island, all the while Ahklut kept her company. As she walked, she gripped her long dark brown hair.

Every turn I take, every trail I track

Every path I make, every road leads back

To the place I know, where I wish to go

But is it meant for me?

She stopped to look at her family's castle, connected to the island via a bridge, but no matter what, her eyes continued to fall on Avatar Aang himself. A longing in her heart ignited and she dashed forward, gripping the side of the crystalized bridge as she looked on at the slow sunset, which created shadows on the statue, making appear more human by the minute.

See his light where the sky meets the see? It calls me

And no one knows, how far it goes

So many new questions are swarming deep inside me

One day I'll know

If I go there's just no telling how far I'll go

Iris turned away and walked back, walking by several airbenders, including Jinora and her husband Kai, who walked alongside their young twin children, already five-years-old, and a third baby being cradled in Jinora's arms. Other airbenders were gathering fruits from the gardens, Iris having caught a few of the falling fruits and levitated them back to their respected owners. She also high five Rohan, who was picking fruits alongside his girlfriend, who smiled kindly at Iris and she in return.

I know, everybody in this city

Seems so happy in this city

Everything its own design

I know everybody in this city has a role in this new world

But I've yet to discover mine

Iris continued on, heading towards the cliff where Tenzin would often tell her stories about the air nation or the Avatar when she was

growing up. It was her favorite place to think.

I could lead with pride, I could make us strong

I can face the tide, sing a brand new song

But the line behind me is oh so long

Is there room for me?

That was a very good question. With so many great names that have came before her, could Iris really live up to all of them? Her eyes landed once again to the sunset, the endless horizon which made her and everything around her feel so small. And yet, the promise of there being more out there was enough to boost up her confidence, even just a little bit. She spread poem her wings and flew downwards from the cliff as if she were diving into the sea bellow. Ahklut dove alongside her, splashing into the water completely unharmed and jumping in and out of the waters, following Iris as she flew over the surface of the water.

See the light as it shines by the sea? It's blinding

But no one knows, how deep it goes

And it seems like it's calling out to me, so come find me

And let me know

What's beyond that line, will I cross that line?

Ahklut barked happily as Iris flew higher into the sky, high beyond the clouds, reaching out for the sunlight, which kissed the clouds, giving them a radiant orange and pink hue.

See the sun as it shines in the east? It calls me

And no one knows, how far it goes

With the wind on my wings and my doubts stay behind me

One day I'll know

How far I'll go!

Iris dove back downwards, landing back on the pier while Ahklut rose up from the water, shaking his body. With newfound determination, Iris clenched her fists and took in a deep breath. "Alright. Let's try this again." Iris told herself.

Akhlut whimpered in worry, fearfully that Iris was going to hurt herself again. "Relax, I've got this. I don't want to quit." Iris assured him.

And quit she didn't do, as she brought her focus once more. The star glowed strong, and her eyes started to flicker once again. She tried to focus on somewhere away from the statue this time, hopefully not to cause another vision seizure like before.

She was wrong.

Soon, the images began to flash and beam up in front of her eyes again. This time though, the images were less focused on her mother, and more on her mother's past life instead. Seeing Aang going through all sorts of trials, and seeing him practically everywhere, from the south and north poles, to the Earth Kingdom, to the Fire Nation. Iris tried to stay calm, but it proved to be extremely difficult. Cold sweat came down her face as the images went on. The final image was Avatar Aang flying through the air directly at her, in the fully-realized Avatar State. Elements of rock, water, and flame encircled in an air orb surrounding him. He appeared to be angry at something or someone. The young princess screamed as he came at full speed towards her, feeling he would crush her in a second. She let out a terrified scream, backing away in fear of the collision. She tumbled back, falling backwards into the sea,  immediately sinking!

Akhlut freaked out, jumping to his paws and dove right into the water. Akhlut swam down as fast as he could, seeing Iris in front of her, still sinking down. However ...

Something...shocking. Happened...

Iris's star and wings began to glow a bright shimmering white, and when she opened her eyes, they matched with the same heavenly glow. A glow so intense it was as if her very should had just lit up. Akhlut paused, and managed to swim aside as Iris was suddenly rocketing towards the surface, launching herself out of the water in a blast of light. Akhlut got to shore, only to find his master in mid air, wings opened, and her eyes and star shining like the stars in the heavens. The shine was so strong, in fact, that it wasseen even from shore as a bright, narrow beam shooting upward. The trio of Dragonfly spirits, Ali, Mika, and San witnessed the beam from the pro-bending arena from across the bay!

"What's going on over there?" wondered Ali, in worry.

Iris slowly descend down to earth, her wings in a slow and gentle beat, as if an angel were ascending from heaven above, and her feet gently touched the ground. Upon standing, Iris's glowing began to fade away as did her consciousness. Luckily for her, Akhlut was right there to catch her, the alicorn landing on her pet's head. Whatever happened took the wind out of her.

"W-Wha ... What happened?" Iris breathed out, Akhlut whimpering again, and giving Iris a lick to help her stay alert.

This event wasn't seen by just Akhlut, mind you. After a bit of getting herself together, Iris turned towards the temple, only to find that this sudden act caused a crowd to show up. This one made up of Nova, Tenzin and the other airbenders, and even her parents were present, having arrived home from a long day at work. All eyes were fixated on Iris, while several more landed on Korra and Mako, who shared the same look of uncertainty with one another.

"Iris…we need to talk." Korra said.