18 years after her creation of the central spirit portal, Korra has truly become a strong and just Avatar -perhaps a wise one. But still, Korra continues to grow and mature everyday. Korra still deals with the challenges of keeping the world in balance as she exercises her selfless Avatar duties around it. Korra does not cease to amaze the citizens of the 6 nations and exemplify morality and balance. Moreover, Korra still deals with the pain and conflict of being Korra, aside from being the Avatar. Korra no longer learns much about the four elements, but still, very much, learns from them. Korra continues to change the world.
Korra travels on a canoe with her Animal Guide, Naga, around the world meeting with each world leader regularly, helping unjust or developing villages, people in danger, and teaching about balance and unity. But of course, the peace is commonly threatened by certain individuals or groups in which cases Korra's regular routine is more or less put to rest so she may deliver justice for all those in harm's way.
Korra's eyes delicately flutter opened. She lies on the floor. The sun begins to rise and the low lights make Mako's angelic face bright. Mako, over Korra, holds Korra's head up slightly off the ground, looking into her eyes and checks to see if she is okay. Korra puts her hands on the sides of Mako's face and calmly slides them down to the bottom, feeling it, making sure he is real. The texture of his face reassures her, she knows it better than Mako knows it himself.
Their closeness feels nothing but natural. Korra's head continues to rest in Mako's familiar hands and his face and neck are warmed by the her fingers. Her fingers then brush his soft hair back behind his ears as she is struck by his striking brown eyes. Her hands then slowly pull his face down, closer, so his lips are not far from hers. She does this so effortlessly that you'd think it was more a mental synchronization rather than the physical effort of her arms.
From the gentle tilt of Mako's chin, the bottom of their lips touch so slightly like a tender breeze softly grazing the surface of a lake. Korra's eye spills a tear. Brittle red leaves tumble in the wind coming from distant trees. They pitter-patter across the hard ground, echoing into the increasingly silent world. The leaves begin to stop falling before the trees are bare. Time gradually begins to slow down until it stops… completely. The clouds stop changing - they stay as how they are. There was nothing else to think about. Neither one of them speak.
Korra wakes up from her dream. Her eyes are wet.
Later that day, Korra stands in the spirit world. She is in a place where the surface is completely covered by peculiar purple flowers. They bloom and change to yellow as Korra's feet move near them and close back up and turn purple again once they move away. The field is abundant in great pink mushrooms, the size of old oak trees. White, elegant, gas-like spirits delicately and slowly soars through the air, softly like a whisper. The land is wider than the eye can see. It is under a bright white sky with a slight tint of pink.
Jinora appears in front of Korra.
"Hi, Korra." she says.
"Jinora! C'mon, let's walk. There much I want to tell you."
Korra later returns to the material world. Korra meets with the chief of the Southern Water Tribe, her father, Tonroq.
"Joint Government Systems?" asks Korra. "What does that even mean?"
"Haha, he started about a 'co-military', which means our military and his respond to situations from either of our tribes. He even went on to our nation's going back to the same currency, before I cut him off."
"What!? That's insane, Dad, I mean, before you know it our tribes will be under one government all over again."
"I know, Korra, it's never gonna happen…" Tonroq goes on "...The only thing is, Kanut hasn't been so discreet about his proposition and talk about it has spread from the north to the south already."
"So you'll have to clear the air, tell them the Southern Water Tribe is independent and is going to stay that way." Korra advises.
One week later the citizens of the tribe and even the people of the world anxiously await to find out whether the Southern Water Tribe will rebuild its connections with its former sister tribe. This is because it is the day of Tonroq's speech regarding the topic outside city hall.
Tonroq first gives a speech highlighting the greatness of their independent nation as well as the future of it. A mysterious man standing in the crowd happened to catch Korra's eye. The man's attire looks more like a Northern Water Tribes than a southern. He was wearing a navy robe, and its hood, with white bandage-like cloth wrapped around his face covering all but his eyes, possibly to mask him. The citizens cheer as Tonroq declares Kanut's proposition will not be accepted or further considered and Korra loses track of the mysterious man in all the commotion.
2 months later, the Fire Lord, Izumi, decides to give up the throne. The first in line is her son, Iroh. However, he must discuss the opportunity with his wife, Asami Sato.
"...You knew I was first in line when you married me." says Iroh.
"You knew I wanted a somewhat casual life when you married me!" Debates Asami.
"Think about the change we can make on the world."
"Think of the change this can make on our family - our kids."
"My family turned out fine."
"Yes, your's did. How about your grandfather's?..."
...
"Is this really what you want?" continues Asami.
The two continue to discuss the opportunity for weeks. They decide that Iroh will be the next Fire Lord and their family will keep trust and love to each other forever and always.
6 months later, thousands gather at Iroh's coronation in the front of the palace. Close friends and important people are sectioned in the front of the crowds.
"Korra!" yells Bolin as he races to hug her. He picks her up off the ground, squeezing so tight.
"Bolin!" Korra delightedly replies.
Bolin places her down.
"Opal!..." Korra happily continues, seeing Opal catch up to her husband. "I missed you..." says Korra endearingly as she greets Opal with a hug. "And what a surprise!" she continues.
"Yup, 8 months… the first one is staying back with the nomads this week. This one i'm stuck with though" Opal giggles.
"Oh my gosh, shhhh! Guys it's starting. Can you believe it?" says Bolin.
Korra, Bolin and Opal among thousands of Fire Nation citizens watch the beautiful ceremony. Korra only interrupts once to whisper to Bolin. "psst… where's your brother?". "Your guess is as good as mine." he replies softly. Korra sighs, losing hope.
As the evening turns to night the ceremony was just about finished. The last part of it occurs in which Iroh takes a flame from the sacred and eternal burning fire and spreads it to the first firebenders in the crowd who then continue to spread the flame until all firebenders of the crowd are holding a piece of it in their hands. Korra takes her piece and spreads it to the firebenders around herself. She turns around and watched as the fire beautifully lights up the dark courtyard as far back as she can see. The event symbolises the unity of the nation, and the providence of the Fire lord.
While Korra is turned to the people she sees a man of one of the Water Tribes amongst the crowd. She takes a moment and then realises his attire is almost identical to the man she saw at her father's speech hearing.
Meanwhile Iroh and Asami stand up as all the citizens bow down on their hands and knees - all but the man and Korra. "Korra, bow down!" nudges Bolin. Korra stands still unsure of what to do. She is unable to reach or even speak to the man with all the bowing people in the way. However she knows he's about to do something as he remains standing. She blows a fireball directly at him. The man turns his head seeing what's coming for him. He pulls a stretch of water out from his pouch, whipping it onto the flame and distinguishing it.
The man then freezes the water into a spear and propels it at Iroh with perfect aim. Korra lifts her hands towards the spear focusing as hard as she can to stop it. The crowd is screaming as Bolin yells "Korra, what's going on!?" As the spear moves further and further Korra's grip grows weaker. The crowd scatters. The man appears near Korra and strikes a speeding blast of water at Korra's face to stop her from trying to control the spear. A guard pushes Iroh out of the way and onto the ground. The icicle pierces the guards shoulder which begins to bleed out. Another guard rushes him indoors. The crowd of people begin to flee. Screams can be heard from all directions.
Opal then blows and enhances a current of wind at the waterbender until he's rolling and spinning way across the floor. Bolin then carves a hole out under him and encloses him in it, leaving only his head sticking out.
Korra, Bolin and Opal look around only to realise many more hooded men have appeared and are battling the palace. Luckily the guards outnumber the terrorists.
"Bolin, Korra, look there." cries Opal pointing to one of the hooded Water Tribe men on the palace roof tops, suspiciously heading to the main building.
"You guys stay here and help out these guards, I'm going after him." Korra tells Bolin and Opal.
Korra feels someone grab her shoulder and she turns around.
"Not without me, you're not."
Korra turns her head, later remembering the moment like it happened in slow motion. Just from the warm soothing sound her ears received she knew the moment that was before her. She had thought of it happening countless times before, throughout the years. For the man that stood behind her was a man she thought about every day they were apart. Her first love, Mako. Korra missed the days they once spent together.
Once her eyes met his face, it was more than surreal. It was like a memory from her dreams. Through Korra's eyes, his face was as sweet as an angels. Mako was right there, the space between them was no longer a world apart. If she wanted to, she could touch him, rather then imagine what he would feel like. She could tell him things rather than merely wish that she could. Their conversation would be real and not just in her head. But alas, she could barely speak his name.
"...Mako…" she softly whispered.
"Quick, let's go." he tells Korra beginning to run. Korra follows him to the building on which the terrorist runs across.
Korra splits from Mako, blasting herself on the roof of the palace with earthbending. "Don't move!" Korra orders the terrorist." The waterbender turns around… he lifts up his fists. "I'm warning you!" Korra continues. The criminal pulls his water out from it's sac. Korra throws a punch in the hooded man's direction. Following the motion, the stone plattered roof pulls off its base and relentlessly pummels the enemy.
Mako arrives to the rooftop after taking the stairs up. The enemy slowly gets back on his feet. "Come with us, before this gets ugly." Mako tells the man. The man turns around and see's Mako. He considers his next move as Mako and Korra slowly move closer. The man bends water into the air and then strikes the already torn up roof, creating a hole. He jumps through as Mako tries to blow a strike of fire at him, although it arrives too late. He begins to make an escape as Mako and Korra chase after him.
Both jump down the hole into a palace hallway. The enemy appears to have made an icy wall but Korra quickly melts it and they continue to chase him down the hall. Korra couldn't help but imagine they were teenagers all over again, fighting bad guys together; like nothing had ever changed, and time had never pulled them apart. Korra didn't realise it but Mako was a special person to her. He made her feel happy.
The two catch up to him and begin attacking once again. The man is lucky to be stopped beside a decorative fountain which he can use as a source of more water. He manages to block the attacks of Mako and Korra one by one by countering them with launched amounts of water pulled from the flowing fountain. Mako shoots fire and Korra shoots stones of the buildings walls. The waterbender then pulls out as much water as he can from the fountain, breaking its pipes, and directs a constant current at Korra pushing her far back as she slips and tumbles. The broken pipes cause the floor to slowly flood, providing him with even more water.
The man swipes another blast of water upwards against Makos jaw. Mako gets up on his knees but stops attacking and begins to sweat. His fingers shake and he starts breathing heavily...very heavily. The enemy takes the opportunity to form a large icicle and prepares to push it through the centre of Makos forehead. Mako trembles in deep fear but cannot move. Just then Korra realises what is taking place and punches a gush of wind directly at the enemy who is flung backwards and thrown onto the floor. Korra mercilessly continues to throw punches of wind at the enemy without giving him a chance to move a muscle. He is brutally tossed without any control over himself.
She makes one last push with both arms throwing him towards the window at the end of the hall. The glass breaks as he falls through the window and meets the ground two stories down. Korra follows him through, airbending to land softly on her feet. Mako does not follow. Korra restraints the enemy in ice and the guards soon arrest him. Korra looks around wondering where Mako is, hoping he's alright. She sees more enemy waterbenders nearby and rushes to battle. Almost all the terrorists are soon arrested, some manage get away.
Later that night, a ball is held in celebration of the about the attack can be heard all over and many seats are empty due to it. Korra arrives late and looks for friends to sit with. After a minute of awkwardly standing at the entrance of the hall, Korra sees Mako sitting with Bolin and Opal and begins to make her way towards them. Just then she is stopped. "Avatar Korra! you help to save the day again! Please come sit with us, we have many questions…" Korra stops listening for a moment and looks over her shoulder, glancing at Mako as she is pulled away in the opposite direction.
Before she knows it, an hour has passed as person after person converses with her. Korra hasn't seen her friends in years and just wants to get back to them. She keeps telling herself that this is the last person she's going to talk to and then return to her old pals… However, every time a conversation ends another one manages to start.
Korra grows bored and stares around the room. Suddenly, she sees Mako walking towards the exit. Korra becomes alert, dying to catch up to him.
"Avatar Korra?"
"uhuh? Sorry?" says Korra, growing more and more uncomfortable as Mako gets further away.
"We we're asking where you are off to next."
"Oh uh, Earth Kingdom. " Korra says concisely. Her chair squeaks as she pushes it back against the floor. Korra speed walks to catch up with Mako trying to charade an act of elegance, but very noticeably rushes, lacking grace. Mako exits and begins walking down the palace stairs outside.
"Leaving already?" calls out Korra to Mako while bursting through the doors.
"I'll call it an early night." he replies.
"How bout some tea?..." Korra asks gently. "...Please Mako, I haven't seen you in years."
Mako sighs. "Alright...let's go."
Korra speed walks down the stairs to catch up to Mako in glee.
"Uhm, aren't you gonna bring your coat." says Mako chuckling.
"Oh, uh… of course." Korra quickly goes back in to get it.
Both go to a café and sit in a booth. They have a good time reminiscing and catching up.
"Okay, Okay I got one. Do you remember-" Korra starts laughing
Mako starts laughing too "What!?"
"Okay, okay…" she continues "...when Bolin was dating Eska!?"
"Do I remember? She called him her feeble turtle duck and forced upon him a betrothal necklace. Ya, I think I remember." Replies Mako sarcastically, tearing up with laughter. Korra laughs too. After a moment they pull themselves together but remain smiling.
"Hey, I don't know if it was just me but… the attack earlier today, the guy we chased down, that whole scene was just like when Amon almost took away your bending and I learned air to blast him out the window… but instead of equalizing you, you know, the whole icicle thing."
"Hehe… No it wasn't just you, that was... unreal. I realised later on and it brought back some memories...Thank-you for the save though...Korra…" says Mako shyly.
Mako and Korra glance at each other thinking back to that moment... and that week. It was the start of their relationship. Mako sips his tea.
"Do you remember our first date?" Korra says on an impulse.
Mako takes a moment to reply "uh.. ya, ya that restaurant, right?" trying to sound casual.
Korra takes a moment as well, wanting to say something she knows she's not supposed to say. Something she'd wished to ask him for months out of curiosity of where the conversation would go. Korra acts impulsively again, knowing she may never get another chance, and asks her question. "Why did we even break up?" Korra says trying to portray her speech in a humorous fashion.
Mako doesn't want to change the atmosphere of the conversation but wouldn't be able to leave without saying what he did. "...You had the final call on the break up Korra." It was true that Mako originally broke up with Korra. Korra made mistakes and he made mistakes too. He was willing to talk about both their mistakes but Korra didn't talk, she fought. He was frustrated with Korra constantly fighting with him. He couldn't stand it and broke up with her. But he did not think of it as over for good, he knew they were perfect but it was a stressful time and they weren't in sync.
Korra then lost her memory and thought they were still dating. She got it back but then they had to break up again. Contrary to Makos idea of them being meant for each other, she told him they don't work. This was much different then Mako's original break up. This was ending it for good and Mako didn't know why… why she would do this. He always wanted to ask Korra this, and had played out his arguments in his head one thousand times. But even now, with the opportunity, he couldn't get himself to ask.
Mako thought Korra's question was unfair of her to ask, as if he didn't believe in them. When, in his opinion, it was all her who didn' Mako couldn't bring himself to start a fight about the break up, or the basis of the relationship itself, he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he let the conversation continue without letting the fact be stated that she did indeed have the final call. Though Korra didn't know, when Mako said "You had the final call on the break up Korra." he meant that she said they would never work and he never got a proper explanation of it or of the relationship. Mako believed that he wasn't treated right in the relationship especially after her quitting for good. So Korra can't just go ahead and ask why they broke up, whatever her intention. Though Mako called it off first, he believes he had every right to with her creating problems and picking fights all the time but moreover not willing to talk about it. But despite that, he never said that they "don't work" - she did. Moreover, Mako is angry that he never can get all this off his chest in words expanded further than a simple: "You had the final call on the break up Korra.".
"Ya, I guess I did." Korra says smiling to cover up the tension. Korra regrets asking. In her head she asked herself what she could've gained from asking. After years of dreaming of him, Korra finally dissected her dreams of Mako and why she had asked her question. Korra wished they could be together. Unfortunately, as fast as her dreams are realised, is as fast as they are shut down. Mako's reply made her feel like an idiot. She told herself to stop acting like a kid who follows their heart and all that crap and to grow up. It gave her a grim reality check. Korra realised that, realistically, they now have entirely separate lives, they could never really be together after all.
...
But Korra, couldn't stop being Korra, who can't be shut down for more than 9 and a half seconds. Korra was a dreamer, no matter how old she got.
"Hey Mako, we need to talk more. You know the Si Wong desert isn't too far off my regular route. I mean I'd only see you about once or twice a year, briefly, but still."
"Oh, uh-" Mako begins but is cut off.
"What's your address? Oh, do you have an address? I don't know much about desert addresses." Korra says giggling.
"Oh, are you staying at the palace tonight? What floor?" Korra continues
"Actually no, I'm-" Mako starts but is cut off again
"They offered you a room, right?"
"Everything's under control, Korra! I don't think I need your help!"
Korra pauses with shock.
Mako looks down and sighs "I… I'm sor-"
"Don't!" Korra gets up and leaves.