"You have to learn to let go, Korra."

Let go of what? Korra wondered, staring at the burnt remains of Republic City.

She was frustrated at herself for not being able to go into the Avatar State to stop Amon and the Equalists. She needed to get to the Avatar State, but (as Avatar Aang had told her in her dreams) something was holding her back.

"We've got to get out of here, Korra!" Mako entered her room. "Everyone's waiting for you outside. We've got to escape before Amon reaches the island!"

Mako. Korra breathed, composing herself.

"I'm not going," she said, facing the fire-bender. "I've some business to attend to."

"What are you saying! Amon has taken over Republic City! It's only a matter of time before—"

"Before what, Mako?" Korra asked, unusually calm and composed this time, "before he takes away bending for good? As the Avatar, I have the duty to protect everyone – benders and non-benders alike. I have to face him, Mako." Even if that means, I have to let go of you. "Goodbye," and with that, she sent a rock to the back of Mako's head, with just enough force to render him unconscious.

Two guards from the White Lotus appeared, just in time. "Avatar Korra!"

"Take Mako back to the ship and set sail," she told them.

"But, Avatar Korra, we have strict orders to protect—"

"I have to finish things here as the Avatar, tell that to the White Lotus Society." She told them, eyes burning with defiance that even the guards of the White Lotus could not say no to her.

"A-as you wish, A-avatar Korra…"

With everyone gone, Korra sat down to meditate. She saw visions of the Avatars before her – Avatar Roku, Avatar Kiyoshi, Avatar Aang…

"You have done well, Korra. We are proud of you."

She ignored the pain in her heart, and blocked off the love she felt for Mako. She fell in love at the wrong time, and instead of choosing to go after him, she chose to let go, in order to perform her duty as the Avatar.

The Equalists entered the Air Temple, and Korra knew it was time.

She opened her eyes, showing a pair of glowing orbs.