Notes: I was sort of annoyed in episode 9 that Mako seemed like the only one who was worried about Korra. It even seemed a bit OOC for Bolin and Tenzin, who have shown how much they care about Korra. Fic inspired by this essay by boxlunch. Review/like if you enjoy. :)

EXT. REPUBLIC CITY

[...]

Naga stands wearily as Mako, Tenzin, Bolin, Asami, and Lin

land. She is carrying Korra, who looks barely conscious.

Mako sees Korra, and runs towards her.

MAKO

(running up)

KORRA!

Lin blocks Mako.

LIN

Give her some space! The one thing

we need is overexcited teenagers

aggravating her wounds.

She moves her hands out to block Mako and Bolin.

Korra looks up at Lin, who is indeed giving her space.

Lin glances at Korra and sees the scar on her cheek. She

brushes hers.

LIN

Taking after me I see.

Korra laughs weakly, and coughs.

KORRA

Tarrlok's.

LIN

I'm sorry.

She sighs. Her expression changes to a hint of regret, and

care.

LIN

By the time we found out about

Tarrlok, it was too late... Just

like with my Metalbenders...

Just tell me the next time you're

going to do something as reckless

and stupid as that.

Korra nods, a slight smile on her face.

Lin glances at Tenzin as he walks up to her, and puts a hand

on her shoulder.

TENZIN

I'll take her.

He walks over to Korra, and picks her up gently. Korra looks

up at Tenzin.

TENZIN

Let's take you back home.

KORRA

Home...

She closes her eyes.

KORRA

(softly)

Guess what.

TENZIN

Hmm?

KORRA

I connected with Aang.

TENZIN

(ecstatic)

Really! My father...

He catches himself, and calms down. He smiles at Korra.

TENZIN

(genuinely)

I'm so proud of you Korra. You've

really grown since I first met you.

Korra opens her eyes in surprise.

TENZIN

And though you doubt it, I know

you'll become a great Avatar.

KORRA

Thanks Tenzin... For everything.

Tenzin lays Korra down on Oogi, the sky bison. Korra feels

the soft fur, and rests her head, looking peaceful.

Tenzin turns around to

Bolin, awkwardly leaning back and forth, clearly nervous.

BOLIN

(voice cracked)

Is Korra okay?

TENZIN

I think so. We'll get her healed by

the best air accolades we have...

And then we'll keep her safe.

He looks at Bolin, who is nodding gravely.

TENZIN

You seem nervous. Do you want to

see her?

BOLIN

(floundering)

What?! Oh I'm not worried, heh,

whatever, I'm totally cool calm and

collected. A manly man type of

deal.

Tenzin raises his eyebrows unconvinced.

BOLIN

... yes please.

Bolin walks over to Korra, and instantly his whole body

relaxes when he sees she's sleeping.

He smiles sadly as he stares at Korra, not making a sound.

His lip trembles as he sees her resting face, and his

eyebrows crease when he sees her scars. Every fiber of his

being seems invested to Korra, changed by seeing Korra,

there, safe.

Tenzin looks to Bolin with subdued awe at his reaction.

TENZIN

You can talk to her if you wish.

BOLIN

(soft)

No, I don't want to walk her up.

She's sleeping... She doesn't need

me now.

He stares for another moment, then turns away, brushing at

his eyes.

As he walks back, tears are clearly falling from his face.

Asami looks at him.

BOLIN

(trying to brush it off)

Woo, this Republic City dirt is

really getting in my eyes. I'm

gonna uh go over this way to, uh,

pee again! In private this time.

Asami glances from Bolin to Mako, her expression hard.

MAKO

You all right?

ASAMI

(slightly confrontational)

Of course. Why wouldn't I be?

Mako opens his mouth, trying to think of something.

Asami waits, but he says nothing.

ASAMI

(half to herself)

Why wouldn't I... She's my friend,

and she's been through hell. That's

all that matters.

Tenzin is now positioned on Oogi for take-off.

TENZIN

Come on everyone!

A moment later, Lin, Tenzin, Mako, Bolin, and Asami are all

on Oogi. Korra is lying in the middle of the bison.

Asami looks at how ragged Korra is. She shakes her head in

digust.

ASAMI

I can't believe Tarrlok did this. I

met him at parties... I thought he

was a gentlemen.

BOLIN

I knew that guy was no good from

the moment Korra uttered his name!

She looks at Bolin, a bit confused,

Then glances away, looking at the lights of Republic City.

Pain is on her face.

ASAMI

You can't seem to trust anyone

anymore. My father, Tarrlok, ...

She looks at Mako. He is staring at Korra, not paying

attention to Asami.

He places his hand close to Korra's face, in a comforting

gesture.

MAKO

(to Korra)

You're safe now...

TENZIN

Yip yip!

The sky bison takes off. Korra lies sleeping.

Surrounded by those who care about her.