Korra feels it come over her like a sudden storm. She feels her bending twist inside of her, flow through her veins, become apart of her once more. It is one heck of a ride, the rush of the avatar state overwhelming her, possessing her,freeing she vows, in that moment of pure, unadulterated power, that she will never let it be taken from her again.
She feels the earth beneath her feet again and the power slowly fades, settling nicely in heart, gone but not unreachable. She can breath again. Indescribable emotion takes her then, happiness, elation, joy, jubilation—all of it.
Korra is the Avatar once more.
Thank you, Aang, she thinks fondly. Warmth greets her heart and she knows he has heard her.
Korra turns, a bounce in her step but stops short. The sight that greets her startles her.
It is not Mako who stands before her, but General Iroh.
His mouth hangs agape, saffron eyes alight with fierce admiration. "Avatar Korra, your bending," he falters, gesturing towards her helplessly.
And, for the first time in days, Korra laughs. Something about seeing the mighty, swashbuckling hero Iroh at a loss for words breaks her sad resolve. Her laughs die down into soft chuckles as she wipes the laughter-induced tears from her eyes. "Aang," she manages, "he gave me back my bending."
Iroh stands there in silence before a slow smile takes to his lips. "It seems Aang has been looking out for both of us on this day, Avatar Korra."
Korra cocks her head to the side in question, but Iroh does not elaborate. Instead, he holds out his hand. "Shall we go tell everyone the good news?"
Korra nods enthusiastically, rushing forward to grab Iroh's hand in hers. "Come along, then!" She shouts, all but dragging him behind her as she runs to Naga, only releasing his grip to jump up and onto her Polar Bear Dog's saddle. She looks down at a bewildered General Iroh and laughs, extending her hand.
He takes it and she helps him up. She feels him snake his strong arms around her middle and she absolutely does not blush.
But still, she cannot help but be warmed by the feeling his his chest pressing against her back.
Things already start to look brighter.