Chapter 2

Korra:

Korra disentangled herself from the airbending master. The look of utmost concern was written all over his face and told her that he knew about everything that had happened.

"Where… where is she?" the words caught in her throat.

"Korra, I'm so sorry for what happened," he began, "I ran into Su and Kya while you were fighting the mecha and she told me everything. There was nothing either of them could do, the injury was far too extensive. Even for a healer of Kya's status." His words singed Korra's heart. She knew there was nothing they could do deep down, but she had prayed that maybe there was a possibility to save her. "Kya took her back to Air Temple Island… she is in the Temple." His voice gradually faded. Korra turned and headed towards the island. Tenzin walked briskly a few steps behind her.

The trip to the island was a blur, she vaguely remembered taking the ferry across the strait. She was so tired and in so much pain. Every inch of her hurt: physically, mentally, and emotionally. She slowly climbed the steps to the temple. Tenzin placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed before turning and leaving Korra to be alone with Asami. She stepped forward and pushed the lavish wooden doors to the side and stepped in. Asami was lying on a table in the center of the room. Incense smoke filled the air. Behind the table where Asami's lifeless body lay Kya was moving her arms in a circular motion making the smoke swirl around the room in a stunning pattern. She glanced up and saw Korra in the doorway. Instantly, she stopped what she was doing and motioned for Korra to come over. She held out her hand and when Korra took it she was pulled into an excruciatingly tight hug. She didn't mind though, the embrace helped put her at ease. The silence was broken by Kya's muffled voice in Korra's hair,

"I know how much you loved her. I could sense it. Your love pretty much flowed off of you like spirit energy." They broke their hug and Kya's hand went instantly to the necklace around her neck, the other still holding Korra's hand, "I lost someone I loved too." She flipped the pendent in the middle of her necklace and Korra noticed that it was carved on both sides. She had always thought that her necklace was the symbol of her healer status; however, it turned out to have dual purpose. On one side was indeed the symbol for a healer, but on the other were the spirits Tui and La, surrounded by waves. It was also a betrothal necklace. Kya continued "I was betrothed when I was very young. I was 16 in fact. He was the love of my life and I couldn't imagine my life without him. Everyone said we shouldn't get married so early, but I knew he was my true love. Everything was perfect but three years after we married there was a tragic accident while he and some of the other men went fishing and he fell down a crevasse. There was nothing they could do, the crevasse was so deep that they weren't even able to retrieve his body. He was never even had a proper burial. Korra I know how much Asami meant to you. I wanted nothing more than to have the peace of mind knowing that he had a proper funeral, but I was never allowed that luxury. That is why I am here treating Asami. I am trying to preserve her the best I can using the ancient water tribe ritual that mom taught me. They did it on dad when he passed away. It's supposed to preserve the body while helping the spirit pass on into the spirit world. I only wish I was able to help Nakoda with his journey into the spirit world." She said with a sad smile.

Korra didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to comfort the older woman or to tell her how much this meant to her. She settled for hugging her again. After a few moments they broke apart. Tears filled both of their eyes and Korra stepped back to let Kya finish. With each stroke of Kya's arms the incense flowed over Asami's wounds and into her body. Each time it passed over a wound it healed right before her eyes. The scrapes on her face disappeared without a trace and her black eye turned from black, to blue, to green, to yellow, and finally to Asami's pale skin tone. The only thing that seemed to not heal was the hole where the metal beam had stuck out only hours before. Kya focused the incense on the area, but it was stubborn. It took many minutes, but Korra could finally see progress. When it was done Kya lowered her arms. The only evidence of Asami's demise was a massive scar that shined in the low light and took over half of her perfectly toned stomach. Kya looked at Korra,

"This ritual can only heal those who have already passed on, otherwise I would have used it to save her. But that would have been impossible," Korra nodded solemnly, "it's an extensive process so her body will stay here for about a week. Throughout, I will continue to come in and add more incense and other balms. After that you will be free to bury her."

"Thank you, Kya. Words cannot even begin to describe how much this means to me." Korra could feel relief rush over her knowing that Asami's spirit would travel safely into the next world.

"As for now, Korra, please I'm begging for you to go and get some rest. I can't even begin to describe how horrendous your day has been. You need to rest."

"I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep, Kya." Korra responded.

Kya turned around and shuffled in her medicine bag before turning back to Korra, a tiny clear bottle filled with a maroon liquid inside. She handed it to Korra,

"Here take this essence of night shade. It will help you sleep."

"Thank you." Korra whispered, smiling at the waterbender.

Slowly, she took a few steps forward and approached the table in the center of the room. Carefully, she lifted Asami's hand in her one of own, the other played with a curl of ebony hair. Her breath caught in her throat. Even her hair had lost all the vibrancy and life it had when she was alive. Gently, she kissed the back of Asami's limp hand. She lowered it back down onto the table and with one last longing look, blurred by her tears, she left the temple and headed across the island to her room. When she entered the house she was greeted by a stoic Tenzin, a crying Pema, and the tear-filled kids.

"I'm going to miss that beautiful woman." Meelo said in a sad matter of fact tone.

"Me too, Meelo." Korra said as placed her hand on his head and ruffled his hair. She looked at all of them, smiled weakly, and headed off to her room. When she entered it was exactly as she had left it. A few articles of clothes scattered the floor, the sheets on her bed were pulled back in a tangled mass. The chair where Asami sat on watch, waiting to wake Korra from her nightly nightmares, waited in the corner for its owner to return. But this would never happen. Asami was gone forever. Korra turned and looked at the mirror near the closet. She couldn't even recognize her own reflection. Her eyes were bright red and puffy from crying. Clean streaks of skin showed beneath the dirt and grime from where her tears trailed down her face. Her hair was a knotted, matted mess, covered in Asami's blood and her tears. She quickly looked away, feeling suddenly sick. She headed over to the shower. Not even bothering to undress she stepped under the steaming stream. The water pooled around her feet, quickly turning crimson. She washed her hair three times, scrubbing as hard as she could, but it still felt sticky with blood. She fell to her knees, a new wave of sadness washed over her. She let out an anguished wail, as she pounded her fists against the wall. Apparently, it echoed through the house for not a minute later there was a timid knock on the bathroom door and Pema's worried face peered around the corner. She quickly came into the bathroom when she saw Korra sitting under the showers spray. Gently, she lifted Korra and pulled her out of the shower. Taking a towel she wrapped Korra in it and tried her best to dry the grieving Avatar.

"Korra, I can't imagine how badly this hurts, and I can't say I know how this feels because… well… I don't. But I know one thing is for sure, Asami would want you to continue on, I know it's only been one day since… but she would want you to live your life," she grabbed Korra's downtrodden face and lifted it so their eyes met, "I remember when I first realized Asami loved you, I noticed it when I saw how she looked at you" Korra sniffed, "I would recognize that look anywhere because it was the one I had whenever I saw Tenzin. Korra I full heartedly believe that Asami loved you and she did ever since you defeated Unavaatu. I could see it in her eyes every single time she looked at you. I desperately wish she could be here right now, with us, with you. Korra you have to be strong. You have to be brave. You have to keep fighting. If not for yourself, then for Asami" She led Korra over to the bed and they both sat down. Pema embraced her before grabbing her face once again, looking deep into her eyes and saying "Okay?" Korra simply nodded in response. Pema got up, glanced at her once more, and left the room, closing the door behind her with a click.

Korra was tired of everyone telling her how much Asami loved her. Why hadn't she seen it sooner? Was she that clueless to Asami's love? If she had seen it sooner, maybe they could have been together. If they had been together maybe Korra may have been able to convince Asami to not fly the hummingbird suit and none of this would have happened. But she was only kidding herself that would never happen. Asami was too headstrong to turn down a prime opportunity to test out new equipment and a fight. Even if she did love Korra she wouldn't have stayed put. Korra began to cry again. Why? Why Asami? She didn't want anyone to die but why her. She thought back to how her air blast redirected Asami into the post. Asami's death was all her fault and no one would ever be able to help her live with that guilt. She laid down on the bed with a huff, kicking off her boots. She was so tired. Remembering the nightshade in her pocket she pulled it out and chugged the foul tasting liquid. Closing her eyes she prayed for sleep, hoping it would stop the thoughts that plagued her brain. Soon enough it came.

Korra:

Korra opened her eyes. The first thing she saw were a pair of glowing emeralds. "Asami?" she questioned. The raven haired beauty gently caressed her face before snuggling close to Korra on her bed. Light slowly filtered into Asami's room. "I had the most horrendous dream. You… you died." Korra whimpered.

"Shhh, it's okay. I'm alive. I'm right here with you." The engineer replied. "I still can't believe it." She added.

"What?" Korra wondered.

"Us. I can't believe that we are finally together. Korra I have loved you since we were in the South Pole for the Glacier Spirit's festival. I never said anything because I knew you didn't feel the same way then. You were still enamored by Mako." She let out a light chuckle, "When you sent me away with your dad, to take him to Katara, I thought I was going to lose my mind. I was so worried for you. I… I don't know what I would have done if you had died. If Unalaq had succeeded." Her head turned as she snuggle her face into Korra's shoulder and neck. "I'm just glad that we are here now, together" Korra smiled looking around the room.

"Wait a second. How'd we get into your room? How'd we get into your bed?" Korra probed.

"Well we walked, silly." Asami smiled.

"No… no this isn't real. You aren't real. You aren't alive. You… you died yesterday. Kuvira killed you. I killed you. This isn't real." Korra panicked.

The pained look on Asami's face hurt Korra more than her own words.

"What do you mean? Of course I'm ali….ve" Her words faded as blood gurgled out of her mouth. Suddenly, both of them were back on the street. The steel protruded out of Asami's stomach.

"I'm sorry." Korra whispered.

Korra:

Light blinded her eyes behind her heavy closed lids. She could barely open them, her body was stiff with sleep and pain. She knew she had dreamed but she couldn't remember what it was about. Gradually, she was able to lift herself onto her elbows. Looking out the window she noticed it was still dark out. It must be very early in the morning, but what light had woken her up? With her joints creaking and a groan she stood up, the cold wood shocked her bare feet. Quietly, she crept over to the window and then she saw it. The new spirit portal she had created. Everything flooded back to her. The look of anguish on Asami's face, her death, the creation of the spirit portal, saving Kuvira's life, Kya's ritual to heal Asami, the guilt, everything. Pain gripped her heart. She didn't want to see anyone, she just wanted to be alone. She, especially, didn't want anyone else telling her they were sorry. They didn't kill Asami, she did. But where could she go to find peace? No matter where she went someone would stop her and try and talk to her. Her eyes spotted the spirit portal again. The Spirit World! That's perfect! No one would follow her in there. She left the window and pulled a clean set of clothes out of her wardrobe. Discarding the ripped, bloodied, and dirty ones she was wearing, she gingerly slipped into the new outfit. There was a faint smell of jasmine on her shirt. Her nose memory went into hyper drive. She recognized that scent, but from where and how did it get on her clothes. Her mind swept through all the possibilities when it landed on one conclusion. She swept out of the room and headed to the kitchen. Pema greeted her with a smile while the four airbending kids, waved in unison. Forgetting a mornings formalities, Korra skipped right to the point:

"Pema, when I was gone for those six months did Asami ever visit? Did she ever go into my room?"

"She visited often, at least three times a week. She would stop by and say hi to us. Now that you mention it, I did find her in your room once. She said she left her favorite book in your room and had come to get it. She said she would read it to you to help you sleep," Pema responded.

Korra smiled. Asami never read to her. A frown quickly replaced her smile. Asami had visited her room simply to feel close to Korra. Pain stabbed her heart, this was starting to become a common feeling. Why had she left for so long? It only hurt everyone around her and it ended up not even helping herself.

"Thanks, Pema. I'm going to step out for a bit," she held up her hand silencing Pema, "I'm going alone, this is just something I need to do by myself." Pema simply nodded. Turning on the ball of her foot Korra headed out the door. She was halfway down the steps when Jinora's voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Korra, wait! I know my mom said Asami went into your room looking for her book, but that's not the reason why. I was walking by your room that day she was in there. The door was left open a crack, I didn't mean to spy, but I couldn't help it." The young airbending master blushed, "She… she was on your bed, crying. I didn't realize it until now, but she was holding your clothes up to her face. I think they made her feel better, they reminded her of why you left. That you needed to leave… to heal." Thoughts whirred through Korra's mind. She was right. The jasmine she smelled earlier was because Asami had held her clothes. Had cuddled her clothes to be close to her. Regret for leaving instantly filled her. The destination she planned this morning instantly changed. She would stop by the place where Asami died before she journeyed into the Spirit World. Jinora's next comment, however, brought Korra back to reality.

"I know where you are going. Korra please be careful. The city is going to be dangerous. The damage that the canon did to the city was extensive and I don't know how safe the structures are. Plus, I worry that you wouldn't move if something started to fall on you…" she trailed off. Korra knew the young airbender didn't mean for the words to sting but they did. Korra had been selfish, she completely ignored how everyone else must be feeling and focused on her own self wallowing and pity. But she had to take care of herself before she helped anyone else. Realizing Jinora was still staring at her Korra nodded and smiled, "Don't worry kiddo, I'll be fine."

Jumping down the last couple of steps Korra treaded off to the ferry. In a few minutes she was back in the destroyed Republic City. She trudged through the streets, but with the destruction she became lost quickly. Panicking her leisurely pace turned into a sprint. She rushed through an alley and onto one street over. WHAM! She flipped over the front end of a satocycle and landed with a thud on the ground. "Oh my spirits! I killed the Avatar!" the horrified policeman yelled as he hopped off his bike. With a groan Korra sat up. The officer hadn't been going fast enough to do damage, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt like hell.

"I'm fine," she said brushing his helping hands off, "Could you just point me towards the bridge."

"Certainly," his hand snapped to his head in a salute, "If you just take a right up here and then left you should see the bridge." Korra nodded her thanks and limped off. She could make out the officer yelling another apology as she rounded the corner of the building. She gripped the building to support her as she realized this was where it happened. She could see the indent of where she landed on the ground. A few feet away was where she died. She climbed once more over the mound and her eyes instantly trailed to the dried blood covering the ground. Tears filled her eyes, she was surprised she still had tears to cry. Walking over to the beam the image of Asami's limp body filled her mind. If only I had used a different bending technique to slow her fall. She would still be here. Korra would never forgive herself for what happened. She sat down, leaned against some rubble, and cried until she couldn't feel her face anymore and physically no more tears sprouted from her eyes. She resolved that it was time to go to the spirit world. It was difficult and slow going to make her way. She was still extremely sore and the half collapsed buildings and rubble did not make it any easier. But before long Korra stood facing the spirit portal that she had created. She just wanted to be alone. Airbending her way down into the crater, she crawled over the last few vines before she let the portal's glow wash over her. Again she felt a calming sensation. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the blinding light in the spirit world. She was astonished at how beautiful it was. She couldn't believe she hadn't noticed this before. A field of turquoise and magenta flowers surrounded her and sporadically around the edges were flowering cherry trees. She took a few steps before she knelt down in the flowers, slowly collapsing into the comfort of the petals. Her mind thought of nothing but everything at the same time. She couldn't seem to wrap her mind around what was happening, what was going to happen. Closing her eyes she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Kai:

"Korra has been gone all day! Why won't you tell me where she is?" Tenzin demanded of his eldest daughter.

"She said she wanted to be alone." Pema and Jinora said in unison.

"Well based off the recent events, I'm not sure Korra is mentally stable enough to be by herself right now. We cannot allow her to… hurt herself.

Realization of what Tenzin was saying spread across Jinora's face, "Dad, Korra is not going to kill herself. I… I thought the same thing and I am ashamed with myself for doing so. We have to have faith in her. But if you must know she went to where it happened. Again, she said she just wanted to be alone."

"It's not that I think she'll… kill herself per say… and I have always had faith in her!" Tenzin sighed, his face growing a deeper shade of red with each word. "I'll give her a couple more hours before I go and look for her. Okay?"

"Okay." Pema and Jinora agreed. With a deep inhale Tenzin exited the room and proceeded to his study.

Kai walked into the room, he knew it was best to wait until the fight was over before he entered the room, he was still on Tenzin's list after he found out that he was dating Jinora. He had eavesdropped on the whole conversation and had to admit he kind of agreed with Tenzin. If Jinora had died during the fight he didn't know what he would do with himself. Could he live without her? It hurt his heart to think about this, he shook his head to clear it of such depressing thoughts. He strolled over to the young airbending master and pulled her into a strong embrace. He gently whispered into her ear, "Jinora, you know I love you right?"

"Kai… of course I do! What's wrong? Has something happened?" she questioned, her body tensing with fear.

"No, nothing's wrong. I just wanted to make sure you knew. And I wanted to make sure you knew that I would do anything for you." Jinora's body relaxed at his words. She separated from him a bit, her auburn eyes met his olive colored eyes. He brushed the stray hair out of her face, revealing a bruised but healing cut on the side of her face.

"I love you." She whispered back and leaned in, Kai took the hint and connected their lips in a passionate kiss.

Pema coughed from somewhere behind them and said "Oh look at the time, I have to go do that… thing."

Korra:

Asami's eyes met hers, agony beginning to seep into them. Her face began to twitch, she coughed repeatedly. Blood splattered and filled the air with each intake and outtake of her breath. Korra could feel the sticky warm blood on her face. Out of nowhere it began to pour down on them like rain. Everything was covered in Asami's blood. It pooled around them, soon covering Korra's knees. "Why Korra? Why?" Asami asked. Blood started flowing out of her mouth like a river. She spluttered for air. Korra couldn't move no matter how hard she tried. The blood reached her chin. It oozed to her face and filled her nostrils. She couldn't smell anything but the coppery scent of blood. She screamed only to fill her own lungs with blood. "Why?" Asami's question rang out again. She was literally drowning in Asami's blood. It was on her hands.

Korra:

Korra's eyes snapped open. She could still smell copper. Her heart beat calmed slightly as she realized she was in the spirit world, laying in a bed of flowers. Disappointment filled her. Even though she relived Asami's death, at least she could still see her alive, even for a brief amount of time. She could still hear her melodic, albeit pained voice. See her beautiful raven black, flowing hair. She closed her eyes trying her hardest to remember the last time they talked before the battle. It flooded back to her. They were in her shop. It was right before Kuvira's canon blew it up. Everyone was in the building. Korra was standing by Asami, so many unspoken words flitted between their connected eyes. Finally, Korra broke the silence, "Please be careful Asami, I don't know what I would do if you got hurt." She quickly embraced the engineer in a gripping hug. "Korra if anything happens I just want you to know… I" but before she could finish she was cut off by Mako's warning of the incoming canon fire that would destroy her factory and most of the hummingbird mechas with it. She knew what Asami was going to say but she wished she could have heard her say it then. She would have said it a thousand times back. But before she could think any longer about their conversation a shadow crossed her closed eyes. She snapped them open, trying to make them adjust to the spirit world light more quickly. The shadow of spiked black hair alerted her immediately to who had disrupted her thoughts. She didn't move.

"Korra!" his frantic words hurt her ears. "Oh spirits please be alive!" he cried as he rushed over to her.

She sat up, "Relax Mako, I haven't killed myself." She whispered to herself "yet…"

"Korra, I've been so worried. Tenzin told me that you were gone all day when I went to Air Temple Island to visit. He said it would probably be better if I came to find you instead of him."

"Thanks for thinking about me Mako. I'm fine, honestly, but I just want to be alone."

The firebender nodded, ignoring her request to be alone. "Korra, Bolin told me about… everything. He told me how you professed your love for Asami. I just want you to know that I'm here for you. I know this is the worst timing possible, but I love you Korra. I always have and I always will. And I know that one day I will find someone who makes me feel how you feel for Asami, but for now it is you. I would follow you anywhere, I would die for you. Just give me the word and I will be by your side in a heartbeat." He turned to leave but before he could Korra grabbed his arm and pulled him into a hug.

"Mako, I'm so sorry. I love you too, just not in the same way. And thank you… thank you for everything. I know it got so messed up between us and I appreciate you looking after me after all these years."

Mako gave her a sad smile and kissed her on the cheek, "Always."

Bolin:

Bolin took a deep breath, the salty sea air filled his nose. His arms hung over the railing of the board walk that attached the probending arena to the rest of Republic City. The building had miraculously survived Kuvira's attack. The spectacular lights that lit up the building paled in comparison to the golden glow of the spirit portal. Bolin had a perfect view of the twisting beam of spirit energy. Greens, yellows, and golds all mashed together to form one beautiful sight. It was still late at night, yet it was light outside courtesy of the spirit portal. Bolin's mind wandered ceaselessly since the battle and it caused him to not be able to sleep. Luckily, Opal was not experiencing the insomnia that Bolin was. She was sound asleep in one of the rooms on Air Temple Island. The entire Beifong family was living on the island along with Mako and himself. The airbenders had generously offered for them to stay there since Mako and Bolin's apartment had been destroyed and the Beifong's airships were in ruins as well. He tried not to think about it, but he knew what was bothering him. Asami's death. She had been one of his closest friends and it seemed impossible that he wouldn't be able to see her anymore. He had loved her like a sister. None of what happened seemed to be real. His eyes began to water. But a sudden breeze broke his train of thought. Opal landed softly next to him. He turned to look at her, his lips curving into a light smile. She quietly stepped over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Bolin leaned into her embrace.

Opal broke the silence first, "I miss her too."

"She was so young, she had so much to live for. I just can't get her last few moments out of my head," he shook slightly, making Opal hug him tighter, "the way she looked at Korra. She loved her so much and for so long and when Korra finally returned her feelings it was too late, she would never be able to feel the bliss of being in love. And… and the look of pain on Korra's face when she died. I felt like a piece of me died too. If only I had been a second faster, a step closer I could have saved them both. I could have bent a boulder to slow Asami's fall. I could have… I… I could have done something…." his voice trailed off.

"Oh, Bo. I don't want you to think for a split second that her death was your fault. There was nothing you could have done. You save Korra's life and she save Republic City in return. By the time you woke up Asami was already gone." Bolin turned in her arms and looked lovingly in her eyes.

"I know… it's just I can't help, but think 'what if?'" he stopped for a minute, "You know it was Asami who helped me when I was really lost. It was before I met you of course, I'm sure you would have helped me too" he said quickly, making Opal smile, "It was after Mako was arrested and Korra had been eaten by that dark spirit. I couldn't help but feel so alone. It was during my mover premier and I came out here to think. Asami came out a few minutes later and she just talked with me, she let me throw all of my sorrows at her and I… I didn't even once ask how she was doing. Man, she even put my life on the right track. She was the one who introduced me to Varrick. If she hadn't asked me to tag along I wouldn't have become a mover star, I would still be engaged to Eska!" He grimaced before his eyes fell, he scuffed his foot on the wooden board walk.

Opal felt so useless. She didn't know what to say, but she spoke anyways choosing her words carefully, "She was a wonderful friend, Bo. We were all so lucky to have the time we had with her. I'm sure Asami knew that if she ever needed anyone to talk to she could have gone to you. And I'm sure she knew you loved her Bolin." He looked up and smiled at her.

"I love you, Opal. You always know how to make me feel better. Now let's get back to the island, maybe Mako is back. Maybe he found Korra."

Mako:

After he left the spirit world Mako returned to Air Temple Island to tell the worried airbending master where the Avatar had gone. None of them seemed surprised. "Korra often would go to the spirit world when she was feeling most lost." Tenzin commented. After a brief conversation with Tenzin, Mako went for a walk around the island. He stood at the end of the ferry dock, his hands gripped the railing, a light breeze ruffled his hair. From here he had an outstanding view of the new portal. He drew his eyes away from the mesmerizing dance the colors performed in the beam and gazed at the black water gently swishing against the beams holding up the wharf. He knew how Korra felt right now. He had felt it multiple times. The first when his parents were killed right in front of him by a firebender and now. He had truly loved Asami while they were dating, but his love for Korra was so much stronger. He felt like he had a better connection with her, despite all the fights they got in. He still couldn't believe Asami was gone, though. He felt like he could just show up at her estate and be greeted by those haunting emerald eyes, her bright red lipstick, and those dazzling pearly whites. But no, Asami was gone. Her body was at the temple waiting to be buried by her father and mother. The cool night air was finally chilling Mako to the bone and he found himself wandering back inside. He sat roughly on the couch in the living area of the dormitories, releasing a sigh of exhaustion. It was late in the night when he returned from spirit world. There was still a twinge of pain in his heart from finding out that Korra didn't return his affections. At least they could still be friends. He closed his eyes, sleep quickly took over. But he startled awake when the door slammed open and Bolin and Opal strolled in. "Mako!" Bolin yelled, "Did you find Korra?" he asked his voice concerned. Mako nodded,

"Yea she was in the spirit world. She's not coming back. Not for a while at least. She said she just wanted to be alone." Bolin looked at his feet, Opal quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly.

"Come on Bo, let's go to bed." She said as she dragged the saddened lavabender with her.

Korra:

Korra wandered through the meadow, eventually, finding herself in a grove of trees. She strode over to one and placed her forehead on the trunk. The smooth surface cooled her face. Gently, she repeatedly bumped her head against the trunk. She turned and rested her back on it, sliding to the ground. She rested her head on her knees, her arms wrapped tightly around her legs. She gently sobbed. Asami would have loved this place, she thought. She would have loved to figure out how it was made, how everything works here. She imagined the engineer's face of pure shock and awe as she stared at the ever changing spirit world around her. The image made Korra smile. Lost in her thoughts, Korra didn't notice the old man that approached. "Korra, it is so good to see you again!" She jumped, startled by his words.

"Iroh!" She gasped. She burst into a new set of tears, the old man's face turned to that of worry as he walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.

"Come. Let's talk about it over a cup of tea." He smiled.

Korra followed after him stiffly, sniffing occasionally, and trying her best to wipe her tears away. They exited the tree grove and entered into a new meadow where a tiny little building waited for their return. They walked inside. The building was a combo of Iroh's home and his tea shop. He sat Korra down at a table and went into the back. A few minutes later he came back carrying a teapot and two cups.

"Poppyrose tea, it's said that it cures even the most fractured of hearts." He said warmly. "Now, Korra why don't you tell me what happened." Korra took a deep sip from her cup, the tea tasted amazing, took a deep breath, and dove into the story, starting from when she first started having feelings for Asami all the way to her death. Iroh was silent while he processed what Korra had said.

"You know I lost my son when he was very young, so I know how you feel Korra. The death of a loved one is a punishment I wouldn't wish even upon the worst of my enemies."

"But Iroh, it wasn't even Kuvira's fault. I… I… I was the one who killed Asami!" she sputtered, "If I hadn't sent that air blast Asami would still be here!" she wailed.

Iroh once again sat silently, pondering everything. He began carefully, "Korra, I don't think you should blame yourself. I hate to say this, but Asami would have died whether you intervened or not. However, her death is a rather special case." He stopped his face screwed up in deep thought. "I don't want you to get your hopes up but I believe there might be a way we can save Asami."