Korra's POV

I groaned as we landed outside the portal, getting up on my knees to watch it close.

No.

This couldn't be real. I...I had answered truthfully. I was going back. I didn't lie...did I? I replayed the question over and over in my head, trying to figure out why I would lie. I cared about Asami. I wouldn't let her die. I promised her I'd go back. I cared...I...I thought I did. The Firebender placed a hand on my shoulder but I wouldn't meet his gaze. How could I? Azula was right. I was a fraud. A heartless pirate. I didn't care about anyone else but myself. The goddess had the power to look into everyones' hearts and see them for who they were. So...maybe...

"You answered her question," Mako began gently. "You told the truth."

I scoffed and moved away from him, shaking my head. "It wasn't the truth," I replied. "It was me trying to pass myself off as someone I'm not."

He shook his head and I pulled my legs toward my chest, closing my eyes. I'd lied. I didn't want to go back. I wanted to run away, just like I always had. That's all I knew how to do. And my best friend could pay for trusting a liar like me.

"Korra, I've seen who you are. You don't need to pretend. It's a trick from Azula-"

I shook my head. "Mako..."

"You need to go somewhere safe," he began. "I'll go back and explain everything. They'll have to believe me."

"Mako, no."

"I won't watch you die."

"But can you honestly say you'd be okay with me running away? Would you be able to look at me, and not see a coward, a failure, a disappointment?" I asked. "Besides that, I made Asami a promise...I can't afford to break it."

The Firebender didn't say anything at this, instead wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into an embrace which I returned. My mind whirled, and I felt determination build in my body. Even if I had lied earlier, there was no way I was actually going to let Azula make a liar out of me. Both mine and Asami's lives depended on that.


Iroh's POV

I grinned as I moved the Pai Sho piece that would declare me the winner. Asami blinked and I chuckled. She had asked the guards to bring the game-board after she grew tired of playing poker, probably because I'd started to cheat. If she could do it to shut me up for a day, then I could as well. However, it didn't exactly work in my favor because she knew I was doing it.

"Never pegged you for a Pai Sho man," she commented as we arranged the pieces again.

"My grandfather taught me," I admitted. "And his uncle taught him. He's who I was named after."

The raven haired woman's head tilted curiously before her eyes slightly widened. "You're General Iroh, grandson of Fire Lord Zuko."

"Former Fire Lord," I corrected lowering my gaze. "He gave the throne to my mother, Fire Lord Izumi."

"Why-why did you become a pirate?" she asked.

I took a deep breath, taking out my poker cards to entertain me. "Because I was afraid."

Asami hummed in response. "You thought your mother would give you the throne."

"I don't know anything about ruling," I began. "I know about the sea, how to man a ship, how to train men and women. But governing over them...taking care of an entire nation...I'm not ready to do that. So I left."

"Why didn't you just tell them that?"

I shrugged. "I'd sound like a coward."

She raised a brow. "And running away isn't cowardice?"

My jaw clenched. "That's different."

"No, it's not." She sighed and leaned closer to the bars. "Tell them why you left and apologize."

I scoffed. "You think it's that easy?"

"It is."

"Oh yeah? So if the Captain doesn't come back with the Book and apologizes, everything is going to be okay?" I asked. "They're not going to execute her?"

The heiress opened her mouth to speak when a man came in. He was clearly from one of the Water Tribes, dark skinned, blue eyes, hair in braids. The man didn't acknowledge me but the the raven haired woman stood and gave him her full attention.

"Councilman Unalaq, I didn't expect a visit from you."

"I'm here to inform you that your execution will be carried out tomorrow morning," the man answered. "It is clear to the council, and myself, that the pirate is not coming back."

"The Captain still has two days," I countered standing up. "That was the deal."

"The council has already voted. I'm sorry Miss Sato."

With those words he turned around and left. Why that son of a...I made a move to go after him but she grabbed my jacket, shaking her head. I needed to think fast, get her out of here. The Captain would return, she had to.

"What are you doing?" Asami asked as I unlocked he cell.

"Getting you out of here, what's it look like?" I replied, as I opened the door. "Well, come on, I don't have all day."

The heiress stepped forward, but instead of escaping she simply closed the door and shut the lock once more. Was she insane? What the hell was she thinking?

"Do you have a death wish I don't know about?"

"Korra is going to come back. They won't be executing anyone."

I let out a humorless laugh. "You didn't hear what the peacock said?" I asked referring to the man who came earlier. "They're going to execute you tomorrow."

"Korra is coming back."

"No, she isn't!" I finally snapped. "The Captain is not going to make it in time and they're going to kill you. I gave her my word I wouldn't let them do anything to you, so swallow your pride and follow me."

"It's my choice," she answered. "And whatever anyone else thinks doesn't change that."

My jaw clenched, hands turning into fists. I was not going to watch her die. There was no way in hell that was going to happen. I made a move to unlock the door again when a pair of guards came in and grabbed me, pulling me away from her cell.

"Take him to Fire Lord Izumi," Asami ordered. She paused and sighed. "I release you from your word, Iroh. Thank you for staying with me as long as you did but this is my choice."

And with that I was dragged away.


Asami's POV

I took a deep breath, sitting up when I heard the guards come in. I hadn't slept last night, I mean, how could I? My execution was today, two days prior to what had been agreed. Even if Korra was on her way back she wouldn't be able to make it.

I was going to die.

I held out my wrists, allowing the guards to cuff them, both men looking at me apologetically as they did. With a deep breath I followed them out of the cell and down the steps.

My father was waiting at the base and he wrapped his arms around me tightly, whispering for me to run but I shook my head, burying my face in his shoulder. To run now was to run forever, and I wouldn't do that, frankly, I didn't have the energy.

The guards gently nudged me forward and I followed them, passing by the members of the council, my people, and a familiar gaze in uniform. I paused and smiled at the General who stood inbetween the Fire Lord and the legendary Zuko. He stepped towards me but I shook my head before continuing forward.

The cuffs were removed and I stared at the rock structure, the place were my life would end. I looked up to see the sun rise and I smiled, taking it in, knowing it would be my last one.

With a deep breath I knelt down, placing my chin on the cold rock and closing my eyes as my executioner raised his sword.


Korra's POV

I sucked in a sharp breath, leaning against the rail, suddenly feeling dizzy.

Asami. Something was happening to Asami.

I immediately asked Kai and Opal to use their Airbending on the sails to make the ship move faster. Something had changed, something was happening back in Republic City.

Iroh was with her, he wouldn't let her get hurt, he wouldn't leave her side. Unless...my jaw clenched, hands turning into fists. We had taken too long. The little distractions along the way had added up and I could almost bet Azula had messed with our time.

We arrived at the city and before the crew dropped anchor I was jumping off the ship, the Firebender behind me. I stopped in my tracks, eyes widening when I saw Asami on Dead Man's Peak, where people were executed for their crimes.

I started to run toward the wall, using my Earthbending to climb, knowing if I took the normal way up, I wouldn't make it in time.

I pulled myself up in time to see the executioner lift the sword but before he could do anything I pushed him away with Airbending, the piece of iron falling in front of Asami.

Her eyes opened and she smiled when she spotted me, running to me and I hugged her tightly, thanking the Spirits.

"You came back."

"Did you doubt I would?" I asked with a smirk.

"No. But the sword gave me a pause," she answered.

I laughed and she smiled before her face grew serious. "The Book?"

I lowered my gaze. "I did my best," I answered before looking up at her. "It wasn't enough."

My best friend's eyes widened. "No...you..." She shook her head. "No. You can't-"

"My sentence needs to be carried out," I answered, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for believing in me."

"Guards," a councilman called and they grabbed me, making sure I wouldn't flee. Not like I was going to anyway.

I looked over to the crowd, watching Mako argue with a few of the council members before my gaze settled on my mom. She was crying and I tried to take a step forward but the guards held me back. Instead, she came over to me. Slowly she reached out to caress my cheek and I leaned into her touch, holding back my own tears.

"Take me," she whispered looking at Hiroshi. "Please, take me instead."

"You know the law Senna," he answered, his tone apologetic. "Korra and I had a deal."

"Senna," my father called, gently tugging her away from me.

"I won't standby and watch my daughter be killed!" she snapped, pulling out of his hold. "Not like you!"

"Mom," I said making her look at me. "It's going to be okay." My voice cracked and I internally kicked myself.

"Korra-"

"I'm sorry," I whispered, not meeting my father's gaze. "No one asked for a thief as a daughter."

With those words I looked at the guards and nodded, trying to ignore my mother's cries as I was taken to the stone slab. I took a deep breath, my hands clenching before relaxing. I knelt down, placing my chin on the stone, taking deep breaths as my executioner raised his sword once more.

It never hit me.

One moment I was sure I would be taking my last breath and the next I heard him gasp. I opened my eyes, seeing pieces of the sword floating before the ground shook and a large cloud of black approached, revealing a not too happy Azula.

"How dare you?" the goddess growled as I stood. "Everything was going perfectly and now...you do this!"

She tossed the stone out into the bay as everyone watched with shock. Even I was having a hard time wrapping my head around this. What the hell was she talking about?

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't you play coy with me," Azula hissed, leaning forward. "Maybe you can fool these people but I know who you are." She was pissed, that much was certain. "You are a selfish, unprincipled liar!"

There was silence for a moment, then I smiled.

"I didn't lie," I told her. "I came back. I wasn't about to let you make me a liar." I smirked. "That's why you're here." I crossed my arms over my chest, grinning ear from ear. "And didn't you say something about giving me your word?"

Azula's eyes narrowed and she raised her arm with a growl, sapphire fire erupting from it, threatening to crush me but I held my ground. I knew how this worked. She had to give me the Book back. So with a sigh, the goddess lowered her hand and opened it, revealing the priceless treasure that had started it all.

I smiled as I took it, looking up at the simmering goddess. "This must be a little embarrassing for you, Azula," I said, feeling a little smug, and rightfully so.

The chaotic goddess scowled before leaning close to me. "Don't push your luck, my noble thief," Azula replied. "You're cute, but not that cute."

She made herself smaller, appearing next to me, her hand tracing from my jaw and down my arm. "Lucky for you I have places to go, things to destroy, stuff to steal." And with a wink she was gone.

I fell to my knees, gripping the Book tightly in my hold. It was over. It as finally over.


Asami's POV

I watched as Korra fell onto her knees, clutching the Book of Peace. So it had been true what she said about Azula, the Goddess of Discord. And if the looks on everybody's faces were any indication, they couldn't believe it themselves. I waited a moment before stepping towards her only to have Mako beat me to the brunette, helping her stand. She smiled at him before looking over to me and I smirked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"For what its worth, I think the council believes you now," I told her with a grin, gesturing to the men and women behind me.

She chuckled. "You think?" Her gaze shifted and I looked up to see my father walking over to us. The Waterbender gave him a nod. "Hiroshi Sato."

"I'd like to offer you the gratitude of the Four Nations and a father," he began with a small smile. "As well as a pardon for you and your crew members."

"What, no apology?"

My dad smiled and shook his head. "And an apology."

Korra nodded and tried to give him the priceless treasure but shook his head and stood back. Her brow furrowed but the Firebender and I followed my father's lead and she took the hint. With a deep breath, my best friend opened the Book, a great light emerging with it and I saw her eyes glow in tandem.

The darkness that seemed to have come over the city slowly faded and the glowing faded. She lowered her arms handing the Book over to my father. Dad gave her a small bow before taking it and leaving the three of us alone once more. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders as I led her inside.

"I'm going to throw a party in your honor," I began. "Everyone will want to hear what happened."

She stopped and pulled away slightly, giving me a small smile. "Fair winds, calm seas. Nothing much to tell." The Waterbender looked over at Mako. "Right, stiff?"

He smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. "That about sums it up."

I shook my head. "What's a matter? No fun if you're actually invited?"

"No. But I have feeling I have my next destination planned out for me."

I looked over to see her parents come towards us and I decided it was best to give them some space. Senna hugged her daughter tightly, letting a few tears fall. I could tell the Chief of the Southern Tribe wanted to tell his daughter something but couldn't bring himself to. There was a long road of recovery for that relationship.

"Hey."

"Hey," I answered looking up at the Firebender. His hair was longer and unkempt. If I didn't know he was part of the royal class, I'd mistake him for a sailor. "You've changed," I added.

The Firebender managed a smile and nodded. "I have," he admitted. "Can we talk?"


Senna's POV

Words couldn't describe how happy I was to hold my daughter in my arms.

When she'd arrived to stop Asami's execution I'd known everything would be okay. She had gotten the Book. But when she was arrested and I didn't see the priceless treasure, a part of me lost it. I offered myself in her place, refusing to allow my only child to be killed, unlike my husband. He had asked me to let the law take its course. If I wasn't filled with despair, I might have slapped him. How could he be so cold to his own flesh and blood?

But then the goddess in question had appeared and it became apparent that Korra had been telling the truth and Azula was indeed behind the entire fiasco. I couldn't help but be filled with pride as she opened the Book of Peace, restoring light to the city. I pulled her into a tight embrace, not wanting to let her go, not after everything that had happened.

"I want you to come home," I told her as she pulled away.

"Mom..."

"I almost lost you today. I've never been this scared in my life." I placed a hand against her cheek, rubbing my thumb against cold skin. "Please, come home."

She hesitated and I didn't blame her. It had been years since she had set foot in her home.

"The South Pole is your home, Korra," Tonraq added quietly, not making a move to come closer to us. I knew the reason behind his encouragement. He knew I was furious at his lack of concern for our daughter's life.

My little girl didn't spare him a glance, her attention on me. "I'll let my crew know," she finally said. "Su will probably want to go to Zaofu and I could use some vacation time."

I smiled broadly. My little girl was coming home.


I feel the need to clear up that beginning part because I know some people are going to be like, "why the heck does Korra doubt she was telling the truth? That's stupid." Azula is a master manipulator, she gets inside people's heads. All she had to do was play with Korra's "cowardice" streak, her 'running away from everything' habit, and Azula stated she could tell when people were lying. So Korra bought into it because that's how she sees herself. All mind games.

Read and review.

We out! Peace!