Shen has learned long ago that it's best to accept defeat than to dwell on it. However, it doesn't cease the ache in her pride and her skull that she's failed in her task to apprehend a mere girl. No… not a 'mere' girl, but a girl who is the new Avatar.

The tolls of the bell fades in echo, and the Avatar standing above her is still staring at her with that insufferably smug smirk.

Then, that smirk changes into a smile. Korra drops her arms, and the metal plates too. The girl moves her hands in easing movements, and it takes a few seconds for Shen to realize her wrists and ankles are free of its binds.

"Whew!" Korra sighs loudly and stretches her limbs.

Shen just blinks almost owlishly at the girl, still laying flat on her back. One second this girl radiates superiority, and now she has this relaxed aura, with a look on her face Shen has seen countless times from children.

"You're okay?" Korra's voice snaps Shen from her thoughts. "I didn't give you a concussion or anything…?"

The girl actually appears concerned, so Shen's considerate enough to answer in a rasp. "No."

Korra looks relieved. "Oh, good. There was that time I accidentally knocked out my sparring partner and—"

The sudden flash of the airships' spotlights temporarily blinds Korra. Shen however saw it coming, and closed her eyes in advance. All the officers descend and surround the duo. Officer Quin rushes forward to give her superior a hand, but Major Shen brushes off the gesture and stands by her own power.

Chief Lin Bei Fong descends in center of the circle, a couple feet before Shen.

In presence of her superior, the Major deeply bows. "Chief Bei Fong, I have failed." There is deep regret in this confession, even Korra can't help but cringe a bit.

Lin stares down at her defeated Major, then shakes your head. "Raise your head, Shen." She waits till Shen is upright. "You have made a valiant effort, but we weren't prepared with this particular adversary. Either way, I am grateful for your service."

Shen doesn't smile, but there is a particular light in her eyes. "Thank you, Chief."

Lin shifts her attention to the girl who single-handedly bested her men. Korra, despite feeling worse for wear, keeps her strong posture and meets the chief's eyes head on.

"It would seem you've claimed victory." The Chief speaks stoically.

Korra doesn't respond, only looking at the Chief with an unreadable expression.

Lin shuts her eyes for a second as she takes a deep breath. "In honor of our proposition, your beast of a pet shall be returned to you. Matter of fact, we gave signal to release the polar bear dog, and it should be here any second now."

On cue, distant barking can be heard. Korra looks over her shoulder, and the officers of that direction is forced to make way for one Naga galloping towards her.

"Naga…" Forsaking her fatigue, Korra turns and sprints as if magically rejuvenated. "Naga!"

What seem to take too long for them is really a few more seconds as the friends happily collide. Korra embraces Naga's muzzle as the bear hound lifts the Avatar and spins her around and around, bringing out peals of pure joy.

They give no mind to their audience, who each are begrudging to admit that the reunion between the strange friends is quite… touching.

"They've only been apart for two days." Aya huffs.

"Doesn't matter," Quin Lee chirps. "When a bond is strong enough, even a little absence makes the heart grow fonder."

A few more minutes, Korra and Naga settle themselves. In second nature, Korra mounts upon the saddle, and it's as if the two had never been apart in the first place.

"Well done, Korra."

Korra inclines to see Tenzin at the top of City Hall's stairs. The airbending master has a respectful smile on his face. "Expect your first lesson tomorrow morning, bright and early. I suggest now you return to Air Temple Island for much needed rest."

The new Avatar regards her definite mentor with a nod. "Right. Let's go, Naga!"

Faithfully following her friend's command, the polar bear dog dashes off and effortlessly through the throng of policemen, giving their newfound rivals a warning growl. The Avatar guides them to Yue Harbor, and Naga leaps into the water. As the bear hound swims towards the small isle, Korra lies down on her friend's back and closes her eyes. Fleetingly free of scrutinizing eyes, she feels it's alright to be weak… just for a little while.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Oh wow… I didn't expect to upload TWO chapters in one day. But I had the drive to keep going, so I did.

Well that's that, Stay or Go is officially done. Hooray! I have a bit of a head start on the next episode, but I don't think I'll upload it this week, but who knows.

Just like Korra, I am TIRED, so I think I'll call it a night.

Good Night everyone (or Good Morning if you're on the other side of the globe)!

DEVIANT DISCUSSION:

I'm compelled to mention just how great these OCs are, it goes to show the effort an artist is willing to put into their work, even if it's fan art. We'll be seeing more of these awesome metalbending police brigade in the future, so if you checked out their designs (or their info at your own risk of potential spoilers) I hope you'll take the time to give appreciation to the creators whenever you can.

Till the next chapter!