"We will be together for all of your lifetimes, and we will never give up."
- Raava, the Spirit of Light.


Finally, things in Republic City were returning to normal. All the damage from the attack had been fixed and the many dead bodies had been disposed of. While not all of them could be returned to their proper place of rest, they'd been cremated or buried in the most honorable fashion the citizens of Republic City could find, and it seemed that no ill will lingered amongst their scattered bones. Even the spirits were again flocking to Republic City, dancing in the night skies beside the Third Spirit Portal once again.

Sadly, the return to normalcy included the bad as much as the good. With the military departed and the police still working to help patch up the damage, the gangs were trying to muscle their way back onto their respective turfs. And while not nearly as violent, there were still many politicians and businessmen stirring up trouble demanding reparations or compensation for the chaos that had ensued. While a cure for the rash of plagues had been discovered, and it was subsiding in major cities, it was still prevalent in the outlying villages and towns who didn't not have access to as many wonders of modern medicine.

Harmony had been restored, but it was a fickle thing, and needed constant vigilance to protect.

As for Mako, his work was only beginning. And part of that meant overseeing the transfer of a particularly dangerous prisoner.

So he descended the ramp from the larger sailing vessel to a smaller transport, nodding to Tahno, who was piloting. His junior partner eased up on the throttle, nudging their tiny vessel closer over to the wooden island that was their destination. A prison specially made to contain one of the Red Lotus criminals, the lavabender Ghazan, it had been abandoned following his death nearly five years ago now. Today, it was being re-opened and re-staffed by sentries of the White Lotus, and being restored in preparation of its newest prisoner.

Said prisoner was being escorted in the next boat, tightly wrapped up in an off white straightjacket to prevent the movement of her arms. Two guards held her by iron poles to a collar around her neck, and as Mako watched, they moved her as gently as they could onto the wooden island and into her cell. Then and only then did they release the collar, loosen the straightjacket, and step back.

Mako stepped forward, watching as the dark-haired girl slumped to her knees, the pink in her hair faded so much in the past few days it had practically vanished. It seemed to reflect her mood, for she'd gone from perky and cheerful (and psychotic, he reminded himself) to dour. Like all the will to live had simply vanished from her.

"Miko?"

She didn't reply, but he continued to speak anyway, as much to reassure himself he was doing the right thing as telling her the same.

"I'm sorry it's come to this, but you've left us no choice. I know it's not much... but at least here you won't be able to hurt anyone."

Fumiko didn't say a thing. She hadn't ever since her defeat. She just continued to gaze dully out in front of her, not truly seeing anything. When Korra had explained what had happened with Temuji, there had been a brief concern that Fumiko's body might also be damaged by the excess elemental power within it. But a brief consultation with a master healer and spiritualist like Katara promised there would be no such danger. Temuji had tried to hold all four elements in his body, something only a true Avatar could do. Fumiko had only had her earthbending enhanced. It seemd that was much of the cause of her boundless energy.

Not that she had much energy right now. She walked and she breathed but her eyes were glazed and dead as one of her own animated corpses.

Mako pitied her. Not just for losing her a family member, something he'd had to experience himself, but because she'd just ultimately given up. Much as he loved his brother, losing Bolin wouldn't have made him want to give up, it would've made him want to keep living his life. Because it's what Bolin would have wanted. Whatever Temuji wanted his little sister to do with her life... it seemed she wasn't going to do it. There was no chance of appeal for her sentencing, she was going to be spending the rest of her life here.

Without another word, Mako turned and departed, nodding politely to the White Lotus sentries and settling into the motorboat alongside Tahno. The two detectives exchanged a look as the engine fired up and took them away from the wooden island prison.

"Ready to go work, chief?" Tahno asked. There were dark rings around his eyes but overall he was back to his old self.

"... yeah, I think I am," Mako replied. "What about you?"

"May take it easy for the first few days but... I think I got it in me," he said with a weary smirk.

The boat speeded back to Republic City where the two of them would be getting back to work patching up the damage and restoring order. A never-ending battle that none the less was a worthwhile endeavor. Meanwhile, in her cell, Fumiko continued to stare dully ahead as the wooden bars were slid back into place by the sentries and locked. They wouldn't be unlocking again anytime soon. Finally, she felt the gaze of the guards slide away from her, content she was helpless as a newborn.

But a tiny smirk had worked its way onto her face, and her jade eyes glinted with new life.

"I'll bring you back, brother... I'll bring you back..."


In the metallic city of Zaofu, Bolin gave a cheerful whistle as he walked along, strolling from the guest quarters where he lodged towards the manor where the Beifong family lived. He had remarkably high hopes for today, so high they seemed ready to sprout wings and fly off if he didn't keep them grounded. He'd taken more than a little extra care with his appearance today, smoothing back his dark locks of hair and straightening out one of his nicer jackets. A bundle of dark green was held behind his back casually as he strolled along.

Ironically, the one person he hoped not to run into (at least not yet) was Opal.

Thankfully, he spotted her out practicing her airbending forms in the courtyard, and slipped away before she could notice him, making his way to the main parlor where he was told Suyin and her husband were having her morning tea. Though he'd yet to make a sound, Suyin had sensed him coming, and reached over to switch off the radio program she and her husband enjoyed listening to while they took their tea.

"-at's all the time we have for now folks. Tune in tomorrow, same time, same station. For FireFox News, this is Shiro Shinobu, signing off...!"

Suyin turned the knob, shutting off the broadcast.

"I hope I'm not intruding?" Bolin said tentatively, sensing he'd been discovered.

The Beifong matriarch smiled, beckoning him in, and poured a third cup of tea. He settled onto the couch, resting the bundle by his side as he accepted the drink.

"What can we do for you, Bolin?" asked the senior Bataar.

"Well, first off, I come bearing a gift...!" he set his cup down and unwrapped the dark green cloth, display its contents: a hunk of very special rock, so black it was practically made out of shadow instead of stone, and shiny like a mirror's surface. Bolin swore he saw his reflection in it.

"A genuine piece of Sozin's Comet. Since you collect meteorites and all."

Suyin dipped her head, accepting the gift with the utmost dignity. "Thank you very much, Bolin. You've a very kind heart." She passed the dark rock to a nearby servant, who would add it to her collection in the gardens.

"Now what's this truly about?" the gray-haired matron asked, peering intently at the young lavabender.

"Ah, well... the thing is... uh..." Bolin stammered, rubbing his forefingers together like he did when he was nervous. "Your daughter and I, well we've..."

"Yes I know you two are an item," Suyin said. "But I sense there's something more you want to tell me?"

"I'd uh... I'd like to ask for her hand," the young earthbender said, greatly daring. "Oh, and uhm, the rest of her of course. All of her. A package deal."

It was that last word that amused Suyin, and she realized an ulterior motive to his previously selfless gift to her growing collection. "Oh I see. The stone isn't just a gift... it's a bribe?" she asked with a smirk. "My sister was a cop, you know."

It was amusing to watch how quickly he panicked. "Nononono, it's not like that... really...!"

She had to laugh as he stammered and stuttered so amusingly. And her amusement only continued to grow as she spotted the very topic of their conversation leaning against the doorway, listening in on everything. Bolin, however, blindly pressed on, unaware Suyin's only daughter had just joined them.

"It's not a... it really was meant to be just a gift. But I really want to marry Opal, and I thought this might help because... I know I'm nothing special... I've got nothing really to offer her... and she's so beautiful, and kind, and smart, and a whole list of other things that I don't even know all the words to. She's just... perfect and I'm just... me."

Opal chose that moment to reach over the back of the couch and wrap her arms around Bolin's shoulders, hugging him gently from behind. The look on his face was utterly priceless, making Suyin wish desperately she'd set up a camera beforehand.

"And I wouldn't have you any other way," the dark-haired woman intoned softly. Opal glanced up at her mother, the look on her face spelling it out for the elder Beifong woman. There was only one possible response she could give now, not that she ever really considered the alternatives.

"Well, I suppose that's settled. Of course we'll give our blessing, Bolin. We can have the wedding right here in Zaofu if you like, maybe sometime in the spring. But... I do have a very strict condition I want you to meet...!" she said sternly, pointing her index finger right at his face.

"C-c-c-condition?" he asked, suddenly nervous again. Sweat poured down his brow.

"Mooooom," Opal said, rolling her eyes.

Suyin smiled warmly. "I imagine you'll want to talk this over with Mako and your family but... let me welcome you into our family... as a son. And a Beifong."

"Oh! Oh is that all," he said, suddenly feeling much better. "Well that's not exactly traditional, I guess, but seeing as how I don't have much of a last name myself, uh... uh yeah, that'd be nice! I'd..." he stopped rambling and drew himself up solemnly. "I'd be honored to be Bolin Beifong."

"Then welcome to the family, son."

"Thanks, mom... uhm... can I call you that? Is that okay?"

Suyin opened her arms, and Bolin almost eagerly stepped into them for a hug. Opal joined in as the three new family members were united. The senior Baatar watched with a grin on his face.

"Let's go tell everyone," Opal said, taking Bolin's hands and hauling him to his feet. "I want to share the good news."

Bolin smiled, hardly able to believe his good luck. This was the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. He couldn't have been more fortunate. He took her hand in his, as always marvelling just how well they fit together, fingers interlocking just like their destiny was.

"Just so you know," Suyin added as they reached the door. "I expect lots of grandkids."

Opal blushed so hotly her face lit up like a fire flake, while Bolin turned white as a sheet. Bataar just laughed.

"Moooooom!"


With the destruction of Air Temple Island in Republic City, Tenzin and his family were formally moving out to the Eastern Air Temple, as were all the rest of the islands inhabitants. President Raiko spoke of plans to construct an embassy for future visiting Air Nomads, but for now, they returned to the ancient homeland of their ancestors.

Tenzin was arguably taking it the easiest, so long as he had his family, he felt, the rest didn't matter. The island had just been stones and relics, all of which could be replaced. Pema seemed of a like-minded temperament, and even enjoyed the possibility of a change. With her children growing up and already having their own adventures in the world, a change of pace for her and her husband was welcome. Sure, she would miss some of the friends she'd made in Republic City, but most of them were coming with her, and the others, well, they'd have chances to visit.

Ikki and Meelo loved their new home, and with Pokey as their playmate were already exploring all over the length and breadth of the ancient temple, finding hidden places and secret rooms simply everywhere they went. On some days, Kai went with them to supervise, on others they were left in the trusted care of their uncle Bumi. Which usually meant they got up to twice the normally amount of mischief. The southern shrine would never be the same again for generations to come. And one time, and Tenzin was still trying to explain this, they'd gone out foraging for herbs, and somehow managed to drag back a dead shark-squid into the main courtyard. Meelo had even painted a portrait of his uncle Bumi with one foot planted atop of his mortal foes carcass, triumphant in victory.

They were nowhere near the ocean. How they had done it... would be a riddle for the ages.

Of them all, Jinora was having the hardest time adjusting. She'd lived on Air Temple Island her whole life, all of her worldly possessions had been there, her books, her scrolls, her clothes, her momentos. She may have been an airbender but she'd also been a teenaged girl, and Pema had helped her pick out a lot of beautiful dresses. Dresses she'd now never get a chance to wear. She knew that they could all be replaced, and she'd already started up a new collection, but in her heart, it wouldn't feel the same.

Even the view looked different. Sitting on the balcony on one of the uppermost towers, she saw a wide expanse of hills and fields. Uninhabited, wild land. No man's land where spirits and sky bison and other animals roamed free. It was nice, truly it was, but it was different. She wasn't sure she could get used to calling such a place home. Maybe she should return to her nomadic roots again, just like grandpa Aang had done. Maybe she could become a wandering air master like he had until she found somewhere to call home. Maybe...

"Jinora?"

Her thoughts interrupted, she turned, and smiled. "Kai," she greeted, the young airbender boy hopping up onto the balcony beside her.

"I uh... found these flowers blooming on the side of the mountain," he said awkward, holding up the fuschia lilies. "And I wanted to show you something."

"What is it?" she asked, accepting the lilies. "Some new technique?"

"You could say that," Kai replied with a roguish grin. "Though I think someone else already invented this one..."

With a slow gesture of his hands, he conjured up a miniature breeze, letting it circle Jinora as it picked up the flower petals and made them dance all around her. The young airbending master gazed up in delight at the display of color, watching the petals dancing on the breeze Kai had conjured. In many ways, it reminded her of how the spirits flew through the skies of the North and South poles. A dazzling display of perfect, natural harmony.

"It's beautiful..."

"Welcome home, Jinora," Kai said.

And she smiled again, feeling now that she truly was. For home wasn't where you were. It was who you were there with.


Kwong's Kuisine had been on the very edge of the devastation caused by Kuvira's superweapon and the opening of the third spirit portal. As such, after only a few short months and a fair bit of repairs, it had re-opened for business. Now with the added feature of a balcony and patio which gave a simply breathtaking view of the entrance to the spirit world. Business was booming thanks to this latest addition to their already excellent restaurant.

And it still served some exceedingly fine cuisine.

Korra and Asami sat on the balcony, which had been exclusively reserved by the Sato Heiress for the occasion. Some golden blooms from Bao's shop were set in a vase on the table between them. Both were dolled up, though not excessively so. This was a special occasion for them, after all, but by the same token it was only for them, they didn't feel a need to put on too many airs with each other. They knew who they were. They knew who the other was. Though they both wanted to learn more.

This was their first official date.

The backdrop of the Spirit Portal set a wonderfully romantic ambiance to their meal, spirits drifting overhead in dazzling displays of shimmering lights. It was a most welcome contrast to the chaos and turmoil of the past few weeks. Everything had fallen back into balance, though as usual continued to grow and change into something newer and ever more beautiful.

Just like their relationship.

"Hard to believe everything's changed so much," Asami said. "Sometimes I wake up and I don't even know where I am or what I'm doing anymore."

"We're helping people," Korra replied, taking a bite out of her roast duck. "That never changes."

"The Avatar's solemn duty? To always bring balance to the world?"

"That... but I'd like to think even if I wasn't the Avatar I'd do good just because... well... it's what we all should be doing."

She couldn't argue with that. "But how can we keep balance if everything keeps changing?"

"I like to think of balance not as something carved in stone... but ever changing," Korra replied solemnly. "Like the seasons. You can't really enjoy summer unless you also have winter, right?"

"And each one has its own particular benefits and drawbacks," Asami continued, following her line of thought, remembering the winters she could play in the snow, or the summers she enjoyed at the beach or in the pool. "But too much of one or another is harmful more than helpful."

"Mhmm. That's what I'm inclined to believe. So yeah, everything we do matters, even if it's not apparent. Even if it's just a minor difference, it's enough as far as I'm concerned."

"Well, right now I know of one minor difference that's going to properly 'balance' out this meal," Asami said, making quotations with her fingers.

Puzzled, Korra watched her dining companion as she made a signal to the restaurant staff.

The waiter rejoined them briefly to provide dessert, a pair of plates with a truly delectable delicacy: a slice of lemon merengue pie. He then bowed so low he could have kissed his own boots and departed, not even turning around as he side-stepped gracefully off the balcony, to the quiet amusement of the two women.

"This... is THE best dessert they offer here at Kwong's. I always used to get some for my birthday celebrations," said Asami, using her fork to delicately cut a piece of her pie. White frosting and golden lemon parted beneath the silverware as she scooped it up, mouth already watering at the thought of the incoming flavor.

"Oh well then, if it's that good, I suppose the only honorable course is to try it myself," Korra said jokingly, picking up her own fork. The correct one this time.

On impulse, Asami held out a hand to stop Korra. And instead, offered her own fork and its precariously balanced contents to the Avatar. Amused by the romantic display, but pleased, Korra quickly did the same, aiming her morsel at Asami's lovely red lips.

They took a bite at the same time, enjoying each other's desert, and each other's company, with gusto. It was the little things in life you savored the most sometimes.

Dessert finished, their plates were cleared away by the waiters quietly, but neither was quite ready to call it a night. Korra scooted her chair around the table to Asami's side, the two of them sitting side-by-side as they watched the spirit portal glowing in the distance, small flocks of spirits floating through the air towards or from it, new visitors into their realm coming and going. It was like they were dancing in the early evening sky.

The spirit portal pulsed, and out flew a majestic golden bird, its wingspan dozens of feet wide and its plumage like fire. If Korra didn't know any better, she could have sworn it was the very same dragon-phoenix she'd helped be born, so long ago. It gave a mighty caw as it flew overhead, and Korra and Asami watched in awe, the former resting her head on her girlfriend's shoulder.

Quiet moments like this wouldn't last, they both knew.

The solemn duty of the Avatar was to restore balance to the world, yet the world it seemed was quite equally intent to keep tipping the scales to make things more interesting. Nor was Korra the only one busy, for running a multinational, ever-expanding company like Future Industries was no easy task either. The two were able to frequently come together to align against each other's difficulties, but equally likely was the possibility they'd have to be separated by their respective duties, and not see each other for days, weeks, or longer still...

The thought seemed... distinctly unpleasant to Korra. The following thought, a potential solution...

Seize the day, Korra thought. Life was too short not to take chances.

"Hey, Asami?"

"Yeah?"

"... do you wanna... maybe, I dunno... spend the night together?"

What followed was a very, very long, pregnant pause as Asami first absorbed the question fully and, determined not to blurt out her first response, took a moment to think it over.

To Korra, the moment stretched out so long it may as well have been a small eternity before she finally responded.

"I think I'd like that," Asami finally said, taking Korra's hand in hers. She wasn't promising anything she wasn't ready to fulfill, neither of them were unduly rushing into things, but this was one more step in their growing relationship. Spending the night together. Sleeping with each other. Just sleeping with each other.

She was sure the reporters watching her mansion were going to have a field day with this, but honestly, Asami couldn't care less at this point. She felt no shame in her love of Korra.

And she felt much the same way Korra did. They should take advantage of the quiet times they had, for they weren't going to last. Already they were hearing new rumors and gossip about criminals and dangers springing up all over the world, some minor nuisances that needed a gentle reminder the Avatar was still around and in business, others that could blossom into full-fledged threats to the entire planet.

There were many more adventures waiting for them, Korra was sure of it. And she was equally sure she'd face them with her friends by her side. All of them.


Authors Notes:
Please review, like, and favorite if enjoyed.

Out of all of the Red Lotus prisons, it struck me that Ghazan's was probably the most humane, and its no coincidence that's where Miko is being stuck for the foreseeable future.

Since Bolin lacks a formal last name I always figured he'd have no real objections to joining the Beifong family by taking Opal's. Plus, it helps set up an element for the epilogue which is coming soon.

A piece of fanart inspired the scene with Jinora and Kai, though for the life of me I can't seem to find it again. Though Avatar Kuruk used a similar airbending flowers move to flirt with the air nomad women, as revealed in Escape from the Spirit World.

This is my Christmas gift to you all, my loyal fans, the end of the story. But there is an epilogue coming, starring a NEW Avatar. Because the story never really ends, does it now?