Six months.

A long time to some, a mere blink to others. For Republic City, those six months were some of the shortest in its history, even when, by all accounts, they should have been their longest. Within a month of the United Forces returning to the city, the triads had been almost completely overwhelmed. Not fully eradicated, but their numbers had dwindled to the point where they were once again running scared from police. Dangerous criminals once again filled the Republic City prison.

Evacuated citizens returned, restoring the previously overtaken neighborhoods. Damage had also needed to be repaired to Republic City's infrastructure, something which seemed to happen every few years. First because of the the UnaVaatu attack, then Kuvira's giant mecha, and now the Red Lotus and triads. Future Industries and Varrick Global Industries worked together, tirelessly rebuilding the city and completing their underground train network for better public transportation, which had indeed been dubbed the 'Varri-Rail'.

Kuvira had seen little of those restoration efforts from within her wooden cell, but Korra kept her well informed. Not to mention all her other visitors. Bolin and Opal had come by often enough, as well as Bumi and Bum-Ju. Even Lin found the time to stop by on occasion, when she wasn't busy with work after returning to her role as Chief of Police. Korra had even talked her into bringing Kya along a few times for some rather awkward but enjoyable double-dates.

Her family had visited several times from Zaofu, as well. Baatar Sr., Wing, Wei, Huan, even Toph, they all found time. The only one who hadn't come to see her was Baatar Jr., who she still hadn't seen or spoken to since the one time shortly after Su's death. Hardly surprising. Deep down, she knew they would likely never speak again. Even so, she didn't allow that one blemish to stop her from finally signing the adoption papers. After long last, Kuvira had been made an official member of the Beifong family. A dream come true.

All those visits, from all her friends and family, had a way of making time fly.

Six months, all in a blink.

Kuvira sat in bed, flipping through one of the many new books Korra had brought her during that time: The Legend of the Sun Warriors. Korra always had a way of knowing exactly the books Kuvira would love, the kind she could sit and read from cover to cover in a single sitting. This one was no different, as she had lost herself within its pages for the past several hours.

She and Korra had come to know each other so well during the past half a year. In all her life, Kuvira had never been closer to anyone. The kind of love they shared was unlike anything she could have ever imagined all those years ago when they first faced each other as enemies. That the Avatar could bring her this much joy, this much happiness, would have been impossible to comprehend back then. Now, she couldn't imagine her life without Korra in it. This love was not fleeting, did not dwindle like a slowly burning candle. This love was unbreakable, powerful, as intense as the ever-burning Eternal Flame of the Sun Warriors.

In all her life, Kuvira had never been happier.

As she flipped to the final chapter of the book, the guard outside her cell gave the door a knock and slid open the window. "Hey, you got a visitor."

Kuvira blinked up from the pages. Who would be visiting her in the middle of the afternoon? Korra wasn't due to visit until later that night, and everyone else should have been gathered at city hall for the big event. At least, she thought that was today. Perhaps she had confused the dates?

When the door opened, a stiff jolt raced through her spine. Kuvira sat straight upright and set her book down, staring at the woman. "Asami?"

"Hello, Kuvira." Asami stepped into the cell, carrying with her a small wrapped bundle under one arm. She sat in the chair across from the bed and set down the bundle on the floor next to her.

"I..." Kuvira paused, at a loss for what to say. "Isn't today your big day?"

"Yes, it is."

"Then what are you doing here?

"Because, I wanted..." Asami paused, inhaling a deep breath and slowly easing it out through her nose. "I needed to speak with you."

Kuvira lifted a curious eyebrow. "It couldn't have waited? You have to be running late by now, and that can't be a good first impression to make."

"I still have forty-five minutes," Asami replied, with a simple shrug. Her expression remained completely calm, unflinching. "City Hall is only ten minutes from here. Plenty of time."

"Okay, but why are you here? I mean, you haven't visited me at all since I came back, and after what happened with Korra—" Kuvira stopped mid-sentence and bowed her head, eyes closed. This was the first time she had seen Asami since the relationship drama six and a half months ago. "I'm sorry. I never meant to come between you two. I never meant to hurt you, and now..."

"Kuvira, please, it's okay," Asami said, with a shake of her head. "It's been six months. That means I've had six months to think—about you, about Korra, about everything. What happened between Korra and I was just that: between us. We've already talked about it and worked through things. I've come to terms with it. We're still friends."

"Oh, I see. That's good, then."

"I've also had time to see the effect you've had on her." Asami's gaze drifted, becoming distant, and thoughtful. "She's so happy. She's always smiling, always laughing, and she always has something wonderful to say about you." She stared at the floor a moment longer and closed her eyes. Tears trickled out from behind her closed eyelids. "What I'm trying to say is, you're good for her. You're good for each other. Seeing Korra that happy all the time..."

Kuvira leaned closer, giving the other woman a hesitant look. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Asami sucked in a deep breath and wiped her eyes dry. "I just want to say I'm glad you two are together. For what you mean to Korra and what you've done for her, and even what she's done for you. It might hurt for me to know you two are together, but I've seen the good in it for both of you."

"Asami..." Kuvira stared, caught in stunned silence. Her lips fumbled for words. "I... I don't even know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," Asami said, with a shake of her head. "I still have more I want to say. I haven't only been thinking about you and Korra together. I've also been thinking about just you. How I feel about you as a person. It used to be that whenever I saw you or thought about you, I'd see my dad dying again in front of my eyes. I never thought that would go away. But now..."

Asami paused, clasping her hands together with a brief shudder. "Kuvira, I know how much you've changed. I've seen it. You aren't the person who killed my father anymore. I've tried so hard during these past few months to keep hating you, to be angry at you for everything you did, to my father and to others, but I can't. It's exhausting."

When Asami looked up to meet Kuvira's gaze, their eyes locked together. For the briefest of moments, mutual understanding bonded between them. "When I look at you now, I don't see my father's death anymore. I don't feel angry anymore, or hatred. I see a changed woman, a woman who was willing to risk her life not only to save the world and the people she cares about, but to redeem herself. I see a good person. Kuvira, what I'm trying to say... What I mean is..."

Asami eased a gentle sigh, as she stood from her seat. She stepped closer to the bed and reached outward, taking one of Kuvira's hands in her own. The touch was tender, comforting. When their eyes met this time, understanding wasn't the only thing connecting them. There was more. There was peace. "I forgive you."

Kuvira stared at the other woman in awe, jaw hanging open. Her chest pulsed, a rapid fluttering of her heart that quickly heated into a bright fluster. Never in her life would she have imagined receiving forgiveness from someone like Asami, someone whom she had hurt so much, so deeply. Could this possibly be real? Surely, this was a dream from which she would awaken at any moment. "Asami, I... Thank you. What that means to me to hear you say..."

"Don't get me wrong." Asami pulled her hand away and sat back down on the chair. "I'm not saying we'll suddenly be best friends, or that I even particularly like you, but that doesn't mean we can't move on and put the past behind us. Whatever happens from here on, we'll play it by ear."

Kuvira nodded, breaking out with a gentle smile. "I can live with that. It's more than I ever could have hoped for."

"There is one more thing, Kuvira. You might not be my favorite person or anything, but I'm not going to let that get in the way of me making a good decision. This is something I've thought a lot about, and for the longest time I couldn't decide what to do. I wasn't even sure about it during my ride over here. But after speaking with you? I know what to do now."

Kuvira raised a questioning brow. "What are you talking about?"

"Here." Asami picked up the bundle on the floor and tossed it onto the bed. "Get dressed."

"Get dressed?" Kuvira opened the bundle. A startled gasp lifted into her throat when she saw the Zaofu robes within, complete with metal jewelry and armguards. Most prominent of all, her pendant rested atop the folded green fabric. The pendant Korra had given her. She lifted it into her grasp slowly, tentatively, part of her fearing it might be an illusion. When the cool metal sat firmly in her palm, when she could feel the weight of it, she looked to Asami again. "What's going on?"

"You're coming with me," Asami said. "We're going to make an announcement."


Kuvira held her breath in attempt to settle her nerves. Dear spirits, this was so sudden. Sudden, and strange. Not twenty minutes ago, she'd been locked in a cell wearing a Republic City prison uniform. Now, she stood inside the entrance of City Hall dressed in full Zaofu garb, her hair tied back in its signature braid. Her heart fluttered, as she stared out the window at the hundreds of people gathered in front of the steps of City Hall.

At the top of the steps, a podium had been set up next to a line of seats. Asami sat in the first seat, Chiefs Eska and Desna sat in the next two, and Chief Tonraq in the fourth. Lord Zuko sat in the fifth, representing the Fire Nation. Evidently, Fire Lord Azula had more important things to take care of. Although Zaofu had yet to appoint an official new leader, Toph sat in the sixth seat as its representative. The final two seats at the end of the line were empty.

"Are you ready for this?"

Kuvira jumped at the sound of Korra's voice. She puffed out her breath and turned away from the window. "No. Not even a little. I mean, I know what I should say, what I need to say, but this is the last thing I expected to be doing today. I'm sure this is the last thing the people out there expect, too. I'm nervous. That's probably an understatement, but yeah. Nervous."

"Hey, don't worry." Korra smiled, and pressed her hand to Kuvira's shoulder. "You'll do great. You've earned this. You're ready."

Kuvira returned the smile, renewed strength flooding through her. "Thank you, Korra."

"You're so welcome." Korra glanced out the window to see Lin arriving behind the podium. "Alright, let's get out there. Looks like things are about to start."

They both exited City Hall, making their way towards others at the top of the steps. Korra led the way to the end of the row, where she and Kuvira occupied the final two empty chairs. Within seconds, the reporters at the front of the crowd began whispering to each other and pointing up the steps. Cameras swiveled towards Kuvira. The whispers turned into distinct chatter, quickly spreading throughout the crowd. Kuvira sat stiff as a board, keeping her attention focused squarely on the podium. The flutter returned to her chest. Dear spirits, please let her make it through this.

"People of Republic City." Lin leaned close to the podium microphone, her voice booming over the loudspeakers. Mercifully, the crowd silenced and shifted their attention to the Chief of Police. "You've been through a lot this past year. I know I don't have to tell any of you that. The good news is that through the combined efforts of the Police Force, and the United Forces, as well as Varrick Industries, Future Industries, the Avatar, and numerous volunteers, our city has been restored once again."

A round of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd. When the noise died down, Lin continued, "The only thing left to do now is inaugurate the new President of the United Republic of Nations, as elected by you, the people, during these past few months." Everyone's attention shifted towards the row of seats. Lin turned with them, her attention falling on Asami. "Without further ado, Miss Sato, would you please come forward?"

Asami stood from her seat and approached, standing straight and calm. Lin stepped to the side, offering more room so they could both stand behind the podium and access the microphone.

"Asami Sato," Lin said, "you have been elected by the people the United Republic of Nations to serve as their president. Do you accept the responsibility this involves?"

With a firm nod, Asami leaned close to the microphone and replied, "I do."

"Do you vow to uphold our laws, to always put the interests of your people first, and to guide this nation to best of your ability?"

"I do."

"Then I present you with the presidential pin, in recognition of your position. May you wear it proudly." Lin moved closer and lifted a gold pin from the podium. Her expression shifted when she attached it to the front of Asami's blouse. Rather than her usual stoic, serious demeanor, she curled a congratulatory smile onto her face, as if a proud mother. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you your new president: President Sato."

The crowd burst into cheers. Asami stood there beaming, unable to hide her emotions any longer. She gave a wave to the crowd, soaking in the applause, as she moved fully behind the podium. When the crowd died down, she gazed out at them and spoke into the microphone.

"Thank you all," she said. "It is an honor and a privilege to have been elected into office as your new president. I promise to all of you, I will do everything in my power to keep Republic City safe, and to continue advancing our society to be the best it can possibly be." Another round of cheers. "Now, I'd like to take a moment to recognize the brave men and women who helped restore order and peace to the nation. To our very own Police Force, led by Chief Beifong, to General Iroh and the United Forces, to all those working at Varrick and Future Industries, to all the volunteers who offered their help, and to Avatar Korra and her team especially, who worked tirelessly to take down the Red Lotus, we thank you. We thank all of you."

Deafening cheers and applause erupted, booming across the plaza for several minutes. When the noise again settled down, the crowd returned their attention to Asami. The president's smile had disappeared, replaced by a stern, serious expression.

"There is one person in particular I would like to recognize right now." Asami's attention shifted down the line of seats next to her, all the way to the end. "Kuvira Beifong."

Silence.

Kuvira sat frozen in her seat, unable to move a muscle. She couldn't even look out at the crowd. She stared at the podium, at Asami, her vision warped and tunneled. The fluttering burst, sending her gut into nauseous spirals.

"This woman gave everything she had to aid the Avatar in their efforts to stop Zaheer," Asami explained. "She risked her life, and proved time and time again she would do whatever it took to protect innocent people and bring peace and balance back to the world. She did all this when she didn't have to, without being asked, and without expecting anything in return. She did this when she believed the whole world to be against her, and when she had every reason not to help."

Asami returned her gaze the crowd. Some of them looked back at her, but most focused solely on the former Great Uniter. "But she did help. In spite of the mistakes she made in the past, she chose to do what was right. Without her efforts, I might not be standing before you today. Avatar Korra might not be standing before you today. Republic City, Zaofu, Ba Sing Se, and all the other nations might still be in chaos. We owe a lot to her."

Asami's grip tightened around the edge of the podium. She sucked in a deep breath, let it out, and continued, "That is why, in light of her service to the world and to the people, I am giving her a full pardon for her past crimes. From this day forward, she will be a free woman. Free to choose her own destiny, and free to help make this world a better place."

The silence shattered. Murmurs flooded the crowd, soon picking up into a deafening cacophony. Reporters scrambled over each other to get a better angle on Kuvira for pictures, while some started shouting questions at her. She couldn't hear them. She still couldn't even look at them.

A comforting hand found its way onto her thigh. Korra. Her nerves calmed, strength and confidence once again surging through her.

It was time.

With a deep, heavy inhale, she stood from her seat and marched towards the podium. Asami moved to the side, giving her space. When she finally turned to look at the crowd, her heart almost leaped through her throat and out her mouth. So many different reactions amongst the people. Confusion, caution, hesitation, anger, hate, fear. With another breath, she calmed herself. Nothing she wasn't used to.

Soon, the crowd quieted. She waited, watching them stare at her. Countless eyes, all drilling through her skull with anticipation, wondering what she would say. Now or never. "Greetings, everyone. I, uh..."

Kuvira's mind blanked. She swallowed, and glanced back down the line of seats. Korra flashed a smile, offering an encouraging thumbs-up. Korra, who believed in her so much. With another sigh, she returned her attention to the crowd. Time to start believing in herself, too.

"I know what many of you think of me, and I know there is little I can do to change that," she said. "I did many terrible things to many people, and no amount of apologies will ever make that better. But I am going to try. I owe it to all of you, to the world, and to myself, to show you how I've changed, and to help the world however I can."

The tone of the crowd shifted somewhat. Most remained cautious and on edge, but a few looked at her now with intrigue, and speculation.

"I am humbled to stand before you today a free woman. It feels like a dream. Honestly, I never expected this, to be given another chance at bettering myself and bettering the world. I may not be able to make anyone forgive me, but I promise to do my best to help those who need help, and to keep peace in the world. I'll be working closely with the Avatar to make this happen." She flashed a subtle smile towards Korra. "If there's anyone who can keep me in line, it's definitely her."

A few chuckles rippled through a crowd. Kuvira stood straighter, taller, more confident than ever. "The Great Uniter is no more. That piece of myself is in the past, buried with my sins and my crimes. I stand before you now as Kuvira Beifong. You may still be angry at me. You may still hate me. You may never forgive me. That's okay. If you hate me, then hate me. If you're angry at me, then be angry. If you think you can never forgive me, then don't. I'm not here to tell you how you should feel about me. I'm only here to tell you that I will do my best to right the things I've done wrong."

Kuvira eased a gentle smile. Soft, distant. Hopeful. "Someday, perhaps I'll even change a few of your minds."


Azula gazed out the entrance of Ba Sing Se's royal palace. A veritable sea of people had gathered throughout the front plaza. Thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands. A mere drop in the bucket compared to the entire populace. Millions more would be listening on their radios. This day had been a long time coming, months of planning culminating in an event the people were waiting for.

As well they should be.

"Fire Lord, can I speak with you a moment?"

Azula eased a quiet sigh, turning away from the doorway to see Anraq standing behind her. While everyone else waited for her in the plaza, he remained at her side at all times. Such a dutiful bodyguard. "I suppose. Better make it quick, though. I go on in a few minutes."

"Right, of course," he said, with a single nod. "It's just, I've been thinking, and I can't help but wonder. Is this the right thing to do?"

Azula tilted her lips into a mock pout. "Oh, Annie, not you too. First Zuzu, then 'Zumi. Honestly, the only one who hasn't tried to change my mind is Yula. At least I know I can count on her." Not that she blamed him, of course. If anything, she was surprised he hadn't broached his concerns earlier. Ever the soft-hearted one, he was.

"I'm just worried, is all. I know the people have said they want this, but it could still be taken the wrong way." Anraq's gaze narrowed, darkening his expression. " And you know the other world leaders won't be happy."

"You worry too much," Azula said, giving him a gentle pat on the cheek. "I'll tell you exactly what I told the others. It doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks. What matters is what the Earth people think. This is what's best for them, and they know it. I haven't done anything wrong. The other world leaders can throw as big a fit as they want, but unless they want to start a war, they can't do anything about it."

"I guess..."

"Annie, I appreciate your concern, really I do." She set her hands against his shoulders, looking up at him with a far more genuine smile than she typically showed. "You've seen all the good we've done these past few months, the people we've helped. You've been there with me the whole time, and I'm thrilled you're here with me now to share this groundbreaking moment. I need you to trust me. You do trust me, don't you?"

He bowed his head, easing a deep sigh of acknowledgment. "Yes, of course I do. Forgive me, Fire Lord."

"Annie, what have I told you? You don't need to call me that."

"Right. Azula."

She grinned, and gave his cheek another pat. "Now, let's go make history, shall we?"


Azula stood behind the podium in front of the palace, gazing out at the thousands of people staring back at her. Countless faces, all watching her, waiting for her to speak. Several different mover companies had set up at the front of the crowd, recording every moment for future playback at her request. Everyone would have the chance to watch this momentous occasion. The chance to witness history. To witness greatness. A rush of warmth tingled up her spine, brought a grin to her face, a surge of exhilaration. Oh, how she enjoyed this.

Fire Nation soldiers stood in a line on one side of her, and a line of Earth soldiers on the other side. Three chairs sat next to the podium, Anraq in one, Yula next to him, and Izumi at the end. Poor Zuzu couldn't make it, but someone did need to attend that Sato woman's inauguration in her place. No matter. He could watch later like everyone else, as her goals finally began to take shape.

"People of Ba Sing Se." Her voice echoed throughout the plaza, booming from hundreds of different loudspeakers. Everyone would hear her, even the millions listening at home on their radios. "It's been a long six months, hasn't it? Your city fell into chaos, as did much of the nation. You lost your government, your leadership, your homes, and some of you even lost your lives. Now, order has been restored. Thanks to the Fire Nation—thanks to me, your Fire Lord—Ba Sing Se and all the Earth people can live in peace, knowing they are once again safe."

A thunderous wave of applause followed. She paused, allowing the noise to dwindle and die before speaking again. "It seems as though you people go through this kind of turmoil quite often. You've had tyrannical rulers, disastrous leadership, citywide upheavals, destruction of your neighborhoods and your quality of life. You've suffered through invasions, and coups, and terrorists, and every other manner of catastrophe you can imagine. No more. I'm here to tell you that I will continue to offer my protection and leadership to the Earth people."

They cheered for her now. Excitement. Admiration. They loved her. Exactly as planned. "The condition, of course, is that Ba Sing Se now becomes an official territory of the Fire Nation. To be more precise, you'll be joining under a combined nation: the new Dragon Empire."

The cheers surged louder than ever. The people had already known this was coming. She had announced the plan months ago, made certain they would accept the idea, that they would want it. Every waking moment spent ensuring the Earth people would believe this was the best thing to do for their nation, and for their lives.

They were all so easy.

"This will include Ba Sing Se and any other Earth states who wish to join me," Azula explained. "Keep in mind that the guidance I offer is available only to those who come together with the Fire Nation under my new empire. If you refuse, that's your choice. I will not force you to join. However, you'd better be prepared to put together your own governments, your own economies, your own armies, anything you might expect for a full nation to have. I simply can't afford to protect other independent territories outside of my own."

She paused, allowing the statement to sink in. Excited chatter exploded through the crowd, no less enthused than they had been before. "Those who do join, you will remain under the banner of the new Earth Kingdom and retain basic autonomy to do as you please. The only difference is that you'll be under my supervision. My Fire Nation troops will merge with the Earth Kingdom military to become the new Imperial Army, who will offer unparalleled protection and strength to keep you all safe. Under my empire, your lives will improve in ways you've never dreamed of. Together, we will become the mightiest nation this world has ever seen. No one will ever be able to threaten you again."

Thousands of voices merged together into a booming cacophony so strong the ground began to tremble. They screamed, and clapped, and whistled, stomped their feet. Even several shrill cries of admiration, declaring their love for her. She grinned wide, as the heat in her chest ignited, fueling her with a roar of confidence.

When the crowd fell quiet again, she leaned into the microphone to offer her parting words. "Now, before I leave you, I'd like to introduce you to the new acting Earth Kingdom representative for the Dragon Empire: Earth Queen Izumi."

More cheers erupted as Izumi arose from her seat to approach the podium, almost unrecognizable in her regal green and yellow Earth Queen robes instead of her traditional Fire Nation ensemble. Still, she wore the outfit well, even if her burn scars did almost ruin the entire look. Poor little 'Zumi.

"Thank you, Fire Lord Azula." Izumi remained stern and rigid as she spoke into the microphone. Her gaze sharpened behind her glasses. "People of Ba Sing Se, and all those across the new Earth Kingdom, I am honored to have been selected to serve you under Fire Lord Azula's guidance. I vow to lead you all to the best of my ability, and work with you to maintain your peace and safety. I may be the Earth Queen, but I am also a servant of the people. It will be my duty to ensure you all enjoy a new age of prosperity. I hope to live up to your expectations. Thank you."

The speech was brief, but it elicited another boom of cheers from the crowd. Azula watched with a growing smirk.

Perfect.


"Very nice speech, 'Zumi," Azula said, as she marched back into the royal palace. Izumi, Anraq, and Yula followed close behind, with a line of Imperial soldiers bringing up the rear. "Not as good as mine, of course, but passable. I think you'll make an excellent Earth Queen. Just be sure to keep the people in line. I'd like to intervene as little as possible."

Izumi gave a simple nod, retaining her rigid sense of calm. "Of course, Fire Lord."

Azula hummed out a thoughtful breath, pressing a finger to her lips. "Hmm, you know, if I'm going to be leading an empire now, the title of Fire Lord doesn't seem quite fitting anymore. I need something grander."

"Well, it's an empire," Anraq said. "So, 'Empress' would be the proper title, right?"

"Master," Yula stated, "might I suggest 'Dragon Empress', for the Dragon Empire?"

"Hmm. 'Dragon Empress Azula'?" A satisfied grin slashed across her face. "Oh yes, I think that will work quite well."