Druk made his descent into the Republic City airfield late in the afternoon, after flying throughout the night and day to make it back as quickly as possible. Mako and Lin stood waiting to greet the arrivals, along with a small team of other officers. Korra beamed a smile at them as she slid off Druk's back.

"Hey! Thanks for meeting us here." Korra ran forward and pulled them both in for a hug.

"Avatar Korra," Lin said, holding a single arm around Korra's shoulders in return. She had never been much for hugs, but at least she wasn't refusing it. "Welcome back."

"Good to be back." Korra pulled away from the hug with a sigh, as her smile faded. "I just wish it were under better circumstances."

"We all do," Mako said. "It is good to see you, though. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Korra nodded, managing to renew a pleasant grin. "It has. Too long, if you ask me."

Lin turned towards the others making their way off the dragon. She focused on Kuvira, and extended a hand in greeting. "Good to see you. I'm sorry about what happened to Zaofu. This whole empire situation has gotten completely out of hand."

Kuvira huffed a deep sigh, reaching out to shake the police chief's hand. "Thank you, Lin. I just hope we're able to stop Yula before the same happens to Republic City."

Lin scoffed. "We damn sure better."

"Lin, you're looking well." Zuko stood in front of her and offered a polite bow. "It's good to see you again."

"Likewise. Glad to have you." Lin returned the bow with one of her own. When she straightened, she looked to the man standing next to Zuko and nodded in greeting. "You too, Anraq."

Anraq gave a firm salute. "Nice to see you, Chief."

"Uhh, Korra?" Mako's eyebrows lifted high on his face, as his gaze drifted beyond the rest of the group to notice the woman standing behind them. "What's she doing here?"

Azula strolled up to join the others, hands propped against her hips. She looked to Mako, a mocking smirk carving across her face. "What's the matter, can't handle my excellence? I know, my presence can be overwhelming, but do try to contain yourself."

"It's alright, really," Korra insisted, moving between them. Both Lin and Mako were glaring at Azula with borderline hostility, while Azula countered with a look that practically dared them to try something. Really needed to settle them down before anything happened. "Azula is... Well, things have changed. We can trust her."

Lin twisted a confused glare towards Korra. "Are you serious? Have you forgotten what she's done?"

"No, of course not," Korra said, "but she's not the same as you last saw her, believe me. She just wants to help put a stop to Yula."

Anraq nodded. "It's true, we can count on her. Trust me, there's a lot more to her than meets the eye."

Lin's brow puzzled further, as she shifted her focus between the others. "Kuvira? Zuko?"

"They're right," Kuvira said, with a simple nod. "Azula is on our side now, as hard as that might be to believe."

Zuko concurred. "I'd trust her with my life."

"You see?" Azula took another step forward, maintaining her grin. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm a good girl now."

"Maybe, maybe not," Mako said, stepping directly in front of her. He raised one of his hands and ignited a ball of fire in his palm. "That doesn't mean we won't be keeping an eye on you. Given everything you've done, I don't trust you as far as I can throw you. You try anything and I swear..."

Azula glanced down at the flames in the police lieutenant's hand. With a single, deep huff of air, she blew it out. When the flame extinguished, she tilted her head back and bellowed with delighted, mocking laughter. "You won't be doing anything to me with pitiful firebending like that! Honestly, who taught you, my brother?" As her laughter settled, she leaned close to Zuko and added, "I'm only joking, by the way, I'm sure you're a much better firebender than this idiot."

Mako frowned. "I heard that."

"Well of course you did," she replied. "I said it loud enough so you would."

Korra glanced back and forth between the two. Okay, probably best to change the subject before someone started throwing fire. With a blatant clear of her throat, she urged Azula off to the side. "So, anyway, where's Asami? I was hoping to speak with her about the Yula situation."

Mako stared at Azula a moment longer, before returning his attention to the Avatar. "Actually, Asami just got out of the hospital this afternoon."

"What?" Korra's chest jolted, a knot of panic lifting as she imagined Asami lying alone in a hospital bed. "What happened? Is she alright?"

"She's fine," Mako assured. "She just got a little banged up. The healers at the local hospital worked overtime on her."

"Empress Yula sent an assassin after her, and nearly succeeded," Lin explained. "Fortunately, someone else showed up in time and managed to put the assassin down. I think her name was... Sinn?"

Kuvira's brow lifted. "Oh! Sinn was there? That's good. She doesn't look it, but she can put up a heck of a fight when she needs to. I'd hate to get on her bad side. Actually I did, on a few occasions... Those weren't fun times."

Korra held a hand to her gut, fighting against a growing churn of nausea. "But Asami is going to be okay?"

"Yeah, she'll be fine," Mako said. "She's already back on her feet. Actually, she and Sinn have a date tonight."

Kuvira blinked, recoiling back a step. "Wait, they what now?"

"A date?" Korra paused, allowing the information to sink in. The churning in her gut calmed and faded, as a gentle smile gradually spread across her face. "That's great. Asami deserves to have some fun. She's always working so much."

"Speaking of dates..." Anraq took hold of Azula's hand and began leading her out of the airfield. "I don't think you've ever been to Republic City before, have you?"

"Once or twice," Azula said, with an indifferent shrug. "Never for more than a couple days."

"Well, in that case, come with me." Anraq beamed, as he and Azula wandered away from the group. "I am going to show you what this city has to offer."

Lin blinked, watching the two of them make their way out of the airfield. Slow recognition crept across her face, as she put the pieces together. "Wait a minute. Are those two...?"

"Oh, uh, yeah," Korra said, with a soft chuckle. "Surprise?"

"But... I mean... what? How...? Really?" Lin stared in utter bafflement, until both Anraq and Azula had disappeared. With a single, firm slap to her own cheek, she snapped herself back to attention and looked to the others. "Didn't she almost kill him with lightning once?"

Korra nodded. "Yeah... A lot's happened since then."

"Clearly..."

"Lin, have you heard from my daughter at all?" Zuko took a step forward, a look of concern creasing across his wrinkled face. "I've been worried. I know she wouldn't follow along with Yula's invasions. The entire reason she accepted Azula's offer to become Earth Queen was to keep that nation stable and prevent any further damage. If she tried to resist Yula's orders, I fear what might have happened to her."

Lin uttered a quiet sigh, shaking her head. "I'm afraid not. I haven't heard from Izumi in a while, and any message we send to Ba Sing Se goes unanswered."

"That is troubling." Zuko bowed his head, holding a hand against his chin in deep thought. "Thank you, Lin. I need some time to think." He gave another bow to the police chief, and made his way out of the airfield.

"Oh, one more thing," Mako said, with a renewed smile. "I do have some happier news. Guess who's going to be an uncle?"

"What?" Korra lit up with a smile. "Bolin and Opal are having a baby? That's amazing!"

"Wait." Kuvira stared blankly forward, her eyes gradually expanding. "That means..."

"Someone's going to be an aunt," Korra said, nudging her elbow into her girlfriend's side. "How's it feel?"

"I, uh... I don't know," the matriarch replied, with a nervous tremble in her voice. "I don't think I'll be very good with kids."

Lin scoffed, planting her arms across her chest. "Welcome to the club."

"Oh you'll be a great aunt," Korra insisted. "And don't worry, if they ever ask you to babysit, I can help. I'm great with kids. Mostly. As long as they're not like Meelo."

Kuvira's gaze drifted, as a deep frown spread across her face. "I guess we'll see..."

"In any case, we've had a long week," Korra said, as she reached out to hold Kuvira's hand. "We should probably get settled in and get some rest."

Lin nodded. "Stop by City Hall first thing in the morning. We're having a meeting with the president and General Iroh to discuss the empire situation. We'll need you both there."

"Got it." Korra led her girlfriend along by the hand and gave a parting wave to the other two. "See you guys later."


Azula glared at the boat, arms crossed tight over her chest. "Seriously? I am not getting in that."

"Oh come on," Anraq pleaded. "It's not that bad."

"It's ridiculous," she insisted. "It's nauseatingly cute. I don't do nauseatingly cute."

During the past two hours, Anraq had been leading her around Republic City to show off some of the more memorable sights. They had strolled through Avatar Korra Park, taken a look at Harmony Tower, briefly poked into the Spirit Wilds, and made their way across Kyoshi Bridge. Now, they found themselves outside the rental dock for turtle duck boats in Yue Bay. Azula stood at the edge of the dock, glowering at the vessel. Annie, on the other hand, had already climbed inside. He leaned over the edge, holding his hand out for her to take.

"You're being stubborn," he said. "It won't be that bad, I promise. This is actually a good way to see some of the sights. Please?"

Azula stared at him a moment longer, all resistance within her swiftly evaporating. Curse him and those polar puppy dog eyes. With a grumbling sigh, she took a step forward and entered the boat. "Very well, but if anyone asks, this never happened."

Anraq flashed a pleased grin. "You have my word."

They spent the next hour aimlessly floating around Yue Bay in the turtle duck boat. They passed by Air Temple Island, as well as Aang Memorial Island, even the pro-bending arena. Eventually, they floated under Kyoshi Bridge and drifted farther into the bay, until they could see the entirety of Republic City lit up like a beacon against the inky night sky. They remained silent during that time, simply lying against the back of the boat in each other's arms. No words needed between them. Peace, quiet, and the enjoyment of each other's company. That was more than enough.

Azula set her head gently against Anraq's chest, watching as they floated by the glowing latticed beacon that was Harmony Tower. Her heart pulsed, pulling into rhythm with Annie's heartbeat, as an overwhelming sense of calm flooded through her. "Well, I'll admit the city does look impressive when it's all lit up like this."

"It's nice and peaceful out here, too," Anraq said, tightening his arms around her waist. "Quiet."

"Yes, that is a plus," she said, with a gentle sigh.

He smiled, and brushed his fingers back through her hair. "So, not that bad, right?"

She purposefully hesitated before answering, but couldn't hide her own smile from curling. "Okay, it's not so bad. Besides, I am here with you."

Her smile soon faded, replaced by a somber, wistful stare. She lifted her head from Anraq's chest and looked deep into his eyes. "Annie, I... I just want to thank you, for everything you've done for me. In spite of everything I put you through, you were there for me when I needed you, through my worst moments and my best. I don't know what would have happened to me if you weren't there. So, I... I mean, thank you."

She grimaced as her tongue tied together, unable to continue putting her thoughts into words. Spirits, why couldn't she get it out? There was so much more she wanted to say, but for the life of her she couldn't figure out how to say it. A frustrated sigh burst from her throat, and she looked away. "Sorry, I'm terrible at this, aren't I?"

"No, you're not. You don't need to thank me, either." Anraq lowered one of his hands and placed his fingers gently against Azula's chin, turning her face to look at him. "Azula, after everything I've lost in my life, after all the tragedy I've been through, I never thought I'd actually be happy again. I know I always came off as joyful and easy going..." He uttered a deep exhale, letting his gaze linger with a brief glimmer of sorrow. "That was a front. Something I put on so I wouldn't have to deal with my deeper emotions. I guess I was never any good at that."

Anraq raised his hand to Azula's cheek, tenderly holding his fingers against her. "But ever since I got to know you, I've been happier than I have in a long, long time. I haven't actually felt this way about someone before, the way I do about you. It's a little scary, but also wonderful. I'm the one who should be thanking you, just for being in my life."

Azula stared back at him, unable to look away from his deep blue eyes. Her throat tightened, threatening to choke her breath, as a deep fluttering lifted inside her gut. She'd never felt this way about anyone before, either. The same as Annie felt about her. Only a year ago, the thought of connecting to anyone like she did to Annie would have been a ridiculous prospect. Now, she couldn't imagine her life without him.

"I'm happy you're in my life, too, Annie." She paused, words floundering at the tip of her tongue. She wanted to say more. Needed to say more. Three words. Just three. So why couldn't she force them out? This should have been easy. They should have rolled off her tongue, as natural as breathing. Perhaps because she'd never said it before to anyone. Not in the way she meant it towards him, at least. Was that what made it so difficult? Was that why it scared her? With a deep breath, she leaned close and wrapped her arms tight around Annie's chest. Scary, maybe, but also soothing. Soothing, and wonderful. "Annie, I... I love you."

Azula braced herself, half-expecting Annie to push her away and claim he didn't feel the same way. He liked her, certainly, but love? That was an entirely different beast, a beast she had never before tackled. Was it too soon? Was love not supposed to develop this fast? Would he laugh at her? Or be angry with her? The fluttering in her gut pulsed and tightened. Please, don't let him push her away.

Anraq smiled at her, and pressed his forehead against hers. "I love you too, Azula."

Her worries melted into pure elation, as he leaned in to give her the strongest, deepest kiss they had ever shared. Azula pressed herself close against him and returned the kiss with equal fervor. Her heart pounded. So this was love? Yes... Yes, that's what this was. She loved Annie, and he loved her. What a wonderful feeling. A feeling that made her happy. Undeniably, immeasurably happy.


Sinn leaned her elbows against the table, staring at Asami with growing intrigue. "So, you're the President of the United Republic and you own one of the largest companies in the world? That must keep you crazy busy."

Asami chuckled. "Yeah, it really does, but I manage. I've never been a stranger to working long hours and sleeping in my office, so I was already pretty used to it."

A delighted smile curled across Sinn's face. As if being taken to the fanciest restaurant in all of Republic City hadn't been exciting enough, she also got to share the evening with probably the most interesting person she'd ever met. Their drinks hadn't even arrived yet, and already she was enraptured. "That's totally amazing. I don't think I could ever keep up with all of that. I could barely balance running my flower shop with dance practice."

"Oh, you own a flower shop?" Asami said. "That sounds lovely."

"Well... owned, I guess." Sinn uttered a deep exhale, letting her gaze drift away from the table. "After what happened to Zaofu..."

Asami flinched, revelation dawning in her gaze. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..."

"It's alright," she assured, with an absent shrug. "It's just hard, you know? I grew up in Zaofu. Everything I knew, everything I loved... It's gone. Just gone."

Asami reached across the table, placing one of her hands over Sinn's with a comforting squeeze. "We're doing everything we can to make sure that we put a stop to Yula and her empire. I promise, once this is over, the United Republic will lend as much aid as possible to help restore Zaofu."

Sinn relaxed at the touch, and lifted a gentle smile towards her. "Thank you, Asami."

"Asami? Sinn?" A voice drew their attention, turning to see two familiar women approaching the table.

Sinn lit up with a beaming smile. "Oh, Kuvira, Korra!"

"I didn't realize you were back," Asami said, flashing the pair a welcoming grin. She stood up from her seat and came around the table to give Korra a hug. To Kuvira, she offered a far more reserved handshake. "How are you?"

"As good as we can be, given the circumstances," Korra replied. "What about you? We heard about the attack."

"Still a little sore, but I'll be fine," Asami said. "The hospital healers do great work. Of course, I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for Sinn."

Sinn blushed at the attention. "Heh, well I did what I could. I guess we can thank my full bladder for that one."

Kuvira tilted her head with a puzzled stare. "Uh, what?"

"Oh, um, never mind," Sinn said, with a soft chuckle. Come to think of it, her joke didn't make any sense at all without having the context behind the assassin's attack. Oh well.

"So..." Korra said, glancing back and forth between the two. "You guys are on a date?"

Asami smiled. "Yeah, I figured inviting Sinn out for dinner was the least I could do for saving my life. We might even catch a mover later on."

"How about you?" Sinn asked. "You guys look like you're on a date, too, considering we're at Kwong's."

"Oh, yeah it's been a while since we actually got a chance to go out for dinner." Korra brightened a smile at Kuvira, and reached out to hold her hand. "So, we figured we'd make a date at Kwong's. We had no idea you guys were here too."

"You want to join us?" Asami asked. "We only just ordered drinks."

"What?" Kuvira balked at the suggestion, lifting her eyebrows in surprise. "Oh, no, I mean you two are on your first date. We wouldn't want to intrude."

"Heh, yeah," Korra said. "We don't want to ruin anything for you."

Sinn offered a simple shrug, smiling at the other couple. "I don't mind. Our date isn't over after dinner anyway, so you wouldn't be ruining anything. Come on, it'll be fun."

"Yeah, and it'll give us a chance to catch up." Asami shifted her focus towards Kuvira. "Besides... we're all friends, right?"

"I... I suppose we are, aren't we?" Kuvira swallowed, and her posture gradually relaxed. With a deep breath, she pulled over a nearby table to join it to theirs. "In that case, we'd be happy to join you."