Korra awoke to a gentle shake of her arm. She ignored it at first, content in lying there in a peaceful, dreamless sleep. How much easier things would be, to never wake up. The shake came again. No escaping it, then. With a long, tired groan, she blinked her eyes open and forced herself upright onto her elbows.

"Korra," said a voice, in a calm, soothing tone. A hand pressed to her shoulder and began to help her up. "Hey, that's it, easy."

"Kuvira?" Korra blinked again, fighting to clear the blurred mass of objects that was her vision. Within a few moments, the clear image of her wife's smiling face appeared before her. "What happened?"

She didn't get an answer. Or maybe she just didn't hear it, as her attention shifted to the rubble-cluttered streets of Republic City around them. Masses of people lingered nearby, friends and strangers alike, most of them lost in their own smaller interactions. Azula sat on an overturned newspaper box nearby, with Kanna clutched tenderly in her arms. Bolin and Opal stood together, talking to and comforting each other. Most of the other Beifongs had gathered next to them—Suyin, Wing, Wei, and Baatar Jr. A little ways beyond them, Mako made his way back and forth through the gathered civilians, checking to see how they were holding up. Several of his officers joined him, assisting with the process.

Both Varrick and Zhu Li knelt over the remains of the Spirit Conductor, gathering together spare parts and examining them, possibly cataloging data they could use in future projects. On the other side of the street, Asami leaned tiredly against the hood of a wrecked satomobile, while Sinn held her from behind. The embrace was simple but tender, offering a quiet comfort between two lovers. Next to them, Shayu sat calmly in her wheelchair, her gaze lingering back and forth amongst the crowd. Hari and Jinora stood behind her, both engaged in conversation with the wheelchair-bound girl.

Outside the front of a phonograph shop with shattered windows, a familiar, even legendary group stood together in conversation. Katara, Zuko, Toph, Sokka, Suki, Mai, and Ty Lee had all gathered around the one individual who had been missing since this all began. Aang stood with his arm around Katara's waist, smiling and laughing with his friends and family. The original Team Avatar was, at long last, together again.

The other three Avatars sat together a good distance away from the rest of the crowd, each of them cross-legged and silent, meditative. Some distance away from them, P'Li had separated herself from the others, perched atop a ten-foot tall pile of concrete that had fallen from the building above. She sat quietly with her arms folded and her eyes closed. Korra's gaze found one other individual of note amongst the crowd. Her uncle, Unalaq, bound and gagged at the center of a ring of police officers. Each of the officers watched him carefully, as if expecting him to attack at any moment. He gave them no problem, in any case. He sat in silence, his head bowed in defeat.

"They've already been told what happened, how we ended it." Kuvira's voice called Korra back from her observation. She eased herself closer, gliding her hand forward and linking both their fingers together in a loving squeeze. "It's over, Korra. Sen is gone. We won."

"We... we did it?" Korra blinked, lost in a haze of shock so strong that she almost didn't return the squeeze of her hand. Everything had been so hopeless, so impossible. To hear that they had pulled it off, a miracle of miracles, was almost unbelievable.

"Yes, we did. Just like I said we would." Kuvira broadened her grin, and leaned in close to press their lips together in a deep, passionate kiss.

The kiss didn't last as long as they would have hoped. No sooner than did their lips touch, a large, wet tongue lapped against the sides of both their faces. Korra snorted a laugh, turning to see Naga standing there beside her. The polar bear dog leaned in closer, and Korra wrapped her arms tight around her in a firm hug. Moments later, others began to notice she'd awoken and gave their own greetings to the former Avatar. Some approached to see how she was, while others waved and smiled, content in remaining where they were at the moment.

Soon after greetings were given, and people returned to their own smaller groups to continue conversing or sitting quietly, a familiar sensation of warmth flared outward and touched Korra's heart. She jolted upright at the presence. Impossible to mistake. Spinning around, she noticed the large, glowing figure of Raava floating behind her near the front of a building.

"Raava," she said, in a quiet, wistful breath. Not since Harmonic Convergence had they seen each other like this. Not since the last time they'd been separated. "It's so good to see you again."

"And you as well, Korra," replied the great Light Spirit.

"We're still separated, though. We aren't bonded anymore. We can't, can we?"

A brief silence lingered, before Raava eased a gentle sigh. "I am only able to permanently bond with someone during Harmonic Convergence, and that time has gone for the next ten thousand years." Another pause, as she finished her thought in a deep, sorrowful tone. "It would seem that the time of the Avatar is over."

Korra closed her eyes, as the finality of Raava's statement slammed through her. The Avatar had always meant to be a beacon of hope, a protector of the world who would maintain balance to the best of her ability. Throughout history, there had been those who thought to destroy that beacon, to snuff it out. She herself had fought to her very last in order to overcome those obstacles, to keep the beacon lit and remain that image of hope for the world. In spite of all her efforts, in spite of everything she had done to be the best Avatar she could be, that time was over. The beacon had been extinguished. She was no longer the Avatar, and never would be again.

Perhaps that wasn't the worst thing? There might never be another Avatar, but maybe it was time for the world to move on without one, to guide itself towards a different future not bound by ancient traditions. With a deep breath, Korra's shoulders lifted, as though a massive weight had floated away and unburdened her. She would always fight to keep the world safe, to maintain balance and do what she thought was right, Avatar or not. From now on, she would do it as simply Korra, a humble waterbender from the Southern Water Tribe.

"Yeah, that's what I figured," she said, opening her eyes again. She offered a small smile, gazing up at Raava with a deep appreciation glowing in her eyes. "Still, I'm grateful for everything we went through together. No matter what the future holds, I'll always consider you a friend."

Raava gave a bow, a gesture Korra returned in kind. "And I, you."

Katara gave a long look around at the others gathered along the battle-torn street. Almost unreal to see her friends safe, happy, and recovering after so much pain and suffering. The struggle to bring down Sen and save humanity from destruction had been beyond intense, and at times had seemed so hopeless. Of all the trials faced by the Avatar or the world as a whole, this might have been the worst. With a deep breath, she reached up to wipe the growing tears in her eyes, and turned back to her husband. To the love of her life, who she'd lost so many years ago.

"This is still so unbelievable," she said, offering him a gentle smile. She looked from him to the others standing next to them—the original Team Avatar. "Seeing us together again. All of us. I missed this so much." Her smile grew, as she turned again to the airbender who had captured her heart so long ago. "I missed you, Aang."

Aang reached out to take his wife's hands, growing a warm, loving smile across his face. "I know, Katara. I missed you, too."

"And can you believe we're all young again? Ha!" Toph wound of her hand and gave Aang a firm smack on the shoulder. "Just think of all the adventures we can have now, Twinkletoes! It'll be just like the old days!" Pulling her hand back, she turned around in the general direction of a certain scarred firebender and pointed at him with an accusatory frown. "You still owe me a life changing field trip, Zuko!"

"Uh, right," Zuko said, with a cautious chuckle. "I'm sure we can plan something."

Sokka watched with an uncertain sigh, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeeeaaah, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm kind of adventured out for one lifetime."

"Technically, this is your second lifetime," Suki commented, as she held her arm gently around his waist.

He tilted his head back and huffed. "Exactly my point!"

"Well, I'm not going to complain about the hand that fate dealt us." Mai approached her husband, bringing her hands to his shoulders and gazing deep into his eyes. "When you get a second chance at something, I say you take it."

Zuko smiled, and leaned close to his wife to give her a long, passionate kiss, before pulling away and pressing his forehead to hers. "Well, whatever happens, it should definitely be interesting. I know I'm looking forward to it."

Ty Lee held her hands together and swooned at the sight of them, a bubbly smile spreading across her face. "Aww, look at you two. Just as cute as I remember. The same goes for the rest of you."

On Ty Lee's cue, Aang pulled Katara close, while Suki dipped Sokka low, each couple kissing their respective partners. Ty Lee giggled in delight at them. The moment lingered, until they finally all broke apart when Toph let out a loud, irritated groan.

"Oh come on," the earthbender muttered. "I can't even see you and I know you guys need to get a room."

Aang smiled broadly, as he leaned close to Katara and took a moment to look around the city. "This is wonderful, seeing you all again, seeing how the world has progressed. Seeing all the new airbenders…" His gaze settled on a group of sky bison flying down from above the buildings. They landed near the far end of the street, allowing their riders to jump down and join the gathering. Several other airbenders appeared soon after, gliding down with their wingsuits. Aang's breath choked briefly in his throat as he watched them, while his eyes began to glisten. "It's been far too long."

Azula breathed in a deep gulp of air and held it several moments. When she could no longer, she eased it back out of her nose. Her body throbbed from the aftermath of her battle with Sen. Her chest burned. Lungs heaved. Every time she turned, a new muscle screamed out in agony, as though on fire. Most people with injuries this severe would probably seek out a healer, or a hospital. In all likelihood, she should too. Not now. There would be time for that later. Right now, she was fine.

Was she fine? She should be distraught after everything that had happened. Relieved that it was over, yes, but still affected by it. Should be. There was a strange sort of calm in her now. After briefly being empowered by the might of the Avatar, a better understanding of herself and life in general had sparked within her. To say that such a moment had been eye opening would be an understatement. Seeing the world through the same eyes of those she had once hunted... Yes, she would be fine. Kanna would be fine. Annie would be fine. Everyone would be fine. They had done the impossible. Saved the world, and stopped the greatest menace humanity had ever known. A few bumps and bruises wouldn't slow her down now.

"Mommy?"

Azula blinked out of her thoughts and glanced down at the girl held gently in her arms. Kanna looked up at her with curious eyes. "Yes, sweetie?"

"Are we going to see Daddy again soon?"

The question gave her pause. Azula's thoughts drifted to Anraq. Sen had taken Annie's essence, but now that Sen had been defeated, his essence would have returned. That was the theory, at least. There was no telling what kind of condition his body would be in, either, after lying helpless for several days as an empty shell. She would have to find him soon. As soon as she was able. He'd been on Kyoshi island when he was attacked, so she would start her search there. Maybe she could convince the airbenders to let her borrow one of those bison. That would cut the journey down in time. With any luck, she'd find him there no worse for wear.

"Yes," she replied, with a soft nod. "Yes we are. Very soon, I promise."

Kanna smiled at the answer, and snuggled herself close against Azula's chest. "I love you, Mommy."

Azula couldn't help her smile. Leaning forward, she gave the girl a kiss atop her head. "I love you too, Kanna. I always will."

Shortly after Kanna settled against her, Azula became aware of a new presence approaching.

She glanced up curiously, only to see a familiar waterbender standing there. Not the waterbender she most wanted to see, but rather the one she only recently made amends with. Funny, how at one time that would have been a crushing disappointment. Still a disappointment, yes, but she didn't mind so much anymore. She had changed too much. They both had.

"Hey," Katara said, with a small wave.

"Oh, it's you."Azula paused, shifting her gaze towards where she had seen Katara's group earlier. The others were still there, talking amongst themselves, and yet Katara had come to see her for some reason. "What do you want?"

"I wanted to ask if you'd like me to heal your injuries," Katara said, offering a friendly smile. "You took quite a beating."

Azula quickly shook her head. "I'll be fine. I don't need you to heal me."

"Oh, alright." Katara paused, and glanced back towards Aang and the others. "Do you want to join us?"

The question very nearly made Azula snort with laughter. With a quick stop of her breath, she managed to hold it down and compose herself. Curling a smirk up along one side of her mouth, she replied, "Please, Katara, let's not kid ourselves. We may be on good terms now, and we may even be friends of sorts, but that's not a group I'll ever be part of. We both know that."

Katara eased a deep sigh, but she didn't protest the comment. Even someone as nauseatingly optimistic as she was had to know deep down that Azula was right, after all. "Alright, I'll leave you be then. You and Kanna take care."

At the mention of her name, Kanna looked up and smiled, giving Katara a wave. Katara waved back, and went to return to Aang and the others. Before she managed to take a step, Azula shot up straight and reached out to hold the waterbender's arm, stopping her in her tracks.

"Wait." Azula shifted in her seat and gently removed Kanna from her lap. "Could you check the baby?"

Katara smiled, turning again to approach her. As she did, she called a bubble of water out of her hip flask and surrounded her hand with it. "Of course." She held her hand to Azula's abdomen, and within moments the water began to glow. A few moments later, Katara pulled away, her smile growing wider. "The baby is fine."

Azula immediately huffed out a relieved sigh. "Good... that's good."

While most everyone was concentrated on each other in the battle's aftermath, Asami focused on the tattered city all around them. The broken and collapsed buildings, piles of rubble, streets torn apart into unrecognizable scars, overturned satomobiles, tiny shards of glass littering the ground like snow. Everywhere she turned, she noticed some new damage that made her gut churn. Once again, Republic City had been decimated by a horrific event of destruction. Once again, the city lay in ruins.

"I can't believe I have to rebuild this city again," she muttered, slowly shaking her head. "This will be the fifth? Sixth time? I don't even know anymore."

Varrick appeared behind her, setting one hand to her shoulder and lifting his other into the air with a point of determination. "Oh don't you worry, Asami, we'll have this place good as new in no time! I mean, this is nothing compared to what the Dragon Empire did to the place, and things were back to normal in under a year. I give it two months tops before Republic City is better than ever. For the fifth time!"

No sooner than Varrick had leaned next to Asami, Sinn slid in to push him out of the way. She gave him a side-eyed glance, and wrapped an arm around her girlfriend's shoulders. "And we'll be there with you every step of the way."

Asami chuckled, as she watched Varrick mutter something and straighten out his jacket. With a growing smile, she leaned close and gave Sinn a gentle kiss. When they pulled away, she looked back at Varrick, and Zhu Li next to him. "Thanks. All of you, I mean it. We did this together."

"Just doing our jobs, ma'am." Zhu Li smiled, and offered a respectful bow. "Plus, saving the human race is pretty much its own reward."

"And thank you, Shayu." Asami turned to face the wheelchair-bound girl, who sat nearby. "We wouldn't have won today without your help."

Shayu blinked in surprise at the sudden attention from Asami. She had been so lost in her own thoughts she almost didn't notice someone else speaking to her. "Oh! Uh, you're welcome. I just… I wanted to do something helpful. You know, so I wasn't useless…"

"You were more than helpful," Asami said, with a firm nod. "You have my sincerest appreciation for everything you did today. And you know, I've been looking for a good assistant, someone to help me with my day to day tasks. I could use an intelligent and determined young woman like yourself."

"What?" Shayu stiffened in surprise, her eyes flaring wide at the statement. "You mean you… you're offering me a job?"

Asami nodded again. "I am."

"Oh, spirits, th-thank you, ma'am." Shayu took several deep breaths in attempts to calm and compose herself. When the shock of the offer gradually subsided, she relaxed in her chair and offered an appreciative nod to Asami. "Right now, I have to get back home to see my mother and make sure she's okay. But, well, maybe after that? I'll think about it."

Asami's smile broadened. "That's all I can ask."

The remaining three Avatars, Kyoshi, Roku, and Kuruk, sat quietly together, a good distance away from the rest of the crowd. Kuvira watched them, tentatively approaching. She paused several paces away and took a deep breath to settle her nerves. The Avatars all had their eyes closed, as though meditating. Good, they hadn't noticed her yet. Maybe she could work up the nerve before they did. With a second calming gulp of air, she focused on one of the Avatars in particular. A third breath, and she finally approached the remainder of the distance. By the time she arrived, Kyoshi had opened her eyes to look up at her, as if sensing her arrival.

"Kuvira, was it?" Kyoshi said, offering a curious stare.

Kuvira nodded. "Yes, Avatar Kyoshi. Might I have a moment?"

The past Avatar stood up from the ground and followed Kuvira to a secluded spot on the street, near the face of an alley. "Just Kyoshi, is fine. I haven't been the Avatar in a very long time."

"Right, of course." Kuvira gave another nod, and began pacing back and forth. Her nerves jumped again, forcing her to swallow them back down.

"So, what is it you needed?"

"Well, I just…" Kuvira breathed in deep and looked up into the past Avatar's eyes, an act that required her neck to crane upwards with as tall as the woman was. "Is what you said true? About me. About us?"

Kyoshi hummed in quiet understanding. "You mean to ask if I was telling the truth when I said you are my descendant."

"Yes."

"Would it make a difference either way?"

Kuvira paused, allowing her gaze to linger away from Kyoshi's. A fair question. "It's just—my whole life, I've struggled with my identity, wondering who I was and where I came from. My parents abandoned me when I was young, you see. I had a lovely family take me in after that, but I've never really known anything about my past, about my lineage. Honestly, it never even mattered to me until now. I actually resented my biological parents for a long time, and wanted nothing to do with them. But if what you said is true, if we are related, then… I suppose that would be another measure of peace for me, like the last part of the puzzle that's been my identity finally falling into place."

"I see." Kyoshi took in a deep breath of her own, and placed a hand on Kuvira's shoulder. Kuvira's heart pulsed at the touch, prompting her to look up once again at the much taller woman. "Kuvira, when I look at you I see someone who embodies many of the same ideals that I once did. I see a woman who would do anything for her people, and anything to protect the world, and keep it in balance. As I told you before, I see myself in you, and part of that is because we share the same blood. After taking the time to sense your spirit, this is something I'm certain of. I am satisfied to see my legacy continued with you."

Gentle warmth flooded through Kuvira's body, causing her heart to pulse once again. With an accepting smile, she lowered into a respectful bow towards the other woman. Kyoshi responded in kind, returning a bow of equal measure. "Thank you, Kyoshi. I promise to live up to that legacy."

Just one of several legacies Kuvira had to live up to now. There was also Suyin's legacy to follow, as well as her own that she was forging for herself. Strange, how so much added responsibility should have weighed on her, and yet she felt lighter now than ever before. This wasn't responsibility she would shy away from. She would let it fuel her. Let it drive her determination. She was a descendant of one of the most prolific figures in history, and she would be sure to live up to that image to the best of her ability. Like so many challenges before this, Kuvira would meet it head on.

Perched high atop a partially collapsed building, P'li watched the people below with her arms folded across her chest. They all seemed so happy now that the threat of Sen was gone. All the laughter, the idle chatter, and words of comfort. She frowned, and looked away. None of that had any meaning to her. No one for her to reunite with, or be happy with. The only person who could do that for her was in prison, and she'd never see him again. There was nothing for her here.

Before long, the sounds of joviality below began to grate along the back of her mind with increasing fervor. That was about enough of that. With a grumble of irritation, she stood up and bounded down from her spot atop the building into a nearby alley to make her exit. Could use a little alone time right now to clear her head. Didn't matter where, so long as it was away from all these people. The sound of footsteps following behind brought her to a pause. Planting her back foot, she spun around with a fist raised, prepared to attack. That was a reflex she wouldn't ever get over. The instinctive impulse to destroy any perceived threat. Despite her initial hostility, her postur relaxed when she saw who it was. Didn't stop her from glaring. What on earth could he want?

"Going somewhere?" Mako said, planting his arms firmly across the chest of his police armor.

"I don't do mushy stuff," P'Li muttered, with a gesturing nod back towards the street. "There's nothing back there for me."

Mako frowned. "So you're just going to leave? After all that talk about wanting to do your life right this time?"

P'Li took a step back and rolled her eyes. "It's not like I'm running away to go free Zaheer or anything. I'm just taking a walk. Is that a crime now?"

"Right…" Mako narrowed his eyes at her, but he didn't argue. Instead, he took a few steps closer and relaxed his arms to his sides. "Well, do you want some company then?"

P'Li balked, sharpening a quizzical glare at the man. She studied him, focusing intently on his face for any sign of deceit. That was another thing she'd never get over: the instinct to assume that any extended hand was meant to hide the other holding a dagger. She'd been duped too many times growing up to let her guard down. No dagger here, though, as far as she could tell. "Not really. Shouldn't you be back there with everyone else being all merry, anyway?"

"Maybe," he said, with a casual shrug. "But I'm still the chief of police. I need to start organizing my officers and seeing to the civilians in other parts of the city, not to mention returning those who were evacuated. They're probably more than a little restless after what happened."

P'Li offered an indifferent scoff and waved him off, as she turned to continue her walk. "Yeah, well good luck with that."

"You could give me a hand, if you wanted."

P'Li paused, and craned a suspicious glare at him over her shoulder. "And why would I want to do that?"

"You said it yourself: you have nothing else to do right now. This will keep you occupied."

Again, she studied him. Was this a genuine offer, or some misplaced attempt to keep her out of trouble? The way he looked at her, she couldn't tell. There was a sternness in his eyes, one borne of mistrust. Hardly surprising, considering their history, and yet there was also something gentler there. Something welcoming. And from his indifferent expression, she wasn't certain he even cared that much whether or not she accepted. What on earth was his game?

"Fine, whatever." With a relenting roll of her eyes, she heaved a deep sigh and gestured for him to lead on. "But I'm not doing any damn paperwork."

Mako offered a partial smirk, as he waved her along to follow him. "I'll keep that in mind."

Korra was in the middle of readjusting Naga's saddle to head around the city and offer whatever help she could, when she noticed several figures approaching her. She paused, and eased a calming breath. No need to look. She could sense exactly who they were. There was a connection between them all, a connection that would never go away, even though the Avatar cycle was no more. They stood there, watching her, and waiting. Not saying anything. Wanting her to be ready. She didn't hurry. She simply continued to tighten the straps of Naga's saddle, and gave the polar bear dog a few friendly pats on the snout before turning to face them.

"Hey," she said, greeting them with a warm smile. Most of the other past Avatars returned the smile in kind. Kyoshi offered a simple bow, but coming from her that was as good as any smile.

"You did well today, Korra," Aang said. "Just as you've done for a long time."

Kuruk cleared his throat, while awkwardly rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, uh, and contrary to what I said under Sen's control, I believe you're a great Avatar."

"Was a great Avatar, you mean." Korra's tone was purposeful, but lacked any sadness or regret. There was acceptance in her words. She'd already come to terms that she wasn't the Avatar anymore. No need to sulk about it.

"Even so, the world will remember what you did today for ages to come." Kyoshi stepped towards her and lowered herself into another bow. "Avatar or not, your legacy will live on."

"Indeed," Roku said. "Able to bend all four elements or not, you are an important part of this world, and I believe you will be so for a long time to come."

Korra's smile grew broader. "Thank you. All of you. It's been so long since I've been able to speak with you like this. It means a lot to hear."

"It is wonderful, indeed," Aang said, returning the smile. "Avatars reunited after so long, even though we are few. If Sen accomplished anything of value, it was returning our essences so we could meet again."

Korra offered a hum of agreement, but anymore words escaped her. Something gripped the back of her mind at the mention of essences. Something fuzzy, and nagging that she couldn't shake away. With a slow frown, she turned her head and looked up at the sky. "There's just one thing I can't get out of my head."

Aang narrowed a questioning look. "What do you mean?"

"It's probably nothing, but when we destroyed Sen and all the essences of his victims were returning to their bodies, there were a handful that didn't go anywhere. They just stayed there, like they were lost." Korra stared intently at the sky, where she'd seen those lost and lonely essences with nowhere to go. Nothing there now. "I don't know, there's just something about it that doesn't sit right with me."

"I see." Aang raised a hand to his chin, fingers gently rubbing across his beard. "That does seem a little odd."

"It's probably nothing to worry about," Kuruk said. "Just a delay before they returned to their bodies. Or you might have imagined it. There was a lot happening at the time."

Korra eased a sigh, turning back towards Naga to rub down the polar bear's fur. "You're probably right. Still, I can't shake it."

"I believe I can explain that." The voice that answered her did not come from any of the other Avatars, nor did it seem to come from their world at all. It was a smooth, feminine voice, but carried a powerful authority to it, an echo that rang with the essence of the Spirit World, and yet it wasn't Raava's voice. The Light Spirit remained some distance behind Korra, watching them quietly. No, this voice came from a different spirit entirely. Korra turned to find the source, focusing on a distant pile of rubble. There it was. Nothing but a tiny spec at first, a faint shimmer of vines sprouting out between the concrete. Within moments, a gnarled figure towered twenty feet above them, looking down with multiple faces.

Korra's brow lifted in surprise. "Mother of Faces! It's good to see you're alright."

"Thank you, Avatar," the great spirit replied, with a gentle bow of her head. "Because of your aid, my son's reign of terror is no more."

"You're welcome." Korra held a palm against her fist and returned the bow. "Now, what were you talking about explaining?"

"The essences that remained behind," the Mother of Faces said. "They remained so because they had no living bodies to return to. Likely, they were some of Sen's earliest victims, whose physical shells expired before you were able to free their spirits."

"Wh-what?" Korra balked, as a sharp spike of dread punctured the center of her chest. Her mouth floundered, unable to find words to respond. Her entire mind warped. That couldn't be right. It wasn't... The revelation grew steadily, building like a dammed river threatening to spill forth. When the dam broke, her thoughts overflowed in a horrific flood of understanding. Sen's earliest victims? That meant her father. That meant Tenzin, and Iroh, and Izumi, not to mention all the guards of the Southern Water Tribe palace. Korra's stomach knotted, lifting into her throat on the cusp of vomiting. She wrapped an arm over her abdomen to hold it down, but still the bile crept into her mouth. "No… no, that's not—that can't be right."

Korra wasn't the only one to have heard the spirit's words. Although the Mother of Faces had spoken to her directly, she was a large spirit. Others gathered nearby had noticed her as soon as she appeared, and listened curiously. That curiosity soon soured into fear and panic, as everyone processed her meaning.

"Dad... no. No!" Jinora collapsed to her knees, unable to stand upright, as sudden tears streaked down her face. Katara and Aang hurried to her side in attempts to console her, but their presence did little to shake the young airbender out of her grief.

"That can't be right." Mai stared in disbelief at the spirit, shaking her head in defiance. Her legs shook, threatening to give out at any moment, but Zuko came to her side to support her. She collapsed against her husband, arms tightening around him. "She's mistaken. She has to be."

"I am not mistaken," the Mother of Faces replied, in an almost insulted tone. "Those individuals, whomever they are, are dead."

Silence deafened the crowd, drawing a veil of sorrow across those directly affected by the news. What had been a day of triumph had turned to ash, and left a hollowed out husk where joy had been only moments before. Others looked on, sharing mutual sympathy for the lives falling apart before their very eyes. No one spoke a word aloud. The only sounds were the growing sobs of disbelief, and quiet, hushed whispers amongst those attempting to console each other.

Korra blinked out of a partial stupor when she felt Kuvira's hand touch her shoulder. Whispers of comfort reached her ears. Assurances that everything would be alright. That they would get through this. She wasn't listening. The grief was too strong, its icy fingers clutched around her skull in a suffocating grip. She swallowed, attempting to force the grip away. It didn't budge. Grief erupted into anger. At last, the grip evaporated. With a curl of her fingers, she tore away from her wife's embrace and shot back to her feet, staring up at the Mother of Faces.

"There must be something you can do!" she insisted. "Please, help us. I know you can create new bodies for their spirits. You did it for Kanna. Please, do it for them too."

The Mother of Faces replied with decisive swiftness. "I am sorry, but I won't do that. I have already meddled in human affairs far too much, and those who have passed shall remain so."

Anger burned hotter, pouring through every inch of Korra's body. The spark compelled her to take an aggressive step forward, and surged her voice into a defiant shout. "You owe us! We stopped your son from destroying our world. We saved you. We saved everyone! This is the least you can do for us! Please, you have to!" Her breath rushed out in a deep huff, causing her mind to fill with a haze of light-headedness. Taking a step back, she paused and breathed in deep in an attempt to calm herself. Anger sapped away in a single moment, leaving her empty with sorrow. "Please..."

"Korra, I am grateful for you bringing an end to Sen," insisted the Mother of Faces, "but the answer is still no. I will not bring back so many human spirits. I will not alter the world's balance anymore."

That was it, then. Korra fell to her knees in defeat, as the cold reality sank its claws into her chest. No amount of pleading or demanding would change the great spirit's mind. People they had worked so hard to save—family, friends, innocents—they were dead, and never coming back. Her dazed mind vaguely noticed Kuvira return to her side to embrace her, but she didn't even acknowledge the act. She knelt there, staring blankly at the ground even as her wife's arms wrapped tight around her. Her acceptance soon spread to the others gathered. Mai and Zuko sank to the ground together, offering what comfort they could to each other, while Jinora continued to sob in the embrace of her grandparents.

In the blink of an eye, they had managed to find crushing defeat in the midst of their victory.

Aang surveyed the group with a careful gaze. He took note of his family and friends, all of them broken by this sudden and devastating revelation. A terrible tragedy, undoubtedly, inescapable in its finality. Or was it? Perhaps there was another way. No way to know how likely such an idea would be to work, but he'd never know if he didn't try. With a deep breath of conviction, he gave the top of Jinora's head a kiss and pulled away from her and Katara so he could approach the Mother of Faces. His action did not go unnoticed, as those present turned to watch the previous Avatar stride forward.

"Mother of Faces, please, listen to me." Aang held his arms open at his sides, a show of respect and petition to the ancient spirit. "There must be some way we can work this out. You claim you wish to maintain balance, but there are many here who Sen brought back. Many who should be dead, myself included. Surely, that is just as unnatural, isn't it? Instead of freely bringing back those others who perished, perhaps we can make an exchange of sorts."

The great spirit tilted her head, bowing lower to get a better look at the previous Avatar. "I doubt anything you say will sway me, but I am listening."

Aang breathed deep once again, and gave a brief glance back to those watching. He offered a brief smile, and turned back to the Mother of Faces. "I propose you take those of us who Sen brought back, return our spirits to where they belong, and in exchange you bring back the victims he killed."

The Mother of Faces straightened herself, maintaining a deep stare as she considered the suggestion. A deep, contemplative hum carried from her lips. "This may actually be something I am willing to do."

A surprised murmur rippled through the crowd. Those who had begun to grieve their losses quieted, and now focused intently on the exchange between Aang and the Mother of faces. All of them, breathless as they awaited, hesitant to get their hopes up. Understandable, with how their hopes had been crushed mere moments ago, and yet still they hung on every word, knowing there was now a possibility. A possibility that required a great price, granted, and that fact did not go unnoticed.

"Aang, what are you doing?" Katara approached her husband with a cautious look. "Please, you can't go. Not again."

"It's alright, Katara," he said, reaching out to gently touch her arms. "If this is what needs to be done to help our son and everyone else harmed by Sen, then it should be done."

"I…" Katara blinked her eyes shut to stop the growing tears. "I know you're right, but still, I… I don't know if I can lose you all over again."

With a simple gesture, Aang held her hands firmly with his own, and lifted them both to her heart. "We will always be together, Katara, one way or another, in this life or the next." He leaned in to give her a kiss, which she returned in earnest. No more hiding her tears, as they fell free down her cheeks. When the kiss broke, Aang pulled away and looked to the others who Sen had brought back. "I'm not forcing anyone to go along with this, but it would be the right thing to do in order to maintain balance. You're free to make your own decisions."

Sokka held his hands behind his head and let out a deep sigh. "You know, I lived a good life already. Doesn't seem right to rob someone else of that chance just so I can get another go around. Count me in."

"Sokka..." Suki reached out to him, staring him deep in the eyes. Any further words fell silent with a knowing frown. There would be no changing his mind, no matter how much she protested.

"Don't worry, babe." Sokka leaned in close to give her one final, parting kiss. When they pulled apart, Sokka flashed a smile and made his way to join Aang. "We'll still see each other again someday."

Katara looked to her brother with a shuddering breath, struggling to hold her emotions together. Whether or not she understood their actions, letting them both go again couldn't be easy. "I... I just got you both back."

"Yeah, I know," Sokka replied, with a reluctant sigh, "but it's a lot more than some people get."

Zuko watched Aang and Sokka carefully, easing out a long breath of acceptance. He looked from them to his wife. Mai read his expression, and her face sank with dread. She knew him well enough to know what decision he'd come to, even before he did. Her fingers tightened around his arms, an attempt to hold onto him for as long as possible.

"Zuko..."

"Mai, this is for our daughter, and our grandson," he whispered, bringing a hand to her cheek. "I have to do this. For them."

"I know, I just..." Mai shut her eyes, tears trickling out from behind the closed lids. With a shuddering breath, she held her forehead against his. "I love you."

As the two embraced for what would be their last time, Azula approached them. Kanna trailed behind her, holding her hand. "Zuzu, I... We were just starting to get things right between us."

Zuko gave his wife one last kiss, before looking to his sister with a broad smile. "It's alright, Azula. You've come so far. You don't need me. You're strong enough on your own, same as you've always been. I'm proud of you."

Azula clenched her jaw, struggling to fight against her own emotions. The way her jaw quivered, resistant to show any semblance of sorrow in front of others. After so long, she still hated being vulnerable, whether or not she was any better at hiding it. Swallowing down her sorrow, she gave a simple nod towards Aang and Sokka. "Well, get going then."

As Zuko joined the other two, Kyoshi stepped forward. "And I suppose we should go as well."

The remaining Avatars soon followed her, Kuruk first. "Yeah, the world doesn't need a bunch of has-been Avatars roaming around. We've already lived long enough lives of our own."

"Some of us longer than others," Roku said, with a glance towards Kyoshi.

The giant of a woman scoffed in amusement. "It's not my fault Death was afraid to take me for so long."

"'And it's no wonder Death came for her in her sleep,'" Kuvira added, folding her arms across her chest as she recited one of the most well known lines from The Incomparable Life of Avatar Kyoshi. "'For had Death come for her when she was awake, there surely would have been a fight.'"

A slow smirk curled its way across Kyoshi's face. "Yes, I always did like that book."

As the past Avatars joined Aang and the others, Suyin looked to her family. Most of them were too busy focusing on the scene before them to be paying her any attention at the moment. They might have noticed the relenting gleam in her eyes otherwise. The resigning to a fate she couldn't escape. Not that it mattered. They'd know shortly regardless. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and stepped forward.

"I'll go, too," she said.

"What?" Opal's attention snapped towards her, eyes flaring with panic. "Mom, no!"

"Mother, please, you can't." Baatar took a cautious step towards her. "You were already taken from us once. We can't lose you again."

Suyin gazed back at them with longing. Oh, what a beautiful family she'd had. What she wouldn't give to be with them again. Would that she could. Would that it were right. "I wish I could stay. So much. But Avatar Aang is right. The world needs its balance, and Sen altered that. This is how we fix it."

"Screw the balance!" Wei countered.

"Yeah! You're our mother!" Wing added. "Don't go. Not again."

Suyin sucked in a deep, shuddering breath of air, struggling to maintain her composure. Leaving the first time had been hard enough, but this? This was agony. Somehow, she managed a smile through it all. "I love all of you so much, more than I'll ever be able to express. But this has to be done."

"Mom… Mom please, don't." Opal's throat quivered, while her eyes gleamed with a flood of tears ready to spill forth.

"Come here, all of you." Suyin held open her arms, and her children came forward into her embrace. They tightened a hug around her, pulling her close. Doubtless they never wanted to let her go. Her composure broke at last, and she let her own tears fall free. No point trying to hold it in any longer.

"I'll miss you." Opal sobbed, burying her face against her mother's shoulder. "I'll miss you so much!"

"We all will," Baatar said, swallowing the knot in his throat. Of all of them, he held himself together with the most poise, although even he couldn't hide the wet streaks falling from behind his glasses.

"I know," Su replied, with a tightening squeeze of her arms around them. "And I'll miss all of you. Tell your father, and Huan. Tell Lin. Tell them I'm sorry, and that I love them."

When Su finally pulled away, Opal broke down and fell to the ground. Hiccups staggered her breath, accompanied by a wet mess of tears that she buried against her hands. Bolin immediately came to her side to comfort her, and her siblings joined moments later.

Turning around, Suyin paused as she noticed another woman standing in her path. She sighed, offering a distant smile. No getting around this goodbye either. "Kuvira."

"Su, I..." Kuvira's voice creaked out in a hoarse whisper. "Are you sure?"

"I am."

Kuvira stared back at her, not with regret or sorrow, but instead a quiet understanding. An acceptance that this was the way things had to be. Still couldn't hide the tears. "Su, I—I love you."

Suyin smiled. "I love you too, Kuvira. I always will."

The two embraced briefly, tightening their arms around each other. Nothing left to be said. They'd already discussed everything they needed to long before now. This was their goodbye. No need to make it more painful than it already was. When they pulled away, Toph stepped forward to join them. The once old, now young again, woman watched them not with her eyes, but with her feet, no doubt sensing their emotions through the subtle vibrations in their bodies. Her eyes, meanwhile, stared blankly forward into emptiness, and yet still they carried an unmistakable sadness.

"Well, at least I get to say goodbye this time," Toph said, with a heavy breath.

"Mom…"

Toph raised a hand before Suyin could continue. "Save it. I get why you're doing this, and I know I can't stop you. So I'm not even going to try. Before you go, I just want to say… I'm proud of you."

Suyin smiled, and reached forward to pull her mother into a loving hug. "I know, Mom. I love you."

"And I love you." Toph closed her eyes, as a gentle trickle of tears began to run down her cheeks. "Goodbye."

When Su had joined the others, Kuvira looked towards the back of the crowd, her eyes narrowing at one individual still bound and gagged next to a pile of rubble. "There's still one more."

"Right…" Korra's gaze followed, settling on the bound figure. "It's about time he went back too."

Korra approached her uncle, giving him a long look as she stood over him. Unalaq lifted his head to look back at her. He didn't say anything. He merely stared. No resistance. No trying to argue, or escape. A simple resignation of acceptance, as he let his head fall down again and awaited his fate. Korra sucked in a breath and held it. Here was a man who she had once looked at fondly. Someone she'd loved as family. A man who had ultimately betrayed them all to aid a dark spirit in nearly destroying the world, only to come back from the dead to do it all again. She didn't know whether the world was trying to be ironic, or if it was just a cruel coincidence, but it sucked either way. Letting out her breath, she finally lifted Unalaq and carried him over to the others.

With that, all those present who had been returned to life by Sen were ready: Aang, Sokka, Zuko, Suyin, Kyoshi, Roku, Kuruk, and Unalaq, all of them awaiting the Mother of Faces to accept their sacrifice. The towering, gnarled spirit looked down at them in satisfaction. "I find this suitable. I accept your terms, and will return those lost to you in exchange."

Korra looked out at them with a gaze of appreciation. "Thank you, all of you. You didn't have to do this."

"But we did," Aang replied, with a sage nod. "To maintain balance in the world—that is and always shall be our ultimate duty. Still, you are welcome. Continue to serve and protect the world, Korra. That's all we ask. Goodbye."

In a blinding flash of light, the group disappeared, melting away once again into the afterlife they had been brought back from. When the light faded, a handful of different figures remained behind in their place: Tenzin, Tonraq, Iroh, Izumi, and a dozen or so Water Tribe guards, all of them dazed and confused as they sat there struggling to make sense of where they were and what had happened

Korra immediately raced towards her father, spurred on by an explosive pulse of elation tearing through her chest. "Dad!"

Tonraq uttered a soft grumble, rubbing the back of his head. He looked to her, still trapped in a partial daze as she threw her arms around him. "Korra?"

"I'm so glad you're alright! I thought…" The remainder of her words siphoned from her throat with a breathless gape. She simply tightened her arms around her father and held him close, as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Tonraq returned the embrace, taking his daughter into his arms to offer her comfort.

Jinora and Katara ran over, making their way towards the lone airbender who had started to rise back to his feet.

"Dad!" Jinora called, with a beaming smile breaking across her tear-stained face.

Tenzin blinked awareness back into himself and looked to his daughter. He reacted in kind, hurrying to her with his arms open wide. When they reached each other, Jinora leaped into his arms and he tightened a loving embrace around her, sinking back to his knees. "Jinora! Oh, it's so good to see you."

"And you too, Tenzin," Katara said, as she approached them.

Tenzin blinked at her, slow confusion overtaking his expression. Recognition tore across his face moments later, shooting his brow upward in shock. "Mother? But—what—you're so young!"

"Yes, I suppose I am," Katara said, with a gentle chuckle. "Younger than you now, it looks like."

"Well, that's… going to take some getting used to," Tenzin muttered. "How…?"

Katara just shook her head, as she knelt down to wrap her arms around both her son and granddaughter. "Worry about that later. For now, just enjoy the moment."

Iroh and Izumi both managed to shake themselves out of their daze long enough taking in their surroundings. If they were confused at how they got there, or why Republic City was in ruin, they didn't show it. They gave a quick look around before turning to help each other back to their feet. When they stood upright, Iroh took a closer look at his mother and gasped in surprise.

"Mother, your scars," he said. "They're gone."

"What?" Izumi looked down at her right arm. The burn scars Azula had given her during their Agni Kai were indeed gone, and a quick touch to the right side of her face revealed the same. "How is that possible?"

"Because it's a new body, I imagine." Mai approached the two with a loving smile, arms folded across her chest. Both Iroh and Izumi stared at her in confusion. One blink. Then two. A third, and their eyes widened. As recognition slowly dawned on their faces, she came forward to embrace them. "Dear spirits, it's so good to see both of you alright."

"And you as well, Mother." Izumi pulled back, giving Mai a puzzled stare from behind her glasses. "But you're..."

Iroh's jaw slackened in disbelief, as he stared at his grandmother. "So young..."

"I know," Mai said, with a dismissive shake of her head. Even as she waved off the fact, she couldn't hide her smirk over the acknowledgment of her rejuvenated youth. "I'll explain that later."

Izumi's gaze narrowed in further study, but she didn't press the subject. "So, what was that about a new body?"

"That's something else that's also best explained later," said an approaching figure. When they turned to find the source, Azula was there to greet them with a smirk. "There's a lot of to get through, trust me. Good to see you both well, in any case."

Iroh nodded. "You as well, Great Aunt Azula."

Azula recoiled with a grimace. "Oh, dear spirits, don't ever call me that again. It makes me sound so old."

"I believe you are technically far older than either of us," Izumi said, giving a quick glance from Azula back to her son. "Just the same as my mother."

"Please, look at me," Azula said, gesturing to herself with a scoff. "I'm not a day over twenty."

"Of course." Izumi stifled a quiet chuckle, before settling her attention on the young girl holding Azula's hand. Lowering herself to one knee, she offered the girl a warm smile. "And it's good to see you too, Kanna."

Kanna grinned and gave the woman a welcoming wave. "Hi, Auntie 'Zumi!"

The emphatic greeting drew a few cursory glances from the others, but no one bothered to correct her. Although Izumi was technically the girl's cousin, there had never been a point in saying otherwise with how messed up so many of their ages were now. It just wasn't worth the effort.

"Fire Lord Izumi!" A new voice called out, belonging to a young woman wheeling herself towards them in a wheelchair. "I'm so glad to see you're okay."

"Ah, Shayu." Izumi gave the woman a bow in greeting. "It's good to see you, as well. I'd ask how you are, but I get the feeling the answer to that is a complex one right now."

"Yeah, no kidding..." Shayu offered a brief sigh and shook her head. "But we can talk about it later. I mean, if you want."

Izumi smiled. "I'll look forward to it."

Shayu returned the Fire Lord's smile, as her gaze lingered beyond the group. She looked at the others, at Tenzin reuniting with Jinora and Katara, and at Korra reuniting with Tonraq. How nice, to see this much happiness and joy, after the terrible grief only a few minutes prior. Her heart fluttered, as she thought of her mother. Oh, she couldn't wait to return to the Fire Nation and see her mother again. After all of this crazy dark spirit stuff, she just wanted to go back to their house and live a normal, quiet life together.

As her gaze shifted by the group of Water Tribe guards still recovering from their return to life, Shayu's attention froze on another individual sitting there. An individual who did nothing but stare blankly at the ground, as if trapped in daze. The flutter in her heart skipped, souring her throat with numb bile. An individual who did not belong there.

Breath caught in her throat, while her fingers ticked back and forth against the sides of her wheels, uncertain whether or not to push herself towards the woman. What was she supposed to feel, seeing her there now? Hatred? Panic? Caution? Relief? Maybe a mix of all those things. Oh, it would be so easy to simply turn around and ignore her. Forcing out her breath, Shayu gripped the sides of her wheels tightly and pushed them forward. No, she had to do this. It had been too long.

Shayu paused her wheelchair a few paces away, remaining silent for a good few moments before speaking out to the broken woman. "Yula?"

Her sister's eyes flickered in sudden recognition, twisting out of her daze with a confused look upward. "Shayu? Is that you?"

She nodded. "Yeah, it's me."

Shayu stared at her sister, and her sister back at her. The air between them clung with near-tangible grief, conveying an entire conversation without the need for words. There was so much baggage between them. So much pain, and sorrow. Shayu had every right to hate Yula for what she'd done, and Yula was smart enough to know she had no right asking for forgiveness. In spite of all that, they were sisters. As much as that bond might bend or twist, few things could ever break it.

"Shayu, I…" Yula's voice caught in her throat, silenced by a wet, hiccuping sob. In a single instant, the once arrogant Dragon Empress, who had nearly broken the world apart, broke down into a blubbering mess. She sank into herself, almost collapsing onto the ground as tears flooded her eyes. Breaths shuddered outward, struggling to get out her words. "I'm so sorry... for everything. I—I did all this. Everything, it—my fault. The Dragon Empire, Sen... all my fault. It was all my fault. I didn't mean—I wasn't—I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

Yula's words repeated, endless, over and over, until they finally drowned beneath her sobs. Shayu had nothing left to say. No words of her own that could help. Instead, she lifted herself up from her seat with her arms, and slid forward out of the wheelchair. Letting herself drop down next to her sister, she took Yula into her arms and held tight. Yula collapsed against her, sobbing like a child into her shoulder.

They had a lot of healing that needed to be done, to even begin to fix things between them. With everything Yula had done to Shayu, and their mother, and to the entire world, forgiveness was a distant goal that might never be reached. Distant, but not impossible. Yula would no doubt be taken back into custody, but now that she no longer possessed Sen's essence, perhaps she could be sent to a normal prison this time. Perhaps Shayu and their mother could try to visit her, and perhaps they could find peace, as a family once again.

Only time would tell.

As the reunions began to wind down, Tenzin briefly parted from his family and made his way over to Korra and Tonraq. He gave them both a nod in greeting. "It seems you did an amazing job here, Korra, same as you always do. I can't thank you enough for your service and dedication to the world and its people."

Korra smiled. "Thank you, Tenzin, but it wasn't just me. It was all of us. We did it together."

"I'd still like some details about everything that happened," Tonraq said, rubbing a hand on the top of his head. "The last thing I remember, I was fighting intruders in the palace down South."

"We'll explain everything as soon as we can," Korra insisted. "There's so much to tell. In the meantime, there are a lot of people still at the South Pole waiting for us."

Tenzin nodded. "Of course. We should concentrate on reuniting with all of our family and friends first. Everything else can come later." With a parting bow, he turned to rejoin his family.

Korra leaned against her father, holding an arm around him. "I swear I'll explain everything soon. I just really want to go see mom again."

"I know, sweetie." Tonraq smiled, and pulled his daughter in for another hug. "Me too."

As Korra sank into her father's hug, a soothing voice called out to her. "Korra."

A warm glow met her, as she pulled away from her father to see a familiar spirit floating beside her. "Oh, Raava. What is it?"

"I believe this is where I will leave you," the Light Spirit replied. "Now that we have been separated, I feel I should revisit the Spirit World for a time. It's been ages since I've been there of my own accord."

Korra smiled. "Of course, have fun. It'll be good for you, I'm sure."

Raava gave a simple bow, and turned to leave. "Thank you, Korra."

"Wait a moment." Another spiritual voice interrupted them, halting Raava before she could make it too far. "I'd like a word."

"Mother of Faces." Raava turned to see her fellow spirit standing nearby, and gave a small bow out of respect. "It's been quite some time."

"Indeed it has," said the gnarled spirit, "but what I come to you two with now is an offer of utmost importance."

Korra narrowed a curious stare. "What do you mean?"

"If ever there was an important piece in this world to maintaining balance, it is the Avatar," explained the Mother of Faces. "I believe it imperative that you two bond once again."

"Oh..." Korra eased a wistful sigh. "I know, and that's a great sentiment, but we can't bond again outside of Harmonic Convergence. And that's okay. I'm ready to not be the Avatar anymore. I'm ready to help the world as just me."

The Mother of faces shook her head. "That is not true."

Korra's brow lifted in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"There is another way that you and Raava can bond together once again."

Silence followed. There was another way? Korra froze in shock, staring up at the Mother of Faces with her jaw hanging open. She'd been so ready to accept not being the Avatar anymore, she wasn't even sure how to react. Gradually, she managed to turn her head enough to look up at Raava, who focused intently on the Mother of Faces.

"This is not something I know," Raava stated, with a curious hum. "Please explain."

"Bonding you with a human vessel requires an enormous amount of energy," said the gnarled spirit. "The energy created by the spirit portals during harmonic convergence is one such way. A second way to generate the required energy would be for another powerful spirit to offer that energy to you. I offer my own energy, to make the Avatar whole once more."

Raava recoiled, stiffening straight up to her full height. "Mother of Faces, such an act would destroy you!"

"I know, but this is a sacrifice I am willing to make. The world needs its Avatar. It is essential to maintaining balance in the world. If I must offer up my own essence to restore this balance, I will."

Korra swallowed, staring at the Mother of Faces in disbelief. "I—I don't believe it. Such an offer... I don't even know what to say."

The multi-faced spirit stared back at her in earnest. "You can say yes."

With a deep exhale, Korra's mind cleared and relaxed. She looked to Raava, a slow smile curling at her lips. "Well, what do you think?"

Raava returned the look, and gave an accepting nod. "I think the world needs its Avatar once more."

The Mother of Faces stood straighter, and reached out her gnarled arms to touch the both of them. "Then so it shall be."

A blinding flash of light filled the city, immediately drawing the attention of everyone nearby. The crowd gasped and murmured, shielding their eyes to watch as best they could through the searing glow. Pulsing waves of energy tore outward, fueling a powerful gust of wind down the street that nearly knocked over those closest to the display. Within moments, the wind died down and the glow faded. As the light disappeared, only Korra remained standing there, eyes closed and at peace. Both Raava and the Mother of Faces had vanished.

Water bubbled beneath Korra's feet, surging into a towering pillar that lifted her into the air. Her eyes snapped open, glowing white with Raava's power. Another burst of air exploded outward and wrapped into a swirling sphere around her. Flames ignited, forming a spiraling ring around the wind sphere. Earth next, as stones tore away from the ground and floated in orbit around her. The water beneath her feet joined seconds later, adding a third ring to the collection of elements. In one final display, all four elements erupted outward in a combined blast that filled the sky, and Korra slowly descended to the ground.

"Raava..." Korra held a hand to her chest, grasping at the familiar warmth flooding through her spirit once again. For a brief moment, the image of Raava glowed against her torso. "It's good to be with you again."

"And so we shall be," Raava replied, her voice echoing in Korra's head, "for all time."