Last chapter before the epilogue. I will upload it tomorrow. Enjoy and thanks for reading.
A year later, the United Republic held their elections. Republic City was slowly rebuilding and it was the perfect time for the returning residents to see the work the army and the White Lotus was doing. They would also see a ceremonial hand over of leadership from the Avatar to the new President.
Later within the year, the Water Tribes were able to hold theirs. Going home was most welcoming. Korra and her tribesmen that stayed with her to help in the Earth Empire were overjoyed at seeing the bright landscape of the south.
The elders called for a celebration of their return and the tribe thanked the moon and ocean for allowing the tribe to stand together and work alongside the White Lotus. Unlike the ceremony in Republic City, Korra felt like she did not have to hand power back to the new chief. Kya had gracefully accepted the spot and made sure to mention the Avatar's parents and their past roles.
She also had the chance to show Shin her homeland. While Bolin and Opal tended to the southern half of the Earth Empire for her, Jinora and Kai helped her tend to the northern half.
When the inter-fighting in the Northern Tribe subsided, a man by the name of Hanrok was elected. His first meeting with Korra was not as joyful but the Avatar felt like her tribesmen in the North would adapt after time.
Another two years would pass before the Earth Empire would finally decide on borders. Ba Sing Se declared to be separate and elected a high ranking Dai Li official, which was to Korra's dislike. The Northern Earth Nation picked a lieutenant from the Earth Empire Army, while the Southern Earth Nation wanted Opal Bei Fong to lead. The White Lotus was asked to stay in the three new nations for a bit longer. It seemed like every other day that some town was raided again. An army would move in and the crimes would only cease until the soldiers left. Korra's desk in Zaofu was beginning to have an imprint of her forehead by the time she left to stay in the Fire Nation.
A week into staying in her new apartment, the same desk was broken. The Fire Nation simply refused to fall in line and she was dealing with protests and riots every day. The military and the Home Guard were becoming over worked and they too started to join with their countrymen. Fire Lord Izumi did not help her either. Korra would complain about her not picking a date for an election and the woman would ignore her words. By her twenty-eighth birthday, Korra picked a date for them. After the White Lotus counted the ballots, Korra knew the universe was against her. They picked the former Fire Lord as their president.
The Avatar wanted to take back her hopeful words about seeing Izumi elected. When she had to hand power back to the new president, the woman had a wicked smirk on her face. As they leaned in to have their picture taken, Izumi leaned in to speak.
"After all of this is done," she paused to smile, "I want you out of the Fire Nation. You are banned from stepping into my country as long as I'm in charge."
"Fine." Korra returned in an annoyed tone.
The president's next words felt painful like Korra was stabbed in the heart, "Also, I want Lieutenant Shin back. He still has a military duty to serve and he will not be aiding you in the Earth Nations anymore."
"But we're currently enga-."
"I guess that we both have duties that interfere is our personal wants."
Korra was about to argue when another picture was taken. After the flash, she stormed down from the stage and went straight to her office in the palace to gather her things.
Bolin walked out of his bedroom to find the Avatar sitting with Naga in one of the training gardens of Zaofu. The night sky was clear but a chilling fog looked to be coming in from the mountains. It was strange to behold; he thought she was in the Fire Nation with Shin.
"You're back early."
Korra looked up and nodded, "I was sort of thrown out of the Fire Nation but I'm back now and now it's to wait to see where I'll be needed next."
Bolin then looked around the garden, "Where's Shin?"
"He has his duty to the Fire Nation to fulfill." She rubbed her face, "We had to call of the marriage and everything."
"Is there anything I can do to help? I am married to the Prime Minister of the Southern Earth Nation."
Korra shook her head, "I just need a place to stay for a few days. I might go check on the airbenders at Air Temple Island."
He sat down beside her and gave the Avatar a hug, "The both of you won't be separated forever, Korra. If he truly loves you, he'll find you after his service."
She gave the world before her a smug look as she leaned into her friend.
"I hope so."
Jinora was being rushed around the island by an acolyte and had been all day. She was not told why and at a certain time, she was sent into the city. It was strange too, because she was supposed to be leading classes today but her Uncle Bumi insisted that he could and her mother would help elsewhere. The now twenty year old airbending Master was left to finding a few items in the marketplace. Ikki was with her blabbering on about something Meelo had done to her. That's when the older sister stopped her.
"What is going on with everyone on the island, Ikki? Normally someone else goes into the city for fruit and other parts for a radio."
"Nothing is going on, sweet sister of mine." Ikki grinned as her hands went behind her back.
Jinora's brow squished together, "You know something."
"I do not know what's going on with the others."
"Then you won't mind if I check up on them."
Ikki practically jumped at her sister, "Don't! Don't ruin the surprise!"
"What surprise?"
The younger sister covered her mouth leaving Jinora to growl and turn around. Ikki quickly followed.
"Wait, we're not supposed to go back until sundown. You'll ruin it."
"Ruin what?" the Master asked, "You've done a well enough job on telling me there is something going on that I should have known about."
"Kai's surprise for you. It's supposed to be cute and wonderful. Mom and Korra were working on some kind of party hall."
"Korra's here? I thought she was going to stay in Zaofu after the Fire Nation kicked her out?"
"Yes, she's here. She snuck into the island early this morning after mom called her."
That made Jinora hike up her robes even more so she could run to the ferry. Ikki ran after her and was trying to get her to stop and at least wait until sunset. It did not work and they both stood on the bow of the ferry as it left the docks. As soon as the ferry was mere feet away, Ikki jumped off first and rushed. Jinora shouted something and quickly followed.
"Jinora's coming early!" the younger sister shouted.
The elder sister saw a ring of earth as she reached the training grounds. She could hear some panicked voices and even heard Korra shout in pain as her ladder fell from under her. As she reached the opening, she saw Ikki trip over the ladder and landed in Korra's lap. The Avatar let out another howl of pain before they quickly stood and got out of the way. Then Jinora stopped in her tracks.
Inside the ring of raised earth were lanterns, tables of food, her friends and family, and finally Kai stood before them all. Instead of his airbending robes, he was dressed in rich green Earth Nation robes. His hair was slicked back.
"What is this? My birthday was months ago." Jinora looked at each of them.
Her eyes lingered on her mother for a bit. She realized that Pema had been wiping tears away. Korra's look was conflicted, maybe a happy conflicted. She knew there was a story behind that look and would have to ask later. Jinora then looked back at Kai.
"Jinora," Kai started with his sly grin, "You are a bit early. I was going to do this at sunset."
"Do what at sunset?"
Kai then brought a single flower from behind him. It was woven into a rich green comb and a necklace.
"I spoke with a fortuneteller last week. I have already provided your mother and siblings with some fruit and vegetables, and I prayed at your father's grave for his permission. So," Kai rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "I guess I am asking you to marry me and since Air Nomads normally didn't get married, I brought gifts from the Water Tribes and the old Earth Kingdom. For you of course, because you have family from both nations and the flower is a throwback to that certain moment we had here during the war. And Korra has even offered to preside over the marriage when we're ready."
Jinora looked at the gifts in his hand before looking back at him, "You mean?"
"Jinora, will you marry m-?"
She then interrupted him, kissing him passionately, "Of course I will."
Her uncle let out a cheer of joy. Meelo and Rohan threw something to the ground causing a breaking sound and then a band began to play. The newly engaged couple chuckled along before kissing each other again.