.
.
.
.
Multiple planes flew by the dark dragon, but the creature then caught them with its gigantic claws. The pilot managed to eject before the plane was pulled down and slammed onto the water surface where it exploded. Raiko and Saikan watched the damage zone.
"He's going to destroy the entire city." Raiko said with worry. This was exactly the kind of catastrophe the Avatar was trying to prevent, and now because of his stubbornness, his city was paying the price.
The dragon's chest glowed as Yuki commanded the creature to shot and energy beam from its mouth and at the airship, destroying the tail propellers. The airship then began spinning and hurling toward nearby buildings. The multiple police officers braced themselves. Saikan pulled a lever, opening the back door, and gestured to the rest of the officers to bail out.
"We're going down!"
Multiple metalbender cops jumped out of the airship, shooting their cables for a safe landing. Raiko walked up and clung on to Saikan for safety, who aimed his cables at a rooftop gargoyle before jumping off. The duo landed on a roof, where they continued observing the damage. The dragon gave out a mighty roar and slammed its claws onto the water. Then, all around the city, the buildings shook, the streets crumbled and tore open. Families ran from the area, holding their loves one as tightly as they could as dark, twisted looking vines began to grow from within the cracks, growing at an exceedingly fast paste before wrapping its coils all around the buildings, crushing them with its weight and sharp thorns stuck out from the sides of the plants. The thorn covered vines grew and grew, expanding all around, wrapping themselves around everything in their path, including Harmony Tower.
Yuki laughed maniacally to herself, as her dragon projection laughed along with her. This was her moment, Vaatu had finally won, and his sister was gone for good. However, her victory did not last for much longer.
Suddenly, the skies above began to shine. A single star appeared among the darkness, serving as a beacon of hope for the city. The star itself started to fall at fast speed, a stream of stardust behind it as it fell. The star made an impact in the water, creating a powerful tidal wave that shook the dragon, forcing it to step back. The waters where the star had landed glowed brightly and a human figure began to emerge. It was Korra, floating above the water like a shimmering angel. She was smaller in size compared to Yuki's dragon, but her light was just as power, if not more so.
From Air Temple Island, Iiki, Meelo and Pema witnessed the event through the telescope. "Mom, it's Korra" Ikki shouted in awe upon seeing her older sister, shimmering like a beautiful princess from the heavens. "She's…beautiful!"
"What?!" Pema quickly snatched the telescope from Ikki's hand and looked for herself. Her heart leaped upon seeing her oldest daughter floating above the glowing waters before shouting, "BE CAREFUL SWEETIE!"
"Go Korra!" Meelo shouted with great enthusiasm, cheering his sister on.
The dragon rose up from the water and prepared to battle the Korra. The Dark Avatar fired an energy beam from its mouth, only for Korra to shield herself by commanding the waters to rise upwards and deflect the attack. The dragon growled as the waters began to rise up all around Korra, engulfing her body in its shimmering glow. The waters began to manifest and take sharp, transforming into a four legged creature. The body was slim but muscular with long legs, cuffs of hair sticking out of its ankles and powerful hooves. The tail was long and slender with a cuff of hair at the very end, similar to that of a lion's tail. The neck was elegant and slick and the face of the great creature grew, a creature with pointed ears, a long nose and a gorgeous mane coming from its head which moved love waves. A pair of feathery wings grew from its back and a long powerful horn, shinning silver like a sword, grew from its forehead.
Pema and the kids had never seen a creature like this before. It appeared to be a horse with wings and a horn on its forehead, but has hairs on its ankles and a lion-like tail. The creature's eyes glowed a heavenly white and Korra's own body could be seen on the creature's chest, similar to how Yuki could be see inside her dragon's.
All eyes from the city and the island witnessed the events for themselves. Two gigantic beats, one of great beauty and light, while the other was of great terror and darkness, battling it out on a sea that sparkled like diamonds. The winged horse stood on its hind legs, galloping its front legs in the most majestic way, while neighing with great confidence, it made all the people of the city cheer alongside her.
The dragon opened it mouth to release another energy beam, to which the winged horse pointed its horn, unleashing a beam of her own and the two attacks collided. At first it seemed both powers were evenly matched, but Korra managed to focus her beams to overpower Yuki's, eventually knocking her beast back with her in it. Korra's winged horse ran forward, its beautiful mane moving like a never-ending dream, aiming her horn like a sword. The dragon rose up and tackled the horse, knocking it down, making the waters rise up. The horse used her horn to slide the creature's arm, wounding it. From inside, Yuki clenched her stomach, feeling the impact of the cut, even seeing her own arm sharing the same cut as her dragon.
Korra's horse rose back up, standing its ground with its wings spread open, flapping gently before the body rose upwards into the sky. A beam of light manifested at the tip of her horn and shot the beam directly at the dragon, knocking it down on the ocean as it roared in anguish. Yuki wiped her lip with her knuckles from within her beast and gasped as the horse came charging at her. The dragon quickly flapped its wings and soared just when the horse landed on the waters.
The battle now took to the skies, the two creatures flying all across the borealis covered sky. The dragon shot its energy beams at the horse, who maneuvered her attempts and unleashing another beam from its horn. The attacks went back and forth, first the dragon, then the horse, then the dragon, then the horse, and every time the dragon attacked, the horse came out victorious, not even a scratched on its body. The creatures charged towards one another, the dragon taking hold of the horse's horn, trying to tear it off, but the horse only overpowered the dragon and sliced yet another part of its body, this time the stomach. Yuki cried out in pain once more. She couldn't understand how this girl was able to gain such power after she had destroyed Raava. She couldn't even understand why this beast didn't receive any wounds or injuries but she did.
Regardless, Yuki refused to allow Korra to win. The beast began snapping at the creature, taking hold of its wings, making the horse cry out in pain. The horse trapped the dragon's neck in headlock with her other wing and the two began to fall down to the waters bellow. Seeing her chance, the horse managed to wiggle herself off of the creature's grip and impaled its horn directly onto the dragon's chest.
The red beast shrieked in pain once the horn was removed, freeing the horse from its grip as the reptilian creature itself fell down. The beast fell and landed onto the stone building, from where the statue of Avatar Aang once stood before being thrown into the ocean, where it still remained. The dragon's body hit the the stone cold surface so hard, it began to tear open its body. The scales tore off, the interior crumbling and the creature's head crumbled away like broken stone. Yuki's body was now visible, her dragon form slayed, and the winged horse appeared before her. The image diapered in a sea of bright particles, revealing Korra, who floated downwards gently before placing her feet onto the base. Though she wore barefoot sandals, her feet were positioned as if she were wearing invisible high heels. She walked towards the possessed woman, moving elegantly like a princess.
"It's over." she said, her voice echoing as if her voice had been multiplied a hundred times. She no longer spoke with the voice of the past Avatars, or Raava's, but her own.
Yuki sat upright, her eyes reverting back to normal as she tried to unleash another beam, but it was no use. Her powers had been weakened, she could feel Vaatu's power draining. The impaling of the horn was like a knife cutting into her a million times over. "You…you wouldn't harm me, would you Avatar?" she said, her voice sounding like her old self for once.
"You don't deserve to live."
"Korra, Korra please, it wasn't my fault. It was Vaatu, he was the one who made me into this, remember? I didn't even want this?"
"And yet you embraced his power like it was a gift. You accepted a curse as a blessing, you offered your heart to shameful lust."
"What are you going to do?" Yuki asked, looking up at the Avatar who towered over her. "You…you wouldn't kill me…would you?"
Korra only kept her strong gaze onto the frightened woman. "No, Yuki. I am not like you."
"Oh, thank you, Avatar. You are truly noble, I'll make it up to you, I promise. Just, how can I prove myself, tell me anything."
"Repent." Korra said, "Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature Yuki, and never return to it."
Yuki's eyes slightly widened, as she looked up at the Avatar. "Yes…of course." while Korra wasn't looking, Yuki picked one of the pieces of stone that came from the statue, and his it behind her back. "As you wish…your majesty!"
Rising up, Yuki aimed the rock right at Korra's head, but the Avatar quickly grabbed the woman's wrist, and Yuki kicked Korra in the stomach, pushing her away. Yuki rammed at Korra, the two girls fought, gripping the others arms in an attempt at overpowering the other. The two girl resulted in an all out brawl, rolling across the stone surface with Yuki trying to punch Korra or toss her over the side of the base. Korra kicked Yuki off of her with her leg and summersaulted at her. She gave Yuki a chance, and she blew it.
Korra punched Yuki in the face and Yuki in return punched Korra. She threw another punch and Korra fell to the ground. Yuki charged at her, with a stone in her hand, ready to break Korra's skull with it. But Korra acted fast and leaped forward, grabbing Yuki's neck and wrist, forcing her to release the rock. Korra's eyes glowed a bright white and Yuki could feel her own body burning like flames. She got down on her knees, feeling the scorching pain of the fire burning within her. Korra released her neck and wrist and instead placed her hands on Yuki's forehead and heart. The restrained woman opened her mouth, releasing a red beam of light from her eyes and mouth. The rays manifest above them, transforming into Vaatu once more.
"No!" he cried out, his power was weakening and so was his time. Once the glowing stopped, Yuki collapsed onto the ground and Korra rose up to face the dark spirit. From her hand, a sword of shimmering silver appeared, and Korra aimed it directly at Vaatu.
"Be gone, Vaatu!"
With one swing, the sword impaled Vaatu like a stuck through a kite. Red ooze dripped from his wound and his body began to disperse. The light of the sword overwhelmed him as he fell into the crystal clear ocean and disappeared into oblivion. Rays of lightning came shooting from the sea before all became calm once more.
Vaatu had been vanquished. His evil reign was over.
Yuki's body was no longer covered in Vaatu's markings, her cloths were now torn and her hair was a mess. She felt like she had been thrown against stone walls repetitively. She looked upon the glowing Avatar, who's expression looked tired and week. The power was becoming too much for her. Still, with the last bit of her strength, she lifted Yuki into her arms and beamed herself away from the scene.
(~)
Back in the spirit world, the group witnessed the same star appear before them. Korra emerged from the light, carrying an exhausted Yuki. Unalaq quickly took her into his arms and Korra fell to the ground. The light around her was glowing stronger than before. Everyone ran towards her and Tenzin held her in his arms.
"Korra. Korra can you hear me? It's me, dad. You're going to be alright."
With a shaking hand, Korra reached for her adopted father's face…just before she gave her last breath. Her hand fell to the ground, limp and lifeless. Her eyes closed, the light around her faded away and her heart stopped beating. She had complete her work, at the biggest price imaginable.
Tenzin's eyes filled with tears as he held his daughter close to him, sobbing uncontrollably as the tears landed on her face, dripping down almost looking as if she herself were crying as well. Tonraq couldn't feel his legs anymore. He broke down, tears falling from his eyes as well. With a heavy heart, Tenzin offered the man his adopted daughter and he held her tightly. Her lifeless body felt as cold as ice. He always dreamed of seeing his daughter again and now…now he was gone.
Asami's heart felt like a knife had cut through it. Her best friend, her sister, was gone. She cried into Bolin's chest, as he held her tightly crying tears of his own. The two sunk to the ground, weeping. Zaheer and P'Li moaned the child's untimely death and Unalaq also moaned. Eska and Desna hung their heads in dismay. They had treated their cousin so poorly, and now it was too late to make amends.
Lin hid her face with her hand, not wanting anyone to see the tears that fell from her eyes. But the one who was probably the most broken hearted was Mako. He hesitantly approached the two fathers, and Tonraq allowed the young man to say his farewells, even if it was pointless at this point. He gently caressed her soft hair as tears fell from his eyes. The only woman he had ever loved…and now she was gone for good.
Jinora cried. Korra had risked her own life so they could all live. She made the ultimate sacrifice. Then, she felt a butterfly land on her palm. She could hear the creature whisper into her ear some kind of information and quickly turned to the others.
"Come on. I know what we need to do."
Harmonic Convergence was almost over, the portals would be dispersing soon and wouldn't be for another ten thousands years. Not that it would matter. The battle was won, and Vaatu would no longer need to fight Raava. But, now there was no letting where Raava would be from here on out. Tonraq carried his daughter and placed her onto the pool within the tree of time, allowing her body to float gently on the waters. Her hands were placed together on her stomach and Asami placed a single flower on her hand. Both her fathers took turns in kissing her forehead, with Mako being the last. The butterfly landed on Korra's forehead and her body floated away from the group. Harmonic Convergence was coming to an end, the two portals began to disperse, releasing beams of lightning all around. Once the portals dispersed, the skies became blue once more, the borealis lights on the human world disappeared and Jinora's spirit began to fade. She turned to her father, "I'll see you soon dad." she said right before her spirit faded from sight.
Back in the healing hut, Jinora opened her eyes, her body was wet and found herself in a pool of healing waters, with her grandmother, uncle and aunt smiling in relief upon her return. The young girl hugged her grandmother and started to cry.
"Jinora, what's wrong?" Katara asked with worry.
"Are Korra and the others alright?" Bumi asked, showing equal concern.
But Jinora couldn't even speak. Her heart was in too much pain. She didn't even know where to begin.
The rest of the group suddenly heard the tree of time begin to shake. The vines around it grew and expanded, beginning to close the opening of the tree with its vines. Mako frantically ran towards the entrance in an effort to stop it from being closed up. What were they thinking? How could they just leave Korra here alone? His heart tore in two when the vines covered the last piece of the opening before turning into solid wood, with Korra still inside. Once the shaking stopped, the vines now had the entire tree completely sealed. They would never see Korra again.
Mako panted before yelling angrily and began throwing multiple fire blasts at the tree, demanding it to be opened. The others watched sadly as the poor boy released all of his frustrations at the tree. Asami and Bolin approached him, both grabbing his arms.
"Mako, enough." his brother said, trying to get his older brother to stop.
"It's over! She's gone!" Asami shouted directly into his face, which was what finally got him to stop. Asami would probably be the last person to admit this, especially with how close she and Korra always were, but she had to be firm for her friend. He was loosing his mind and his efforts would be in vain.
The poor boy got down on his knees and cried, holding himself trying to imagine Korra back in his arms. Asami and Bolin embraced him in a hug, comforting him.
It was all they could offer right now.
(~)
From inside the tree, Korra's body continued to float on the waters, the flower elegantly placed on her hand when the silhouette of a man suddenly appeared, followed by another, and another, this time a woman, and another. More and more people appeared before the child. They were all the Avatars from the past.
Wan stood at the center and approached the child, smiling proudly. "You've done well, Korra. We're all so proud of you. And, because if your great courage and sacrifice, your grandfather has a very special gift for you."
Aang approached his adopted granddaughter and got down on his knees. Leaning forward, he placed a gently kiss on her forehead. A kiss filled with love and comfort.
The rest of the past lives watched as the girl's eyes began to twitch before snapping open. Korra jolted upwards, taking in a huge amount of oxygen and placing her hands on the water. despite the deepness of the pool, Korra was positioned as if she were sitting on a bed. She coughed before finally taking notice of where she was. She looked around and saw all of her past lives before her, including her grandfather, who smiled proudly.
Korra didn't need to say a single word. She knew she was back because of him. He gave her a second chance. She was given a second chance. But then, her smile faded. "Wait, what about Raava? What about my powers?"
"That's part of the gift." Aang said, "The Lion Turtle gave you these new powers because he knew Raava's time was coming. Using them with her combined remaining energy was indeed dangerous, but you used them to save everyone. You were willing to give your life to make sure everyone still had theirs. That takes the heart of a true hero…and a true Avatar." he gently caressed her face only a grandfather would. "A new Avatar cycle has begun for you, my dear. Now, go and return home."
(~)
The following day, everyone in the southern water tribe, both southern and northern troops, gathered together in honor of the deceased Korra. Candles were lit as the people marched down the trees. Mako, Bolin and Asami rode on Naga, who whimpered sadly. Several of the spirits, who had now broken free of the darkness, joined in, also moaning alongside the humans. They reached the shoreline of the city, allowing several of the candles to float along the ocean, balancing onto cups, in tribute to the Avatar and in her safe journey home all the while Bumi played a sad song on his flute.
The sun began to rise over the horizon, making the waters sparkle with the candles floating along the surface. Then, suddenly, Mako caught sight of something. The candles began to form a circle in the water, and within that circle something was bubbling upwards. Sea from began to rise upwards like liquid snow and sparkling lights appeared around it. People watched in awe as something began to rise upwards, the waters dripping from her body as she rose and walked towards the people on the shoreline.
They couldn't believe their eyes as the person in the water made herself more and more visible with each step she took, rising up and revealing her full body, her silvery hair danced against the winds as did the long gown behind her. Tenzin, Tonraq, Lin, Katara, Kya, Bumi shed tears of pure joy as the woman finally made it to shore.
Mako was the first to run forward, his eyes filled with tears of joy and the woman spread open her arms as if expecting him. His arms wrapped around her waist and he lifted her up, twirling her around, her long gown bellowing elegantly behind her before he gently lowered her down. She was back. She was alive. And she was here. They didn't waste a second in pressing their lips together in a loving kiss. Once they parted Asami and Bolin came running like mad, practically tackling the girl.
Bolin ruffled the girl's hair while laughing with joy, "You little cheeky monkey, you! You're alive!"
"But, how?" Asami asked, not even bothering to hide her smile.
"My grandfather." Korra replied. The others didn't need to ask anymore questions after that reply.
Korra was swarmed with hugs and kisses from her loved ones. She had only been gone for a while, and yet it felt like an eternity since she had seen them. She embraced both of her fathers, adopted and biological, and tears of joy ran down from her eyes.
"You're a hero." said Tenzin.
"Not just me. Today, Light brought out the hero in all of us."
(~)
Unalaq sat on the throne of the southern water tribe palace, no longer feeling at home in it. He looked up to see his brother enter the chamber and approach him. The room was silent before Unalaq spoke.
"How? How could you forgive me so easily? After everything I did."
"Well, if I can forgive the two criminals who tried to kill my daughter, I can most certainly forgive you. You know, it's funny. So many folks say that forgiving someone who did you wrong is naive or even stupid and pointless. I, on the other hand, see it the same as opening a door. How can a person know if they can have a second chance if you don't show them it's there? Even if they take it or not, it's their choice. And it's a choice they should know is there. Imagine how much better things would be if people just gave one another a chance."
Unalaq stood from the throne and walked down from it, looking at his brother with hopeful eyes. "Could…could you give me a second chance?"
To answer his question, Tonraq spread open his arms, inviting his brother in a hug. With joyful tears, the two brothers finally hugged it out. This was their chance to finally begin anew.
"I love you, big brother."
"I love you too, little brother."
Korra smiled as she watched her uncle and father hugging before making her presence known. "Are you guys ready?" she asked. The two men nodded in yes and the three walked out of the palace to meet the public.
(~)
With her family and friends beside her, including Bumi and Kya, despite their bandages and crunches, smiled upon seeing their niece stand before the podium and spoke into the microphone.
"I am happy to announce that the war of the water tribes is over. The water tribes will always be allies but the Southern tribe is now independent. And the southern council of elders has appointed my father, Tonraq, to be your new chief."
Tonraq stepped forward, waving at the crowd that started to cheer happily for him. They all knew he would be a wonderful leader.
"And, my cousins Eska and Desna shall take over the throne of the north as the new co-chiefs."
The two twins smiled and waved at the audience, who welcomed them with open arms. The two no longer wore the long sleeved boring robes as before, but now Eska wore a much more feminine and modern outfit while Desna wore a manly warrior's outfit. For the first time, the twins were smiling. Actual real smiles. After their experience as a hydra, they had learned a great deal on humility and kindness. They now knew the real consequences of choosing evil over good, especially in trusting someone with the wrong ideals.
Unalaq would be staying with Tonraq in assisting him in his new position, and for a chance for the brothers to make up for lost time.
Korra smiled as she continued to speak, "I have realized that even though we should learn from those who came before us, we must also find our own path…but, even when we do, that doesn't mean we won't need the right guidance to help us through it." she smiled at her friends, silently thanking them for everything before addressing back to the crowd. "So that is why I have decided to keep the portals open. Humans and spirits will now be able to cross over into each other's worlds. I will longer be the bridge. Humans and spirits must learn to live together. My mission will always be to help guide the world towards peace and balance, with the eternal Light as my guide. Things will never be the same again, but that's not really a bad thing. We are entering a new age."
The audience cheered happily, some even tossing their hats into the air with glee. Korra was once again welcomed by a warm family hug from her entire family. Old and new. This was not only the beginning of a new age for the world.
But a new beginning for her life as well.
(~)
"All aboard!" Varrick called out for the passengers to get on his battle ship. Korra was facing Tonraq, Unala, Eska and Desna, Katara and Kya. Father and daughter looked at one another sadly.
"I'm sorry, dad."
"You don't have to apologize, Korra. I understand. You have responsibilities back in Republic City."
"Not to mention a plant infestation you need to clean up." Lin said as she walked pass them, while pushing a handcuffed Yuki into the ship, "And get little mistress of all evil here behind bars."
Korra chuckled and turned back to her father. "I promise to come and visit."
"I know you will. I'm only a phone call and a boat ride away." the new southern chief hugged his daughter once more time before bidding farewell. He knew this wasn't goodbye forever, but he knew she couldn't leave her entire life behind. Besides, she had responsibilities elsewhere. He couldn't keep her from that. Unalaq and the twins joined in the hug as well before she hugged her aunt and grandmother.
"Promise me you'll keep an eye on them for me."
"We promise." said Kya, right before shooting an angry glare at Unalaq, "However, I will be expecting an apology from our last battle."
Unalaq hung his head in shame. She was right, he had a lot of apologizing to do. And a lot of work in helping with the repairs his troops caused.
"Come people, let's get this show on the road!" Bolin called out from the boat. Korra blew her family a kiss before running up the catwalk and waved farewell to her southern water tribe family, while Naga howled her own goodbye from beside her. The rest of her friends, her Team Avatar, huddled together, wrapping their arms around each other as they all sailed away into the distance, heading straight for home.
(~)
Just as Lin described, there were vines all across the city, shrouded in sharp thorns. The city itself was in shambles. Thankfully, not many people were injured, but their homes would be no more. With her friends behind her, Korra stepped deeper into the now vine infested area of the city. None of them went deeper enough due to the sharp thorns. Raiko was with them. He approached the Avatar, "What are we going to do about all of this?" he asked.
Korra took in a deep breath as she placed her hand over the thick surface of the vine. Her eyes widened in realization and she smiled. "Everyone, stand back." she ordered. Everyone complied, but Tenzin looked at her curiously.
"Korra?"
"Just trust me."
The air nomad complied, only to immediately gasp upon seeing various particles of light suddenly begin to appear beneath them. Korra was lifting the particles all around them, and the prattles began to float away from the vines, which began to change from black to a beautiful green. The thorns withered away as more and more particles floated all around them. Naga tried to lick one with her tongue while Pabu tried to grab it with his little paw. The dragon birds watched in awe as the bright little orbs glowed brighter and the vines began to move.
The lights flew all across the city like trails of pixie dust, landing on the vines, transforming them green and remove themselves from the buildings. The buildings themselves still remained in rather bad condition, but at least the vines wouldn't be an issue anymore. People all around watched as the lights floated all around, removing all of the horrible thorn covered vines and they slithered away like snakes, leaving the folks alone. People who were trapped within their homes were finally free, not so damaged buildings were restored to their rightful glory. As for the vines, once they had all been purified, Korra commanded them to continue moving. She knew one location in the city, where there were mostly abandoned homes and buildings, where the vines were able to grow freely. Several of the vines still wrapped themselves around several buildings, but not in a way that would crush or trap them, but rather as if they were decorating the homes themselves, added with several flowers here and there, that brightened up the rooms like never before. This happened everywhere else in the city, the vines were place in a much more elaborate and safe manner, but were still present, and no longer had horns, and were now very smooth and calming to the touch.
Once all the vines were properly placed in their new home, trees began to grow, plant life of all kinds flourished all around, and several forest spirits began to manifest, happily frolicking around the trees and some flying above everyone. Several dragon fly rabbit spirits, Jinora's friends, flew all around them. One in particular took a liking to Bumi.
"Well, hello there little fella. I think I'm going to call you Bum-Jun. Short for Bumi Jr." the little rabbit chirped happily as he nuzzled against Bumi's cheek. He made a new friend already.
Even the dragon birds made friends with some dragon fly lizard creatures, one purple on in particular took an immediate liking to Twilight. He was purple in color with green spikes and an underbelly with insect-like wings. "Hi! My name is Spike." he said.
"Nice to meet you, Spike." Twilight said, greeting her new friend.
A few butterflies flew around Asami and even one on Bolin's nose and a cute little squirrel-like spirit leaped on Mako's shoulder, tickling his cheek with its whiskers. Rising her hands upwards, Korra bended the particles upwards into the sky, merging them all into the form of Raava's markings before making them expand and vaporize in a dazzling display of sparkles.
Asami proudly elbowed her friend. "Show off." she said with a chuckle, only to have Korra playfully punch her arm.
Bolin came up and wrapped his arms around both of them. "Hands down, this is the greatest day ever!"
"I agree." said Jinora as a few more little spirits rested on her head, "Wait until mom hears about this!…Though, we may have to downplay the life threatening parts a bit."
Raiko examined the results and…"I'll admit, it's quite an improvement." he confessed, "I'm sorry I didn't believe you before, Korra."
"It's okay. Everything turned out alright."
"Yeah!" Varrick said in agreement, "You know, except for the world almost ending, dark spirits attacking, Yuki turning into an evil demon, Jinora getting lost in the spirit world, Korra dying, innocent lives nearly lost, and-"
"We get, Varrick!" Mako intervened, "We get it."
(~)
But, not everybody got their happy ending. Yuki sat alone in her new cold prison cell. All charges regarding Asami Sato's crimes were dropped entirely, now with more witnesses to Yuki being the one who was truly to blame for all of this. Not to mention turning into a raging dragon and destroying public property was a serious offense, as well as endangering the lives of millions and wanting to plunge the world into darkness.
The door opened and the police officer announced Yuki had visitors. The girl's eyes widened upon seeing the Avatar herself enter the cell. She crossed her arms and looked away, her long raven hair covering her pale face.
"What do you want?"
"Relax, I'm only here to talk." Korra said as she stood before the prisoner.
"What's there to talk about?"
"You seriously don't feel any remorse over what happened, do you?" Yuki didn't reply. She only scorned bitterly, making Korra sigh. "Zaheer was right. You're so much like your parents. You're so unyielding and fearless. But a strong will fueled by pride is poison to the mind and heart."
"Oh, wah, wah! Did you come here in hopes you can preach me into changing my ways? I got news for you, you're waisting your time."
"Maybe I am. But I learned a long time ago that anybody can change. But it needs to be a choice."
"Thanks but no thanks. I don't want your forgiveness, I don't want your friendship, I don't want your words of encouragement and I most certainly don't want to be a part of your family! I'll admit, I wasn't expecting Vaatu to overtake me, but once he did I knew I could have changed the world the way my parents would have been proud of. I wanted that too, and you can try to change me but it will never work, you got that?"
Korra only sighed, "Yes. But, if you ever change your mind…you'll be welcomed with open arms." Yuki only scoffed and turned away again. Korra said what she needed to say. Her offer would still be open, but only when Yuki was ready to accept it. Before leaving, the Avatar tossed the criminal something wrapped up in a blanket.
"A little gift." she said before exiting the cell and the guard locked the door once more. Yuki unfolded the blanket and rolled her eyes. It was a brightly colored apple.
"Very funny."
(~)
Everything was slowly returning back to normal. Korra was home again, Asami returned to helping her dad run the company, Mako got back to his job, now deputized as detective, Bolin became a new mechanic at Future Industries, P'Li and Zaheer were welcomed to the Air Temple with open arms, and Pema was happy to have all of her children back again.
With the spirit portals now open for good, spirits and humans coexisted surprisingly well. With the vines in their proper place, and even adorning the homes to such a beautiful way, not to mention the vines helped clean up the sewer system and purified the waters for the citizens. There were a few hiccups here and there, but over all, things were running smoothly. Korra was hard at work helping the city rebuild the destroyed homes and Jinora, having such a natural connection with the spirits, managed to help them learn to adapt to the human world rather nicely. Korra even received daily letters from her father in the south, him and Unalaq were getting along wonderfully and he is actually a great second in command for the new chief.
All in all, things were looking up. Korra sat on the cliffside, gazing at the newly rebuilt statue of Avatar Aang, while her dragon bird friends beside her. "You did it, kid." Rainbow Dash said, resting on her human friend's head. "You really made your grandpa proud."
"It won't be long before they make a statue of yourself one day." said Rarity, with their new friend Spike sitting beside her.
Korra lightly chuckled, "Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Though, I'll admit, it would be pretty awesome. But, that's not the reason why I do what I do."
"Oh, typical Korra." Sunset said with a smile, "A tough as nails tomboy with a heart of gold."
"That you are."
Korra gasped when she heard the sound of a familiar masculine voice. Turning her head around, Korra smiled upon seeing the familiar air nomad.
"Grandpa!"
"I'm so proud of you, Korra. You've truly grown into a wise and noble Avatar, just like I always knew you would be."
Korra stood up to face her grandfather. "So, does this mean I can still talk to you when I need you?"
"You can always talk to me. Never doubt that. You've started a new age, Korra. There won't be any going back, but know that I am always here for you." Aang wrapped his arms around his granddaughter, and she rested her head against his chest. "I love you, Korra."
"I love you too, grandfather. Thank you for not giving up on me. "
Aang gently kissed her forehead before his body began to glow and change into a white colored butterfly before her eyes and took off to the skies. Korra witnessed more and more white butterflies appearing all around her, and above each one she saw an image of one of her past lives. In one particular butterfly, she saw Iroh's image. He waved and smiled warmly and bowed. His mission was completed and now…he was returning home. But, he wasn't the only one.
Two more butterflies appeared before Korra, and in the two she saw Wan and Raava, together again after so many years. Their love as so strong it transcended even lifetimes. And now, they could be together once more. The two butterflies flew off into the sky, side by side, while Korra happily watched the two. She felt a familiar hand touch her shoulder and she smiled, now gazing into Mako's beautiful eyes.
From his pocket, he pulled out the comb she had thrown away before leaving, back when she was in doubt and was lost, and gently placed it on her hair.
"Korra."
"Yes, Mako?"
"Did I ever tell you I got a think for girls with bob cuts?"
Korra chuckled before kissing him full on the lips. No words needed to be said. Everything they had to say was said in this one kiss.
(~)
WAIT! Stay in your seats folks, story's not quite done yet. One more chapter! Last one, I promise.