Chapter 29: The Ember Island Conference

After what seemed like an eternity, a cook with a fancy hat came out to the table and said, "We are having some difficulty with the shark whale meat - it will be a little while. The individual killed must have been very large, gargantuan, as some of the meat you provided burst into flames from its fat content. The meat wasn't sliced properly, as we discovered some blubber content, which is not useable. Its heart was also… quite unusable." Korra heard everyone but Tenzin, Pema and his kids groan loudly, Mako saying, holding a blue flame in his hands, "No offense, but if I can sear it on my first try, I see no reason you can't! I'm starving!" The cook replied, "My apologies, Mako - we were informed that you propelled the Zhu Li almost the entire way. I would not recommend eating seared shark whale meat, however - at least not from an individual this size. It must have been old. Old enough that it likely had parasites in its flesh." Seeing that Mako was no longer frowning, the cook continued, "However, if Avatar Korra and yourself wish to help, the blue flame would be most welcome in the kitchen. I will direct its use, as I am the head cook, Zhao." Jumping up shortly before Mako did, Korra said, "Sure - anything to get the food moving faster. Come on, Mako, let's go!"

Given the surprised shouts from the staff, Iroh II, "Prince" Wu, President Raiko and Buttercup, Uncle Iroh had come into the room from his hiding place. He ran after Mako and Korra, saying, "Wait - I'll help with the tea!" Korra collided with a stunned head cook Zhao, Mako adding to the impromptu pile on the floor as the head cook yelled, "Wait, WHAT? That's Zuko's dead uncle, the original Iroh! I thought he was dead! What's going on here, Avatar Korra?" Zhao whispered in her ear, "Don't tell me you can raise the dead as well as bloodbend in broad daylight now!" Seeing Korra's shocked expression, he said quietly, "We saw what the inside of the beast's heart looked like - we were hoping to use the massive organ in a stew, but it's just useless mush now."

Seeing that multiple people had come from the kitchen to stare, Korra got up, and as she helped Mako and head cook Zhao off the floor, she said, "You will find answers to Uncle Iroh's presence in a press release, sometime tomorrow. It is one of the matters we will be discussing at this conference. When you are around Uncle Iroh, treat him as though he is physical." Korra heard a waiter say meekly, holding up a teacup, "We already figured that out - he started making tea while you three were on the floor, even gritting his teeth in pain when he apparently got his finger too hot." Another cook added, "That better be a good press conference, Avatar - we had heard about the new Spirit Portal, but this is just plain weird." As she and Mako accompanied a shaky head cook Zhao into the kitchen, Korra said, "If it's any consolation, Raava was just as puzzled as you all are by Uncle Iroh's… interaction with the physical world." Korra didn't want to tell them that Uncle Iroh could bleed - she'd likely have a mass panic on her hands, including those world leaders not in the know.

Satisfied with her answer - for now - a more normal air returned to the kitchen, though the staff did steer clear of Uncle Iroh, much to his annoyance, but he said nothing, apparently not wanting to upset the staff any further. Just as Korra was about to begin following Zhao's directions to cook a large piece of shark whale properly, she felt a familiar tug on her mind, and had to take a deep breath and tell Zhao, "Excuse me for a moment - I need to wash my hands again. I accidentally wiped them on my dress." Zhao said, "I'm a firebender too, and I know that's a load of hippo cow crap," so Korra whispered in his ear, "Let's say it's an Avatar problem. It will only take a moment." Ignoring the head cook's confused grunt, Korra stepped aside and took another, deep breath with her eyes closed - she didn't want anyone to see her eyes glowing. Before returning to help, Korra thought to herself, "Not now, Raava - at the very least, wait until I have explained more recent events to President Raiko and his wife, Wu, and Iroh II. Given the panic Uncle Iroh caused, I do NOT want to see what your human-y form would elicit from those not in the know."

Fine - I guess I need to start respecting your wishes more, Korra. I'm just excited to learn firsthand instead of through the filter that is your own eyes.

Satisfied that Raava wasn't going to crash the kitchen or dining table without her approval, Korra returned to the kitchen, eyes now normal. Mako gave her a small smile as she walked in - he must have known what was going on. With Korra's help, they finished cooking rapidly, and once she thought the staff was more comfortable, she used the Avatar State and some knives to rapidly chop the shark whale into suitable portions. As her eyes faded, she heard clapping, head cook Zhao saying, "I guess we need to hire some metalbenders - that was amazing! We could charge people to watch us cook using bending moves for show." Glad she hadn't freaked anyone out, Korra said, bowing slightly, "Thank you, Head Cook Zhao. One of my past lives finds your name very funny - you wouldn't happen to be related to Admiral Zhao, would you?" Head Cook Zhao groaned as Uncle Iroh laughed hysterically, saying, "No, I am most definitely not. I get that a lot. I don't know why my mother chose that stupid, stupid name. At least she didn't name me Ozai - I still remember that kid got a lot of teasing in school. Regardless, all we need to do now is prepare the greens. I have the feeling you will be very useful in that, Avatar Korra." Head Cook Zhao bowed, returning Korra's proper use of his title.

Korra had to watch Head Cook Zhao a couple of times before she felt comfortable with using the Avatar State to chop vegetables and lettuce. Taking a deep breath as the second round of applause faded, Korra heard Head Cook Zhao say, "Good, good - I think we are ready to serve our labors. Say, Avatar Korra - I have an idea. Why don't you use your bending and the Avatar State to serve everyone? The plates and tea sets are all made of china or metal, there are no wooden chopsticks, and the sake glasses are high quality volcanic glass." Before Korra could ask any questions, Head Cook Zhao whipped out a seating chart, with annotations for who wanted what. As Korra memorized the chart, Head Cook Zhao said to an unseen figure, "Hey - you aren't supposed to be back here! Wait… that mustache! You're not by any chance Varrick, are you?"

Korra turned away from the chart to see Varrick reaching into his vest as he said, "I heard your little business idea, and liked it a lot. Don't ask how - I just have a natural talent when it comes to money." Varrick removed a large stack of yuans from his vest, saying as he flipped the bills, "Speaking of which - how would you like your own restaurant in Republic City, once things settle down? It would be a profit split, of course - 80/20, the larger chunk going to you once I get my initial investment back." Seeing Head Cook Zhao's face and knowing he had the cook hooked, Varrick continued, "We've never had a very high end dining establishment aside from Kwong's Cuisine, which is now rubble, and I will make sure you have good equipment and skilled metalbenders." Head Cook Zhao said happily, "Of course! This island doesn't receive the visitors it used to, and I'd love to get out of the Fire Nation. I'm just plain sick of people asking me if I am related to Admiral Zhao, and then either saying 'Thank goodness!' or 'Ah, well. He gets a bad rap.'" Head Cook Zhao sighed deeply, saying, "I must admit, the latter group does grate me a lot more - still hard to believe there are die-hards 74 years later. Most of them are pretty old, at least." Seeing his employee's nervousness, Head Cook Zhao finished, "Of course, all my employees will be coming with me. I've worked with some of them for 20 years. And don't worry about hiring firebenders - over half my staff can bend, though some will need practice."

Varrick put the money back into his vest, extending the other hand and asking, "We have a deal?" Varrick jumped slightly in shock when all the staff said in unison, "Yes!" As Varrick left after having shaken an enthusiastic Head Cook Zhao's hand, he walked away without an apparent swagger for a change. Korra said, glad the distraction was done, "Okay, I think I know where to bend everything. You'll need to go and warn people what to expect, and not be putting their hands or arms on the table. Not that most of them would, anyways - although I can imagine Kai, Bumi or Meelo might." As Mako and Uncle Iroh laughed, Korra struck her foot against the floor to sense her surroundings. She made a show of walking elegantly into view of everyone in the dining hall in her formal dress, saying "Food's ready!" with her final step. Eyes now glowing, she carefully bent out the tea sets, sake bottles and sake glasses first, along with what Head Cook Zhao had called "appetizers." Taking a minute or two to rest as she listened contentedly to random applause and compliments, she ate some food herself and breathed deeply. She sent out the plates with the main course next - vegetables with a sake sauce and a side of lettuce and beans for Tenzin and his family, and shark whale meat over top of soy-sauce soaked fried rice and a side of seared vegetables for the rest.

All this work had made Korra even hungrier, and she made to dig in, but stopped, remembering where she was. She tried eating as she usually saw Asami eat, as opposed to her sloppy manners on her "date" with Bolin four years ago, and found she actually enjoyed the food more, making sure to compliment Head Cook Zhao and his staff as Asami would. Looking around the table, Korra laughed, saying, "I've learned some manners over the past four years, so you can stop staring at me now. Plus, I'm enjoying the food more this way." Glad to see that Iroh II, President Raiko and Buttercup were no longer looking at her like she was Amon, Korra began to turn to Asami beside her. Before she could pick up her sake glass to make a toast to world peace with Asami, President Raiko surprised her by saying, "I know you don't see me as much more than a politician and ally, Avatar Korra, but I'd like you to explain just how 'Uncle' Iroh is here, much less how he's drinking tea next to Zuko. Official start of the conference or not, I'd like to know just what in the blazes is going on. There's been all sort of funny, weird business over the past four days - aside from Kuvira's attack." Briefly looking at Kuvira, who was seated next to Su, Prince Wu, Lin, Kai, Opal, who had Bolin and Mako at her own side, then back at Korra with a sterner expression, President Raiko continued, "Especially after Kuvira's attack - I saw that glowing earthen shield around the Republic City Spirit Portal, and I don't think it's for decoration, especially given it has the four elemental symbols on it."

Korra was shocked, and had to try very hard to hide it - this wasn't very like President Raiko at all, and given Firelord Izumi's surprised small gasp, she was shocked as well. Korra was going to start talking, but she noticed something odd out of the corner of her eye. One of the waiters had shown an excited expression far beyond any his co-workers had shown, then quickly jerked, as though he had betrayed something. Looking at his face, Korra didn't recognize him from the kitchen - at all. Korra said, "Just a moment - I need to fix my shoe," making to bend over and adjust her shoe, striking the ground lightly with her hand instead and keeping it there. That "waiter's" heart was beating awfully fast. As though he could sense her action, he said immediately after her hand had struck the floor, "Oh gosh, I have to use the bathroom - I've been holding it until I needed to take plates back to the kitchen. Be right back."

Once he had left in a controlled run, Lin said, pointing at Korra, "I felt you earthsensing that waiter, Korra, and given the way he ran off after you struck the floor, he has something to hide. Given your broadening smile, you must have been able to sense it before he even left." Korra said, smiling as she shut the door through which the "waiter" had left and locking it for good measure with her bending, "I believe we might have a spy on our hands. I haven't told anyone aside from Desna, Eska, Mai, Ty Lee, Asami and Katara, but I can do the same thing Toph can now, and his heart was beating like he was torn between terror and joy." Before anyone could interrupt, Korra continued, "Given the fact that he said he needed to use the bathroom at the exact same time my earthsense reached him, I'm pretty sure who he is a spy for - Jinshu Kuangmai. I'm not going to apprehend him just yet - we're going to play a little game with him. When he's in the room, we will not talk about anything too secret." Seeing President Raiko's grumpy expression, Korra said, "Don't worry - I've got a little trick of my own. With Raava's help, I can read people now, as well as give and receive information without speaking. I call it 'infobending', and will use it to update people after we've had our 'fun' with this spy, in case there are any other, more competent ones present, or a listening wire." Noting with displeasure that President Raiko still looked annoyed, Korra added, "We have plenty to talk about that isn't highly sensitive anyways - the fate of the Earth Kingdom, a bit about recent events in the Spirit World, Kuvira's sentencing, though parts of that will not be discussed and only infobended, as well as a little something else I came up with to yank Jinshu Kuangmai around." Korra felt her father tap her on her shoulder, Tonraq saying, "I don't know where all this came from - when you were growing up and during your first years as active Avatar, you were never one for subtleties." Korra laughed, saying, "The past four years has taught me a lot, and I infobended more than just physical combat knowledge from Mai - her experiences with 'cloak and dagger' during Aang's time were very useful. Not to mention how I broke Baatar Jr."

Breathing a sigh of relief as President Raiko's expression softened, apparently finding her exchange with her father humorous, everyone present pretended to not notice how the "waiter" opened the door by himself. Still clueless, he said, "Okay, I'm good now. It doesn't look like the Avatar is done eating, so I will wait here to personally take her plates back to the kitchen." Man, this guy is bad - really bad. I'm pretty sure I'd make a better spy than him. Suppressing the snort caused by Raava' internal comment, Korra said, "Given the fact that almost everyone but myself is done eating, we may as well start the conference. First item of business : the fate of the Earth Kingdom. Prince Wu, why don't you tell everyone what you told me and Mako at the Zhurrick wedding? I don't think many people know your exact plan. You have been… singing a lot over the past three days, as you said while we were waiting on the food before Head Cook Zhao came out." Before Prince Wu could speak, Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Tenzin, Pema, Kya, Bumi, Katara, Jinora, Asami, Zhu Li, Varrick, Su, Firelord Izumi and Iroh II all laughed loudly, Zuko quipping "Good - it sounds like Admiral Zhao finally got demoted." Uncle Iroh barely stifled a chuckle of his own, failing to contain it after Zuko's witticism. Apparently Head Cook Zhao had heard, as he popped his head out into view, saying blankly, "It's a pity I can't get that blasted name changed. And before you ask, I am not related to Admiral Zhao, and I despise him. I have heard rumors he's trapped in some awful spirit prison, as he deserves richly. That is all." His neutral tone and the way his head vanished instantly just made everyone start laughing, people joining in who had no idea who Admiral Zhao was. Forgetting herself, Korra said, "I'll have Aang help infobend who this Admiral Zhao is to those who don't know later." Her mouth curled slightly in a small frown when she saw the spy's eyes glisten - she would have to be really careful with her words, as would everyone else. Given the stare Lin was giving Korra, she had noticed the unnamed spy's expression as well.

Given Prince Wu's unusually controlled expression, he must have seen Lin's stare as well - he was seated in between Su and Lin, after all. Given how he was rubbing his arm, Lin must have given him a slightly more obvious reminder as well. Prince Wu took a deep breath, saying, "While I do enjoy a good laugh - you simply must show me who this Admiral Zhao is later, Korra - I think it is time for business. The sooner this is done, the sooner I can siiiing!" Prince Wu gulped, apparently put off by Tenzin's glare, ignoring a laughing Pema next to Tenzin. Prince Wu continued after smiling at Pema, having apparently noticed her after all, "Only a few people in this room know what my plan for the Earth Kingdom is. After seeing so much of Republic City lately and seeing the flaws in both monarchy and dictatorship, I believe the people of the Earth Kingdom should rule themselves." Prince Wu stopped for a moment, letting the applause die down, Korra noticing the spy clapping half-heartedly. If this was the best Jinshu Kuangmai could offer, once Long Yumao was dead, Toph's estranged son would offer no challenge. Prince Wu said, pointing at President Raiko, "Specifically, a republic, but with more freedom for the individual states. I figure after years of oppressive monarchy and Kuvira, the people have had enough. My dream is for every state to be like Zaofu."

Su stood up, pointing to Kuvira, and keeping an even voice, she said, "Prince Wu, I know you're light-hearted and a little out of touch, but I never figured you for a complete fool. The Earth Kingdom has never been a very cohesive whole - just look at what happened after Earth Queen Hou-Ting's death. All the chaos came from the states being weak by themselves, many unable to even handle bandits. Do you honestly think Kuvira's armies are going to just vanish and give up without a fight? Especially considering what everyone else knows about Ji - Ow, Lin, stop that!" Su made to give her sister a light slap, but instead her eyes widened, realizing why Lin had used metalbending to slightly contract her sister's headband. The spy was frowning slightly. Su continued, with a more controlled demeanor, "I can't think of a system of government from my learning that would be appropriate for the Earth Kingdom, but I do know it needs to be strong, yet representative." Asami coughed loudly, saying, "I assume you have heard of a board of trustees, Su - it's a group of individuals who help restrain the boss of the company and make sure he doesn't run it into the ground." Asami sighed bitterly, continuing, "I guess my father's board must have been Equalists as well, given their reaction to his actions. I didn't replace them until Korra's absence, as I had no time to form a new board and didn't feel like I needed one until I began working on Republic City's transportation system overhaul." Seeing Lin and Su's quizzical looks, Asami continued, "I see no reason that a whole nation couldn't be run on a similar system. Each state would have a certain number of representatives, based on both population and economic contributions, to ensure fairness. Zaofu would have as many representatives as any of the largest states, given its wealth and economic influence." Now it was Prince Wu's turn to interrupt, saying, "That sounds like a really good idea, Asami, but there's one problem - what about the dirt-poor states with low population? To make sure smaller states are on board with this plan, there should be a second house, with more power than the larger one, made up of, say, 92 representatives, if I remember the number of states correctly." Noticing an odd energy course through her and her eyes glow, Korra said in an all too familiar voice that was not her own, "You forgot Kyoshi Island, Prince Wu - don't forget about my homeland." As what must have been Kyoshi faded, Korra wanted to hit something, but she heard a serious female voice in her head say, "I liked what you did to that shark whale - maybe you aren't so soft after all. Now go, and help heal my homeland, and I might not hate you quite as much."

Everyone who didn't know about the return of the Avatar's past lives yelped in surprise, Korra noticing with frustration that the spy was among them. Buttercup said, much to her husband's irritation, "Oh wow - was that Avatar Kyoshi's voice?" Before she could continue, President Raiko coughed into her ear, "Waiter!" and Buttercup's eyes widened. Wanting to make up for her slip, she said, "Waiter, me and my husband want some more tea. Can someone get some more? I feel a little airheaded." Buttercup gave Korra a wink, with her last comment apparently a subtle apology. Korra asked Prince Wu, "Okay - why 94 representatives? Aren't there only 47 or so states in the Earth Kingdom?" Prince Wu held up a finger, saying, "I'm glad you asked, Korra. I figured that since there are almost always two sides to any issue, we should have two representatives per state." President Raiko let out an "Ahem" then continuing, "The people of Republic City have experience with elections, even before the massive change four years ago that let nonbenders have an… equal voice. I am afraid I cannot say the same for the Earth Kingdom, however, and given the rumors I have heard about activity in the south, I don't think the Earth Kingdom will be holding nationwide elections any time soon." Taking a breath and then pointing at Su, he said, "This is why I believe that interim leaders should be appointed until a time when the Earth Kingdom stabilizes, and no representatives or elections just yet."

Prince Wu took a big sigh, saying angrily, "No - I want at least some input from the people right away, or this whole Earth Kingdom to United Earth Republic will mean nothing! I know of one individual who would be worthy of appointment, whose only loyalty is to the state - Minister Wong. He served under Earth Queen Hou-Ting and Kuvira alike, but from what I hear, his involvement with either one's unsavory activities was practically nothing." Prince Wu took a deep breath, his face no longer flushed in anger. Asami said, "You could have three 'rulers', elected separately from the representatives. It would be easier to get people to vote for two individuals as a taste of a representative government. Whoever gets the most votes wins and wields the most power, but not enough to override the other two on important matters." Lin's face brightened slightly and she said, "You mean like the Triple Threat Triads? My, uh, experience with the criminal world let me see how that gang worked, and apparently, very rarely, on really important matters, Lightning Bolt Zolt could be overridden for the good of the gang. The waterbender they call Viper was his second in command." Lin crossed her arms, saying "Though I never did manage to find out who the third leader was - probably some earthbender we could never get our hands on." Reaching over Prince Wu's small body, she elbowed her sister, saying, "I think I might have just found her." Su's face flushed in annoyance and Kuvira began laughing hysterically.

President Raiko said, "On another note, I am utterly baffled by why a war criminal was invited here to a conference of world leaders. Let's finalize our plan for the Earth Kingdom so we can move on to Kuvira's sentencing." Over the next 15 minutes, their discussion finalized the plan: the Earth Kingdom would have two different representative houses, to be filled at a later date. Any major court disputes would be referred to the three "Principal Representatives", one of which would be Minister Wong as Second Principal Representative, the other two elected soon in areas that could… handle elections. When people thought the structure was completed, Asami said gently, "I think we may have missed something. Given how Tarrlok was an elected official but still acted like a dictator when he could, and the history of abuse of power in the Earth Kingdom, perhaps there should be some sort of rulebook for the government. It would help protect ordinary citizen's rights - given they pay taxes and some will serve in the military, they're a lot like investors, and investors have rights." President Raiko said, "That's a really good idea, Asami - I might just implement it in Republic City myself. There are already certain rights there - but they're not set down in stone. But who will write the rulebook? The government itself, the people at this conference, or the people of the Earth Kingdom?" Asami shrugged, and a familiar figure near Zuko's side stood up and said, "Why not all three? The unanimous decisions of the three Principal Representatives could be used as legally binding law, only being able to be overturned by themselves or the smaller house in conjunction with two of the Principal Representatives. I am sure that we can come up with some basic rights right now, and the people can add more later - though any new rules should be passed with a large percentage of the vote."

Everyone began clapping at Uncle Iroh's suggestion, and they came up with some basic rights - freedom of the press, no unwarranted searches of private property aside from using earthsense, the right to a fair trial, and everyone over the age of 16 being able to vote, to name a few. The actual list was much longer and included various rules on how the government could operate itself. Asami finished writing the "United Earth Republic Charter" on the top of a piece of blueprint, and Prince Wu signed the line at the bottom of the last page, officially abdicating his power. Now formerly Prince Wu stretched his arms into the air, yelling, "Time to siiiing!" A blast of air from the Tenzin family's side of the table knocked him onto the ground, and he stood back up, saying, "Wu not down! I guess no singing, then."

As Mako laughed hysterically, Kuvira said, "I believe we can now move on to my sentencing. Part of this will need to be infobended." President Raiko shook his head, saying, "Given that we just took advice from an apparently partially physical human spirit to create a new form of government, I want to know just what is going on that would make Korra see the need to shut off that Spirit Portal. I mean, the walls look like they were made to contain Vaatu himself - surely, there's no spirit running around that's a major threat, right? Not three years after Harmonic Convergence?" Seeing how uneasy everyone was around him, with the exception of his wife, Iroh II and Wu, President Raiko said, "Why don't you start with when you left the party with Asami, Korra - I heard reports that an airbison moving rapidly was seen leaving the crater the night after the battle in my city."

Seeing that this was her opportunity, Korra began explaining the events of the night after the battle, pausing to let Asami tell her own story. Korra was staring at a clearly pleased but slightly nervous Uncle Iroh when Asami "accidentally" burst into hysterics after telling her childhood woes - though her sadness seemed very real and still raw. Before Tenzin could begin his part of Korra's plan, President Raiko threw him off guard, saying, "I had heard rumors about your father forcing you to attend that 'dating school', Asami, and I could never figure out why someone as beautiful as yourself would need help dating. I guess we know the answer now - Hiroshi Sato always did strike me as slightly off." President Raiko said with a sour face, "And to be quite honest, this disturbs me only slightly less than his Equalist sympathies and helping Amon." Asami burst into real tears, taking some deep breaths before saying, "Thank you, President Raiko. I never figured you for the sentimental type." A single tear escaped one of President Raiko's eyes, and he said, "As someone who wanted children of his own but never had any, it makes me sad to think that you two will share a similar fate. Wait… what's that look on your face, Asami? What…"

Sensing now would be a bad time to talk about his Air Nomad scroll and its decree, Tenzin sat back down, as Korra began spilling everything up to the time she fell asleep in the artifact house. President Raiko looked happy but shocked, as did his wife, Wu was down this time, and Iroh II just kept pointing back and forth between Asami and Korra with a confused look on his face. Firelord Izumi told her son, "Iroh, it isn't nice to point and stare! Now, please, put your hand down." Uncle Iroh chuckled, saying, "I'm not doing anything!" Iroh II burst into laughter, which helped break the tension in the air. Wu stood up and wobbled slightly, asking, "What did I miss?" President Raiko beat Korra to the punch, saying, "Nothing. It sounds like this Long Yumao the Opportunist is the reason you made that 'capstone' around the Spirit Portal. I fail to see why a medium-sized spirit would need what appears to be Avatar energy to contain him, given how the pulsing lines are white." Seeing that President Raiko was beginning to take a big breath, apparently asking more questions, Korra said, "I'm afraid further details of this 'Spirit Civil War' that Uncle Iroh warned us about will need to be infobended." With a satisfied look on his face, President Raiko said to an ill-at-ease Tenzin, "It looks like you have something you want to say - now spit it out! I may be patient, but it looks like you can't keep yourself silent much longer."

Tenzin told everyone about how he found Korra and Asami together the next morning, followed by the scroll and its contents. While Katara talked about the 'enemy birds', Korra thought "Now that wasn't in the plan." I believe one of our past lives read a book of quotes, and one of them said, "No plan survives contact with the enemy". If you can handle a spy, I think you can handle a little deviation in this plan of yours. In the time it took Raava to "say" her piece, Eska and Desna must have started their bit. Korra looked up in time to see a surprised President Raiko open his mouth, but something unexpected happened. Everyone at the Fire Nation end of the table let out a surprised yelp, except for one. When Korra turned to see who it was, she felt tears welling up in her. Firelord Izumi said, standing tall, "I'll do it. I'll change the laws of the Fire Nation. From what Avatar Korra showed me on that boat, especially about my father's sister, Azula, I want the suffering to stop, and government recognition of homosexual relationships would go a long way." Turning to face Katara, she continued, "One of the first things my father did when he finally got a chance to rest and make changes in the Fire Nation was overhaul our abysmal schools and their lies, and I have continued his legacy. I will make sure to include your story about the 'enemy birds', Katara - including your brother's hilarious antics." Firelord Izumi let out a loud "Ooof!" as Zuko and Uncle Iroh hugged her tightly, finally managing to say, "Thank you. I love you, dad," with some tears of her own.

Korra felt a strong hand on her shoulder, and she turned to look through happy tears to see her father say, "I never really thought of that. I bet Korra will make you a beautiful betrothal necklace, Asami. I'm in as well - it's the least I could do for my daughter, the Avatar, and given how she helped the Southern Water Tribe three years ago while others watched - no hard feelings, President Raiko and Katara - I do not think many people will find fault with my decision." Now it was Korra's turn to stand up and hug her father deeply, saying, "Thank you so much. I certainly never expected this."

When she heard a now standing Eska and Desna sighing enviously, jealous of Korra's good relationship with her family, Korra turned to look at her cousins as her mother joined the hug. Eska and Desna said in unison, pointing to their hair, "Asami, we owe you a great debt." Desna continued, as Eska hugged her brother lightly, "It was your story of childhood repression that inspired us to finally break free of Unalaq's emotional prison." Asami took a deep breath, recollecting herself, and said, "So I assume you are going to follow in Firelord Izumi and Tonraq's footsteps then? That's wonderful!" As they answered "Of course!" in unison, Asami made to walk around the massive table to hug them, but was stopped suddenly. Breaking her own hug, Korra laughed when she saw who it was - Wu! Apparently, Asami was not pleased, saying, "What are you doing, Wu? And why are you grabbing at my pack - there's nothing but the… United Earth Republic… Charter… in there," finishing by hugging Wu when she had figured out what Wu wanted. Wu said, shaking his ridiculous hair slightly, "I have a change to suggest in that document, a new universal right specifically, and I think you know what it is, given how you're crying again." Wu stopped for a moment, continuing, "You know, crying a lot isn't good for your skin - I think it makes you break out if you leave the tears. Something about salt clogging the pores." Asami laughed deeply, saying, "I'll keep that in mind next time I have sad tears - these are happy ones, and I like them."

Turning to see what the remaining world leader had to say, Korra noticed with an intense fury that the spy was yawning, looking at the clock on the wall. Korra had half a mind to do to him what she did to the shark whale, but stopped herself - she couldn't let people's hate or indifference get to her. And she wasn't done with him yet, either. President Raiko finally managed to say, "I'll also legalize gay marriage, especially seeing as every other leader here has decided to do so. I think what 'Uncle' Iroh said to you in the Spirit World was wrong, Korra - the world is a changed place, mostly thanks to you. Consider this a gift for all your help over the years, and a much more permanent one than your incinerated statue in Avatar Korra Park." Uncle Iroh said loudly, "I never thought I would see this day, Korra. You still will need to win hearts and minds, however - just because something is legal doesn't mean people will like it. That was the whole reason I advised caution in the first place - prejudice. I look forward to the press conference tomorrow, to see how the world reacts."

As everyone settled down again, Kuvira said, "That was certainly unexpected. I cannot imagine that a certain individual in the Earth Kingdom will be along with this change, however - he never struck me as the loving type." Given Kuvira's wink to Korra and an exasperated Lin, she had made this last comment out loud on purpose, probably to rankle Jinshu Kuangmai. After returning the wink with a smile of her own, Korra said, "And now, to the sentencing of Kuvira the Great Flipflopper." As Korra listened to the laughter around her, she though inwardly, "This could be fun." Given how Raava was giggling in her head, she thought so as well. Before Korra could begin speaking, President Raiko said, "In the interest of saving time, why don't you just infobend the reason why Kuvira is here and Baatar Jr. is not. You may as well throw in what you have in mind for Kuvira." Shocked at his request, Korra began with Wu, who said as she walked towards Iroh II, "Why didn't you just turn good in the first place, Kuvira?" Kuvira gave him an angry glare, but before she could say anything, Zuko interjected, "Sometime we have to be brought to our lowest point to make the greatest change. I'd say that horrible vision that Kuvira saw was pretty low. I thought the two dragons in my fever dream were creepy - that metallo-Kuvira gave me chills!" Korra turned slightly to look at Zuko, seeing him giving her a knowing look. After the delay, she transferred Kuvira's struggle and other events into Iroh II, who said, "Man, my life has been pretty easy - I'm lucky I had such a great mom." Firelord Izumi gave him a big hug as Korra walked to President Raiko and Buttercup, who both looked thoroughly confused. Before Korra placed her hands on their foreheads, she said, "You'll know in just a minute." As Korra infobended, she realized with a start that it was much easier and faster than it used to be, so she stopped momentarily. Seeing President Raiko looking at her, she asked, "Do you want everything? Prince Wu already knows a bit more than you do thanks to Meelo, and given your expression, you don't seem to mind." President Raiko said, "Yes. Buttercup may as well know too - I don't feel like keeping secrets from my wife." Seeing Buttercup nod in agreement, he continued, "I noticed I could also feel your thoughts - specifically, how this is 'much easier and faster than it used to be'. Put your hand back - I want to try something." Korra began transferring information once more, with the usual censorings and starting with the beginning, she heard President Raiko's "voice" say, "The sooner we get this over with, the less chance someone will slip up in front of that spy. Why don't you go do what you're doing now to Wu and Iroh II so you can play your little game with him and 'Jinshu Kuangmai'."