Chapter 33: Isolation's End

For once, it was Korra who heard the beeping of Asami's watch first, given how Korra was shaking Asami awake. Asami mumbled angrily, "What do you need me for? I was in the middle of a dream about that move you used earlier, and didn't want it to end. I had no idea you knew about that." Korra laughed deeply, shaking her brown chest in a way that made Asami want to reach out and grab, saying, "I was being playful when I licked your face, pretending to be Naga. Then something else entirely took over." Asami did not like the way Korra sighed after, nor what her lover said next. Korra said, pointing at her formal dress, "I know what that beeping meant, and I need to go - neither Firelord Izumi nor Zuko are powerful enough firebenders to get us to the island on time, and plus, I need to project Avatar Roku for Firelord Izumi." Sitting up and following through with her earlier desire, Asami said, "I've got almost a decade of pent-up desire to satiate, Korra - can't you just project yourself and Avatar Roku to the Fire Nation capital like you did when talking to Eska and Desna?" While Korra obviously liked the new kind of grabbing, she said, pushing Asami's trembling hand away, "I'm sorry, Asami, but you have something you need to do as well - show the brain trust your new projects." Korra said, as she began to get dressed, "Any time you have with Kuvira is especially precious - she's going to the northern United Earth Republic tomorrow to begin her sentence, and won't be available for quite some time directly."

Asami made a deep sigh, saying, "I guess we can look forward to our wedding in Republic City - I want a really nice traditional Water Tribe betrothal necklace." Korra laughed, saying, "We have to wait for President Raiko first, and given that I'm the Avatar, I had a different kind of betrothal necklace in mind. In fact, I'll go make it now - I just need some raw materials first. Can you give me the map with the mineral information on it? I'm going to need it temporarily." Asami leaped up, fishing through her pack for the map, barely noticing her own movements. Korra took the map and disappeared for about thirty minutes, Asami was unsure what Korra had in mind, but whatever it was, she liked how happy Korra was as she ran off. Asami was also glad Korra apparently forgot about the speech, given how Korra ran off. Maybe after Korra made the necklace, Korra could do that again to Asami, or Asami could repay the favor.

While Korra was gone, Asami reluctantly got dressed, and even found time to draw out proper blueprints for all of the members of Team Avatar's new equipment, including modifying Bolin's lavabending sword with spiritwire such that only he could manipulate the weapon. As far as Asami was concerned, Korra's armblades were perfect, as was the design for the airbending projectiles. Realizing the dispenser left something to be desired, Asami was busy re-working its design when Korra walked in laughing, eyes glowing brighter than the gemstones she was keeping aloft with her bending.

Asami didn't notice her presence until she felt a strong grab on her cheeks - the more pleasurable ones. Asami twirled around, ready to pounce on Korra, but Korra held up a hand, saying, "Uh-uh - not yet. Maybe tonight, once I get back from the Fire Nation. I think you will want to watch this." Asami looked at the different gemstones Korra had, staring at their beauty. They included a large piece of stark white quartz, a huge crude sapphire, a blocky piece of deep brown quartz, a jagged orange topaz with small red pieces of ruby inside, and an opaque piece of quartz.

Asami was too stunned by the gems to realize where Korra had been at first - she must have somehow dived down to the huge mineral vein and gotten these gems out. Asami said, shaking her head lightly to regain her focus, "So I see you went to the huge vein we found yesterday - how did you avoid getting crushed by the pressure?" Korra chuckled nervously, admitting, "Even with the Avatar State, it was pretty hard to get there - there were a couple of close calls, but I got out fine. I had to maintain an ice bubble until I got close enough to bend a huge metal sphere around me from the closest metal deposit." Placing the gemstones carefully on the bed, she continued, "Once I got to the sea floor with my metal sphere, I used my earthsense to try and feel, as I could not see properly. I realized that the metal would hold and I could project myself out of the sphere. I had to go back in to make 'headlights' with Raava's energy - it was very, very dark. After that, I found what you see here." Korra took the pencil from Asami's hand, sketching a piece of ore, then asked for a yellow pencil. Obviously, whatever this odd ore was, it was unlike anything anyone but Korra had seen. Korra said, after she colored the ore a stark yellow, "I saw this and wanted to use it instead of the jasper with opal fragments, but when I went over to it inside the ball, I didn't think it was a good idea. That ore… it's like nothing I've ever heard of, or felt."

Curious what could make Korra hesitate, who Asami knew wasn't generally the cautious type, Asami asked, "Why did you decide to not use it? Was it dangerous?" Korra nodded her head up and down, saying, "This ore - I could feel it radiating energy, as though it had a fire inside it, but it was on the sea floor, so that's impossible." Asami gasped, saying, "Wait - the only things I know that radiate energy are spirits, bending, and things like electricity. The next time we get a chance, you should retrieve some of this mystery ore - I think Varrick and Zhu Li would love to study it, especially given what Kuvira said about reliance on tuber-vine energy. This could be our source of clean power we need." Korra looked uneasy as she said, "I don't know if it would be clean - when I tried to purify the metal slightly, I noticed some of it felt 'heavier' and some 'lighter' with Avatar State earthsense. When I moved a large chunk of the lighter metal ore towards the ball, I felt unnatural warmth - even through the metal shell. With Avatar State earthsense, I was able to determine that it was actually shrinking very slowly, almost imperceptibly, the energy apparently given off by this process. When I earthsensed the heavier ore, I did not detect this phenomena." Korra shook her head, finishing, "I do not think this metal - let's call it Korranium - would be a good idea to use for energy. I just had an uneasy feeling in my gut when manipulating it. I'll leave it up to the brain trust to decide, and the only known deposit is highly inaccessible, and I refuse to drag any up for study out of my reservations."

While disappointed with Korra's decision, Asami remembered the chaos spirit weaponry unleashed, and if someone figured out a way to harness "Korranium" for a weapon, she knew it would be bad - very bad. The energy emitted from the ore led Asami to say, "I think that's a good idea, to approach it with caution. It could be an alternative to tuber-vines, but I doubt it." Shaking her head at the implications of what she was about to say, Asami said uneasily, "Something tells me that this metal could be weaponized, given its high energy, and that any blast would emit … let's call them Asami particles. Too small to see, but energetic enough to penetrate a metal shell - maybe even damaging to living things." Asami pointed at the gems on the bed, saying, "Enough of this borderline war talk - I want to see you make me my betrothal necklace. I think I know what you're going to do with those four different colors of gemstones, but let's see if you surprise me."

Asami stood shocked, as Korra used a slice of metal from Asami's pack to cut her thumb, keeping the blood that came out suspended in a sizeable sphere. The huge sapphire was next, Korra opening a hole in it to place her blood inside the sphere. Before Asami could ask about this odd display of bloodbending, Korra's eyes flashed a brighter white as she manipulated the huge sapphire into a ball shape. As Asami watched Korra place her hands on it and channeling energy into it, she still had no idea what Korra might be doing. Asami gasped - there was a white glow inside the orb now! Asami's suspicion of whose energy this was inside was confirmed when Korra flattened both sides of the orb slightly, using lavabending to carefully form a twin extruded image of Raava on one side. Korra used the stark white quartz and extensions of the sapphire to form the image, Raava's larger spirit form next to her human-y form. With another channeling of energy, the twin figures began to glow as well. Korra said, wiping sweat from her brow, "I figured you might want a part of me to carry with you, and my blood gave me an idea - put Raava's energy in it as well. Since it is the blood of an Avatar, I was right in my hunch that her energy would find a sink inside. It should be a good amulet against any spirit who tries to attack you, as well. Now, for the easy part."

Korra's eyes dimmed slightly as she created the symbol for Water on the other side of the medallion in the upper left corner, extruding the sapphire slightly outwards. After Korra took another deep breath, she cracked a piece of the brown quartz off and heated it slightly, turning it into a more earthy color. Using lavabending, Asami's soon-to-be betrothed made another elemental symbol, in the upper right corner - Earth. The symbols for Fire and Air followed, Korra using the jasper for Fire and the opaque quartz for Air. Korra used the last of the white quartz to fashion a chain, linking everything together with lavabending. Before Korra could completely finish, Asami asked Korra, "Our relationship is unconventional, and I think you could use a reminder of our love as well, given your trouble with Dark Korra today. Why don't you make yourself a necklace, 'from' me? I'll design it." Korra was crying as she held the beautiful necklace out towards Asami, saying formally, "Asami, will you marry me?" Asami said, "Of course! I'll just take your wonderful betrothal necklace and design your own."

Apparently, Korra wasn't done, as her eyes flashed again and the four elemental symbols moved apart just enough for Korra to form a circle in the middle. She etched the symbol for yin and yang in the space, along with a glowing image inside the sapphire of Korra holding Asami's hands, exactly as they had before their ill-fated vacation. Korra finally did something to the sapphire such that the glowing from the opposite side and the center did not obscure the image of Korra and Asami holding hands. Asami stood up, with happy tears in her eyes, saying, "Thank you so much, Korra" as her lover placed the betrothal necklace around her neck. Korra hugged Asami tightly, saying, "Why don't you design my necklace while I contact Firelord Izumi and let her know I'll be a little late." Korra let out a yawn, saying, "If you want any gems from the vein, I'll be even later. I don't have any sapphire or white quartz left over, so you'll have to use something else as a base."

After Korra sat on the bed with wide, normal eyes, Asami said, "I'll see if Zuko has any jade - once he sees my necklace, he'll understand why we'll be late." As Korra began to contact the Firelord, Asami ran to the most likely place Zuko and Uncle Iroh might be, and she was right. Zuko was talking with Uncle Iroh in the kitchen, Zuko holding a teapot that was exactly what Asami wanted - jade. Uncle Iroh was so overcome by Asami's betrothal necklace that he couldn't speak, actually spitting out his tea and not mourning its loss. Zuko said, his one normal eye tearing up more than the burned one, "I guess you and Korra decided to make your relationship official. I look forward to the wedding, Asami - but given how you're eyeing that antique teapot, you didn't just come here to break this wonderful news. Why do you need Uncle Iroh's teapot?" Asami explained her idea for a necklace, and Uncle Iroh managed to speak, saying, "I am very happy for you and Korra, Asami, and would gladly give you my teapot for a betrothal necklace. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have." Uncle Iroh gave her the teapot, bowing emotionally after he did so. Before Asami left, he added with a wink, "If Firelord Izumi is upset we did not leave on time, I will explain what happened. Now go, and make your necklace!"

When Asami returned to the room, Korra looked better, and she had apparently gotten her hands on some tea of her own. While Korra breathed in and out, apparently meditating on something, Asami drew up her plan for Korra's necklace. She'd need Raava's help to impart Asami's own essence into it.

When Korra looked up to it, Asami showed her the necklace design, and Korra began manipulating the jade teapot carefully, eyes glowing again. Asami's necklace was a lot simpler than Korra's creation - it was simply an image of Asami's eyes, with deep pockets taken out of the jade for the whites and pupils of her eyes and slightly raised eyebrows. There was an image below of Asami holding Korra's hand and the words "I want you to know that I'm here for you. If you ever want to talk or ... anything," written beneath. Asami let Korra take a fair bit of her own blood using the same technique she used earlier, Korra encapsulating Asami's blood beneath the lines etched into the jade carefully. Knowing her part was over, Korra collapsed onto the bed, projecting Raava out to help Asami use the blood as a sink for Asami's energy. Raava reached out, flipping a kneeling Asami's betrothal necklace over multiple times, saying, "I like it! Nice touch with my image on the back, and the elemental symbols. Now let's get Korra's done - this might take a few tries. I've never tried something with a non-Avatar quite like this." Asami said, "I think you'll find it easier than you think - you're just going to be a channel for my love for Korra. I want you to touch my heart and the jade pendant at the same time, and when you can feel me thinking of Korra, I want you to channel my feelings into the jade."

After Raava touched Asami's heart and the pendant, Asami began thinking of Korra, trying to keep things non-sexual at first, but quickly failed. She let out a torrent of feelings, not editing herself at all in her passion, finishing with multiple repeats of her advice to Korra on what to think of to counter hate or loneliness. When she was finished, Raava said, "Wow - that was pretty intense, Asami. Look - it's even glowing like your own necklace! Why is it glowing red and yellow, though? You aren't a bender." Asami said, as she heard Korra sit up and say, "What?!" in surprise, "I have Fire Nation ancestry, despite my green eyes, and I guess my passion makes me closer to a firebender than an earthbender. Here, Korra - why don't you try it on?" After Raava disappeared, Korra jumped off the bed eagerly, grabbing her own, Asami and Raava's work, putting it on around her brown neck. Korra shuddered in pleasure, eyes now glowing lightly, then stopped, asking, "Just what did you put in here, Asami? Everything? Any time it sits over my heart, I just feel an immense peace." Korra added, laughing, "And arousal, you nymphomaniac." Korra flipped the pendant over to what should have been a blank back, and began laughing hysterically, saying, "Whatever you channeled into here, it must have been pretty sexual in nature aside from what I saw - there's an image of you naked on the back beneath the surface, pouting sultrily, with exaggerated… attractive features." Asami's face flushed, saying, "I didn't draw that on my design! Quick, leave the Avatar State, and see if it vanishes." Asami actually started nibbling her nails nervously - she didn't want her nude self flapping around in the wind! Korra said, staring intently at the image, "Nope - still there. Of course, I am still quite aroused from all the emotions you put in this, so let's see if it goes away when I think of… Tenzin instead." Asami breathed a huge sigh of relief as the lewd image vanished, Korra saying with a laugh, "I guess whenever I feel down or lonely, I can think of you and thingies and get my fix. Here, give me your pendant - let me channel my love for you into it, and see if something similar happens."

After Korra took Asami's betrothal necklace away and entered the Avatar State, channeling her love for Asami into the much fancier pendant, Asami took the pendant back and placed it over her heart. She could immediately feel all sorts of wonderful things, noting that they were mostly sentimental. Asami gave the pendant back, saying gently, "I love how sentimental you're becoming Korra, but I have different needs - more in line with the image on the back of your necklace. I'm a lot more excited by sex than you are, so think you can put more of that in there?" Korra blushed, saying, "Sure - your necklace for me was perfect, no problem." Korra took the betrothal necklace again, inserting a piece of the brown quartz into it. Korra spent a lot more time channeling, periodically moaning or licking her lips in a way that made Asami want some excitement - right now.

When Asami took the betrothal necklace back and placed it over her heart, she noticed a huge difference right away - it actually felt like Korra was having sex with Asami, right then. Managing to pry herself from the wonderful feeling, she looked at the back of the betrothal necklace, and laughed when she saw a nude Korra grinning widely with exaggerated legs, hips, breasts and muscles waving back at her through the images of Raava, as though the image were an animated sign, periodically blowing kisses. Realizing what the brown quartz had been for, Asami looked again, seeing the image even had brown skin! Showing it to Korra, Asami said, "I love all the feeling you put in here - it should help when I get lonely, in multiple ways. I love the animation of it, the color even more, and your muscly legs, arms and abs. I hope you get them for real soon - they're a huge turn-on to me." After Asami put the betrothal necklace back on, Korra said, "I have time for one final act - I'm going to add skin color to mine as well, but such that it's only visible when lit up - just like yours." After Korra had used the rest of the opaque quartz and brown quartz to make a match to Asami's skin tone and inserted the piece inside the jade, Korra frowned, saying "As much as I hate to leave you, I've got a speech to get to, Asami, and we're already behind schedule. We'll have to make sure to not let anyone see us when we're caressing our necklaces - I'd have a lot of explaining to do to Meelo if he saw the back of mine in all its curvy, exaggerated pouting glory, especially with the added gemstone."

As Korra left the room, she said, "Hey - remember you have something to do too, and can't just caress your lewd betrothal necklace until I get back, as much as you'd love to." Asami sighed, taking one last look at the hilarious yet sexy waving brown image on the back of her pendant, savoring the last of her arousal.

As Korra had admonished Asami to not just sit and cradle her betrothal necklace, Korra knew that she was very tempted to do the same herself. Giving in, Korra touched the jade pendant Asami had "given" her, and she felt a wave of feeling rush over her - especially as she looked at the back. Her eyes now glowing, some foreign part of her realized that Asami didn't have any hair except lines, and felt offended by this oversight - Asami needed black hair!

Korra rushed out as fast as her legs could take her to the beach, taking a large amount of volcanic sand and compressing it into a good-sized black ball of glass. Flipping the pendant over, she saw another flaw that the back shared as well - Asami's eyes had no whites to them, only recesses! Remembering that the image of herself on Asami's betrothal necklace did not have any detailed eyes either, she took a large chunk of non-volcanic earth and turned it into white marble with Avatar State lavabending, making sure to match the color of the marble in their house. She finally picked up a small amount of dark brown quartz from a close-by volcanic vent, as well as a small ruby from the same place. Running back to where Asami was probably looking at her pendant, Korra could see what she wanted to do with both, even though she didn't have an artistic bone in her body, aside from whatever inspired her earlier beautiful creation for Asami.

As she thought on where this new talent may have come from and closed her eyes, the image of a serious middle-aged looking man with a large sword in one hand and a brush in the other appeared briefly. As Korra said, "Asami, I need to fix our necklaces!" Korra realized she must have gotten more than sword skills and knowledge from Piandao two days ago. Taking a deep breath, she let her new artistic side take over, liking her finished result a lot, and given the blush on Asami's face, she must have as well.

Asami's betrothal necklace now featured a more accurate yet still erotic image of Korra that no longer moved, with marble and sapphire eyes, black volcanic glass for pupils. Korra noticed that the eyes even had an inset of marble, slightly darkened, to simulate the gleam in her eyes. Her image now sported fully accurate hair, with Korra's newer hairstyle on her image's head. Asami gushed, holding the side with a naked Korra on it visible, "This is gorgeous, Korra! You even added shading to your body, and made everything anatomically correct! Where did this come from?" Korra chuckled, saying, "I guess I picked up more than sword skills and fighting from Piandao - I saw an image of him earlier when my eyes were closed. Now it's my turn."

Korra picked up her own necklace, admiring her handiwork on both the back and the front. Asami's large eyes glittered realistically on the front, also having a highlight in the pupil. The text on the front was made of black volcanic glass insets now. Korra had even somehow managed to accurately color both their hands with lavabending, clothes and all, even though she knew she hadn't gotten any more blue gemstone. Korra admired her work on the back the most, however - she had captured all of Asami's beautiful black hair perfectly, with most of it being volcanic glass with the odd white marble inset here and there in the hair on her head. Asami's eyes were very striking on this side as well, despite being much smaller - Korra could still see the jade green irises clearly, despite their relatively small size. Korra felt like she wanted to kiss the ruby lips, especially since they seemed to glisten just like Asami's eyes and hair did.

After staring at the back for a good five minutes, a little nagging voice in her head reminded her that she'd need to depart soon. Realizing that her new handiwork would be quite visible, Korra managed to get Asami to hand over her betrothal necklace reluctantly, saying, "I need Raava's help to make sure that only we can see the most interesting part of my work." Asami laughed, saying, "I don't think even Raava can hide what you just did, Korra - they're both beautiful, even as artwork now. I think you should just leave it as is, no, make them visible all the time. You could hide the images inside - like a locket." Korra said, her eyes gleaming, "Sounds like a great idea, Asami - I just need some metal, and to move the inner core of yours slightly."

Once Korra had returned with some metal ore, she spent the next 15 minutes carefully modifying both into lockets, making sure to not destroy any part of either necklace. She didn't want someone idly managing to open either one with a key, so she projected Raava out, asking the spirit, "Raava, can you help me and Asami make it so only we can open these, with our love for the other? I don't want a physical key - that would be a lot of explaining to Meelo or Ikki, particularly the anatomically correct hair." Raava laughed, saying, "Sure I'll help, but before I do, can I see for myself? I snuck in some of Piandao's art knowledge, if you hadn't noticed, Korra, during Bolin's 'training'. Maybe he'll make Opal a nice necklace of her own someday."

Raava whistled like the dirty-minded spirit she was becoming, saying, "Damn, you two look fine. Good job, Korra. Now let's try and see if we can lock these images away - though I'm not quite sure why you'd want to. Let's get started then."

After a few botched attempts that let Raava open the locket, Korra and Asami finally managed to get it right with the spirit's help, though Raava whined like her human-y form might have were it an actual little girl. Korra laughed, saying, "Come on now, Raava - you actually got to watch us make out earlier. I've got a speech I am very late to get to." As Raava crossed her arms and vanished, Asami laughed, saying, "What's up with you and the word 'sex' anyways? And 'breasts'? Are you still not comfortable with it, or something? You sound like a teenager, Korra." Korra's cheeks flushed as she said meekly, "My childhood was actually more formal than your own, Asami - your dad let you do whatever you wanted." Seeing that Asami might cry from her slip of memory, Korra added, "Except have sex with women, of course. You're right - that word does feel good to say. Maybe next time we have sex, we can use the dirtier one. I'll make sure to grab your breasts. Man, those words are fun to say." Asami gave Korra a trembling hug, saying, "That sounds great, sexy breasts. I guess we have to leave each other, for now. I'll probably be sneaking looks into my locket on 'bathroom breaks' when I'm not needed." As she laughed, Korra felt very light somehow, liberated by finally saying words her White Lotus mentors had stressed were very inappropriate, much less the dirty word she felt like yelling at the top of her lungs while clutching her wonderful necklace.

Korra howled in laughter, knowing full well what Asami carried around in her pack. As Asami left, Korra opened her own locket, savoring the feelings a naked Asami and the other contents of the locket produced. If Korra was going to marry Asami, she may as well do it proudly, without any insecurity or self-consciousness. Korra closed her eyes, said the dirty word loudly, then began laughing out of glee, savoring the thought of doing exactly that to Asami later. She could have sworn her feet left the ground while doing so, but didn't think anything of it, just figuring she had let loose some passionate flame jets at first. Remembering with a start that she was inside, Korra looked around the room in a panic, expecting it to be on fire. When she saw that it wasn't, she grasped her necklace tightly, saying, "Whatever this is, I'm sure Asami can help me handle it. I hope." As she closed her eyes, letting the raw sexual energy from the jade flow through her, she felt a painful thump on the top of her head, and when she opened her eyes, she nearly fainted - she was staring at the ceiling, up close! Knowing she was already very late, she shook her head violently, saying loudly, "Damn if I know what's going on here, but I don't have time for it! Gbllbthubuthuh!" with a final shaking of her increasingly confused head. Korra immediately hit the wooden floor, saying the dirty word she had earlier, though this time in a decidedly unhappy manner.

With all the delay her little adventures had caused, Korra realized she'd need help if she hoped to get to the Fire Nation capitol on time. Korra took a deep breath, focusing on Mako's energy. When she was projected near him, she said gently, "Hey, Mako - how'd you like to take a little trip?" Mako turned away from his brother, Kuvira and Opal, asking, "Are you going to ask me to go where I think you are - the Fire Nation capital? I'd love to - I've never seen any Fire Nation architecture up close, and it might help make the loss of downtown Republic City less raw." Korra nodded her head, adding, "There was a slight delay in leaving, if you hadn't already figured that out, so I'll need your help to get there on time anyways. You can wander the capital while Firelord Izumi gives her speech." Before she could break the connection, Opal pointed at the jade necklace Korra was wearing as Kuvira stared at it intently, Opal saying, "Is that what I think it is - a jade reverse betrothal necklace? It's beautiful - it even looks like it's glowing!" Korra nodded, saying, "It was Asami's idea - if you listened to the press conference from earlier, you'd know that Dark Korra is back. Asami did something special with Raava to put Asami's love into the jade, hence its glow." Opal turned to Bolin, giving him ideas for a lavabended, partially marble Air Nomad necklace when they were ready to get engaged themselves, Bolin for once not fainting but actually contributing ideas. It appeared some of Piandao's other famous talent had rubbed off after all. Kuvira moved her shackled hands as best she could, trying to manipulate a nearby piece of metal herself, prompting Mako's cheeks to change color almost imperceptibly, saying, "Okay - I'm ready to leave, Korra. Just tell me where the boat is, and we'll go to the Fire Nation capitol. I can't wait to see the extinct volcano, and the Fire Nation palace." As Korra broke the connection when Mako ran off after getting the location of the boat, she heard Kuvira grunt angrily, catching a curse Korra had just said not long ago herself, though Kuvira's matched the tone of Korra's last use of the word.

When all those who were going to the Fire Nation's heart - Firelord Izumi, Uncle Iroh, Zuko, herself, and Mako - were on-board Firelord Izumi's boat, Korra stood up, preparing for "launch". As Mako maneuvered into position, he asked Uncle Iroh, "Hey, Uncle Iroh - what do you do if there's someone you have mixed feelings about trying to hit on you? I won't say who." Korra held back her laughter as it was Zuko who said, "Don't be afraid to let a relationship grow, Mako, or to nurture it - I still regret keeping secrets from Mai, and given what she told me after the conference, she regrets breaking up with me, over half a century later." Zuko apparently not wanting to talk anymore, Uncle Iroh said softly, "My nephew has had much heartbreak in his life, romantic and not, and I would hate to see one as young as yourself make the same mistakes he did. Love comes from the most unlikely of places, you know."

Given Mako's flushed face and beating heart, these were not the answers he wanted, so he just said "Thank you, Zuko and Uncle Iroh," politely and turned to the rear of the boat, making ready to project blue flame alongside Korra. As soon as Korra entered the Avatar State and began propelling the boat with blue flames, Mako joined in. Mako exclaimed, "Why are these damn flames not blue! ARGH!" Korra maintained her concentration as Mako tried again, saying out loud "Bolin dead, Kuvira lost to metallic self," actually managing to produce a fair bit of dragon's fire as well as his new blue. Korra kept her hands in place, still propelling the boat as she looked at Zuko and Uncle Iroh, the latter giving Korra a knowing wink. Mako blurted out, "The last part was just because of what I heard about Jinshu Kuangmai killing his three-year old self, nothing more," though Korra could tell this was a bigger lie than the one he told on the Zhu Li, even without earthsense -dragon's fire didn't just come from nowhere.

Korra groaned internally as Uncle Iroh exclaimed, "I heard Zuko tell me Korra managed to produce dragon's fire in the Swamp, but nobody told me you could as well! I won't contradict you - I just advise you that unrequited love can do horrible things to a person." Tearing up and letting himself get carried away, Uncle Iroh finished, "Just look at what happened to my other nephew, Azula - you wouldn't want that to happen to Kuvira, would you, not after her victory over that metal monster?" Mako surprised everyone by softly saying, "No, I wouldn't - and not just because Team Avatar would lose a valuable member. Now just leave me be - I need time to think." Suddenly realizing that with all of Kuvira's help and transformation, she really was becoming a part of Team Avatar slowly, Korra said, "You take over for a little bit, Mako - I have something to ask of Asami quickly." After Mako replied with a stony voice, "Sure thing, chief," Korra laughed as her eyes stopped glowing and the flame jets vanished. Before she tried to project herself to Asami, she told a still serious Mako, "I'm not your police chief or your boss, Mako - I'm your friend, and love you, just in a different way than I do Asami." After hearing a small dejected sigh from Mako, Korra focused on Asami - and most definitely not her butt, or what was inside Korra's locket.

When she saw Asami, she was pleased to see Meelo, Bumi, Kuvira, Varrick and Zhu Li with her, Lin and Su acting as "bodyguards" for Kuvira. Su had a sappy look on her face, with Lin looking like she had been repeatedly hitting her forehead, given the red spot in its middle. When she heard what they were talking about and put it together with Su and Lin's expressions, she said, "While I do find it touching you're trying to help Kuvira with decidedly non-military matters, I have a request to make." Seeing everyone turn away from what must have been Kuvira's idea, Korra said, "Just now, Mako called you a member of Team Avatar, Kuvira, and it made me realize that even if you still have to serve your sentence, in many ways you are a member. You gave us some solid advice after you got out of that wooden cage, Kuvira - and not just on military matters. I don't know if Asami mentioned Korranium yet, but it is a good possibility for a human power source, even if I think it is too dangerous." Given the nodding heads, Asami must have mentioned it already, Kuvira saying, "Given my own experience with spirit weapons, I agree with you strongly on Korranium, Korra." Korra nodded her head, laughing at Varrick and Zhu Li's defeated looks. Kuvira said, once Korra had finished laughing, "I don't even think it should be used as a power source - something tells me that any Korranium used for civilian purposes could still have military use - a 'dirty bomb', designed to spread Asami particles and misery." Zhu Li and Varrick were nodding their heads, having clearly disavowed of any use of Korranium - period. Korra couldn't help but smile broadly.

Kuvira said, apparently satisfied that Korranium would never be used, "I don't think you came here to tell me that handsome firebender considers me a part of Team Avatar. Wait - let me guess. You want us to come up with a piece of equipment for me, just like the other projects?" Korra nodded her head, adding, "I'm not sure what we could make you, aside from another Colossus, and we don't have that kind of time, unfortunately." Kuvira placed a hand on top of Asami's suit deign, saying, "I want one of these. It will need things I can metalbend, like grappling hooks and steel projectiles - the Satot rounds would do nicely. Instead of twin blades, I want plasma saws that are also hooked to the tuber-vines, in case I need to fight with a spirit." Seeing Varrick give Kuvira an odd look, she added, "I may not have mentioned this yet, but Jinshu Kuangmai is in possession of all my blueprints and a significant amount of platinum, as well as the largest spirit vine stockpile near Zaofu, so I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to build an improved version of my Colossus." Varrick said, his fingers unfolding as he counted, "Okay - so that's eight tuber-vines out of thirty used for personal projects, another four for the two battleships, two for the aircraft carrier itself, and ten for five of each of Meelo's planes. That doesn't leave us very much room to use the tuber-vines as anything but a power source, but I think we can manage, especially considering Mr. Tuber-Vine and the others have regenerative properties."

Korra almost broke the connection in shock when she heard an odd "HMMMMM HMMMMM" come from what she had thought was a decorative plant, but quickly recognized as what Firelord Izumi had picked up during their tour of the city - a tuber-vine. Varrick laughed, saying, "What, Korra, you didn't know Mr. Tuber-Vine came along with us? Zhu Li and I don't have a baby yet, unlike you lucky two lovebirds, so he's sort of a stand-in." Zhu Li said, with slightly widened eyes, "After what I heard about Atokara from Asami, I can definitively say I don't envy you and your gift - I want to raise any children I have normally, and not have a newborn who can talk, or worse." Seeing both Asami and Korra's angry expressions, Zhu Li added, "I love the name, by the way: Atokara Raava Sato. Though, the middle name doesn't fit with your name very well - 'Korra Raava Sato'." Korra laughed, saying, "I probably will just go by Korra Sato - everyone knows I'm the Avatar already. On that note, I'm going to go help Mako with the boat. I won't tell him about that piece of jewelry you were designing - he was emotional enough after Uncle Iroh's last comment."

With that, Korra broke the projection, and was surprised to not feel the wind in her hair or her dress flapping in the wind. Apparently, Mako had stopped propelling the boat a short distance after she "left", and was talking to Uncle Iroh about his former relationship with Korra. Not wanting any anger to well up inside, or Raava forbid think about Asami at all when the smooth side of her necklace was facing out -which she quickly fixed - Korra busied herself by propelling the boat in the Avatar State. At first, she was slightly annoyed she could still hear every word they said, but a cool feeling in her chest defused her anger, listening to the conversation instead, her head facing rearward.

Uncle Iroh said, apparently pointing at Zuko, "My nephew tried to keep secrets from Mai, and had a similar outcome as your own lie produced, Mako. Opal is right, Mako - you can't just lie to people you love like that. You don't want to be like Azula, do you?" Mako must have silently shook his head no, as Korra heard Uncle Iroh continue, "You are very right on one thing - both sides in a relationship need to want the other. Right now, Kuvira is probably infatuated with you after her traumatic breakup with Baatar Jr., who can't seem to believe she's changed or get past her despicable act. Mako, you are right to want to keep your distance - for now. If something does develop, most likely during or after her sentence is completed, you shouldn't let past failures hold you back from investing in a new relationship." Uncle Iroh chuckled, saying, "She is right, you know - fire and steel do mix well. Now why don't you go do what you want to - it looks like we're getting closer by the minute."

After Mako joined Korra at the back of the boat, his heart no longer racing, Mako said, with what sounded like some happiness in his voice, "I'm ready whenever you are, Korra." Korra realized with a start she had stopped propelling the boat when Uncle Iroh had said "fire and steel do mix well" and had been standing in a fool's pose. Korra said, letting Mako get into position after she nodded, "Let's go - I can't wait to see the Fire Nation capitol. Aang hasn't shown me what it looks like yet, and look forward to seeing non-aggressive Fire Nation culture."

Firelord Izumi chuckled nervously from the back of the boat, prompting Zuko to laugh and Uncle Iroh to ask, "Firelord Izumi - did you do something to the capital city?" Firelord Izumi gave no answer, making Zuko laugh even harder.

Mako could only see one upside to what Firelord Izumi had done to the Fire Nation, the gutting of everything historical. She had even changed the throne room, which he was now wandering aimlessly. He had looked forward to seeing the dancing flames behind the throne he had heard so much about - a chance to get in touch with his ancestry and his dead mother. Feeling like reversing Firelord Izumi's foolish decision on the flames himself, he stopped in his tracks and closed his eyes tight, briefly seeing a twin image of Kuvira - one metal, one flesh, the metallic one melting - as though by an intense flame.

Now remembering the upside to there not being much to see outside of the inner caldera, which was locked down for Firelord Izumi's speech, he just sat, and thought. Remembering Korra's special ability, infobending, he realized that he could still see the capital in all its past glory. Korra could just transfer the Fire Nation capitol as Zuko knew it to Mako - she'd done something similar for Bolin and his sword "training".

He had been transported on some secret train directly to the Fire Nation palace to explore, not getting the chance to look out into the inner caldera, the guards citing security issues. He wanted to see real Fire Nation buildings, not the skyscrapers that just painfully reminded him of twin losses - the gutting of Republic City, and the fact he never got to connect with his mother beyond the level of that of a small boy.

As he finished this thought, one of the things that Korra had shown him came back, unbidden - Kuvira's experience with feeling the loss surrounding the eight-year old orphan she had to endure to be able to challenge her metallic self. Mako said, out loud as he hit his forehead twice, "Stupid! Oh, so stupid!" prompting one of the security guards near the throne room entrance to ask loudly, "Are you okay, Mako? Would you like to see the inner caldera, aside from the palace? I have clearance." Mako shook his head, not turning to face the nameless guard, saying, "Thank you, but I need to sit and think for a while. Maybe later." Remembering his manners, Mako asked, "What was your name, sir? I didn't catch it." The man walked over, saying once he was nearer, "Intelligence Officer First Class Jeong-Jeong." Mako said, with some horror, "Wait - you've been trailing me ever since I got here. I recognize your face. You had middle-class clothes on when I was scowling at the skyscrapers, and every time I formed a blue flame in anger, I heard a coughing. Just what is Firelord Izumi doing?!" Officer Jeong-Jeong sighed, saying, "She thought you might have a negative reaction to what she had done to the Fire Nation, and given how you looked like you wanted to reverse her decision on the flames behind the throne, she was right. We did not intend to offend, Mako - she just didn't want the maelstrom of feelings you have felt over the past half-week leading to any… incidents."

Mako felt his face flush in anger as he stood up and pointed a finger at this Jeong-Jeong, asking, "Just how much did she tell you, exactly?" Jeong-Jeong produced a two-way radio from his uniform, saying, "Quite a lot, including how Kuvira was showing interest in you on the Zhu Li while in transit to the Fire Nation. I assume this is related to your outburst of 'Stupid! Oh, so stupid' earlier, in some way." Mako let out an angry grunt, involuntarily forming a blue dagger as tears came to his eyes. Jeong-Jeong shook his head, saying, "I can see you have a lot of hurt still inside you, Mako, though not as much as you once did. I can tell you're angry with what Firelord Izumi has done to the Fire Nation - like she robbed you of your heritage before you even got to see it." Mako nodded his head, adding, "It doesn't help that the entire city looks like Republic City - it just reminds me of my more personal losses!" The blue fire dagger swelled to the size of a small sword as Mako said through clenched teeth, "First my mother and my father, then my relationship with Korra… then a large crater in my city. Home!" As the other guard yelped in fear, Jeong-Jeong said coolly, "While I am glad you can say your frustrations out loud now, Mako, be warned. If you decide to act on your anger destructively, friend of the Avatar or not, we'll have to detain you." Before Mako could ask how they could hope to catch him, the other guard appeared at Jeong-Jeong's side, wielding a familiar weapon. Mako said, dismissing the sword, "Okay, okay - sorry, I'll try and calm down. Just when did the fire nation get Equalist stun sticks anyways?" The other guard laughed, saying, "This isn't driven by a battery - I can charge it up using lightning generation, and it won't release the energy until I press a button. Shock, stun, or kill - I prefer the second setting myself." Jeong-Jeong gave Mako a soft look, saying, "I just realized why you were calling yourself stupid earlier - you realized both you and Kuvira are orphans."

As Mako made to turn away from the two unwelcome intruders, he felt a strong hand on his shoulder, Jeong-Jeong saying, "I find if I have something that is troubling me, it is best to think of something else. Why don't I carry through with that offer I gave you earlier, and take you out of the palace to the rest of the inner caldera. Firelord Izumi should be finishing soon, even after the delay the Avatar caused with her romance, and Zuko is out next. I'm sure you'll want to hear what he has to say more than his daughter anyways." After shooing off the other guard, Jeong-Jeong finished quietly, "I also do not share Firelord Izumi's taste in architecture - the least she could have done was make thoroughly Fire Nation looking skyscrapers. Let's go and see some real buildings." Mako asked, "Then why didn't you let me go see the rest of the crater after my disappointing tour of the palace?" Jeong-Jeong said as they entered the secret transport, "I figured you'd need something uplifting after seeing what Firelord Izumi did to the throne room - that holding back was my doing. I'm not Intelligence Officer First Class for nothing, you know."

After finally leaving the dark, brooding palace, Mako stared out around him in wonder, savoring the authentic inner city fully, completely ignoring the last of Firelord Izumi's speech being broadcast as he carefully used his jets of blue flame to soar a fair height above the city for a better view. The other guard finally caught up, yelling, "Hey - you can't do that here, Mako!" Before he could call the other guards on him, Jeong-Jeong groaned, deftly taking the lightning stick from the guard and knocking him out with it, yelling, "I'll tell Firelord Izumi what you're doing, Mako - just make sure to not burn anything!" Mako yelled, "Of course - why would I want to torch something so beautiful?" before landing on a random street, listening to Zuko's speech as he did so.

Mako took in the stunning inner city passively as he walked, hearing Zuko's voice over the loudspeakers say, "When Firelord Ozai was defeated and I was crowned as the new Firelord, I gave a speech about an era of war being over, and that we could begin an era of love and peace. For those of you who heard Avatar Korra's press conference, you should know that even though Kuvira is a changed woman, helping instead of hunting the Avatar - just as I did in my youth, I might add -" Zuko paused as Mako heard tinny laughter coming through the speakers, and from where the speech must have been. Zuko coughed lightly once the uproar faded, continuing, "Even though Kuvira is no longer a threat, instead an ally, we face two great foes at once, both intertwined. If the monster known as Jinshu Kuangmai manages to conquer the new United Earth Republic, Republic City, and one of the remaining nations, the world will end before Jinshu Kuangmai can spread his Earth Empire, as my father wanted to do with the Fire Nation." Zuko paused, letting the loud booing from mention of Ozai die down, continuing, "The spirit known as Long Yumao the Opportunist grows in strength and in followers as humans behave more rottenly. It is therefore paramount that the Fire Nation ensure that not even a single village in the new United Earth Republic falls to Jinshu Kuangmai, the remnants of Kuvira's forces that did not desert, and his terrible ability. From reports, his forces go far beyond that of a simple warlord - not many but idealists and conscripts deserted, and he retains spirit weapon technology, as well as a new fortress below what was once the peaceful city of Zaofu of unknown make." Zuko said, wanting to bring any talk of Jinshu Kuangmai to a close, "If you listened to the press conference, you will know what a monster that man is, and he has no hope for redemption. I saw more goodness in my conflicted sister, Azula." As booing came from the loudspeaker once more, Mako heard a choked-up Zuko say, "There is something you do not know about my deceased sister that might make you cry to hear her name instead of booing, but that is a matter for another day. Now, to the most pressing foe - Long Yumao." Mako couldn't help but agree with Zuko on Azula, especially after learning Asami's true story.

Zuko said, apparently pointing to Korra, "Even with Avatar Korra's shields around the Spirit Portals, enhanced with the power of her past lives and Raava, there may come the day when one or all shatter. I am sure you have noticed Uncle Iroh standing next to me on the podium, as further proof of what was said at the press conference today. We do not know when the final pulse of energy will come from the Republic City Spirit Portal, or what it will do." Zuko sighed deeply, clearly not liking what he was going to say next, finally saying, "In the event that the barrier is shattered, or even worse, the Spirit Portal stuck open, every person of every nation will have to be cautious. If you are attacked by a Dark Spirit, think of your loved ones, just as Korra and Asami did this morning to best Dark Korra. Without any help from Raava, I might add, which pleased Raava to no end."

Speaking loudly, Zuko finished, "Uncle Iroh had originally planned to give a speech, but he is satisfied with mine, as I hope you all are as well. My final words: the Avatar and her friends will be trying their best to bring a close to the Spirit Civil War as quickly as possible, meaning that the Fire Nation will need to remain strong and committed to keeping Jinshu Kuangmai in check, along with the Water Tribes, the few airbenders that exist, any United Earth Republic forces and the military and minds of Republic City." Hearing some booing from the crowd, Zuko yelled, with a hint of anger, "I never liked sending soldiers to die needlessly - I can thank this scar on my face for that. You all surely know the story of how I challenged a general who was using soldiers as thought they were toys when I was Prince Zuko, and paid the price. On my face." Once the crowd was no longer making any noise Mako could hear over the speaker, Zuko continued, "This is not a needless war - if this effort fails, Long Yumao will enslave humanity to the end of days." Zuko's voice reached a climax of rage after scattered booing, saying "The Fire Nation faces a choice: losing many of its sons and daughters to ensure all of humanity's freedom, or sitting back and foolishly squandering what little time it has left between now and enslavement by Long Yumao." Someone in the audience must have been paying attention and asked about Sudden Death, as Zuko said, "I know of this Sudden Death option, fellow citizen, and share your concerns. I will say one thing: should it come to pass, we can fight like lion turtles and make Long Yumao hurt as much as possible on our way down, or become good little slaves like koala-sheep. I ask you, citizens of the Fire Nation - what is your choice?"

After a unanimous yell of "LION TURTLES!" came through the speakers so loud that it hurt Mako's ears, he finally decided to try and find where the speech was being given. To his surprise, he saw it immediately, in the one place he hadn't looked, wanting nothing to do with its location - the palace itself! Not wanting to upstage Korra, who was now approaching the podium in her formal dress, Mako touched down a distance away from the crowd, filing into the mass of people. Apparently, Korra had noticed him, as she said, "Given that Uncle Iroh is more than happy with Zuko's speech - I think he's actually hugging his nephew right now - I would like to invite Mako to speak after myself and Avatar Roku." Mako didn't want to speak, so he tried to hide in the crowd - he just wanted time to think by himself once Korra and Roku had finished. Korra closed her eyes, putting her hand on the podium, then said, laughing slightly, "You can't hide, Mako - I think your personal story about Republic City will strike a chord, and need you to speak. You can think about other things later."

Groaning in resignation, Mako walked towards the podium as Korra said loudly, "I won't tell you anything that Firelord Izumi or Zuko have said already, or what was said at the press conference. I'd just like to stress Raava's increasingly human-y nature, and her undying support for humanity as a whole. Even if you don't see yourself as particularly spiritual, aren't a bender, or both, if you see a neutral spirit, you should do your best to convince them to join Raava's cause: us." Korra continued, after the light applause died down, "Long Yumao isn't like Vaatu - Vaatu stood for chaos and darkness, and wouldn't bother trying to rule humans - just make them suffer. Long Yumao is like the spirit version of Zuko's evil father, Firelord Ozai." After the booing died down, Korra continued, "There is one spirit that was mentioned at the press conference, but not here - Koh the Face-Stealer. He has joined Long Yumao out of a personal quest for faces. I will use some ice to illustrate his form, so you can recognize him properly." As Korra formed an ice sculpture of Koh from moisture in the air, Mako felt chills run down his spine, actually yelping when Korra made the form move. Korra said in a chilling impersonation, "My, my - what a huge number of pretty faces. Let's see how many I can get in one go…" The icy mask turned into the face of a savage monkey, which screamed loudly, eliciting a mass reaction, then cackled as it "said", "Your faces are all MINE now, fools!" Mako jumped at the same time almost four out of five people in the audience did, a good portion of the remainder starting to cry.

Korra turned Koh into a block of ice, sighing deeply. With a stony face, entirely devoid of emotion, she said, "If you meet Koh the Face-Stealer, he will try to get a reaction out of you like I just did now with the ice puppet. I had hoped a lot more of you would have not reacted." Re-forming Koh and making him scurry through the crowd for emphasis, Korra finished, "If you do react to him, he will steal your face, just like he did Avatar Kuruk's lover centuries ago. Long Yumao threatened Asami during our ill-fated vacation with a similar fate. You must emulate my own expression - no emotion, no reaction." Seeing the crowd's terrified look, Korra added for levity, "Just pretend you're Mai - that should help." As the crowd erupted in laughter, Korra said, "Given how poorly you fared with Koh, I think a demonstration with Long Yumao is in order." She turned to the side, yelling, "Can I get some pigments here, and more water? I exhausted all the water from the air for Koh!" As servants ran to get what Korra asked for, she manipulated the icy Koh back to the stage, making him clack his many free legs together to mimic her own boredom and impatience.

When servants returned with multiple big containers of water as well as various dyes and pigments, Korra erased Koh's form slowly, playfully making him "scream", "Curse you, Avatar Korra! I wanted Asami's face! So… pretty…" as she did so, making Firelord Izumi, Zuko, Uncle Iroh and Mako howl in laughter, along with a good portion of the audience. Korra said, before moving on to form Long Yumao, "Human laughter and mirth is a very bad idea if Koh is around, but anything light coming from a human, such as laughter or love, will give this next villain pause for thought. Enough pause for you to run away, at least." Long Yumao must be massive now, given how Korra's eyes began to glow and her limbs moved in forceful, controlled movements, slowly forming an intimidating mass three or more times the size Koh had been.

Once the part ice, part dye creation was finished, Mako could hear screams from the crowd as the huge serpentine form opened its dark beak, "saying" as its yellow eyes stared into the crowd, "I am Long Yumao, rightful Grand Dark Spirit. That fool Vaatu knows nothing of power - he just wants to cause chaos!" Korra let out a sickening laugh as the spirit's beak moved in synch, saying as it drew closer to the crowd, "I've always hated you filthy humans, and Raava even more - she's so soft, thanks in large part due to her time spent with humans - the 'Avatars' you all revere so highly." Mako watched as Korra made the beasts' mane, hide and eyes pulse sickeningly by bending the pigments, finishing by making Long Yumao "say", "I am the perfect foil for Raava now - not Vaatu. That weakling wants chaos, and doesn't care if it is humans or himself causing it. I want to rule all of humanity with an iron beak, and destroy Raava, once and for all."

Korra made a show of giving Long Yumao wide-open eyes as she yelled, "I know one thing you can't stand - human love!" dragging the ice puppet back to the stage, her eyes glowing. Korra said, holding up a necklace Mako had seen her wearing earlier, "Let's see how you like this - my betrothal necklace!" She was about to press the jade amulet into a "shaking" Long Yumao's side, but stopped suddenly, her face flush. Mako ran over to see what was wrong, prompting Korra to say, "Wait - no, no, no! Not right now! Don't look at this thing, Mako - it's… chipped on the back!" Korra sputtered out, "At least I'm not floating" as Mako looked at the somehow opened back anyways, quickly suppressing a surprised snort. Mako said in Korra's ear, very quietly, "I didn't know you were an artist, Korra - that picture of Asami is amazing." Korra blushed, saying softly, "Thank you for the compliment, Mako, but it wasn't supposed to open like that. I guess I got carried away by the moment, and thankfully, not literally. I'll need to bind it in metal strips at future events." Mako was disappointed to see Asami's artwork quality naked body vanish, bitterly remembering she had once "dated" him. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, Mako tried to see Asami's form again, failing miserably, making him even more frustrated. Mako opened his eyes in time to see Korra finishing through with her original motion. Korra pressed the jade amulet into the ice puppet's side, using her bending to turn him to steam at the same time bending the pigments back into their respective containers.

Apparently seeing a familiar face in the crowd, Korra said, "Just what you are doing here, Geraldo? How'd you get here so fast?" "Geraldo" - wherever that name came from - laughed, saying, "I took a biplane as soon as the press conference was over. Avatar Korra, do you care to share what was on the back of the jade amulet with us?" Korra's faced flushed red in anger, and then she formed a wet, sloppy snowball from the remnants of the steam from the ice puppet Long Yumao and flung it into Geraldo's obnoxious face, saying, "No, I do not! Now be quiet!" While Mako knew everyone was laughing at this Geraldo, Korra thought they were laughing at her for some reason, prompting her to say huffily, "I guess you're all done with what Avatar Korra has to say, but I'm not. Just remember - no emotion when dealing with Koh; think of those you love when dealing with Long Yumao. If my foot and Asami's fist can reduce Dark Korra to the size of a four-year old, someone thinking about their loved ones when striking a Dark Spirit with a blade or bending should hurt them. That is all - now, for an Avatar closer to home: Avatar Roku."

Her eyes finally no longer glowing after Roku appeared on stage next to her, he said, "I am Avatar Roku, the last Fire Nation Avatar. I may be remembered for stopping Sozin once, but I deeply regret sparing his life. I do not have much to say, other than this: hold no quarter against the enemy, be they spirit or human. If you decide to show mercy, make sure to do something like what my successor, Avatar Aang did, and neutralize your enemy properly, or imprison them as Avatar Korra did until Kuvira's second, much greater change of heart. In the case of someone like Firelord Sozin or Jinshu Kuangmai, show no mercy: they are both irredeemable individuals." As Avatar Roku finished to cheers, he vanished - to be replaced by another Avatar, this one a lot more familiar.

Given Korra's face, she was as surprised as anyone else to see Aang's image, the little boy saying, "One of my greatest legacies as well as Zuko's is Republic City. Someone here knows a lot about it - Mako. May I present Mako, friend and one-time romantic interest of Avatar Korra, as our next speaker?" As Mako came closer to Korra and Aang, Aang whispered, "You better get Kuvira while she's available, man - I think Zuko still regrets not snagging Katara." Apparently, Zuko had heard Aang's comment somehow as he said, "Shhhh!" loudly at the same time Mako did, Aang vanishing with a more typical laugh. Thankfully, Mako wasn't blushing as he faced the crowd. He told his childhood story of loss, poverty, illicit dealings, how much Republic City meant to him, finishing with a tear in his eye, "Once the Spirit Civil War is over, I would hate to see the Fire Nation back out. Without your support, Jinshu Kuangmai may just re-form the Earth Empire completely - Republic City and all. It would not be long before he turned his sights to a different target - the Fire Nation." Letting the murmurs die down, Mako continued, "Given the hatred he holds, a lot of it likely for the Fire Nation after the disgrace the Earth Kingdom suffered during the 100 Year's War, and the power of the regrown Great Banyan tree in the Swamp, he will try to enact a reverse genocide. This time, the Fire Nation would be on the receiving end. Think craters like the one in Republic City, but going for miles - there would be nothing left of my mother's ancestral homeland left but craters and volcanic glass."

After he stepped down, Mako barely noticed the loud applause he had received and was surprised to hear yells of "I'll volunteer!" or earthier proclamations of service involving personal vows to incinerate Jinshu Kuangmai's… equipment. Korra took him aside, saying, "Good job - especially with making sure the surprise isn't ruined for our favorite earthbender." Korra gave Mako a big hug, and as he savored her form, Mako realized he did miss the embrace of a woman. Badly. Korra must have noticed, as she said, "I'm Asami's now, Mako - but I did see a lot of myself in Kuvira, remember. Maybe that will be some consolation."

When Mako closed his eyes after he broke the hug with Korra, he saw two young orphans holding hands together - one with a mole, the other wearing a red scarf.

The little girl giggled happily, saying, "Don't worry, silly - I won't hurt you," to the fearful red scarf-wearing boy. The little boy with the red scarf let out a quivering sigh, hugging the little girl deeply, pleading desperately, "Don't leave me like your parents did - please. I don't want any more hurt." The little girl cried some, saying, "If you'd accept me, I'd never leave you, cutie. Don't reject me - please."

As he smiled and took a deep breath, thinking of Korra's locket and his own longing for something more in life, the little girl with the mole stopped crying. She grew to full size as the boy in the scarf vanished, finally wearing nothing but a soft smile on her distinctive face.

Mako kept his eyes closed for a long, pleasurable time.