Book 5: Humanity

by Freedom0153

Korra wanted peace after defeating Kuvira. Then life happened. During her Spirit World vacation, an unlikely gift from an old friend caused a great rift between many spirits and humans. Even conflict with the Earth Empire wasn't over, Kuvira's surrender opening a vacuum. To restore balance, Korra needs any allies she can get, finding her growing love for Asami giving Korra peace.

40. Chapter 40: Ember Forged

Chapter 40: Ember Forged

Get up – you need to eat.

Her eyes opening slowly, Korra was surprised to see a large slab of earth above her and hear many different voices. Sitting up with effort, she found herself staring into beautiful jade green eyes. It took her a moment to process who was staring at her, saying, "Asami? Wha… where did the earth above us come from?" Asami's face looked concerned, saying, "Korra, you need to drink this. I think you may have had a little bit of heatstroke." Asami picked up a large cup of tea with ice cubes in it, Korra downing the entire thing without question, finishing the pot it came from as well. Korra felt herself wake back up enough to function, idly wondering why Asami hadn't given her Jang Hui kelp tea. Feeling hungry enough to eat a baby shark whale, Korra asked, "Is there anything to eat? I'm starving!" Asami grabbed her gently, saying, "We have enough shark whale meat left for one last meal. Your parents are out hunting with Lin and Su for another shark whale or other large animal, already having ate." Asami's face looked queasy, saying with effort, "I think I need to eat something as well – Atokara's been yelling at me for not eating ever since you flew off on your own, to make this amazing factory somehow." Korra stood up, feeling the energy from the cold sweet tea start to energize her again.

Looking around, she noticed that Lin, Su, Bolin and Kuvira must have teamed up to make an addition to the island factory, Bolin and Kuvira staring at a large table spread with food hungrily along with everyone else. Korra asked Kuvira, "What are you waiting for, Kuvira? You and Bolin look as tired as I am!" Bolin pointed a finger at Asami, saying, "Pregnant ladies and Avatars first. I don't know how you made this place, Korra, but you need the food more than I do." Looking out a window idly as she rushed to the table, Korra stopped, saying, "What's that big ball of wires?" Kuvira laughed, saying, "You eat, show us what in the blazes you did to make that huge factory, then we'll talk."

Korra found no fault with this plan, noticing that she ate just as much as a dizzy-looking Asami did. Finishing her second plate of shark whale and rice, Korra began to chase it with a large pitcher of what she thought was ice water. At first, Korra was confused by Asami's exclamation of, "Wait, no!" given that the water tasted normal. When Korra sat the pitcher back down where it had been, she figured out why Asami had asked her to stop. Pointing at a large metal pitcher of what must have been sake, Korra asked, "Is there any particular reason you put the sake right next to the ice water?" Korra gave Asami a funny look as Asami said, "That's not sake – it's in a barrel outside this new dining hall, chilled by a big block of ice. That's Jang Hui kelp tea." Knowing that Jinora and Kai didn't bring much Jang Hui kelp tea back with them, Korra asked as she got up from the table, "I thought they only brought some holdfasts and tea in containers back, not enough for a whole pitcher. And what's the sake for?"

Asami looked uneasy, finally working up the courage to say, "When we install your dual armblades, you're going to need to be pretty drunk. We're going to be cutting in to your arms to install the spiritwire, remember." Korra laughed, saying, "Why didn't you just tell me? I wanted to see what being drunk felt like anyways! And you still didn't answer my question about the Jang Hui kelp tea." Asami laughed lightly, saying, "The alcohol won't completely kill the pain, Korra, so it should still be painful. Let me show you why we made Jang Hui kelp tea." Korra walked with Asami past what must have been the semi-orderly ball of spirit wire she saw earlier to an odd covered deep pond and waterfall that looked ornamental at first glance. Korra rubbed her eyes, saying, "Wait – is that Jang Hui kelp I see in the bottom? How did it grow so fast, and how is the water flowing?" Asami looked proud as she said, "It's full of fresh water that Kya and Katara purified for me after Bolin and Kuvira bent the pond and waterfall for me. Varrick, Zhu Li and I hooked into the factory's electricity to power a pump and chiller for the pond." Asami said, walking over and pointing to a Jang Hui kelp frond, "I wanted this pond to just be for fresh water and decoration, but Kai tossed a holdfast in on a whim, wanting to see what would happen. The holdfast grew rapidly to the size you see now." Asami laughed, saying, "Atokara demands to go see Sharktar after seeing this kelp. I think Tenzin, Pema, Kai and Jinora were having a serious talk with Meelo about Sharktar, last I saw them."

Korra was confused – Jinora and Kai were supposed to be at Hei Bai's forest by now, and Jinora's staff finished. After asking Asami where they were, Korra ran over, staring at all the equipment around her as she did so – inside the factory, and out. As soon as Jinora saw Korra, she yelled, "Hei Bai can wait – we need to convince Meelo to not go anywhere near Sharktar first. When he saw the Jang Hui kelp, he figured out what the little censoring was." Korra now close enough to see Jinora's face clearly, she didn't like the young airbender's look. Jinora said, as though choking back tears, "I talked to the Painted Lady in the Spirit World, and she said that Hei Bai is no longer extremely hostile. Apparently, he tried to incinerate the Painted Lady multiple times, only Raava's energy and some good evasive maneuvers protecting her. He's still very angry over what the Earth Empire did to his forest, so the Painted Lady says Kai and I are still needed, though not urgently." Jinora cried slightly, saying, "When the Painted Lady got there, he had red lines all over his enlarged body, with some splotches of purple and blazing yellow eyes. She managed to calm him down enough so that the purple disappeared, but he still has yellow eyes."

Knowing if she was to talk to Jinora that Meelo would have to be dissuaded first, Korra said, "Just a minute – let me see if Sharktar can show me something to put Meelo off rushing ahead artificially", focusing on what she knew of Sharktar's energy as she closed her eyes. When Korra opened her eyes, she was in Sharktar's oasis as a blue projection. Sharktar said, "Ahhh, I was expecting you might come here, Avatar Korra. Before you ask, no, I will not join Raava's side in the Spirit Civil War. I need to stay here and make sure any humans who shouldn't drink from my pool don't do so." Korra bowed, saying, "I was not here to ask your assistance with the Spirit Civil War, Sharktar. I understand your reservations. I'm here on a more personal matter – convincing Meelo that drinking from your pool is a bad idea. He figured out what had been censored after seeing the Jang Hu kelp grow to full size immediately after being planted in a cool flowing freshwater pond." Sharktar hissed, saying angrily as steam left his blowhole, "I'm a forgetful spirit, Korra. I should have remembered something like that might happen. There's something major I'm forgetting about the effects of my water on humans, but I should be able to show you what would happen if Meelo isn't patient. Just ask one of the Raava aligned spirits floating above to touch me, and it should be able to transmit the image I see of a 22-year old patient Meelo and impatient Meelo." Korra looked at one of the spirits above, asking, "Spirit, will you touch Sharktar for me, please?" The spirit trilled, its odd blue form touching Sharktar's head. Sharktar took a deep breath, saying, "Meelo incoming."

The first image of Meelo looked remarkably like Aang, though more muscular. He still had the same odd bumpy head, given how the arrow on his head didn't look completely flat. The image smiled warmly, embracing some black female form, the image vanishing after he hugged the female form. Korra was disturbed by what she saw next. What must have been the impatient Meelo had no airbending master tattoos, his cultural heritage replaced by a chest full of ribbons. He leaned a massive arm on the black outline of a fighter jet, rubbing it with intent, as though it was his only love. Korra saw only a glimpse of the jet, noticing something that disturbed her, Raava intoning an explanation of what the little symbols on the side of the plane meant.

Those denote combat kills. Earth fighter pilots have them on their planes.

Korra somehow knew this Meelo didn't have an angry sadness at having to kill, instead being proud of his accomplishments for their own sake. Korra sighed deeply after the image vanished from her mind, saying, "I guess you were right, Sharktar. That will be all." Before she could break the connection, Sharktar said, "WAIT! If you thought an impatient Meelo was disturbing, you need to see Atokara! Atokara incoming."

Puzzled as to why Atokara would ever break her promise about Sharktar, Korra scoffed to see the first image, saying, "Okay? I've already seen my daughter fully grown, Sharktar. Including her wedding dress." The image broke, Sharktar scowling as he said through his sharp, pointy teeth, "I do not waste people's time. Much less that of an Avatar, Korra. Just because Atokara has Raava's energy inside her does not mean she is immune from needing to mature. I know she isn't even born yet, but for my tastes, she shares too many traits with Azula. If she drinks of this pool, you will get this, though I cannot remember how. Remember – I am a forgetful spirit."

Korra saw an image she could hardly believe. Korra said indignantly, "You men to tell me this thing that more closely resembles Dark Korra could be my daughter? What sort of sick joke is this? It looks like she married Vaatu, given her black and red dress!" Sharktar didn't bother breaking the image, merely saying grimly, "You need to take a good, hard long look at this, Avatar Korra, and show Asami and Atokara immediately. I will be using the spirit's help to infuse more action and especially energy, in case Atokara's corrupted eyes, dress and hair braids aren't enough to convince you."

Korra felt an indescribable dread as she saw Atokara's beautiful Asami black twin hairbraids begin to pulse… with red lines. She heard Atokara scream loudly, "I want to fight and kill! Death to those who oppose Vaatu!" and begin to make sickening hand movements, feeling as though her own soul was going to break in two when she finally noticed the eyes.

The blood red eyes.

Korra started crying, saying, "Make it stop! Stop!" Sharktar glumly said, "I am not aligned with Raava, and can thus do what I think is good for you. Now watch – maybe you can help me puzzle out the difference between patience, and corruption or evil." Korra listened to Atokara say things like "I want everyone who made fun of momma Korra and mommy Asami to suffer as I do!" Atokara periodically began to weep, making her hair flash white and blue, only to be turned jet black and red after horrible angry yell from what must have been Vaatu and an involuntary jerk on Atokara's part. Korra couldn't stand it anymore, asking, "Why, Atokara, why? What made you this way?" Korra gasped to hear Atokara respond, crying through her beautiful blue, true eyes, "When I drank from Mister Sharktar's pool, I turned into this. I cannot remember what happened to you or momma Korra – only the awful growing in my head. My brain… it felt as though it coursed with evil energy. I was left with an insatiable desire to kill, Vaatu gradually gaining more and more control as I did so, Raava and my mommies a faded, sweet memory. I wish I had never drunk from that pool… I wasn't… ready." With this, Atokara cried mournfully, only stopping when her eyes flared red and her hair morphed black and red, matching her twisted soul. She yelled loudly, "It's all Sharktar's fault! If he hadn't forgotten that accursed side effect, I would be normal! DIE!"

An audibly panicked Sharktar broke the vision, saying, "I think that vision was getting entirely too genuine for its own good at the end there – just look at my blowhole." Korra gasped in horror, saying, "How on earth did that give you the beginnings of red lines?" Sharktar shrugged, saying, "The fact that my head was right next to this terrified spirit probably didn't help. I think I remember the side effect now." As soon as the small, whimpering spirit left his rubbery forehead, Korra said, "Come here, little spirit – it's okay." Korra's head shrank back in shock as she saw the little spirit turn a dark green, saying angrily, "I no like you or Raava anymore! Your daughter mean! Avatar mean! Shoo! Me find enemy of Avatar that not Long Yumao!" as it floated away rapidly, a few small red lines forming on its body. Remembering how Dark Spirits aligned with Vaatu appeared, Korra said with little relief, "At least it didn't turn red and purple like Hei Bai was. We both know what that means – Long Yumao doesn't have a new adherent." Sharktar sighed with grating annoyance, saying, "As if a little rogue Vaatu aligned spirit is any better. You aren't as clever as you think you are, Korra, standing up to Raava's foolishness, Raava feeling love for you like she did with Wan except stronger or not. That spirit's probably headed for Jinshu Kuangmai right now, given he is the closest thing in existence to a 'Dark Avatar'. Which, I may add, is what your daughter would have partially become, the only reason she couldn't bend all four elements being she's a waterbender in the first place." Korra laughed weakly, saying, "I guess there's something about water. First, Unalaq, and potentially, my poor little girl… Speaking of which, what caused her to go evil like that? Or Meelo to only love his Ferocious Lemur?"

Sharktar sighed, saying, "IF I remember correctly, though the human body grows normally, their brain matures along whatever arc they were on when they drank of the pool's water, immaturity and all. If you had somehow drank of the pool after incinerating Tarrlok, massacring Equalists and killing Amon, you yourself may have become the first Dark Avatar." Korra gasped, saying, "Really? Your pool's water is that powerful?" Sharktar disconcerted Korra by laughing hysterically, saying through a wide-open maw, "NO! The power of the human spirit is that strong, though you would have not fully 'blossomed' as Dark Avatar Korra until Harmonic Convergence. Your soul would likely have been sullied enough by that point, with Tarrlok, many Equalist's and Amon's deaths on your hands, that Raava being inside you would have been a moot point. Seeing what you were like back then, you may have even relished killing after some point, much as your own daughter might if she ignores this vision. Geh – I just got a vision of you decimating the Northern Water Tribe in the Avatar State that I won't share with anyone, ever."

Korra sighed deeply, listening with dejection as Sharktar continued, "Atokara 'was' affected so strongly because of the energy of Raava inside her, easily switched over to its polar opposite, that of Vaatu. An impatient Meelo obviously never discovered his softer, even spiritual side, being stuck as a warlike man, though no longer possessing the brain of a nine-year old. Both their brains were those of 22-year olds, though warped from what they would be if they wait – at the very least until they are emotionally mature. I believe Atokara's last bit of clarity and light before her hatred for me was her speaking from her soul, and not her brain." Sharktar chuckled nervously, adding, "Though, given the energy managed to turn that small spirit, maybe she meant that last bit with her soul…"

Korra sighed, bowing deeply, saying, "Thank you, Sharktar. I need more people and spirits like yourself who are willing to talk to power without fear. I've come a long way from Mako being so terrified of my anger that he wouldn't man up and tell me we broke up. I want no toadies around me." Sharktar nodded, saying, "If all I am required to do is act as an advisor, I would gladly serve on your side of the Spirit Civil War, Avatar Korra." Korra shook her head, saying, "No – you're of most use without Raava's energy. Even Wan Shi Tong is acting very… unusual after his conversion. Give me a minute." Korra took a deep breath, thinking, "Raava, I want you to grant Sharktar access to Wan Shi Tong's library, particularly unimpeded access to the Plane: Earth wing."

Korra snickered as she saw Raava's human-y form apparate next to her, yelling indignantly, "No, I will not grant Sharktar access to the library, much less the Plane: Earth wing! I may have erased everything except the good parts of what you saw earlier, but only because I was outvoted! I'm the boss here – Plane: Earth's equivalent of 'God'! I can give you advice just fine, with the other Avatar's help!" Korra said gently, channeling something else entirely, "One of Earth's greatest prophets, Jesus Christ, convinced… this being you speak of to change… his mind on numerous topics. If you truly love… me, you will grant… my request. Raava." Korra laughed hysterically, knowing full well who she had just channeled given the pauses, saying, "You want to learn to be more human-y, Raava? Then you need to understand that love isn't just take – it's give as well! We both know what that tight feeling in my chest meant earlier. Now grant this wise spirit access to Wan Shi Tong's library and the Plane: Earth wing, please!" Raava cursed angrily, saying, "God's not supposed to cheat! What was that?! I certainly didn't authorize it," making Sharktar laugh hysterically, cackling, "Sounds like someone is mad about being told what to do – and not just by Korra. Now leave me be, both of you, so I can read more about this 'Plane: Earth' from the comfort of my pool. This 'God' sounds hilarious." Korra laughed as Raava pedantically corrected Sharktar, saying, "Technically, he's the 'good guy', and the 'Devil' is the 'bad guy', just like me and Vaatu."

Korra shivered, hearing a familiar voice say in her own head, "I… too… have… learned… from…humans. Hitler… and… Stalin… were… most… informative." Glad she didn't recognize either name, Korra's face flushed in anger, saying, "I thought we sealed your sorry butt out – I still love you! Now shoo!" Taking no satisfaction in the pathetic shrieking she heard or the screech of "Maybe I will! You're just like that human annoying goody-two shoes from my plane! Bye!" Korra explained what had happened. Before either Sharktar or Raava could respond, Korra said, "I did forget to include my love for my parents, Team Avatar, my new love for Raava and Naga in the seals. Though, something the way he said that last bit makes me think he won't be back." Korra would have laughed at how Raava said, "Yes, ma'am!" but resisted, saying, "Now let's go show a slightly edited version of what just happened to everyone." Sharktar hissed loudly, saying, "You have nothing to hide, Korra. Tell everything that is relevant, though I wouldn't bother with naming the entities." Flattening his wide, toothy mouth in a displeased expression, Sharktar continued, "In fact, I fear Vaatu may learn from humans as well – Jinshu Kuangmai would certainly make a horrifying teacher." Korra said, the blood draining from her face as Raava gave her temporary knowledge of both Hitler and Stalin and their deeds, "I think you're right, and that little Dark Spirit might just help Toph's wayward son. I should try and track it down, and kill it."

Remembering the whole reason she had made the island factory and all the spiritwire, Korra said, "It's about time we made those dual armblades. Goodbye, Sharktar – I think you fill find the literature section most amusing. Apparently, people on Earth want a fountain of youth, not a fountain of age." Sharktar laughed, saying, "I guess they want to overstay their welcome on Earth. I wouldn't be surprised if they had an… unfortunate celestial accident, should they have actually found such a pool." Raava, no longer looking like a school child who had been lectured by the President of the United Republic of Nations, said, "Now let's go work on something a little more concrete. As partners."

Korra broke the connection, glad to see that she didn't have an army of loved ones around her, ready to strike. Korra focused on her parent's energy and that of Su and Lin, seeing they were all on the island. Striking her hand against the ground, Korra simultaneously dodged a very friendly Naga and sensed that the island had been expanded again in her absence. Taking a deep breath, Korra projected Raava out, intending for her to make an announcement in her large form. When Korra looked to the sea, she was shocked to see a gigantic giggling girl say, "If we're going to be more equal, no more of that other form unless it's needed. Got it?" Korra laughed, saying, "Okay – you might want to grow to a more appropriate age though. A little girl isn't terrifying." Raava put her hands on her "small" hips, saying dejectedly, "I believe a wise four-year old woman once surprised some old stick in the muds by bursting through a wall and saying 'I'm the Avatar, and you gotta deal with it!'" Once the laughter had died down, Raava said, "Korra has something important to show you about how she was able to make this factory with my help, Sharktar's pool, and our changed relationship."

Once Raava had returned, Korra said loudly on her own, "And I don't want people discussing 'What does it all mean?' or 'That vision was horrible!', either, standing around idle. We've got four different projects to do, Jinora's staff first. Talk while you work, if you would." Looking at Asami, Korra said directly, "Though there is one person I'll want to sit and talk with myself. I imagine Tenzin will want to have a family talk as well." Frowning in disgust when Meelo said loudly, "Does that mean I can visit Sharktar? Huh? Huh?" Korra lost her temper, saying hotly, "After I show you what drinking that damn water would do to you if you drank it right now, and especially what would happen to Atokara if she drank it after birth, you're going to regret ever even hearing about Sharktar, Meelo. And quit crying – wait, nevermind. You're probably going to be crying in a minute anyways, so what's the point?" Ignoring the angry yells and criticism, Korra flashed her eyes, slamming her hand into the ground, first imparting the island creation and the factory, then spending a good time making sure every detail of what Sharktar had shown her was imparted. Korra stressed the part about Atokara and herself especially, ignoring Asami and her parent's weeping. After Korra finished imparting the interaction between herself, Sharktar, Raava and the "uninvited guests", Korra took a deep breath, adding in a, "Sorry for getting angry, Meelo. I just got carried away from remembering Atokara's… result," at the end for good measure.

Korra began to say something, but was immediately knocked over by a concerned Naga, her spirit animal and pet howling as she did so. Korra laughed, saying, "Get off, you silly beast! It's not like I infobended you!" Korra looked around, noticing the Poki was looking back and forth between Asami's belly and Korra with wide eyes from atop a surprisingly calm Meelo's head, and Pabu was snuggled in between a laughing Opal's breasts, staring at Korra. Shaking her head, Korra said loudly, "Wait – what? Given how Naga, Pabu and Poki are acting weird, don't tell me I can infobend animals as well…" Korra attempted to push Naga off her, saying, "Come on, girl – don't crush me! I'm fine!" Korra was surprised to hear both Asami and Meelo laughing along with everyone else as Naga laid down on top of Korra's legs, licking her face gently.

No longer grumpy and glad that neither Asami nor Meelo were blubbering messes after seeing the nasty side effects of Sharktar's pool, Korra joined the laughter, hugging Naga's massive head and saying, "I missed you so much, Naga. If only you could fly like Appa, or one of those stupid super heroes…"

Korra shook her head, placing her hand on Naga's forehead properly as she thought, "Up, girl! I have some work to do." Korra began laughing hysterically when she heard a response that her brain translated, much like with Bumju's trilling, as, "No – Korra need Naga kisses. Korra good girl, like Naga." Korra thought, before removing her hand, "If you can think, Naga, maybe I shouldn't eat meat." Korra placed it back, curious to see why Naga whimpered slightly, laughing as her brain translated her pet's thoughts. "Jinora eat meat, Naga eat meat – Korra eat meat! No eat meat weird. Wrong. Naga hungry! Too hot here." A crude image of a shark whale carcass on a snowbank appeared, not in full color, as Korra heard Naga bark excitedly.

Remembering the hunting party from earlier, Korra got up, Naga finally getting off her body. Naga lowered her massive head, Korra climbing up on Naga's back on impulse, followed by Asami and Meelo shortly after. Korra let Naga take them all towards some unknown destination, Meelo saying, "I don't want to drink from Mister Sharktar's pool any more. At least, not until I get my airbending master tattoos and find whoever that girl was. I don't wanna be like Iroh II, married to the military." Asami smiled slightly, saying, "Atokara doesn't want to go anywhere near that oasis, and she seems very genuine about it. It took me a while to calm her down." Korra turned around, hugging Asami tightly, surprised to hear Atokara's voice say with effort, "Momma Korra would never be the Dark Avatar. Right, momma Korra… right?" Korra chuckled nervously, saying, "I can see you're having a harder time with what Sharktar said about me than your own vision, which is good, I guess. I don't know what would have happened had Tarrlok not blood-bended me in his office, and I don't really want to see the alternates either. Earth's apocalypse was soul-wrenching enough, and I don't really want to see Sharktar's little vision he had of an amoral me decimating the North in the civil war."

Korra hopped off Naga's back, staring at Lin, Su and her parent's handiwork in awe. Feeling a little information flow from Raava, Korra said, pointing to one of six huge, muscular flying fish, "I've never seen this animal before. It looks like a cross between two fish Raava just showed me from Earth – a flying fish and a huge 'Atlantic Bluefin tuna'." Korra projected Raava out, asking, "Why have I never seen this fish before, or even heard of it?" Raava shrugged, saying, "You should probably ask your parents, Lin or Su. I didn't see them kill these fish." Noticing that all four were off to the side, working on a seventh flying tuna, Korra walked over, asking, "Mom, dad – did you notice anything odd about these fish when you killed them?"

As her mother, Senna, focused on freezing large chunks of flying tuna in ice blocks that seemed colder than the South Pole, her father said as he did the same, "You can't see it now, Korra, but these fish – they have some sort of weird camouflage when they're alive. We only found this school when Lin was swinging a long hunting cable around in boredom, accidentally slapping what looked like shimmering thin air with her cable. Su shot out six pieces of metal on some instinct, striking the others in the head with her metalbending and killing them instantly." Korra said, feeling a small information flow as she did so, "Apparently, there's something like a squid on Earth that can disguise itself by changing color – a 'cuttlefish'. Though not as well as these flying tuna." Walking over to a massive discarded fin, Korra asked, noting it looked like a cross between a proper fin and the wings on the Ferocious Lemur, "Speaking of flying, why are their fins so strange? Surely, a fish can't airbend?" Korra's eyes widened as Lin said, "Yes, they can. When I tried to rein in the one I slapped with my hunting cable, wanting a better look, it took me on a long drag through the surface of the sea, periodically submerging to breathe. If your mother hadn't dried me off, I'd still be soaked."

Korra nodded, saying, "I guess that's why no one ever really managed to catch one until now. Hang on a minute – Raava wants me to show you something." Korra closed her eyes, seeing a horrible pair of twin images. The first was a massive boat that was a horrible sight to behold, blood running everywhere on the deck and massive steel blades for butchering whatever animal was laying on the deck, already dismembered. After Korra had taken in the odd huge partially butchered form on the deck of the ship, she heard the words "blue whale" in English, the awful image on the left replaced with a "whale" more massive and majestic than the shark whale Korra had killed in defense of the Zhu Li and for food. She could sense somehow that it was just as smart as herself, feeling a gigantic heartbeat as she looked at it intently.

The image began to vanish as she heard the English words "almost extinct", only reforming fully when Korra heard the words "conservation" and "survived like airbison". After the image vanished, Korra noted with a queasy feeling that what she recognized as a finless Bluefin tuna from earlier replaced the image practically looked like a ghost. Some men who looked vaguely like the citizens of the Fire Nation haggled in something Korra was told was "Japanese." Once a deal was made, the beautiful fish's body faded slightly, white and blue English text appearing instead of the image that said, "While most nations eventually stopped hunting whales, people see these beautiful creatures as 'just stupid fish,' and this specific species' outlook is grim."

Korra opened her eyes, imparting what she had seen to Lin, Su and her parents. Senna and Tonraq looked disgusted, Senna saying, "That's just awful! I don't know if Raava showed you, but she added a little extra. Apparently, much like the Earth Queen wanted airbison steaks because they are rare, Japanese businessmen eat that beautiful yellow-finned fish as a status symbol." Tonraq spat on the ground, saying, "That poor whale… I don't want to see any more of Earth for a while. I got Raava's point, though – continue to take only what is sustainable from the sea." Korra started crying, saying, "Raava showed me something else while you were talking. There were native people in 'North America' before English colonists arrived, and most of them had a similar attitude to yourself, along with a people in the frozen north that reminded me of our own Water Tribes. It took everyone else a long time to even partially see things their way on man's relationship with nature, with many species becoming extinct before the idea of conservation was accepted."

Korra savored her mother and father's big hug, laughing as she felt Naga lick her hair into a horrible mess. Korra felt something snap into place in her chest, hearing Raava intone Seal completed. No further intrusions should take place. With Korra's help, half the remaining flying tuna were sliced and frozen deeply to kill parasites, and the others were cut up, Korra cooking them with her blue flame. Idly noticing that the base had more dragon's fire than before, she dismissed the flame, turning around, hoping to give Asami a big hug. While Naga was still behind Korra, looking at the fish expectantly, Asami and Meelo were both by the huge semi-orderly ball of spirit wire with frustrated looks on their faces. Noticing that Varrick, Zhu Li, Jinora and Kai were also nearby, Korra yelled, "Why don't you guys come get something to eat, and we can talk about whatever problem you're having then?"

Once everyone had eaten some seared vegetables with the flying tuna, Naga chewing contentedly on a large chunk of fish, Korra said, "It sounds like you're having some trouble with Jinora's staff. What's the issue?" Korra was surprised to hear Kuvira speak, saying glumly, "Nobody can get their weapons working properly. No matter how much we try, the metal of Jinora's staff and the blades of Bolin and Mako's weapons can still be deformed by someone else's metalbending. While you were off doing business with Sharktar, Varrick and Zhu Li finished producing spiritwire." Varrick nodded, saying, "Mr. Tuber-Vine can regenerate a crazy amount. Even after all that spiritwire, he still looks normal." Korra laughed as she heard a "HMMMMM HMMMMM" from underneath the table between Varrick and Zhu Li. Noticing that no one had talked about her armblades, Korra asked, "What about my weapons? Has no one tried making them yet?" Seeing shaking heads all around, Korra said, standing up, "Why don't you show me everyone's work so far, and we can go from there."

Korra didn't like the nervous chuckle she heard from the brain trust as she left the building, walking over to where the ball of spiritwire was. Even Mako, Bolin and Jinora seemed ill at ease, Jinora finally admitting, "Nobody has actually made the whole weapon yet. Apparently, Varrick wanted to work out the metalbending issue first, given what he told me when I walked over, asking if y staff was done yet." Korra said gently, "Sounds like a good idea to me. I just want a little Asami break before we start."

Korra savored her embrace with Asami, saying in English, "Even since 6:00 in the morning seems like too long, Assami," punctuating her words by grabbing exactly that. Asami giggled, saying in the same language, "You better hope no one learns English, Korra. I can't wait to talk dirty with it – it seems more appropriate."

After one last hug, Korra got an idea from feeling the form of Asami's betrothal necklace press against her own chest. Korra turned around, saying, "I need a large table, eight pieces of sterile metal, four marble cups, and four different balls of spiritwire, one twice the size of the others." Once she had helped Bolin with the marble cups, Korra enlarged one, saying, "This one is going to need to be bigger," as she doubled its volume. Not entirely sure who should go first, Korra finally decided she and Asami should be the first ones.

They both already had blood-augmented jewelry.

Korra placed her hand to an inquisitive Asami's forehead, imparting her idea. After she heard Asami think, "That's ingenious!" Korra removed her hand, missing the feeling of oneness acutely. Picking up one of the sharp pieces of metal Mako had flame-sterilized, Korra said, "I'm sure you all know that my necklace has some of Asami's blood in it, and her necklace has my own blood in it. I think if the spiritwire and metal are infused with the blood of two lovers – me and Asami, in my case – that the metal should no longer be bendable by an outsider. Don't worry – I'm going to go first." Korra was moving her hands, getting ready to bloodbend her blood into the cup, but stopped when she heard Jinora say, "Wait! My staff is more time-sensitive than anyone else's project, so do me and Kai first."

As Kai and Jinora approached, Asami tapped Korra's shoulder, saying, "Given how blood can dry out, maybe we should do the blood collection last." Korra nodded, saying, "Let's at least form the physical staff. Jinora, what kind of metal do you want it in?" Jinora paused, thinking. Pointing at Kai and then Su, she said, "Steel. I want it to remind me of Kai, and his new family." Korra smiled as Kai kissed Jinora, Korra saying, "That should be easier to work with. Did anyone happen to bring the mockup of Jinora's staff?" Asami whistled, Naga running over as Asami said, "I figured Naga could carry them all, including Bolin and Opal's."

Before Korra could bend out Jinora's staff, she heard Opal yell, "Wait – I'm getting one too? What is it?" Korra went ahead and removed the staff, shield, small sword and the odd-looking armor for Mako from a pack on Naga's side, saying, "It's a defensive shield Asami came up with that you hold with your left hand. What's wrong?" Opal said, holding her palms out, "I don't think that would work well with the new double airbending projectile gloves Kuvira designed. Can you think of something else I might like?"

Korra said, racking her brain for an idea as she did so, "Sure – just give me a little bit." Korra thought of all the weapons she knew of, having a hard time thinking of something appropriate for Opal. On the verge of giving up, Korra remembered that Earth hadn't always used Lipowder weapons, thinking, "Raava, do you have any suggestions?" Korra saw an unexpected figure appear, saying, "Aw, come on, Korra! I just showed you all sorts of weapons skills earlier – surely, you could remember what a guandao looks like!" Korra laughed, saying, "Excuse me for not being Miss Encyclopedia. Why does that one in your hand have two blades, though?" Sokka smiled, saying, "I managed to get Wan Shi Tong to let me take a look at the War section, and looked at all the different bladed weapons there. This seemed appropriate, given how Opal is an airbender – she should be able to spin it, creating a vortex." Korra thought, "Bye, Sokka – thanks for the help!" idly wondering how Opal was going to twirl such a weapon.

Once she opened her eyes, Korra used spare metal to form the large shape, saying, "This is what Sokka suggested – a guandao. I don't really know how you would manage to twirl it and create a whirlwind like he said you might want to. Maybe you'll need to come work out at Avatar Korra Gym." Opal looked at the weapon, saying, "If the handle is lightweight, I should be able to use it properly, even with its length. I just don't know of anything light enough." Korra smiled, saying, "We could just use a hollow steel tube, reinforced like this." Korra bent the metal of the handle, using the metal she no longer needed to create small struts on the inside. Her eyes now glowing, Korra let Raava tweak the form, savoring the feeling of a different kind of oneness as she did so. Looking at the new form, Korra said, eyes no longer ablaze, "The inside of it looks almost biological. What is that, Raava?" Raava appeared in front of Korra, saying, "Your idea was already pretty close, Korra. That inner portion is modeled after the inside of bird's bones – both here and on Earth. It is strong, yet lightweight and inflexible." Raava returned, Korra's eyes glowing again as she let the spirit finish her job at Raava's insistence.

When Korra felt her arms stop moving, she looked at the form in front of her, surprised to see a fully formed weapon. There was even spirit wire embedded into the metal and two marble symbols for Air near the center of the weapon, a large hole in their centers where Opal would grasp the weapon. Opal grabbed it, trying it out and using her bending to make full use of the weapon, laughing in glee as she did so, saying, "This is perfect, Korra! Thank you! Now, to just get Bolin's and my own blood incorporated into it." Korra nodded, saying, "Apparently, Raava can only do that full control thing once in a while. She's already done it twice today, so I doubt the other weapons will just become like that one did, or the factory." Opal smiled, saying, "That's good – I want to help Bolin make his sword anyways." As Opal ran off to get Bolin, Korra looked around, noticing a very large boat approaching slowly, with a lot of metal on its deck – the Zhu Li.

Brought back to the presence by a voice that said, "Are you going to bleed me, or what? Let's do this, before I change my mind about it being too creepy." Korra laughed, saying to a nervous Bolin, "Don't worry – this shouldn't hurt at all. Now stay still, and let me do my work without interruption." Etching Bolin's name into the small sliver of metal she was going to use to cut her friend, Korra said, "Form a fist for me, Bolin – it should help." As soon as the sharp metal edge cut Bolin's skin, Korra entered the Avatar State, taking out a medium-sized blob of blood with one hand and placing it into a waiting cup, then sealed the wound with the other using the humid air as a water source, eyes no longer glowing. Korra noticed that a small mark remained, saying, "Okay, Opal, you're next." As a small blade with Opal's name on it approached, Opal had an odd request, saying, "I want you to try using bloodbending to heal the wound. No water. I can see the little mark on Bolin's arm."

Korra followed through on Opal's odd request, surprised to see it worked. Korra shrugged once Opal's blood was mixed with Bolin's, saying, "I guess it makes sense – blood is mainly water, after all. Here – let's do a little experiment. Mind if I cut you again? We're going to need more blood for Bolin's sword anyways." Opal nodded, saying, "Sure – you might want to use the blood on my guandao first, though." As Korra manipulated the blood into the shaft and covered the spiritwire and blades with it, she couldn't help but admire Raava's handiwork. On each blade, there was a small flush hole to let Opal airbend out of as she had earlier. Korra could sense there was a smaller, inner tube in the weapon's shaft, connecting an inlet in the middle of the two Air symbols to the holes in the blades themselves.

Once Korra had completely infused the blade with Bolin and Opal's blood, she tried bending the metal, finding she couldn't manipulate the handle, not even in the Avatar State. Eyes still glowing, she asked Bolin, "Does it feel like you can bend the metal of the weapon? I can't." Bolin very carefully poked the metal tube, moving the wall in and out slightly. Korra smiled, saying, "Good – it looks like my idea worked after all. Now let's do that experiment, Opal – I should be able to seal the container to prevent the blood from drying out."

Korra saw a brief flash of a strange red bag with a cross on it. Korra realized what it was quickly, knowing she would need to make sure there was no air inside the container. Bolin was first, Korra taking blood and using bloodbending to heal the second incision. Bolin said, "That feels much better – like you fixed the first cut completely as well. The mark is gone too. Let's see what Opal thinks." Korra used water to seal this wound while not in the Avatar State, Opal wincing slightly as she said, "Just use bloodbending –the cut still hurts." Korra said, remembering what her own weapons would require, "It sounds like I'm going to need to be drunk enough to dull the pain, but not so drunk I can't heal myself after installation of the armblades. Let's hope I'm not a violent drunk. Better have some shirshu poison ready, just in case."

Korra was surprised to hear an older woman say, "I can help with that." Turning around, Korra saw both Mai and Ty Lee next to Shiro, who was messing with a piece of radio equipment. Ty Lee said excitedly, "Wow, Korra – I guess you really did make a whole factory by yourself! Come on, Mai – let's go inspect it!" As they both left, Shiro said, "I contacted Firelord Izumi about this factory, and she wanted me to move the radio equipment here. Mai and Ty Lee volunteered to help oversee the factory, Mai apparently being bored of being bored." As Korra, Bolin and Opal laughed, Shiro smiled, continuing, "The Firelord was amazed to hear of your feat, Korra, and looks forward to using this factory to help produce war equipment. If you wouldn't mind expanding the island for my radio equipment and helping to set it up, I may be able to contact Ba Sing Se." Properly sealing the container of Bolin and Opal's blood before she left, Korra followed, noticing with relief that Bolin followed.

With his help, they expanded the island again, making enough room to properly house the advanced radio equipment, even making the "tree" look natural, placing it near the Jang Hui kelp pool. Feeling tired and realizing that they would all probably be working late into the night, Korra projected Raava out, asking her, "Can you tell everyone to come to this artificial pool? If we want to get our work done before sunrise, we'll probably need some kelp tea for everyone." Raava nodded her head, yelling with unnatural loudness, "Everyone, come to the Jang Hui kelp pool – Korra has something she wants to say!"

Once everyone was there and she had gotten a distracted Varrick's attention, Korra said loudly, "We've got seven blades, a staff, and two pieces of very specialized equipment we need to make before we leave this new island. I can't just fabricate them all like I did the factory or Opal's guandao – Raava told me that if I let her control me directly too often, I might lose my sense of self." Korra said, pointing at the Jang Hui kelp pool, "Anyone with bending or technical expertise that can help speed everything along will need to drink some Jang Hui kelp tea, and likely more than once. Yes, that includes Meelo, and no, I will not make him restraints." Korra laughed heartily as Meelo said, "Yay, Miss Korra! More of that tea!" as Pema sighed deeply, saying, "I guess he is a member of the brain trust now… just don't get on my nerves, or else." Pema laughed deeply when Meelo said, "You don't have to try and scare me into line, mommy. That vision of Atokara did the trick." Given Asami's ashen look, she did not find it funny in the least, Korra remembering with a start she never really talked with Asami or Atokara about what they saw in earnest. Korra finished, saying, "I need to talk to Asami while everyone else helps prepare more kelp tea. Jinora and Kai, don't worry- Jinora's staff is next."

Korra ran over to Asami, who looked like she was trying to console Atokara again, given the tears on her face. When Korra touched Asami, she heard a familiar, nasty unwelcome voice laying in to and lying to Atokara and Asami with relish. After she unbuttoned Asami's vest, Korra placed her hand over Asami's heart, thinking of Asami's love for her father, her lost mother, and Team Avatar as she did so. Korra felt Asami join her thoughts after a while, Asami thinking of Republic City and the workers of her company, Future Industries.

Letting something other than her brain or Raava take control, Korra bent an impromptu earth tent, savoring the rush of blood to her head and crotch. Korra hugged Asami tightly, saying, "He won't bug you any more – especially not after this," shuddering in pleasure as she grabbed Asami's breasts directly from behind. At first, Korra just focused on the physical sensations and skin she felt, having felt "deprived" of contact, given how Asami hadn't actually grabbed her flesh at that annoyingly early hour this morning. Korra started crying, her hands still as her soul felt cold as she said, "Where'd the oneness, the love, go? When I just focused on your wonderful body and what I was doing to it, and nothing else, it felt like… I don't know what! Not that I ever did anything like it, not with the White Lotus guarding and 'teaching' me so vigilantly… but it was like I was doing it to myself, without any real pleasure." Asami laughed heartily, saying, "That sounds about right - I was no stranger to thingies in my youth, and after a while, it just felt… hollow. No matter what I tried, or looked at, or how long I waited. Like a chore that needed to be done, to satiate my base urges. I eventually stopped entirely, the heartbreak of thinking that I'd never get to share my play with someone making solo depressing."

Remembering Asami's doppler, Korra turned Asami to face her, saying, "Maybe we should wait until later to do anything really interesting." Asami shook her head, saying, "Now, just hugging you is interesting, Korra. Though, I wouldn't mind a bit of play myself…" Puzzled by the references to "play", Korra said, "Let's just see where our bodies take us." As Asami nodded, Korra let her inhibitions go again, surprised to feel her hands resume their previous position, contentedly sighing as Asami returned the favor, one arm automatically moving out of the way. Savoring everything she felt, Korra laughed when Asami said, "Your clothes are just inconvenient. My arms are killing me! So awkward. Stupid tight shirt…" Korra began to laugh, but intense pleasure interrupted her, saying with heavy breath afterwards, "This isn't exactly a natural position for me, either, not with you grabbing." Noticing Asami didn't seem satisfied, Korra moved one hand to Asami's backside, squeezing as she said, "I love you, Asami Sato, without reservation. I want you to be mine, and me to be yours." The fact that this made Asami shudder and moan where physical contact had failed made Korra start to cry, saying, "You're just so beautiful, and I'm glad you found someone to play with - me." Korra savored feeling a warm love flow through her being, along with something else hot that just complimented it, as yin did yang. Korra held Asami in the standing "embrace" for quite some time, both their hands still idly playing as Asami giggled along with her in the darkness of the earth tent.

Seal definitely completed. I wanna be human! Damn stupid "responsibilities" and "obligations"…

After Korra had expanded the earth tent enough to move properly and made a hole for light to filter in, Korra made herself and Asami presentable again. Korra laughed to hear Atokara "say" when Korra made a last grab at Asami's chest, "Wow! Unless boys just blow me away, I think I know what I am, after that, mommy Asami." Asami laughed, saying, "You'll just have to wait and see, Atokara. I didn't really think myself a lesbian until I was 12 or so." Korra smiled, saying, "She seemed awfully earnest, Asami, to me. As earnest as when she said she'd never visit Sharktar." Asami started crying lightly, saying, "I think you're right, Korra. It's just too bad if you're right, she'd never be able to have children…"

Love finds a way.

Shaking off the second repeat she could remember of this strange comment, Korra stamped her foot into the earth a final time. "Let's go back outside, Asami – we can wait until everything is done for more. I can't wait to see what sex with Jang Hui kelp tea and the Avatar State is like." Asami nodded her head eagerly, saying, "Maybe I won't give up after an hour and a half this time. Let's go. Although…" Asami pointed to her partially open vest, saying, "Let's see if we can fix your own clothes. Atokara reminded me about her own low-cut dress, and I want to make a similar change." Creeping a hand over Korra's own breasts, Asami said sultrily, "I think we'd both like it if you joined me in a wardrobe change." Asami added, in English, "These puppies need to breathe, Korra." Korra laughed, saying, "Let me get some metal, and we'll see what we can do."

Korra opened a door in the shelter far enough to bend some metal inside, forming a pair of razor-sharp scissors for Asami, saying, "You know where to cut better than I do, Asami. Just don't get too carried away. I'm going to close my eyes." The first thing Korra felt cut was the collar around her neck, Asami saying, "This thing always seemed to me like it got in the way of your movement. This isn't just about allure – it's practical." Korra suppressed a snort, sensing Asami was lying quite badly, but couldn't wait to see what Asami had done with her wardrobe. Korra liked the attention Asami paid to her top, only stopping Asami when she got carried away. Korra said curtly, "Hey, I like my pants! Don't mess with my legs!" Asami giggled, saying, "I can't wait to see your face, Korra – I cut more than just your breasts 'free'."

Curious to see what Asami meant, Korra inspected her upper body in an ice mirror, liking what she saw. Picking up her shirt's shoulder, she was relieved to see there was still a bra strap, saying, "I'm glad you just 'let my puppies breathe' instead of turning them loose entirely, Asami." Korra moved her shoulders, noticing that she did have a freer feeling – aside from the obvious. Korra saw a significant amount of her own brown flesh in the mirror, saying in English, "Looks like someone wanted some eye candy. Gimme those scissors, and let me see if I can fix it some more." Keeping one hand steady to hold the ice mirror and using the other to manipulate the scissors, Korra began cutting away parts of her bra her other brain told her were unnecessary. Using some of the metal to make sure it didn't pop off, Korra set the reduced scissors down, saying, "There. You want to take a look, Asami? Wait – what did you do to my stomach?" Asami laughed, saying, "Oh, that. I just thought it a crime for any more of your beautiful chocolate to be hidden than was necessary. Given your trimming of your bra, you must agree." Korra nodded her head, saying, "I wish we had chocolate here. Here, let me show some more delicious chocolate. Even its name sounds delicious." After Korra had removed some more cloth, stopping about an inch below her breasts, Asami grabbed Korra, playfully saying in English, "And so are you," before licking Korra's newly liberated cleavage. A small voice of reason in Korra's head objected, but she gave in willingly, saying, "I need to trim your vest after we're done!" with baited breath. Asami disappointed her greatly by stopping, saying, "Why don't you give me a surprise wardrobe change of your own, Korra?"

Her good deed done and the tyranny of Asami's button top gone forever, Korra appreciated her work, gently placing a hand on Asami's much more open vest. After showing a pleased Asami her new expanse of sexy white skin that had replaced the useless red fabric of her upper vest in the ice mirror, Korra bent the metal inside Asami's special bra, saying, "For the good of our shared company, your most underused assets need re-distributing, Asami. I hope you don't mind me making a business decision," in English. After Asami's breasts were sufficiently prominent, Asami giggled, saying, "I guess all my bras will need to have metal now. I'll help you revamp your own wardrobe later. Maybe I can… convince you to part with most of those stupid pants." Korra laughed, saying, "Never! First I cut my hair, then you cut my top, then I remove even more – you'll never cut my pants!" Asami smiled coyly, saying, "I guess I'll let it slide – you seem to like my skirt, after all." Korra nodded, saying, "Let's go outside – I wonder how Tenzin will react to our new clothes."

Korra opened the earth tent, smiling, and then laughed at what she saw, saying, "It looks like we weren't the only ones busy being creative!". Varrick and Zhu Li were sitting next to each other, furiously scribbling ideas down on paper, occasionally tossing a sheet into a large pile. Kuvira was studying a piece of metal like it was a profound book, re-forming it constantly and scribbling down notes, periodically saying, "So that's how we can make that work!" Korra looked at one of the drawings with a start, saying softly, "What is that thing? Wait – Raava says it's a 'computer'!" Given Asami's blank look, Korra had forgotten that Raava had just streamed information to Korra, explaining, "I remember Kuvira talking about the insides of her highest technologies, and mentioning 'kuviricon transistor chips'. Apparently, the Jang Hui kelp tea also acts as a mental enhancer, given how it looks like Kuvira figured out one of Earth's most amazing technologies – computers. Based on what Raava just showed me, her drawing looks like it skipped an entire phase of development – 'vacuum tubes.'" Asami grabbed Korra's hand, saying, "Just show me – it will make a lot more sense." Korra tried to impart what Raava had let flow, but she found it gone, the information having apparently been fed to her and taken away immediately.

Let's just see how the technology progresses here, Korra. There is nothing unnatural about Jang Hui kelp tea induced inspiration. Sneaking a look into another plane for technology is.

After Korra told Asami what Raava had said, Asami laughed, saying, "Okay then. Before we split up with Kuvira, I'll want you to transfer what she knows to me, though. Everything, especially the spirit vine technology and her 'computer'." Korra nodded, saying, "That sounds like a good idea. Now let's get busy – we've got a lot of work to do." As Korra walked around, she noticed that Meelo was busy trying to draw something of his own, Bumi drawing something next to him excitedly and a wide-eyed Shiro was assembling a weird radio device with the help of Su, and Bolin was talking animatedly with his brother about how to properly forge their swords. As Asami and Korra approached an exasperated looking Jinora and Kai, Asami chuckled, saying, "I think I'll wait to drink any Jang Hui kelp tea until Jinora's staff is done. It doesn't look like it's good for focus." Jinora stared at Korra and Asami in rapt attention, saying, "Whatever you did to your outfits, you'll need to do it to the wingsuits. Especially Korra's top. To, uh, help more airbenders fly like Kai and I." Kai laughed, saying, "You probably want me flying around in my underwear, Jinora! The wing suits are fine." Jinora pouted angrily, saying, "I just want to see more than your shirt, Kai." Kai ribbed her, saying mischievously, "I didn't say anything about plain clothes Air Nation attire. I think any airbenders who want to nurture their earthly tether wouldn't mind seeing some more skin, myself included, though probably not as much as Korra is showing." After a quick kiss, Jinora looked very distracted, as did Kai.

Korra coughed, saying, "I can see something else that isn't good for focus, aside from Jang Hui kelp tea." Jinora laughed, saying, "Sorry – you're right. I don't even really have breasts worth showing off yet anyways. Everyone in the braintrust except Asami drank the tea, and they're pretty focused – just not on what we want them to be." Korra laughed, saying, "That tea sure does sound interesting. Given it sounds like a stimulant, I should probably not drink any until the 'surgery sake' leaves my system."

Asami took out the drawing of Jinora's staff, saying, "I need iron, spiritwire, cloth and some wood for this, Korra, if the staff is to act as a glider." As Korra stared at Asami's assets, Jinora said, "Hang on a second – I don't need a glider, I can fly! Give me a pencil, please, Asami – I have an idea." After a light ribbing from Asami, Korra watched Jinora erase the glider portion, using the extra space to add what looked like three strongboxes. Korra's eyes widened as she saw Jinora add a broad, thin blade with twin strange ridges in the center to the other end, erasing and extending the staff slightly before she did so. Jinora pointed to the boxes, saying, "That's for extra air projectile storage, as well as some food, water, and Jang Hui kelp tea. And a picture of Kai. The blade is to let me create an air sword, like Aang always wanted to." Jinora laughed lightly, saying, "Don't worry – I won't use it as a lethal weapon unless I have to. It's mainly intended to knock down a large number of people at once, the blade of air extending from the ridge down the middle via spiritwire." Asami said, politely grabbing the pencil back, "Why don't we add a bulb above the blade that holds a lot of grenades? You could use your staff to shoot them out a hole above the blade, letting you do physical damage." Jinora nodded, saying, "Sounds good. Now, to just get some help in forging the blade and making the staff."

After Mako and Bolin were drawn away from their own discussion by Korra's request for help, Korra remembered that Lin had also been given blade knowledge. As Lin approached, Korra said, "Hey, Lin. Want to help Jinora forge a blade?" Lin laughed, saying, "You look ridiculous. That top looks more like something from my mother's time. I don't understand why you cut away what little protection your clothes afforded, but then again, I wear this metal suit to bed, so what do I know." Korra laughed as Lin continued, "It seems like everyone but the adults are getting new equipment." Korra put her hands on her partially liberated hips, saying sourly, "I'm 22, you know, and about to have a child of my own." Lin laughed, saying, "Sorry – I just remember you as that cocky 17-year old I met in Republic City in my office sometimes. Age isn't all it's cracked up to be. I'll help, but I do think the older adults deserve something as well." Korra nodded, saying, "You and your sister should be pretty easy, though I have no idea what we'll make for Bumi or Tenzin. I imagine Bumi might want a special tank or plane, now that I think about it." As Korra walked back to Asami and Jinora and Kai, she said, "On second thought, my parents and Tenzin might not even care for anything special. They all like bending just fine, like I do. It would take a lot to convince me to get into a mechasuit."

When Korra turned to look at Asami, she felt her resolve slipping a little as Asami said, "Sweetie, if you had a mechasuit when you fought Zaheer, he wouldn't have been able to poison you, given your skin would have been completely covered by metal. Just because you're the Avatar doesn't mean you don't need protection. The little modifications we made to your outfit don't exactly help in the protection department either." Korra sighed, bending a representation of Jinora's staff out of earth, saying, "Why don't I go get what we need for this, and then we can talk." Seeing that Bolin, Lin and Mako had no idea what was needed, Korra let Asami and Jinora explain the new design, Korra noting with pleasure that Mako didn't stare at her body once. Korra jumped back as a large ironworking table rose from the earth, Bolin saying, "Sure – no problem! Just get us some more metal and an assortment of gemstones, and we can get started. I want Opal's weapon and the others to look good as well." Bolin blushed, saying, "She'll probably want me to make some adjustments of my own to her outfit, wingsuit and all. Kai, maybe you should go talk to her before she sees Asami or Korra." Remembering that Bolin now shared Piandao's mastery of blade and art with her, Korra said, "That sounds like a good idea, Bolin, on both counts. I'll probably want to add some blood-augmented gemstones to my own weapons, and not just for show." Asami nodded, saying, "The other gems could be for more than just show as well – spirits aligned with Long Yumao hate human love, and the gems could be linked to the spiritwire, just as my beautiful betrothal necklace will be linked to my suit." Korra smiled, saying, "I like being able to see your betrothal necklace so clearly now, Asami. On a more serious note, let's see what Raava has to say, before I go."

Korra projected Raava out, asking, "Do you think you could do what you did on our betrothal necklaces on other gems?" Raava started laughing, saying with envy, "I want a dress like yours, Korra! Though, I am 'four years old', so that would be sort of sick." As Korra shook her head, trying to get the image of a great spirit in a suggestive dress out of her head, Raava messed her face up as she said, "I don't know – we'll have to find out. Just keep in mind, you can't take too much blood at once. Everyone who has blood taken will need to eat well tonight." Korra thought Raava was done, but she continued, saying, "If Korra decides to modernize and accept a suit, she would be able to power it with the Avatar State, her past lives and my own energy. Sort of redundant, but whatever." Before Korra could ask what would power the suit, Raava said, "You don't need tuber-vines when you're directly hooked to the ultimate power source." Korra was about to object, but then she remembered how she had lost three years of her life to Zaheer's poison, saying, "Maybe you're right. I'll try to think about it some more. I'd want the suit to look exactly like me, though, complete with my new style." Realizing what the "direct power source" would be, Korra said, "Or maybe I won't have a suit. I'm not having spiritwire implanted directly on my heart. That sounds like a recipe for disaster."

Raava sighed dejectedly, saying, "You're already going to have spiritwire connected to your main arm chi lines. I fail to see how this is so radically different. We should be able to hook the suit to the spiritwires you're already going to be installing, with little ports in your armpits." Korra nodded, saying, "Okay – you've got me to at least think about it again. Now I'm going to go grab what we need and then some, and be back soon."

With that, Korra recalled Raava and flew over to the massive mineral vein island. When she touched down, she struck her hand against the ground, eyes glowing brightly. She could make out much more now, sensing a very heavy, dense vein of ore she hadn't before. Moving her hands carefully, Korra withdrew a large chunk of it, forming a metal sheet. Grunting with surprise as she tried to toss it, Korra said, "This stuff's heavy! It feels like it could block anything, yet it's so malleable!" Korra closed her eyes, trying to make sense of the soft, heavy metal, seeing a strange apron when she did so.

Take it to the Korranium vein.

Korra took this heavy metal she decided to call Tophinum, remembering how stubborn and thick Toph could be, though not in the stupid way. When Korra approached the section of the vein where the fissile Korranium should have been, she felt no energy. Opening a small hole in the Tophinum, Korra noticed she could sense the awful energy of Korranium again. Korra stepped back, letting the Tophinum sheet clatter to the ground. Not really caring that Tophinum could block the energy of Korranium, Korra started to turn the Korranium into slag, but found her hands frozen.

Korranium isn't just good for war or electrical power, Korra – it can also be used in medicine, among other metals you haven't found yet that also emit Asami particles. Now take some of the Korranium back inside a Tophinum ball – it will be safe, and not burn anyone. This Tophinum would make for a very good lining for everyone's suits as well, should Jinshu Kuangmai unlock the metal's horrible other secrets. It's highly unlikely- science is nowhere near cracking the secret of the…. very very very small thing.

After laughing at Raava's last minute censoring, Korra got to work, savoring the feel of the sea breeze on her chest and bare midriff. Remembering how she actually liked the cold, she realized she wouldn't mind this change of dress at all, even at the South Pole. With a "spring in her step" she might not have had without her changed clothes, Korra left this Korranium ball for last. Korra took two loads of iron ore, one load of copper ore, two loads of some other metals that Raava told her Kuvira and the factory would need, and a large batch of gems. Korra paused after each load for a water break in between, making sure to show off her reduced clothing.

There were enough gems at the end to decorate not only the weapons but the suits as well, a huge chunk of sapphire for Korra's own suit, Zhu Li's and Varrick's. Korra even took a large chunk of brown quartz, intending to inlay it beneath a clear coat of hard resin to mimic her brown skin. Remembering that the metal of her suit could just be painted, Korra kept it anyways, knowing she'd need it for four, maybe five different projects and their symbols for Earth.

By the time Korra was done, she noticed that Jinora's staff was fully formed, blade and all, Mako and Bolin now working on their own weapons. Opal and a slightly calmer Zhu Li were assisting Bolin, while Varrick and Kuvira were helping Mako.

After resting and eating, Korra told an excited looking pair, "Before I infuse your blood into the staff, Jinora and Kai, I want to perform a small experiment with Raava." Eyes glowing, Korra picked up some opaque quartz and dark brown quartz, using a combination of lavabending and metalbending to affix the symbol for Air and Earth around the steel cone head of the staff, avoiding the spiritwire carefully as she did so. Korra motioned for Jinora and Kai, saying, "Bolin and Opal may have already told you about bloodbending healing. Before you leave, I want you two to help me convince my parents, Katara and Kya to help with my surgery tonight. It should still be a full moon, and I want the wounds to heal fully." Korra added, with a sour tone of voice, "As well as a failsafe if I am an angry drunk."

Jinora and Kai both nodded, Jinora saying, "I always wondered if bloodbending could be used for good. Now let's infuse those gems with our blood, and see if Raava can do what she did for Asami's necklace." Once Jinora's blood was inside the symbol for Earth and Kai's inside the symbol for Air, Korra projected Raava out, saying, "Are you ready?" Raava shook her head, saying, "Not yet. I think you might need both their blood inside the quartz, given their love is young, and more importantly, not directly linked to me." After Korra modified the gems, Jinora stepped forward holding Kai's hand, saying, "We're ready."

Raava grabbed the pair's hold on each other as Korra lowered the staff into Raava's reach. Raava smiled as she acted as a conduit, saying, "Your love feels stronger than that of Bolin for Opal or Kuvira for Mako. I guess there's a reason you can fly, and Opal can't just yet." When Raava appeared to be done, Korra saw the staff and its unique blade clatter to the ground, the spiritwire glowing slightly. Korra tried to pick it up with metalbending, but found she couldn't, even after recalling Raava and then booting her out again. Raava smiled, saying, "Looks like we found a way to avoid taking too much blood. Let's go talk to your parents, Katara and Kya, Korra, so that Jinora and Kai can leave." Kai picked up the staff, wielding it wobbly but managing to bend through it. Jinora's attempt was must the same, saying after she set the form down, "I think Kai and I could benefit from some blade knowledge, Korra. I've never tried to handle a weapon before, much less a hybrid like this." After Korra had imparted her knowledge to them both, Kai said, "Think I can have one? Or would that take too long?"

Korra frowned slightly, saying, "If I let Raava control me too often directly, I'll lose my sense of self, apparently. Sorry, Kai." Jinora said, while playing with the staff like it had been part of her whole life, "What if you try and use your own spirit, Korra? You remember how you managed to face off against UnaVaatu without Raava's help." Korra nodded, saying, "Raava, you stay out of my body for this." Raava laughed, saying, "Unless you plan on making Kai's staff with just waterbending, I don't think that will happen. Here I come."

Korra took a deep breath, remembering her own energy from Harmonic Convergence, finding it was much more powerful now. Thinking of Asami and Atokara, Korra let her spirit come through as a power source, finding she could bend and manipulate the four elements with much more precision. Adding her past human lives into the mix, she found she was able to form another staff for Kai easily, not even needing Raava to infuse his love for Jinora into the staff. Korra was panting, exhausted at the end, saying, "I may be able to do what Raava did and fabricate something of great complexity, but I'm completely exhausted. If I rest up, I should be able to use this to make my own armblades later, but other than that, I'm done with this new weird method." Asami tapped Korra's should lightly, saying, "I'll go get us some regular tea, fried rice and flying tuna steaks, Korra – I'm getting hungry again too. It's almost 3:00 PM." Kai said, playing with his staff as he did so, "I'll get Katara, Kya and your parents to come to you, Korra. You look like you need a rest. Jinora and I need to leave to convert Hei Bai after I get everyone together."

As Korra relaxed inside the large dining hall, she fell asleep, content in Asami's embrace. Korra saw a spirit Korra in front of her, thinking she must be dreaming. Korra was shocked when the ghostly blue form spoke, saying, "I'm like a muscle, Korra. The more you use me, the more you grow, the stronger I become. The stronger we become – not Raava, not your past lives. You won't be able to bend all four elements with just me, but even water alone is powerful, as our daughter, Atokara, showed us." Before the vision vanished, Korra asked, "How can we undo the damage the White Lotus did to us? We've always been defined as our role as Avatar." The image vanished, a thought going through Korra's head instead.

"You need to love yourself too, you know. Asami and Atokara can help you with that. 'I' grew the most over the past few months, especially the past week. Don't be afraid to use our power – Long Yumao will not go down easily."

When Korra woke back up, Asami's hand was in Korra's cleavage with a concerned look on her face, saying, "Your heart was beating awfully fast. What happened in there, Korra?" As Korra explained what her spirit had told her, Korra felt an immense peace, loving the reaction she got. Asami, her parents, Katara and Kya took turns hugging her, Katara saying, "I wondered where you were, Korra. Now let's get you some food, so you can see what Bolin and Mako's finished products look like." Katara added, smiling, "I'm glad you found a positive use for bloodbending. We'll help with your surgery."

Korra dug in with gusto, savoring the taste of her food all the same. Once Asami was finished, Korra got up, saying, "I want to see what Bolin and Mako accomplished. The lavabending sword intrigues me the most. Let's go." Once they were at Bolin's work station, Korra explained the two new techniques, stressing the gem making large amounts of blood not necessary. Bolin picked up his sword, saying, "I know you just said that you probably can't do the fabrication technique again, but given what you said about your spirit acting like a muscle, I think you should try. I think I want a two-handed weapon now. Like Opal's, but still a sword." Korra smiled, saying, "I suppose I can try. But I think there's something I need to do first. This might take a bit."

Korra took a deep breath, meditating on her childhood and what the effects of her isolation were. When she opened her eyes, she noticed she was looking at a purple four-year old Korra, who was crying. Seeing her own hand was blue, Korra reach out, saying, "It's okay, sweetie. Those meanies with the White Lotus can't hurt you or keep you away from your parents now. We're all grown up, and we can do what we want." The purple Korra crossed her arms, saying, "I want them to pay for what they did! Nobody should be taken from their parents at the age of four, even for short times! I want a real childhood – even your kids won't have one!" Korra sighed, saying, "Revenge doesn't get you anything but hurt. You saw the images I have. Earth being turned to a glass shell. Jinshu Kuangmai would readily do the same thing to the Fire Nation, probably hitting the Air Nation and the Water Tribes next. You don't want to be like him, do you?" Her smaller self shook her head, saying, "No. But I still feel angry, and cheated. Nothing will ever fix that." At first, Korra was disheartened, but remembered something from her childhood – the Red Lotus kidnapping.

Taking a deep breath, she asked Raava, "I need access to an alternate of our own world where there were no precautions taken and the Red Lotus kidnapped me and raised me as a weapon." Korra smiled as Raava intoned, Good choice, Korra. Your hurt over Aang's orders should melt away. Zaheer would have had an even worse childhood for you – one of indoctrination, hate, violence and no contact with your parents, period. This is one memory that I strongly suggest you keep permanent – maybe even share with people you think would benefit from it. But I could be wrong…

Korra agreed, noticing that her purple self was staring at the same mover screen she was. Korra felt the pain of separation after the successful kidnapping, Zaheer's twisting of her soul, and watched her 17-year old self dispatch world leaders in "poetic" ways. She killed Zuko and his daughter Izumi with blue combustion blasts fueled by hatred and focus, crushing Earth Queen Hou-Ting under a wave of earth as she gave some cheesy monologue. The earth turned to lava once the Queen was dead, incinerating her body. Even though he was a member of the Red Lotus, Unalaq was the next to go, his form shredded by a million icy shards, Eska and Desna drowning inside a huge block of ice. She devastated the Republic City council, even without the Avatar state, only Tenzin escaping and calling for everyone to try their best and get Korra back under control. He even asked Equalist forces for help. Now came the part she dreaded the most.

Tenzin and her parents.

Korra cried as she saw the life leave Tenzin's eyes, his breath having been stolen, the Equalists not having gotten to Air Temple Island in time. Korra cheered weakly when she saw her body freeze as Aang and Raava appeared in front of her. Aang said sadly, "I wish I had kept you safer, Korra. Just look at yourself. You're a brainwashed murderer, unable to use the Avatar State because of how twisted Zaheer raised you. Look deep inside – do you really want to kill the last airbenders?" Both Korra and her purple four-year old self cried deeply when this Zaheer Korra said, "The four nations must be abolished, no matter the cost!" Before Korra could make good on her threat to Tenzin's children and wife, her body froze, then it began to painfully jerk around. Korra even heard some bones snap, then felt the pain her dark, confused alternate felt.

But only briefly.

Korra watched the next rapid set of images in horror, not wanting to think about what they meant, only glad she never got the chance to kill the rest of Tenzin's family or her own parents. One image refused to leave her head – that of a remorseless Asami in an Equalist mask, apparently now Amon's beloved, shared sentiment overriding the age gap and Asami's sexual preference, somehow. She was the one to kill Korra while in the Korra was in the Avatar State, with help from an unexpected older, metalbending master. Korra had even seen Mako and Bolin's faces fleetingly, as well as Lin's. Apparently, Amon had started accepting help from anyone, desperate to stop Zaheer's little minion from spreading complete chaos in Republic City. He came out about being a waterbender much earlier to try and rally as many people as he could to Equalize the world. In a very different way than he had originally wanted…

By removing the Avatar, and establishing one totalitarian world government in the wake of the chaos Korra had caused.

Hugging her purple self tightly, Korra said through tears, "That was awful! I think I can handle some emotional hurt more than that." Korra felt her blue arms close forcefully, realizing that her small self must have returned to her, healed somehow.

When Korra opened her eyes, she started hugging Asami strongly, asking her, "Do you want to see what I saw, Asami?" Asami shook her head, saying, "No, I don't. You look like Raava showed you something a lot more personal than Earth, and a lot more disturbing." Korra nodded her head, saying, "Let's just say I'm glad the White Lotus protected and taught me now, instead of Zaheer and the Red Lotus." Korra stood back, shaking her head, unable to get the image of Tenzin losing his breath by her hands or an Equalist Asami out of her head.

Memory wipe complete. I was mistaken to recommend you keep that memory, Korra. Only the lessons and peace remain. I feel what you feel, and I definitely don't want to feel like that. I just put that alternate into a special vault in the Spirit Library, only Wan Shi Tong able to access it. I certainly don't want to see it again…

Now smiling, Korra said, "I can't remember it now. Raava wiped it from my memory completely. Now let's make Bolin a proper sword." Korra was able to fabricate Bolin's new sword and a decorated sheath by pulling from her own spirit, much as she had Kai's staff, using the saved blood from before rather than drawing more. Korra even added opals to Opal's guandao blade bases, blood infused into their centers and the stone linked to spiritwire. Korra admired her handiwork, saying with only slight exhaustion as she stared at the opaque blood gem and its brown blood gem counterpart on the other side of the blade's base, "That matches Opal's weapon much better. Let's see you swing it, Bolin." Bolin picked up the massive five-foot sword, saying, "Wow! This is amazing, Korra. It doesn't feel too heavy, either." Korra laughed, seeing the first thing Bolin did with the sword. Bolin used it to carve a large heart in the ground in lava a short distance aways, saying, "Opal, want to practice sparring? I feel like swinging this sword for days!" Opal laughed, saying, "No lavabending or airbending – just blade fighting. And remember, I didn't drink any of that crazy tea, so be careful." As Opal and Bolin went to their love fighting ring, Zhu Li followed, saying, "Wait for me!"

Asami and Korra walked away from the sounds of laughter and striking metal, approaching a wide-eyed Kuvira, Mako and Varrick. Kuvira said seriously, "I don't see why we need that factory if you can just use raw materials to make a sword that would have taken hours to make normally. You could make all the mechasuits in one go, with that kind of power." Korra explained what had happened, finishing, "I feel very tired, just from making Kai's staff and Bolin's two-handed sword. I need to save my strength for my own armblades, and it looks like you're almost done with Mako's swords anyways. Why don't I add some appropriate gems, and get Raava's help to turn them into blood gems." Kuvira nodded, saying, "I already picked out one gem to use and some silver ore. I can't lavabend, so I can't fuse them together like I want them." Korra studied the sword's form, saying, "I assume the gems go in that round hole in the blade's head. Are you sure that's stable, Mako?" Mako shook his head, saying, "That part of the blade doesn't really do much anyways, and the gem could act as a power enhancer. Just take some blood from us both, and we'll try it out."

Korra carefully took the ruby and piece of silver ore, forming two hollow yin and yang symbols with the ruby symbol for Fire and silver symbol for Earth replacing the appropriate "eyes" of the symbol. Korra filled each hollow one at a time with Mako and Kuvira's blood, eyes still glowing as she finished. Once the twin blades had the holes filled with the unique symbol, Korra drew bits of the blade's metal over as well as bits of spiritwire, for artistic, structural and practical reasons. Feeling tired as her eyes stopped glowing, Korra projected Raava out, saying, "You do the thing, Raava. I need a rest." Raava shook her head, saying, "Come on - you just healed a major emotional wound earlier. At least give it a try. Just think of Asami and Atokara." Korra took a deep breath, recalling Raava, though she did not intend to rely on her - in the conventional sense. Thinking of Asami, Atokara, her parents and Raava, Korra tried to do to the ruby and silver symbol what she had done for Bolin's sword, pleased to see the ruby begin to glow much as her own jade necklace did - yellow and red.

Mako yawned slightly, saying, "I think that tea is starting to wear off. Let me test the swords before it wears off." Kuvira and Korra watched intently as Mako took the swords, using them as one to generate lightning and send a large bolt skyward. Kuvira smiled, saying, "Let's see what kind of fire you produce with those when I kiss you." Mako didn't blush when Kuvira gave him a peck on the cheek, Korra looking at the multicolor fire in awe. Glad to see two things working out, Korra said, "Before I go, Kuvira, Asami wants me to pick your brain - literally. She wants the spirit weaponry technology, as well as this 'computer'." Korra had to stamp her foot to get Kuvira's attention, saying, "Hey! I just need a second, then you can do whatever you want." Given how Mako blushed when Kuvira said, "Or whoever I want," he still wasn't ready for much. Korra said with a laugh, "Mako doesn't like to go fast, Kuvira. Now give me your forehead."

Once Korra was done, she yawned, saying, "I think last night's sleep, or lack of it, is coming back to haunt me. I'll show Asami all this stuff, then I need a nice nap. I will hopefully be rested enough to fabricate my armblades - and my suit." Korra smiled as she heard Raava intone Good - you need some protection. I don't want you dying in the Avatar State - not after ten thousand years of hard work. Kuvira nodded her head, saying, "Before you make a suit, I assume powered by Raava's energy, let me help you with the design." Korra smiled, saying, "I did just take all your knowledge on spirit weapons, but help never hurts."

Korra placed her hand to the ground, half tempted to knock a laughing Varrick onto his face. She resisted, pinpointing where Asami was instead, telling Varrick curtly as she walked off, "I don't know if laughing at Kuvira is a good idea, Varrick." Korra stopped dead in her tracks as she heard Kuvira join him, saying, "It's fine - I'm above petty insults now. It takes more than a laughing team member to hurt me."

Once she approached Asami, Korra noticed her eyes were wide. Korra said excitedly, "I guess you finally drank the Jang Hui kelp tea, Asami. Perfect timing - let's see what you come up with this stuff from Kuvira." Asami laughed, saying, "I haven't drank it just yet, Korra. I was just taking in this factory. What you and Raava did - it's amazing." Remembering Ty Lee and Mai were supposed to be touring the factory, Korra said, "Let's go inside. I haven't gotten a good look at it yet either."

When they stepped inside, Korra saw Ty Lee puzzling over some controls, and Mai was staring at a wall, saying, "None of this stuff makes sense!" Korra realized if they were going to help run the factory that they'd need more knowledge about it, Korra said loudly, "Over here, Ty Lee and Mai! I have some knowledge I need to give you from Asami!" Korra used the time they took in coming over to impart what Asami needed, and take out what Ty Lee and Mai would need, savoring the feeling of oneness as she did so. Korra opened her eyes, turning to a stunned Ty Lee and Mai, saying, "What's up?" After Mai snickered, "Asami's breasts," Ty lee said, "Oh, I just love what you did with your clothes! I always thought modern dress was so boring. Even the swimsuits are so… stuffy!" Asami began laughing wildly, saying, "This was my idea. I had to use underwear to make proper swimsuits." Ignoring Korra's extended hand, Ty Lee asked, "Ooh- can we see them?" Korra laughed, saying, "I suppose I could show you them, as well as how to run a factory properly."

When Ty Lee finally calmed down, Korra brushed aside Mai's gray hair, inadvertently thinking of what Firelord Izumi did to the throne room. Given how Mai said, "Stop showing me depressing stuff, Korra, and get on with it," Korra realized she'd have to be careful in the future. Once she was done with Mai, she moved on to Ty Lee, showing the swimsuits first. When Korra was done, she got a strange idea, having retained some of Asami's business sense herself.

After Mai walked off and began correctly manipulating the geothermal power controls, having apparently gotten some Earth knowledge somehow, Korra turned to Ty Lee. Smiling, she said, "I need your help with something, Ty Lee - I want more details about old Fire Nation dress. I have some knowledge of it from Aang, but you seem like you know a lot about fashion." Ty Lee smiled, saying as she played with her hair braid, "Even all these years later, I still feel pretty in pink. What do you hope to do? Make everyone dress less boring?" Korra nodded her head, saying, "When things settle down, I might start a little side business. I'll explain in a second." Moving Ty Lee's hair braid out of the way, Korra took in detail what Fire Nation dress looked like over 70 years ago, noting that most of it was as modest as modern clothing, except the swim wear.

Korra said, stifling a yawn, "Thanks, Ty Lee. My basic idea is to start a clothing company, Avatar's Best, that sells more comfortable clothes. I'm hoping I can sneak a peek at Earth clothes, but I doubt it." Ty Lee turned her head, asking, "Why would you want everyone to dress like people from the Earth Kingdom?" Korra laughed, saying, "My bad - it's a really long story. Just a second." Korra removed the slipup from Ty Lee's increasingly full head, thinking, "And you don't need to know it," gently. Ty Lee was smiling, saying, "Okay! My head hurts a little anyways from all the business and factory stuff. Ooh - think you could remove something else?" Korra laughed, saying, "No, I won't. Now what I was saying - Avatar's Best would be just for normal dress. Avatar's Desire, on the other hand, would be something a little more intimate. Think what Asami is wearing with greater range of motion for Avatar's Best, and what I'm wearing - or rather, not - for Avatar's Desire." Ty Lee nodded her head, saying, "Don't forget the boys and us old folks! I'm still young at heart, after all." Asami chuckled, saying, "I'm sure Avatar's Best will be fine for you, Ty Lee. Even Katara keeps warmly dressed."

Korra could feel herself drifting to sleep, yawning as she said, "If you'll excuse us, I need to make a small addition. See you around, Ty Lee." Once they were out of earshot, Asami said, "I'm a little sleepy too, having gotten up at 6:00 in the morning. Why don't you just take us back to our room on Ember Island." Korra shook her head, pointing to the sea as she said, "The workers here will need some sort of quarters, and I imagine Ty Lee and Mai will want something a little more private for both themselves." Asami shook her head, saying, "You don't even look like you could make the flight to Ember Island, now that I think about it. Why don't we just take a dirt nap inside an earth tent - nobody bothered us earlier." Korra nodded her head, saying as she created an earth tent, "You're right. Though, I was hoping for a naked cuddle, so we'll need to take extra precautions."

Once she had created a "Do Not Disturb" sign outside with lavabending, Korra watched Asami strip intently in the light of her own strongly glowing eyes, suddenly not feeling tired any more. Korra stood still, saying, "Wanna do it?" Asami laughed, her breasts jiggling in the white light as she did so, saying, "Let's just stick with the naked cuddle. You want to have sex while drunk later, right?" Korra nodded, saying, "Okay - but you have to take my clothes off!" Korra sighed deeply, watching and feeling a giggling Asami unwrap her intently. With a beating, warm heart, Korra savored the wonderful pulsing and heat she felt elsewhere as well.

Once Korra and Asami embraced one another, Korra drifted to sleep quickly after she shut her glowing eyes, feeling a warmth through her being more pleasing than any physical warmth, orgasm or not.

Korra's dream was a beautiful one. Everyone she knew and loved was on Air Temple Island, gathered on Korra's property for a big event. Even a dullard could guess what it was. She couldn't make out any details, aside from the fact that both Korra and Asami were in fancy low-cut dresses, Korra's a baby blue, Asami's a more puzzling color. Yellow and red.

After what seemed like hours, Korra woke back up, feeling refreshed enough to make all three things she needed to make - the armblades, her suit and the living quarters. Remembering they were both on bare ground, Korra woke Asami up, saying, "As much as I hate to, we need to get up and get dressed." Korra felt Asami's hair hit her slightly, as though Asami were vigorously shaking her head. As soon as Asami said, "I have a favor to repay first. Don't ask any questions - just enjoy," Korra's eyes began to glow softly, enough to see what Asami was doing. As Asami manipulated Korra's body, Korra's eyes began to shine brightly, Korra saying with a wavering voice, "I think I know what favor it is now. I'm looking forward to this. Just a second - muffling."

After a second set of walls erupted around the earth tent for soundproofing, Korra was breathing heavily, heart beating rapidly in anticipation. At first, Korra was confused by the expression she saw on Asami's face in the eyelight - Asami certainly didn't look like she was about to pay Korra back. More like she wanted a kiss. Korra laughed, jiggling slightly as she asked, "What's the matter, Asami? Fireferret got your tongue?" Asami laughed, saying, "I want to do something first, actually. It was Atokara's suggestion. I want to meditate with you." Korra's brows furrowed, saying, "Wait - what? What about Long Yumao? Actually, forget him - what about me, and what my physical body is demanding?"

I strongly suggest you go along with this, Korra. Trust me.

Still perturbed her body would need to wait, Korra said, "Okay - but no clothes, back to back!" Asami nodded her head, saying, "I know you might find this odd, but something tells me this will only enhance my payback, and your inevitable repayment, and then mine... End, without end… just the way it should be." Korra said, tearing up slightly as she assumed a meditative pose, "Love never truly ends, does it?"

When Korra felt her naked back touch Asami's, relishing the feel of Asami's hair between them, Korra asked, "What are we meditating on, exactly, Asami? Sex?"

Asami laughed, saying, "No - play." It was all Korra could do to refrain from bursting out into laughter, but after Asami said the last word, Korra noticed Asami beginning to breathe rhythmically. Once Asami's breath had found a set, steady pattern, Korra began to try and meditate in more forcefully, but found herself blocked, seeing in blue English letters "She's not in the Spirit World, moron. Try again," in the void created by her closed eyes. Korra took a deep breath, thinking of what she could remember of childhood play before the White Lotus cut it all too short, imagining herself running naked in the polar wind.

Freer than she ever would be again.

When Korra came to, she noticed she was sitting on a cold snowbank, rolling around as she created something she remembered very clearly from her childhood now. "Ice clothes," which she had loved wearing while running outside her parent's home. Completely forgetting herself, she ran around with her eyes closed, saying with glee, "Ice clothes! How I missed you!"

Korra shook her head, thinking, "Wait - what? Why's my voice so funny?" Korra looked at her small hands, the ice covering her slightly extended small belly, realizing with a start that her chest was as flat as the day she was born.

"Brrr - I'm cold! Let's play, Korra! Maybe that will warm me up!"

Eyes wide, Korra turned around, seeing that Asami was with her and a similar age. Korra giggled, saying, "Have some ice clothes, Asami!" as she bent clothes on to her playmate's small form. At first, Asami looked displeased, but then she took a deep breath and said, "Love makes me warm! Can we go otter-penguin sledding? I've never tried it!"

As if by magic, two otter-penguins appeared from the howling gale around them. Korra had the best time of her life, riding down snowbanks and relishing the cold with Asami, who somehow seemed impervious to cold now. After what seemed like hours, Korra said excitedly as she made a snowman, "I'll make this snowman attack you, Asami! Are you ready?"

Knowing Asami couldn't bend, Korra took it easy on her at first, making the snowman attack half-heartedly, not even using earth or airbending to augment it. Asami stamped her foot angrily, saying, "Just because I can't bend, doesn't mean I'm weak!" Korra laughed as Asami decimated the snowman, saying innocently, "It sure looks like you can, Asami!"

Asami looked at her hands, saying, "Wait - what? How…" Asami took a deep breath, her ice clothes melting slightly as she did so. When she breathed out, a substantial amount of blue flame came out, removing the rest of the ice from her small body. Asami giggled, saying, "That must be because of my fantasy I have - to firebend, like if my mommy could have!" Asami began weeping, saying, "Maybe she'd still be alive if she could." Korra ran over, shedding her ice clothes as she did so, saying, "It's okay, Asami - we can play with and love each other now! Playmates forever!"

Korra felt an odd creaking in her being, and given Asami's small gasp, Asami must have as well. Breathing heavily, Korra looked down, noticing that her breasts were back, pressed up against Asami's own. Korra hugged Asami deeply, saying, "Let's go play with and love each other - as adults." Asami giggled, saying, "So this must be why Atokara wanted us to meditate on play. Let's go do exactly that, with the shame - or lack of it - of a four year old, but the passions and bodies of grown women." Despite the intense cold, Korra could feel heat, saying with enthusiasm, "I've got a lot to make up for. Let's play!"

With that, she found herself back in the earth tent, her bare back kissing Asami's. Korra breathed deeply, feeling as though her soul had broken free of invisible chains. Korra leapt up quickly, laying down on the floor as she saw Asami grinning broadly in Korra's eyelight.

As Asami repaid the favor, Korra remembered play, occasionally pushing Asami down, both laughing freely, as water flows. As Asami continued, Korra felt as though fire and lightning took turns coursing through her veins. The fire feeling like it was threatening to explode, Asami kissed Korra on the cheek, saying, "Even though I'm no bender, much less the Avatar … it feels like the four elements course through and rule me. Free as the wind, flowing as water, passionate as fire, shameless as a rock." Korra smiled, saying, "Me too. Now let's just let the elements and our bodies run the show." As Asami returned to play, Korra gasped as she felt heat, lightning and hardness intensify, "It's play time!" Asami stopped, laughing like a little girl, but Korra didn't mind the interruption. Asami's laughter made her feel even better than what Korra decided to call "that". Asami laughed hysterically when Korra called it that out loud, saying, "That's the same name I gave it, though I know its real one. 'That' is a lot more romantic. Now, more of that."

Asami expertly played Korra's body, like it was a flesh and blood instrument she had made love songs with all her life. Once Asami was done with that and Korra satiated, Korra said with a little mourning, "I don't know how to play with you that well, Asami. Hey - what are you doing?" Asami laughed, saying as she placed Korra's hand on her forehead and cupped one breast, "Why don't I show you?"

I'll throw in a lotta something extra. For both of you. This is amazing.

Korra felt a massive information flow seemingly originating in her chest course into her own brain and Asami's, at least a thousand or more interesting images appearing as the know-how flowed. Imaging one position in particular, Korra said, "I want to do it this way to that you - but you'll need to stand up!" Asami's cheeks flushed with blood, saying, "Yeah - that one way to that sounds good. I know how you love my rear. All that information you gave me, especially including tips on how to that, should be available in every library, everywhere, for every sexual orientation." Korra giggled, fire returning in anticipation, saying, "I agree. Thanks, Raava."

That is the gift that keeps on giving. You're welcome.

Korra assumed her part in the play without a second though, relishing the pleasure she gave Asami as much as she had everything Asami had given her, feeling no shame in her position. Korra was fully engrossed in a way she hadn't been that first crazy night, her universe shrinking down to Asami's pleasure. Doing that to Asami felt good for Korra as well, only caring about her own pleasure because it helped Korra in her play. She saw nothing wrong with her position - anything for her other half. When Korra had succeeded, she felt a feeling of oneness like nothing she had ever felt before, feeling more connected to Asami than Raava. Korra stood up, turning a panting Asami around, saying, "I love you with all my heart, Asami. More than Raava - more than my parents. Only our child compares." Asami began crying lightly, saying, "Me too. I don't even feel like myself right now - just half of a fused whole." As she embraced Asami with tears of her own, Korra found herself thankful that only now did she start to float off the ground. Remembering something from Earth about sex in the air, Korra said sultrily, "I've got an idea, Assami. Given how your heart is beating, you must have the exact same thing in mind."

Korra had no concept of time, or even self. There was no boundary between her and Asami, and for a brief moment, the universe as well. Korra could feel all sorts of strange, spiritual sensations within her body, not all related to her airborne antics with Asami. Given how Asami said with wonder, "I can see everything!" she must have had a similar experience as well.

In mid-air, Asami surprised Korra by ignoring her own exhaustion, panting one word that was music to Korra's ears: "Thingies!"

Korra and Asami lay on the floor, utterly spent, not even the Avatar State letting Korra continue, Asami in dire need of some Jang Hui kelp tea. Savoring the simpler pleasure of the naked heap and still-blurred lines of self versus Asami, Korra said without reservation in perfect English, "I love who I am." Korra heard the sound of moving earth as she felt some heavy burden lift off her soul, like she could now create the living quarters, everyone's suits and her armblades without effort. What appeared to be weak starlight or moonlight filtered in through a now partially open roof, illuminating their heap. Asami gushed in English, "I finally love who I am too. Now let's go show the world what we can do, lovergirl… after some Jang Hui kelp tea for me." Korra said, letting happy tears flow, "I love that nickname. I guess it's just what I do now. What we do now. Very well, with that other gift from Raava." Asami laughed, saying, "See? I told you you'd get something useful from Earth. I loved the that position." Korra chuckled, saying, "You've got that right. I loved it too - we'll reverse roles later. I want to now, but… I'm so tired…"

After covering herself and Asami with a sheet of earth, Korra focused on Jinora, glad to find her alone with Kai, confused as to why they were on the island. Korra said, smiling weakly, "I remembered 'clothes' this time. Both me and Asami need some Jang Hui kelp tea." Jinora giggled wildly as Kai said, "I'll deliver it. Jinora will probably be too busy thinking all about why you need it." Korra found herself laughing hysterically, despite her exhaustion.

When Korra drank the tea, she was disappointed to see it wasn't Jang Hui kelp tea. Korra opened a small hole, yelling at a sleepy-looking Kai from under an earthen shield, "I thought this was supposed to be Jang Hui kelp tea! Asami is exhausted!" Kai laughed, saying irritatingly, "You both need to be in top form for your armblades. And suit, if what I hear is true." Korra laughed, feeling energy return as she said, "Sorry - it's okay. Just bring us some more, and some food too, if you would mind." Kai nodded, saying, "Sure. I need to go check on Jinora first - make sure she didn't sneak off to… do something alone." Asami laughed hysterically, saying, "She's been repressed all her life, and her sex drive rivals mine. You should be thankful - you've got a wonderful girlfriend. Just like I do." Kai laughed, saying, "I'm doing my best to override my own urges. Be back - need Bolin for this."

Once Korra felt up to it, she got dressed, making sure to shut the little hole Bolin had slipped food in through. Embracing a fully clothed Asami, Korra said, "Let's go create the things we must for war so that we might live in peace. Together. Forever." Asami nodded, saying, "Let's see what turns up first. The yellow and red dress at the wedding, my blue child's fire… it still puzzles me."