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.

45. Chapter 45: Preparation Cram

Chapter 45: Preparation Cram

Not one to stand around idly, Asami pointed at Raava's sword, saying, "Now, to figure out how to get that plasma… onto one of our blades." Now standing in front of her mechasuit, Asami studied it in a mix of moonlight and firelight from Mako. Poking the blade, he asked, "Plasma… what's a natural source of plasma, Asami? Or do you think the tuber-vine can really power a plasma sheath?" Asami thought, remembering Alyssralove's feat with envy, suddenly realizing the answer. Getting Raava's attention, Asami said, "Forget plasma saws – too cumbersome. I know plasma is created naturally by lightning. Think we could electrify our blades enough to create a plasma sheath?" Raava shook her head, smiling as she said, "No, but electrified blades might be a good non-lethal alternative to just slicing someone in two, like you wanted to do earlier to Earth Empire goons while high on Jang Hui kelp tea." Asami frowned, saying, "Not funny. After we figure this out and make the three suits, at least, I want you to show everyone not in the know what happened earlier."

Asami was surprised when she heard Raava say in English, "Damn it – we forgot to show Korra's parents and Tenzin Grand Lotus Ataninnuaq's experiences!" Asami shrugged, saying in English, "Everyone settled their differences – does it really matter? People are going to be reeling enough from what happened during Korra's tattooing." Asami jumped slightly when she heard a familiar male voice say, "I used to think I was dumb, but not that dumb, Asami. Raava gave us 'the English' as well, so your little secret language with Korra is a goner." Laughing, Bolin added, "And I think I know a nickname for you, Opal. Well, it depends – sweet, or dirty?" Asami laughed as she heard Opal's voice say enthusiastically, "Dirty! Something as good as 'Assami'!" Asami turned to see Bolin being joined by many others, the members of the Tenzin family stopping and staring at the new tree in awe, even Meelo gasping. Asami noticed the tree began to gradually give off more and more light as more people gathered, the tree providing perfect light by the time Bolin finally said, "Ooohpal! That's it!" Opal laughed lightly, saying, "Try again sometime. Maybe you should just stick to the sweet, loverboy." Asami chuckled, saying, "Hey – quit stealing!" only remembering that her nickname for Korra was a secret when Opal gave her a confused stare.

Raava sighed, saying, "Enough chit-chat. Anyone else got an idea on how to make a plasma sheath around a blade?" After silence, Asami walked over, getting a better look at her suit's chest in the tree's light, inspecting the twin breastbeams. Tapping one, Asami asked Kuvira, "Kuvira, what do you think would happen if you aligned two condenser rings and shot energy through them? Or some other energy sink?" Kuvira laughed, saying, "We tried that as an experiment, and it didn't go well. At first, it looked promising, but as soon as the spirit vine power source died out, the beam – wait a minute. Raava, these tuber-vines have limitless power, correct?" Raava nodded, saying, "Practically limitless. Given how Asami managed to twist Impetuous Vine and Impatient Leaf, they must be linked to their user's emotions as well," Raava forgetting that everyone but herself and Asami had no idea what she meant. Asami said, while inspecting her suit's longblades, "Okay, great – but rings on a blade sounds rather… cumbersome. Just a minute…"

Taking out a blank blueprint, Asami sketched out multiple ideas, finally settling on a more angular condenser "ring" design. Letting Raava take the idea from her more fully, Raava modified Asami's Reach accordingly, the base into which each blade retracted now having a slightly raised form, a rhombus-shaped condenser surrounding the blade's base, the spiritwire hopefully serving as a conduit for spirit energy. Wishing the suit could follow commands like Naga, but smarter, Asami climbed in to her mechasuit, pointing the barely visible spiritwire-coated blade skyward. Imaging herself about to cut Jinshu Kuangmai in half in defense of Korra, she extended the blade, smiling broadly to see a plasma sheath more substantial than that around Raava's own sword form, the plasma extending slightly beyond the end of the blade. Wanting to conduct an experiment, she imagined herself cutting down droves of benders at Amon's side instead, glad to see the plasma blade vanish.

"Hey, Asami, quit that! You don't want to undo what Korra did earlier, do you? The purification? She didn't get everything bad out of me – just enough that I'm not quite so foolish anymore."

Asami shook her head, saying after she opened her helmet, "Raava, why can I understand Impetuous Vine now?" Raava stuttered, "What were you thinking of when you made that plasma, Asami?" Smiling, she replied, "Protecting Korra from Jinshu Kuangmai with lethal force." Raava screwed up her face, saying loudly as she raised her sword skyward, "Vaatu, leave Wan alone!" Asami recoiled in shock, seeing a large blast of blue and white energy leave the sword as a plasma equal in size and intensity to the one Asami had produced danced around the blade. Asami got over her shock when she heard a small, muffled voice say, "I'm not doing anything to your 'boyfriend', moron! Oh, wait – you were thinking of your first cooperative effort with Wan, weren't you. When you locked me away." Raava laughed, saying, "You've got that right. Now shut up! Let me fix the other blades up, Asami – you might want to step out for this." After hearing Impetuous Vine say, "No – I've got an idea," Asami shook her helmeted head, saying, "No. Let's see what Impetuous Vine wants." Raava gave Asami a withering look, saying, "No. Get out of there – I don't want to have to explain to Korra how I killed both people she holds dearest, one of them not even born yet."

Asami exited the suit, taking an insistent Impetuous Vine with her. Tickling the tuber-vine on a whim, she felt an odd exchange of energy that vaguely reminded her of love, asking the tuber-vine, "What, are we bonding or something, Impetuous Vine?" She was rather surprised when she heard the plant respond, "Yes, and quit calling me that. Reminds me of when you managed to sway me to partially turn dark." Shrugging, Asami said, "Sure – how's Passionvine sound instead?" Asami laughed when she saw a beautiful flower appear on the top of Passionvine, the tuber-vine saying in a warm voice, "Sure thing, Asami." Seeing Raava was done with modifying the blades, Asami asked Raava, "Think you can modify Korra's shoulder cannons too? Add some to my suit? And modify the other condenser 'rings'?" Seeing Raava's puzzled look, Asami drew a small picture of a new type of spirit cannon, four long rectangular condensing elements lining the outside of the weapon's barrel. Realizing that there would be no need to separate the barrel from the angular focusing elements, Asami erased, re-drawing the end profile as a more angular form, adding a note that said, "Spiritwire Bundles" to the inside of each of the four beveled ridges. Asami hoped this would increase the weapon's power enough to cut into any anti-spirit weaponry armor Jinshu Kuangmai came up with, realizing that neither her own nor Korra's suit had Lipowder or explosive weapons.

Raava rapidly made the changes to both mechasuits, saying, "It's a good thing you didn't work for the Equalists, Asami – you've really come into your own over the past few weeks." Smiling, Raava asked, "That wouldn't happen to have anything to do with your love for Korra being out in the open, would it?" Asami cried slightly, saying, "Yes – when we couldn't find Korra after the explosion a week ago, I felt shattered, just staring… I even had a thought flit through my mind – 'Where's my electroglove?'" Raava looked at Asami in horror, no one but Raava knowing what this comment meant, Raava saying, "NO! Again? I thought you had – " Asami slapped Raava lightly, saying tersely, "It was only a thought – I can't control what goes through my mind! No human can! As I was saying, love has helped me ignore and banish such evil thoughts from my mind." Smiling, Asami added, "With help from Atokara, I might add, who says 'Bring mommy Asami food, now!'. Thank you for all you've done for Korra, me and humanity, Raava." Raava blushed, saying, "It's nothing. I feel good, serving many instead of helping one. Speaking of which…" Raava walked off, returning with large amounts of food and drink, everyone eating in silence for a few minutes. Coughing after a botched attempt to eat, Raava said, "Now that Atokara's happy, let's see if anyone else wants a mechasuit – there's another nine or so tuber-vines to go around that came with this huge…. lovetree." Asami gave Raava a hug, saying, "I'm not the only one who's come out of her shell this week. What do you want, Jinora? I'm having a moment here."

Jinora walked over, calmly smiling as she said, "I've come out of my shell too, you know. I want… A mechasuit. If at all possible. And one for Kai – I don't want my boyfriend dying before I get a chance to properly love him. You know." Asami was about to laugh, but realized that Jinora and Kai, being so young, would need protection just as much as herself, Varrick and Zhu Li. Asami nodded, saying with a smile, "You need protection just as much as I do, being so young." Jinora looked like she took offense at first, saying with reluctance, "I guess you're right about our age, Asami. I have no idea what I want specifically, though, so I'll just take a suit of metal armor like what Raava has on, except a lot more flexible. I can't metalbend, after all. Armor that offers better protection on our arms than the airbending projectile gloves." Jinora paused as Zhu Li interjected, "About those, and the ammunition – we don't have infinite shirshu poison. I'm going to go try an experiment quickly." Asami was slightly puzzled as to what Zhu Li intended to do with saltpeter, much less why she was heading for the Jang Hui kelp tea stores. Jinora said, "Anyways. We don't have infinite materials, so maybe just make everyone a similar set of armor, and make them unbendable by the enemy, like our various weapons." Remembering that Mako wanted the ability to generate ball lightning, Asami took out multiple pieces of blueprint paper, saying, "Sure, Jinora – I'll need some help, though. Kuvira, do you have any idea how to make a suit of armor that's protective, yet flexible and lightweight? Hopefully enhances the user's bending without too much spiritwire?" Kuvira shrugged, Asami remembering how the first mockup of her own suit had been inflexible, unable to even move her fingers properly. Whipping out her design for the airbender projectile glove, Asami made some minor adjustments, adding increased armor. Kuvira took the pencil away, saying as she erased the back of the hand, "Smaller pieces, and less armor, not more – people have to move their hands properly, after all. I've got something else in mind. Raava, break off a piece of the four glowing crystals on this lovetree, and let's see if it will do what I hope it will."

Raava yanked off all four crystals in their entirety, ignoring protests as she said, "Don't worry – it should be simple to regenerate them." Asami laughed as Raava pressed her sword's special Wan latch against the tree, Raava blushing slightly as Asami laughed. All four crystals regrew, but vanished when Raava said, "Okay – now we need to make sure they'll regenerate in my absence." Raava grabbed a special couple, telling Korra's parents, "See if you can – uh, nevermind." After Senna blushed following Tonraq's playful booty grab, the four elemental crystals re-appeared, Asami noticing that the blue crystal was glowing brightly, growing in size. Asami watched the others begin to glow as well, seeing many impromptu kisses, smiling to see Opal hover slightly out of Bolin's reach. Feeling Korra's absence more acutely now, Asami said, grabbing her betrothal necklace, "Okay, Kuvira, let's hear your idea. Kuvira. Kuvira!"

Asami coughed, saying, "It's an evil hour in the morning, and the quicker we get this done, the quicker you can do whatever with Mako. Why don't you show me all four glove and armor mockups you have in mind." With that, Kuvira broke her embrace, rapidly forming four sets of protective yet minimal armor, Asami seeing many smaller pieces fit together as one whole, only the breastplates, leg guards and arm guards being solid pieces. Gems of each appropriate element were embedded into the metal, minimal spiritwire running through each piece. Grabbing Mako's hand, Kuvira pressed her own against the fire gemmed armor, the gems beginning to glow before bending the armor onto Mako. Asami watched with muted envy as Mako generated a substantial amount of lightning with his hands, somehow storing it in the metal gloves without harm. Mako took out his dual dao swords, creating a medium-sized ball of lightning between the blade's tips. Clearly satisfied, Mako said, "I don't need a mechasuit – not with this! Thanks, Kuvira. Raava, make all the benders custom-fit pieces of this armor, please."

It was at this point that Asami saw another spark of electricity, but this one from the direction Zhu Li had run, seeing smoke rise with growing panic. Asami began to run to Zhu Li's aid alongside Varrick, but stopped when she heard Zhu Li say, "Relax! Now just let me test this…" After Asami heard the sound of someone taking a careful sip, she heard Zhu Li say sleepily, "Okay, that's an antidote to Jang Hui kelp tea made. Let me try it again…" After a second sipping sound followed by a loud whump, Asami ran over, watching in horror as she heard Zhu Li mouth out the words, "New… paralyzing… agent… made. Give me… some… tea." Asami did so without hesitation, glad to see Zhu Li back awake. Taking a look around, Asami said, "Wow – you certainly made a lot of this new weird drug!" Zhu Li smiled, saying, "We'll need it, if the airbenders among us are to be able to knock someone out without killing them or risking a skull fracture. Not to mention if everyone's going to sleep tonight. Now let's get back to where everyone else is. Varrick, stop – I'm fine!" Asami smiled as she saw Varrick frantically patting Zhu Li's slightly singed clothing, making sure she was fine, Asami saying, "You remind me a little of Korra now, Varrick. All attentive." Varrick laughed, saying, "Ehhh, maybe. I'm still irritable, though. Speaking of which – where's my damn suit! I can't bend, you know!" Asami sighed, saying, "Neither can I, or your wife, and we're not complaining. Come on, and we'll get your suit made."

As they walked back to the main group, Asami noticed some people were reluctant to don the new armor, Tenzin saying, "I know I probably should wear this – it certainly would have come in handy against the Red Lotus. But can't I wear my regular clothes over these things? I can stand the wingsuits, but this is just too militaristic for my tastes!" Raava sighed, saying, "No. Flowing robes aren't exactly practical fighting equipment. They might look nice standing around in, but there's too much to grab. Oh, hush about cultural heritage already! Mr. Picky, would it make you happier if I got rid of the metallic sheen? Made everything look more airbender-y?" Before Tenzin could respond, Asami was surprised to hear Lin agree, saying, "Yeah – I want those gems inserted into my normal armor, or this new stuff to blend in with my other metal armor!" Curious as to why Raava seemed reluctant, Asami asked, finally close enough to see Raava's reaction, "Why are you so hesitant, Raava? What – more rules?" Raava nodded, saying, "Yeah, but now that I think about it again, I don't care. I'll 'pigment' the armor for everyone, even without real materials. Everyone, put your hands to the ground, and show me what you want your personal armor to look like." Curious to see if Raava slipped up any, Asami put her hand to the ground, noticing that Raava did indeed send out information as well, though only about Omashu, the prison camp and something Asami knew nothing about – Korra's interaction with Toph.

Asami began crying, not understanding how Toph could be so… Toph! Given how she didn't hear anyone talking about Toph, Raava must have shown her this specifically, her suspicion confirmed when she heard Raava intone, Don't talk to anyone about that just yet. I'm going to need every Beifong's help in a while, depending on how long Toph wants to sit on that cot.

Raava coughed, saying audibly, "And now, to make the suits and various ammunition everything will need. I may even make some changes. I'll be right back." Asami laughed when she heard someone yell, "Oh, yeah! Another evacuation! Time to be useful again!" Remembering the Cave of Two Lover's location, Asami approached Wu, saying, "You might even be able to find some badgermoles, near Omashu. You can get their help to tunnel underneath the prison camp, and sneak everyone out." Wu nodded, saying, "The Cave of Two Lovers! I wonder if Hei Bai responds to singing?" Walking into view, letting Asami get her first glimpse of the new airbender armor, Jinora said, "Not really - we tried whistling to calm him down, and he just roared harder. I haven't seen him since… yesterday. Damn, I've been running on a combination of Jang Hui kelp tea and adrenaline for a long time." Wu yawned sleepily, saying, "Not me. It's almost 3:00 AM – I need to get some beauty rest!" Asami was slightly startled when she heard a young male voice say, "Not yet – you're not sleeping here. Nobody is! Our transport isn't done! Asami, wanna help me finalize it, while Raava makes everything? Maybe a braintrust meeting?" Asami turned to Meelo, smiling to see that his armor wasn't aggressive-looking like she feared it might. Laughing, she said out loud, "Well hello, Meelo. I didn't expect you here." Asami groaned slightly when she heard Wu say, "Ooh, braintrust! Can I sit in?" knowing she'd have to be dealing with another excitable airhead soon, if Ty Lee was to be of any use running a decidedly changed factory. Sighing, she said, "Sure – but don't say anything, please, unless it's asked for." Wu nodded, saying, "Fine – I can tell when I'm not wanted. I'll just go kick a rock around. While singing. You know, because I'm no bender, and apparently not smart either."

Feeling guilty, Asami sighed, saying, "Sorry, Wu. It's just I'm going to have to talk to Ty Lee soon, and two excitable talkers are going to ruin whatever I'm trying to get across, if you both don't keep quiet." Turning to Jinora, Asami said, "Jinora, try and get the braintrust to come with me to the factory." Jinora smiled, saying, "Sure. Kai, why don't you see if you can find our staves, and see how they interact with this new armor." Asami watched Jinora fly off, wondering how Raava had managed to make the armor resemble a wingsuit without paint or dye acidbending.

Looking at Meelo's armor, she ran her finger over the metal, noticing that it felt just like the metal on Asami's Reach – smooth. Asami smiled, saying, "I wonder how Raava did the 'paintjob' on your suit, Meelo." Asami laughed when she heard Atokara say, "Raava was busy makin' everything, mommy Asami, but she told me to make everything colorful, she 'cheated like a son of a -'. I know what she meant – what happened to the cursing Raava?" Asami thought, re-assuring Meelo she wasn't crazy in the meantime, "I'm sure she's still there. Wait. When she stopped, did she say anything else after?" Asami's eyes widened as she heard Atokara say, "Something about Toph getting ready to get off a cot. And Raava not working on the synthesis anymore." Asami cursed herself, saying as she watched the braintrust approach, "Okay, quickest braintrust meeting ever! Where is Kuvira?" Varrick shrugged, saying, "Putting her hand to the ground near that crystal tree, along with everyone else remotely associated with the Beifong family. Say, you wouldn't happen to know why, would you?" Asami said, "Rats! It's her we needed most – how are the Kuviracomputers coming along?" For once, Varrick didn't demand an answer, saying, "Not great. I managed to make a display for them earlier using tuber-vine ash glass and spiritwire with Bolin's help, sort of like the SpectroMovers, but the stupid machine… it doesn't do anything but sit there!" Shrugging, Varrick said, "It wasn't a total loss - came up with another use for the special volcanic glass. VarriVision!" Ignoring Varrick's comment about VarriVision, thinking what Korra had said about Kuvira skipping a stage of development on computers compared to Earth more important, Asami said, "Sounds like you have to tell the Kuviracomputer what to do first. Some kind of language, to translate what you want, into making the computer work." Varrick groaned, saying, "Did you not hear what I said? Sounds like I need some kind of translator for you - aren't you the least interested in VarriVision?" Asami chuckled, saying, "I am, and I have a pretty good idea what it is as well. I remember seeing Aang talk to Jinora about something called 'television' from Earth…"

It was at this point that Kuvira ran in, saying, "Sorry I'm late. Just convincing Toph she needed to leave the swamp. Let's talk tech first, though – what about Kuviracomputers?" Asami said, after shushing an excited Varrick and pointing to a blueprint Varrick had produced, "It sounds like your little machine doesn't have any instructions on what to do." Kuvira laughed, saying, "Yeah – it's just on or off at this point. Wait – on, or off! That's it! A basic language!" Asami scratched her head, saying, "Huh?" Taking the piece of paper and a pencil, Kuvira drew what Asami knew to be "Arabic" numerals near the Kuviracomputer, seeing a nonsense string of zeroes and ones. Kuvira finished, saying, "A zero stands for off, and a one stands for on. With a lot of hard work, detailed information should be able to be encoded into a string of these numbers." Sighing, Asami said, "We don't have time to do a bunch of weird number coding! Let me think – something we already have that can act as a brain…"

Asami nearly jumped out of her skin when she felt a metal finger tap on the outside of the factory, Ty Lee yelling, "Oh no – a monster!" Laughing over Mai's nonchalant response of, "Settle down, Ty Lee. Monsters aren't real – well, except the spirit ones. And Jinshu Kuangmai," Asami was relieved to hear a familiar warm voice say, "What about me? If I can move this suit myself, I don't see why another tuber-vine can't act as a 'brain'." Taking a quick look at Asami's Reach, she noticed the suit seemed changed somehow. Larger, taller, but still graceful, and it had two odd heavily armored cylindrical drums with the symbols for Fire on the back. As she approached, the mechasuit opened up, revealing complex controls Asami had no memory of helping create. Curious, Asami said as she climbed in, "Passionvine, great idea! Who told you that? And who changed the suit's design? Especially the size, and the controls - and what looks like some kind of body cavity for the driver?" Asami snickered when the tuber-vine attempted to kick her out of the suit, Passionvine saying, "Nobody told me that idea about being the brain. Raava made modifications to all the suits, including the extra flamethrower fuel on the back, and the new controls. Raava started by increasing Zhu Li's Thing in size to accommodate the massive Varrick gun, and… kind of got carried away from there. Even then, Raava had to fall back on a much smaller, different five-barreled design Varrick came up with earlier. Without the inner changes, you and everyone else would have been very uncomfortable." Realizing that the tuber-vine might possess a primitive form of infobending, Asami thought of her fighting style, feeling her necklace pulse with energy. Asami groaned when she heard Passionvine say, "That's a negative, Asami. I cannot absorb your fighting style like that. Yet. Let's see what happens when you test the suit out, outside."

Telling everyone else through her comm, "Just give me a minute – if this works, even Korra might want a tuber-vine, and we won't need to code tuber-vine Kuviracomputers!" Asami walked outside, noticing that her suit moved in perfect concert with her body inside the surprisingly comfortable inner cavity, rarely needing to press any of the clearly labeled controls. After performing a series of backflips and using the engines to move in the air nimbly, she landed, exiting the suit, waiting to see what Passionvine could do. The mechasuit made blocky motions on the ground, hearing Passionvine say, "It'll take a lot more than that, Asami," as the mechasuit hovered in mid-air. Sighing, Asami asked, "Do you think you could pilot it well enough to fly alongside the transport Meelo was talking about?" Asami's Reach's head nodded, Passionvine saying, "Yes, I think I can, but just barely. It doesn't help that I can't see." Asami groaned, saying, "Let's go fix that," hopping in as she headed towards the lovetree. Asami noticed that Uncle Iroh was standing near a motionless Raava, Uncle Iroh saying, "I'm afraid Raava is busy. Apparently, there may be something worth saving in Jinshu Kuangmai after all, if he can manage to love a 'female' Dark Spirit." Noticing that Uncle Iroh was smiling broadly, Asami asked, "What do you mean, 'female' Dark Spirit?" Uncle Iroh smiled, saying, "A very specific female – my long-dead niece, Azula. The spirit assumed her form, correctly figuring Jinshu Kuangmai would find Azula's body more enticing than a large glob of dark energy." Crying, Uncle Iroh added, "Apparently, the real Azula is still stuck in the Fog of Lost Souls. It would be a cruel irony if a Dark Spirit mimicking my niece's form learned to love and became pure before… before Azula."

Asami ejected out of the suit, consoling Uncle Iroh, saying, "I'm sure Azula will break out some day. Beat her fears. Noatak and Tarrlok broke free, after all, with some help from the outside." Asami hugged Uncle Iroh tightly, ignoring surprised exclamations around her. Asami covered her eyes, the tree now shining brightly as she felt a flow of information. Asami laughed, practically cackling, "I know just what Korra plans to have Raava do to Vaazula – impart Azula's life and experiences into her! I hope she ends up a blubbering mess!" Asami was shocked when she felt Uncle Iroh push her away, the sad old man saying, "Never wish suffering upon your enemies, Asami. In doing so, you become more like them. Would you like it if someone wished you had succeeded in your suicide attempt?"

Asami shook her head, crying, saying, "No! And I guess you think wishing Vaazula going insane is the same. But it's not. Vaazula's pure evil - a Dark Spirit!" Asami heard a deep, mournful sigh from behind her, crying when she heard a female voice she loved say, "That spirit was light less than a day ago, and I hope she becomes light again, taking Tonga Beifong with her. That's the whole point of this plan - not to cause Jinshu Kuangmai pain and suffering. The only reason I didn't kill him was because of the feelings Vaazula managed to elicit in him!" Wincing, Asami listened as Korra continued, Korra adding with an unusually harsh tone, " 'I hope she ends up a blubbering mess.' How could you say that, Asami – you said you loved your dark half, and a being infinitely more vile than Vaazula! Another plane's supreme being of darkness! Uncle Iroh is right. I have something to say to you, from the same plane, and a planet which I am beginning to love instead of hate." Korra coughed, Asami listening intently as Korra said, coming into full view, "I am sorry for the tone of voice - it was uncalled for." Korra chuckled nervously, saying, "Guess I absorbed a little too much of an Earth spiritual text, the 'New Testament', and the main speaker's penchant for biting speech. He rarely minced his words. This same man we saw on the cross earlier from Earth, Jesus Christ, once said, 'You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.' I hope Raava reads that and other spiritual texts as well, given how she views Vaatu." Asami refrained from laughing when she saw Raava bonk Korra on the head lightly, saying, "How can I view him as anything else but the enemy?"

Korra groaned, saying, "I know you and Vaatu used to fight 'like cats and dogs', but look at him now, and yourself. After his change, he's closer to Earth's being of darkness than his old self… though still more sane than that… thing." Korra laughed, adding, "Not that that's hard to do." Raava sighed, holding out a shrieking Vaatu as she said, "We have been fighting since time began, Korra, and old habits die hard. I don't think I'll ever be able to love him, like I think you want me to, Korra, but I do pity him now. Never able to enjoy anyone like I do Wan now…" Vaatu twisted his small body, hissing before he said, "I have no idea what's going on, or why Korra's trying to get Raava to love me! What, is Wan not enough for you? Weirdo!" Coughing, Asami said, "I take back what I said earlier, Uncle Iroh. I hope Raava manages to – why'd you just stuff Vaatu back in your chest?" Raava gave Asami a dirty look, saying, "The plan is still a surprise, and after hearing how that dark bromeliad spirit communicated with Vaazula, I didn't want to risk anything. Armor-bound teapot prison, or not. Anyways, go on." Smiling, Asami finished, "I hope Vaazula does what Azula did not, and that Jinshu Kuangmai one day decides to join the Beifong family again." Still feeling sheepish, Asami justified her earlier comment, saying, "And I hoped Vaazula would be a blubbering mess to prevent her from inflicting harm on others. Well, sort of."

Korra shrugged, telling Asami, "Even with my… overzealous correction of your 'mistake', Asami, I'm not sure why you feel the need to justify yourself on something you apologized on. Raava, get back in here, and maybe send Sokka and Uncle Iroh to Republic City to help plan out what we're going to do with all the refugees. Omashu, plus the prison camp – we'll practically need a whole new city to house everyone, given Republic City's center was gutted!" After Raava vanished, Korra placed a hand on Asami's forehead, Asami savoring the feeling of oneness. As she felt Korra stress her sad wish to have mothered both Azula and Tonga Beifong, Asami broke down, thinking, "I… I don't deserve you." Asami saw an image of a frowning pregnant Korra, arguing with a stubborn Mako in a police chief's uniform as a small child cried off to the side, hearing Korra think, "You do deserve me. Don't think such things. We were meant for each other, Asami, and one statement that the vast majority of people would agree with you on doesn't make you any more, or any less." Vaguely curious to see what the alternate with herself marrying Mako was, Asami saw an image of Mako walking in on her with her childhood suitor, Mako barking, "Wha – I love you, Asami! If you'd be happier with someone else… Why didn't you just tell me the truth, Asami? Or yourself, for that matter – it looks like you want her more than you've ever wanted me!"

Thoroughly disturbed by these alternates, Asami felt them both pushed from her mind as Korra said out loud, "What ifs and might have beens are a very dangerous thing, Asami. We've still got work left to do." Korra paused for a moment, as though she had just received a message, saying, "Uncle Iroh and Sokka managed to catch Baatar Jr., and they say that he's transformed, Ikki insisting on coming along with him. Why don't we go talk to the brain trust, and coordinate our efforts. Apparently, the URN military has been delayed, trying to sort out all sorts of volunteers." Laughing, Korra added, "Even Tahno and his pro-bending team want in on the action. Hang on a second." After another pause, Korra's jaw dropped, Korra finally saying as Asami waited patiently, "After Uncle Iroh announced Vaatu's changed nature and his 'alliance' with Jinshu Kuangmai over a loudspeaker… you'll never believe it. They received a radio transmission from an unknown source, that simply said, 'Technology has achieved Equality, and we will not allow Jinshu Kuangmai to take Equality away. We will fight alongside you benders… for now.'" Asami shook her head, saying, "WHAT? Equalists, hiding in wait all these years? And apparently sort of friendly? What's next, Zaheer joining our side?" Korra smiled broadly, saying, "After all this is over, I have a prisoner to meet. I hope Ataninnuaq can convince Zaheer I'm not coming to toy with him. It's a shame that we didn't capture P'li, Ghazan and Ming-Hua again, instead of killing them – I imagine, after learning of Vaatu's changed, more humanly evil nature and desire to see humans dominate one another, they might have reluctantly fought at our side, not wanting to see Jinshu Kuangmai rule the world with an iron fist, or Long Yumao rule the world with an iron… claw? Beak? Whatever – thank goodness the Spirit Portal seals are holding."

Asami felt very uneasy all of a sudden, remembering how since Harmonic Convergence, plenty of spirits had crossed over into the physical world, even before the new seals. When she told Korra this, Korra's eyes widened in terror, saying, "Wait – no. Long Yumao might be stuck in the Spirit World, along with Koh, but there are probably still rogue spirits. No - there are. Vaazula was a happy spirit less than a day ago. I have an idea, with the Kuviracomputers – we need a spirit alert system." Remembering Korra's comment about the Red Lotus, Asami said, sourly, "And what you said about the Red Lotus - they held for thirteen years in horrible conditions. Don't get your hopes up for your meeting with Zaheer, Korra." Korra sighed, protesting, "But what about Kuvira?" Very gently, Asami told a hopeful-looking Korra, "You know what Kuvira went through - feeling the pain and suffering she caused others. I imagine Zaheer might just dismiss the pain and suffering he caused as necessary to bring about whatever lunatic world 'order' he wanted. Or rather, world disorder." Korra sighed deeply, saying as she placed a hand on Asami's chin, "If there's good inside Jinshu Kuangmai in the form of Tonga Beifong, I'm sure there's something inside Zaheer..."

Seeing Korra's expression, Asami did not want to say what she really thought - the new Korra was hopelessly naïve, much as the being of light from Earth had observed. Asami thought to herself, "There are those beyond redemption, and I consider Zaheer the perfect example, regardless of his indirect help against Kuvira." Asami cursed under her breath when she heard Korra say, "If you have something to say, say it, Asami. Let's just… work."

Time passed in a blur, Asami working with Korra and the braintrust to design perfect multiple Kuviracomputers hooked to tuber-vines, Asami no longer able to keep track of their names, the nine provided by the tree having been doubled carefully by Korra. Remembering that the oceans held many secrets, Asami suggested, "Korra, why don't we try and test this new warning system together, in the open ocean to the north?" Korra shook her head, saying, "No. Let's not go looking for trouble – one foe at a time. Speaking of which, we need to modify the mechasuits with these Kuviracomputers. I imagine they will help operate our suits much better, and the tuber-vines need a way to see out anyways." Korra gave Kuvira a funny look, asking as she poked Kuvira accusingly, "Why did you ask Raava to not make Kuvira's Remorse?" Kuvira frowned slightly, saying, "I told you before – I decide when I get that suit. I haven't done what I want to yet." Korra lost her temper, saying, "You might not get to do what you want to, Kuvira, if you DIE!" Kuvira pushed back, saying, "Okay, what about the rest of the benders, huh? Mako doesn't have a real suit – nobody but you, Varrick, Zhu Li and Asami do!" Before the two could come to blows, Asami said, "Enough! When we get the chance, if the person wants to, and we have enough tuber-vines, we will make everyone a suit. I have a hard time imagining anyone except Baatar Jr. wanting a suit, given how he can't bend and all, and that everyone seems happy enough with their special armor."

Korra sighed, saying, "Kuvira, I think I understand why you don't want your suit – the real reason. You want to be just as vulnerable as Mako is in his new armor." Kuvira spluttered, saying, "Th- that's not true! Wait. Damn it! You can sense I'm lying, Korra, given how you're laughing. You'll have to see if you can train Bolin and I to do that some time with some help from 'Grandma' Toph. That, and earthsense." Korra grinned, saying, "Not until Mako talks some regular sense into you. MAKO! Come over here, please, and help me convince your girlfriend that she needs as much protection as I do." Kuvira grumbled, saying once Mako arrived, "Don't tell me you're on her side, Mako. I want to be just as vulnerable as you are! No suit!" Mako groaned, saying, "Ugh. Korra, Kuvira. Both of you! What is with women and sides? When I was dating Korra originally, she'd always demand whose side I was on when I said anything! Right, Korra?" Korra laughed, saying, "Yes, I remember that. Anyways, Kuvira. I know you are a very capable bender, having bested your adoptive mother in a one-on-one match, but Jinshu Kuangmai… he can control your body. Speaking of which…. I need to test something. Asami, get in your - nevermind."

Asami had gotten Korra's drift, slipping into her improved mechasuit, flipping the helmet down for full coverage. Standing up, Asami smiled, eagerly anticipating bedroom fun, seeing the way that Korra lit up as she tried and failed to bloodbend Asami inside the mechasuit. Asami stepped out, saying, "See? Not even Avatar State bloodbending can penetrate these mechasuits, Kuvira. And don't fool yourself, thinking you won't be a target tomorrow - Jinshu Kuangmai is likely to order all sorts of spirit weaponry fired at you, and seek you out for a duel." Mako added, kneeling near Kuvira, "We've both lost our parents, though in different ways, Kuvira, and I don't think mine would approve of me losing you. Not to misplaced desire for 'equality'. You're the former leader of the Earth Empire, and I'm just your firebender boyfriend. You'll be a big target for them, and I'll be fine tomorrow in the wonderful armor you designed for everyone." Kuvira began crying, saying, "I'll do it, but I want you to be careful, Mako, tomorrow." Korra sighed, saying, "Yes - don't do anything stupid. Control yourself. Vaatu may not be able to communicate with Jinshu Kuangmai, but you need to remember what Raava showed you. You're a lot more important than you think, Mako - Vaatu himself wants you dead." Mako looked sheepish, saying, "Okay, if you say so."

Kuvira placed a hand on Mako's neck, saying, "Tell me you think you're important, Mako - because I think you are." Kuvira frowned when Mako said indignantly, "What are you talking about? Of course I think I'm important, Kuvira. I've been a member of Team Avatar for years!" Kuvira asked, with an accusing tone, "Then why is your heart beating funny…? I've got my finger right over one of your major arteries, you know, Mako... You liar. But - why?" Asami blushed as Korra said, interrupting Mako's response of "Wu babysitting – duh!", "Hah - looks like you just figured out how to read people properly! The first time I detected a lie, it was when my hand was on Asami's inner thigh, Asami telling me three glasses of strong sake was a normal amount to need for a buzz." Asami facepalmed, saying "Korra, don't forget we have a nine-year old on the braintrust." The color draining from Korra's face, she said, "Why - why don't we look at some old designs, Meelo? Show me the updated aircraft designs, and whatever this Raging Shark Whale is? That first - we're going to need it to get to Omashu. The Zhu Li can't fly."

Asami was relieved that Meelo happily obliged, idly thinking of a wonderful dirty nickname to use with Korra later, grumbling when she realized that they would be in the cargo hold of a massive aircraft. Tapping Korra's arm, Asami whispered the name, relishing Korra's blush as she continued, "How are we going to tire ourselves out, besides sex, so that we actually sleep on the way? I don't trust that weird tea derivative Zhu Li made." Korra responded, loudly, "I'll tire myself out making Kuvira's Remorse, adding Kuviracomputers to the mechasuits, and finally making this 'Raging Shark Whale' airplane. It looks like it will take a lot of energy to make." Responding to an unseen speaker, Korra groaned, "I need to be tired, so I can sleep! You can't help me, much less do it for me."

Meelo sighed, saying, "I'm trying to work here! Please be quiet!" Asami looked at the blueprints for the first time, looking at the airplane's unconventional engine setup. The tip of each wing had a large spirit engine, Asami starting to understand how the craft worked when she saw Meelo add "Verticals - rotating engine" next to them. Pointing to an engine, Korra said, "Unless the tuber-vine is a really, really good pilot, and the Kuviracomputer amazing, I don't know if that's a good idea, Meelo. Raava says people on Earth tried something like that, and it's finicky, at best. Here - give me the pencil. Hey! Give. Me. The. Pencil. MEELO!" When Korra finally won the tug-of-war, pencil slightly the worse for wear, Asami watched her re-draw the wings, noticing Korra added a thick strange rotating disk to the wingtips with twin spirit engine holes in the middle, angular pieces of metal jutting from the disks, what Asami could only assume were rhombus-shaped condenser rings. Korra added two other spirit engines with twin condenser rings on the rear of each wing mounted inside strange circles labeled "rotator verticals". After a pause, Korra added more conventional engines under the wings as well, saying as she streamlined the transport's overall shape, "This thing will need to be fast, and I don't think verticals by themselves will be enough to get this monster moving at an acceptable speed."

Asami looked at the design, thoroughly impressed, but still asked, "If everything rotates, how are the wires going to not break?" Korra grinned, asking as she pointed to a crystalline shape, "What wires? Remember how my suit worked, before you added the co-pilot tuber-vine - tattoo power. We should be able to do something similar, using crystals from that big tree outside the factory." Smiling broadly, Korra said, "Maybe even use spirit vines themselves to link wing and ball, given how they aren't made of snappable metal. I remember how tenacious spirit vines were in Republic City, not to mention the new ones with Raava's energy." With that, Korra finished by drawing in large networks of spirit vines covered in metal that covered the aircraft, replacing spiritwire bundles, the only spiritwire remaining fine detail work.

Meelo stole the pencil back, saying, "Mine!" before attacking the other aircraft blueprints, saying confidently, "With Korra's idea, we may not need airfields at all for the smaller planes! They can take off like my sister chasing Kai! Let's finish this plane so Korra can go make it." Asami laughed when she saw Korra's eyes and tattoos glow temporarily, Raava saying from beside Korra, "Seeing how complicated this… 'transport' is, I want to make it myself. Korra, you can tire yourself out making the Zhu Li the first battleship." With that, Raava vanished, Korra muttering, "Hurry up, so I can get this done, before I fall asleep for real. And don't forget that Jinshu Kuangmai may rush at Omashu and the prison camp."

Working at a frenetic pace, the braintrust finished the Raging Shark Whale, the final product half gargantuan transport, half gunship, with significant aerodynamic improvements made by Meelo, the last thing he added an intimidating "face" on the front that resembled the plane's animal namesake. A separate stationary Meesile pod and rotating gun turret were slung under each wing between the two under wing engines, the streamlined Meesile pod full of spirit-bomb and regular explosive tipped Meesiles guided by the spirit energy designator Varrick had come up with at an earlier braintrust meeting. The gun turrets held twin Varrick guns and twin spirit cannon repeaters, a solitary turret under the aircraft's nose holding two VarriMag guns similar to the ones on Iron Varrick, but larger and inside a ball setup Kuvira had suggested. The interior of the nose held a sensor suite, a massive Kuviracomputer to help detect spirit energy from far away, as well as something Shiro had been working on while on Jang Hui kelp tea - "Shidar," supposed to be able to detect metallic objects with radio waves. Remembering that Korra had been making an awful lot of contributions and tweaks, Asami ribbed her, asking, "Has someone been cheating?" Korra laughed, saying, "No - I'm not stupid. At least, not any more. Raava's just been giving me small… suggestions, to speed things along. She says she wants us to hurry the hell up so we can go to sleep. Well, if that's the case…"

Asami yelped, surprised to see Korra vanish, replaced by Raava, who took the blueprints, saying, "Put your hands to the ground, all of you - this is getting tedious. I still haven't gotten to finish modifying the mechasuits. Compared to those possible with a computer directly linked to a sentient being, the mechasuit controls I made are quaint. Maybe I can pick your brains for help." Asami did so, feeling herself connected with the braintrust intimately, laughing when she heard Wu say, "Forget it! I'm going to sleep. Ty Lee and Mai are going with me too. We all need beauty rest." Asami heard a fading voice say, "Yeah - we can figure out this computer stuff tomorrow! Bye! Don't forget what 'I' showed you about chi blocking, Asami - if you use your robot to do it with, you should be able to chi block anything, armor or not!"

A short time later, Asami felt the information flow stop, Raava saying as she rapidly scribbled, "Okay - give these blueprints to Korra. Everyone else, except Meelo and Asami, come out to the tree. I'll be helping Korra with the suit finalization." Curious as to what Raava could want, Asami tapped her shoulder, asking once everyone but Meelo and herself had left, "What do you need me for?" Smiling, Raava said cryptically, "I heard the original plan was for Shiro to pilot the Raging Shark Whale. I'll be busy helping Korra tire herself out synthesizing and adjusting equipment, so you'll have to rely on your betrothal necklace."

At first, Asami was baffled, watching Raava shift back to a form Asami found infinitely more attractive. Korra proved more helpful, saying, "I managed to sneak a read on Shiro while Raava was doing her thing, and while I trust him to not betray us, I do not trust him with the Raging Shark Whale. He is still too hurt, and likely to lash out if given too much power." Walking over, Korra said gently to Meelo, "If I didn't have to go do something that had everything to do with what Asami needs to talk to you about, I'd stay, Meelo. Just remember - those who are most reluctant to take power are oftentimes the best to wield it. Like your grandfather."

With that, Korra left, Asami having a pretty good idea what Raava wanted her to do. At first, Asami just talked with Meelo, idly asking, "Meelo, if you were given great responsibility and power now, what would you do?" Meelo surprised Asami by hugging her tightly, saying after a pause, "I don't know! I remember what I did to those lemurs at the Southern Air Temple very clearly, for some reason." Asami asked, confused, "What did you do?" Meelo said, sighing, "Took my father's advice too literally. He wanted me to train Poki to sit, roll over, that kind of thing, and I went overboard, being mean to Poki and training every lemur there to follow my every command. Poki didn't like me for a while after that." Asami remembered what Meelo had done with the new, raw airbending recruits as well, saying, "I remember what Jinora told me about your training of the new airbenders as well. Your… enthusiasm, for your father and Uncle Bumi's methods." Asami felt a strange energy emanating from her neck and torso as Meelo said, after crying for a while, "I don't want power anymore – I know what it did to Jinshu Kuangmai and Kuvira!"

Asami was baffled, asking Meelo, "Who showed you all that stuff?" Meelo laughed, as though being tickled, Asami thoroughly confused. Knowing that Raava was busy helping Korra and that the being of light from Earth's plane was unlikely to know the details of Jinshu Kuangmai and Kuvira's lives, that left one possibility, Asami starting to cry. Meelo hugged her tightly, saying, "Atokara somehow got Wan Shi Tong's help in showing me what Jinshu Kuangmai and Kuvira went through directly, Wan Shi Tong dipping his wing in some funny pools." Deeply curious, Asami asked, "Was Atokara infobending?" Meelo laughed, saying, "No – that'd be silly! Your necklace and tummy felt weird, though, Asami. Good-feeling energy. And Wan Shi Tong went on and on about some gentle voice."

Asami was thoroughly surprised, asking herself, "What did we do to deserve all this help, other ally?" Her necklace flashing a bright blue and white, she opened the latch, seeing the English text "Help this lost soul, please, Asami," beneath an image she recognized with trepidation, staring at the corrupt Arthas, his wispy hair immobilized. Remembering what Atokara wanted, she saw the image shift to that of a passingly familiar man in golden armor wielding a large hammer, the text now reading, "I am not yet free. I need help, from outside myself, I believe. May the Light smile upon you, stranger, and wherever you call home." With that, the image shifted, an odd hybrid between the Lich King Arthas and Champion of the Light Arthas appearing, fading gradually, replaced by the accurate depiction of Korra that Asami loved.

Asami's heart jumped in her chest when she heard Meelo say excitedly, "So that's what a naked lady looks like! No wonder you like Korra!" Blushing as she shut the latch, Asami said hotly, "You weren't supposed to see that! Little nine-year old sneak!" Asami felt her heart move in a different direction, feeling as guilty as she had after striking Korra in the middle of the back as she heard Meelo say sadly, "Okay, Asami. I was just glad to see what I might get some day, if I'm good, and wait to find whoever I'm meant for. No need to yell. Maybe you can't help that weird guy with the hammer after all." Before Asami could apologize to Meelo, she heard Atokara say internally, with acid on her tongue, "You need to be careful, mommy Asami! You saw what Raava saying she regretted her new pact with humanity did to her sword! Wan Shi Tong and I showed Meelo more than 'just' Kuvira and Jinshu Kuangmai's fall from grace, you know." Asami sighed deeply, saying, "I am sorry, Meelo – now it is I who am shaming the Sato family name, not treating you like the maturing young man you obviously are now. Atokara just told me she showed you something else with Wan Shi Tong's help as well. What was it?" Smiling broadly, Meelo said as he scratched his nose, "Let's say Kuvira won't be the only one searching for a special girl. Some weird feeling of oneness, somehow knowing I would feel it someday, and not now. Wait. Tuyen…?" Sighing, Asami said, "That's just great, Meelo. Though I have no clue who Tuyen is." Meelo blushed slightly, saying loudly, "None of your business, or Ikki's! Especially not Ikki's!" Asami just hugged him, saying, "It's all right, Meelo – something tells me you finally saw that obscured woman in Sharktar's vision for you, and given how you're smiling, she must be beautiful. It sounds like you even already met her, given your comment about Ikki." Asami added, tussling Meelo's hair to turn his slight frown into a smile, "Who knows – Korra might help you out with your search." Remembering the other vision of Meelo, Asami asked, "I remember the fighter-pilot Meelo as well. Just curious – you run into any dark halves?"

Meelo shrugged, saying nonchalantly, "Not until just now. I'm just going to ignore him, though – he can't do anything to me." Asami patted Meelo on the back, saying, "Hard to believe you're declining a fight. Care to explain?" Looking around as though checking for someone's presence, Meelo said, "Don't tell my dad, but I paid more attention to stories of grandpa Aang than I let on. I wanted to get in a scrap with… 'Oleem' at first, but realized I didn't need to. Like that lion turtle told my grandpa – 'The true heart can tough the poison of hatred without being harmed. Since beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light.' I think the only reason people have 'had' to fight the darkness within lately was emotional hurt." As Asami listened to the nine-year old continue by saying, "I think even Kuvira's internal struggle was more about emotional hurt," she couldn't help but wonder if maybe Meelo could drink from Sharktar's pool after all, saying nothing of it when she realized what Tenzin would think of such a thing. Meelo noticed her lack of reaction, poking her stomach as he asked, "What's Atokara saying now?" Asami laughed, saying, "Nothing. I'm just thinking."

Taking out the relevant blueprint Korra had left - that of the Raging Shark Whale - Asami told Meelo, still having a hard time believing what Raava wanted, "Despite your reservations, Meelo, I'm afraid since Shiro is still grieving the loss of his family, and the fact that you designed this aircraft, you will need to pilot it tomorrow." Though Meelo's shocked and then concerned expression tore at Asami's heart, she found the reaction re-assured her, saying, "Meelo, it's a good thing you're reluctant to pilot this plane, even after seeing whatever Atokara and Wan Shi Tong had for you. I remember the vision of what would happen if you drank Sharktar's water." Meelo smiled, saying, "That won't happen - I want to see who that obscured girl was more badly than I want to be older now. Now let's go see what Korra is doing. And I wanna watch that plane turn into the Raging Shark Whale!"

Asami found herself running out of the factory alongside Meelo, laughing when she head Passionvine yell through the speakers on Asami's Reach, "Hey, wait up for me! I still can't see anything!" Remembering that Korra wanted to modify her suit as well, Asami doubled back, slipping into to her mechasuit, laughing wildly when she heard Atokara say, "I want a mechasuit too, mommy Asami!" As Asami approached Korra, she thought, "Not until you're older." Asami had no idea what to answer when Atokara responded, "Meelo's nine, and you're going to let him pilot something more deadly than a mechasuit! And I'm sure I'll be a big target for Jinshu Kuangmai - bigger than Kuvira. Not to mention Long Yumao – he hates me more than anything!"

---

Korra had just finished creating Kuvira's Remorse when she heard heavy footsteps behind her, turning to see Asami in her own suit next to a contented-looking Meelo. Curious to see how Asami's talk with Meelo had gone, Korra put her hand to Meelo's forehead, nearly fainting when she saw one of the more… personal things he had seen. Korra was tempted to yell at him, or wipe the image from his mind, but once she realized how pivotal it was to Meelo being ready to pilot the world's first tuber-vine powered aircraft, she refrained. Remembering the part about Tuyen, Korra smiled broadly, thinking before she removed her hand from Meelo's forehead, "I'll see what I can do, Meelo. Just the two of us. Later," glad to feel Meelo so excited about something other than fighting. By this time, Asami had exited her mechasuit, saying, "How'd the Kuviracomputer modification go? And everything else?" Korra shrugged, saying, "Fine - but there won't be any EMP devices in these suits. Kuvira says that even using a tuber-vine as a brain wouldn't prevent the computer from frying. I've still got to finish modifying the other suits, and pick out my own tuber-vine."

Before she could continue, she smiled when Meelo asked meekly, "Just to make sure, can you give me the nicest two tuber-vines for the Raging Shark Whale? I don't wanna corrupt them like Asami did hers." Asami frowned, saying, "Maybe we do need to fight Oleem, Meelo." Korra respected Meelo wishes when he said, "No! Ignoring him is the best option," Korra saying, "I'm guessing Oleem is your dark side. I have to ignore Dark Korra, and given you're such a good little boy - well, most of the time - he shouldn't give you any trouble."

Remembering three tuber-vines in particular, Korra searched, finding the three she had in mind - one for her suit, and two for the Raging Shark Whale. Remembering the vision Sharktar had of Meelo, she handed Meelo the first tuber-vine, saying, "Why don't you call this one Sharktooth, and why don't you call this one Patientstem. To remind you of Sharktar's little warning for you." Korra jumped slightly when she heard Sharktooth speak in a familiar gravely voice, saying much as Sharktar might have, "Why don't you take me, Korra, given Sharktar is supposed to be your neutral advisor, and Meelo can take the other one instead… 'Jinorahead'. He needs to emulate his sister as well, tomorrow - the new Jinora. One who's willing to take life." Meelo began sobbing, saying, "I don't want to kill anybody now! Not if I can help it!" Korra sighed, saying, "Like I told you earlier - those who are most reluctant to wield power are often the best suited to do so. And I'm not exactly keen on killing either – if you are, something's very wrong with you. Hang on a minute - I have an idea."

Taking Jinorahead, Korra requested Aang's attention, thinking as she called for Jinora and the rest of the Tenzin family, "I need your help, Aang. Meelo needs your help, more precisely." Korra was rather shocked when she heard an older Aang's voice reply internally, "Jinora wants the new Air Nation to rely far more on judgment than it did in the past, and I don't think giving Meelo all the answers, or even this tuber-vine as an explicit advisor, is the right answer. And nobody ever knows perfectly when it is okay to take life anyways. When everyone who is among the living sleeps tonight en route to Omashu, I will have a talk with Meelo, much like I did with Jinora."

As Korra explained what was going on to the Tenzin family, omitting any talk of Tuyen, she felt herself agreeing strongly with Tenzin about guidance when he said, "What? No! I don't like the idea of my nine-year old son piloting a war machine, much less without proper guidance. I guess my father really is a rather lousy parent. Bumi and Kya were right. Maybe once everything settles down, we can have our own little vacation. Preferably better than the one you took with Asami, Korra."

Taking a terrified look at her glowing hands, Korra saw the tattoos begin to shift into blue arrows, feeling another Avatar begin to take over, her consciousness fading.

Aang had not truly been in over two decades, only the thought of what he had to say to Meelo overriding the joy he felt, finally existing as more than just an image helping someone.

Sighing, Aang pointed to his shocked granddaughter Jinora, saying, "A family vacation - that sounds like a great idea. Tenzin, while I'm glad you're learning from my mistakes, don't repeat any, treating one of your children differently than the other." Turning to Meelo, Aang said, picking him up with his strong arms, "You're just as capable as Jinora - you just haven't been tested yet. Tomorrow is your test, I believe. Jinora had to deal with spiritual matters with spirits, and you will have to deal with one of the oldest dilemmas of time - when it is okay to take another living being's life." Aang saw Meelo shift uncomfortably, telling Meelo, "Remember - Korra killed that shark whale a few days ago in self-defense, and I struggled with the same question. I had my own answer - stripping someone's bending. Only the Avatar can do so, and Korra is reluctant to use the ability - it has a chance of backfiring." Remembering a particularly nasty alternate, Aang shivered, upsetting Meelo further.

Aang sighed deeply, saying, "I was just remembering what would have happened had I refused to take Ozai's life after a botched attempt at energybending. You wouldn't be here if I had let myself pass quietly into the night, dead by Ozai's hand, stupidly insisting on pacifism. I nearly lost - almost corrupted by Ozai's energy. I know you must be feeling confused, Meelo - told to dampen your militarism one minute, encouraged to design weapons of war the next, shown a vision of what love of war and not women could do to you, and finally being asked to pilot a machine of war you designed." Seeing Meelo was exactly that - confused - Aang said, "I was confused and scared when told I was the Avatar at the age of twelve. I don't want you to repeat my mistake - running away from responsibility, and your problems. Someone needs to pilot that plane, and Asami, Raava and myself trust you to do so, without being told when and when not to shoot." Seeing Meelo smile, Aang continued, "Meelo, I want you to imagine something. Imagine yourself, in the control room of a Raava's Wrath, hovering above Zaheer and the rest of the Red Lotus, Zaheer about to steal your father's breath. What would you do?" When Meelo replied, without hesitation, "Fill them full of holes, of course! My dad's my dad! And Zaheer was, and still is, a bad man!" Aang smiled, replying, "I know you paid attention to stories of my life, even if you never let your father see it well." Aang snickered when Meelo groaned, "Aw, granddad - dad's not supposed to know that!" having deliberately said so in front of Tenzin, feeling mischievous. Aang returned to being serious, saying, "I just want you to remember what Guru Pathik told me about the illusion of separation. The whole world is one gigantic family, one nation, one soul - even those who do not act like it." Aang said, feeling himself fading as he lowered Meelo back down, "Protect your family. Even the enemy is your family - many of the soldiers under Jinshu Kuangmai's thumb serve out of fear, just like the soldiers under my oldest enemy's banner, Firelord Ozai." Smiling, Aang added as he faded almost completely back to Korra, "Perhaps Asami should design some non-lethal weaponry for your creation, Meelo."

Korra felt an odd sense of déjà vu, unsure why Meelo was tugging on Asami, saying, "Design me something, pretty lady!" Korra rubbed her head, beginning to ask what had happened, but felt a very bizarre type of infobending take place, somehow Aang telling "herself" what had happened. She heard Aang's voice say, "Now you know what it felt like, to be replaced by Kyoshi in Chin village. Just plain weird. Anyways. You might want to re-assure Meelo you think he is suited to his task. I may be his grandfather, but you're 'his' Avatar." Korra picked Meelo up, saying, "I'm sure you'll do just fine tomorrow, and I have an idea for your non-lethal weapon." Pointing at Asami's hand, Korra said, "Lightning weapons. I am not sure how to get them to work at a long distance – I'll leave that to Asami." Korra saw an odd image appear, seeing electricity jumping from Earth Empire soldier to soldier, seeing a familiar gray-haired boy smiling afterwards.

Hmmm. Odd. Looks like someone wants to try to teach you something later, even if he never did it himself.

Pushing this odd interaction aside, Korra re-focused on the present. Liking the positive reaction she got from Meelo and Asami, Korra said, entering the Avatar State, "Now, it's time for me to finish my work, and hopefully tire myself out in the process." Korra walked away from everyone else, only Kuvira following for advice on the super Kuviracomputer that was to be housed in the Raging Shark Whale. Blueprints in hand and drawing on her spirit as well, wanting to make sure that every suit was finished before deliberately exerting herself on the massive plane's creation, Korra put the finishing touches on the five mechasuits, adding spirit engines to her own mechasuit for Sharktooth's benefit, carefully installing what Varrick called spirit glass as well. Korra saved the most personal modification for last, eventually relenting and letting Raava take control, watching with awe as Raava used Korra like a puppet to re-form the suit's two sets of twin longblades into more appropriately sized weapons. Remembering that they were supposed to serve double-duty, Korra tried the twin Avatar's Bites on. The gauntlet that came up to her mechasuit's lower forearm almost came up to her elbow, her arm tattoo's curve around her arm completely obscured. The only reason her arms could move normally was the metal deforming slightly as she moved, apparently adjusting through metalbending. It was only really then that Korra realized the suit's massive scale.

Every mechasuit now stood at least nine feet tall, the new smaller-bore five-barreled Varrick gun and its chest-located ammunition stores in Zhu Li's Thing making the mechasuit even more massive. The right arm's huge closed cylinder that concealed the Varrick gun and the slightly visible ammunition drum near the elbow made the limb look like a misshapen tree trunk, and Zhu Li's Thing itself stood twelve feet tall! Korra was well aware that she couldn't make everything she needed for military hardware, and found the idea of relying on others appealing instead of revolting, as she might have when she first came to Republic City. Lingering over her own suit, she noticed that the paintjob did not resemble her newer clothes - it resembled those she wore when she first came to Republic City!

At first, Korra didn't know how to interpret this odd choice, realizing the reason for the change once she remembered she was wearing her older, skimpified clothes in the Spirit World earlier as well. Giving a confused Kuvira an impromptu hug, Korra said, "It's nice to be self-confident again. Kuvira, I'm done with the suits, but I have a request for you." Kuvira laughed, saying, "That bikini hug... no, if the request is lewd. I'm with Mako, doofus, and don't bend that way." Korra broke the embrace, blushing as she said, "Sorry. Didn't even think it could be interpreted that way at the time. I want you to see if my parents happen to have any of my old clothes with them - I noticed they brought a large trunk on the Zhu Li." Kuvira nodded, saying, "Not sure how this has anything to do with getting your confidence back, but okay. Wait, let me guess - you feel more like the headstrong teenage Korra than you have in years?" Korra nodded, saying, "Yeah, I do. And I finally have the self-control and wisdom to make that confidence a strength instead of something that just gets me in trouble. I'll wait here, seeing if I can bond with Sharktooth."

As Kuvira ran off, Korra swore she heard Kuvira say, "Wish I had clothes like that," Korra laughing at the idea of Kuvira in revealing wear. Given how Kuvira turned around and gave Korra a deep stare, Kuvira must have really said that, Korra saying automatically, "Avatar's Desire will cover that, Kuvira. Or rather, won't cover." Laughing, Kuvira ran off, Korra hearing a gravelly voice say, "You gonna talk to me, or what?" Korra sighed, saying, "I guess tuber-vines are sort of like airbison - they choose you, and you don't choose them." Sharktooth groaned, saying as he whipped some vines with awfully sharp-looking leaves around, "You want an in-house advisor, or not? Besides Raava, that is. She's not exactly… impartial. Oh, hush, Raava - you know it's true!" Korra laughed, asking on a whim, "You wouldn't happen to have a direct link to Sharktar, would you?" The tuber-vine shifted, Korra jumping back slightly when crude teeth made from jagged leaves and twin dark spots appeared on Sharktooth, the tuber-vine saying, "Now I do. Why don't you see what the inside of your suit is like, with all the changes and me inside."

Remembering something she infobent from Asami earlier, Korra tried her luck with infobending the tuber-vine, pleased to hear the vine say, "I got some of that, Korra. Specifically how to pilot the suit autonomously. I saw how you move and fight. Why don't you go do the same to the other suits, after placing me inside, so I can try out the equipment." Korra did so, vaguely creeped out by a large metallic form that mimicked her own closely following her, cursing at Sharktooth when he got the thigh blades a little too close for comfort. Korra heard a whimpering sound, saying, "Sorry, Sharktooth. Just don't mess with any of the weapons until I have."

Korra took a deep breath, wondering what to do while waiting on Kuvira. For a brief moment, she entertained the thought of making good on her earlier vow to try combustionbending. Korra got as far as mimicking the movements she had seen P'li perform before deciding that combustionbending would not mix well with her mechasuit. At all. As she remembered P'li's demise, she found herself thinking automatically, "Appropriate end, to a misguided monster." Korra shivered, crying lightly as she said, "No - there is good in everyone. Kuvira…"

Looking for reassurance from someone other than the bellicose Raava, Korra grabbed her betrothal necklace, opening her mind to whatever the universe had as an answer, closing her eyes.

Korra heard an initially gentle voice say, "I can see you chose to cherry-pick the words of one of Earth's great spiritual leaders, the one some incorrectly consider my one and only son. You are a soul of extremes, Korra, from what Raava tells me of your past. Not every situation calls for lenience. Sometimes, you must kill. No matter how happy you are that Kuvira has seen the light of day, you must find balance. Between mercy… AND RIGHTEOUS WRATH!" Not liking this last part, Korra sighed, asking herself, "I thought I was done finding balance?! When will I ever find perfect balance?" Removing her hand from the necklace slowly, Korra heard a fading gentle voice sigh, "You will NEVER find perfect balance, Korra. That is one of the worst lies in every universe - the allure of perfection. You will have to learn to balance the light and dark within and do so until your dying days." Feeling enraged, Korra clenched her fists, wishing for a split second that her decisions could be made for her, hating the dichotomy of choice.

You - no! Don't you ever think that again! Here - my co-worker has something to show you. Or rather, a someone… Initially puzzled as to why Raava did not immediately force her hand to her betrothal necklace, Korra winced, hearing Raava intone, If I did that, I'd be mimicking the being you are about to see… in his home.

Closing her eyes, at first Korra saw nothingness, thinking, "What is here - I see nothing!" Gradually, she saw a massive undulating void form in front of her, hearing a voice she thought she would never hear again say, sounding vaguely pleased, "I… am… here. I… heard… you… wish… for… no… choice. No… free… will." Korra heard raucous laughter, seemingly from billions of souls, followed by the voice saying proudly, "Here, there is only one will - my will, the burden of choice lifted forever. I can tell the choice between mercy and killing weighs heavily on your soul, even from… 'here'. I can fix that. Care to join us?" Realizing who she was interacting with, Korra roared defiantly, "NEVER! I would sooner throw the world into chaos than attempt to surrender my every choice to the likes of you! Zaheer was right about something other than the Earth Queen being a tyrant - freedom at all costs!"

Korra found herself booted back to her own plane after an ear-splitting screech, hearing a gentle voice say, "Good. Now never bother me, when your own judgment will suffice." Korra smiled when she heard Raava intone, I'll still offer advice, Korra, but I am never seizing control of your body again. Korra burst out laughing when she heard Raava add, Just… don't try combustionbending, or I might go back on that. The alternate you saw… The Red Lotus Korra had to train for many, many years under P'li to master combustionbending. Given she is currently stuck in the Fog of Lost Souls much like Hama, holding on to her misguided hatred of governments and nations instead of the Fire Nation like Hama, there are no suitable tutors in existence. Especially considering you are no longer a suitable student, for reasons I won't go into…

At first, part of Korra felt like making a visit to a part of the Spirit World she had never seen, but decided she would respect P'li's free will, even if her decision saddened Korra. Looking around, Korra wondered what was taking Kuvira so long, slapping her hand against the ground to try and pinpoint Kuvira's location. The brief image Korra saw made her begin to laugh uncontrollably, seeing her mother trying to trim Kuvira's clothes to more closely match Korra's "modified" dress. Wanting to get some use out of her suit, much to Sharktooth's pleasure, Korra jetted over inside Korra's Spirit, landing as she asked a shocked looking Kuvira through an open helmet, "Am I going to need to have Raava 'repaint' your mechasuit as well?" Kuvira laughed, saying, "Yes, you will. And re-form the metal – I've decided I want to wear the Zaofu Metal Clan guard 'uniform' again, like when I was captain of the guard. Figure it will mess with Earth Empire soldiers. I imagine Jang will have a fit when he sees it." Smiling, Kuvira added, "And I have an idea for your suit as well - metal cables. You won't have easy access to water tomorrow, given Omashu is not exactly wet."

Korra smiled broadly, saying, "I like that idea, a lot. The Zaofu Metal Clan guard armor too. Here – give me those clothes, and I'll see what I can do." After Kuvira handed Korra the "Avatar's new clothes", Korra began to put them on, stopped by an impromptu hug from her father. Breaking the hug, he said, "I never got a chance to say how much I loved what you did in the Spirit World earlier, not to mention Atokara's actions. I cannot wait to see her, up close and personal, Korra." As she got fully dressed, Korra said, realizing personal time with Asami could wait, "You'll get to see her directly tonight, mom and dad – I can't wait to get to sleep, and 'dream', much as Ataninnuaq did." Compressed by multiple hugs, Korra swearing she felt a metallic arm in one spot, she added, "You should even get to meet Asami's parents." Kuvira started blubbering, saying, "I… I got to see my biological parents as well as Mako and Bolin's earlier, and both our parents were ecstatic. My mom even said sorry for abandoning me…" After a slight pause, Kuvira added, "Thankfully, my parents are really out of the loop, not knowing what their daughter did to the world… I'd rather my parents not know what I've been up to, the past three years, aside from this hectic week. My mom would probably have spat in my face, and rightfully so. I wish someone would have stopped me…"

Korra shivered, a slight information flow letting her know that Kuvira said one thing, but meant another. Speaking sternly, much as the being of light had to her a short time ago, Korra said, "Kuvira, no. Never wish surrender of choice. Before I begin any other work, I have something to show – I make the decisions here, Raava!"

Very well. I shall not violate your free will.

Korra explained to her parents and Kuvira her earlier interactions, saying as she put a glowing hand to the ground, "I believe everyone needs to see this, despite Raava's reservations." As Korra pumped out her experience, she thought strongly, "We will have many difficult decisions tomorrow, none of which we can just pawn off on Raava completely. You saw that being, and my fleeting desire. Only a few people gathered on this island have ever taken a life – Mako, killing Ming-Hua, and Su, killing P'li. We will need to rely on each other's judgment tomorrow." Korra was about to continue, but "heard" Jinora think, "Korra – you killed Unalaq when he was fused with Vaatu…" Korra stood up, smiling slightly as she thought, "I… I have already had to balance mercy with righteous wrath," clutching her betrothal necklace, breathing a deep sigh of relief when she heard a gentle voice say, "Good," laughing when it continued, "I'm still a lot more advanced than Raava, so why don't you go to her first instead. She could use the practice…"

As Korra worked on Kuvira's Remorse and Korra's Spirit, an ironic thought occurred to her, laughing as she formed a long platinum-colored metal chain to wrap around her right Avatar's Bite with a malleable shiny end intended to look like mercury, savoring the internal screeching she heard from Dark Korra. Seeing her parent's and Kuvira's horrified and confused looks, respectively, Korra explained, adding many small detachable metal strips to Kuvira's mechasuit arms to either side of the spirit-wire coated metal "armor" armblades as she did so, "I have a meeting soon with Zaheer, and I thought incorporating his attempt on my life and my triumph over it might unsettle him enough for him to be slightly more… reasonable. And I hope you like the 'ammunition' on your arms, Kuvira. And quit looking at me like I'm crazy, all of you!" Her father sighed, saying, "I still do not understand what you think you will accomplish anything other than annoying him, Korra. Zaheer held for thirteen years in prison, and has held for another three after that."

At first, Korra was at a loss, suddenly questioning her desire to see Zaheer. What if he didn't act reasonably, just as Asami had warned her he would? Or even worse - what if she didn't act reasonably, carried away by emotion? Sighing, Korra said, "Just a minute," assuming a meditative pose, finding herself in the Plane:Earth wing of Wan Shi Tong's library. Looking around for Wan Shi Tong, she jumped slightly when she heard a voice say, "I'm sorry, Avatar Korra, but Wan Shi Tong is busy at the prison camp. Oh, sorry – this is Professor Zei. I can help you with what you're looking for." Korra turned around, saying, "Thank you, Professor. You should know the question I am asking, if – where are all the books? It seems like a large portion of this wing is… missing" Professor Zei said, somehow interacting with what looked to be one of many Kuviracomputers, "Wan Shi Tong converted anything that was on a computer on Earth to Kuviracomputer format after you helped perfect Kuviracomputers." Pointing to a palm-shaped indent in a console, he said, smiling, "Put your hand here, and the information you need should be retrieved automatically, in greater detail than before."

Korra did so, feeling herself transported to a different desert environment than the one that the man called Jesus Christ had inhabited, hearing a man in a similar robe and different features speaking in a foreign tongue to a large crowd. After hearing a neutral voice intone, "Arabic translation activated," she heard this man say at great length, "Allah said, of deeds on the Day of Resurrection, will be the true weighing, for Allah will not wrong anyone. We shall set up the Balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, we will bring it. And sufficient are we to take account. Surely, Allah wrongs not even the weight of a speck of dust, but if there is any good done, He doubles it, and gives from Him a great reward." The man paused, beginning again with a stronger tone, "Then as for him whose scale of good deeds will be heavy. He will live a pleasant life in Paradise. But as for him whose scale of good deeds will be light. He will have his home in Hawiyah - Hell. And what will make you know what it is - it is a fiercely blazing Fire!"

At first, Korra was horrified, realizing how what this man said applied to her situation, averse to tossing anyone into their equivalent of hell for their sins – the Fog of Lost Souls. Collecting herself somewhat, Korra cried slightly as she said, "I want to see if I can convert Zaheer – not toss him in the Fog of Lost Souls!" After hearing the same computerized voice intone loudly, "MEMORY BANK AND SIMULATION OVERRIDE. Direct contact initiated," Korra felt the heat of the desert and slight hot wind blowing without stop, the man turning to her with a smile, saying sourly as those he had been talking to vanished, "Strong-looking woman, with strange tattoos… 'Korra'. Allah has mentioned you passingly. If only I could contact my current… 'adherents' like this, or like Raava does you, but our rules are different from your plane, for better or worse." Korra was confused, asking, "What do you mean?" The man sighed, saying, "People alive on Earth believe they are fighting in my name, and Allah's, but they are really working for the Devil. I am the one 'Muslims', those who submit to Allah, call the Prophet Muhammad." Frowning even deeper, he continued, "When those misguided jihadists die, they will not meet me, or Allah – they will burn in Hawiyah - Hell. Allah, who you know as a gentle voice from my plane, does not have room for the unworthy and those who do not believe in love – true infidels – in His kingdom. He is merciful, much as you wish to be with this 'Zaheer', but His mercy has limits. He does not allow spiritual vagrants into His kingdom. You have already seen where they go..." After a loud beep, Korra saw an image of Zaheer tossing Aiwei into the Fog of Lost Souls appear in the desert town, and given the Muhammad's reaction, he must have seen it too, saying, "Allah is great, but this man, 'Zaheer' – tossing his fellow disciple into your equivalent of Hell – this man is anything but!"

An image of a scowling Aiwei behind by Dark Korra appearing, Aiwei bound in red and black chains, Muhammad smiled, saying, "As one of my predecessors said, 'Vengeance is mine, said the Lord.' I see you are unwilling to condemn any soul to Hell, or your equivalent, even if they deserve it richly. There is another alternative, to tossing them into fire yourself, after Raava makes her foregone judgment on this Zaheer, from what little I saw, and care to see. Let the enemy do your work for you. Let the infidels and unclean deal with one another as they see fit, Korra. You do not have to harm this Zaheer – only let the universe exact justice upon him, should he decline whatever offer you make him." Slightly annoyed by all the constant male pronoun usage, especially considering Raava was female and Vaatu male, Korra said, trying to mask her annoyance, succeeding until the very end, "Thank you for the help, Muhammad. I think I know what I will do with Zaheer now, just as you suggested. Offer him a chance at redemption or even just a chance to think, and let the universe take its course, not interfering past a certain point, though I plan on overriding any read or decision Raava makes. I can see from your expression you think this foolish, but it's my decision. Just one question, though – what's up with all the male pronouns? People on Earth think women are subservient or something?" Korra recoiled slightly, unsure as to why this great Earth soul looked so mad, loosening up when he said, "Relax. I am not angry at you. I am sorry – your comment only brought up a subject I find particularly painful. I stress, time and time again, in the Quran and my teachings, that women are to be treated with respect, one of my wives a successful businesswoman in her own right, and then… see for yourself! They sicken me."

Korra saw a series of images she'd rather forget, but as she watched, she felt some sort of fire building within her being, finally saying after she witnessed a young girl killed in cold blood for her outspoken nature, "ENOUGH!" A large blast of blue flame hit the image, Korra not caring that it now depicted someone labeled "Twisted 'Holy' Warrior" burning, the man screaming, "ALLAH HAVE MERCY! SAVE ME FROM THIS DEVIL'S FIRE!" with his plea only answered by a deep, ominous laughter she recognized from earlier. The label reminding Korra of Arthas' plane and his former life's ability to turn warriors to his side, Korra innocently asked, "The twisting of the 'Holy Warrior' – did someone else do that? Like another plane I've interacted with?" Slapping his bearded face on the forehead, Muhammad said, "By my beard! Allah, I know you said this woman was naïve, but… Korra, that 'man' corrupted himself, with his actions. No outside evil influence – all the work of the darkness within."

With that, Korra found herself booted back to the Spirit Library, Professor Zei saying excitedly, "I got all of that – that's great! I'll have my work cut out for me, analyzing updates from Earth and books with that information on the third monotheistic Prophet of Earth." Korra rubbed her head, saying, "Ugh – it feels like everything's stored in here. Manually. Get it out, quick!" Professor Zei chuckled nervously, saying, "I know books best. Korra, you've worked with Kuviracomputers some, more than I have." Pressing her hand against the console, Korra felt the throbbing cease as she said, "Computer, create… 'Infile: Prophet Muhammad and Avatar Korra on Mercy', and make it accessible to only Avatars, and those given the highest level of clearance." After a loud clicking sound, the computer intoned, "Infile saved. Session terminated."

Finding herself staring at her parents and a concerned looking Kuvira and Jinora, Korra opted at first to just explain what she had in mind for Zaheer, relenting and telling the whole story when Jinora observed, "While I like that idea a lot, I fail to see how you went from being willing to give up your free will over the agony of killing someone to being willing to let your dark half and Aiwei toss Zaheer into the Fog of Lost Souls." As Korra finished another mass infobending, she heard many female voices shout out in anger, Jinora saying, "I hope this 'Allah' sends plenty of woman abusers to burn in hell!" Korra sighed, saying, "That's above my head, Jinora. The gentle voice's business is his own business." About to leave the subject of Zaheer's fate, Korra paused, remembering how she could steal secrets from anyone's mind, saying, "And when I'm done with Zaheer, either way, we'll finally know the identities of the rest of the Red Lotus, and we can crush that organization forever., prying the identities of the remaining Red Lotus members from Zaheer." Korra laughed heartily when she heard her father say, "Now that's more like it," hugging him deeply, saying, "For a while, I thought that the old Korra was wrong somehow – not understanding enough, too hotheaded. But I was wrong. I can't maintain balance properly without being flexible. Not with the Spirit Civil War, and Jinshu Kuangmai running around." Korra felt a small point of metal poke her lightly, saying, "Not now, Sharktooth," surprised to hear Jinora say, "That wasn't him – it was me. Korra, I want you to promise me you'll set some sort of limit to your mercy for Jinshu Kuangmai. We cannot let him grow stronger and stronger, refraining from killing him just because of some deal you have with his inner child."

After Jinora finished, a horrible thought occurred to Korra – what if Jinshu Kuangmai really had killed or completely controlled his inner child, and Tonga Beifong's acceptance of Korra's offer was nothing more than a ruse, intended to buy Jinshu Kuangmai time to become untouchable? Putting off synthesis of the Raging Shark Whale, Korra explained the possibility, grated only slightly when she heard Kuvira say, "Well DUH! It doesn't take a detective like my boyfriend to be suspicious of this Jinshu Kuangmai – even I watched my back when I was in charge! If he can manage to influence Vaatu, the supreme spirit of darkness, I wouldn't put it past him to come up with that ploy!" Korra blushed out of embarrassment, saying, "Just a minute – I have someone to try and contact, even if they might be a front."

Closing her eyes, Korra focused on Tonga Beifong's energy, finding herself staring at an angry looking three-year old boy, crossing his arms in a pout. Finally acknowledging her presence, he said, "Darkness can never extinguish light, nor can it control it." Korra sighed, knowing she likely didn't have much time, saying, "Sorry. But I AM setting a limit – if he ever tries to vaporize a city or deploys utterly depraved technologies, he's either dead, or having his bending stripped and thrown away like Ozai." Tonga shook his head, saying, "Death is the only option. We both know that. He doesn't need bending to be effective… not with all these technologies he's dreaming up, along with Vaazula." Looking especially concerned, Tonga began to say, "There's one in particular that I think is worth killing him ov – "

Korra felt herself booted out after an angry voice said over top of Tonga, "I HEARD EVERYTHING – EVERYTHING! PEST CONTROL – SOON! DON'T YOU DARE TELL HER ABOUT THAT IDEA!" Korra desperately tried to reconnect, getting nothing, letting loose a stream of curses, saying, "Now I know how Jinshu Kuangmai feels about not being able to talk to Vaatu!" Not feeling like talking, Korra just infobending the short exchange out, projecting out Raava and asking her after, "What do you think Jinshu Kuangmai could be dreaming up, that's so horrible?" Raava closed her eyes, sighing deeply as she said, "I can't tell either. Whatever bond Jinshu Kuangmai is forming with Vaazula, it is very strong – strong enough to block unwanted intrusion attempts, just like our own lock on Vaatu and locking out of the Earth being of darkness." Realizing that spirits had free will, Korra was less and less hopeful that her ploy with Vaazula with Raava's help would end up working, Vaazula likely to simply shrug off the real Azula's life experiences. After Korra said as much, Raava smiled, saying, "If she doesn't change any, she won't get any bending, and we'll have evacuated the prison camp by then anyway. We can use another one of Zaheer's tricks tomorrow, aside from your symbolic grappling chain."

Jinora picked up on Raava's suggestion before Korra did, saying, "The 'airbender' water dummies! I suppose with how dry it is near Omashu it will need to be earth dummies, though." Sighing lightly, annoyed at all the interruptions to her work, Korra said, "Great idea! Now I just need to tell Jasmine about it." Raava laughed, saying, "Don't forget our spirit allies in the region. It's already being done." Korra simply said, "Oh. Thanks, Raava. While you're at it, see if you can try relaying all our technology ideas to Baatar Jr. If they go in with regular military equipment from the north of the Swamp, they'll get slaughtered." Raava stood silent as Kuvira said tersely, "He can handle himself, Korra. He was the real brains behind most of our technology. You're just lucky I paid attention." Korra smirked, saying, "It wasn't luck, given how you knew Baatar Jr. might turn on you someday. Just like Jinshu Kuangmai on him, and you. You're more like Toph's wayward son than you realize."

Korra felt a sudden electric shock hit her back and spread outwards, crumpling down to the ground as she stared upwards, barely able to begin to move her neck. Korra recoiled in fear when she saw a visibly incensed Mako staring at her, feeling small as he said, "That was not cool, Korra. Now that I think about it, neither was that shock, but something… took over." Sighing, Korra said, "Same here. I spoke before thinking." Kuvira shocked them both by yelling at Mako, saying, "Sometimes, the best things are said before thinking! I've got plenty thick skin, Mako." Korra refrained from calling Kuvira on her slight lie at first, finally saying, "It's okay to feel hurt from my nasty words, Kuvira. I'd be more worried if you didn't feel anything." Standing up, Korra got a dual hug from Mako and Kuvira, Mako saying, "Sorry, Korra. Not talking about feelings, and taking deep offense over relatively small slights was the whole reason we didn't work out anyways. And I don't want to repeat the past…" Feeling the hug getting rather personal, Korra pushed her way out, letting Kuvira embrace Mako more directly, Kuvira saying, "I guess feeling hurt… lets you know you're alive, just as much as joy does. Maybe we need to make a trip to the chakra gears and pools that Asami and Korra created someday, Mako. We both have a lot of… issues still."

Coughing lightly, Korra said, "While you two talk about feelings, I'll be finishing my job." Korra made Raava laugh loudly by muttering "Finally" under her breath as she walked away, sensing where Asami and Meelo were after recalling Raava, needing the finalized blueprints, with new non-lethal weaponry. Korra approached, seeing Asami tussling Meelo's dark black hair, looking up as she said, "We're waiting on Zhu Li to get back with a new piece of equipment she says will let us direct lightning without bending, even at a distance. Her and Varrick have been working on it while you were doing all that… stuff." Asami smiled broadly, saying, "Do you consider me your successful businesswoman wife, Korra? Though I can't wrap my head around the idea of having multiple wives…" Korra smiled, realizing her infobending went farther than she had intended, "I just consider you Asami, Asami. Not defined by what you do, but who you are. Why the funny face?" Asami sighed, saying, "I just wish Raava could give me bending, like in the shared inner dream world." Korra shrugged, saying, "You're perfectly able to handle yourself without bending, especially with Asami's Reach. And the Equalists have no idea how right they are, about technology equalizing benders and non-benders." Remembering Kuvira's earlier outburst, Korra added, "You'll be better protected than most members of Team Avatar, Asami, and one of the few able to cut platinum."

Asami still did not look satisfied, interrupted by an excited Varrick jumping in front of Korra's face, saying, "Look at this – the Liser!" With the flick of a switch, Korra saw a small red dot appear on Meelo's forehead, thoroughly unimpressed, saying, "Okay. I don't see how you can direct lightning long distances with this." Varrick laughed, saying, "Put them on Iron Varrick, and I'll show you, after you modify my suit accordingly." Varrick whipped out a blueprint as Korra heard the trudging of metal feet approaching, along with a new voice that said, "Hello, Master Avatar Korra. I am Mr. Tuber-Vine, and it is my pleasure to serve you and your allies." Resisting the urge to tell the tuber-vine to not call her "Master" anything, or even Avatar Korra for that matter, Korra laughed hysterically when Zhu Li said, as though she had the tuber-vine as a butler all her life, "Mr. Tuber-Vine, go grab some metals – you know, the stuff we need for zap!" Asami groaned, saying, "Now, now, Zhu Li, don't abuse your husband's tuber-vine like he's your personal servant." Zhu Li smiled, adjusting her glasses slightly as she said, "I'm sure I'll tire of it. Eventually. Just like Varrick did. Though, I don't want to do the Thing with Iron Varrick…" As Korra told Zhu Li and Varrick how she had playfully made Asami's Reach and Korra's Spirit embrace, Varrick and Zhu Li both laughed themselves hoarse, Varrick suddenly stopping, saying, "Shhh! I hear something…"

Looking in the direction that Varrick was now pointing, Korra smiled, seeing Iron Varrick and Zhu Li's Thing holding hands as each carried materials with the other, hearing a female voice say from the monster that was Zhu Li's Thing, "Here you go, Zhu Li. Let us know if there's anything else you need." Varrick opened his mouth, about to say something but stopped, shaking his head, instead saying, "That will be all for now. Just stay still while Korra modifies the mechasuit around you." Realizing that Asami would probably like the ability to direct lightning long distances as well, Korra called Asami's Reach over, first testing this "Liser" on a rock, hooked to Mr. Tuber-Vine and Iron Varrick as a power source. Korra winced when she saw the rock begin to melt, Meelo yelling, "That doesn't look very non-lethal to me, Varrick! Mr. Tuber-Vine, try toning it down a little." With that, the red beam dimmed, Korra generating lightning to try and send along the beam's path, frustrated when the lightning refused to follow the generated path, electricity striking the ground instead of the partially melted rock. Trying again, this time holding out her hand until the Liser started to hurt her hand slightly from the heat, Korra tried again, celebrating when she saw the lightning strike the rock instead of the ground.

Smiling broadly, Korra said, "Now I just need to add these Lisers and more lightning generation capacity to the mechasuits. This Liser would likely make a good designator for weapons, and a good weapon itself if hooked up to a tuber-vine powersource. Designate multiple targets with multiple Lisers under the missile pods of the Raging Shark Whale." Starting to feel excited, Korra said, "Okay, everyone – follow me. It's time to get this show on the road!" Korra was surprised to see all five mechasuits now in a row, Iron Varrick and Zhu Li's Thing in the center, the latter dwarfing the rest. Wanting to make sure that she had enough energy to fabricate the Raging Shark Whale no matter what, Korra drew on her spirit to modify the mechasuits, the only change she made to Kuvira's Remorse cosmetic and adding electrical capabilities to the metalbending cables. Asami's Reach now had a Liser directly above each longblade's angular condenser ring, the electricity to be pumped through the spiritwire on the longblades. Stepping back as she watched Asami test the contraption on a random rock, Korra realized that the earlier "failure" with the Liser's power was likely its best feature, the red dot appearing on the rocky target almost instantaneously as Asami tested the weapon.

Remembering the massive "Intercontinental Ballistic Missile" fusion and Korranium delivery rockets from Earth, Korra began modifying her own suit to include a larger, higher powered Liser on the left arm, the addition's end laying over top of the left Avatar's Bite gem inlay. Korra had been so focused she didn't hear Asami, apologizing to a grumpy-looking Asami, "Sorry I didn't watch all of your weapon test, Asami. I just had an idea that might help us avert catastrophe, should Jinshu Kuangmai ever perfect massive Meesiles like the ones we saw in that horrible vision. Anti-projectile Lisers." Everyone but Asami gave Korra an odd look, sighing as she explained exactly how the vision of Earth's destruction came to pass, massive Meesiles and all. As Korra finished, saying, "Given Jinshu Kuangmai somehow figured out spirit engines on his own, this horrible fate for anyone who opposes Jinshu Kuangmai could become reality soon," she felt an energy surge beside her. Turning around, Korra was puzzled by Raava's indifferent tone, Raava saying, "Without knowledge of ballistics or tuber-vine Kuviracomputers, that day is far off."

Remembering what arrogance and over-confidence cost herself, Korra snapped, saying hotly, "In war, you can never be overconfident! After our clash with Jinshu Kuangmai tomorrow, he'll see what we've been working on! And we cannot be complacent – who knows when the first true dark bromeliads will show up! Or worse – Jinshu Kuangmai managing to get ahold of tuber-vines and corrupt them!" Raava sighed deeply, saying, "You're right, as much as I hate to admit it, Korra. No one suspected Kuvira would bring her spirit weaponry on top of a massive bending controlled and spirit-vine fueled Colossus a week ago. And this special project Tonga tried to warn us about… I cannot find out what the project is. As much as I hate to send Bumju out on another scouting mission, on second thought, we have to know what could be so horrible to deserve sudden death." A single tear dropping down Raava's cheek, Korra realized there was a real possibility Bumju… might not come back, the unknown weighing heavily on her mind. Sighing deeply, Raava called those still awake over, telling a concerned-looking Bumi, "I know you love Bumju, and he was my first convert, but Bumi – this could be his biggest contribution." Bumi began crying, saying, "Can I at least see Bumju again before he goes?" Raava said, patting Bumi on the arm, "Yes. Anything else would be cruel. Bumju!"

With that, the large friendly spirit appeared, trilling happily as he came from near the tree, Korra hearing, "Don't worry, Bumi – I'll be fine!" Feeling a sense of dread nonetheless, Korra watched Bumju vanish after Bumi gave him a big hug, wondering what the spirit would find. Remembering she had a job to do, she turned to Raava, saying, "While Bumju sees what he can find, we need to work, and test." Raava did not respond, crying lightly as Bumi re-assured her, "If spirits can die, or be locked away forever now, I can think of no better way for Bumju to go than seeing what this mystery project is." Korra heard Asami say, voice cracking, "My father sacrificed himself for the greater good, Bumi. I'll be there for you, Bumi, should Bumju not return."

---

Bumju was not sure why everyone else had been so afraid, still feeling care-free as he found himself over the Great Banyan tree, twirling and fluttering his way towards Zaofu, remembering his earlier scouting mission.

Go in small – you need to avoid being spotted at all costs.

Heeding Raava's advice, Bumju shrunk down to a less noticeable size, turning spectral at the same time. After a while, he approached the plain surrounded by mountains that had once been Zaofu, seeing many small red humanoid outlines. Spotting a group that looked especially mean, even seeing a Dark Spirit apparently sitting at a table inside a mountain, Bumju flitted from rock to rock, making sure to avoid prying eyes. He drew on Bumi's war stories for knowledge, not sure why other humans hated them so much.

Before entering the mountain, Bumju silently scanned the valley floor, hearing Raava curse as he took in the massive amount of dark spirit vines and their vile energy. Bumju slipped near the two humans and single Dark Spirit, listening from inside the wall.

"I don't care if the enemy might strike and annihilate part of our forces. We've got a huge technology gap, Vaazula. We aren't moving out until our preparations are finished." Slamming his hand down on the table, the big human continued, "Speaking of gaps… they have SIX bending spirits, one of which can bend two elements. And those mechasuits we saw briefly, through whatever you called that friendly plant-like Dark Spirit – they looked like they could take out whole platoons of soldiers in even the most inexpert of hands, much less… admittedly strong fighters like Avatar Korra and Asami Sato." Another human said, snickering, "What, so now you admire the Avatar and her lover's abilities, as well as being a filthy liar? Beifong!" At first, the big human looked like he wanted to kill the smaller one, instead saying, "Jang, you're walking a very fine line. Now either start acting like you should be, or I'm strapping you into an airship, sending you on a one-way trip to let the Great Banyan tree have its way with you!"

Well, I guess they completely understand what the Great Banyan tree can do now. Rats. So much for the trap. Just stay put, Bumju.

The big human began laughing wildly as the smaller one cowered in fear, saying, "S-sorry, sir. What you said earlier about family, specifically mine – it's true. I need to master my jealousy, before you kill me." What appeared to be a human female but was really a Dark Spirit sighed, saying, "As long as you have a use and remain loyal, Jinshu Kuangmai has no need to dispatch of you. Right, 'Dark Human'?" Bumju stifled a disgusted squeak at what must have been the female spirit's nickname for the big human, hearing the big human respond, "I love it when you call me that. Right, Vaazula. I vaguely hope that when you gain bending tomorrow, Raava tries to infuse you with the real Azula's experiences. Her knowledge would prove most useful. I am sure you will be able to resist insanity. Or, if the rumors really are true, her… sexual preferences." The Dark Spirit laughed, saying, "Of course! I suspected that the gift would come at a price – Korra's not a complete moron, to give an enemy dual bending just to ensure the safety of the prison camp. That's not to say we'll renege on the deal – the allure of bending is too great… greater than killing all those prisoners. Firebending…"

CRAP! Crap crap crap!

Bumju stayed quiet, listening intently as Raava continued to curse in stronger English, finally thinking, "Please be quiet! I can't hear!"

Sorry. Korra is not happy either… although, she's glad to hear we may have additional time for the evacuation.

Bumju managed to catch the smaller human looking proud as he said, "Jinshu Kuangmai, if my idea works, will you promise to never kill me?" The larger human sneered, "Perhaps. We do need better security against little snoops like Bumju, and linking dark spirit vines to those specialized towers you designed should block Zaofu from unwanted intruders. Just like I did earlier, stopping Tonga from spilling the beans about my greatest idea. Forget spirit weapons – if it works, we can – wait a minute. Something doesn't feel right… Like I'm being watched." The female spirit said, looking around wildly, "Jang, get those towers up immediately! I can feel a very faint presence of a Raava-allied spirit - his fear, specifically! Hmmm… some kind of flying rabbit? Wait - I recognize him. BUMJU! Come out, you coward!"

Bumju did not wait to see their response, asking Raava to transport him away. He trilled sadly, looking at a frowning Korra as he "said", "I am sorry, Avatar Korra, that I could not find out what the secret project is." After Raava showed all Bumju's other human friends what had happened, Bumi hugged Bumju, saying, "You tried your best, and didn't get hurt, Bumju. It sounds like we might have a little extra time tomorrow. Plus, we learned Korra was right – never underestimate the enemy." Laughing, Bumi added, "Look what underestimating the enemy got the URN forces with the Equalists," Bumju trilling happily once more, completely forgetting about this secret project.

---

Korra felt extremely frustrated – Jinshu Kuangmai knew that the Great Banyan tree was most definitely a trap now, Vaazula had a pet name for her human… "love" interest, and the mystery project remained that – a mystery! Sighing, she turned to Asami, Kuvira, Varrick and Zhu Li, saying, "Show me those lightning streams again. I need something good after that failure…. Not that it was Bumju's fault. At least we'll have some time before the more technologically advanced Earth Empire forces show up." Korra watched as Zhu Li projected a large stream of lightning from her suit's stocky arms, Zhu Li saying happily, "With this, I can have all the nitrate I want, any time!" Varrick stopped shooting lightning steams from Iron Varrick's twin Liser-sighted hybrid VarriMag and lightning projectors, lost deep in thought. Kuvira was too busy testing out her new twin breastbeams and electrified whips to notice Mako grumbling as he had been since Korra made the modification to hear Varrick when he said, "Kuvira, I think I know a way to revolutionize the United Earth Republic! KUVIRA! Stop playing with your mechasuit, and listen to me!" Kuvira stopped, saying impatiently, "This better be good, Varrick. That was an awful lot of fun. Though, the beams aren't quite as good as they could be…" Varrick groaned, saying, "Of course it's good! I figured it out – nitrate must be good for plants too, given how the bird crap tree sprouted so fast, and there's nitrate in the bird poo! With enough lightning generation of nitrate, we could make Ba Sing Se a true fortress for cheap, totally self-sufficient! If this lightning fertilizer boosts production enough, Ba Sing Se might even be able to export food." Raava ran over, saying with a smile, "Sounds like you're going to be very busy soon, Zhu Li. I won't give you any hints – just know that Varrick's idea is a solid one, and the basis for a revolution in food production."

Coughing, Korra said, "That's good to know, but we have a battle to fight tomorrow. I'm done with all these constant suit modifications – any more weapons and features, and the user will be overwhelmed." Korra saw Asami inside her suit, looking like she was concentrating intensely, saying, "Asami, over here!" After making a quick succession of movements, illuminating different points on the ground, Korra watched in amazement as Asami managed to produce not one, but three different lightning streams, albeit very close together and all but one fading very quickly. Clearly not satisfied, Asami said, "Needs more Lisers, so there can be more lightning paths." Korra shook her head, saying, "While that sounds like a great idea, I think we need to stop before these suits become too heavy, if nothing else. Just look at Zhu Li's! " Looking around and seeing dwindling spirit wire supplies, Korra added, "We still have a massive transport to create. I will likely need help for this task. Come on – the Flying Tuna is over here, near the airfield. Everyone, bring supplies, and don't forget the large spirit vine cuttings!"

Making ready to leave, Korra saw Kuvira lagging behind, looking slightly troubled. Walking over, Korra said, "What's eating at you? And don't bother lying – I can just read you, remember." Kuvira sighed, saying, "Nothing. I was just thinking." Sensing Kuvira was mostly telling the truth, Korra decided not to push anything, saying, "What were you thinking about?" Korra burst out laughing when Kuvira said, deadpan, "Breastbeams." Korra listened as Kuvira explained, Kuvira only snickering once, "Remember the ball I suggested for the front on the Raging Shark Whale? What if you put that kind of setup on the chest weapons – including Varrick's?"

Watching as everyone else worked, Korra said, "That's a good idea, but how can we make it look not totally ridiculous? Balls on the end of metal breasts… not exactly low-key." Laughing, Kuvira said, "Oh, like breastbeams are low key in the first place. What if we just put the ball's outside flush with the surface? There could even be a cover, if you're thinking about modesty at all. A press conference with condenser rings above where your… you know." Korra blushed slightly, saying, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's see what Raava will do for us – I want to leave nothing to chance with the Raging Shark Whale."

After Korra had gotten all five mechasuits in front of her, including Zhu Li's Thing just because, Korra explained what Kuvira had come up with, laughing when Zhu Li said, "Do mine too – but more room for ammunition disk storage!" Korra nodded, saying, "Sure – I can barely tell that thing is supposed to be female as is anyways," a small smile forming on her face when Zhu Li blushed lightly after Varrick said, "Throw some more curves in there, while you're at it!" Seeing Zhu Li didn't protest, Korra let Raava take over, enjoying the entirely different feeling of oneness as she let go control. Remembering her earlier struggle, Korra thought, "How is this not violating my free will, to let you control me like a puppet?"

You're letting me control you, direct you, guide you, like a child following her mother's commands eagerly. That's love, in its purest form.

Satisfied with the answer and wondering what play with Asami might be, doing something similar, Korra told everyone, "Test the weapons, and let's go!" Initially just watching, Korra still found the sight of controlled spirit rays coming from breasts funny. Testing her own, Korra found her suit functioning smoothly. Done with the test, she flew over to the airfield, saying, "Let's go!" Once everyone had assembled near the airfield, Korra said, as she used Avatar State earthbending to create an outline of where the spirit vines would need to be placed, "Okay, listen up! Anyone who cannot bend metal, fire or water who's not on the braintrust should go help Asami, Varrick and Zhu Li gather up everything else we'll need to make, and then put on this plane. That includes extra supplies, building materials, key things like parts from the lovetree and extra tuber-vines. Leave five here for Firelord Izumi, Ty Lee and Mai - I suspect Firelord Izumi already has one, the one she found in Republic City. Maybe her recluse of a daughter is already experimenting on it. Oh, and last but not least, Poki, Pabu and Naga. And try to keep Naga away from me – I don't want to screw up because she licks me." As her parents laughed, Korra waited until everyone was near to infobend out the design for the Raging Shark Whale, making a slight modification, multiple independently-targetable Lisers and lightning generators now having dedicated weapon pods near the tips of the wings, realizing Meelo would need to knock out many targets at once.

Helping move the rest of the materials and miscellaneous ammunition using her mechasuit, Korra saw everyone else learning to use their mechasuits with only slight issues. Korra idly tested her thigh blades in the Avatar State, smiling broadly when she saw she would be able to bend the four elements from them at a distance. Enthralled by this amazing blend of technology and bending, she nearly hit Varrick in his own mechasuit, Varrick yelling through the comm system, "Hey, watch it! I don't want a peg-leg! I may have stolen Asami's stuff a long time ago, but that doesn't mean I want to be a pirate. Well, not too bad, anyways. With the Zhu Li all fixed up with the new stuff, I'd be the terror of the seas!" Korra laughed, asking, "What do you want, Varrick?" Korra listened intently as Varrick said, "Kuvira was just idly talking with me over the radio, waiting for something to do, and she came up with another idea. We can't decide what to call it just yet, but the basic idea is this - we have tuber-vine powered super Kuviracomputers in each capital city, and when things settle down, we can link them together underneath the sea using massive cables. Eska and Desna could talk to your parents in an instant with this system."

Oh my. Maybe you need to try out Jang Hui kelp tea sometime, Korra - they just invented the… nevermind. I'll let you come up with your own name.

Sick and tired of serving as a relay, projecting and infobending and talking all the time, Korra said enthusiastically, "Great! And I can go to the seafloor and put Raava's energy around the cables, so no one can mess with them! When do you want to start?" Korra snickered when she heard Kuvira butt in over the radio, saying, "As soon as we can decide on a name, and central waystation for this idea." Figuring that both Varrick and Kuvira wanted their name to be attached to the project, Korra said, "We'll call it the Kuvarrinet. Oh hush, Varrick - it's using her computers!" Korra sighed as Varrick continued insisting on calling it the Varrinet, Kuvira starting to get cranky as well, finally telling them, "HUSH! What are you, toddlers? I just can't stand people hopped up on Jang Hui kelp tea. Makes you act like a genius hyperactive manchild or womanchild, apparently. I'll call it Korranet if you don't quit complaining, both of you. Technically, if it weren't for my idea about tuber-vine brains, Kuviracomputers would just be a big hunk of metal." When neither objected, much to Korra's surprise, she said, "Good. And I think I know just the place to house the central hub for this communications and military network, the 'Kuvarrinet' - Ember Factory Island. If the central lovetree is anything like the Great Banyan tree, it will be very hard to take out the central super Kuviracomputer, and it can be linked to the Fire Nation and Northern Water Tribe very easily." Thinking of another good, secondary location, Korra added, "The second hub can be near my little addition to Air Temple Island, which I think could do with some more additions anyways. Or maybe inside the mountains outside Republic City. But that's something for another time, after I talk to Tenzin, Jinora and President Raiko about all this."

Seeing that everyone who could help was gathered around her, Jinora jumping up and down, asking, "What are you guys talking about?" Korra tried out one of the unique features of her mechasuit, glad to see a world map projected from her right palm as she explained the idea with her helmet down. After a round of applause, Korra saw that Jinora looked to be lost deep in thought, asking Jinora, "What's the matter? I thought you liked the idea." Jinora nodded, saying, "Oh, yes, I love it, but seeing that world map with these supercomputer locations… there's one nation missing." At first, Korra was confused, saying, "What do you mean? You've got the two Water Tribes, the Fire Nation, the United Earth Republic, the United Republic of Nations, and you've got the Air Nation, based on Air Temple Island." Jinora smiled, saying, "After tomorrow, there will be a lot more airbenders out and about in the world, no longer hiding inside Omashu. No matter how much you expand Air Temple Island, I think we need an actual capital city." Letting Tenzin calm back down, Jinora continued, "With your ability to repair massive amounts of damage or create anew, Korra, I would love it if you would rebuild the Northern Air Temple as a central airbender hub." Jinora laughed when Tenzin lifted her in the air, telling her father, "I hope you stay this happy." After her father put her back down, clearly happy with Jinora's idea, Jinora said, as though she were about to make Tenzin mad again, "Although, I'll want help designing a decidedly new addition to the Northern Air Temple, from Kuvira, Varrick, Asami, Bumi and my father, should he decide to help. Probably Baatar Sr., as well – he's a good architect. I want a secondary spire. An armory and military complex."

Tenzin looked furious, saying, "Are you suggesting that the Air Nation have a standing military, Jinora? That runs contrary to everything Air Nomads have ever stood for!" Jinora sighed, saying, "Times change. Dad, my brother has designed many things to kill people, to put it bluntly. And you were advising me that I needed to be more willing to take life less than a week ago. This volunteer military would be only for when other nations request assistance, or for self-defense." At first, Tenzin looked hesitant, finally saying flatly, "You're right about what I said, Jinora, but I will take some time getting used to this idea. When it comes down to it, I… I guess I don't like change." Tenzin squirmed slightly when Pema hugged him tightly, blushing when she said, "That's it! That's why you can't fly, sweetie!" Tenzin mulled it over, admitting, "Perhaps. That's something for another time, though - let's help Korra make this transport… gunship so we can get out of here." Meelo and Jinora joined the hug, Meelo saying, "Maybe after you see what the Raging Shark Whale can do tomorrow, you won't have so many reservations, dad. It can transport and protect refugees." Tenzin smiled, saying, "I suppose everything has its time and place."

Korra smiled, saying before she put her helmet back on, "And it's now the time and place to make this beast. Mom, dad, Kya, Katara - I want you to see if you can hold the spirit vine sections aloft in the air, in the proper orientation." After they had successfully done so, only managing to hold up the spirit vines for the cockpit and forward section of the plane, Korra realized she'd need to help. Lifting the rest into place, Korra said loudly over the radio, Sharktooth turning on outside speakers, "Okay - everyone who can metalbend, I need you to form the hull and wings now. I'll place in as much of a spiritwire network as possible – this thing will likely come under spirit weaponry fire tomorrow." The process was slow-going, even using the Flying Tuna as a crude base for parts, Korra felt like a moron when she realized she hadn't been in the Avatar State during the whole process. Before turning on the power boost, Korra stopped, thinking, "Wait - how am I able to elevate all those spirit vines, without the Avatar State?" Korra got her answer when she heard Kuvira yell loudly over the radio in excitement, Korra watching in amazement as she saw the metal shift substantially as Kuvira said, "This suit's amazing – I feel like I'm the Avatar! BEND, metal, bend!" Entering the Avatar State and making sure to emulate Kuvira's apparent pushing of her mechasuit, Korra found herself able to keep the spirit vines elevated with her right hand and able to manipulate the metal and new spiritwire sprawl with her thighblades and other hand. Feeling a little tired, Korra stopped moving, realizing as she watched Kuvira finish the basic metalwork that the mechasuits somehow greatly enhanced the user's bending.

Drawing on her spirit to finish off the Raging Shark Whale, knowing only she or Raava could do all the fine detail work, Korra felt herself becoming gradually more and more tired. At first, she thought she would be unable to finish the craft, feeling weak, closing her eyes. Korra saw many images of herself getting her ass kicked over the years, her failure to defend Raava against Unalaq and defeat outside Zaofu stinging her particularly badly. Korra knew that it was weakness of will and not body that was her downfall outside Zaofu instead of inexperience and reluctance to fully use her Avatar State power, like with Unalaq and so many other times. Thinking on why she never used the Avatar State very much until recently, Korra realized the answer – she felt it was a crutch, and she felt like she needed to prove herself strong, with Raava's help. Ignoring some small nagging, voice, Korra let herself get angry, yelling as she moved, "I AM NOT WEAK! I am STRONG! I will take WHATEVER help I can get and use EVERYTHING in my power, and not hold back any longer!" A wonderful burst of adrenaline rushed over her, managing to not only finish the Raging Shark Whale, but improve it slightly, somehow accessing knowledge from the Plane:Earth wing to help. Flipping her helmet down, Korra admired her work, explaining to a shocked audience what had happened, finishing, "I want to test-drive this thing! Meelo, watch what the wings can do now! Without bending!"

As Korra left her mechasuit, she felt a searing pain dance its way from her forehead down her spine, hearing a very annoyed Raava intone, While I'm glad you're re-connecting with your older, headstrong self, there are limits! Quick, grab Asami - we have a pool we need to visit. Korra felt herself fading, asking out loud as her mechasuit's hand moved in of itself, hearing a gravelly voice lecturing her, "What did I… do to myself…"

When Korra woke up, she found herself submerged in a pool of water, Raava standing over her as she moved her hands back and forth, Raava saying, "Don't move. While you free will has no limits, your spirit, particularly what you can do while directly drawing upon it for power, does. Now just stay still." Smiling, Raava added, Korra too weak to laugh, "Nice job bypassing the lock on adjustable geometry wings, though, Korra, and the controls. You even managed to make the wings able to pivot downwards - something no Earth engineer has figured out how to do." Smiling, Korra said, "We… don't have… to worry about… wires and twisting, like they do. Tell me - why did the blueprint I saw, the 'F-14 Tomcat', seem so right somehow? It read 'United States Air Force' on a portion." Raava sighed, saying as Asami came into view, Atokara in tow, "That fighter jet was designed by the nation founded after the rebellion against the English my co-worker showed you on Earth succeeded. They formed the 'United States of America' that you mentioned. It was also the nation you, Asami and Jinora saw obliterated by a mix of fusion and what they call 'uranium' warheads." Raava groaned deeply when Atokara asked, tugging on Raava's white hair, "Can I learn more about them? Huh, Raava? Are they anything like the United Earth Republic?" Pushing Atokara away as Asami laughed, Raava said, "Perhaps, and sort of. Their system of government is similar to the United Earth Republic's, but has differences in power structure that I am sure would bore anyone but Jinora. No, make that Wan Shi Tong - she seems to be more and more about fighting."

Raava put her hands on her hips angrily when Korra asked, feeling the same age as Atokara, "Raava, do you think mister Zaheer might like them? These Americans? Or the United Earth Republic? I wanna make friends with everybody I can!" Korra blushed, crossing her small arms over a pudgy belly as Raava laughed hysterically, saying, "You're a little too connected with your inner child in some ways, Korra. Zaheer hates every government. You need to grow up." Korra stuck out her tongue, saying, "Well, I'm the Avatar right now, and you gotta deal with it!"

Feeling the water lap around her body, Korra closed her eyes, ignoring Raava, placing her hand on the bottom of the pool, giggling when she felt two fish touch her. At first, Korra wanted to try and catch the fish, but she stopped, keeping her eyes closed, watching a set of images she found fascinating appear, even hearing sound eventually. Korra felt rock creep over her small hand and lower body, cursing in English at Raava's attempts to pry her loose from the pool, saying, "I wanna watch this weird-looking mover! Go away, Raava!"

With that, Korra felt Raava stop tugging on her, Raava saying, "Very well, I will respect your free will. Just remember - this takes real time, so I'll be cutting it a little short." Still unable to move her arms, Korra protested, "NO! I wanna watch more!" Asami laughed, saying, "Come on, Raava - I think I know what Korra wants to watch. That 'television' show Aang told Jinora about, my best guess. She can heal and regain strength from her exertions while she's in the pool." Ribbing Raava, Asami added, "Plus, maybe you could contact some people who need to be brought up to speed. Like President Raiko, Jasmine, Yangchen, Baatar Jr, unpronounceable Grand Lotus guy…" Raava smiled, saying, "Good idea, Asami. Korra, this should take roughly twenty to thirty minutes, and when this first episode is done, you're out of that pool." As if anticipating Korra's thoughts, Raava added, "And no, you can't show this to anyone else. Not for a long time, at least. And just watch, enjoy it - don't analyze it."

As Korra closed her eyes again, the mover resumed, not sure if she thought the weird art style was stupid or beautiful. When she saw Roku bending fire, she yelled, "Beautiful!", wondering who the beautiful woman was at the end. She had this stupid pudgy belly - surely, that wasn't her! Korra was about to ask a question, but found herself mesmerized by Tenzin's voice, idly wondering "How often did Aang get beaten up?" The mover stopped after Tenzin's voice said "Firelord Zuko," showing a quick succession of images in the same art style showing a young Aang getting his butt kicked in numerous different ways, Korra laughing when she saw him get his butt "kicked" by hallucinations. Feeling some odd energy temporarily, Korra thought, "You can't win all the time," seeing images in the same art style of what she knew to be herself taking frequent dirt naps. For a moment, she felt ashamed, but took a deep breath, saying, "But I got back up! That's what really counts! Never give up!"

Feeling something strengthen within, the original "mover-toon" resumed, Korra slightly bored by the rest of what Tenzin had to say, knowing everything. Watching what came next, Korra smiled broadly when her mother said, "Korra, please come in here," laughing wildly when she heard herself say, "I'm the Avatar, and you gotta deal with it!" The frame froze for a second as she felt another pleasant energy, saying out loud, "And I'm still the Avatar, and people - and spirits - will just have to deal with it! Raava included!" Taking a quick look at Raava, Raava said, "Hmmm, interesting. You unblocked your chakras fully, and now you're improving and strengthening more, what people on Earth would call, 'Western' concepts - your self-esteem and ego. But in a good way. Now just watch, and let me at least contact one person before saying something again!"

Closing her eyes again as she heard Asami laugh, Korra loved the way the fire was depicted as she passed her firebending test, but not the way her adult self was using it - no restraint, just like the old White Lotus man said. Korra was rather shocked when she heard a different male voice say, over top of a different Earth mover-toon scene, "Do not swing too far the other way, Korra. I am not you - I am Avatar Roku. You can see what my mercy cost me with Sozin. But your deal with 'Tonga Beifong' strikes me as the worst kind of foolishness imaginable." Korra sighed, saying, "Just let me watch! I make my own decisions, old man."

After the sound of an old man sighing deeply, the main mover-toon resumed, Korra getting too caught up in the first episode of this "Legend of Korra" to think any more, laughing, cringing and crying freely. Korra didn't even notice the swirling energy around her. As she watched the end credits, she felt rock shatter around her, now fully "old and boring" again. Feeling as confident as the Korra she had just watched and as full of hope, rejuvenated, she grabbed Asami's butt after leaving the pool, saying, "I can't wait to watch the first one with you in it." Looking around, seeing Raava looking busy, Korra drew on her spirit to sneak Asami what she had just seen using infobending, Asami saying, "Wow. That was something else." Remembering what Professor Zei had said about the storage system, Korra said loudly, wondering if commands would carry in the Spirit World, "Wan Shi Tong Spirit Library Kuviracomputer, store 'Book 1: Air Episode 1: Welcome to Republic City' under a new infile." Korra got angry when she heard a computerized voice from beside her say from behind a rock, "Error: infile already exists," realizing that Raava had been hiding this all along. She was puzzled when it continued, asking, "High Clearance User Avatar Korra, overwrite infile, or create new infile?"

Going over the first Earth mover-toon in her mind, she said, "Keep old infile, and keep the label, tagged 'Suitable for all ages'. Create new infile, named 'The Legend of Korra: Alive', but with missing events added, such as the two Red Lotus attacks, and Grand Lotus Ataninnuaq's little memory wipe. Label 'Judgment or consultation with the nearest tuber-vine advised before viewing.' And make it so we can take physical copies out, if we use a Spirit Portal." Pausing, Korra added, "But keep the art style. I can't wait to see what everything looks like. Especially the first time I have sex with you, gorgeous." Asami blushed, saying, "Thanks, but I'm not so sure they'd show that on what looked like a kid's show." Looking ashen, Asami said, "I wouldn't be surprised if they stopped as soon as we entered the Spirit Portal. If they even showed that…" Shifting slightly, Korra heard the computerized voice intone, "Affirmative. Infile for 'Legend of Korra' from Earth stops at Spirit Portal." Smiling, Korra said, "Well, I guess we'll have to fix that. With infobending, our production costs should be non-existent."

Korra rolled her eyes as she listened to Raava lecture her, scoffing before saying, "Relax, Raava. Remember what you said about not interfering with my free will. And plus, this thing wouldn't be released until we get things better under control." Laughing, Korra continued, "It probably wouldn't be the best thing to release something that depicts me getting my ass kicked so often when I need public support. Maybe release the other one instead, and let Varrick and Zhu Li get the profit from it." Raava looked deep in thought, finally saying, "I don't know. I suppose people seeing your past life's mercy for Ozai would be good, maybe deflect criticism for you not just going for Jinshu Kuangmai's throat tomorrow." Chuckling, Raava added, "'Avatar: The Last Airbender' would also not require much 'additions', given it's about Aang's younger years and he didn't do anything sexual with Katara for a good while after defeating Ozai."

Raava smiled, saying, "Enough about that. We can come back to that later. Jasmine has been told in greater detail about the clothes and earth dummy deception, as well as the fact that Wu will be coming from underneath with badgermoles and that she can expect the initial assault to not include the more advanced military hardware that Jinshu Kuangmai is creating right now. Yangchen has been told that Omashu should be safe, but I advised them to create bunkers outside the city just in case. Baatar Jr. is delaying slightly, wanting to make sure the URN military forces, civilian volunteers and Equalists are equipped for battle and not slaughter. They should be ready to move out soon. For now, President Raiko and both Irohs are overseeing the operation with Sokka helping, Uncle Iroh better at land operations than sea. Not that Iroh II has a stellar track record…" Sighing, Raava said, "I'm afraid Ataninnuaq met with less success. Apparently, Zaheer has become a little unhinged - well, more than usual - because he can no longer meditate into the Spirit World without Long Yumao booting him out. When Ataninnuaq went to see him, Zaheer tried to knock him over with a powerful breath, Ataninnuaq freezing him in ice. They've put a special muffling mask on him, not wanting someone to get knocked out and the keys sucked off them. Given what Ataninnuaq said, Zaheer's been practicing mouth airbending in lieu of visiting the Spirit World." Raava frowned slightly, saying, "And I tried seeing if I could get any help to see what Jinshu Kuangmai is up to, but no dice. Although…" Aang appearing, Raava asked him, "Do you think it is likely that Koh may know what Jinshu Kuangmai is planning, given his unusual pathways to information?" Aang shook his head, saying, "I don't know."

Korra heard the muffled sounds of clacking feet, musing quietly to herself that she never thought she'd be glad to hear from Koh the Face-Stealer. Yelling loudly, knowing she was out of range of face stealing atop the strange elevated rock, "Koh, tell us what you know! Something tells me whatever Jinshu Kuangmai is planning, it involves spirits!" Korra groaned when she heard Koh say, "Forget it! Give me a face, and I'll talk - tell you what I know." At first, a devious idea occurred to Korra, knowing Zaheer's weakened state would leave him vulnerable to Koh, but she rejected it, saying, "No. And don't you owe me a favor anyways, Avatar Kuruk sparing your life?" She heard Koh's voice sigh, saying, "Enough. I tire of this game, Avatar. Or should I say, Avatars… I can sense you up there, Aang." Aang sighed, saying, "What you told me, a lifetime ago, about the Moon and Ocean spirits - it helped both spirits and humans alike. Something tells me this is no different." Korra heard Koh give out a dejected sigh, saying, "You are right. And Long Yumao would probably bite me in two if he knew how long I avoided telling the Avatar, ally to all spirits, about this." After a slithering sighing, she heard Koh say, "All I will say is this. I speak in riddles, not clear statements. 'For every yin, there is a yang, even between different kinds of darkness. Reciprocity is coming.' And, to be honest for once, this is all I know." Korra sighed, saying, "Thanks, but that favor still isn't repaid. That was awfully… vague."

With this, she heard Koh howl from below, Koh saying with anger, "You think I like the vagueness any better? I don't particularly like the idea of reciprocity - someone stealing my faces? Or what about Long Yumao - someone - bah! Too ridiculous to even say." Before Korra could say anything, she heard the clacking of many feet fading fast, frustrated.

Sitting down, she thought over the riddle, realizing that the yin and yang between darkness must have referred to Long Yumao and Jinshu Kuangmai. Thinking of Long Yumao's ultimate goal and reciprocity, she still found herself at a dead end, only one ridiculous idea occurring to her, dismissing it out of hand. Given how Raava was laughing, she thought it ridiculous too, saying, "That idea. Hah - Jinshu Kuangmai, enslaving Long Yumao! Now there's a long shot. Enough with this riddle garbage - we've got a flight to catch. Your bodies have all been loaded onto the plane, apparently with Bumju's help, from what he's trilling on about."

Remembering an earlier promise, Korra said, knowing the enhancement that the nearby pool provided to communication via projection, "Tell Tenzin to get Meelo in here. We've got some girl named… Tuyen to find?" Raava sighed, saying, "Tomorrow, Korra. I will only say I delay, because I don't want to trouble Meelo. Or give him any reason to just mow down Earth Empire elites…" Seeing the stink-eye Korra was giving Raava, Raava said, "She's more than fine, Korra, and her parents. I just don't want Meelo taking the wrong message away from her story, especially not before a battle. She didn't call for the deaths of the elites in Ba Sing Se when she gave her speech, and she wouldn't want him committing mass slaughter over what happened to her." Raava slapped her hand over her mouth, cursing in English, Korra smiling as she said, "Said too much, huh? Sounds like we've got more than just official business in Ba Sing Se, and Tuyen's more than just a pretty face. Wonder why they described her as a 'peasant girl', though… Ikki told me Tuyen looked well off on the way to Zaofu, much to Meelo's great pleasure." Raava grinned nervously, saying, "Let's just say in times of chaos and uncertainty, wealth is… fluid." Korra shrugged, saying, "Hey - there's a lot worse things that could happen to you than losing your money. At least Tuyen still has her parents, unlike Mako and Bolin, or Asami."

Raava stood silent, finally saying, "I'm sorry - you're right. While you take a tour of your creation with Asami, I can talk to Meelo, if you wish." Korra nodded, asking, "There any chance you could somehow gauge his reaction without showing him what happened? Like a pre-reading?" Raava laughed, saying, "NO! That sounds awfully human-y to me, and even with all this, I'm still learning the ropes, so to speak. Now let me back in so I can learn more!"

After a slight jolt, Korra found herself laying against Naga's side next to Asami, her parents idly talking to her other side. Yawning, her father said, "Oh good, you're back. And glowing. Literally." The yawn infectious, Korra yawned, then asked, hearing some shouting and light cursing, feeling energy dim inside her in more ways than one, "What's going on? Why does it sound like Meelo and Bumi are fighting?" Her father laughed deeply as her mother said, "Just trying to decide who gets to pilot the Raging Shark Whale while on Jang Hui kelp tea." Not liking the sound of either option, Korra leapt up, grabbing Asami's arm as she said, "Neither one of them are going to! They need to sleep!"

Looking side to side slightly as she ran through the cavern that was the inside of the transport, she saw everyone else looked exhausted; the only ones who were fully awake were Zhu Li, Meelo and Bumi. Giving Zhu Li an exasperated look, Korra groaned, "Don't tell me you gave them more Jang Hui kelp tea, after giving everyone else the antidote." Zhu Li nodded, saying, "Yes, I did. Who do you expect to pilot this huge thing? Meelo designed it, and Bumi has military 'cred', I believe. Is that the right term?" Korra shrugged, saying, "I guess. Now help me pry them apart!"

As she approached, she could make out Meelo saying, "No, Uncle Bumi, you can't test the weapons out on the sea! You might kill some innocent creature - and we need to conserve ammunition anyways!" Bumi whined, saying, finishing as crossed his arms, "Come on - just one little Meesile! I wanna see this stuff in action! And I didn't even get my tank!" Torn between curiosity about this tank and wanting to smack Bumi, Korra said, clearing her throat, "Ahem. You both need sleep, Jang Hui kelp tea or not. I mean, Bumi, how else will you see your mom and dad when they were younger again? And Meelo - don't you want to see grandpa Aang again?" Bumi immediately stopped squabbling, letting Meelo sit on his head in triumph as he said, "Sure! Zhu Li, do the thing! The knockout tea thing!" Zhu Li chuckled, saying melodramatically, "Only Varrick gets to tell me that!" laughing when Bumi had a genuinely concerned response, giving him a teacup anyways. At first, Korra laughed as well, but stopped, asking, "Okay - but who's going to pilot this thing?"

When Korra heard a loud trilling from behind her, her first instinct was to laugh, snickering slightly when her brain translated Bumju's speech as, "I'm a spirit - I don't need sleep! Can I try?" Given his slight whimper, Bumju must have caught her snickering, Korra apologizing, saying, "Sorry, Bumju. Just one problem - no one has ever flown this thing before." Korra not keen to wreck the craft she had worked herself near to breaking on, she was glad to hear Asami volunteer, "I'm a pretty good pilot and driver, and when I'm done, you can transfer the knowledge to Bumju, and everyone else can go to sleep." Korra nodded, saying, "I want to take a look around - see how much stuff fit in here." With that, Korra turned around, Asami too enthralled with the controls to respond.

---

Asami was mesmerized - these controls looked like nothing she had ever seen before. Not wanting to accidentally discharge a weapon or send the transport careening into the sea, she looked around for instructions of some sort, finally seeing more conventional controls off to one side. Sliding in the pilot's chair to the side, she involuntarily jerked a little when she heard a voice laugh from a speaker, then say, "Hey, check this out, Patientstem - I guess Asami's old fashioned! Doesn't like the new controls Korra made. Or rather, stole." Rubbing her head, Asami asked, "Uh, Jinorahead - I thought all she changed was the wing shifting?" The voice laughed, saying, "Nope! Why don't you go look at the real controls and sensors."

Asami rolled back over on the track the pilot's chair was linked to, taking a good look at the display above the controls for the first time. Laying her head back against the headrest, she was surprised to hear a computerized voice say, "Hello, High Clearance User Asami Sato. I detect you need instruction. Do you wish manual instruction, or direct instruction from the Plane: Earth wing?" Forgetting all about time concerns, Asami said, "The first one!"

The computerized voice that she recognized earlier from the Spirit World said, "Request acknowledged. Please wait until User Bumju is in attendance." Asami studied the display while waiting, noticing that there was a highly detailed world map projected onto a curved suface behind the main Kuviracomputer terminal and display. Seeing an odd detail, Asami commanded, "Computer, show me a detailed map of our current location," knowing the islands Korra and others had just created shouldn't be on the map. The image shifted, multiple displays of Ember Island and its new neighbors appearing, the Kuviracomputer intoning, "Multiple scanning systems online. No metallic movement or spirit energy activity detected in the immediate vicinity. Expanding scan…"

Asami sighed slightly, relieved to hear the computer say, "Scan in hundred mile radius detects no spirit energy activity, and scan in fifty mile radius detects no threatening metallic movements." Asami heard both panting and a loud trilling from behind her, hearing Korra say, "Forget the tour, I'm exhausted. Raava, help me show Asami, Bumju and Meelo how to pilot this thing. And computer, make sure to keep an eye on the spirit energy scanner." Feeling tired herself, Asami said, patting Korra on the shoulder, "Let's get this over with. I want to see my parents again, among… other things." As Asami felt a flow of information, she heard Atokara's voice remind her, "We've got somebody to help, remember, momma Korra and mommy Asami!"

Asami was rapidly becoming too tired to think coherently, accidentally calling Korra the dirty nickname she had come up with earlier. Korra blushed, saying, "You can do that to me, later, in the shared dream world. Good thing my parents and everyone else is already asleep. Don't want Meelo knowing that nickname…" Approaching a snoozing Naga next to Korra, Korra added, with a wink, "I like that name too. See you on the other side, Assami." Asami collapsed onto Naga's flank, the last thing she said before falling asleep being, "Can't wait to see what your little personal fantasy is, Korra."