Author Notes: Thank you Toastermarketingboard for editing!

The wind off the ocean howled and tossed the waves into the small island. It was well after midnight, and all the temple lights had been extinguished. Korra sat alone in the gazebo, her eyes closed and fists together.

"Raava…? Raava where are you"

Defeated, Korra hung her head. She had been meditating for what felt like hours in hopes of contacting Raava, to no avail. She opened her eyes and looked out at the uneasy water.

The Avatar groaned and pulled herself up from the lotus position. She kicked her left leg out behind her and then swiftly thrust it forward. From the kick a fiery blast shot into the sky. As it climbed the glowing red orb began to extinguish. Korra repeated the actions, kicking three more flaming balls into the darkness.

Following the fire blasts Korra heaved a chunk of rock. As it peaked and started to descend back to earth, she threw her fists at it and sent the rock into the ocean with a splash. Inspired, Korra conjured up a swell of water and guided it in figures of eight around her body a few times before returning it.

Since she had bent all the other elements, Korra felt like she might as well go into some air stances. For an hour the Avatar got lost in a trance of filtering through various stances of the four elements. Her eyes had long since closed, but she could sense all around her.

Bending water was comforting, but that was to be expected from her native element. The pushing and pulling motions that guided the water helped Korra calm her own emotions. Water can adapt to its surroundings and flow, but the element had another side; still waters could hide surprising depths, gentle currents could turn into torrents, water could be soft silk and in an instant sharp ice.

With a few final pushes Korra widened her stance and moved to earth. She enjoyed earth's simplicity, though she would never say that to an earthbender; it just felt so solid and sure. Bending earth really did make you feel grounded and its strength came from being able to take that away from your opponent. Bending earth was very physical and Korra felt adrenaline start to build along with a sweat. This triggered her to switch to the next element.

Fire, despite being the 'opposite' to her home element of water, came very naturally to her. When her emotions were high she found herself instinctively going to fire. While bending the element she could feel a burning inside herself, the physical sensation helped distract her from the emotional. Korra recognized that it was a good thing she wasn't solely a firebender; given her personality it wouldn't have taken much to be consumed by fire's unruly nature.

Korra started relaxing her muscles and let her body move with the gusts of air that came off the water.

"Be the leaf."

Air; it had surprised Korra how hard it was for her to learn the element. She understood water and its ability to flow and change, but air was still different. Air just was. 'Just being' was not an easy state of body or mind for the Avatar. One of the few times she had felt like was 'just being' was her and Asami's last evening in the Spirit World. Lying side by side, watching the surreal night sky, with Asami tucked under her arm. It was a brief glimpse at paradise.

Going back into the state of mind she had in the Spirit World helped her completely let go of the last tether she was feeling, allowing herself to fully open up. Korra changed stances again, in rapid succession, without thought; water, earth, fire and air. Water, earth, fire and air.

'Korra…' a quiet voice called out.

Water, earth, fire and air.

'Korra…' This time loud enough for Korra to hear in her mind.

"Raava?" Korra called aloud.

'I am here. Sit down Korra, rest. '

The Avatar obeyed and folded herself into the lotus position again. When her fists came together a flash blinded her closed eyes. As the light dimmed Korra could see Raava's incandescent form hovering above her.

"Where have you been?"

'I have been resting… I was very tired.'

"From creating the new Spirit Portal?"

'Yes… but I am feeling stronger these days.'

"Raava, I need your guidance… you're the only one I can talk to."

'You want to know if you are doing the right thing about Kuvira.'

"Why am I doubting this decision?"

'Your friends could get hurt or in trouble, even killed...'

"Everyone is so willing to risk their lives again, like it wasn't even a question. Looking back, it's a miracle we all came out of Kuvira's attack on Republic City alive. I wanted to protect Kuvira's life, because I knew it was the right thing to do. Defending her in court had no risks, besides some people not liking me, but I'm pretty used to that. But now saving Kuvira means not only gambling my own life, but the lives of many others; weigh that against the crimes she committed and the right choice isn't so clear anymore.

"Since these trials started, I've questioned if my desire to save Kuvira has come from a selfish place, because of how much of myself I see in her. I can't help but think about what Kuvira herself said 'There will come a day when the good of the people will outweigh your own attachments.' I was so revolted by that idea, because I could hear the harsh truth in her words. It's a fact I've slowly been coming to realize. As the the Avatar, I have to think about what is right for others, and not put people in danger over my own attachments."

'Have you not considered that your friends have already decided what is right for them? Right now you want to make a decision for your people, an action you chastised Kuvira for.'

"But I won't be there to help them for the most dangerous part! I can sense a desire for change in Kuvira, but I can't predict what she's going to do. I just have to sit here and wait!"

'By stopping this mission to protect them, you are really choosing to protect yourself.'

Korra bowed her head.

There was a long moment of silence as she contemplated Raava's words.

'What is it Korra?'

"After Kuvira is rescued, I have to take her bending away. How do I… how do we do that?"

'We must be joined in the Avatar State; I will guide you from there.'

Korra gave a slight nod, but remained silent.

'It will be alright Korra, this is the path of balance.'

The following morning, before breakfast, Korra disclosed the plan to Tenzin and Jinora. After speaking with them, she felt more assured of the decision to save Kuvira. Soon after, the pair left for the trial without her.

Tenzin was going to tip off the press that she would not be supporting Kuvira in the trials, so she needed to stay on the island and wait for the press to inevitably show up for a formal statement.

Korra felt a slight pang of guilt knowing that Kuvira would feel abandoned, maybe even betrayed by her. Once Kuvira was saved and their plan was revealed to her, Korra wasn't sure how she'd feel… Hopefully relieved she wasn't going to be executed. As far as the bending went, the Avatar wondered how willingly she'd give it up.

Needing something to do, Korra made her way over to the gazebo to practice her airbending stances. To her surprise she found Ikki in front of the structure, going through some air stances.

"I can't believe my eyes, Ikki practicing, on her own?" the Avatar teased.

The younger girl narrowed her eyes and looked over at Korra. "I'm going to be an Air Master someday too, you know. I'll be older than Jinora when she became a master… but I'll be happy just as long as I beat Meelo."

"I forget that's going to happen someday. He's going to be so annoying after he becomes an Air Master."

"You mean insufferable," Ikki countered.

"Maybe we'll all be moved out by then." Korra bowed. "So, may I join you in your practice Master Ikki?"

Ikki bowed back. "You may, Avatar Korra, but shouldn't you be at the trial…"

Korra gathered up a gust of air. "There's been a change of plans."

The young airbender broke her stances and ran up to Korra. "Asami told you?"

"Ye-yeah, how'd you know about..?"

"I was there when she found out. What's the plan, are we going to call out the Earth Kingdom? What's Asami's part? What do I need to do?"

"Whoa there, we're going to save Kuvira before she makes it back to the Earth Kingdom."

"That's great! I knew she didn't mean what she said. I've gotta go talk to her! Bye Korra!" With a burst of air Ikki was in the sky, flying towards the city.

The baffled Avatar watched her small form disappear. Once she was no longer visible, Korra shrugged and started back into her air stances.

It was almost noon when the airship neared the outer ring of Ba Sing Se. The large craft slowly started descending out of the clouds, to cruise at a lower altitude.

"Excited to see your brother?" Opal asked, nudging her boyfriend with her shoulder.

"I mean, he's only been gone for like six days… But yeah, I am."

"I wonder what he's been up to."

A thunderous banging roused Mako from him sleep. The light was too bright, so he rolled over and pulled the sheets to cover his head. He heard some rustling and footsteps padding away from the bed.

"Prince Wu, visitors from Republic City and Zaofu have just requested a landing in the inner ring, should we permit them?"

It wasn't till Mako heard the Prince's name that he realized he was not where he thought he was. The firebender shot up out from the covers and started looking around frantically. From the direction of the door, he heard Wu's voice.

"Of course! You all need to lighten up, the fight is over."

"Understood, sir."

The door thudded closed and Wu let out a long sigh. "I swear I have to hold their hand over every single decision."

The prince looked over at the bed to see a pair of frightened eyes staring back at him. "Morning Mako, guess we have some company from Republic City."

"Uh… Um… Wha…" were the only sounds Mako could make as he looked back and forth between the spot it appeared Wu had slept in on the bed and the prince himself.

Wu put a hand to his mouth and let out a chuckle. "Oh calm down Mako, we didn't do anything. Remember, you were escorting me back to my room last night after that party, and were too drunk to make it back to your own." Wu moved his hand to his chin. "Looking back on the evening, that was a little too elaborate for a political dinner. We are trying to move away from the excesses of the Monarchy. Remind me of that next time Mako, we need to set a better example!"

Wu started into the attached bathroom, leaving Mako alone. The firebender grabbed his forehead, as if the mention of him being drunk last night reminded his body it should feel hangover pains. Giving into his body's wishes, he allowed himself to lie back down. Mako's eyes closed and tried to remember the evening.

Several heads of the Earth Kingdom states were in Ba Sing Se to start working out the new government. The meetings were long and tedious, so Wu had suggested a dinner party to ease some of the monotony. It was held in the palace, where most of the attendees were already staying. Even though the palace had been looted the structure itself was still beautiful. From there things started to get fuzzy. The wine cellar in the place had survived the raids, and several barrels were tapped for the festivities.

Mako felt strange admitting it, but despite the long boring discussions he really was enjoying his time in the Earth Kingdom. He was meeting so many different and intelligent people and was learning a lot about politics. He just needed to learn how to drink responsibly around them, or to drink as much as they did. Mako distinctly remembered never having to refill his glass, someone was always taking care of it for him.

Mako recalled acknowledging a change in the Prince since Kuvira's attack, and while in the Earth Kingdom. He had really started to mellow out, and was taking more initiative than ever; the party was a huge success. But then there were still some Wu tendencies he hadn't quite shaken, and at some point Wu asked him to walk him back to his room.

It wasn't until Mako had stood up to walk Wu back that it sunk in how drunk he was. Which was why when they arrived at Wu's door, he didn't think twice about the offer to put his head down and start sleeping it off.

While Mako had been thinking Wu finished in the restroom and was starting to pull out clothing from his wardrobe. Mako sat back up and started dragging himself out of the bed.

"Well c'mon sleepyhead, we have visitors."

When Mako and Wu entered the throne room, which had been converted into the main meeting space, Suyin, Opal and Bolin were already waiting for them.

"Mako!" Bolin shouted, getting out of his seat and rushing towards his brother.

"Bolin?"

The earthbender wrapped Mako in a big bear hug, lifting him a few inches off the ground.

"What brings you guys here?" Mako asked, as his brother released him back to the ground.

Suyin rose from her seat. "We need to speak with the both of you, do you have a space that is a little more intimate?"

Wu thought for a moment. "Let's go to my bedroom."

Mako felt his face threatening to redden, as if somehow everyone would know he had spent the night there. Once the five were inside the room, and seated in the small living room space, Suyin turned to Wu.

"We've come to discuss Kuvira, are you aware of the situation?"

The prince turned to Mako. "Situation?"

The firebender shrugged and looked back at their guests. "Her trial has started, right?"

"Correct, and we've been informed the jury has been rigged to sentence her to death," Suyin replied.

Mako shifted in his seat. "What? How?"

"That's what we'd like to know."

Bolin leaned forward. "So you weren't involved in this, right?"

Mako looked over at Wu. "I'm not."

Wu held his hands up defensively. "Don't look at me! After hearing about my aunt's 'informal' execution, you think I'd support that?"

"Do you have any idea who would?" Opal asked.

"Pretty much all the Earth Kingdom states' officials and governors are here. We've been having dozens of meetings about moving forward without the monarchy. I hope this wasn't decided during one of those meetings I skipped to go shopping…" Wu pondered.

Mako groaned and rested his face in his hand.

"Or it could have been decided before I returned. A lot of things had already been put into motion before Mako and I came back. We had to do a lot of reining in on the policy making, a lot of people were taking advantage of the lack of structure."

"Those who passed it probably doubted it'd ever come up again, and you'd never question the sentencing," Suyin said, crossing her legs.

"We're already housing all the other war criminals, what's one more?" Wu asked with a shrug.

Mako got out of his seat and walked towards the window. "She's only the face and leader of the destruction we're all working tirelessly to fix. I can see why some people would like to make sure she or anyone else does not do anything like this again."

"Yes, and we all agree that she deserves a harsh punishment for her actions, but rigged trials and executions is not the direction we want to see our country take for our citizens, regardless of the crime," Suyin countered.

"So uh, what are you all proposing? I'm assuming the Avatar is involved?" asked Wu.

Mako felt a pang in his chest at the mention of Korra. It had been so hectic since he arrived, he really hadn't given the reason he left much thought. It was wishful thinking on his part that coming to the Earth Kingdom would mean no one discussing Korra for a few months. Wu's words reminded him of his conversation with Lin at Varrick's wedding party.

'I know Korra is going to meddle in the trial of Kuvira. She spared her life and is going to want to be responsible for it.'

The firebender sighed to himself. 'You called it Chief...'

"Of course she's involved, but we don't want to ruffle any feathers. We have just gained peace, and can all agree we'd like to keep it for as long as possible. Our plan is fairly simple, we rescue Kuvira while she is being delivered to the Earth Kingdom for her execution, make the world believe she was killed in the scuffle, Korra removes her bending and we banish her off to some remote village in the Fire Nation, and since the Earth Kingdom is still quite malleable we push to make capital punishment illegal in the future."

Wu nodded his head. "That sounds agreeable, and since the Avatar approves, I can't say no to her. I assume there is a part you need me to play?"

"Correct, we need you to control who is on board the airship that picks up Kuvira. Ideally we'd like everyone on the ship in the loop of the situation, so when my recovery team meets up with the transport airship they collect Kuvira without anyone getting hurt, and then stage the airship crash. Then the crew corroborates the story that Kuvira died in the crash."

Mako turned around to face the group. "What if we are met with resistance when Wu tries to take control of collecting Kuvira? What if he's been intentionally left in the dark?"

"He has to wait until the the announcement of the verdict is made, and he will need to act like he wants to take initiative on getting justice for his people."

Wu clasped his hands together. "It'll be like going under cover, finally a chance to showcase my acting abilities!"

"Just don't over act, remember you're going to be campaigning to get rid of the death penalty after this," Opal said, pointing for emphasis. "Mako, you need to keep him in line."

The firebender smiled. "I always do."

"Oh this is exciting!" Wu said clapping his hands together a few times.

"Do you have a private phone or radio line we can communicate on?" Suyin asked, looking around the room.

"There is one here in my bedroom."

"Perfect, let's exchange numbers before we leave."

"How long will you be staying?" Mako asked, looking at his brother.

Bolin turned to Suyin, unsure of the answer himself.

"We need to leave this evening, we have a lot to get together, and not a lot of time. I'm going to go check on my husband and the other boys, shall we meet up for dinner?"

"Yes, there is this little Fire Nation restaurant I've been meaning to go to. We can meet in the throne room around six." Wu stood up and gestured Suyin to join him. "I'll walk you back so these brothers can catch up."

Suyin took the offered arm and Opal followed behind them towards the door. She leaned closer to Wu and quietly spoke. "So there was one other bit of politics I wanted to bring up with you, while I'm here…"

"Mom, is this really the best time for your other political agendas?" Opal groaned.

The Matriarch looked back at her daughter, and gave her a frown. "This is the time, the Nation is rebuilding itself and its policies."

"What did you have in mind?" Wu asked.

"How do you feel about advocating for homosexual marriage to become legal in the Earth Kingdom?"

"I feel very good Mrs. Beifong; can I ask why the interest?"

"It's a family matter," Suyin said as Opal shut the door behind them with an eye roll.

With a soft click they were alone. Bolin stood up from his seat and joined his brother by the window. He reached out a hand and gave his brother's shoulder a light pat.

"I've missed you bro, I'm glad to see you."

"It's been like a week," Mako smiled, "but it's good to see you too."

Bolin looked out at the window, onto the palace grounds. "So, what do you think of all this?"

Mako gazed outside as well. "Well politically, this route will be a lot less messy. With Kuvira presumptively dead, it will hopefully satisfy the someone or someones out there that rigged the trial. Once the topic is no longer wrapped up with Kuvira, talking about the death penalty won't be as heated. My only concern is if Kuvira's worth all the trouble; it was Korra who pushed for saving Kuvira this way, right?"

The earthbender scratched the back of his head. "Well, actually it was more Suyin and Asami. They had the information and brought it to the rest of our attention with the plan part-way hatched out already. But Korra does support it, why?"

Mako quickly shook his head. "I was just curious…"

"How are you doing, with all of… that?"

"I'm fine," Mako said curtly. "She hadn't come up at all until you guys got here."

Bolin started fidgeting with a tassel on the window curtain. "I'm sorry Mako, we didn't mean to, uh… I know you're out here to get away from it…"

"I know, I know. I didn't mean to sound like I was accusing you," Mako said, grabbing his forehead.

"Don't worry, you won't see her, you need stay here with Wu so you're not under any suspicion and can keep him in check."

"I can't let you guys go on a dangerous mission without me."

"You gotta bro, we all have to play our parts. It's worked out perfectly that you were already out here, you're in the place we need you to be."

Mako didn't respond and just crossed his arms and looked back out the window.

"Hey, we're not going to see each other for a while after things, let's go have some fun!" Bolin said, gently punching Mako in the shoulder. He didn't respond but his frown started to crack. Bolin turned to face his brother and started poking his arms and stomach.

"Commooon… you know you want to."

Mako's frown finally broke into a smile and he swatted Bolin's hands away. "Alright, alright!"

"Yes! Let's hit the town!"

"Kuvira's trial started this morning. Not much to say about it at this time, our inside source reports there were not many witnesses on the defendant's side of the court, just a large group of airbenders and acolytes led by Master Tenzin. We got a statement from Avatar Korra this afternoon, she has decided to not attend the trial. Avatar Korra said quote; I do not wish to impose any influence on this trial, this trial is for the people and only the people should choose the punishment they see fit. End quote. I am a little surprised by the Avatar's hands off approach, but it sounds to me like even the Avatar is just as ready as the rest of us are to put this all behind us. And now this week's forecast…"

Kuvira stopped listening after the radio host finished quoting the Avatar. She was hoping the news her guards listened to every night would provide some insight as to why Korra, Opal and Bolin were not at her trial, but it told her nothing. She was a fool to think they'd actually show up.

Without Korra, she knew the death penalty was imminent. The dictator was certain it was Korra's presence at Baatar's trial that spared his life. During fragile times like these, no one would want to vote against the Avatar's opinion.

"I can call this all off, and let them execute you if that's what you really want, but I don't think that it is."

Kuvira shook her head. She had misjudged Korra, thought she was too soft and sentimental to make a real threat. "Well done Avatar, now you're acting like a true leader."

To be continued...