[Saito stands alone in a quiet part of Republic City, looking out at the skyline. The city's lights shimmer against the night, but his mind is elsewhere — on Kiro, on the Red Lotus, the Oni, and on his duty. He takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking aloud, almost as if trying to convince himself of what he feels.]

[Saito] I thought… being the Avatar would be simpler. I thought that once I understood my purpose, the path would just reveal itself — that I'd know exactly what to do. But now… I see it's not that easy.

All my life, I thought strength was enough. Kiro and I, we pushed each other, tested each other, always believing that power would protect us. And in some ways, it did. But power alone… it can't mend the wounds in someone's heart. It can't bring back the trust that's been broken.

[The scene shifts to the Red Lotus' fortress, where Kiro is seen alone, standing near the edge of a cliff that overlooks a vast, shimmering river. Amos approaches him, keeping a respectful distance. They start to walk away, leaving the cliff behind. It shows a glimpse on Kiro's chest plate as it has the Red Lotus insignia, giving significance that he joined the Red Lotus.]

I wanted to save him. I wanted to reach him, to pull him back from the darkness he's fallen into. But maybe… maybe it's not my place to decide what path he walks. Maybe the best I can do is keep my promise to him, even if he's no longer by my side.

I feel Raava within me — her strength, her wisdom. The strength of every Avatar who's ever lived. They've all carried this burden before me, made sacrifices, lost friends, even fought against those they loved. They did it because the world needed balance… because they knew peace isn't born from hatred or vengeance. It's born from understanding, from forgiveness… even when it feels impossible.

I don't know what the future holds. I don't know if Kiro and I will ever stand together again. But for now… I'll hold on to hope. Hope that, somehow, he'll see the light in himself again. Because if I let go of that, if I let go of hope… then what kind of Avatar would I be?

[He pauses, looking up at the stars, his eyes determined yet vulnerable. The weight of his role is heavy, but there's a quiet strength in his voice now.]

I will carry this burden, for Kiro, for my friends, for everyone. And I'll keep fighting for a future where no one has to choose between love and duty… where no one has to walk the path of darkness just to find their place in the world.

[He lowers his gaze, and with a renewed sense of purpose, he stands a little taller, his resolve unwavering.]

Because that's what it means to be the Avatar.

End Book 1