(See the end of the chapter for notes .)

Chapter Text

EXT. REPUBLIC CITY BATTLEFIELD, NIGHT

The final rents in UNAVAATU'S body from the spirit gun finish regenerating and the shadowy giant stirs.

UNAVAATU

To get a taste of my own power wielded against me... that is a new experience.

(Inhales deeply, grinning)

Invigorating.

UNAVAATU begins to walk forward, dark spirits boiling around him down on the street. With each step, plants and green moss spread out from beneath his huge feet. Behind him, the streets look like a city abandoned to jungle for decades, covered in vines.

UNAVAATU

Yes, the end is at hand. The end and the beginning. The beginning of a thousand beginnings across this wide world. There is so much to do.

UNAVAATU reaches up a hand towards the sky as if he is going to teleport again, but then he notices a countercurrent to his tide of dark spirits. The army of other spirits advances, assisted by the Republic City fighters.

UNAVAATU

Even with Raava gone, echoes of her light still remain. Well, I shall fix that.

UNAVAATU holds out his arms and a ripple in the air spreads out from him, wherever it crosses spirits they get darker and more savage, wherever it crosses humans they act more fearful or bloodthirsty.

Down on the street, some of the spirit army begin to darken and turn towards their human allies as if they are going to attack. Then a sense of calm washes over the scene and the wave of darkness retreats.

High up above, UNAVAATU notices this.

UNAVAATU

(inhales)

I recognize that smell.

Soft footsteps echo over the muffled sounds of combat on the street. Then KORRA steps out of the press and advances alone across the empty street towards the giant UNAVAATU.

UNAVAATU

(amused)

So, you have returned, little human. Raava is destroyed and yet you still choose to face me? In this cycle I am victorious! For ten thousand years I shall reign with supreme power over the universe. Before that, what strength do you think you have?

KORRA

Only my own.

UNAVAATU

(bows his head)

You are brave. As a reward, I shall grant you obliteration.

One of UNAVAATU's black tendrils arcs off him to come crashing down at KORRA with blinding speed. The impact hits like an explosion and throws up a cloud of dust. Then the dust clears to show that KORRA blocked the massive tendril with a single raised palm. She has not moved an inch.

KORRA

My strength is my own, but it is enough.

Then she flicks the tendril to the side and it crashes through a building. UNAVAATU roars and the duel commences.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY STREETS, NIGHT

BOLIN, the air nation, metal bender cops, and UR troops fight on the front lines against dark spirits.







INT. REPUBLIC CITY APARTMENT

Fighting between the human forces and dark spirits continues elsewhere across the city. A little bit away from the fighting evacuation trucks sit in a street, loading people up inside. PEMMA shouts indistinct instructions from one of the trucks.

Inside a nearby apartment building, a man with a mustache, LIEUTENANT, looks out the window at the evacuation trucks and then out to the distant fighting. A dusty suitcase sits in front of him. A woman, LIEUTENANT’S WIFE, comes rushing out of a nearby room carrying suitcases and other things. She flings open the door and begins to run out before she notices the man by the window has not moved. Then the frantic energy melts out of her.

LIEUTENANT’S WIFE

You aren't coming, are you?

The LIEUTENANT does not move.

LIEUTENANT’S WIFE moves in to lean her head against his shoulder as tears begin to fall down her cheek.

LIEUTENANT’S WIFE

Fight well. You always have.

LIEUTENANT’S WIFE exits. A moment after she is gone, LIEUTENANT opens the suitcase to reveal the full system of his electric baton backpack, sitting on top of an Equalist uniform.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY, SHATTERED PRISON, NIGHT

Buildings in this part of the city are broken and tumbling, including the exterior wall of a prison as well a a good deal of one of the main buildings. Prisoners are escaping, the lead ones being earth-benders who fling rubble out of their way.

A police vehicle pulls up and cops jump out, along with LIN. Some of the prisoners freeze and some prepare to fight. The two lead prisoners are young men with roughly shaved heads and Earth Empire and Earth Nation tattoos across their arms.

PRISONER ONE

(to Lin)

Really? You're going to waste your time on us instead of the literal monsters?

LIN

Don't be an idiot, I'm looking for benders. Come fight and I'm offering the best damn parole hearing in history.

PRISONER TWO sits on some rubble and then spits before flashing a gang sign.

PRISONER TWO

Like we'd ever trust a race-traitor like you. New Empire!

KUVIRA

(unseen)

Soldier, stand up!

The prisoners part to reveal KUVIRA walking out of the rubble of the wall, wearing prison clothes and dark wooden stocks around her hands. The two empire punks are stunned and terrified.

KUVIRA

(to Prisoner One and Two)

Cowards like you don't deserve to wear my symbol. Those creatures out there are the enemies of all humanity. You will fight them to your dying breath, to protect your people, your nation, and your world! That woman is now your commanding officer and you will obey her!

The prisoners are cowed. KUVIRA nods to LIN. LIN raises one skeptical eyebrow.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY BATTLEFIELD, NIGHT

KORRA and the massive UNAVAATU continue to fight hand to hand. In defiance of physics, KORRA can block and go blow for blow against any of UNAVAATU's direct attacks.

UNAVAATU

You have found a new power, human. But then again, so have I.

UNAVAATU raises his hands and begins to water-bend. Huge waves of water rush out of the bay to crash into KORRA. She rushes and jumps to dodge the worst and manages to weather the rest. Against the elements she is just a normal martial artist, but still one of the best in the world. The water sweeps off her, rising up to freeze into a boulder of ice which falls down. KORRA dodges. She looks up at UNAVAATU.

KORRA

So, Unalaq really is gone.

UNAVAATU

What are you talking about?

KORRA

He was much better at this.

UNAVAATU tries more crude but powerful water bending. KORRA manages to avoid it, still moving closer, leaping over rubble. UNAVAATU steps back. He tries to lash out with earth, fire, and air, but those attempts are even worse. He has no knowledge of how to use the elements.

UNAVAATU

How? How can you still resist me?

KORRA

(gallows humor)

By this point I guess it’s habit. It's just you and me, Vaatu, all the way to the end.

UNAVAATU

Nothing ever ends. And it is not just me you fight.

He unleashes another water-bending attack, but this one is not aimed at her and instead tears up the buildings around and the street under her sending KORRA tumbling and leaping through the air. Then UNAVAATU raises his hand and causes a ripple in the air to open like a gateway and dark spirits being to come through them, just like how KORRA made similar doorways earlier. The Dark Spirits pour through and threaten to overwhelm KORRA. Even more rippling gateways begin to open up, bringing in dark spirits from dozens of locations dimly seen through the ripples. KORRA is driven back, battered and bloodied.

UNAVAATU

Fool, I have been waging this war since before your kind crawled out of the mud! It was I who first tore open the portals to join the spirit and material worlds! All the universe is mine to command and now I bring it here to aid me. Raava is gone, you are alone, and you cannot defeat me.

KORRA

You're right. I was alone.

(smiles)







EXT. SPIRIT WORLD, TREE OF TIME

Korra’s friends and family left there is still waiting, with those Northern Water Tribe soldiers who escaped with them. MAKO leans against a rock, brooding, with ESKA nearby.

MAKO

For the last time, Eska, I'm not going to "bind" you. You're not even a prisoner.

A rippling doorway begins to open before them, showing a dim image of Republic City on the other side. Flying dark spirits swoop down from the distant sky above and disappear through it.

TONRAQ

Woah. What is that? Where does that go?

MAKO

It looks like Republic City. And it is currently exploding.

TENZIN

We can't be certain, this could be some sort of trap.

The dim image of explosions and crumbling buildings can be seen through the portal, as well as the dim silhouette of Unavaatu.

BUMI

Eh, who cares? We're already trapped, might as well take the trap back to the fight.

KORRA's allies all move forward. Then ESKA steps forward as well.

MAKO

(to Eska)

You don't have to come. That isn't your city through there. This isn't your battle.

ESKA

(withering look)

But that thing was my father. By our law I am now chief of the Water Tribe, and you have no right to keep us from this fight.

The remaining northern soldiers nearby move to stand with her. ESK walks past MAKO, towards the gateway, then pauses.

ESKA

But thank you, Mako.

They step into the mirage-like gateway.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY BATTLEFIELD, NIGHT

KORRA fights off dark spirits from the gateways as UNAVAATU also rains blows down on her. Her supernatural strength is only visible when used against spirits but it is devastating. Still, she is massively outnumbered.

Then her allies from the south burst onto the battlefield through one of the gateways, pushing back the dark spirits. The dark spirits recover from their surprise, but then JINORA and OPAL charge in from another gateway, at the head of SUYIN and a group of Zaofu fighters.

More human forces come pouring through the gateways UNAVAATU opened. Fire nation military and Dai Li from Ba Sing Se both join the fight as the Republic City forces already in the area push forward too along with the uncorrupted spirits.

The rearmost Dai Li carry a cardboard cutout of King Wu, posing as if leading them into battle, They are not happy about this prop.







EXT. TOPH'S MOUNTAINS, NIGHT

A gateway opens in the air beside TOPH, showing the battle in Republic City. TOPH turns towards the gateway, considering it.

TOPH

(dismissive)

Nah.

TOPH walks the other way.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY BATTLEFIELD, NIGHT

TONRAQ fights dark spirits with water-bending. Right when he is pushed back, more water-bending attacks rush out to defend him. ESKA leaps into view, continuing with more of her own masterful abilities. TONRAQ briefly glares at her, but they end up fighting back to back.

Nearby, TENZIN and BUMI converge with JINORA to rejoin MEELO and IKKI with the rest of the air nation.

TENZIN

Ikki, Meelo, Jinora!

IKKI

Uncle Bumi!

TENZIN

(resigned)

And your own father, returned from almost certain death.

MEELO removes his oversized cape and presents it to BUMI.

MEELO

(to Bumi)

Sir! It is my honor to follow you into battle!

A little ways off, the Republic City Police are fighting as a force. LIN staggers back with a bloody arm. Then MAKO joins the fight.

LIN

(grunts)

Back from your vacation?

MAKO

Yes, sir. Looks like we're getting overtime tonight.

LIN

Not you. You're still on leave. Not getting paid here.

LIN groans and leans back more, stricken by the pain.

MAKO

Get the Chief to medical! Take a path through the spirits that aren't glowing purple. They're on our side, probably. The rest of you hold the line and keep those spirits away from the main fight!

Across the battle, BOLIN is fighting dark spirits. Then OPAL joins in to help, with the assistance of SUYIN and the Zaofu guards.

BOLIN

(excited)

Opal! You're- How did you get here?

OPAL

Honestly? Not entirely sure. I'm guessing Korra?

The tide of battle shifts and the Zaofu forces move off. A new squad of civilian benders move in, led by KUVIRA shouting commands. KUVIRA spots BOLIN and nods familiarly at him. BOLIN waves back until he catches OPAL giving him a dark look.

Further back away from the front lines, Republic City citizens are building barricades out of vehicles and furniture. LIEUTENANT fights on top of the lead barricade, driving spirits back with hits from his electric baton pack. Then SENNA arrives, helping fight off the spirit with a grenade and a spear.

SENNA

(to Lieutenant)

You in charge of the non-benders here?

LIEUTENANT shrugs. SENNA starts pulling a rolled cloth out of her coat.

SENNA

I was saving this for a happier moment, but now we need all the hope we can get.

She unfurls a small flag sewn with the Yin and Yang plus elements symbol of the Avatar.

LIEUTENANT

(clear distaste)

What is that?

SENNA

(sad smile)

I don't think my daughter would mind too much if I fight under her flag.

LIEUTENANT

(surprised, then trenches humor)

Huh. Eh, I've fought for worse.

They heft their weapons as the dark spirits begin to converge again.

In the center of the front line, near the UNAVAATU fight, MAKO and BOLIN are brought together by the tide of battle.

BOLIN

Mako!

They clasp for a brief hug in the middle of fighting, before turning to fight back-to-back. OPAL lands from an air-bending leap and joins them. A moment later ESKA filters in, fighting spirits and surprised to find this little group. Together the four of them stand in an island of momentary calm amid the battle as they watch giant UNAVAATU striking down over and over again at a Korra they can not see from this angle. Bursts of the untamed elemental power surge from the giant humanoid spirit from time to time.

OPAL

Incredible. How can she withstand that?

ESKA

(grim)

She can only withstand it. She's not winning.

Then there is a huge eruption of some sort in the direction of UNAVAATU anda second later KORRA comes flying out of the dust cloud, flung backwards. OPAL jumps up high and slows KORRA's trajectory with a swirl of air, catching her. As they both fall together, ESKA swoops them down gently with a sloping ramp of water and ice. KORRA coughs and sits up in the street as the water flows off her.

MAKO

(to Korra)

This isn't going well, is it?

UNAVAATU

(loud over the battlefield, taunting)

Little human! Where did you go? You still live. I can feel your life beating!

KORRA pants to regain her breath.

OPAL

Korra, what do you need?

KORRA

I can't get close. The elements are shielding him and my spiritual powers can't touch those. I need to be able to strike his core. I need a path.

ESKA steps forward, squaring herself against the distant UNAVAATU.

ESKA

Then you will have it.

The others nodd in grim understanding. BOLIN hugs OPAL tightly, in preparation for this suicide run. Then ESKA then walks over and grabs MAKO to kiss him. Everyone, including MAKO, is surprised.

ESKA

(deadpan)

There. In case we die.

BOLIN

(blinking in surprise)

Man, I feel upstaged.

MAKO, BOLIN, ESKA, and OPAL join KORRA on the final charge. Everyone comes together to supply bending for KORRA, getting her closer to UNAVAATU in a rushing assault. They make ramps of stone for her to run up, bridges of ice, shields of fire, and fling her with gusts air. Each person is thrown back by some attack after they make their greatest effort, until at the end it is just KORRA, flying through the air to punch UNAVAATU in the gut.

The shadow giant rockets back like he was struck by a meteor, crunching into the ground. UNAVAATU slowly rises up from his shallow crater to see KORRA walking towards him. He lashes out with his hands and tendrils, fighting from a half-kneel. KORRA is less than a tenth of his size and yet she fights back, hand to hand in pure martial arts. KORRA fends him off, still gaining ground, but she is panting and visibly exhausted. Moss and green things are beginning to grow on the broken cement around UNAVAATU once again.

KORRA grits her teeth and advances, but then she stumbles over an upturned rock. She battered and bloody and oh so tired.

UNAVAATU

Ha ha! Yes, this destruction, this battle. It is glorious! You have managed to actually stall my conquest, even as you swiftly die here in front of me. Ha, you win, Korra, some shred of the human race shall survive, if only to that you might be reborn for me to kill again and again.

(frustrated)

Rah! But without Raava once you die here you will lose your memories, your skills! How will you manage to threaten me for the next ten thousand years?

(pleased)

No. It must be something new.

UNAVAATU's many tendrils reach out towards KORRA, slowly creeping now. She manages to fight off the first few, but she is dead tired and eventually a few of the tendrils catch hold of her and bind her in place. UNAVAATU slowly holds out a massive hand with one claw reaching to touch KORRA's sternum.

UNAVAATU

A single thread of connection, to draw you back to me. This is my last opportunity, while Harmonic Convergence still persists. Your soul will slowly be destroyed like I consumed my current host, but you should still last at least a few dozen lives. More, if you continue to perish so young.

(touches KORRA with a flash of light)

And now, once again, I-







INT. BLACK VOID

UNAVAATU kneels in the exact same posture, now in endless black instead of the broken city. His voice is now just that of VAATU.

VAATU

-win.

(startled)

What?

KORRA's pained expression vanishes and she smoothly steps back through of the tendril bonds as if they were not there.

KORRA

Did you really think this would end in a punching contest?

The shot changes slightly and KORRA is now just as tall as UNAVAATU. They are alone in the void.

KORRA

You underestimate the strength of a single human soul. Now is the time to prove yourself.

UNAVAATU

(frowns)

I need prove nothing. These tricks are useless. All your efforts are without reward. I possess a level of power I have never achieved before since the dawn of existence.

KORRA

I was not talking to you.

UNALAQ

(unseen)

That taken by force, can never be truly owned.

UNAVAATU roars in pain as pieces of his body begin to float off behind him and form a ripped and tattered image of UNALAQ.

VAATU

No! Impossible. I consumed you. You are part of me. You cannot escape!

UNALAQ

(echoing and distant)

For the sake of humanity's soul, I would do anything. Even sacrifice my own.

UNALAQ raises a tattered arm and plunges it into his own chest with a peaceful smile on his face. UNAVAATU screams as UNALAQ dissolves and disappears. UNAVAATU fades and melts leaving only VAATU’s spirit form floating in the void with KORRA.

VAATU

(furious)

It does not matter. I need no avatar. I am Vaatu. I am eternal. I am unending. I am destruction and creation, infinity and oblivion. I am rage, and death, and birth, and triumph. I am the shadow cast by existence itself!

As VAATU speaks he grows, expanding to fill the entire void so that KORRA stands in an abyss composed solely of him. KORRA is buffeted by lashing tendrils of darkness.

VAATU

(roars)

Now, pitiful soul, now you fall!

KORRA grits her teeth against the pain of force of his blows.

KORRA

(strained)

Yes, Vaatu, you are eternal. You cannot be destroyed. But one cannot exist without the other. And if there is a shadow, then there is still a light!

KORRA jabs her hand forward and plunges it into the center of VAATU's massive body. VAATU roars and dark tendrils try to pull KORRA back but she still fights forward. Then she pulls back her hand out of the dark spirit and with it comes a single mote of light.

VAATU

No! Not yet! No!

The mote of light blooms out to form RAAVA.

RAAVA

Light is reborn from darkness, so it has always been.

RAAVA drifts back to stand beside KORRA. After another shift of perspective and reality, KORRA and the two spirits are now the same size.

VAATU

(panting)

So we are back on equal terms, Raava. Fine! I will continue this fight. This age will be another age of conflict, where dark and light battle across the universe. It will at least be more interesting than confinement.

RAAVA.

No. Not again.

(to Korra)

Now is your chance. We are more powerful than we were the last time, fuse with me now and we can destroy him here together. No prison, we will purge Vaatu from our worlds and usher in a new age free from his chaos.

VAATU

I shall be reborn within Raava, as I always am.

RAAVA

And the world shall enjoy ten thousand years of light before that time!

VAATU

Ha! If this is the game, then I shall play as well.

VAATU's tendrils reach within himself and pull out four vague orbs of light in the elemental colors.

VAATU

(to Korra)

Raava-reborn no longer holds the four elements, I do. Fuse with me, human, and let Raava fly free. You are clearly stronger than Unalaq, your soul can master and tame my power. Humanity will have its Avatar once again, stronger than ever before. Together we won’t just preserve your world, we will fix it.

RAAVA

Lies and temptation.

(to Korra)

Fuse with me. Crush him now. Destroy him so that humanity can enjoy an age of unbroken peace.

KORRA now stands larger than either of the spirits.

VAATU

(to Raava)

An age of stasis. An age without creation.

RAAVA

(to Vaatu)

An age without war.

VAATU

An age without change.

RAAVA

An age of light!

KORRA

No.

The spirits pause, confused as to what that booming verdict means.

KORRA

Vaatu, you have spread death and violence across the world in the name of creation. But Raava, your answer was always separation; containment. Hide humanity on the great turtles, seal off the portals to the spirit world, separate the four elemental nations. Neither of you are complete.

(looks up to some unseen distance)

I have made so many mistakes. I tried to purge myself of all the imperfections and weaknesses and humanity that dragged me down. I tried to be better, because I knew a person as flawed as me would never be enough to save the world. But look out there. Look at all those people fighting side by side. When it comes right down to it, the world can save itself.

(looks down at RAAVA and VAATU)

Dark and light. That contrast does not have to be conflict, it can be harmony instead. The world needs both. Love and anger, cruelty and compassion, peace and violence, triumph and failure. It is a contradiction, an impossible union, and I can think of only one place fit to contain that.

KORRA raises her hands and now the two spirits are each small enough to be held in one palm. Then she brings them together and presses both spirits into her chest as a blinding light washes around her.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY BATTLEFIELD, NIGHT

KORRA and UNAVAATU are still posed in a tableau of their last conflict at the impact crater. Then KORRA's eyes burst into light. A pillar of blue-white light erupts around her, spilling forth from where she is wrapped in the black tendrils to briefly stab up into the sky. UNAVAATU’s massive body dissolves into purple energy and then that energy quickly rushes into KORRA's torso. Another pillar of light erupts out her, much larger this time as it stabs up into the sky in a mixture of blue and orange and white.

From across the city people gape at this blinding pillar of incredible power. Then the light shrinks and fades.

Back at the crater, KORRA is slowly revealed once again. She stands alone at the edge of the broken ground, seen from the back.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NIGHT

Both factions of spirits freeze in their conflict. A change begins to wash over them as the dark spirits get a little softer and the light spirits grow a little more wild looking. They all turn to face the direction of the pillar of light.

The humans fighting with and against them are surprised as the spirits one by one turn and take a few steps off before fading out of sight.

KOH's long insectoid body looms over a fallen fighter as JINORA, TENZIN and other air nation fighters surround him. Then KOH looks up.

KOH

(good natured sigh)

Oh well, maybe next time.

KOH fades backwards out of sight.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY BATTLEFIELD, NIGHT

KORRA still stands at the edge of the crater as the remaining dark spirits fade away. After a moment, MAKO, BOLIN, OPAL, and ESKA approach her.

BOLIN

Uh, Korra?

KORRA turns and her torso is emblazoned with a melded pattern of Raava and Vaatu's markings, glowing in blue and orange. OPAL jumps back and ESKA falls into a fighting stance, but MAKO raises a hand.

KORRA slowly raises her arms and then begins to sweep into the techniques of air bending. A sphere of rushing wind forms around her and she slowly rises up into the air. KORRA levitates up above the level of the roofs and then she begins to change the martial arts forms she uses. All the ice and water left over from Unavaatu's water-bending attacks melts and flows out of the city back into the bay. Then piles of rubble begin to levitating upwards and apart, freeing those trapped within before the rubble flies off to shore up crumbling buildings. Where the green vines of Unavaatu's influence are choking the city, precise waves of fire sweep down to burn them to ash without scorching anything else. Then wind sweeps away the ash and soot.

Task complete, KORRA lowers her hands in front of her and sinks back down to the ground as the light slowly goes out of her eyes and the arcane patterns on her torso fade. She lands in front of her friends as the last bit of wind bursts out to dissipate.

MAKO

So, you're back.

KORRA

Never left.

BOLIN rushes forward to hug KORRA.

BOLIN

Oh, thank you thank you thank you! I thought you were dead. I thought we were dead. I thought everyone was dead, but we're not!

KORRA

(smiles)

Yeah, we're not dead.

(turns to Eska, expression darkens)

Eska, your father-

ESKA

(firmly)

My father tried to help the world. He failed, but so many of us do. He died honorably, back at the south pole.

OPAL

(to Korra)

So, you ate the spirit of chaos. Not what I expected. But you got your Avatar powers back?

ESKA

And you still wield the spiritual power of the Harmonic Convergence.

KORRA

(glances up at the sky)

While the alignment still lasts, for a few minutes at least.

MAKO

That won't come again for another ten thousand years. So, what are you going to do with that power?

KORRA

You know...something very important.

KORRA holds up her hand to the sky and disappears with a crack. Her friends are left standing in the rubble. There is a moment of blinking silence.

BOLIN

(smiling, but confused)

Hmm.

MAKO

(awkward)

So...uh, Eska. About that kiss...?

ESKA

(deadpan)

Do not worry about it. It was the end of the world. I was emotional. I got carried away in the moment.

MAKO

Uh, yeah...me...too.

OPAL grabs BOLIN to pull him back as she begins to move off. BOLIN is clearly disappointed to be pulled away from watching the show.

OPAL

Come on.

BOLIN

Aw, but look at them! It's an adorable disaster!







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY PARK, NIGHT

ASAMI stands a bit apart from a small crowd of civilians that is flowing forward in confusion and excitement. There is a view towards the part of the city where the battle was previously taking place.

VARIOUS CROWD MEMBERS

Did you see that? What was that light? The spirits are leaving. Is it over? I don't know. Is it safe?

ASAMI clutches her hands to her chest as she waits. The crowd moves off, leaving her behind. Then the air begins her begins to ripple and ASAMI spins to strike out at whoever is coming to attack her. KORRA catches ASAMI's punch by the wrist. ASAMI instantly recoils in embarrassment.

KORRA

(amused)

Well, I guess you-

ASAMI surges forward to clasp KORRA in a strong hug. ASAMI begins to cry with relief.

ASAMI

I...I thought...I thought...

KORRA

Me too. But I didn't.

(smiles)

Did you ever doubt me?

ASAMI laughs as she wipes her eyes.

ASAMI

(smiling)

Shut up. Arrogant...

Both of them are effectively hanging off each other, each almost tired enough to fall over. KORRA reaches out her hand and earth-bends up a bench for them to sit on.

ASAMI

(surprised)

Korra, your bending. It's-

KORRA

(sits down heavily)

Back, I guess, and more besides if I can figure out how Vaatu's strength mixes with Raava's. Until the power of Harmonic Convergence fully fades it'll hard to tell what's really part of me.

ASAMI

(sits down)

I lack all context to understand what you are talking about. But, whatever happened, you're...better? Restored?

KORRA

(shakes head)

No, not restored. I still don't have my other memories back. The lives of the past Avatars are still gone. I guess the Avatar of Light is really dead. From Wan to Aang, ten thousand years, and I was the last. Now I'm... I don't know. Light and dark. Not as pure. Something new.

ASAMI

The Avatar. The Avatar of Balance.

KORRA

(smiles)

Yeah. Balance. I like that.

They look out at the damaged city.

ASAMI

What's going to happen now?

KORRA

(leans back)

I don't know. I suppose we need to check in but I can't imagine the trolleys will be running for a long time. And no one exactly knows how to find us here? Do you have a car nearby or are they blocked in Sato tower?

ASAMI

(slowly but increasingly hysterical)

Oh. No, not now now. I mean, now as in what happens next? What can happen? How much of the world was damaged like this? Can you teleport now? Did you just kill the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe? Is your mother still in prison for bombing the ship? Which of our friends are even still alive?!

KORRA

(reassuring)

Mako, Bolin, and Opal are all fine. Tenzin was with the rest of the Air Nation last I saw, and everyone was still ok. And beyond that, I don't know. My spiritual powers are already fading, I don't think I could teleport again if I wanted to. And Eska's actually been helping me now. I think she and Mako are a thing?

ASAMI

(throws up her hands, laughs)

Sure, why not.

KORRA

And whatever else comes, we'll face it together.

ASAMI

(raises an eyebrow with a smile)

Well, you will. We've seen how much my help amounts to when things reach this scale. I'm just a-

KORRA

Asami, you are never "just" anything. I mean, you blasted Vaatu to a standstill. All this...When I was at my lowest point, you were what pulled me forward. The thought of you, your example. Ever time I reach that darkest place, you're still there, still so much stronger than me. I need...I need to thank you. Through everything you had faith. Faith in me, faith in us, even when I-

ASAMI kisses KORRA on the cheek, happy tears welling in her eyes.

ASAMI

I love you too. No need for thanks. You're here, we're here, and that's enough.

KORRA

(grins)

All right. No thank you's.

She raises one hand in a fist.

KORRA

But let me do this.

The air around KORRA's hand begins to ripple as she looks up at the sky.

ASAMI

What's happening?

KORRA

Harmonic Convergence is about to end but for this last moment the walls of the world are still thin. I can still reach out and touch them. And you said you wanted to see the aurora.

In the sky above the brilliant ripples of an Aurora steadily bloom into existence, shining in many colors. High high above, the city is a dot of lights as flying spirits dance along the aurora, diving in between worlds like dolphins breaching through waves. Down in the park, ASAMI leans on KORRA as they watch the dancing lights. The view slowly pulls back from them, leaving them in the peaceful darkness.

KORRA

(almost unseen)

Hey, what did you do with Varrick and Zhuli?

ASAMI

(content)

I handcuffed them to a light pole.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY STREET, NIGHT

Hard cut to VARRICK and ZHULI handcuffed together around a sturdy light pole.

VARRICK

Right. Humanity won so we go to plan B. Chances are I can bribe whoever finds us here to let us out. Still got a couple thousand sewn into my vest lining. So, first thing we do is blow up some of my low rent properties that made it through unscathed, for the insurance money. That will fund the wedding of the century! Which we can film of course and sell at a hefty profit for-

While VARRICK is talking, ZHULI calmly slips off her shoe and extracts lock-picks from inside which she smoothly uses to unlock the handcuffs.

VARRICK

I love it when you're scary like that. Ha! Our kids will be monsters! Unstoppable! Right, we're off!

VARRICK starts marching.

ZHULI

This way.

VARRICK

(turns around with equal force)

Right!







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, DAY

Cleanup is underway after the devastating battle. The vines and wild growth remain, and currently the rebuilding seems to be focused on simply working around them. With the vines, a number of spirits seem to still be lurking in the city, flitting around even in the daylight.







INT. POLICE HEADQUARTERS, LIN'S OFFICE

LIN is in bandages and a cast, sitting at her desk half looking out the window behind her. MAKO sits in front of the desk, with a lesser share of bruises and cuts. They are both clearly exhausted and lean back in their chairs. LIN pours alcohol from a decanter into two glasses. MAKO accepts his but frowns slightly at LIN's drink and her injuries.

MAKO

Should you be-?

LIN

No.

She takes a sip.

LIN

I approved your overtime.

MAKO

Thanks, Chief.

LIN

Got a message from Chief Eska of the Water Tribe about you. Says good things. Another message from the Avatar. And apparently King Wu urgently wants to know if you're ok.

(sips)

You sure know how to draw them in, don't you?

MAKO

(sighs)

My apartment was destroyed, so I'm currently sleeping under my desk.

LIN

That's against the regs. Docking you another vacation day.

MAKO

Yeah, that's about right.

LIN

(almost smiles)

You did good.

MAKO

(tired but sincere)

Thanks.

They laps into a comfortable silence.







EXT. REPUBLIC CITY, EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAMP, DAY

A camp of tents and vehicles has been set up in a park to facilitate the rescue and cleanup effort. BOLIN is there with rolled-up shirtsleeves as he alternates between giving instructions to a crew and earth-bending rubble away. A flying bison comes in to land and OPAL hops down. She moves over to join BOLIN.

BOLIN

(to other workers)

Don't bother to try fixing anything yet. We're just here clearing rubble. Once that's done we can actually start on...

(to Opal with a smile)

Oh, hey!

(to workers)

Right. Take a rest for a moment. And make sure to drink plenty of water, it's easy to get dehydrated.

OPAL

(smiles)

Looks like you're busy.

BOLIN

Yeah, not sure why they're listening to me but at least I've got a little experience with this kind of rebuilding. Your family all head back?

OPAL

(nods)

First train yesterday. Mom never feels comfortable outside Zaofu for long. I think she doesn't like not owning everything she can see. But I'm sorry, I'm heading out of the country now too. The air nation is being dispatched, there's tons of remote regions across the world that got hit hard during the spirit crisis. Not as hard as here, but the poor areas are less able to recover, so we need to lend a hand.

BOLIN

That's great. Your job is so important. It makes me feel kind of guilty that I'm just messing around down here.

OPAL looks around at the whole camp that seems to be waiting patiently for BOLIN to finish his conversation so they can receive new orders. She laughs.

OPAL

Really? Is that what you're doing, great "Hero of Republic City"?

BOLIN

(embarrassed)

Stop it, Korra was busy and I was just someone unimportant enough to have time to talk to the reporters. Then they started taking pictures and someone said something about me leading the defense and things got out of hand. I tried to get them to do a retraction but now they're just calling me "humble" too. It's messed up.

OPAL

No, it's not. I really can't think of anyone better to be our hero.

A person has been walking around the camp handing out flyers and now walks by OPAL putting a paper in her hands. OPAL looks down at it and raises an eyebrow.

OPAL

However, this might be a bit much. Really, "Bolin for President"?

She turns the flyer around showing a stylized poster of a triumphant BOLIN over big block characters.

BOLIN

(horrified)

What?! President?! How…?!

(groans)

Damnit Varrick! Why me?!

OPAL laughs as BOLIN twists around, desperately looking for someone to undo this.







EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND, DAY

Establishing shot. A few spirits drift in the air.







INT. AIR TEMPLE, KORRA'S OFFICE

TENZIN and JINORA sit inside, facing KORRA as she removes some medical diagnostic device. KORRA makes a note of some number on a piece of paper, then turns back to the others. TENZIN and JINORA both have stacks of folders to refer to.

TENZIN

I'm glad you seem to be doing well. Right. We still need to arrange for your passage back to the south pole, to close the spirit world portals once again. I imagine Chief Eska will be amenable to provide some transportation or-

KORRA

No, I don't think so.

TENZIN

I know Eska hardly made a good impression, but after the actions of her father the Water Tribe regime clearly needs all the allies they can get. Things should-

KORRA

No, I mean, I don't think I am going to close the portals again.

TENZIN and JINORA are shocked.

JINORA

(worried)

What? Korra, are you ok? Are you feeling the influence of Vaatu in your mind or is there-?

KORRA

(amused)

No, relax, I'm not getting corrupted. I've just been thinking. Unalaq was not entirely wrong. The spirits are part of this world, they are part of us. But we've forgotten that. For the last age Humanity has been hiding away from half of the universe. You can't grow while ignoring part of what you really are.

TENZIN

But Avatar Wan-

KORRA

Wan made mistakes. I made mistakes. But they are mistakes we can learn from.

JINORA

(hesitant)

And you're sure that you're not making a mistake now?

KORRA

(smiles)

No, no I'm not. But it's still worth trying, to bring a just little more harmony to our lives. From now on the Avatar will no longer be the lone bridge between the spirit and material worlds. Every living person will have the chance to be that bridge.

(looks out the window)

The portals will stay open. This time, the spirits will remain. Wan was my past life, yes. He was me, but I'm not just him. Each life we become a little bit more; a little better. And sometimes we find people who make us so much better.







INT. SATO MANSION

SENNA and TONROQ stand side by side in a huge empty ballroom. KORRA stands a few yards in front, facing them. The atmosphere between them is still awkward.

SENNA

Korra, I'm...you look good.

TONROQ

Everything's ok? No...side effects? I heard what happened to you. I even understood some of it.

KORRA

There's no way to really know. But yes, I'm ok.

TONROQ

Good.

SENNA

I know you spoke with Eska before she cast off. She left us a letter. Apparently, after a bit of apocalypse, the North needs all its military at home and can't spare anyone to deal with the south's "little issues". It seems we can do whatever we want, at least for a while. Long enough to get more secure.

KORRA

And I will be there to negotiate the final deal when it comes time. As I said I would.

SENNA

(brief pause)

Korra, I'm sorry. I’m so sorry.

KORRA

(quietly)

I am too.

SENNA

We love you.

There is a brief moment of silence.

TONROQ

So, what is this big fancy place? Your Avatar palace?

Footsteps clack across the marble floor.

ASAMI

(offscreen)

No. It's mine.

ASAMI approaches from across the room, dressed in her best power business outfit. As she passes KORRA on her way to the parents, KORRA joins her with a smile.

KORRA

Mom, Dad, I want to finally introduce someone very important.

ASAMI

Hello, I'm Asami Sato, and we are very happy to have you here.

The view pulls back, out the window, and out to a view of the whole city with covered with roads and vines with airships and sky bison and spirits zipping along under a bright blue sky.

END CREDITS

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