Chapter Text

EXT. DRY MOUNTAINS - DAY

A well dressed man, VARRICK, climbs up a rocky slope. When he gets to the top of this bit of the mountain he poses with his hiking staff like an explorer in a romantic painting. He is shortly followed by a woman, ZHULI, who is carrying a backpack. Before them are the carved stone hermitage caves that were previously the secret base of the Red Lotus. VARRICK shakes his head sharply at this site and jabs his arm out to the side to point in another direction before spinning to march off that way.

They continue hiking through the rough landscape. Here and there we see signs of the damage from Korra's fight with Zaheer. There are huge piles of broken stone slabs like toppled buildings, mountains have been ripped in half, and large sections of stone are blackened, melted, or just turned to glass. VARRICK strides confidently through all this, searching for something.

In fact, at one point he almost strides right off a cliff only for ZHULI to catch him by the collar. He barely notices and enthusiastically jabs his pointing hand out in another direction. From up amid the rocks a small spirit like a strange glowing rabbit watches them before fading out of sight.

Then the two hikers round another ridge and VARRICK dashes forward in sudden excitement. On a wide shelf before a steep cliff the bare stone is marked by a wide circle of brilliant green vines. Motes of light drift around them. A few small spirits fly out of the vine mass and fade away into invisibility. The two hikers show no sign of seeing them. This is the site where Korra fell after bringing Zaheer down from the sky.

VARRICK

Ha ha! This is it! Zhuli, get over here!

ZHULI

Yes, Mister Varrik.

VARRICK

This is where it happened! Where the Avatar fought her battle with Zaheer and activated all her spiritual power as she struggled for her life!

(kneels down to poke at vines)

Look at these vines. Like nothing in this world. Zhuli, this is the effect of the Avatar, one of the secrets of the universe!

(kneels as if in reverence)

This place is a symbol of her sacrifice, her strength. Where she made her stand as the unifying line between the past and the future, our world and the spirit world. We come as pilgrims before it.

(stands up and grins)

Oh, I'm going to be so stinkin' rich!

Pan up to wide sparkling blue skies.



AIR TEMPLE ISLAND - MORNING

The island and the temple sit out in the grey, cloudy bay of Republic City. Sea birds cry faintly.

A small ferry pulls up to the island's docks and a well dressed professional woman, ASAMI, steps off before the boat has even fully halted. ASAMI rushes down the dock and hurries off up the island to the temple, with a small thermos tucked into the crook of her arm with a file folder and a breakfast snack held in her mouth as she tries to do ten things at once. ASAMI returns waves to several people on the island as she hurries. They have all grown very accustomed to seeing her there.

She passes by a number of new air-benders practicing their forms and setting practice boards spinning with gusts of wind. Then she travels down a long hall painted with dozens and dozens of past Avatars. The very last shows Korra, now depicted with a broken red flower at her feet and an air symbol by her hand, in addition to the "equality" sign previously added.



INT. AIR TEMPLE

Inside a hallway in one of the buildings ASAMI finally slows down outside a closed door. She takes a moment to settle herself, then panics briefly with all her burdens before stuffing her thermos and half finished breakfast in a corner. She quickly adjusts her hair and straightens her outfit before taking a breath as she opens the door.

ASAMI

(rushing apology)

I'm so sorry I'm late.

KORRA turns around slightly from where she is sitting in a wheelchair in front of an open window. She looks weak and there are bags under her eyes. She reaches down to grab the wheels and spin the chair itself.

KORRA

(half smile)

Asami, it's fine. You're the busiest woman I know and you still find time for me over here. Nearly every day. Don't worry.

ASAMI

I am sorry. But hey, you dressed yourself already! That's great!

KORRA

(looks down, face darkening)

Actually, Pemma did it for me.

ASAMI

(sad, the then forces a smile back on her face)

Oh. Well, never mind that. You're making more progress every day, it's only a matter of time. And if, when this new healer you're going off to helps...You're going to be back to us in no time.



KORRA

(still not meeting her eyes)

Yeah.

ASAMI

(moves closer)

It's only been a few months since you beat Zaheer. You're the strongest person I've ever known. You're going to show us all.

(Reaches out to touch KORRA's hand)

KORRA

(looks out the window instead, ignoring this praise)

...I think it's time.

EXT. AIR TEMPLE ISLAND - MORNING

ASAMI wheels KORRA down the path in her chair. KORRA has a blanket tucked around her legs against the foggy air, though she did not put it there herself. Down at the docks a moderately sized crowd of people are gathered around the gangplank of a fairly large ship. MAKO, BOLIN, OPAL, TENZIN, PEMMA, LIN, and all the rest of the Republic City crew are in attendance. BOLIN and OPAL are holding hands.

TENZIN steps forward as behind him people load luggage up the gangplank. White Lotus fighters stand at the railings of the ship above.

TENZIN

Korra, you don't have to leave if you don't want to. There are hundreds of medical experts who are able to travel to us here in Republic City.

KORRA

But your mother down in the south is the best, right?

TENZIN

Well, it's...some do say that.

KORRA

Tenzin, I have to go. I can't stay here and keep...

(she breaks up, fighting emotion)

ASAMI

(Kneels down to Korra's head height)

I can still come with you if you want, for a while.

(Smiles)

Even a CEO is allowed to take time off. I know you said before that you didn't want to trouble me but I could just be some company. Like a vacation?

KORRA

(snapping a bit)

I already have nurses on the boat.

ASAMI stands up, briefly hurt, but quickly recovers to focus on the stress that KORRA is under. She manages to wrangle her smile back on her face.

MAKO

(to Korra, stiff to hide emotion)

I hope you get better soon.

BOLIN

(emotional)

I'm going to write you every week! ...Except for the weeks I forget.

LIN

(gruff)

Take it easy, kid. My sister and Captain Kuvira have Ba Sing Se under control last I heard, more or less. I'm sure all the problems with the Earth Kingdom will still be here when you get back.

OPAL

(sincere)

You've done so much for me and everyone. Thank you.

JINORA

The air nation will do our best to help protect the world until you're better.

PEMMA

Goodbye Korra!



Several uniformed nurses come down to push KORRA up the gangplank where White Lotus guards are standing at attention. She is settled by the railing of the ship as it begins to set off. She looks down at all her friends she is leaving behind. At the end of the line of well-wishers, ASAMI's lips are moving but KORRA can not hear what she might be saying.

The ship pulls out to sea.



EXT. OCEAN - VARIOUS TIMES

Seen from the distance, the ship passes over the open ocean. In another shot volcanic islands and red buildings are seen in the distance, then in another a wide coastline dotted with rice paddies climbing up hills.



EXT. SOUTHERN WATER TRIBE PORT CITY - DAY

The ship pulls in through the frigid waters to a smallish city in an icy land. Bits of icebergs float in the water but even as the ship approaches a small boat goes out to the iceberg and several people wave their arms to make a wave rise up, driving the iceberg back off out of the harbor area. The town looks like a relatively recent construction in a harsh climate, with fishing and mining being the main industries. The buildings alternate between traditional hide-walled constructions, modern cinderblock and corrugated metal, and huge ice palaces that have a sweeping almost organic form. Right now there is grass still peaking through a dusting of snow on the ground but glaciers are visible in the distance and on the mountains behind.

A large crowd is waiting at the docks, eager to celebrate the return of the Avatar. Bundled up in her chair on the deck, KORRA looks down with what is almost dread as the crowd bubbles in excitement. Then the gangplank locks onto the ship and she steels herself for the decent. A nurse pushes her chair down, followed by two uniformed White Lotus guards. KORRA begins to breath more rapidly as they approach the crowd and she involuntarily winces her eyes closed. Then she notices that the crowd has fallen silent.

KORRA looks up and her parents, TONRAQ and SENNA, are standing in the open space in front of the crowd. They walk forward, restraining their instinct to run.

SENNA

(holding back happy and sad tears but smiling all the same)

Welcome home, Korra.

KORRA

(choking slightly)

Mom? Dad? It's...It's really good to see you.

They embrace and now the crowd begins to cheer. KORRA waves out at the crowd and they cheer even more but that causes the darkness to creep back into her expression.



EXT. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING - DAY

Establishing shot of Korra's family's new home. They moved from their village to a house in the city.



INT. KORRA'S BEDROOM - DAY/EVENING

TONROQ and SENNA push KORRA into a large bedroom. KORRA smiles.

Fade into much later and the room has fallen into shadow. KORRA is still sitting in the exact same position. Everyone else has gone and she is no longer smiling.



INT. KORRA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

The amount of clutter and personal artifacts show that this dark room has now been occupied for a while. KORRA lies in bed, staring up at the ceiling with open tired eyes. Then she rolls to the side with effort and begins to struggle and strain as she tries to get into her wheelchair with trembling arms.



INT. PARENTS' BEDROOM - NIGHT

SENNA lies in bed asleep next to TONROQ when she hears the noise of something falling in another room and jerks awake.

SENNA, now wearing a robe, quickly steps into the corridor. She is clearly worried and moves towards the door to Korra's room even as a White Lotus guard steps out of another room into that same corridor. SENNA opens Korra's door, but manages to calm her fear as she looks inside. She waves calm back at the White Lotus before stepping inside.



INT. KORRA'S BEDROOM

SENNA steps inside the bedroom to see that the doors out to the balcony have been opened wide. KORRA is sitting in her wheelchair with her back to the room under the frigid night stars, wearing a robe backwards since she could not get it under herself. SENNA quietly walks forward, seeing the blankets spilled off the bed and something that has fallen off a nightside table. On her way across the room she grabs a spare blanket.

SENNA

(gentle)

Korra, are you ok?

KORRA

(not looking back)

Yeah, I'm fine.

SENNA puts the blanket down over her daughter's legs.

SENNA

(false cheer)

The weather's been getting colder in the weeks since you arrived. How about we go back inside?

KORRA does not say anything. For a few moments SENNA stands out on the balcony in silence.

SENNA

(concerned)

You haven't been sleeping.

KORRA

(still looking off the balcony to the front gate of the building's compound)

They built a shrine to me outside the gate. To the Avatar.

SENNA reaches out, briefly hesitates, then places her hand on her daughter's shoulder. KORRA brings up her hand to place it over her mother's. They continue to stand out on the balcony in the cold moonlight.

Outside the building's front gate there is a crude ad-hoc shrine covered with offerings.



INT. PHYSICAL THERAPY ROOM

A White Lotus guard wheels KORRA into a room filled with light exercise equipment and floor-mats. Inside, a Water Tribe woman in her eighties, KATARA, is already waiting with a smile.

KATARA

(to Korra, playful)

Took you long enough to come here.

KORRA does not respond.

KATARA

(her smile increases in warmth)

Let's get started.

Cut to KORRA laying in a long narrow metal bathtub filled with water. KATARA stands above her, moving her hands just over the surface of the water in circular motions. The surface of the water mirrors her motions with magical ripples and glimmers of light.

KATARA

(as she manipulates the water)

Healing water and time can only do so much. Everything else must come from within you. But if you dedicate yourself to getting better, then you will recover.

KORRA

That's all I want!

KATARA

Then try something for me. Concentrate on your big toe.

KORRA looks down at her submerged feet.

KATARA

Visualize it moving. Breath.

After a long tense moment, the toe does twitch.

KORRA

Did you see that? Master Katara, I...It worked!

KATARA smiles.



INT. KORRA'S BEDROOM

It is night and KORRA sits at her desk in the wheelchair wearing a robe that is on properly this time. She is reading letters. Two are already open and when she unfolds the third out slides a photo of Asami smiling at a ribbon cutting ceremony. KORRA smiles at this, then her face falls as self-anger wells up. She puts the letter down on the desk.



INT. SAME ROOM, WEEKS LATER

In the center of the room, KORRA stands between parallel bars holding onto them for support. Her wheelchair is set at the end of the bars. KATARA stands off to the side.

KATARA

The mind can be a powerful ally, or your greatest enemy. Now, I want you to try taking a step.

KORRA is already sweating, her arms trembling as she tries to hold herself upright. She tries to move one leg, grimacing with effort. Then suddenly her vision swims and she is in a cave with chains around her wrists and floating liquid mercury forcing itself through her skin.

With a scream of pain KORRA collapses onto the floor.

KATARA

(kneels, gentle voice)

You're ok. Your body thinks it's still in danger, but you're safe here. You can overcome the pain.

KORRA

(breathing heavily on the floor)

I'm done for today.

KATARA stand up and extends her hand down to KORRA.

KATARA

(firm)

Get back up.

KORRA

(angry)

How about some sympathy!

KATARA

(smile at the corner of her mouth)

I've trained one avatar from six years old and was married to another. I know how you learn. Get up.

KORRA's hand reaches out to grasp the offered help.



INT. KORRA'S ROOM

Outside the window, snow flurries beat against the glass. KORRA sits at her desk reading letters. There are two small piles of opened letters and then one much taller stack. In between the two small piles is a little stack of photographs. KORRA flips through them, smiling to see Bolin and Mako in a variety of different combinations and occasions. The transition show both boys in varying uniforms and scenarios.

She puts down the photos in front of the two smaller piles by author and looks at the blank sheet of paper she has set in front of herself. She haltingly stretches her hand to reach for the pen beside it. The moment stretches and she glances to the side at the third, taller, stack of opened letters.



INT. PHYSICAL THERAPY ROOM

KORRA is once again standing at the parallel bars. However, now she is able to take a few small steps. Off to the side, KATARA looks on while sipping a cup of tea. Finally, after much exertion, KORRA reaches the end of the bars.

KATARA

Very good. Now come back.

KORRA starts to turn around but then her foot catches on one of the bar bases.

KORRA

(swears before strangling herself off)

Damn it! Damn all the fffff-! Rah!

KATARA

(Calmly sipping tea)

Please, you aren't going to shock me with swearing. I fought with Lin Beifong's mother in the war.

KORRA

(angry)

What's the point? Six months and I can barely take a few steps without collapsing!

KATARA

(understanding)

You're frustrated but-

KORRA

(explodes)

Of course I'm frustrated! That man poisoned me, suffocated me, and now I can't dress myself, or cook for myself, or-or do anything for myself! All this time and everyone has been out in the world, helping or...and I'm stuck here with you and you can't even heal me!

Then the rage passes and KORRA regrets it.

KATARA

It's all right. You can be angry.

KORRA

(weak)

Why did this happen? Nothing makes sense. I'm tired, Katara, I'm so tired.

KATARA

I know that you are. You're suffering. But I believe that, though it may not seem like it now, there's always meaning even in suffering. One day you will be able to find peace, not despite your tragedy but through it.

They remain together in silence.



INT. KORRA'S ROOM

Even more time has passed. KORRA sits at the desk in a normal chair, where the stacks of letters have grown still taller. A cane leans against the desk beside her chair and a picture of Asami is propped up against the tallest stack of letters. Once more KORRA has a blank piece of paper spread out before her. She is clearly nervous and frustrated. She leans forward and back, picks up the pen and putts it down again. Her hand trembles before she steadies it with a grimace.

Then she glances at the photo one last time, picks up the pen. A drop of ink accidentally falls on the upper corner of the paper which KORRA wipes with her thumb into a distinctive smudge. She begins to write the characters of Asami's name.



INT. PHYSICAL THERAPY ROOM

KORRA enters the room, leaning on a cane. Then she puts it aside and cautiously, slowly, walks into the center space. KATARA looks on as KORRA slowly settles into a bending posture. With very slow, halting motions she begins to practice simple bending forms. She manages to briefly levitate a small stream of water even if it clearly a lot of exertion for her.

Gaining confidence, KORRA begins to move a little faster. She produces a very small burst of flame from a weak punch and then a light gust from a swirl of her hands. But her breathing is suddenly a little sharper. KATARA claps but there is a tightness behind KORRA's eyes now and she signals that she wants to take a brief break. KATARA nods permission and KORRA moves over to collect her cane and walk outside the room with a weak smile.

In the corridor outside, KORRA leans back against the wall, supporting herself heavily on her cane as her breath is suddenly harsh and panting. She is trembling and sweating, leaning over as she grits her teeth at this abrupt upwelling of fear. She punches at her own leg, furious at her body for rebelling against her. Tears are in her eyes. Then, after a long moment she shudders and forces herself to stand up straight once more.



EXT. TRAINING GROUND - DAY

More months pass and KORRA is now walking without the cane. She steps forward to spar with a training partner. TONROQ, SENNA, KATARA, TENZIN and others watch from the sidelines. KORRA is doing much better now, but her partner is still clearly going easy on her. While KORRA's strength with the elements is returning, her speed is not anywhere near where it used to be.

Just as it seems like KORRA is gaining the advantage her vision shifts and she suddenly sees herself in the middle of a swirling tornado. ZAHEER floats menacingly in front of her and there are chains around her limbs. His eyes glow. Then she is back in the real world as she staggers and takes a hit from the sparing partner. TENZIN steps forward to stop the fight but KORRA manages to send out a rippling wave of earth which knocks over her sparing partner. Even so she is kneeling agains the ground panting and sweating.

Then the training demonstration is over and her parents SENNA and TONROQ cheer from the sidelines. However, KORRA does not look happy. She just stands, turns and looks out at the coast and the ocean beyond that hides the rest of the world.



INT. OFFICIAL WHITE LOTUS ROOM

KORRA stands before a small group of people, clearly determined. She stares into their eyes and points out the door behind her. One of the White Lotus members shakes his head vigorously, while another looks conflicted. TONROQ is worried and unsure, while SENNA clutches her hand to her chest looking at KORRA as if she is proud but trying not to cry. The White Lotus members are arguing with each other before back in frustration. They turn to KATARA.

KATARA stares at KORRA, clearly worried. KORRA meets her eyes and projects only silent determination. KATARA opens her mouth, closes it, looks off to the side and then nods. In response to this the White Lotus nod too, if reluctantly.

EXT. WATER TRIBE DOCKS - DAY

KORRA stands on the dock beside small ocean sailing boat. The whole town has come out to see her go but they are being kept well back by white lotus and local soldiers. TONROQ steps forward to hug his daughter, and then presents her with a large ornate knife. Then SENNA gives KORRA a new ornate coat, followed by another huge hug. KATARA and the senior White Lotus bow as KORRA steps up onto boat.

SENNA

Always remember that we love you. And there are people back in Republic City who love you too.

(sad smile)

The Avatar may have a duty, but you are always still our daughter Korra. You're still you no matter what and I want you to be happy.

KORRA brushes tears out of her eyes, but as she turns to look out to the sea something of smile creeps onto her face. She raises her eyes and the surface of the harbor rises up around the boat and begins to push it away from the dock. Then she thrusts her palms forward and a wind picks up, catching the sails and propelling her forward and out to sea.



EXT. SHELTERED ISLAND BAY - NIGHT

KORRA's boat is dragged up on the sandy beach and she has lit a fire at the edge of the tree line. KORRA is practicing her bending moves, trying to get them faster and faster. Then suddenly she shudders and stops. She clutches her wrist and holds her hand up in front of her face, angrily glaring at it and trying to make it stop stop trembling. Then she hears a sound behind her.

She spins to look into the forest and sees two white glowing eyes in the dark under the trees. KORRA takes a step forward but then the eyes are gone. She lights a floating fire in her hand and steps into the trees but there is nothing to be seen.



EXT. COAST OUTSIDE REPUBLIC CITY - DUSK

A train engine is stopped on the tracks at a small local platform in a rural, wooded part of the coast line. Some of the passengers have gotten out to stretch their legs at what is clearly a minor station. One of them is KORRA, wearing a backpack.

KORRA looks down the tracks and sees the lights and buildings of Republic City rising in the distance. She smiles to see it again after over two years. Then her smile slips. Another passenger on the platform starts to whisper to her friend, pointing at KORRA in recognition. KORRA'S breathing is getting slightly heavier as she looks around.

Then KORRA turns back to the dark track towards Republic City and sees two glowing white eyes in the middle of the path. KORRA walks to the edge of the platform to get closer. Now she can see the apparition clearly. It is her. A shadowy vision of Korra with unbound hair and broken chains on her wrists and ankles stands on the tracks. It's eyes shine with the power of the Avatar State.

The train conductor steps into his open door to call all the through passengers back onto the train.

TRAIN CONDUCTOR

All aboard for Republic City!

KORRA does not acknowledge him as she backs up in fright from this vision before her.

TRAIN CONDUCTOR

(waves at Korra)

Hey, miss!

KORRA flinches away. She backs up across the platform, looking this way and that in fright. KORRA jumps down the far side of the platform and exits into the forest as the train starts up behind her. She walks away from Republic City.



EXT. EARTH KINGDOM VILLAGE - DAY

KORRA walks along the dirt paved street of a small town, subdued and slow. Her clothes are dusty and out of place here. There is one green and gold Earth Kingdom flag on a building. At a little shop she picks out some sets of more local looking clothes so she can stop attracting attention. Finding herself without much in the way of money, KORRA reluctantly sells the coat her mother had given her. Her expression grows even darker.

Back out in the town, KORRA passes a roadside shrine built up around a large photograph of the dead Earth Queen Huoting. She flinches away from the shrine as if it burned her, another reminder of past failures.



EXT. WILDERNESS STREAM - DAY

KORRA, now dressed in the greens and browns of the rural Earth Kingdom, sits cross-legged on a flat piece of bank beside a pool in a sparkling stream. Her eyes are closed in meditation as around her sunlight dapples through the forest bows.

She opens her eyes with a slow exhalation. The forest creaks softly. Deep amid the trees across that little stream, a hoofed foot made of twisted wood steps forward, fading into visibility as it does so. KORRA's breath catches as a spirit comes into sight to stop and look at her with four green eyes, like a large elk made of wood and shadow. Unlike with the visions of Shadow-Korra this spirit has a slight effect of warping the air around it and a translucent quality. KORRA has hope spring onto her face, but then the spirit steps backwards in a skittish motion and fades out of sight back into the air.

KORRA twists her face in emotional turmoil and self-resentment. She stands up and takes a step, then turns to look down at her reflection in the pool. She stares at herself. Then she reaches up to touch her characteristic ponytail and braids. Her expression hardens as she decides something.

KORRA kneels down at the edge of the pool with her hair unbound. She picks up the knife her father had given her and removes its sheath. Then with her other hand she gathers up all her long hair and grips it together as she looks at her reflection. There is a pause, then she slices it short with the knife.

She drops the shorn hair into the pool and lets the unseen current carry it away. Then she holds the knife out over the water and stares at it. She drops the knife and it vanishes down to the bottom. KORRA stands up and turns away from the stream, hefting her pack up onto her back. Off through the trees you can just see a dirt road cutting through the forest. She begins to walk towards it.

The view rises up above the trees to the countryside and wide blue sky above.



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