After All These Years

Three years had passed since the defeat of the Red Lotus. Three years since Team Avatar had all been together. 

Elira had, of course, been keeping in contact with her friends via letters. Mako had been assigned as a bodyguard to the future earth king, Prince Wu, and from what Elira had read in his letters, the prince was quite a handful. 

Asami, naturally, had been working hard with Future Industries to help make Republic City inhabitable for humans around all the spirit wilds. 

Bolin, surprisingly, had gone to work for Kuvira, who had been tasked with stabilising the Earth Kingdom after the Earth Queen's death. And from what Bolin had been saying in his letters, he was really enjoying it. The only downside was that he and Elira couldn't see each other as much as they used to. 

The only person Elira hadn't received letters from in a while was Korra. While she was worried about her friend, she understood why. She'd gone through hell with the Red Lotus and if she needed some time alone to recover from it all, Elira wouldn't push. 

In a small village of the State of Yi in the Earth Kingdom, a villager was sweeping the street when a jeep nearly ran him down. After it stopped, three bandits jumped out and walked into a run-down-looking shop.

"Get out of here! We don't have anything left." The woman behind the counter snapped at them as the bandits began searching through the shop. 

One of the bandits earthbent a fissure toward the counter, forcing the woman to duck as it was destroyed, revealing several hidden sacks of goods. 

"Now you don't have anything left" The bandit smirked at the frightened woman before he and his friends left with their spoils. 

Outside, they proceeded to load the stolen stuff into their jeep, but hearing a noise, they looked up and saw two flying bison grumbling far above them. Standing on their backs were Opal, Kai and Elira all wearing wingsuits. Elira's hair had regained its length since her encounter with the Dai Li and was now held back with an orange hair ribbon. Pitchi was there too and perched herself on one of the bison's heads with a chitter. 

The trio of airbenders jumped down from their mounts and, in mid-air, unfolded the wings on their suits, allowing them to fly. 

The bandits gasped and made a run for it in their jeep as the trio chased after them. But Kai flew in front of them, spun in the air and blasted a stream of air at the front of the jeep, stopping it in its tracks. The bandits were launched out and caught by more gusts of air from Elira and Opal.

With the bandits now apprehended and quickly tied up, the airbenders happily folded their wings as Pichi flew down, landing on Elira's shoulder with a chitter. 

"It's safe to come out, everyone! The airbenders are here." Kai called out 

Slowly, people began appearing out of the buildings and the governor soon came running toward the trio. 

"You finally made it! So where are the rest of you?" He asked

"Actually, it's just us. But we're going to do everything we can to help. I'm Elira, and this is Kai and Opal" Elira introduced, gesturing to her friends. 

"Hello," Opal smiled, with a small wave. 

"It's nice to meet you." Kai held out his hand for a handshake but the governor ignored him, looking at Elira shocked and upset. 

" What? I called Master Tenzin because my state has been under siege by bandits for months. They blocked all the roads, cut off our supply lines, and all he sent is you three kids and your pets?" The governor pointed at Pichi grooming herself on Elira's shoulder. The lemur paused and looked up with a chitter. 

"Hey, us three kids just took care of those guys for you" Kai defended, gesturing to the bandits still tied up. 

"There are hundreds more where they came from. My citizens are going hungry. Our entire state is on the brink of collapse." The governor cried 

"Unfortunately, the Air Nation is spread thin right now. We're all you have." Opal explained gently and the governor let his head hang in disappointment. 

*

On a grassy cliffside, the airbenders were busy feeding and tending to their bison. 

"How's my good girl?" Elira cooed at her bison, Mochi, rubbing her head affectionately. 

Mochi groaned in response as she tucked into her hay. From where she was perched on Mochi's horn, Pichi chattered sadly, her ears folding down. 

"Oh, don't worry, Pichi, you're a good girl too" Elira chuckled, reaching to scratch behind her lemur's chipped ear. Pichi purred in delight and jumped onto Elira's shoulder. 

Suddenly, a horn blared in the distance catching the trio's attention. 

"Look! A train made it through!" Kai pointed at the train tracks in the distance. 

"Maybe they brought food and supplies!" Opal cried happily. 

"Well, what are we waiting for? Come on let's go!" Elira grinned, opening her wings again and jumping from the cliff. 

Down in the town, a large crowd had gathered on the platform. Elira, Kai and Opal pushed their way through to the front just as the doors of the train opened and men began piling out, including a very familiar face. 

"Bo?" Elira gasped as Pichi chittered in excitement on her shoulder. 

"Hey, what's your boyfriend doing here?" Kai asked, looking at Elira. 

"If he's here, he must be with Kuvira and my brother. This isn't going to be good." Opal winced. 

"Bolin!" Kai yelled and ran towards the earthbender

"Kai!" Bolin grinned, slightly picking up the boy as they hugged "Wow, you are a lot heavier than you used to be. You're really growing up." 

"What's up with your new hair? You look like a stiff." Kai said 

"Hey, Kuvira says it makes me look intelligent and professional," Bolin argued, playing with his iconic hair curl. 

"Don't believe everything she says." Opal declared as she appeared next to Kai. "It's good to see you, Bolin" 

"You too" Bolin smiled before Pichi landed on his shoulder, chattering in excitement as she climbed all over him, messing up his hair back to its original design. 

 "Pichi? Pichi!" Bolin hugged the lemur, causing her to shriek "Hey! If you're here, where's--" 

 "Right here!" Elira suddenly appeared behind Bolin, jumping on his back causing him to yell in surprise, letting go of Pichi. 

"El! I can't believe you're here too!" Bolin grinned, grabbing his girlfriend and swinging her around making her laugh. Setting her down, he hugged her tightly, Pichi resting on his shoulder "I missed you so much" 

"I missed you more" Elira smiled into his chest. 

"I missed you most" Bolin replied 

Elira chuckled "Alright, you win" 

"Look who it is" A voice interrupted

They looked over to see Baatar Jr. walking over to them. He smiled at Opal "It's good to see you again, little sister" 

"What a wonderful surprise. A happy reunion for my favourite couple" Kuvira joined Baatar Jr.'s side causing Bolin to fix his hair quickly.

"How's Mom doing?" Baatar Jr. asked 

" Like you care. She still hasn't forgiven you." Opal snapped 

"You know, for someone who claims to be so enlightened, Mom can really hold a grudge." 

"I guess when her son betrays her ..." Opal glared 

"Please, Opal" Kuvira interrupted the arguing "We're not here to bicker with you about something that happened three years ago. We're here to help this town, just like you" 

Elira cut in, arms crossed and scowling, looking almost as angry at Opal "Oh, we've heard all about how you "help" towns. By conquering them" 

"I know the rumours about me can be pretty nasty, but I am giving everyone in this nation a better future. And with Bolin's help, and my fiancé's ideas, we're laying the groundwork for the people to achieve their own greatness" Kuvira explained 

Opal and Elira shared a surprised look. 

"Your fiancé?" Opal repeated

"You haven't heard? Your brother and I are getting married," Kuvira said, smiling at Baatar Jr.

" Isn't that great, guys?" Bolin forced a grin, but Opal did not look happy. 

Kai then slid away as Kuvira walked up to Opal and Elira, putting a hand on Opal's shoulder.

"Opal, I know things got heated with your family when Baatar and I left Zaofu. And Elira, I know you don't 100% approve of my methods, but we used to be friends once, you and I. Don't you both think it's time to forgive and forget?" She said 

" What are you doing here?" The Governor interrupted before either of the airbenders could reply. He was standing in front of his people and he did not look happy with Kuvira's presence. 

Kuvira turned to face the governor directly "Hello, governor. I was wondering if you and I could talk privately." 

*

As Kuvira and the governor went inside the train to talk, Elira grabbed Bolin's arm and pulled him towards a more private area to talk. 

"Bo" she began her voice barely above a whisper, laced with urgency. "You can't seriously be okay with everything Kuvira's doing?" 

Bolin ran a hand through his hair "El, look, I know it seems harsh, but we really are helping people. Just like you. We're giving them safety, stability—"

"But at what cost?" Elira interrupted, her voice rising slightly, her eyes blazing with concern. "Conquering people isn't the same as helping them! Have you actually been back to any of the towns you "helped"? Have you seen what the result is? Because I have! And it's awful!" 

Bolin's expression shifted, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Pichi chattered from where she was perched on his shoulder and he reached up to take the lemur in his arms, petting her gently. Elira stepped closer, her voice softer but insistent. 

"You can't tell me that you think this is right. I know you too well, Bo. Kuvira may have the best intentions, but she's going about it all wrong. It's wrong and you know it." She took his hand which was petting Pichi in hers, her grip steady and warm "Please, Bo. Just...Just come back to Republic City with me...Come back home."

Bolin hesitated "El, I..." 

Before he could reply the governor storming out of Kuvira's train in a rage interrupted them. The young couple shared a look before walking back over to the others, Pichi re-taking her perch on Bolin's shoulder. As they all watched the governor leave, Kuvira appeared at the door.

"It's time to go. We're not wanted here." She declared 

"What happened?" Bolin wondered

"It appears we can't make a deal right now" Kuvira went to go back inside the train when Kai called out to her

"Wait! Aren't you guys going to stick around and help?" He asked

Kuvira handed him a sheet of paper "Here's the contract. We'll wait at the border for one day. You get the governor to sign it, and you'll have all the help you need" 

Kuvira then turned and headed back inside the train with Baatar Jr. following her. 

"I guess ... I got to go." Bolin dismally took Pichi from his shoulder again as he turned to Elira. The lemur looked up at him with a sad chitter, her ears folding down again. 

"No, Bo, don't! You can't just turn your back on these people!" Elira cried as Pichi climbed onto her shoulder. 

 "I'm not! I wanna help, but if the governor wants us gone, there's ... there's nothing I can do" Bolin sighed and Elira frowned at him. 

"I'm sorry" Bolin went to try and hug his girlfriend but Elira angrily pushed him away "Hey...El, please" 

"If you really wanna leave then leave. Wouldn't want to keep your precious "Great Uniter" waiting!" Elira scowled, turning around while folding her arms. 

Bolin sighed deeply, a heavy weight settling in his chest as he walked inside the train with the rest of Kuvira's men. Elira felt her heart aching as she closed her eyes tightly. As if to block out the sight of him leaving. She hugged herself, drawing in a breath that trembled with unshed tears. Pichi, sensing her sadness, chittered softly and nuzzled her tiny head against her cheek, a small, soothing gesture that couldn't quite mend the rift growing inside her.

"You know, we might not need their help after all" Kai suddenly said as the train started moving away from the station "The roads may be impassable, but not the skies. We can use Lefty and Mochi to fly to all the nearby villages, pick up supplies, and fly back" 

Elira and Opal shared a look, determination setting in. 

"You're right. We can save this town ourselves." Opal declared 

*

The trio had decided to split up. Kai went to collect supplies from one farm with his bison, Lefty, while the girls went to another with Mochi. So soon, Opal and Elira stood talking with one of the farmers as a couple of hippo cows chewed on hay nearby and Mochi had a big pile of supplies on her back. 

"Sorry, we couldn't give you more. That's all we could spare." The farmer said 

"Every little bit helps. Because of you and the other farmers around here, we'll have enough food to feed the town until we can get some reinforcements" Opal smiled and she and Elira bowed to the farmer, who bowed back. 

"Thanks for your help!" Elira waved as Mochi took to the skies with Pichi flying beside her, dipping in and out of the clouds playfully. 

A few minutes into flying, Opal turned to her friend beside her.

"So ... are you and Bolin doing okay?" She asked

Elira looked down and sighed, the wind blowing her ponytail behind her gently "I don't know. It's just tough having a long-distance relationship. Plus, it doesn't help I can't stand that he's working with Kuvira"

"I understand how you feel. But as much as we might not like it, it does seem Bolin's found his calling. He loves helping people." Opal said 

"Yeah, I know he does," Elira muttered softly with a small smile, but it soon vanished with another sigh "He's just... changed so much since he started working for her. It feels like every time we see each other now, we just end up in another argument. I mean, I really do get it—he's growing up, finding his own path, and I'm genuinely proud of him for that. But... it's like I'm losing a piece of him every time we see each other...I only hope I don't lose him for good" 

Opal gave a sad smile and placed a confronting hand on Elira's shoulder, before spotting a figure flying not too far in front of them. 

"Look, there's Kai with the rest of the supplies" She pointed 

Elira gripped the reins tightly, a mischievous glint in her eye as she urged Mochi to pick up the pace, until they were flying beside Kai and Lefty "Hey, Kai, how about a race back to the village?"

Kai's smirk broadened, excitement flashing in his eyes. "You're on!"

With a sharp flick of her wrist, Elira shouted, "Mochi, yip yip!" and the bison surged forward, propelling them into the heart of the fluffy clouds.

Opal yelped, gripping Mochi's fur like a lifeline as Kai burst into laughter, chasing after them with Lefty. Pichi trilled happily, darting in pursuit of the racing friends.

"Hang on tight, Opal!" Elira teased, her voice full of exhilaration.

The two bison thundered through the clouds, their riders' laughter echoing in the air as they playfully hurled taunts back and forth. In a thrilling twist, Kai and Lefty managed to pull ahead, the wind whipping around them.

"Better keep up!" he shouted over his shoulder, a playful challenge that ignited a spark in the girls.

"Oh ho ho, there is no way I'm letting my little sister's boyfriend beat me!" Elira smirked and flicked the reins again. "Come on, Mochi! Faster!" 

With laughter ringing behind them Mochi picked up speed, determination lighting the girl's eyes as they raced to catch up.

But the carefree atmosphere was suddenly broken by the sharp whir of an engine, causing Opal and Elira to look around in confusion.

"What's that sound?" Elira muttered, furrowing her brow.

Just then, a biplane burst dramatically from the cloud cover, its silhouette sharp against the blue sky.

"It's more bandits!" Opal shouted, her voice laced with alarm as she spotted the intruders.

Kai, catching sight of his friends in distress, swiftly steered Lefty around to race to their aid.

"Kai, no! We can't let anything distract us! Get your half of supplies to the town!" Elira called out urgently.

"But–"

"Go!" she insisted, her voice rising above the chaos.

With a reluctant sigh, Kai obeyed, turning Lefty back toward the safety of the clouds, determination etched on his face. Elira went to follow him but the bandits were quick. One of them, perched precariously on the wing of the plane, fired a grappling hook that snagged the net of supplies. Mochi tensed, muscles straining against the sudden pull of the line as the plane yanked on the net.

"We're hooked!" Elira cried, her heart racing as the situation spiralled out of control.

The bandit ziplined onto Mochi's back, the tension in the air palpable as the airbenders attempted to blow him away, their efforts proving futile against his audacious descent. He landed, unfolded a double-bladed sword, and swiftly reached for the tethers that bound the precious supplies.

Just then, a piercing screech cut through the chaos—Pichi, in a flash of fury, launched herself at the bandit's face, clawing and scratching, forcing him to bellow in surprise. 

With a surge of adrenaline, Elira seized her moment. Leaping down and gripping the net tightly, she expertly aimed a swift strike at the bandit. The impact sent him teetering off-balance, his grip on the net faltering as he scrambled to regain his footing. In an instant, he was left precariously dangling, desperately clinging to the only thing keeping him from falling.

With a second rush of air propelled by Elira's feet, the bandit was sent tumbling off Mochi's back, but his tether kept him from plummeting to the ground. He quickly swung around the supplies, lunging at Elira once more. In a split second, she summoned her bending and executed a graceful flip onto the towering stacks, narrowly evading his strike. But in the chaos of the moment, the bandit was able to slice through yet another tether. 

Elira sprang forward, her instincts kicking in as she launched a powerful blast toward the bandit. He twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, and retaliated with a swift swing of his weapon, severing yet another tether. Elira leapt gracefully off the piles of supplies, narrowly evading his strike.

As Elira landed near Opal, she unleashed a powerful round-house kick, unleashing a gust of air at the bandit. However, the bandit swiftly dodged, spinning around like a whirlwind and slashing at Elira with their weapon. The strike caught her arm and snagged her wingsuit, sending her tumbling backwards. 

Just in time, Opal lunged forward, catching her. Together, they turned their gaze to the plane overhead, watching in disbelief as it began to pull away with their precious supplies.

"No!" Elira cried out and she lunged for the supplies, but her fingers grazed only air. Suddenly, she was in freefall, plummeting toward the ground miles below.

The bandits' plane veered sharply to the left, disappearing into the clouds just as Elira scrambled to unfold her wingsuit. Panic shot through her when she realized her right wing had been slashed clean through. Spiralling uncontrollably, gravity yanked her closer to the earth.

Back up with Mochi, Pichi was a bundle of frantic energy, screeching and waving her paws in distress. Opal, noticing the perilous situation, took a leap of faith, her wingsuit intact and ready for action.

With a burst of determination and her bending powers guiding her, she soared through the sky, catching up with Elira just in time. Grabbing her by the arm, Opal manoeuvred them into a larger, more stable formation, forming a larger, stable wing, and soon Mochi swooped in beneath them, catching them safely on her back. 

Elira sat up slowly, Pichi jumping onto her lap, but her beloved pet did little to curb the heavy disappointment in her chest. Her gaze fell on the now bare back of her bison and a bleak realisation washed over her—there now wasn't enough food left for the entire town. The supplies Kai had would only feed about half of them. The rest was lost to the bandits' thieving grasp. 

They failed. 

*

Returning to the town, Kai and the townspeople were eagerly waiting by the town gate. As the two women jumped down from Mochi, Kai ran up to them looking worried. 

"Are you guys okay?" He asked 

Before either of the women could answer, the governor approached them. 

"What happened? Where's the rest of the food? There's still a lot of people who haven't eaten" He demanded 

Elira and Opal hung their heads in shame. 

"The bandits got away. We lost everything." Opal explained regretfully. 

"Are you guys okay?" Kai asked again, noticing Elira holding her injured arm. 

"I'll live" Elira muttered before turning to the governor "Sir, it might be time to make a tough call" 

She nodded at Kai, who withdrew Kuvira's contract from his suit and handed it to the governor. 

The governor looked back at his people, who all looked miserable. Seeing no other option, he took the contract and signed it, handing it back to Kai.

"Here. Tell Kuvira to save my people." He said 

"I'm so sorry, sir. I wish there was another way" Elira replied remorsefully 

" Did I ever really have a choice?" The governor asked, saddened, before walking back to his people. 

Elira watched the man go, guilt and shame gnawing at her heart. 

*

Later, as promised, Kuvira's forces have occupied the town. A line of soldiers with metal helmets and faceplates marched in. A door in the side of the train opened, and bipedal mecha tanks exited through the opening. 

Kuvira's men were handing out food packages to the citizens; one of them gave a little boy an apple. The boy bit into it and smiled up at the man. Other children were playing on one of the mecha tanks. Bolin was handing out food from one of the jeeps as Kuvira stepped forward by the town gate and addressed the gathered crowd.

"The State of Yi is now under the full protection of my army" She declared and the crowd cheered as she turned to the governor

 "Proclaim your loyalty, if you wish to keep your post" She threatened. 

With a scowl, the governor reluctantly bowed to Kuvira "I pledge my loyalty to you, Great Uniter." 

A banner dropped from the gate in front of the town, revealing the logo of Kuvira's army. 

Elira stood among the bustling crowd, Pichi nestled on her shoulder, but the warmth of the happy people around her felt distant and cold. A heavy disappointment weighed on her heart as she kept her gaze fixed on Bolin. When their eyes finally met, his face lit up with a wide grin. But Elira didn't share in his joy, in the excitement that gleamed in his eyes. 

With a deep, aching sadness, she shook her head, lowered her eyes and turned away, willing back tears that threatened to spill. Bolin's grin faded as he noticed her retreat and his shoulders seemed to slump, the joy draining from his expression. He continued to pass out food, but each packet felt heavier in his hands, his heart visibly sinking with every passing moment. The laughter and chatter around him faded to a dull roar, overshadowed by the emptiness left by Elira's absence. 

*

As the sun began to set that day, in the dining area of Air Temple Island, three groups had formed: Raiko, his wife, Prince Wu of the Earth Kingdom and Azira, who was now using a cane and looked less than interested with what the Prince was rambling about; Lin and Mako standing guard and Asami with Tenzin's family, including Ursa, who had Pabu in her lap as Jinora fed the ferret treats. 

"When Korra gets here, I bet she's not even going to know who I am." Meelo declared

"Why is that?" Ikki asked 

"Because Meelo the boy has turned into Meelo the man!" Meelo stood up and struck a "tough guy" pose.

" Right. You're completely unrecognisable" Ikki replied sarcastically. 

"I don't know, Ikki. He still looks like the same annoying little hog-monkey to me" Elira teased, suddenly appearing behind Meelo in the doorway, leaning against the threshold with a smirk.

Everyone immediately perked up in excitement

"El!" The kids cheered, charging toward their big sister like they were about to score the last slice of cake.

Jinora reached her first, hugging her nicely. Then came Ikki, charging in like a bulldozer on a mission, which promptly squashed Jinora. Next was Meelo, who practically executed a flying tackle on his eldest sister, sending a chain reaction that brought them all crashing down like a clumsy game of Jenga. And finally, little Rohan, now 3 years old and overflowing with mischief, giggled as he launched himself onto the pile of squashed siblings, causing them all to groan in unison. 

"I missed you too!" Elira wheezed, her breath escaping her like a deflated balloon. Pabu, with impeccable timing, scuttled on top of the mountain of siblings, squeaking in excitement, "And you, Pabs!"

"You always know how to make an entrance, don't you? Need a hand?" Asami teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips while Pichi and Pabu proceeded to dart around chasing each other. 

"Thanks!" Elira gasped, accepting help like it was a lifeline. As soon as she was back on her feet, she threw her arms around Asami in a hug while her siblings scrambled to their feet behind them "I've missed you so much!"

"Aw, I missed you too, El. And I love your hair; that ponytail looks amazing on you!" Asami gushed.

"Thanks! Yours too! It's like we're hair twins! Presenting the ponytail duo!" Elira dramatically struck a pose, causing Asami to burst into laughter at her silliness. 

"And what about me? Am I just the invisible member of this hair appreciation club?" Mako quipped, raising an eyebrow as he strolled over, wearing a grin.

Elira rolled her eyes playfully. 

"Don't worry, Mako; your slick back is definitely part of the aesthetic. We'll just call it the 'cool-but-totally-not-hair-twins' section!" She laughed, stepping forward to hug him "I've missed you. I've missed all of you"

Elira reached an arm out to pull Asami into the embrace as well and her heart swelled with warmth as they formed a tight group hug. She closed her eyes, soaking in the brief moment of normality.

"I hope that applies to me as well?" Tenzin smiled, causing the youngsters to pull away.

"Of course, dad" Elira chuckled and embraced her father.

"How are things in the State of Yi?" Tenzin asked

Elira's smile faded and she cast her eyes to the floor in shame "We tried, Dad. But they've joined with Kuvira"

Tenzin sighed and placed a hand on Elira's shoulder "Well, you did what you could"

A playful cough then interrupted them.

"Um, the woman who gave you life is still waiting for her hug," Pema chimed in, a teasing smile dancing on her lips.

"Sorry, Mom" Elira chuckled and embraced her mother "I missed you, too"

As Elira was swarmed greeting her family and, reluctantly, President Raiko, Asami and Mako watched from the sidelines, noting that Elira's smile didn't reach her eyes like normal.

"They've been arguing again. Her and Bolin," Mako said quietly, noting the red puffiness around Elira's eyes betraying a deeper sorrow hidden beneath her cheerful facade.

"Yeah... Who's turn is it to check on her?" Asami's voice was barely above a whisper, tinged with worry.

"Yours, I think," Mako replied. 

"That's good 'cause I don't think the prince is gonna be letting you out of his sight any time soon," Asami teased, gesturing to where Prince Wu was trying, and failing, to chat up Elira by reenacting his latest adventure where he escaped an attack of strawberry pie being thrown at him —complete with sound effects.

"Don't remind me," Mako groaned, dropping his head

Asami just chuckled before an Air Acolyte then suddenly walked in 

"There's a Southern Water Tribe ship pulling up to the dock!" He announced. 

"Korra!" The kids cheered and ran out of the room, excited to see the Avatar again. 

Elira smiled and followed them. For the first time in three years, Team Avatar would be together...Well, almost. 

*

The sun had set as everyone gathered down at the docks and Elira watched with a smile as Naga and Tonraq disembarked from their ship. The polar bear dog bounded over to the group, rolling onto her back for belly rubs which Elira happily provided. 

"Hey, girl! You miss us?" Elira laughed as the large dog slobbered her with kisses 

Tenzin walked up to Tonraq and the two men shook hands

"Tonraq. It's good to have you back in the city. And everyone is excited to see the Avatar again" Tenzin greeted 

Tonraq looked surprised "What do you mean? Isn't Korra already here?" 

The others shared in his surprise 

"No, we thought she was coming with you," Tenzin explained 

"Korra left the South Pole six months ago. She's written me letters. She said she was here in Republic City." Tonraq revealed 

"I assure you, your daughter is not here," Tenzin said 

"Then where is she?" 

Elira exchanged a concerned look with Asami and Mako. If Korra wasn't at Air Temple Island and wasn't at the South Pole either, then where was she? 

Where was their friend? 

*

Far away, in a swamp somewhere in the Earth kingdom, Korra awoke in a dimly lit room. A blueish light filtered through a substance covering the top of a deep hole opening just above her, which extended all the way to ground level, a considerable distance above her. She sat up, her hand on her head. Her hair was shorter than it was three years ago, her iconic ponytails gone and she was wearing an Earth kingdom outfit rather than her usual Water tribe get-up. Hearing the noise of a moving liquid, Korra glanced over, seeing an elderly figure sitting something in a cooking pot over a fire.

"Feeling better?" The old woman asked, her back to Korra.

"Where am I? Wha-what happened?" Korra questioned

"I was hoping you could tell me. I found you passed out in the mud." The unknown woman said

"How'd you know I was out there?"

"I'm pretty tapped into the goings-on around here" The woman answered vaguely "What brings you to the swamp, anyway?"

"A spirit led me here and told me I was supposed to find someone. Is that you?" Korra asked

"Beats me" The unknown woman shrugged "But if your Avatar senses called you here, you should probably listen to them."

"Wait, you recognize me?" Korra perked up, standing from the bed she was sitting on and walking towards the mystery woman

"In a manner of speaking. We were good friends in your previous life." The woman explained

Korra firebent a small flame with her hand, casting light on the mysterious person, who turned to face Korra, revealing an elderly woman with long silver hair hanging down over clouded eyes.

Korra's eyes widened in astonishment

"I can't believe it" She whispered, "...Toph?"

The old earthbender chuckled "Nice to see you again, Twinkle Toes."