Beyond The Wilds

On Air Temple Island, Korra sat on the steps of a building, earthbending the stone of the courtyard while Naga chased after each chunk of earth that popped up. In the background, Opal walked down a short flight of stairs on the opposite side of the courtyard from Korra. When Korra saw her, the smile vanished from her face, and she ceased earthbending. Getting up, she approached the airbender, who looked dejected. 

"Everything okay?" The Avatar asked

"No. Kuvira has my family, and no one seems to care but me." Opal scowled

"We all care." Korra put a hand on her shoulder "Don't worry, we'll get them back safely."

"Guys, there you are!" Looking up, the two women spotted Jinora come flying in with her wingsuits and land next to them."Where's El? She needs to hear this too"

"She left with your dad a little while ago," Korra replied

"What's wrong?" Opal asked

"I just felt a weird surge of spiritual energy coming from the Spirit Wilds. Something's wrong." Jinora revealed, and Opal and Korra exchanged worried glances.

*

The three girls quickly made their way into the city. As they walked through the Spirit Wilds, they looked for anything unusual but found nothing.

"Are you sure you felt a disturbance? Maybe you just had some bad food for breakfast." Opal said

"I'm telling you, I felt it." Jinora insisted, standing above and behind Opal, looking through an empty window of a vine-covered building "Maybe something happened to Ryu's tour group. We should've run into them by now."

"Yeah, but it's Ryu. They might be at the mall, for all we know." Korra smirked

"Korra, can't you feel how strange the energy is?" Jinora asked

"No ... but maybe I can get a reading." Closing her eyes, Korra placed her hand on a vine beside her. The vegetation beneath her touch glowed, and through the vine, she saw Kuvira's army covering the banyan-grove tree in the Foggy Swamp, cutting it into pieces. One vine, when severed, lashed out at the mecha tank working on it and ensnared it. Another suit shot cables onto the vine, restricting the vegetation to protect the other mecha tank. Other suits sliced through the tree's roots with chainsaw extensions on their arms.

In shock, Korra pulled her hand back from the root with a gasp.

"Korra, what is it? Are you okay?" Opal quickly checked on her friend

"It was Kuvira. I saw her taking vines from the swamp. It must be affecting our Spirit Wilds. I bet that's what you were sensing, Jinora." Korra explained

"Why is she taking vines?" Jinora questioned

"Whatever the reason, I'm sure it's not good."

"We have to tell Raiko. This might help him convince the other leaders to finally take her down!" Opal declared

"I'll keep looking for Ryu and the others," Jinora added.

Korra put a hand on her shoulder "Be careful. 'Cause oath or not, El will kill me if you get hurt."

"I'll be fine. Go," Jinora nodded. Korra and Opal ran together to City Hall while Jinora ran in the other direction, deeper into the wilds.

*

At city hall, Elira, clad in her ceremonial robes, sat at a table with Raiko, her cousin Izumi, and Wu. Lin and Tenzin positioned themselves behind her, while Azula stood behind Izumi in her role as advisor. Behind Wu, Shai was positioned with Mako as part of the security detail.

"I say we deal with this Kuvira situation immediately." Raiko declared

"Yes! Agreed!"Wu shouted, excited "And I know just how to get rid of her: we tell her she won an all-expense paid vacation to a tropical island. Then, when she gets there, we reveal that it was a trap. The island's a prison! Boom! Got her!"

In sync, Elira and Tenzin raised an eyebrow in disapproval, which caused Wu to backtrack when he saw their reactions. "Or, okay, uh, I'm just spitballing here. We march in with an army of highly trained badgermoles!"

Wu only received more disapproving looks from Raiko, Izumi and Azula, whose piercing gaze sent a chill down his spine.

Wu gulped and asked in a small voice, "Do we know if Kuvira has any allergies?"

"Look, I think we all know what must be done. We take the fight to her." Raiko stated

Elira glanced up at her father. He nodded at her encouragingly. Elira turned back to those at the table "While I agree she must be stopped, I don't think attacking is the right move since she hasn't done anything aggressive toward the United Republic"

"Not yet. But Kuvira can't be trusted. She told us that she was going to turn over power, and she didn't." Lin cut in "I'm with Raiko. I say we go on the offensive and start by retaking Zaofu."

Abruptly, the doors swung open, and Korra and Opal barged into the room.

"President Raiko, I'm sorry to interrupt, but ..." Korra paused upon noticing the ongoing meeting and appeared surprised. "What's going on here?"

"Oh, hey, Avatar Korra. Just kickin' it world leader-style, trying to figure out what to do about Kuvira. For the record, I told Raiko he should've invited you." Wu grinned, casually leaning back on his chair.

"You invited him, but not me?" Korra scowled, gesturing to Wu. "El, did you know about this?"

"Korra, I swear I thought you knew", Elira turned to father with a frown.

"Please, Korra, it's not personal. We just thought, perhaps we called you back into action a little too soon." Tenzin explained

"Again, him, not me?!" Korra repeated

Raiko stood up angrily "Korra, we're in the middle of a meeting, and we can't have people just barge in whenever they want!"

"Guys!"

Suddenly, Elira's eyes widened, and her heart stopped as Bolin and Varrick barged into the room "Oh, perfect! You're all here."

Bolin momentarily bent over, panting in exhaustion. When he straightened himself, he gave a small wave and grin to all those present.

"Bolin?" Elira and Mako questioned in sync as Korra grinned, pleased to see her friend. 

Raiko, however, was furious at the sight of the two men "What are you doing here?! Guards, remove these traitors!"

"No!" Elira stood from her chair as the guards seized Bolin and Varrick.

"No! We escaped Kuvira's army!" Bolin yelled as the guard tried to drag him away, "We're back on your side now! We have top-secret information for you!"

The guards paused, turning to Raiko for his decision. After a second, the president nodded, and the guards released the duo.

"Okay, I guess we should've opened with that line," Varrick muttered, dusting himself off.

"Listen to me. Kuvira's making this thing that goes." Bolin proceeded to make various explosion and yelling sounds, complete with hand gestures. "I don't know how it works, but it has this—" He made more strange noises, imitating the weapon.

"It's a super weapon! Like a regular weapon, only super." Varrick cut in,

"And let me guess: it has something to do with spirit vines," Korra said

"Yes! How did you know?"

"I saw a vision of her taking spirit vines from the swamp."

"If she figures out how to harness their power, we are all doomed"

"She might use the weapon to attack Republic City. The only way to protect ourselves is with a preemptive strike." Raiko turned to the others at the table.

"My airbenders won't be part of an unprovoked attack!" Tenzin raised his voice

"Neither will the Fire Nation," Izumi added, standing from her seat.

"But, Fire Lord Izumi, Kuvira is a threat to the world! She has to be stopped!" Raiko insisted

" The Fire Nation has spent too much of its history fighting nonsense wars. And I refuse to drag my nation into another one unless there is no other choice. If you attack Kuvira, you'll do it without my army." Izumi declared

"Fine. I'll hold off any plans of attack. We'll go on the defensive and fortify security on the borders." Raiko conceded

"In that, you'll have my help," Izumi said, her expression softening.

Elira continued to stare at Bolin in shock, her heart racing as if it could not comprehend the reality before her. She searched his face for any sign that this was some cruel trick, fearing he might vanish again like a wisp of smoke. Sensing her gaze, Bolin turned, his eyes lighting up with a smile when they met hers. However, that fleeting moment shattered when Elira suddenly looked away, her brow furrowed in conflict. Bolin's grin faltered, guilt and shame filling his eyes. 

*

Outside the city hall, Elira was walking out the door when a voice called out from behind her.

"El...El, wait! Please," Bolin ran up, cutting in front of her to stop her walking down the steps, looking at her remorsefully, "I just want to say that I'm sorry for everything."

Elira frowned, crossing her arms. "I'm glad you're okay, Bolin, I really am. But it's going to take a lot more than 'sorry'"

"I know, I know. I didn't listen to you, and I sided with Kuvira, and I helped her take over the Earth Kingdom and imprison all those innocent people, and topple Zaofu, and get Su captured, and Wing and Wei, and Huan, and Baatar..." Bolin paused when he saw Elira's disapproving expression "Wow, that does sound really bad when I say it out loud like that. But I am gonna earn your forgiveness"

"That's just it, Bolin. I do forgive you," Elira admitted

Bolin perked up, smiling hopefully "Really?"

"I forgave you a long time ago. For leaving me, for making me think our entire life was one big lie, for not listening when I was just trying to help" Bolin's smile slowly fell as she spoke. "I forgive you for all of it. But as someone very wise has told me recently, 'forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting'. And I can't forget just how much you hurt me by choosing Kuvira. You broke my trust, Bolin...And I don't think I ever will be able to trust you again. Not like before"

Bolin looked crushed. He knew this would happen when he came home, but that didn't make it any less painful. With that one careless mistake, he had shattered the bond they had built together and hurt the person who meant the world to him.

"Pardon me, lovebirds," Lin said, appearing behind Elira with Opal by her side. "But we need a word with Elira."

Lin gestured to the side, and Elira walked in that direction, Opal trailing behind her. Bolin went to follow, but Lin raised her hand to stop him "Privately."

The trio went and stood in a huddle behind a pillar.

"I know you don't agree with waiting for Kuvira to attack us before we fight back", Lin stated "You only said what you did in that meeting 'cause you're dad was there."

"I mean, sorta. I don't think we should attack Kuvira head-on, but we have to do something to help all those people trapped in her camps," Elira said

"Which is why we want your help with an unsanctioned and dangerous mission into enemy territory"

"What's the mission?" Elira questioned

"We're going to break out our family", Opal revealed

"While I don't think others should be risking their necks for our family, Opal insisted we ask you," Lin explained.

"Will you help us?" Opal asked, looking hopeful.

Elira remained silent, thinking for a second before looking up and nodding, "I'm in. What's the plan?" 

*

Back by the entrance, Bolin was waiting, leaning against a pillar, when Korra and Mako walked up to him.

"Bolin, I'm so glad you're back. I was worried about you." Mako said

"We all were", Korra added as the three of them hugged.

"Thanks, guys." Bolin looked down in shame as they pulled away. "Mako, I'm so sorry about the way we left things. I'm such an idiot. You tried to warn me about Kuvira, and I ran off anyway like an idiot. You were right, and I'm just an idiot. I hope ... that ... I'll be able to earn your trust again."

"If anyone has lost people's trust, it's me" Korra gestured to herself "Ever since Kuvira kicked my butt, no one even wants me around."

"We want you around." Mako put a reassuring hand on her shoulder before turning to his brother, being equally comforting. "And Bolin, you're not an idiot. You were just doing what you thought was right"

"Aww, I love you guys. And I really wanna hug again," Bolin smiled. 

The three friends hugged again, but as they embraced, Bolin's eyes drifted to Elira, who was still talking with Lin and Opal.

He sighed longingly as he stared at her "Do you think El's ever gonna trust me again?"

The trio pulled away from their group hug, but Bolin kept his gaze on the airbender. His friends followed his line of sight.

"She will. Eventually." Mako smiled reassuringly.

"Mako's right. She may not show it or say it, but she's really missed you", Korra added.

Bolin perked up, hopeful "Really?"

"You thought she wouldn't?" Mako smirked "Bro, come on, 'thought you knew her better than that"

"Mako's right. You're her best friend, and she loves you. You just gotta prove to her you're still you and not just Kuvira's puppet." Korra said

"You think that'll work?" Bolin asked

"It better, 'cause she is the best thing that ever happened to you, bro." Mako declared

"Don't you think I know that?" Bolin's voice trembled slightly, the weight of his words heavy in the air.

"She's everything to me," he muttered, turning to Elira, who was still talking to the Beifongs. His eyes were brimming with profound, aching longing before he suddenly yelped and jumped back as Jinora's spirit projection manifested in front of them.

"Korra! The vines! They're taking me! Help!" She cried before disappearing again, and the trio shared worried looks. 

*

A crowd had gathered at the entrance to the Spirit Wilds, curious to know what was going on as Lin spoke to her officers.

"Get everyone out of here. Put up a perimeter. Cancel all tours. Somebody get a hold of Tenzin." She ordered as the Krew ran up behind her.

Elira looked frantic "We gotta get in there and find Jinora."

"I don't think anyone should be going in there right now," Lin said

"I don't care; my sister's in trouble! I'm not just gonna sit here!" Elira argued

Korra put a hand on her shoulder "I'll go with you. I know I'm not the old Avatar I used to be, but I can do this."

Suddenly, a vine emerges from the wilds, narrowly missing Lin and the Krew. It crashed into a building and knocked over a police van before disappearing back into the wilds.

Lin turned to the Krew "Be careful."

They all nodded and ran into the dense wilds. Everything was eerily quiet, and the only noises were from the Krew as they ventured forth.

"Jinora!" Korra called out

"Hello, anyone?" Mako shouted

"Jinora!" Elira yelled, "Jinora, where are you?!"

"JINORA!! CAN YOU HEAR US?! WE'VE COME TO RESCUE YOU!!!" Bolin suddenly hollered at the top of his lungs. His friends covered their ears before looking at him, annoyed.

"You think she heard me?"

"I think the entire city heard you", Mako scowled.

The sound of something rustling came from inside a nearby building.

"Wait. What was that?" Elira turned towards the sound.

"Jinora? Is that you?" Bolin called out as the team stared at the building on high alert.

The rustling intensified for a moment before going quiet.

Unexpectedly, three vines crashed through the window and attacked the Krew.

They each defended themselves with their respective elements. Distracted by the vines coming from the building, Elira failed to notice a fourth vine rising up behind her, ready to strike.

"El, look out!" Bolin suddenly tackled her out of the way.

They rolled on the ground for a moment before coming to a stop, Bolin leaning over Elira.

"You okay?" He asked

"I'm fine", Elira said snippily, quickly moving away from him and getting to her feet.

Mako, on the other hand, wasn't fast enough to avoid one of the vines, and it wrapped around him, lifting him into the air.

Korra quickly severed the vine with her firebending and used another fire arc to keep the vines at a distance.

"Come on!" Korra yelled, and the Krew fled into the Spirit Wilds as the vines chased after them.

As Korra approached another building, she broke through the wall and dashed inside. Elira and the boys were in pursuit, although Mako paused to unleash some fire punches at the encroaching vines, while Bolin turned and used his earthbending to seal the opening and stop the advancing vines from following them. The room was left with an eerie green light, emitting from behind the Krew.

"Man, those things are relentless," Bolin panted, leaning on his knees. Elira stared at something further inside the building.

"Guys, look," she pointed. The others turned around to see a bunch of green cocoons with people inside.

"What are those?" Mako questioned as they walked up closer to them.

"I don't know, but they sure are weird looking", Bolin replied

Elira stepped forward and reached out to touch the nearest cocoon. When her hand made contact, the inside of the cocoon glowed, revealing the unfortunate soul trapped within. Elira gasped as she recognised exactly who was trapped inside.

"Jinora! It's Jinora and the rest of them!" She cried

"Their spirits are trapped in the Spirit World." Korra realised

"Let's get them out" Mako swiftly produced a fire dagger as Elira stepped back from her sister's cocoon.

"Don't!" Korra quickly put her hand on her shoulder to stop him, and he lowered the dagger "You'll provoke the vines. Let me try"

Elira and the boys stepped back, watching as Korra bent water up to perform the spiritual healing technique. The water surrounding the cocoons glowed brightly, but nothing else happened.

After another moment, Korra lowered her arms, frustrated "They won't open"

"Maybe if we meditate into the Spirit World, we can free them from in there", Elira suggested

"Good idea", Korra replied

The two girls sat down, facing each other in front of the cocoons, closed their eyes and began to meditate.

After a few seconds, Elira peeked an eye open. Shock and confusion crossed her face when she realised she was still in the real world and that annoying ache in her chest she thought she'd gotten rid of was now back. Only this time, it hurt a lot more.

"Are you kidding me?" She groaned, leaning forward slightly to ease the pain.

"El, you okay?" Mako asked

"I thought I was past this", Elira muttered to herself, looking annoyed.

"Past what? What's the matter? Why aren't you in the Spirit World?" Bolin questioned, looking concerned

Elira scowled "It doesn't matter, I –"

Korra suddenly yelled as she jolted back into the real world. She leaned heavily on her hands, sweat dripping down her face and shoulders.

"Korra! What's wrong?" Elira caught Korra by her shoulders as the boys rushed forward.

"It's Zaheer." Korra gasped

"What are you talking about?" Bolin wondered

"He's been haunting me ever since I fought him. I can't get any peace. It's like he's blocking me from meditating into the Spirit World." Korra explained as Elira pulled her to her feet again.

"We're here for you. What do you need?" Mako said, putting a hand on Korra's shoulder. 

*

Leaving the Spirit Wilds, the police had set up a roadblock at the entrance to the wilds while the Krew stood talking to Tenzin.

"I want to face Zaheer." Korra declared

"Korra, he's too dangerous. Even when he's locked up, he can't be trusted," Tenzin argued.

"Dad, if he can somehow help Korra save Jinora and the others, what choice do we have?" Elira cut in.

"El's right. I need to do this if I wanna save them. There's no other way." Korra added

"There is another way. I'm calling your father. He can lead an expedition into the Spirit World from the Southern portal," Tenzin disputed.

"You've lost faith in me, too, haven't you?" Korra asked, looking away from Tenzin, somewhat downcast "No one thinks I'm capable of anything anymore."

Tenzin sighed "It's not that at all."

"I know I can do this." Korra pleaded

"I'm just so worried for Jinora. I can't imagine if something happened to you, too." Tenzin admitted, glancing away.

Korra stepped forward and placed a hand on the airbender's shoulder. "Tenzin, please. I'll be okay."

Tenzin stayed silent as he thought for a moment. Finally, he turned to Korra again. "Zaheer's imprisoned deep in the mountains outside the city. I'll call Raiko and get the clearance."

"Thank you." Korra smiled and hugged him. 

*

While Korra and Mako departed for Zaheer's prison, Tenzin sent Elira home to inform her mother and grandmother of the plan. However, the ride home on Mochi, though brief, was painfully silent. Elira sat at the front, her eyes fixed straight ahead, while Bolin occupied the back of the saddle, twiddling his thumbs. He would occasionally look up at the airbender and open his mouth to speak to her. But uncertain of exactly what to say, he quickly closed his mouth again and fell silent.

As the second Mochi landed on Air Temple Island, Elira airbent herself off her bison and made her way inside without so much as a glance back at Bolin, who had reached out with his hand as if to finally say something. Yet, he never got the chance as Elira disappeared inside.

A while later, Bolin walked through the temple garden, having now changed out of his Earth Empire uniform.

"Pab-pabs, where are you?" He called out

A familiar squeak and chitter emanated from a tree behind him, and seconds later, Pabu and Pichi materialised among the branches. Upon spotting the earthbender, Pabu squealed and jumped down into his arms.

"Pabu! Oh, I missed you so much!" Bolin cried, hugging his beloved pet tightly. Pichi chattered with excitement, landing on Bolin's shoulder and nuzzling and climbing over him. "Pichi! Oh, I missed you so much, too! At least you're not mad at me, right?"

Pichi perched herself on Bolin's shoulder, trilling and folding her ears down.

"Yeah, you guys probably already know that El doesn't really trust me anymore."

Pichi chittered and tilted her head as Pabu squeaked softly.

"Alright – a lot  doesn't trust me", Bolin corrected "I was hoping ... you two could help me win her back"

Pabu and Pichi chittered a few times, and Bolin got excited. "Awesome! Yes, I have an idea." 

*

On the cliff overlooking the city, Elira sat staring at her grandfather's statue, deep in thought.

"I thought I was over this, Grandpa," she muttered to herself and sighed. "Guess everything I went through - with finding you and Iroh - that was only the start of my journey, wasn't it?"

The wind blew around her, tousling her ponytail. Elira smiled gently before Pabu and Pichi suddenly ran up to her. Pabu had a pink ribbon tied around his neck.

"Well, hello, you two. What mischief have you been up to this time?" She giggled as Pabu dashed about her before nestling in her lap while Pichi crawled from her shoulder to her head and then onto her other shoulder.

Elira then noticed the note tied in the ribbon around Pabu's neck. "What've you got there, Pabs?"

As Elira read the note, a worried expression suddenly crossed her face.

Pabu and Pichi led the frantic airbender through the gardens. Running through the greenery and toward a clearing, Elira skidded to a stop when she spotted Bolin sitting in the clearing, pouring tea with a smile.

"El, you made it!" He grinned

"What's this?" Elira asked, confused, approaching the blanket Bolin was sitting on. Pabu ran beside her, and Pichi perched herself in a nearby tree.

"A picnic, just for the two of us!" Pabu squeaked in protest, climbing onto Bolin's shoulder "Well, the four of us. Sorry, Pabs, sorry, Pichi"

"So, this note Pabu brought me saying you broke both of your legs was just a ruse?" Elira scowled

"Maybe ... but now that you're here, don't you want to just sit back, relax, try some of my homemade mochi" Bolin held up the basket in front of him "—Zira's recipe of course—and watch Pabu do some of his world-famous backflips for entertainment?" He picked Pabu off his shoulder, gently throwing the ferret in the air to do a flip, before catching him and grinning up at Elira "Ha-hah!"

But Elira wasn't impressed. "Oh, Gran-Gran's mochi. My favourite. This will completely make me forget that my little sister is currently being held captive in some weird spirit cocoon, along with several other innocent people, all because Kuvira—the person you abandoned me to work for—is taking vines from the Swamp, thereby causing this entire problem with the Spirit Wilds attacking and abducting people! So yeah, let's just sit down and have a lovely picnic because we're so in love!"

Eliraa angrily turned to leave but stopped to briefly turn back "Pichi, Pabu, I'm sorry you guys had to see that"

She then stormed away as Bolin looked on sadly.

*

Later that day, Elira had returned to the city to wait with her father. Meanwhile, on the island, Bolin sat hunched on a low stone bench overlooking the turtle-duck pond, his shoulders slumped like a marionette with cut strings. He tossed a pebble into the water, watching the ripples distort the reflections of the graceful temple spires. Behind him, Azira approached with a basket on one arm, her footsteps barely disturbing the tranquil air while her cane tapped rhythmically against the stone floor. She stopped a few feet away, noting the glum expression on the boy's face.

"I take it the picnic didn't go over too well?" She inquired

"No. Thanks anyway, Zira," Bolin sighed

Azira hummed to herself, looking down in thought for a moment before settling beside him on the bench. She placed her basket down and reached for a loaf of bread. With a fond smile, she peered at the turtle ducks in the pond.

"When Aang first built this place, I was insistent that we have a turtle-duck pond. That way, all those rare joyful moments I cherished as a child by the palace pond with my mother and brother could be shared with my own children." She reminisced, tearing a piece from the loaf and throwing it into the water, which the ducks happily devoured.

Bolin merely grunted in reply, kicking at a loose stone.

Azira continued, not even acknowledging Bolin's lack of response. "Elira's always said that she prefers the company of animals. They're much more reliable, she thinks" She paused, glancing at the earthbender from the corner of her eye before turning back to the pond. "Says they understand commitment better than some people she knows."

Bolin bristled, finally looking up. "Oh, come on! That's not fair! I know I messed up, okay? And I'm trying to fix things, but it's a little impossible when everything I do only seems to annoy El even more!"

Azira threw another piece of bread into the pond. "You know, sometimes, Bolin, certain things are just... beyond repair. Some bridges are better left burned. Perhaps it's for the best. Elira is a strong woman. She deserves someone who is, well, reliable. Maybe she'll find someone one day, someone who isn't prone to... impulsive decisions."

Bolin stood up, his fists clenching. "But I do appreciate her! And I can be reliable! I just need another chance!"

Azira finally turned to face him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, Bolin. I'm sure you believe that. But honestly? Elira is a lot like her father. She's strong, opinionated, and values loyalty above all else. Re-earning her trust will be... well, as you said, next to impossible. You're probably better off focusing on something else and forgetting her. It's the only sensible thing to do"

Bolin's expression hardened. He suddenly straightened, a spark of determination igniting in his eyes. "Are you kidding me? No way! I am not giving up on El. I'm going to prove to her that I'm worthy of her trust, even if it takes me the rest of my life! Because...well, because it's El! She's the single greatest thing that ever happened to me! Always stuck by my side, and been there for me, defended me, even when I've been a total idiot!" Bolin sighed and looked down and to the side "I can't live without her..."

Azira's eyes grew serious as she placed a hand on Bolin's arm, prompting him to look at her.

"Then prove it... or lose her forever," she stated

She then turned back to the pond and tossed another piece of bread to the ducks, leaving Bolin with his newly fuelled resolve. With a determined glint in his eye, Bolin dashed towards the Air Temple, unaware of the victorious smile that spread across Azira's face. 

*

At the entrance to the Spirit Wilds, Elira paced anxiously in front of the vines while her father watched on, concern evident in his eyes. Suddenly, the vines parted, and all those trapped within the spirit cocoons emerged from the greenery.

"Dad! El!" Jinora ran out to her family.

"Jinora!" Elira cried in relief, picking up her sister as she hugged her. Tenzin wasn't far behind her, swiftly embracing his daughters.

"I'm so glad you're safe," he sighed, kneeling down with Elira in front of Jinora.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Elira asked, scanning her sister for injuries.

"I'm okay, El. Promise," Jinora smiled.

"What happened? How did you get out?" Tenzin then asked

"Korra saved us," Jinora replied

Elira breathed a sigh of relief, smiling and embracing her sister again as Tenzin smiled with pride. 

*

Now that Jinora was safe and back home, Elira could focus on another major problem: Helping Lin and Opal rescue their family from Kuvira. But as the three were busy loading supplies onto Mochi and Opal's bison, Juicy, the sound of Azira's cane against the stone caught their attention, and they saw the old woman approaching them with her own bag of supplies in hand.

"Um, Gran-Gran, I think we've got enough food. You didn't need to make more", Elira said from Mochi's saddle.

"It's not food. I'm coming with you," Azira declared, and all three women stopped, sharing surprised glances.

"Zira, I don't think that's such a good idea", Lin argued "Besides, this isn't your problem. I'm still a little hesitant to let El come with us"

"Too late. You've invited me, so you're stuck with me. And Pichi" Elira smirked down at the cheif as Pichi landed on her shoulder with a chitter.

Azira, however, wasn't backing down, approaching Lin with a determined and serious expression.

"Lin..." She placed a hand on the woman's arm, looking her in the eye "I made a promise to your mother before she left. That I would look out for you and Suyin and be there for you should the situation call for it. Well, this certainly calls for it. So like it or not, young lady, I am coming with you"

Lin stared at the old woman for a moment before she sighed and relented, "Alright, fine..." She then graced her with a rare smile "Thank you, Aunty Zira"

Azira chuckled slightly as Elira airbent down from Mochi to help her into the saddle. 

They resumed loading the supplies and were about done when Bolin suddenly ran up to El, who was passing her grandmother the final bag.

"Where are you going?" He wondered

"We've got some business to take care of," Elira replied, not even turning to face him.

"Well, then I'm coming with you", Bolin declared

Elira scoffed, checking the straps of Mochi's saddle "Says who?" 

Bolin glanced up at Azira in the saddle. The old woman nodded, and Bolin turned back to Elira, his eyes filled with determination and sincerity.

"Says the promise we made each other all those years ago at the Noodelry. Remember? 'So long as you're my best friend, you're never going through anything alone.' Well, that includes this!"

Elira paused at his words, turning her head slightly towards him as he continued.

"I know I wasn't there when it mattered, I know there is nothing I could do or no big gesture that could make up for all my mistakes, and I know...that I let you down"

Elira turned to face him fully, her expression thoughtful.

"But I'm here now, and I'm not gonna stop trying to win you back. Because ... I love you"

Elira's eyes widened before lowering, and she turned her head away again, frowning. Bolin was visibly deflated, sad, and disappointed, and he turned to leave.

"If you're gonna come along..." He stopped as Elira started talking, turning to her shocked "You better get on now, or we're leaving you behind"

"Yes! Thankyou! I won't let you down!" Bolin grinned as Pichi flew down from her perch on Mochi's horn, climbing over the earthbender with an excited chitter. 

Bolin then paused "Wait...where are we going?"

"Zaofu. We're going to rescue Su and the others," Elira revealed, and Bolin's facial expression turned more serious.