Imagine with me for a moment a different ending to the Legend of Korra.
Imagine that she arrives to the “wedding venue” only to be welcomed by crowds of people of Republic City and the Earth Kingdom. Waves of people kneel down out of respect; others applaud and cheer Korra’s name. Instead of the final setting being Varrick and Zhu Li’s wedding, it was in fact a setup to celebrate Avatar Korra. For saving Republic City, the Earth Kingdom, and the world. For overcoming the poisons implanted by the Red Lotus and returning to her role as the arbiter of harmony between nations and worlds.
The crowd settles down when President Raiko takes to the mic. “Thank you, Avatar Korra. For everything you have endured to protect the people and spirits of both planes. For persevering through all the doubts cast upon you, some even from me. We are grateful for the work you have done, and we are forever in your debt for putting your life on the line countless times for the people of this world. Truly, thank you.”
And as she wells up with tears, Tenzin places a hand on her shoulder and gestures toward the stage. The people want to hear from their Avatar. She makes her way to the stage, wiping the tears away that just don’t seem to end.
“People of the Republic and the world: it has been my greatest honor to serve as your Avatar. When I first came to this city, I had no idea the scale of conflict I would be involved in. All I knew was that I wanted to become a fully realized Avatar and protect the people of the world. The trials I have faced were beyond anything I could have imagined. And at times, I lost my way. Because what could I, a teenage girl, do to solve all the problems I never knew that the world faced. But coming to this city I also met the most amazing people who I am proud to call my closest friends. They have supported and grounded me even in my darkest of times. And they are part of the reason that I am still standing. Without them, I might not even be here today.
“I know I have not been the most reliable Avatar, nor have I always made the best decisions. There is still so much that needs to be done and much more for me to learn. It won’t be easy, I know this well now; but the good people of this world will not be alone. I am still your Avatar, and I am dedicated to helping those in need as we rebuild our lives for this new age. My greatest thanks.”
And as the audience applauds, Korra is shooed off by Varrick so he can announce the next item on the agenda: Zhu Li and his wedding.
While Varrick and his company finish prepping the venue for the wedding, Korra wanders to find her family and friends.
Her parents lovingly embrace her and tells her how proud they are.
She finds Bolin prepping for his role as a the officiator of the wedding, and he wraps her up in a platypus-bear hug. He starts to explain his plans with the Bei Fongs to undo the damage Kuvira has done in the Earth Kingdom before Varrick interrupts him for wedding vows advice.
She comes across Mako chatting with Wu. After Wu runs off to shmooze with a famous composer, Mako reassures her that no matter what, he has Korra’s back.
Korra spots Asami speaking an Earth Kingdom contractor. Sato Industries has already begun architectural planning for Republic City’s relocation down the coast. Asami excuses herself as Korra approaches. “Quite the speech you gave back there, champ.”
Korra chuckles, and Asami links their arms. “And I meant every word. I still have a lot to do, even just within this city”
Korra gives Asami a meaningful look and smiles. “I know.”
Asami smirks. “You’re stuck with me, and you gotta deal with.”
Korra laughs. “Sounds perfect.”
~prompted by tspcapacity and khiravaggio~