GunYour majesty, may I present Avatar Korra.
[shouting at her servants] You're ruining the koi pond! It's completely overshadowed by the topiaries! Guards, take that buffoon away and get me someone who knows what they're doing! You! Rip everything out and start over! I am surrounded by idiots. [notices Korra] So I finally get a visit from the Avatar. Let me guess, you want something.
Well, actually, your majesty, I was hoping you could...
I hardly think you're in a position to ask me for favors after everything the last Avatar did to the Earth Kingdom. He and Fire Lord Zuko took advantage of my father's weakness, and stole our lands to make their own little empire. The United Republic is Earth Kingdom territory.
Well, I-I'm not sure what I can do about that.
Not that you care, but what's left of my kingdom is falling to ruin. Roving bands of barbarians are raiding villages in the countryside, and now, some of my subjects are refusing to pay their taxes.
I'm very sorry for your troubles, but actually...
[at her servants] That topiary is supposed to be an eel-swan, not a turtle-duck!
Gun
Your majesty, the Avatar has returned with the tax payments.
Finally. Secure it in the vault.
Gun
It's being done as we speak.
So now, your majesty, if I could start meeting some of the airbenders here in the city.
The Dai Li thoroughly searched the city, but it seems your reports were incorrect. There are no airbenders in Ba Sing Se. So you can gather your little band and be on your way tomorrow.
You make me do your dirty work extorting your own citizens for your stupid palaces and topiaries, and then you just want to send me away? We're not going anywhere until we find some airbenders! We know there are some here!
This isn't over! I'm going to find the airbenders!
Gun
Now rise, Wu of the Hou-Ting Dynasty, King of all the Earth Lands and Glorious Defender of Ba Sing Se. Long may you reign!
WWu
(addressing the crowd) Thank you, for that incredibly brief but very moving ceremony. I am touched by the love of my devoted countrymen, who have worked so hard to restore their beloved leader to the throne. One of them deserves special attention. [Turns to Kuvira] Kuvira, rise! [Kuvira walks over to him. Wu places a medal around her neck] For your service to the realm, I would like to present you with the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest honor, which was somehow not stolen, unlike the royal pinky rings.
Thank you. And if you don't mind, I would like to say a few words.
WWu
Why not? [slightly annoyed] We've got six hours to fill.
[Addressing the crowd] Growing up in Zaofu, with Suyin Beifong, I learned that the idea of a royal family passing a title from one generation to the next was archaic, and that technology and innovation should be what drives a nation forward. It was the pathetic rule of kings and queens that caused the Earth Kingdom to descend into such incredible disarray. It's taken me three years to get it back on track, and there is no way I will allow it to slip back into the dark ages. [Tenzin and President Raiko exchange troubled looks] I'd like to make an announcement to the world: the Earth Kingdom is no more. And from here on out, [Gestures to Wu.] this man has no authority. [Crowd gasps in surprise.]
WWu
[surprised and confused] Wait, what?! But I just got the Royal Brooch!
I have created a new Earth Empire, and I will continue to lead it into the future myself, bringing about a new era of prosperity for my people.
And let me assure my fellow leaders of one thing: [She rips the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom from around her neck and uses metalbending to levitate it in her hand] Anyone who crosses our borders or stands in our way will be crushed. [As she finishes her speech, she crushes the medal and lets it drop to the stage floor]
The Legend of Korra · 160 quotes
