Sorry we're late, everyone.
Great question, Asami. I mean, what are any of us doing here? Wow. Food for thought. Anyhoo, how's our company doing?
You mean my company? Future Industries reverted back to me after you plotted to abduct the president.
Allegedly plotted to abduct the president. Never convicted.
Uh, that's because you escaped prison.
No, the universe decided to set me free. So I looked up my old friend Suyin here, pitched her a few ideas, and bam! We're in business together.
Varrick's heading up my new technology division.
I've seen the future, and the future is magnets! I'm working on a high-speed rail that'll revolutionize transportation and shipping as we know it. But that's not all! I'm...
All right, enough! I'm trying to keep the Avatar safe, and you're harboring a criminal?
Ease up, Lin. Sure, Varrick's made a few mistakes in his past, but that doesn't mean he should pay for it the rest of his life. My chef was a pirate, but now he's a culinary master. People change.
You haven't. [storms out]
Thank you for being so welcoming, and I'm sorry for how Lin's been acting. Can I ask, what happened with you two?
It's complicated. We didn't have a normal childhood. Neither of us knew our fathers, and Toph was always busy being chief of police. Because mom grew up in such a strict house, she gave us all the freedom in the world, hoping we'd figure out our own paths.
That sounds like a good thing.
And in a way, it was. But we both ended up fighting for mom's attention. Lin followed in her footsteps and became a cop. I was more of a rebel. Mom wasn't too happy with how either of us turned out. When I was 16, I left home to explore the world. I sailed the seas on a pirate ship, joined a traveling circus for while, and lived in a sandbender commune in the desert. It took me a while, but I finally realized what I was looking for was a family. So I bought this plot of land, found a brilliant architect who later became my husband, and created a place I could truly call home.
It sounds like you've created the perfect life here.
Almost. I've always wanted Lin to be a part of it, but I gave up hope long ago of her ever coming around.
SBSuyin Beifong
Opal has decided to go to the Northern Air Temple. I'm guessing you had something to do with her decision.
SBSuyin Beifong
It's okay. I'm glad she was honest with me- I want her to do what makes her happy. (sadly) Mom gave us too much freedom- but I feel like I've made the mistake of giving Opal too little. I think it's time I let her choose her own way. (pause) I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time when we were younger. I can't imagine what my life would be like if Mom hadn't sent me away- if I had stayed in the city.
(dryly) You'd probably be in prison.
SBSuyin Beifong
(chuckles) You're probably right. Mako told me that you're an excellent police chief. Republic City is lucky to have you. I know Mom is proud. (they both look up at Toph's statue again) Can we move on? I'd love for you to be a part of my life again. There's plenty of space for you in the house, and the kids would love having their aunt around. I do need a co-director for my new dance performance-
(raises her hands hastily) Whoa- slow down. How about, for now, I just promise not to show up at your house and attack you again?
Bumi, can I talk to you? (the other Acolytes walk away as he approaches)
(scowls) Lemme guess- you want to criticize me for something.
Actually, I need your help.
Oh, yeah? (picks his ear) With what?
I don't think I'm doing very well with the new Airbenders. And... everyone knows you're a natural leader. (smiles weakly)
(smugly) True, I did win the Admiral Tung natural leadership award. Twice. (Tenzin rolls his eyes)
What would you do, if you were in charge? Help me be more like you.
I'd love to. (stands up) You've gotta use military discipline to whip these troops into shape. (gestures with his hands) The only way to deal with new recruits is to break them down so you can build them back up! Rule with an iron fist! Show them who the master is!
(raises his eyebrows and smiles) Thanks for the insight.
Dawn patrol! Everyone up!
What're you doing? It's barely light out!
I'm taking your advice: I'm going to break you down in order to build you back up! (Bumi looks horrified) Now, get moving, recruits!
(muttering to himself as he meditates) How could she think... Focus! Breathe... (inhales) Bumi ruins everything. Inhale...focus.
PPema
(comes in and sits by him) Taking a little break from teaching?
(sadly) I failed. Bumi quit, and the rest of the airbenders want to go home! Can't they see that I'm trying to re-build an entire culture?!
PPema
You know, just because these people can airbend, it doesn't automatically make them Air Nomads.
PPema
I remember when I moved out of my parents' house, to become an Air Acolyte. That first night, I was so scared and lonely- and the bed was so hard!
It's actually better for your back. (Pema gives him a look) Sorry.
PPema
The point is, I really wanted to be there- but it still took time for me to adjust and feel like I was a part of it all! These people are probably feeling the same way. You have to be patient.
(stares at her) Now I know how Korra feels when I'm talking to her. (leans forward and kisses his wife) Thank you, Pema.
(angrily) What happened back in Zaofu? You told me we wouldn't have any problems getting the Avatar. Because of you, we've all been compromised.
AAiwei
No- any evidence was destroyed when my library burned.
Where is your physical body now?
AAiwei
At the Misty Palms Inn. But there is no need to worry, I was not followed.
AAiwei
I assure you, no one knows anything about us-
No. You are the loose end. (he lunges forward and grabs Aiwei)
(jumps out from behind the tree) Zaheer!
(smiles) It seems Aiwei was mistaken: he was followed.
That's right. We knew he'd lead us straight to you. So what did you do with him?
He'll be spending eternity in the Fog of Lost Souls... which just leaves the two of us.
(raises her fists) Don't move, Zaheer! You're gonna give me some answers!
(sits down) There's no need for aggression. Neither of us has our bending, and I'm not going anywhere. I'll answer whatever questions you have; you deserve that much. (Korra lowers her fists, surprised) What would you like to know?
First off, who are you people, and why do you keep trying to take me?
We are part of a secret society, dedicated to restoring freedom to the world. We... are the Red Lotus.
Red Lotus? Are... you related to the White Lotus?
We are what the White Lotus was meant to be. But after the Hundred Year War, the White Lotus lost its true purpose. Its members came out of hiding, and openly served the Avatar. They became nothing but glorified bodyguards, who served corrupt nations. So a great man named Xai Bao broke from the White Lotus, and began his own society.
(sarcastically) That's a great story, but it doesn't explain why you tried to take me when I was a kid.
That... was Unalaq's idea.
(surprised) What? My uncle was part of the Red Lotus?
(whispering) Avatar Korra. Misty Palms Inn. Find her.
You two go. I'll stay and make sure Zaheer's body is safe. (Ghazan and Ming-Hua leave)
(to Korra) I met your uncle when I was a teenager, after we had both joined the Red Lotus. We learned about Raava and Vaatu, and how Avatar Wan foolishly severed them, disrupting the balance of the world forever.
(angrily) Avatar Wan wasn't foolish! He was trying to restore balance!
He closed the portals, severing humans from spirits. Even you realize the error in his ways.
So all along, you and my uncle planned to use me, to open the portals and release Vaatu?! That's why you tried to take me when I was a kid?!
Yes. And with members of the Red Lotus as your elemental masters, we could've taught you so much.
Sounds like you wanted to brainwash me, so I'd do whatever you wanted.
No, Korra. All I wanted, was to show the Avatar a better path for the world.
If my uncle came up with the plan to abduct me as a kid, why wasn't he caught?
He wasn't with us that night... and he covered up his involvement, afterwards.
So he betrayed you, just like he betrayed me.
(nods grimly) Yes. He allowed me and my friends to remain in prison while he pursued his own selfish goals. Unalaq becoming a Dark Avatar was never part of our mission.
What is your "mission", exactly?
I want what you want. To restore balance to this world.
[smirks] I don't think our ideas of balance are the same.
Are you sure about that? [Korra's smirk fades] You kept the Spirit Portals open, but why stop there? Bringing the spirits back should only be the beginning.
The idea of having nations and governments, is as foolish as keeping the human and spirit realms separate. You've had to deal with a moronic president, and a tyrannical Queen. Don't you think the world would be better off... if leaders like them were eliminated?
(shocked) No! I-I mean, I don't really agree with what they've done, but... taking out world leaders isn't the answer!
It wasn't too long ago, that the Airbenders were nearly all wiped out, thanks to the Fire Lord's desire for world dominance. True freedom can only be achieved when oppressive governments are torn down.
But that won't bring balance, it will throw the world into chaos!
(smiles) Exactly. The natural order, is disorder. [pause] Do you know who once said, "New growth cannot exist, without first the destruction of the old?"
The wise Guru Laghima...an airbender.
What is this rifraf doing in my throne room unannounced?!
(bows) Apologies, Your Majesty. But I couldn't help overhearing that the Avatar won't be joining us today.
The Avatar is still in my custody! However, eavesdropping on royal conversations will land you in a cell right next to those boys you brought in! Now, if you value your freedom, you'll tell me where the airbenders are, right now!
(coldly) That wasn't the deal.
(furious) I will not bandy words with bounty hunters! Seize these hoodlums and throw them in prison, until they decide to show proper respect for the Crown!
(cowering behind her throne) GUN! GET BACK HERE AND LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE FOR YOUR QUEEN, YOU COWARD! (arrogantly, as Zaheer aproaches) You wouldn't DARE attack a Queen!
(coldly) Maybe I forgot to mention something to you... I don't believe in Queens.
(angrily) You think that freedom is something you can give or take, on a whim. But to your people, freedom is just as essential as... air. And without it... there is no life. There is only... darkness.
Um, so what happened to you two? Where have you been?
We were captured by Zaheer and taken to Ba Sing Se. We were there when the Earth Queen was overthrown.
What? How did you escape?
What? Why would he do that?
Because he wanted us to find you and deliver a message.
Zaheer's on his way to the Northern Air Temple, as we speak. He says he's gonna wipe out the new Air Nation, and everything in it... unless you turn yourself over to him.
(angrily) Zaheer's threatening innocent lives just to get to me!
(darkly) He's already taken out the Earth Queen. I don't think he bluffs.
It's a pleasure to finally meet a true airbending master.
What is it you want from us?
Nothing at all. In fact, if everyone cooperates, you will all walk out of this situation unharmed.
Then what are you doing here?
I want Korra. And I'm tired of chasing her.
You're using us as leverage!
I will never let you get to Korra!
Unfortunately, you don't have a choice.
Jinora! Get everyone out of here! Bumi, Kya, help me hold them off!
And stay out of her line of sight! Go, go!
Drop your staff and surrender yourself! (long pause) Don't make me come get you!
(via radio) Mako! What's going on?
They're here, but so is the lavabender!
Tell Ghazan to let the Airbenders go!
Not until you turn yourself over. This isn't a negotiation! (long pause, Zaheer raises his radio) Wipe them out!
No! Wait! I'm coming. (she walks towards them)
(into his radio) Stand down.
(smirks) And don't bother trying to Metalbend out of these. They're platinum. (she pushes Korra towards Zaheer)
(to Ghazan, via radio) We have her.
It's okay, Tenzin. We're about to get you out of here-
(deflects her attack with Firebending and grabs his radio) Korra! It was a trick, they're not here! Don't turn yourself over!
(to Zaheer, furious) We had a deal!
(to Lin, via radio) Chief, get Korra outta there, now!
(to her team) Go, go, go!
(struggling frantically) When I get out of here, none of you will survive!
You won't get out, unless the Metal Clan taught you a way to bend platinum. Once we administer this poison, your body will naturally react, forcing you into the Avatar State, in an effort to keep you alive. Sadly for you, you'll be entering it for the last time.
(shocked) No! The Avatar Cycle-
Yes. When we dispatch you in the Avatar State, the cycle will end. (glances at the other members of the Red Lotus) So we lucky few, this band of brothers and sisters in anarchy, are witnessing the beginning of an era of true freedom. Together, we will forge a world without Kings and Queens- without borders or nations. Where Man's only allegiance is to himself, and those he loves. We will return to the true balance... of natural order. And though you will never again be re-born, your name will echo throughout history: Korra, the last Avatar.
