Some time later, Pakku's boat carried everyone across the ocean until everyone caught sight at Republic City from the distance.
"We did it." Korra said. "At last, we're back."
"Looks like the city's gotten more advanced since we last got." Raiko said. "It appears they've already finished the Expansion Project."
"Hey, Raiko," Twilight said, "Sorry my friends and I thought you were the Red Eye."
"No problem." Raiko said. "I don't blame you. He set me up and made it look like I did it all. He gave me the ideas of what to rebuild in the Expansion Project, freeing Kuvira, and I thought It was just to get myself re-elected."
"Well, if it's all the same to you," Rarity said, "I'd vote for you as an apology... if I was an official citizen, of course."
"Thanks, I think." Raiko said. "Now, I believe we have to court-martial a few prisoners."
Later, the Mane 6, Team Avatar, the Power Ponies, and the Mighty Machines paced in front of the courthouse. They seemed impatient.
"That's a lot of time to deliver a verdict." Korra said.
"What did you expect?" Twilight asked. "Zaheer, Iris, and Lok were criss-cross on the good-evil line. It's hard for people to tell if they learned their lesson."
"Do you really think any of them learned their lesson?" Korra asked.
"Well, Discord learned his lesson." Fluttershy said. "That should prove something."
"Hey, handsome," Discord said juggling with colorful gems, "Why didn't you tell me you had your own version of the Elements of Harmony?"
"WHOA, DISCORD, PUT THEM DOWN!" Anar D panicked. Discord froze suddenly and the gems fell to the floor. Anar D held up a burlap bag and used it to scoop the gems. "Those are the Harmony Gems. Because draconequi are made of raw chaos, the minute you touch them, you'll pop like a balloon."
"But I've been holding them for three minutes." Discord said. "How come I didn't explode?"
Anar D froze after he got the last gem in the bag. He had a confused face and pondered. "I don't know."
"Why didn't we see those before?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"The other day, we asked our Princess Celestia to send them to us." the Shadow Blot said. "We think it might be the key to ridding Grogar from Asami's body."
"Yeah." Korra said with lament. "Perhaps."
Twilight saw Korra's face and she placed her hoof at her hand. "We'll save her."
The door then opened. Tenzin walked out and approached everyone.
"Well?" Korra asked. "What's the verdict?"
"Do to your recommendations," Tenzin said, "The court has cleared Iris and the bird of all charges. Zaheer is on probation now, but that's only because every world leader on the run has been found. As for Tirek, the court declared him to be an Equestrian problem."
"It's all right." Twilight said. "Tomorrow, when we return home, we're taking Tirek with us. The rest of the princesses should give everything he took back to everyone he took them from. But for now, we've got to free Asami."
At the police station, Asami was strapped to a table and struggling to get out. Her mouth was clamped shut by a metal muzzle. Grogar's black mists covered her eyes and she growled in his voice. Korra, Twilight, the Power Ponies, and Discord stood at the side. Lin was at the other side of the room.
"How is she?" Korra asked.
"Not so good." Lin said. "That clamp is used to keep her from casting any spells. This plan, using these magical gems, do you think it's going to work?"
"If not, I can't see anything else." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Hum Drum..."
"Right here." Hum Drum said holding up the bag.
The Power Ponies placed the Harmony Gems on and aimed them toward the possessed Asami. The Gems began to glow in their colors and a set of rays floated out. They hit Grogar and Asami's body glowed for a minute.
However, the rays jumped back to the gems. The Power Ponies were pushed back. Asami's eyes didn't change and Grogar still tried to struggle out of the straps.
"Well, that was a rip-off." Discord said.
"What happened?" Radiance asked.
"I don't know." the Masked Matterhorn said. "It should have worked."
"Oh, for goodness sake, ladies." Discord exclaimed. He approached Grogar's strapped body "The answer is obvious!"
"It is?" Saddle Rager asked.
"Yes." Discord said. He materialized a keyboard instrument in front of him. "It involves... murder." He pressed on the keys and played ominous music.
"That's your answer?!" Twilight shouted.
"No." Discord chuckled. "You girls just had your own answers. I just wanted one of my own. ...Or did I?" He played the ominous music again.
"Discord, you're not helping!" Korra shouted.
"Come on!" Discord said. "Just let me get the bell piece out with my powers. With that gone, Grogar can't stay in Asami anymore."
"Discord, you know that's what Xai Bau wanted you for in the first place." Twilight said.
"What's the harm now?" Discord asked. He held up the orange orb and Xai Bau's panicking face appeared in it. He still couldn't make a sound. "Look, Xai Bau is stuck in this thing until someone breaks it open. And I doubt any Red Lotus or Equalist is willing to trust him now. With him here, Grogar trapped, and no bad guy willing to help, I defy you to tell me how it's risky."
"He's right." Hum Drum said. "I don't see anything wrong with doing this."
Korra and Twilight thought for a moment. Korra sighed and reluctantly said, "Do it."
"Right." Discord spit on his paw and claw and wiped them together. He then materialized a white lab coat and put on a deranged face.
"Uh, Discord," Mistress Marevelous asked, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"No need to be alarmed." Discord spoke in a Transylvanian accent. "THIS IS SCIENCE! HAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!"
And without warning, Discord poked Asami's forehead and her eyes started to glow. A light illuminated from them and floated from her. The light hit the floor and materialized into a curved bowl upside down. It was the final piece of the Bell of Darkness.
"Ta-da." Discord exclaimed.
Asami shrugged and groaned. Korra approached her and removed the metal clamp. Asami's eyes opened and they were normal again.
"Asami!" Korra cheered. She hugged her friend who hugged back.
"Korra," Asami greeted, "I'm sorry. As soon as that monster took control, I tried to fight him, but it was no use. This..."
"It's okay." Korra said patting her friend on the back. "It's all over."
Hum Drum turned his eyes toward the bell piece. He smirked and his eye color changed for a second... to red.
At the president's office, Varrick and Zhu Li sat with Raiko facing them.
"Varrick, it's come to my attention that you aided the Red Lotus in their affairs." President Raiko said.
"Hey, for your information, I only did it because they had Zhu Li held hostage." Varrick said.
"It's true." Zhu Li said. "He'd never betray his country... again."
"Look..." Raiko said.
"No, wait." Varrick interrupted. "Let me finish. I know I did some bad stuff in the past. Okay, a lot of bad stuff... more than there are stars in the heavens... on a crystal clear night... from the highest point to..."
"I think he got the idea." Zhu Li said.
"The point is," Varrick said, "I learned my lesson. For once, I'm on the right side. But you know what; if the whole situation happened again, I'd do it again! If Zhu Li was in danger, I'd give away my freedom for her time and time again! I'd do it because I love her even though I don't show it clearly at all! What do you say about that?!"
"Are you done?" Raiko asked.
"Yeah, pretty much." Varrick replied.
"Good." Raiko said. "Listen, I understand what you went through. If anything happened to my wife, I'd probably do the same thing. I guess, I figured out what it was like to be in your shoes. That's why, with your permission, I'll be happy to clear your criminal history."
Varrick was surprised. "Really? You... You mean it?"
"Of course." Raiko said. "When Crem-Sun kidnapped me, he told me I never used my power the right way. It's time I do. Now, run along. I believe you have a baby to prepare."
Happy as can be, Varrick and Zhu Li walked out of the office already planning their baby preparations in their heads.
Asami celebrated with all the other heroes. Pinkie Pie pulled out her Party Cannon and with one explosion, the entire room in the Air Temple was filled with balloons and streamers. Mako was at the side of the wall leaning back. Discord popped next to him and made Mako gasp.
"Someone should put a bell on you." Mako said.
"Speaking of bells..." Discord pulled out the bell piece he took out of Asami and placed it in Mako's hands. "We're giving the Bell of Darkness pieces to different people in our worlds. You have this, the Machines can keep the cylinder, and when we get back to Equestria, we're giving the ball to Zecora."
"Should I know who that is?" Mako asked.
"Better off if you don't." Discord said. "That girl's talking gives me a headache."
Mako gazed and saw Derpy with a miserable face. She dipped her hoof in a punch bowl and wrote on the table with it. It read "DH & D".
"I'm guessing she misses the Doctor." Mako said.
"It's only been a few days." Discord said. "I wonder how much you've missed Korra during her hiatus."
"What?" Mako asked nervously. "Discord, what are you talking..."
"Oh, don't be ridiculous." Discord said. "I'm an animal and I've got instincts. You obviously still dig the Avatar."
"You're nuts." Mako said.
"Mako," Discord said, "The downside to having giant anime eyes is that they're easy to read, and yours are screaming 'Korra, I want us back together'."
"I don't know what that means, but I can tell you you're wrong." Mako said.
"So you're honestly telling me you still don't have any passion for her?" Discord asked.
"Look, even if I do--I'm not saying I do," Mako said, "She wouldn't take me back anyway. She's the one who broke up with me. Yes, I realize I made a mistake in letting my job get the best of me, but what's done is done. It's too late to turn back now."
"So..." Discord said, "If Korra was to ask you back, would you say yes?"
"I... I suppose so." Mako said. "But it just can't be done."
"Challenge accepted!" Discord declared. Mako tried to stop him, but Discord just said, "Don't worry, Mako. You and your human friends have done so much for me. Now, I'm gonna return the favor. Just wait outside."
"Discord, this is not..." Mako started to say. Suddenly, Discord snapped his eagle claw and, in the blink of an eye, Mako found himself outside next to a fountain. He sighed and wondered what he would say to his ex.
Inside, Korra approached Asami. They smiled when they saw each other.
"How are you feeling?" Korra asked.
"Better than when I woke up." Asami answered.
"You know," Korra said, "Grogar only took control of you because you were angry at Kuvira. Now, I don't blame you. She did a lot of bad stuff..."
"Korra, I know what you're trying to say." Asami said. "First, I lost my father to Amon. He spent three years in prison before I even thought about speaking to him again. Then, Kuvira ended him. I can't forgive Kuvira for that... but, I will accept that she has changed. I can't stay mad forever."
"Hey, Avatar." Korra looked back and saw Iris behind her. She was nervous.
"Please," Korra said, "My friends call me Korra."
"Is that what we are?" Iris asked. "After all, we didn't exactly have a good start."
"Don't worry about it." Asami said. "I almost accidentally ran over Mako when we met." The three of them giggled.
"Anyway," Iris said, "I was wondering something... What do you think I would say to Miles?"
"What?" Asami asked. "Why him?"
"Well..." Iris said nervously. "I... uh..."
"Oooooh." Korra said with a smile. "I get it. Look, I think the best thing to do is ask if he has any plans. Then, you'd casually ask him to meet you someplace. That'd be good."
"How do you know?" Discord said popping up out of nowhere. "You're not exactly the female lead in Romeo and Juliet."
"Discord." Korra said. "What are you doing here?"
"Right now, breathing, talking, floating..." Discord said.
"I don't think that's what she meant." Asami said.
"My point is, Korra, you're not exactly the best person to give love advice." Discord said. "Don't get me wrong. I'm sure you have a slight bit of love knowledge, but the problem is, you haven't had a boyfriend in over three years. Now, I do believe you're dodging a bullet, but..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Korra said. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, the only reason you're staying single is that you don't want any dead weight." Discord said.
"How dare you?" Korra gasped. "Mako's not dead weight."
"I wasn't talking about Mako." Discord said. Korra put on an awkward face.
"Um..." Asami said nervously, "I think Twilight wants to talk to me." She walked away.
"And I should meet Miles." Iris said nervously. She too walked away. Only Discord and Korra were left in the conversation.
"What's your game, Discord?" Korra said.
"No games, Korra." Discord said. "I just want to congratulate you for breaking things off with Mako. It is true, he let his own selfishness get in the way of his girlfriend's needs."
"Hey, he was just influenced by Xai Bau at the time." Korra protested. "Besides, Mako has proven to have changed from all that over the years. I can count many times he chose the right thing over his job."
The talk started to attract the attention of everyone else in the room. They seemed a little nervous of the conversation.
"Really?" Discord asked. "Then answer me this: how come you're not giving him a second chance? Seems that you're making the right call now.
"Ignore what you had
Ignore the time when you were actually glad
Ignore how you felt
Ignore how he made your own heart melt
It's best if you just forget
You fall, and you are full of regret
You shouldn't even take part
Just ignore your heart"
Discord spun Korra until she saw Mako all alone, outside, and next to the fountain. As the Avatar put on a regretful face, Discord continued singing.
"Ignore your love life
Deep inside, you know it'll just bring you strife
Then, when it's too late
You will lose your love and be filled with hate
Love is just too crazy
And that's saying something from someone like me
Love's a dead art
Just ignore your heart"
"I tried to forget how close we were," Korra sang,
"And what we had together
My heart, beating too quick"
"That makes me sick," Discord sang.
"The day we confessed," Korra sang.
"Give it a rest," Discord sang,
"Ignore what you got"
"I can't ignore what we got," Korra sang.
"At the end of the day, it won't matter a lot," Discord sang.
"It matters a loooooot," Korra sang,
"You're better without him," Discord sang,
"Any chance for a happy ending will be slim"
"Love's a chaotic calling," both sang.
"And aren't you sick already of falling," Discord sang.
"A rekindled flame," Korra sang.
"Yeah, right," Discord sang.
"Nothing is the same," Korra sang.
"Not quite," Discord sang.
"My feelings can't depart," Korra sang,
"I can't..."
"Just..." Discord sang.
"Ignore your (my) heart," both sang.
Mako turned and Korra approached him. He sighed and got up.
"Korra, I apologize for what Discord said," Mako said in a panic, "But know I didn't even want him to say..."
"Mako," Korra interrupted with a passionate smile, "It's all right.
"It felt like only yesterday"
"It only felt like yesterday," Mako sang with joy in his voice.
"When I met you and my worries went away," Korra sang.
"They're gone again," Mako sang.
"Whatever life will provide," Korra sang.
"Whatever life will provide," Mako sang.
"Know that I'll always want you by my side," Korra sang.
"I'll always want..." Mako sang.
"TO RUN! TO SWIM! TO ALWAYS SOAR," both sang,
"TO SEE THE WHOLE WORLD AND MAYBE MORE"
"A rekindled flame," Mako sang.
"What luck," Korra sang.
"Nothing is the same," Korra sang.
"OH, YUCK," Discord sang with a not-so-subtle smile and a chuckle,
"DO NOT EVEN START"
"WE CAN'T..." Korra and Mako sang,
"IGNORE OUR HEEEEAAAARTS"
"So..." Mako said, "Does this mean we're back together?"
"We'll see." Korra said with a definite smile.
"Discord," Applejack said, "What did you do?"
"I can create many forms of emotion," Discord said, "But I can't create love. That's on those two. Don't blame me."
Miles finished setting up in his home. The last thing he put up was a picture of him and his parents. He took a good look at it before he put it up.
"Those you're parents?" Iris asked from the door. She was carrying a couple of bags Miles turned to acknowledge her.
"Yes." Miles said. "They died when I was 6. It was an accident. I spent more of my life in an orphanage until I was legally old enough to live on my own. What are you doing here, Iris?"
"Well..." Iris said nervously, "I just bought a Pai Sho board and I was wondering if you would like to play. Just a head's up: I'm not quite familiar with the rules."
"Neither am I." Miles said. "I think it might have something to do with checkers."
"What?" Iris asked.
"I don't know." Miles said with a chuckle. "I've been around those ponies too long."
The two chuckled. Iris set up the board between the two of them.
"Hey, Discord." Hum Drum said. "Say, could I talk to you for a minute in the other room?"
"Sure thing, little guy." Discord said.
Discord and Hum Drum walked down the hallway and into an empty room. Hum Drum made sure the door was locked.
"What's on your mind?" Discord asked. "Do you want me to compare your appearance with Spike's? FYI, you do look that fat."'
"I just want to know," Hum Drum said, "Where is your box?"
"Right here." Discord said. He materialized Pandora's Box in his lion paw. "Why do you ask?"
Suddenly, Hum Drum jumped up and snatched the box. He landed gracefully on the ground with the box gripped in his claws.
"Uh, Hum Drum, no more joking around." Discord said nervously. "Just give me the box and..."
"Really, Discord," Hum Drum scoffed, "How many times do I have to take this from you to get what I want?"
Discord widened his eyes in fear as he couldn't believe who he was really talking to.
"Xai Bau!" he gasped. "But... how..."
"Grogar's been teaching me my magic for 70 years." Xai Bau explained in Hum Drum's voice. "Did you think he wouldn't teach me how to possess someone... or, at least, how to switch minds with someone? You zapped me. I felt my body twisting. I knew I needed an escape, and this little idiot was within reach. You only imprisoned him in my body."
"Well, I can just get him out." Discord said holding up the orange orb. He raised it up over his head. "HIIIIKE!"
"No hike, or whatever!" Xai Bau shouted holding up the box. "If you do, this will give you the jolt of a lifetime, and we both know you don't want that."
Discord froze in his tracks. He placed the orb back behind him and sighed. "What now?" he asked regretfully.
"We finish the job." Xai Bau said. "Thanks to you, all the pieces are outside. However, I doubt I can gather them up in this over-sized cape. You are going to take them back."
"Now?" Discord asked.
"No." Xai Bau answered looking out the window. "Right now, I'm going to give them this happy, happy day. But tomorrow, before you Equestrians return to your world... the real fun begins. You are not to tell anyone who I really am or what we're doing until I say so. Once that happens, it will already be too late. Grogar will return and he'll change the Multiverse. And once everything changes, when we have you inches from death and friendship doesn't exist... then, we will forget about mercy."
Discord took a big gulp down his throat. He was too afraid to speak out when he saw Hum Drum's reflection on the window. His eyes changed to blood-red and back again. He knew he had a big event planned for tomorrow.