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Heartwarming / The Legend of Korra: Ruins of the Empire

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Part One

  • Wu is still a bit selfish and egotistic, but he's really trying to make an effort to get rid of the rule of monarchy for the Earth Kingdom. When everyone starts airing their grievances about Kuvira, he brings up how she ruined his coronation while everyone else's reasons were legitimately scarring and he quickly apologizes for it.
  • While Korra is getting ready to go meet with Kuvira, Asami tells her she won't come along because she can't stand being in the same room as the woman who killed her father. Korra understands this and apologizes for bringing up such a traumatic memory, but Asami tells her to continue on with her job and sends her off with a small kiss on the cheek.
    • And despite this sentiment, when Korra convinces the others to bring Kuvira to Gaoling, Asami has no problem with hanging around Kuvira if it means keeping her girlfriend safe.
    Asami: (To Kuvira) I'm exactly where I want to be — protecting Korra from you.
  • Kuvira wonders if it's easy for Asami to be the Avatar's girlfriend, but Asami makes it clear that no matter what Kuvira is scheming, there's nothing she can do that will drive a wedge between her and Korra. She also makes it known that she's not doing this just to keep an eye on Kuvira, but because she's right where she wants to be, protecting Korra from her.

Part Two

  • Toph insists that she hates people and doesn't want to be a public servant, but she does still love her kids and grandkids. There's a panel of Opal napping with her head in Grandma Toph's lap.
  • Kuvira making it clear to Guan and Dr. Sheng that she never would have resorted to inhumane methods like brainwashing to mantain her army's support.
  • Suyin greeting Kuvira and assuring her she'll be safe in Zaofu after the latter is dumped at the gates by her father.

Part Three

  • When the brainwashing is undone on Team Avatar, there are many happy reactions all around; Korra is ecstatic at getting Asami back, Opal hugs her boyfriend Bolin and even Mako gets a hug from Wu.
  • After her brainwashing is broken, Asami is understandably worried about what she might have said and done while under Guan's control. Korra makes it clear that she doesn't blame Asami for anything that happened, since she knows her girlfriend wasn't in control of her mind back then.
    • During the scene in question, it's strongly implied that Korra and Asami are now sleeping together. At the very least, they're shown to be comfortable with sharing a bed with each other.
    • The fact that the two can share a room to begin with is heartwarming in that it means their relationship is accepted by Su and the People of Zaofu
  • Kuvira finally being forgiven for her actions by Team Avatar and the Beifong family at the end of the trilogy when she demonstrates her sincerity and maturity. Suyin is happy that her "daughter" has made her way back on the right path and even Opal, one of Kuvira's harshest critics, comes around and tells her lovingly that although they may not be related by blood, Kuvira is still considered part of the family.
    • Of particular note is Kuvira making clear that, whatever Suyin might think, she was never a poor mother to her.
    Suyin: I can't help but think that if I had been a better mentor — a better mother — I could have guided you on a more appropriate path.
    Kuvira: (smiling) You took me in when I was a wild, arrogant little girl and cared for me when no-one else did. There were so many times over the years when you could have abandoned me, but you never did, not even when I was at my worst. So, you have nothing to apologize for. I'm the one who is sorry I never fully appreciated what an amazing, selfless mother you are.

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