The Masquerade

The night looked breathless behind Republic City's skyline. It was the 'Night of the Spirits' where people all over Republic City dressed their best and respect the spirits with celebration with family and close friends. That night, at City Hall, there was a big gathering scheduled where about everyone was invited. Word was that there was to be music, food, dancing, and a rumored special guest who is planned to speak sometime during the event.

"Ok men." Chief of Republic City Police, Lin Beifong said as she walked back and forth in front of six officers, all wearing black suits. "I have picked you all personally because of background and experience in cases like these. At tonight's 'Night of the Spirits' masquerade ball, there is a very important guest that will be visiting to speak. I need you six to keep an eye out for any threats that might harm or put all of the people in attendance in danger. Understood?" Lin said as she stood in front of the middle of the ground, eyeing everyone on each end. All six men replied with a 'Yes ma'am' and gave her stiff nods. "Ok then," Lin said with a nod. "Now, by request of the president, you are all to wear the mask I gave you earlier because he would like tonight's security to be discreet and unnoticeable."

All the men nodded and put on their mask when Lin dismissed them. The party was in full swing with people arriving and admiring the venue. City Hall's ballroom was decorated with white lanterns, a beautiful chandelier hinging in the middle of the ceiling, and a very airy feel all around the room.

Towards the back of the dance floor, a tall and lean officer stood with his hands behind his back, keeping his sharp golden eyes on the lookout for any threats. "Hey Mako." A familiar voice to him called out from behind. He turned around to see his bright, green eyed little brother, Bolin walk up to him in a suit with a green waistband and matching green mask on. "Or are you Mako? You're like the 100th guy I've seen that looks just like my brother in a suit." Mako sighed and lifted up his mask for a moment to reveal that he was who his brother was looking for. "Mako!" Bolin said excitingly as he hugged his older brother.

After he was released, Mako sighed and slid his mask back on. "What do you want Bolin?" He asked, knowing that the only reasons why Bolin would search for him is if he wanted something, or was in trouble.

"Well," Bolin started as he pushed two of his fingers together, "I met this really cool girl who remembers me from my Nuktuk days, and I was wondering if I could have the apartment keys. Just incase we decide to ditch the event early." Bolin explained as he talked with his hands, a very famous habit of his.

"No." Mako responded sharply as he turned away from Bolin, going back to work.

"Why not?" Bolin whined as he stepped in front of his older brother.

Mako let out a very frustrated sigh. "Because last time I gave the keys to the apartment just so you could leave early with a girl, you locked me out and I ended up sleeping outside."

"Oh come on, I said I was sorry." Bolin whined as he rolled his eyes at the horrible memory of what unfolded after he found Mako outside. "Please, Mako. I'll leave the door unlocked." He begged once more with her hands clasped together and his bottom lip quivering.

"No Bolin." Mako said sharply. "Now will you please go, I'm working. If Lin caught me talking to you right now instead of working, she'll throw me back on patrol duty."

Bolin let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, I'll leave you alone." He said before walking off with his shoulders hunched over.

As the night drew on, Mako had moved from his post from the back of the dance floor, to facing the band from the other side of the room. When the band switched from an up-beat tune to a more slow paced song, he felt a small tap on his shoulder. He turned his head to look behind him and instantly felt all the air be knocked out of him.

Two big, bright, and beautiful blue eyes were the guilty culprits, and the owner of them wasn't bad looking either from what he could tell. She had long brunette locks that were a perfect reflection of the waves in Yue Bay, and a beautiful mocha colored skin tone to match. The dress she wore was a simple floor-length, dark blue evening gown that was a perfect match to her dark blue winged mask and light blue sheer shawl she wore on her arms.

Perfect. That was the only word he could think to use to describe her.

"Excuse me, but do you want to dance?" She asked with a voice that just oozed care and kindness.

Mako just stared down at her for a moment before her words could process through his mind. When he realized what she had asked, he opens his mouth to speak but just ended up getting choked up on his own words. After clearing his voice he tried to say what his brain was telling him to say, but it all just came out as choked words that could never form a sentence.

The woman raised her hand up to signal him to stop. "Let me guess," she started as she looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, "you're one of the undercover cops who is too scared to leave his post?"

Mako was surprised that she hit his true being at the event right on the head. He cleared his throat once more and regained his composer. "Um, yes ma'am I am. Sorry."

"Drop the 'ma'am'. I'm not that old." The woman snapped as she looked up at Mako with disgust. "It's only one dance, I'm sure your boss won't mind."

"You haven't met my boss." Mako said as he rubbed the back of his neck and a look of fear hit his face.

"I have." The woman said before linking her arm with Mako's and started to walk him to the dance floor. "She won't mind."