For the first time in forever.
3 years latter...
All of Republic City was up and about: People were everywhere getting ready for the biggest event of the year….Avatar Korra's 21th birthday! It was tradition that all avatars by age 21 would officially take on their responsibilities as the new Avatar!
The docks were loaded with fancy looking ships, people from all around the world came for this momentous occasion. Royals, aristocrats, presidents of successful companies. One in particular was a young man of water tribe descendent named Varrick. He was the head of Varrick industries. He was traveling with his trusty right hand assistant, Zhu-li. He took in a deep breath as he walked out of his extravagant boat with his assistant close behind.
"Ah! Republic City! The City of mystery, enchantment, and the perfect opportunity to get started on Varrick Industries merchandise tonight at the Avatar's birthday gala! Am I right Zhu-li?"
"Yes sir." She said in her usual monotone voice.
The streets were filled with people, already dressed up and making their way to the castle. Satomobiles honked as they tried to make their way onto the busy street. Nobody had ever seen the city this amped up since Avatar Wan's 21th birthday.
Among the crowed of people, Katara and her brother Sokka were selling ice to the folks in the streets. They had both grown up to be well fit young teens. Katara had grown beautifully: she had dark blue eyes and long dark brown hair with two hair loops tied to both sides of her face and a loosed, almost messy, long braid that went over her shoulder. Sokka had also grown. He was tall and a bit muscular, but not very much, even though he would never admit it and had a few chin hairs. He still had his trademark ponytail.
"Ice! Get your cold sweet ice here! Perfect for this hot-hot-hot summer day! Ice!"
Katara rolled her eyes at her brother's crazy antics, "Sokka, quit acting like an idiot."
"Hey, I'm trying to amp up sales here."
Katara then noticed that their trusty, now fully grown, cat-dear Mula had just taken a bite of her carrot.
"Hey! Mula!"
The cat dear quickly the spited out what she had eaten, disgusting Katara.
"Eww!"
"Five second rule!"
Sokka took the piece of carrot all slobbered in cat-dear drool and eats it, grossing his sister out even more.
"Ewwwww!"
(~)
Among the crowed of people already near the entrance to the gates, Asami and Toph made their way through. The two were already dressed for the party. Asami wore an extravagant red gown with a golden broach decorated with green and red gems, golden earrings, bracelets and a hair clip. The young heiress had grow into a stunning young woman with long flowing raven hair that ended at her waist. Her green eyes shimmered and was wearing red lipstick and mascara. For which, even if she didn't always admit it, she wore all of the time.
"Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me," Asami said politely as she made her way across the large crowd of people already awaiting outside of the castle. Her cousin, however, wasn't as polite as her.
"Make room! Make room people! Move aside, out of our way, best buds of the Avatar, coming through, that would be us."
Toph noticed Asami giving her the stink eyes, "What?"
They were already dressed up and ready for the party. Toph was wearing a white and green kimono with her raven hair up in a bun with bangs over her face, but one could still see her light green eyes, identical to her cousin's.
*FYI, Toph isn't blind in this story. I just couldn't' find a way to make that work here.*
"I can't believe the gates are gonna open up to the public for the first tim in years." said Toph. He cousin nodded in agreement. "I know, finally maybe now Korra can get the chance to meet new people."
A group of girls walked right pass them in a hurry, making the two cousins nearly tumble over.
"Hey! In a hurry?" Asami asked. The girls turned around to greet the cousins.
"Opps, sorry we just wanted to be the first to see the avatars."
"I hear Avatar Korra is stunning!" said the second girl with an excited voice "And her brother is sooooooooo cute!"
The two grils squealed excitedly "I bet he's gorgeous!"
Asami and Toph both rolled their eyes.
"Sure, you keep telling yourselves that." Toph said sarcastically.
(~)
Meanwhile, mister 'gorgeous' was still sound asleep: he was snoring with his mouth open, drool coming out and his hair was a complete mess. And there were stains on his shirt. He was now 18-years-old, he had grown fit and strong.
Aang jolted upwards by a knock at the door. The sleepy avatar yawned as he stretched.
"Hu? What-who-where?"
"Rise and shine sleeping beauty." Mako said from the other side of the door. Aang rubbed his sleepy eyes. "I'm awake. I'm-(yawn) I've been up fro hours."
He really wasn't, Aang placed his head on his hand and started to drift off again. He woke up to an even louder knock!
"Who is it?!"
"Still me. Come on, it's time to get ready."
"Right…sure…mmmmm, ready for what?"
"Your sister's birthday. Remember?"
"My sister's….birthday."
He then noticed his suite hanging on the corner of the room. He finally snaps awake. "(gasp) It's Korra's birthday…that means-!"
(~)
Mako was now a lot taller than before, taller than most of his friends in fact, his spiky back hair remained the same and he now wore the proud uniform of the castle guard, added with his deceased father's red scarf. The firebender was waiting outside the door and was then surprised to see a fully dressed, and fully awake, Aang out and hugged his old friend. Aang was wearing an orange-yellow tuxedo with a red headband. His grey streak was still in his black hair.
"Today there opening the gates! YAHOOOO!"
Mako chuckled as Aang glide across the floor. He happily watched the servants opening the windows and doors.
Aang: (gasp)The window is open!
So's that door!
I didn't know they did that anymore!
Who knew we owned eight thousand salad plates..
He walked pass the servants who were carrying the plates. He ran across the halls and slide on the floor of the ball room.
For years I've roamed these empty halls.
Why have a ballroom with no balls?
Finally they're opening up the gates!
He slide down the stair cases and landed in front of a statue.
There'll be actual real live people.
It'll be totally strange
He pretend to shake it's hand and it almost fell but he caught it in time. He sneaked away before anyone else noticed. He walked to the open window as he saw the ships approach the city.
But wow! Am I so ready for this change.
'Cause for the first time in forever,
There'll be music, there'll be light!
He climbed outside and used his airbending to lift himself up to the roof to see the ships entering the harbor of the city.
For the first time in forever
I'll be dancing through the night...
Don't know if I'm elated or gassy
But I'm somewhere in that zone!
Cause for the first time in forever…
I won't be alone
Aang kneeled down to some turtle ducks and their mother in the garden outside. A few jumped on his hands.
"Man, I can't wait to meet everyone. Hey, what if I meet…the one?"
Aang was inside the castle as he looked into a hallway mirror and fixed his hair back into a sleek look.
Tonight, imagine me suite and all,
Fetchingly draped against the wall,
The picture of sophisticated grace...
His hair spontaneously bounced back into it's original messy form. He turned to face the statue of a beautiful lady.
I suddenly see her standing there.
A beautiful stranger, tall and fair.
I wanna stuff some chocolate in my face!
He stuffed his face with some chocolate from a nearby plate. Then spited them out and acted all suave and cool front of the statue.
But then we laugh and talk all evening.
Which is totally bizarre.
Nothing like the life I've lead so far!
He ran into the room full of picture frames and started pretending to be the noble gentlemen from the pictures, charming the ladies.
For the first time in forever!
There'll be magic, there'll be fun!
For the first time in forever
I could be noticed by someone.
And I know it is totally crazy, to dream I'd find romance.
But for the first time in forever….
At least I've got a chance.
Mako smiled at his young friend's crazy antics as he continued to walk down the halls. He then spotted Korra's door and sighed.
For as long as I remember.
Luck was never on my side.
For as long as I remember.
All of these feelings I had to hide.
I'm not gonna give my hope up.
I know I don't stand a chance.
"But at least….."
For the first time in forever…..
I might get more than just a glance.
Korra was now fully dressed, in a much more regal style than she was used to. She still had her hair in her signature pony tail style and had a long dark blue cape with fur lining, a long dark blue slim dress with lunar symbols on the edges and water patterns. She had on her gloves as always. She watched from her window all the people coming to see her.
Don't let them in.
Don't let them see.
Be the good girl you always have to be
She took off her gloves as she looked up at a picture of her father, Avatar Wan, in a long regal looking robe, holding a scepter and a crystal lotus flower in his hands. Korra took a candle and a music box in her hands and stood in the same pose as her father in the picture.
Conceal.
Don't feel.
Put on a show...
Make one wrong move and everyone will know
She saw the two objects freeze in her hands and placed them back before putting back on her gloves.
But it's only for today
Aang:It's only for today!
Korra: It's agony to wait
Aang: It's agony to wait!
Korra opened the doors of her room and looked at the servants.
Korra: Tell the guards to open up... the gate!
Aang: The gate!
Aang watched with glee as the gates opened for the first time in years. He wasted no time to run out and see all of the new faces!
He was free!
Meanwhile, Korra made her way to the balcony for all to see her.
Aang: For the first time in forever
Korra: Don't let them in, don't let them see
Aang: I'm getting what I'm dreaming of!
Korra: Be the good girl you always have to be
Aang:A chance to change my lonely world
Korra:Conceal
Aang: A chance to find true love!
Korra: Conceal, don't feel Don't let them know
Aang: I know it all ends tomorrow, So it has to be today!
As Aang ran around the town and airbended himself while doing back flips taking in his newfound freedom.
'Cause for the first time in forever...
For the first time in forever
Nothing's in my way!
"WOAH!"
Aang was then hit by something extremely hard! He rolled down the ground as he heard what sounded like a moped coming to a halt.
"Oh, no! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you."
Aang rubbed his sore neck as he sat up, "How could you not see me? I mean I was just-ju-ju-"
The person who had hit him removed her helmet, and revealed to be a stunning young woman with pale skin, golden amber eyes, and long raven hair and pinkish lips. Judging by her appearance and red colored clothing, this woman was of fire nation heritage. The stunningly beautiful stranger smiled at Aang, who was blushing like crazy.
"Uh, I was just uh-wow, I mean I-"
"Are you okay? Did I hurt you? Oh, I'm such an idiot." the young woman kindly helped the young man back onto his feet. Aang dusted himself as the girl released him,
"Yeah, uh-no, no, I'm okay."
"Are you sure?" the woman asked with concern.
"Yeah. I wasn't looking where I was going but I'm, great….actually."
The girl placed her hand over her heart and sighed in relief, "Oh. Thank goodness."
Both teens stood there smiling at each other. The woman then blinked and pulled back the strands of hair from her face, "Oh, um I'm sorry where are my manners? Princess Azula of the fire nation." she said as she bowed in respect. Aang bowed in return, "Avatar Aang of, Republic City."
Azula's eyes opened wide in surprise, "The Avatar?" She literally kneeled before him. "My lord!"
Aang blushed at this, he never liked being treated like celebrity, "Oh, no, no, no you don't have to-"
HONK!
"AHHH!"
"Hey get out of the road!"
The two teens screamed at the sound of a satomobile honking at them as it passed by, the man shouted from his window before rolling it back up. Aang instinctively took Azula to the side and they both breathed in shock as the car drove away.
"Friendly city." She said with a mix of surprise and sarcasm.
"You get use to it." Aang said. He then realized he was holding Azula really close, with his hands around her waist and her hands on his chest. He blushed as he released her, "This is awkward. N-not you're awkward, it's just that we're-I'm awkward-you're gorgeous, wait what?"
Azula giggled at his adorable awkwardness, she didn't appear fazed at all at the avatar holding her in his arms a moment ago, "I would personally like to apologies for hitting the avatar with my moped and….for every moment after."
"Oh, no, no it's fine. I'm not, you know, THAT avatar. I mean, if you had accidentally bumped into my sister Korra, that would have been, yeech! But lucky for you i-it's just me."
"Just you?" Azula asked, Aang simply shrugged. The two young teens simply stood there for a few moment smiling at one another, Aang let out a quiet dreamy sigh. Then they were both startled at the sound of loud bells and Aang gasped,
"Oh, man the ceremony! I'm late! I-I should go, you see I-I-I should go. Bye!" he awkwardly ran off while Azula kindly waved back. She smiled at the sweet young avatar as he left.
Aang was running supper fast and accidentally hits someone's' shoulder with his own.
"OW! Excuse you!"
"Sorry! Running late!"
Katara rolled her eyes as she watched the boy run off. "And people wonder why I don't like coming to the city all that much."
(~)
Bolin, Mako, Asami and Toph were all anxiously waiting for Aang at the main hall of the castle. Toph was tapping her foot impatiently, "Where is Twinkle Toes?"
"It's his sister's birthday. And he's late!" her cousin exclaimed as she crossed her arms. Her boyfriend placed his arm around her and smiled in reassurance, "Chill, baby. I'm sure he'll be here any second."
Just then, the main doors opened and a certain young avatar rushed inside before closing the doors behind him, catching his breath.
"I'm here! I'm back!"
They all looked at their friend skeptically. Aang looked all sweaty like he had just ran a marathon and his cloths were covered in dust and his jacket was slightly torn on the side.
"I know I'm gonna hate myself for asking this but-what happened to you?" Mako asked.
"Long story short, got hit by a moped." Aang said casually.
"What?! Are you okay?" Asami asked with concern.
"I'm fine. Great actually. Get this, the person on the moped was a girl. A princess!"
Toph arced an eyebrow at this, "A princess?"
Bolin linked him arm around Aang's shoulder and gave him a sly brow and smirked, "Aang you sly polar bear dog, you!"
Mako came in between them and pulled them apart, "Okay, okay, we can talk about Aang's new crush latter, right now we've got to get you cleaned up before you're sister shows up."
"Uh, Mako."
Bolin pointed behind him and the firebender turned around to see none other than Korra standing on top of the staircase. The firebender was mesmerized by her beauty. She had grown a bit taller and her electric blue eyes shimmered like they always did. Her silvery hair sparkled like freshly fallen snow in the light that shined through the windows.
"Wow." Was all Mako could say.
"Look at you Korra." Bolin said with a sly smile.
"Sweetie, you look beautiful." Asami said with a gleeful smile with her hands clapped together.
"The cape's a little mush for my taste but none the less, you're a knock out girlfriend." said Toph while giving her the thumbs up. Korra graciously accepted the complements with much poise and maturity…which in secret bored her to death.
"Thank you. It's so good to see you guys again." Korra then arced an eyebrow when she saw Aang's cloths covered in dust. He chuckled nervously, "Hey big sis."
"I don't even want to know." she said. They all heard the trumpets sound again and Korra sighed, "Let's just get this over with."
(~)
Everybody was gathered inside the church of the castle. It was tradition for the new avatar to present his or herself to the public on their 21th birthday while taking the sacred White Lotus Oath while holding a scepter, symbolizing wisdom in authority, and a white crystal lotus, symbolizing the connection and compassion for the earth and it's creatures. Korra stood tall and proud facing the priest. Aang was standing on her right with his hands behind his back. Mako and a line of guards all stood proudly on both sides of the walls of the church. Mako was on the left side and was closest to the two Avatars. Asami, Toph and Bolin all sat in their seats, happily watching their friend. Aang then noticed Azula in the audience, she smiled and waved at him. Aang happily send her a small wave in return. Korra bowed her head and the priest carried a pillow with the scepter and the lotus in front of her. Korra attempted to take the objects when the priest grabbed her attention.
"Ahem. Milady….the gloves."
Korra looked down at her gloved hands. Traditionally the avatar was suppose to grab the objects with her bare hands. She nervously looked to her left where the guards were all lined up. The first was Mako who gave her a nod of reassurance. Korra took in a deep breath as she calmly, though hesitantly, took off the gloves and placed them on the pillow. She silently gulped as she reached for the two objects with shaking hands. Now holding the two objects, she turned to the public who all rose from their seats as the priest spoke.
"Do you, Avatar Korra, promise to lead with wisdom. To guide with compassion. To speak with integrity. To listen and assist to those in need. To respect all nations, animals and spirits alike and become the symbol of unity and balance in the world?"
Korra breathed in deeply before answering, "I so promise to do with all of my heart."
"Then it is with great honor, Republic City and nations of the world-"
Korra suddenly felt a familiar sensation in her hands. She looked down and started to panic as the scepter and lotus flower slowly began to freeze. Her powers were reacting to her nervousness. She had to get her gloves in and fast.
"-I present to you all, Korra, your new Avatar."
Before the priest could even finish his sentence, Korra quickly placed the two objects back onto the pillow and placed her gloves on.
"Avatar Korra!" the public cheered. Korra breathed in deeply as she stood before them. At least the worst was over. She saw her friends all clap happily for her. The priest then gestured to Aang.
"And also give a hand for Avatar Aang. For he too, very soon shall join his sister in the aid of keeping peace and balance in the world."
"Avatar Aang." the public cheers…again.
Aang smiled proudly at his sister who simply nodded as she tried to calm her nerves.
That was one close call.
(~)
The ball room was filled with guests from all around the world, the Water Tribes, the Fire Nation, the Earth kingdom, even the leading monks of the Ar Nomads. The musicians played lively music as partygoers danced across the floor. The music briefly stopped and all eyes fell on Mako, who stood in front of the two thrones. He gestured with his arm to his right as he spoke,
"Her mistress, Avatar Korra."
The new Avatar walked out to greet the applauding public, looking dignified and elegant as usual as she stood next to Mako in front of her own throne. Mako could see the bits of sadness, and even boredom in her eyes. He gestured to his left.
"And her brother, sir Avatar Aang."
Unlike his sister's regal-like entrance, Aang walked out in a hurry, stumbling as he came to a stop and awkwardly waved at everyone. He stood in front to his throne a few feet away from Korra. Mako then nudged his arm.
"What?"
Mako nodded his head, signaling to Aang to stand closer to Korra.
"You sure? I don't think that's such a-"
Mako grabbed Aang by the shoulders and forcibly moved him closer to his sister.
"O-Okay."
Mako nodded at Bolin who then signaled the musicians to play. Soon the room was filled with upbeat music once again as the party went on. Aang stood there nervously fiddling with his sleeve. It's been so long since he and Korra ever had a real conversation, and now here she was standing right next to him. The young man was so unsure about what to say. Luckily, he didn't have to say anything...
"Hi."
Aang was surprised to see that Korra was talking to him.
"Hi, me?"
"Yeah." his sister smiled.
"Oh. Hi." he said a bit surprised. With that, he found the courage to speak more, "I thought that the whole, getting my cloths dirty fiasco, would make you not want to talk to me."
Korra smiled as she shrugged her shoulders, "Nah, I was just nervous. But the worse has passed…..you look very handsome by the way."
"Really? Thanks."
"Just like dad."
"Awww. You too. Well, I-I mean like mom, I mean that you, you look like mom. Beautiful like mom, I mean."
Korra giggled at her brother's adorable awkwardness, "Thanks." she said. She looked at everyone in the room having fun. She then spotted her old friends on the dance floor.
"I never noticed how tall Toph has gotten." she said, Aang nodded in agreement, "Yeah. She can still though a bolder over my head with just one swing."
"Ha, ha, I always did like that girl. And Asami looks gorgeous. I was always kind jealous of her hair."
"Really? Cause she was always kind of jealous of yours."
"What? No way."
"I'm serious. She always wondered how it got that way."
"Our mom was a former winter spirit, remember?"
"That's what I kept telling her."
Then Korra's nose twitched as she caught a whiff of something in the air, "What is that amazing smell?"
Aang then began sniffing and the two inhaled deeply before smiling at each other.
"Chocolate!" they said together. The two siblings started to laugh like they used to as children. Aang then smirked and nodded his head to the right corner of the room.
"Hey, Korra. I don't know if you noticed but there's a guard over there who can't stop checking you out."
Korra turned her gaze to where her brother was referring to and spotted Mako looking at her. The young woman scoffed, "Come on Aang, it was a long time ago. I'm sure he's gotten over me by now."
"What are you talking about? He's crazy about you. You think I never noticed him slipping a present for you every year on your birthday?"
"You knew about that?" Korra asked in surprise.
"Duh! Who else do you think helped him with painting those flowers?"
"You painted those flowers?" Korra asked surprised,
"No, I showed him how, the poor guy can't finger paint to save his life."
Korra giggled, "That was very sweet of you."
"Why don't you ask him to dance?"
Korra's eyes widen at his question "Me? Ask him to dance? Are you crazy?"
"Why not? You're a modern woman in a modern age. Go for it. Last time I checked, you use to like crazy"
Korra bit her bottom lip as she blushed. Then Asami, Bolin and Toph walked over to the two siblings.
"Korra!"
"Asami!"
"Hey, long time no see. Wow, you really look amazing."
"Thanks, you look great too."
Toph smiled at Korra, "So, how's it fell to be the big 2.1?"
Korra shrugged her shoulders "Eh, it's okay."
"Come on, don't be so modest!" said Bolin
"Really, it's no big deal."
"AHEM!"
The teens looked at one of the servants standing next to Varrick, looking as smug and charismatic as ever.
"Presenting, mister….Varrick, of Varrick industries." the servant said in a somewhat dignified/unamused tone.
"Thank you for that lovely introduction my good sir.", Varrick gave the servant a single yuan, "Don't spend it all on one place"
The servant rolled his eyes before leaving. Varrick bowed before the avatar. "Ah, Avatar Korra, it's a real honor to meet you, seriously you have no idea."
Korra looked at the weird man, her brother had the same expression. "Uhhh….thanks?" Korra said as politely as she could.
"I hope you don't mind me being so forward but, a breathtaking exotic beauty such a yourself really shouldn't be standing here like a wall flower, so I am generously asking you to share the once in a lifetime chance to dance with me.", He bowed down really low and offered his hand to Korra. Aang leaned closer to her and whispered, "I'll distract him while you run."
But Korra had an idea of her own, "Uh, that is a very generous offer Varrick, but….I already promised an old friend the first dance. However, my friend Toph here loves to dance."
Toph's widen at this "Say what now?"
"Why don't you dance with her instead?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold the phone-"
Varrick interrupted her, "Well, it's not the same as dancing with the one and only avatar."
"Standing right here, dude." Aang said with a monotone/annoyed expression on his face.
"But I guess this counts as a close second. You're in luck sweet-cheeks, I am known far and wide as the "Dancing King""
Varrick performed some…interesting dance moves in front of them and ended with a low bow. Then Toph got an idea of her own as she smiled evilly, "Wow, you are amazing." she said sarcastically, "But you know who really loves to dance?….my buddy Twinkle Toes."
Aang's eye widen, "Wait, what?"
"He's always looking for new dance moves to try. Maybe you can show him a few."
Korra smiled mischievously at the earthbender's scheme, "I think that's a great idea."
"Again; Wait? What?" Aang couldn't believe one of his best friends and his own sister was selling him out.
"Well, in that case, you two kids come with me!" Varrick then took both Toph and Aang's arms and dragged them to the dance floor.
"I'll show you both how to dance like the king!"
Korra, Bolin and Asami laughed at this as they all waved 'bye-bye'.
"Korra, that was so evil" Asami said between laughs. The avatar winked, "I know."
As Aang was being dragged to the dance floor he spotted Mako, who was actually snickering, the avatar looked at him with a pleading face,
"Help-me-"
The firebender simply smiled at his poor friend's awkward situation, "Sorry buddy, you're on you're own." he said with a wave. He was going to enjoy this.
The two teens were pulled to the middle of the dance floor by Varrick. Mako was then surprised by a tap on his shoulder. He spun around and was surprised to see who it was.
"Hi." Korra shyly waved. Mako arced an eyebrow and looked around the room, "You're talking to me?" he asked while pointing to himself.
"Duh."
"I thought you hatted me."
"I'm sorry for how I treated you before. Things have been very stressful and confusing for me. You think maybe we can put all of that stuff aside for one night and…maybe share a dance?"
Mako playfully nudged her arm, "Nice to see a little of the old Korra again."
Korra chuckled as Mako offered her his hand. She was a bit hesitant at first but soon relaxed and finally placed her hand on his. The sensation was indescribable. Mako couldn't believe it, he and Korra were interacting and he didn't even have to do anything to try. Korra blushed as Mako placed his hand on her hip and her hand on his shoulder as they glided across the dance floor. Asami and Bolin held each other close as they watched the two danced gracefully together.
"It's about time" Bolin said with a wide smile. As Korra and Mako danced, she realized that she was perfectly fine. So far, her powers weren't acting up or anything. As she looked at Mako's smiling face she thought, maybe she could feel normal again. Even if it was just for one night.
(~)
Varrick was not kidding when he said he was the dancing master. While his moves were a bit 'odd' they none the less were impressive, he had incredibly fast reflexes and was very bendable. Both Aang and Toph stood there watching, trying to at least get one small move right, but this guy was hard to keep up with.
"So, I heard that the gates of the castle have been closed for thirteen years." Varrick began as he kept dancing while circling round the young avatar and eyeing him suspiciously, while raising a brow, "You wouldn't happen to know why, would you?"
"Uh, no not really." Aang said. Toph laughed nervously at this, "Beats me, he, he." she always hatted keeping the secret from Aang. But there was no point in telling him now.
"WOAH!", Varrick unexpectedly took Toph by the hand and dipped her. Her head nearly a few inches apart from the floor. Aang laughed at this, making the earthbender glare at him. Varrick quickly spun Toph around who bumped into Aang. But the rich man was just getting started.
"Okay, now you try, son!." he said to the avatar who started to slightly back away "I'd rather not."
"Come on, it's not that hard. Here, let me show ya."
"No! No, no, no I think I can learn it just fine without-WOAH!"
To his surprise, and embarrassment, Varrick dipped Aang just like he did Toph. Toph laughed hysterically at this!
"This is so wrong." said the poor avatar. He then spotted his sister and Mako among the crowed, laughing at this scene as they danced together. Aang made a mental note to get them back latter. Then Varrick spun Aang like he did Toph, only instead of bumping into her, he fell on the floor,
"Ow…"
Once the music was over, Korra and Mako ended their dance. They see poor Aang limping towards them with Toph close behind. Mako couldn't hold back his laughter "Well, he was…frightening."
"Yeah. Especially for a dude with the reflexes of a cheetah-monkey" Aang said as tried to get the feeling back in his arm, which was probably popped out of place due to Varrick's grip.
"Better him than me" Toph said as slapped Aang hard on the back
"Ow!"
Asami and Bolin both walked up to them, "Hey, Korra, Mako you guys were amazing."
"Yeah, who knew you guys could dance like that." said Bolin "I haven't seen moves like that since Wan and Raava."
Asami then nudged her boyfriend's arm, "Bolin!"
"What?" he then realized what his girlfriend was talking about, "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean-." Korra interrupted him by raising her hand, "No no, it's fine." she said with a calm smile. She then noticed that Aang is smiling at her. "Why are you smiling at me like that?"
"Because this is the first time in so long in which we were all together." said her brother with a content smile on his face as he gestured to all of their friends. The entire group all shared happy smiles while Bolin and Asami held hands.
"I just wish it could be like this all the time." Aang said. Korra smiled warmly at her little brother, it had been so long since she had even a little slice of a normal life. A life of happiness and love.
"Me too…." but then, her happy face turned into one of sadness. She knew that this moment would not last forever.
"But it can't."
The others looked at her with worry, most of them knew what she meant. The young avatar began to slowly move away from them.
"What? Why not?" Aang asked.
"Because…."
"Because what? Korra, why can't things be like they were? Why can't you be happy and cheerful again? Why can't you and Mako-"
"Because it just can't!"
Aang slowly backed away. Asami placed her hand on his shoulder and Bolin did the same.
Korra sighed, "I need some air."
They all sadly watched as Korra left the room. Aang looked the most devastated. Mako tried to reassure his friend, "Aang, I know you're upset but try to understand, your sister-"
"I just don't get it! I've tried to help her, I've tried to reach out to her but nothing! I don't even know why I even keep trying."
"Because she's you're family." Bolin said.
"Well if she's my family why is she never there for me?"
Mako placed his hand on Aang's shoulder, "Aang, it's not that she doesn't want to be-" the avatar angrily swatted his hand away, "And why do you keep defending her? You know, maybe Korra is right. Maybe you should move on!"
With that, Aang angrily walked away from the others.
"Aang!", Mako calls out to him, but the boy completely ignores him. Toph looked at Mako with sympathetic eyes. "You know, maybe it's high time he knew the truth." she said.
The others looked at her and share the same expression: maybe it was time Aang knew.
(~)
Aang made his way through the crowed of people and then bumped into somebody.
"We really got to stop meeting like this."
Aang smiled to see who it was, "Azula."
"Hey, everything alright?" she asked with concern.
"Yeah, just…family stuff. Sibling stuff, mostly."
"I think I can relate."
Aang smiled at Azula and before long, the two were gliding across the dance floor.
(~)
