.

.

.

.

Mako couldn't get himself to calm down. After he and the others dropped Korra off at the palace, they all decided to let her and the chief take their time to speak and Korra would meet them in town. The poor firebender was pacing back and forth in the snow covered sidewalk while Bolin and Asami both sat on a bench, bored out of their minds while watching the firebender in his own little world of worry.

"How long as it been already?" he asked, not giving either of his friends a chance to respond, "I knew one of us should have stayed with her! What if something happened?"

Bolin finally spoke up, "Mako, will you relax? Korra's fine she can take care of herself."

"It's true." said Asami, "This the same girl who gives men a broken eye and a black nose."

"Don't you mean-"

"I know what I meant."

But this still didn't reassure Mako, "It's not that I don't think she can handle herself, I'm worried if Unalaq isn't really-"

"My uncle!"

Mako was nearly tackled to the ground when Korra came running up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. Luckily, Mako managed to find his balance and instead twirled Korra around before gently placing her back on the ground. His head was still spinning a bit before he released her.

"It's him! It really is him!" The Avatar was literally screaming with joy at the discovery.

Mako, Bolin and Asami couldn't believe it either. "The chief really is your uncle?" Asami asked in disbelief.

"Yes! No mistake, no question!"

The two female friends squealed with delight and took each others hands while jumping and screaming with joy. Bolin swooped in and hugged the two girls. "Korra, I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks Bolin!" Korra then turned towards Mako, her eyes sparkly and her smile wide, "And thank you, Mako. None of this would have been possible without you."

The firebender blushed and scratched the back of his neck nervously, "Uh, no problem." was all he could say. He was once again pleasantly surprised when Korra hugged him again and, as a bonus, kissed his cheek, making his heart soar.

"Oh, one more thing." Korra began, suddenly getting a bit shy as she fiddled with her long white hair, "Unalaq is going to make the announcement tonight at the royal dinner. And there's going to be music and dancing, so I was wondering, well hoping actually, if you could be my…uh, my um…" the poor girl couldn't get her words out. She had never done this before.

Asami was already getting impatient, "Oh, for the love of-Will you be her date to the ball tonight!? There, was that so hard?"

Korra made a mental note to get her back after this, but her attention was still on the firebender. "What she said."

Mako had never been asked out on a date before, unless he counted the times he and Korra spent together, but neither of them considered them dates. Now, she was officially, or at least trying, to ask him on a date. This was what he wanted, he knew he couldn't say no.

"Yes!" he responded rather quickly, realizing his reaction he cleared his throat and tried to play it cool, "I mean, yeah I'd love to."

Korra was giddy with happiness, first she finds her uncle, now she was going on her very first date with Mako! This day could not get any better. Even Asami couldn't contain her excitement.

"Perfect! She'll see you at the party. Come on Korra, let's go shopping!" the heiress unexpectedly took Korra by the arm and dragged her away from the two boys. Bolin started to tear up while Mako kept his gaze on the Avatar. His smile never left.

"My big brother, on his first date." he hugged Mako, who was still looking on as the Avatar disappeared from sight. "They grow up so fast!"

(~)

"This is going to be a night to remember!" Asami said as she continue to drag Korra down the streets, bypassing all the people and stores, looking for the perfect one to buy her friend a new gown for the occasion.

"We're going to find you the most amazing dress money can buy!" finally, to Korra's relief, Asami stopped and released her friend, who took a moment to catch her breath while the heiress pondered. "Now, let's see, it's got to really bring out your eyes, maybe some pearls to compliment your white hair. No, not pearls, too yesterday! Oh, diamonds, those will be perfect! Can't forget shoes, you know I did see a supper cute pair around here somewhere, really clear, almost like glass. What do you thin-GAH!"

Asami flinched and instinctively hid behind Korra once the heiress was now face to face with the gloomy demeanor that was Eska. "Hello…cousin."

Korra blinked twice before replying with, "Hey…cousin."

"So it is true, you and I are of blood."

"It…would appear so." Korra did not know if Eska was trying to be nice or her usual mean self…it was rather hard to tell.

"I couldn't help but overhear your previous conversation with your male companions." said the monotone princess, taking Korra by surprise.

"Wait, how did you-"

"And you are looking for a dress to wear, correct?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"If you wish to comply, I have various gowns I no longer use. Perhaps, if one is of interest to you, you could wear it for this evening."

Korra and Asami blinked in surprise. "Really?"

"We are family, are we not? This may as well be an opportunity for us to bond."

"Um…okay, sure."

Eska turned her back on them, "Come along." he said before heading left.

Asami and Korra looked at each other, sharing skeptical expressions. "I can't believe she's related to you." said the heiress.

"You and me both." Korra responded, "But, I should at least try to get along with her. Who knows, maybe there's more to her than meets the eye."

(~)

Korra was already regretting her decision. Eska had brought Korra to the palace, and the room where Unalaq insisted Korra would stay for the time being, along with Asami, and the princess already had the Avatar try on one of her dresses.

Needless to say, it was not Korra's style. It was an extremely long purple robe with pale purple lining and a darker cape with painted edges on the shoulders. The fur lined collar was so big and round it nearly covered the whole back back her head and Eska even had two hair pieces added to her hair, which were two crystal flowers with transparent lace and amethyst gems dangling from it. This was the only part of the outfit that was nice. Eska even placed horrible eye makeup on Korra, around her eyes giving her a similar look to her cousin's. Asami tried not to laugh at this, but she couldn't help it. She covered her mouth to try and keep herself from doing so.

Korra didn't know who she wanted to punch more, Asami for laughing, Eska for doing this, or herself by getting wrapped up into this.

"What do you think?" Eska asked, though there was no hiding the satisfied smile on her face.

"It's…something, alright."

"I believe it captures your…essence rather well, don't you agree?"

Korra knew what Eska meant by 'essence'. It meant her new cousin didn't think she was pretty enough. Korra knew she was no supper model and her looks could nerve compare to Asami's, but even she knew she wasn't hideous.

"Thanks." she replied sarcastically.

"Now that you have the gown all you need is the basic instructions."

Korra arched an eyebrow and turned her head to face her cousin. She could barely move in her getup. "Instructions?"

"Instruction number one: after the festival, you will leave and never come back."

Asami was just about ready to punch this chick, but stopped once Korra gestured her to sit back down. She could handle this pampered brat.

"Excuse me?"

"You may be the Avatar and you may be related to my father, but it is very clear you do not belong here. This party may be for you but it will only be for one night. Instruction number two, and let me make this as monosyllabic as possible; You. Are. Not. A princess."

Korra clenched her fists tightly, trying to restrain herself from punching her. But, if there was one thing her father taught her, is that violence didn't solve everything. This chick didn't intimidate her in the slightest.

"You know something, cousin, you're right. I'm not a princess. You grew up in a beautiful palace, I grew up on an island off the coast of a city. You have fancy cloths and imported jewelry, I have old jeans and t-shirts. You use high heels and perfume, I use boots and the only fragrance I have is the smell of the ocean. But notice, I'm not ashamed."

Asami wanted so badly to say 'burn!', but she just couldn't. She wanted to see more of the show of Eska being speechless.

"I'm happy with the way I was brought up because, unlike you, I don't have to humiliate others to feel good about myself. So here's a little instruction for you: Get over yourself because I'm not going anywhere."

Eska's once stone cold demeanor slowly dissolved into pure anger. If she wasn't a lady of manners she wool water whip this woman into next week. But she knew she could not disappoint her father. He seemed to happy to have this stranger in their lives now. But Korra was not done yet.

"However, since I did kind of swoop in unexpectedly, I'll do you this favor. I will wear the dress tonight." Asami was just about ready to protest until Korra threw a pillow at her face, shutting her up. "I promise, everybody tonight will see me in this gown. I will wear nothing else."

Eska slowly started to smile at this. This girl amy be a peasant but she knew she could count on her good conscious to get her to do her bidding. "That would be appreciated, dear cousin. Very well, I shall see you tonight."

The princess exited the room and Asami finally too this opportunity to talk some sense into her friend. "You know, you were this close to making me proud of you." she placed her thumb and index finger inches apart from each other, "This close."

"If she wants a show…I'll give her a show." Korra placed her two fingers into her mouth and whistled. The seven dragon birds, who were hiding in her bag this whole time, emerged. "Ladies, time to get to work."

(~)

That evening, the ballroom was decorated to perfection. Lanterns lit up the place, giving it an iridescent glow as the flames danced, making the ice structure sparkle like starlight in the night. Cylinders looked like they were made of ice and the floor itself was so clear they could see their reflection in them.

Among the crowd stood Tenzin and the rest of his family. Bumi was already gorging on the buffet table, while The air nomad was nervously fiddling with his fingers. It had been hours since she had told him the great news and was then busy getting ready for the party.

Noticing his nervousness, his sister elbowed his arm. "Will you relax? She'll be out here in no time."

"I know, I know. I guess I'm worried if something has happened."

"What's there to worry about? This whole trip wasn't a total waste after all. She found her family."

Tenzin lowered his shoulders, "Yeah…I know."

(~)

Mako looked like a million bucks, as Bolin said. The firebender wore a stylish red tuxedo that Asami and him so generously gave him. His hair was styled to the side, giving him a sophisticated and even prince-like appearance. He already had several female admirers looking at him, but there was only one girl he wanted to dance with. He took a moment to look at his reflection in the silverware.

Asami gently lowered the spoon down, "Relax, you look fantastic."

"You think so? You don't think I used too much gel, do you?"

"I'm positive."

Mako tugged on his scarf, which was now styled to look like an ascot, "I'm so nervous. I've never been on a date before."

"No, really?" Asami said sarcastically.

"That's not helping!"

The heiress giggled, "Trust me, you guys are going to have a wonderful time."

Mako smiled at his friend, "Thanks, Asami. You're the best."

"I get that a lot." she said with confidence, "But still, keep em coming."

(~)

Korra took in yet another deep breath. This was probably the tenth or twentieth time she's done so. Her uncle insisted on announcing to everyone he had found his long lost niece, she will never forget the sparkle in his eyes when he said those words. She was the last link he had to his brother and old friend just as he was the last, if not the only, link she had to her family.

Rarity and Fluttershy placed the ice flower gently onto the side of Korra's hair, the transparent lace sparkled and small strands of purple diamonds dangled from it in the most elegant way.

"Wow!" said Fluttershy, "You look just like a princess!"

"That's because she is one." said Rarity, "In our eyes."

The Avatar blushed at the compliment as she adjusted the cape around her neck. It was the same one from the dress Eska gave her, only it no longer had that large fur lining and was wrapped elegantly around Korras shoulders, hiding her dress. Korra even wore long white bellow the shoulder gloves with a ice lilly corsage around her left wrist. She didn't wear makeup, aside from some very, very light eye liner to bring out her lashes and a tint of blush on her cheeks, but nothing else. Her face was always naturally beautiful and the dragon birds didn't want to ruin it with gaudy face paint.

"Well, let's do this." Korra said, ready to make her grand entrance until Rarity stopped her halfway.

"Wait! Darling, your shoes!"

Korra lifted up the helm of her dress to reveal her simple flats. "What's wrong with them?"

"Well, they're nice but, let's try something new for a change."

The dragon birds pulled out from Korra's bag a pair of transparent platform heel slippers, transparent and shimmering in appearance.

"Wow! Where did you get these?"

"Asami bought them." said Twilight, "Told us to surprise you with them."

Korra took the shoes, admiring the shimmering beauty. "They look like they're made of glass." she said, even though the material was plastic and only gave the impression of glass.

"And you'll find they'll really comfortable." said Rarity with a smile on her beak as Korra gently placed them on her feet. They fit perfectly.

"Now off you go darling! This is your ball."

(~)

Unalaq stood at the top of the tall stairway, all eyes were on him as he spoke. The chief looked as regal as ever in his long robes. He had the biggest smile on his face, it was unlike anything anyone had ever seen. Tenzin and the others listened attentively once he started to speak.

"As your Chief it is my honor to speak at this festival. Which was founded to bring our tribes together. For many years, I have come to this event in hopes of finding new purpose and meaning in my life, but today, my search is over. The Light has shined upon me today, blessing me with a gift I never knew was possible."

His children scoffed at the way their father was gushing over this whole thing. But Eska was secretly satisfied with what would come latter on.

"My brother and sister-in-law were once lost to me, as was my newborn niece. But tonight, my family has been reunited. Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, it is with great pride and incredible joy that I present to you all here tonight, my long lost niece, my brother's daughter…Avatar Korra!"

Music played as the young white haired woman walked out with her long cape, which hid her dress underneath. Eska smiled wickedly, "Here it comes."

But the princess was in for a surprise. Twilight and Sunset untied Korra's cape which gently fell down to the floor, and the entire ballroom gasped with awe and wonder.

Eska's eyes practically fell right out of her head while Mako could have sworn he just stepped into a dream.

Korra was indeed wearing Eska's dress…but not how it was before. The clever Avatar has customized the gown to fit her own style. The white fur lining was wrapped elegantly around her exposed shoulders with a single blue sapphire stone in the center. The dress was light violet on the back but cyan blue on the front, around her waist was white fur lining with transparent lace underneath, flowing from the back and short in the front. The lower half of the dress moved like ocean waves as she descended down the stairs, it was slim, not wide, and sparkled like snowflakes. The Avatar looked like a true princess, nobody could take their eyes off of her.

Pema, Kya and Katara teared up at the sight of her. Even Bumi was tearing up, "My little niece is all grown up!"

Bolin and Asami were giddy with happiness while Mako was speechless to say the least. To him, Korra was always beautiful, but tonight it was like he had just walked into a fairytale.

Once Korra descended from the stairs, Unalaq offered her his hand and she too it. She felt her stomach turn with all of the people and applause she received. "They're all looking at you, uncle." she said, calling him 'uncle' for the very first time.

He smiled, "Believe me, my dear, they are all looking at you. That dress sparkles like the spirits dancing in the northern sky."

Korra couldn't helped but blush at the compliment. "Thank you."

"Perhaps one day you will get to see them for yourself."

Korra arched an eyebrow in curiosity, "What do you mean?"

"That is a topic for another time. Right now, I wish nothing more than for you to enjoy the evening. This is your homecoming party, after all." his smile grew wider once he noticed who were coming, "And I believe our friends are already here."

Korra saw Asami and Bolin approach her, both beaming with happiness. Asami hugged her friend tightly. "You look incredible!"

"Thanks! But I had a little help." she winked at the dragon birds, who were waving down at her from one of the cylinders.

It was then that both Eska and Desna approached their cousin. Desna was indifferent while Eska was fuming angry, but did her best not to show it directly. "I though we agreed you were to wear my dress."

"Can't you tell? This is your dress." Korra spun around once to show off the elegant movement of her gown, if only to torture her more. "You never did say how I needed wear it."

Eska growled in her throat. This white haired peasant had outsmarted her. "This is not over, cousin." she threatened before walking away with her brother behind her.

Korra smiled in satisfaction, "Game on, cousin."

Asami and Bolin laughed in victory. Korra managed to outsmart the pampered princess.

Meanwhile, Unalaq approached his niece's adopted father, bowing in respect. "I truly must thank you, Master Tenzin."

"For what?"

"For bringing her back home. Korra has told me so much about you. You raised her well, exactly how my brother would have wanted." he turned his head towards the teenager. "Look at her. She's becoming a fine young woman just as I hoped."

Tenzin had to agree, Korra was indeed a remarkable girl. Not because she was the Avatar, but because of who she was on the inside. "Yes. She really is remarkable, isn't she?"

"I hope there are no hard feelings. The last thing I want is to make you feel I am coming between your relationship. It's just…I feel like I have been blessed by Fate withs something so wonderful it would break my heart to let it go. You know the feeling?"

Tenzin lowered his gaze for a moment. "Yes. I do."

The music began to change, signaling it was time for the waltz. Unalaq politely offered Tenzin the dance with his daughter. "Please, you deserve the first dance with her. It's the least I can do."

But the airbender shook his head, "No, please, I think it's best if you do it. She's been waiting for this for a long time."

Unalaq smiled in gratitude. "Thank you."

Korra's heart started to speed up once she saw Mako walk up to her. He looked so dashing she feared she was going to come out sounding like a dork. Her tongue was tied and her face felt red hot. However, the firebender felt the exact same way.

"Wow. Korra, you look….wow!"

Korra giggled, "You look pretty 'wow' yourself."

"I still can't believe you actually made that dress."

"Well, take a good long look. Probably the last time I'll be seen in public like this."

"Why is that?"

"I'm the Avatar, not a Princess."

"Why can't you be both?"

"Yeah, right. Probably the day when people start growing wings." the two laughed at the joke.

He was just about to ask Korra to dance, when Unalaq walked on up. He took notice of the young man, "Oh, forgive me. Korra, were you about to dance with this young gentlemen?"

Korra was a bit torn right now. She promised Mako a dance but her uncle also wanted to dance with her two. "Um, well…"

"It's okay." Mako said, "I can wait."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. You deserve it." Mako smiled and bowed, allowing Korra to dance with her uncle. He was so sweet, she was most definitely going to dance with him next.

The music played and Korra shared the first waltz with her uncle. All around her, pairs danced as well, but others kept their eyes on her. Korra had already received attention from people, first as a pro-bender, then the Avatar, now as the Chief's nieces, which would technically make her a member of a royal family.

"Are you alright?" Unalaq asked, noticing his niece's uncomfortableness.

"Yeah. I'm just not entirely use to so many eyes looking at me like that. Is something slipping?" she briefly looked at her skirt.

Unalaq chuckled, "No, they're just surprised to realize your the Avatar and my niece. It will all die down soon enough."

"Easy for you to say. I bet you have people staring at you all the time. Talking about you, just waiting for you to either do something amazing and life changing or to mess up."

"You're being too hard on yourself. Trust me, it takes time to get use to it. There will come a day where other people's opinions won't bother you in the slightest."

Korra bit her lower lip, "Well, until that day comes, I'll have to endure."

"You're a strong girl Korra, I can tell."

It was then when Korra began asking him questions she had been wanting to ask. "What was he like?"

"Your father?"

"Yeah."

Unalaq smiled at the memory, "He drove me crazy. I was always the level-headed one and he was the wild card, always looking for trouble and the next big adventure. But he also had a good heart. He never hesitated to help anyone in need. He was also more popular with the ladies than I was." he said with a chuckle, "You have his sense of humor, you know. And your mother's eyes."

"What can you tell me about my mother?"

"She was our best friend. Like a sister to me from the start. However, things got…complicated when Noatok and Tonraq both fell for her. But even so, Senna never let feelings get in the way of her friends. She cared and loved us all equally, even though she loved your father. She was as strong in spirit as your father was in muscle. They balanced one another perfectly. Like yin and yang. Or…water and fire."

Korra's eyes widened and she blushed, "Hu?"

"Don't think I didn't notice the look in your eyes when that firebender asked you to dance." Korra tried to hide her blush as the two slowly stopped. Unalaq gently lifted her chin up. "Don't be ashamed, my dear. He seems like a wonderful young man and I owe a lot to him. He was the one who heaped you find me, after all."

Korra smiled while she removed a strand of her hair, "He really is incredible."

"Then maybe it's time for a new partner." Unalaq bowed before walking away, letting Korra on the dance floor, surrounded by the dancing pairs. She had no idea what her uncle was doing…until she found herself in the familiar arms of a certain firebender.

"My turn now?"

Korra giggled once the music started once more and she and Mako glided across the floor. It was like something from a dream. As the song played on, it felt like they were the only two left in the room.

Bolin and Asami approached the stage, the heiress handed the two singers some money to leave and the young couple took the two microphones.

Bolin winked, "Time to create…the mood!" he turned to the band, "Play it fellas."

The music changed, becoming softer with the sound of a soothing piano. Bolin and Asami smiled as they both started to sing.

Bolin: There's a calm surrender

To the rush of day

When the heat of a rolling wind

Can be turned away

Asami: An enchanted moment

And it sees me through

It's enough for this restless warrior

Just to be with you

As they sang, Korra and Mako danced with such grace and beauty that party guests stopped their dancing just to watch the two. For the couple, it was like a mesmerizing dream that they never wanted to wake up from.

Together: And can you feel the love tonight?

It is where we are

It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

And can you feel the love tonight?

How it's laid to rest

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

The dragon birds watched from above, swooning dreamingly at the sight of the happy couple dancing to the music their friends were singing.

"It's so romantic!" said Fluttershy, only to be startled when Pinkie Pie swooped in.

"Do you think they'll kiss?"

"Give them time, Pinkie." said Applejack.

"But how much longer do we have to wait?" the pink bird wined.

"Judging by the looks in their eyes," Twilight smirked, "not much longer now."

Asami: There's a time for everyone

If they only learn

That the twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn

Bolin: There's a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors

When the heart of this star-crossed voyager

Together: Beats in time with yours!

And can you feel the love tonight?

It is where we are

It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer

That we got this far

Korra and Mako really did listen to the lyrics, the words seemed to fall in perfect sync to what they had been through. How they felt for one another. Korra was mentally kicking herself for not having had the courage to do this sooner. She was so scared of not being ready for a committed relationship, but she now knew she was ready. She and Mako had been a team this long, why not make it official? This was what she wanted, she no longer doubted that.

As Mako gazed into her eyes, he knew he was finally where he belonged. He never met anyone like Korra in his whole life. She was the one who made him realize that his dreams were selfish, that he really didn't need riches or fame to be happy or feel he belonged. Her friendship was all he needed, and it was enough to open his eyes to things he never thought possible.

And can you feel the love tonight?

How it's laid to rest

It's enough to make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very best

Slowly, Korra and Mako stopped their dancing. She placed her hands over his heart and he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their hearts soared with such happiness and pure bliss, their smiles were as dazzling as the stars in the night sky. Nothing could be more perfect than right now.

It's enough

To make kings and vagabonds

Believe the very….

Best

The music slowly died down while their faces drew closer and closer. The dragon birds were at the edge of their seats, their feathers ruffling from the anticipation. This was it, the moment of truth. Their kiss as an official couple. After this the deal is sealed.

She could feel his breath as her lips practically brushed off of his, one more second and….

*CRASH!*

"AAAAHHHHH"

(~)

Awwwww, so close! So, wondering what happened next? Who's the party crasher? Well, you'll find out in the next chapter. Pure makorra bliss with Cinderella on top! Seriously, who doesn't love a good Cinderella story? But seriously, I say we tell Hollywood, no, we must BEG Hollywood to make a CinderFella remake! You know, the one with Jerry Luis? But better with a more complete male lead and equally compelling female lead and equally hilarious fairygodfather. Who's with me?

Anyway, let me know what you guys think. God bless, *kiss kiss*