.

.

.

.

The ceiling from above was shattered and pieces of ice and crystal fell all around. Guests screamed while they ran away from the falling shards. Mako instinctively held Korra close and the two looked up, their eyes widening in horror.

Nobody knew exactly what it was, but one thing was certain, it did not look like somebody who would be on the guest list. It was a strange glowing purple creature with long arms and legs and a head almost similar to that of a fish with long slithering eyebrows moving in the cold wind. Its long tale moved gently from side to side while its sinister glowing yellow eyes gazed down at the crowd. It was unlike anything anyone had ever seen.

The creature leaped from the ceiling, causing more and more people to scatter away in fear. The monster hissed at the Avatar and the firebender. Mako released Korra and the two got into their fighting stance, ready for battle. The monster snarled and jumped forward at the teenagers. They both quickly leaped out of the way, Korra's long dress bellowing gently as she landed. Underneath the long hem, she wore long black leggings. She never wore a skirt without some protection underneath.

Before Korra could even stand up the creature rushed at her with such speed she hardly saw it coming. Next thing she knew, she was pinned against the wall, the creature held her hands with its long sharp fingers, keeping her in place while she struggled to break free. She had never encountered anything so strong in her entire life. The monster just held her tightly, not letting her go. Korra continued to struggle to break free when she suddenly stopped for a brief moment and looked into the creature's eyes. They looked so angry and monstrous, yet she noticed that it wasn't harming her, just keeping her at bay. Why wasn't it attacking her? Korra eased down a bit, trying to see if there was something else to be seen about this creature.

She never got the chance when the beats screeched in pain due to getting hit with a fire blast, curtesy of Mako himself. The monster released Korra and came at Mako.

"Hey, ugly!"

The creature turned its head to spot Bolin and Asami waving at it from the entrance door. The monster left the firebender and ran towards the two. They ran out, leading the creature outside, away from the party, or what was left of it. Bolin quickly earthbended the rocks from underneath him and hurled them at the monster.

"I got it!"

But the creature managed to amazingly slam the rocks with its hands. Bolin's attempts were futile.

"Don't got it!"

Using its enormous tale, the creature slashed at the couple, tossing them several feet away before they landed and rolled down the snow, groaning in pain.

Mako rushed outside to help but Korra struggled to move a bit due to her long dress getting caught in some broken glass. She couldn't fight in this. She used her powerful hands to rip the hem right off, exposing her leggings and making poor Rarity pass out from shock. After kicking off her shoes, Korra joined Mako in the fight against the monster. Korra leaped and unleashed a half moon fire arc at the beast while Mako shot fire bullets at it. The creature moved at the speed of a tidal wave, zooming from place to place before manifesting in front of Korra. She gasped before jumping out of the way, but the creature had slammed its powerful arm into the snow, causing Korra to trip and flip over onto the snow.

Mako flipped and too created a fire arc at the beast, but the poor boy was slammed down by its tail and he fell hard on the snow, loosing consciousness in the process.

"Mako!" Korra rushed over to his side just as the creature was about to attack again.

"Korra!"

The Avatar heard the voice of her uncle, who was waterbending the ice bellow his feet, aiming at the creature. It tried to knock the chief off his ice with its tale but Unalaq managed to trap it in a spear of ice. All was silent for only a short second when the beast blasted its way out, its arms and tail now even longer than before, and slammed the chief away. He was flung off and slammed hard into the snow.

Korra held the sleeping firebender close before the creature extended its hand and grabbed her, now holding her close. Korra screamed while she struggled to break free. "Let me go!" she demanded, but the creature did not comply. Instead it held onto her as it started making its way up the mountains. Korra had no idea why it wanted her, but she refused to be its prisoner.

Thankfully, her father stepped in front of the beast, as if trying to reason with it. "Spirit, why are you angry with us?" he asked, "What have we done to offend you?"

Korra blinked as she looked at her father and then at the creature. This was a spirit? She thought they didn't exist in the physical world. How was this possible? And why did it want her specifically?

The creature slammed Tenzin away with much power and anger, it was enough to trigger Korra's most aggressive emotions.

"Dad!"

Her eyes snapped open, revealing the powerful pure white glow of the Avatar State. The creature released Korra and the Avatar landed onto the snow. Using her airbending, she lifted herself upwards using and air spout and tossed the creature away with her powerful winds. The spirit tumbled down the snowy slope all the way to where the festival was being held. The people scattered once the creature appeared, now being attack by various fire attacks while Korra was still airborne. For harming her family and friends, Korra was not holding back, even if this was a spirit it was not one she wanted to meet personally.

The spirit dodged each of her attacks, which were filled with furry and anger, until it managed to grab hold of her waist, causing her to scream and loose her concentration, deactivating the Avatar State. The spirit slammed Korra into a pile of wooden boxes, the impact broke each box into pieces, snow and dust covered the area before clearing up. Korra groaned as she struggled to get back to her feet, only to see the beast coming at her.

Before anything else could happen, the spirit suddenly stopped. Water suddenly appeared which began to move swiftly and gently around the creature. Korra then saw her uncle waterbending, but it was a technique she had never seen before. His eyes were closed and he looked so calm and serene. The water continued to move around the spirit forming somewhat of a DNA-like trap around it, the spirit looked as if it were in a trance as the water began to glow a stunning golden glow. Korra's eyes sparkled with wonder at the sight, she had never seen anything like it before.

The spirit then started to glow as well, bright yellow like the sun, all while Unalaq continued to bend the water to his will. Tenzin, Bolin, Asami and Mako, now awake, were just as astonished when the spirit stood still, its body glowing brightly. The water stopped moving and the spirit started to walk away peacefully from the scene, right before vaporizing itself in a dazzling display of sparkles that were then lifted up into the night sky. Unalaq bowed once it disappeared.

"Go in peace."

Korra managed to stand up, still amazed at the display. Once Unalaq spotted her he did not waste a second in hugging her tightly. "Are you alright?" he asked after he ended the hug. He inspected her for any physical injuries, caressing her cheek like a father would. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, uncle."

"Korra!" Tenzin rushed on over and held his child close to his body. "You had me worried!"

"I'm okay, dad." Korra assured him…right before Bolin nearly tackled her with a tight hug, practically crying.

"Oh, you had us so worried!"

As much as she appreciated his concern she gently pulled him away. "I'm fine, Bolin. Guys, look at me, I'm fine."

Asami placed a hand over her heart, "That's a relief."

Mako approached Korra and placed a hand on her shoulder, relieved to see she was okay. Korra was happy to see him alright as well. She then noticed that he was holding onto his left arm for some reason. "What happened to your arm?" she asked, gently placing her hand on it, which caused him to wince in pain. "Oh, sorry!"

"It's fine, I'll be fine."

Korra would be able to heal him once they got back inside, but right now she needed some answers. "Uncle, what was that thing? Why did it attack us?"

Unalaq looked down to the ground, his face shrouded with regret and despair. "I was hoping this wouldn't happen."

"What wouldn't happen?" Korra asked, "What is it you're not telling me?"

"I was going to tell you, but I wanted to wait for the right moment. I suppose now is as best time as ever." the rest listened attentively as Unalaq explained all. "You see, several months ago I heard rumors of mysterious attacks at the south pole, ships going missing and reports of 'sea monster' attacks."

Korra's eyes widened in realization, "We were attacked by some kind of creature on out way here." Unalaq held his niece's shoulders, staring at her with eyes that carried both fear and concern. "Unalaq, what's going on?"

The man looked all around the scene, the broken boxes and tables set for the festival were in shattered pieces. "Korra, I know this is a lot to take in right now, and I promise you will receive all of your answers, but right now I think we should get everyone to their homes safely. We can't risk another one of those creatures returning. I assure you, all will be explained tomorrow morning. I promise."

Korra was still very curious about everything, what was that creature exactly? Why was it after her so badly? But she wanted to give her uncle a chance to explain, and perhaps everyone would be much better rested and prepared for the answers tomorrow.

"Alright." she said with a sight.

Unalaq turned to the air nomad, "Master Tenzin, will you assist me?"

"Of course."

(~)

Once they made certain all of the guests were safe and uninjured, Korra was at her grandmother's healing hut, using her waterbending to heal Mako's injured arm. It wasn't serious but it was pretty bruised. The two were still in their party cloths, the sleeve of Mako's suite was torn as was Korra's dress, and was barefoot.

"I'd suggest you lay low on the firebending for a while with that arm." she said as she moved the glowing water swiftly and gently around his arm, trying her best not to be distracted by his perfectly toned muscles. Mako smiled in her direction.

"It doesn't hurt that much." he insisted, right before he winced in pain as he tried to put some effort into his arm.

"Hold still, knuckled head." Korra teased, almost done with his healing. She swiftly moved the glowing water back into the bucket and started wrapping a bandaged over his arm.

"That was pretty incredible." he said, catching Korra's attention.

"What?"

"You going all glowing eyed on that thing. You hardly ever use the Avatar State."

"I'd rather not risk it. I've read all there is to know about it. It's both my most powerful ability and my greatest weakness. If I'm not careful I can get shot by lightning and "poof!" no more Avatar cycle."

"Well you sure seem to have perfect control." he said. Once Korra finished bending him she turned her gaze away to the ground, fiddling with the torn edges of her dress. Mako looked at her with concern, "What's wrong?"

"The Avatar State is the most…exhilarating experience I've ever known. That's why it scares me." she finally turned towards him, "When my grandfather entered the Avatar State he almost always lost it. Whenever he was at his most emotional state he would blast away anything in his path. It frightened everyone he knew. I may have control now because I knew what I was fighting against, but what if something happens that I'm not ready for and I completely lose control? I could end up hurting everyone in my wake."

Using his good arm, he gently caressed her face, making her cheeks flush red as he tried to say the right words, "I don't think that'll happen."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know you. And you would never let that happen."

Korra was on the verge of laughing at this, "Why do you have so much faith in me anyways? All I've done so far was beat Amon. Winning one battle doesn't make me a real hero."

"Maybe not, but you're a hero in a lot of different ways too."

"Name one thing that I've done that's hero worthy."

"Well, when we first met, you stopped Asami from running over me."

"That was just good luck."

"You let Kai go even after he took my lunch, and gave me money to make up for it."

"It's called generosity, no big deal."

"Not to mention, you saved me and Bolin from the Equalists, showed mercy to the helpless, gave a home to seven dragon birds, risked your life for you family, you babysit kids for free, you're great with animals, you're honest, strong, smart, independent and-"

"Okay, okay, you've made your point." Korra was still blushing, mainly at the compliments. "Thanks, though."

Mako always loved seeing her smile. It was enough to keep him throughout the rest of the day. He then remembered something and reached into his pocket. "I found this in the snow outside."

Korra chuckled lightly once she saw what Mako had in his hand. One of her 'glass' shoes. He didn't know what possessed him to do so but the firebender stood up from the bed where they both sat on, kneeled down and placed the shoe on Korra's foot. The young girl didn't know what to make of this, it was corny, downright cheesy and unheard of…

She would remember this always.

He took her by the hand and she stood up, marveling at the way the material shimmered.

"It's a perfect fit." he said. But at this point, Korra was no longer looking at the shoe…but at him.

Now was as good a moment as ever. She placed her arms around his neck, tilted her head and placed her lips upon his. Mako tilted his head as well, deepening the kiss as he wrapped his arms around her waist. This kiss felt unlike anything they had experienced. It was true, and pure and right. Once they parted nothing could erase the smiles, or the blush, on their faces.

"Yeah. It is." said Korra. But Mako knew she wasn't really talking about the shoe.

Their moment was ruined when a knock on the door was heard. The two quickly separated, blush still evident on their faces, when Kya entered the room.

"Aunt Kya? Is everything okay?"

"You're uncle wants to talk to you." the woman replied.

"Did he get his hand stuck in the cookie jar again?"

"No, your other uncle."

Korra immediately felt both disappointment but also concern. Unalaq must want to speak to her about the creature that attacked. The Avatar cleared her throat and politely excuse herself from the room. "I better go see what he wants. Just, remember what I said about the arm."

"Will do." he said, still feeling a tad nervous with her aunt in the room, but also still feeling like he was flying after the kiss they just shared.

Korra walked out of the room, leaving just Kya and Mako. The firebender's eyes darted around the room, something the elder waterbender took notice of.

"Why are your eyes darting around like that?" she asked.

"It's what I do when I'm not nervous." Mako replied rather quickly, "Gotta got, nice seeing you." he politely exited the room, leaving Kya to only stand there, smirking in his direction.

"To be young and in love."

(~)

Unalaq was outside the balcony of the palace, looking up at the full moon. Its memorizing glow, enwrapping him in its everlasting embrace. He sensed another presence and saw it was his niece. She felt very unprepared with her torn up ball gown and one single shoe.

"You wanted to see me?"

Unalaq turned to face her, his face filled with worry. "I wanted to apologize."

"For what?"

"For what you had witnessed. This was not how I wanted you to find out. How I wanted atone to find out."

"What are you talking about? I thought you said you would explain it to me tomorrow."

"Yes, but it can't wait. You have come to the south in our darkest hour." he took Korra's hand and left her to the balcony, overlooking the entire south pole.

She gasped in wonder at the sight. The winter village looked even more amazing underneath the moonlight, with the golden lights of each home emphasizing the beauty of the land.

"Wow…I've never seen the south pole from here before. It's beautiful."

"Indeed it is." said Unalaq, "Which is why it saddens me."

"Why?"

"You see Korra, the Glacier Spirits Festival was not always the flamboyant festival it is today. In use to be a solemn time of fasting and meditation. But now it's just a chance to watch some rube trying to stuff an entire arctic hen in his mouth."

"Traditions change, uncle. It's not the end of the world."

"Perhaps you can tell that to the sailors who are being attacked by angry spirits in southern waters. Some traditions have purpose."

Korra's eyes widened at this, "We were attacked by some creature become coming here."

"Yes, I believe you mentioned that. I have also heard rumors of the attacks but I hoped it was only just mistaken identity of a sea creature of a prank. But after last night, it's clear my original instincts were right all along. The spirits are becoming dark."

"What's this about dark spirits?" Korra asked, "I've read all about them but never the 'dark' kind."

"Spirits are not all dark, Korra. Some are inherently of the light, others are of the dark. But sometimes that can be shifted and the good spirits can lean towards darkness. Like humans, they have both good and bad within them, but when that balance is shifted then they can often give in to their dark temptations."

Unalaq closed his eyes and hung his head, "I did not wish for you to find out this way." his eyes opened once more, "How I wanted anyone to find out this way."

"You think this festival is making the spirits angry?"

"That is one theory, and a very strong one. However, there could be other reasons for it as well. But I'm afraid simply changing the festival is not enough to fix this." he turned to face his niece, "Tell me, what do you know about the spirit world?"

"Honestly, my knowledge is pretty limited. My dad and Gran gran would tell me stories about this spirit library, the moon and ocean spirits, a face stealer, the painted lady-"

"All very basic knowledge." Unalaq stated. "What we are dealing with is serious."

"So, how can we stop it? Can't you use that glowing water trick on them?"

"It's not enough. But there is something we can do." Unalaq took korra by the shoulders, "I can train you and teach you all I know about the spirits. I've spent my whole life learning their ways. I can help you put things in balance once more."

Korra was both intrigued but also a bit concerned about all of this. What would her father say about this?

Unalaq noticed her uncertainty and released her, "You don't have to decide right away. Sleep on it first before you decide."

"But-"

"Korra, you may be the Avatar but you are also my niece. I don't want to force you."

Korra knew she couldn't just ignore this new information. Still, maybe she did need a good sleep to think this through. She hugged her uncle one last time before leaving to go to bed. The man remained outside, overlooking the south pole.

His mind already hard at work on what to do next.

(~)

The next morning, Bolin was pacing back and forth outside outside of the hut where he and Mako were staying at. "Mako, come on, bro! You've been in there all morning, how long does it take to brush your teeth?"

To his surprise, Mako practically leaped out, his face was so happy Bolin almost couldn't believe this was his older brother. Even more surprising, he practically tackled the earthbender once he embraced him in a huge hug, practically lifting him up the ground.

"You are the best little brother, ever!"

Bolin almost couldn't breath, "You're in a good mood." he said, almost deprived of oxygen, "Despite nearly getting killed by a monster…can't breath."

Mako released the poor younger man, still happy. "Bo, last night was the best night of my life!"

"I'm taking the talk with Korra went okay."

"Better than okay!" the normally serious firebender was on cloud nine, "Oh, Bolin, she's incredible! I-I've never felt like this before!"

"You know what that means, don't you?" Bolin placed his hands to form a heart, "You're in L-O-V-E!" he slightly flinched when Mako grabbed him by the shoulders.

"You think she's already up?"

"She's probably at the Palace for Unalaq's speech by now."

"Let's go!" the firebender dragged his younger brother by arm, not giving him a chance to even reply. This was clear evidence this boy really was in love.

(~)

Outside of the Royal Palace, above the high plight of stairs, stood the royal chief, with his twin children beside him. Eska and Desna awaited patiently for him to begin, but he would not until Korra arrived. Tenzin and the rest of the Southern Council stood beside him as well, also awaiting for Korra to arrive.

Among the crowd gathered in front, Mako and Bolin made their way, closest to where the podium stood. Asami eventually caught up with them and Korra finally arrived right before her uncle could begin. The raven haired girl, who often served Eska and congratulated Korra for standing up to them when they first arrived, gently started shoving Korra closer towards her uncle, where she would stand right on his left while his children on his right. Korra was a bit surprised by this.

"Oh, here? Are you sure? Cause I don't think I'm suppose to-oh, okay." Korra adjusted her parka and her hair a bit and stood perfectly still beside her uncle. On her opposite side, Eska sneered at her cousin.

The raven haired girl stood beside Eska, smirking in triumph. "Looks like some princess isn't going to be the fairest in the land anymore." she teased.

Eska narrowed her eyes but maintained her composure. "Remain silent, Yuki." she demanded.

The girl, Yuki shrugged and placed her hands behind her back. This was going to be interesting, she knew fro certain.

Unalaq spoke to the anxious crowd into the microphone. His voice sounding wise and regal, "As you are all aware, last night we witnessed an attack on our fair homeland. I know many of you are frightened and confused by all of this, but now is not the time for us to panic."

"What was that thing?!" one of the bystanders asked.

"Was it some kind of monster?"

"Another asked."

Varrick, who was also there, rose his hand, "How will this effect my business sales? I've got a shipment of fish I need to deliver before they rot! Who wants to buy a boat full of stinkin' fish?!….Seriously, it's not rhetorical, I need to sell these fish."

"I assure you, it was not a monster who attacked us last night." Unala assured everyone. For a moment, they all sighed in relief before he spoke again. "It was a dark spirit."

The whole crowd gasped at this. They had never heard of a dark spirit before.

"This festival was founded to bring our tribes together, and restore the ancient balance between our world and that of the spirits." Unalaq's tone began to slowly change from wise and proper, to upset and disappointed, "But I am saddened to see what it has become. A cheep carnival that celebrates greedy and trivial humans."

As he said this, Varrick was looking at his refection in a mirror, cleaning his teeth with his finger.

"Because of this, the spirits have taken their anger out on all of us. For months I had heard reports of strange creature sightings and boats being attacked. At first, I hoped I was wrong in my assumption, but it is clear from last night that the time has come to take action. Angry spirits are already attacking ships in your waters and now our homes. I fear the time is fast approaching when the north can no longer stand ideally by while our southern brothers slip into total spiritual decade."

"What do we do?" another bystander asked.

"Please remain calm. The more negative energy the spirits sense the more it will anger them. Thank you for your patience and time and I will immediately alert you all once I have come up with a solution. You have my word."

Once he left the podium, he prepared to walk back inside. Korra took a step forward to follow him but was stopped by Eska.

"Where do you think you are going?"

"I want to talk to my uncle." she said sternly.

"He must not be disturbed at the moment." Eska stated in an equally stern voice.

"It's important." Korra took another step forward, not even caring that what Eska would say. She gasped when the two twins inmeidatly stepped in her way.

"If you do not wish to cause any more trouble than you already have, you will leave our father alone."

Korra sneered at the two, her fist half clenched, until she felt her father's hand on her shoulder. "Korra, we can come back latter when Unalaq has spoken with the council on this issue."

Korra hatted it when bullies got the upper hand. But she knew she could cause a scene. Not here.

"Fine. But we're not finished her." Korra stated.

"No, we are not, cousin. We have barely begun."

Tenzin led his daughter away from the two, who smiled wickedly as they left. Meanwhile, Unalaq looked through a small opening through the door.

(~)

I'm sorry for the long wait. One: I had writers block. Two: I had my masters classes and two projects. Three: Other projects as well.

So far, this is what you guys will get. Again, sorry it's not so long but now the pieces have been put into motion. Now I just need to figure out where they will go from here. If anyone has any other ideas on this, please, please, please, PLEASE let me know! Thank you!

God bless, *kiss kiss*