Chapter One: Republic University

For generations my family had rivals. Rivals came and went but one stayed. The Beifongs. They had agreed to a truce when the One Hundred Year war waged wiping out the Air Nation. Aang had created the Republic City for all nations to live together in harmony. Now that the war was over, a few generations ago, the rivalry had resumed. Several years of constant back and forth of who was the better earth benders of the Earth nation. My family are the Beifongs' rivals. Though, I went to set off on my own path. I didn't care about the rivalry. Or did I? My family was a constant reminder of the pain endured when one was not the best or better. My question is, were the Beifongs the same way? My name is Celeste Alstair. I love to dance and sing. Those are my passions. I'm a decent bender. I am an Earth Nation citizen. Born in the large mountain range area of Gaoling. My element is earth and sub is metal. This is my story on how I became best friends with the avatar.

Breath in. Hold. Breath out. Celeste was sitting in the large backyard focusing on her meditation. Her long dark brown hair was flowing in the wind as her green eyes were closed as she focused on her breathing. She was always so calm and gentle unlike her mother who was strict and hard focused on being the best. Celeste didn't care. All she wanted was to go out in the world and be accepted for who she is. Not who her mother wanted her to be. She stood up and stretched her arms above her head with a yawn. Looking around as she smiled. Waving at the neighbors who waved back and bowed. Her family was the second richest in Gaoling. She hated that her father flaunted it as her mother did not have a care in the world about it. She wanted to be the number one. Though, it was hard to become after the Beifongs. Celeste had learned all about her family's rival. How Toph Beifong was the first metal bender.
"You'll be the first to bend platinum." Her mother would always say to her in front of others. In fact, Celeste was in awe of Toph. The one she secretly looked up to. Toph had two daughters. Suyin and Lin. She had hoped to meet them some day. Knowing they were probably in their own towns and what not. She heard of Zaofu. The metal city is led by Suyin. Lin is the Chief of Police in Republic City. Where the University was located. Celeste had applied there in hopes to move out of Gaoling and to where she could finally meet some friends. 'Maybe I can find a metal bending teacher?' Celeste thought as she walked across the grass while barefooted. She loved the feeling of the connection to the earth she had.

"Celeste! The letter arrived!" Her mother shouted. Celeste gasped and ran towards the house. Feeling the wind against her clothes before heading inside. "I am sure you got in! No reason why a Alstair couldn't get in. We're the best!" Her mom went on and on about it. Celeste took the letter from her mother and quickly opened the letter. Reading it several times before looking at her mother.
"Well?" She crossed her arms.
"I got in! They want me as soon as possible! The semester starts in a few days!" Celeste gasped with a smile.
"I knew you would." Her mother spoke before taking her leave. She frowned at her mother in hopes for a hug. Celeste had no reason to ever think that her mother would ever be a mother to her. All she cared about was looking good.
"Get packed! No, you'll get new clothes. You have your account filled for anything you need or want." Her mother spoke while coming back and handed her a card.
"Your account. I was waiting for this to happen so you are all set!" Her mother spoke as Celeste took the card and nodded. "Great! You're on the first airship out in the next hour! My number is in your wallet. You'll have to buy a cellphone once you arrive." The woman added. Celeste stood in fear. She was leaving already? It would make sense.
"Now. I assume there will be Beifongs there. You are better than them. Do not forget that. You are above them. Show them how smart and strong you are. Everyone is beneath you." Her mother spoke while crossing her arms.
"Mother. I just want to make friends." She spoke as that rewarded her with a smack across her face. Celeste frowned while rubbing her cheek.
"Do not dishonor this family! You will do no such thing! Do not dare befriend a Beifong! I will disown you so quickly!" Her mother snapped. Her face was red with anger.
"I understand mother." Celeste spoke as she bowed to her mother before stuffing her card in her wallet and left the house.

The first under her shoes made small crunching sounds with the tiny rocks against her shoes. She could feel the earth a little bit when she wore shoes.
"Hello. I assume you are heading to Republic City?" The Ticketmaster asked as Celeste nodded her head.
"Yes sir." She added. She paid for her ticket and boarded the airship. She took a seat next to a guy who was listening to his music device. Celeste raised a brow for she had never seen one. Her mother didn't want her to have technology as she was to focus on her studies and bending. Now that she was older and an adult, she was able to attend the university freely. Not many people had got accepted into Republic University as it was the top university. Celeste hummed lightly as the airship took flight. She looked out the window and saw Gaoling now out of sight as fields came into sight. She was smiling. She was now free from her mother's tight grip. Taking in a deep breath and smiling while relaxing in her seat. She had all the documents she needed just in case. She would be getting a dorm room with a roommate. She definitely would need to go shopping. The fields had disappeared as the City was in sight!
"Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to Republic City!" The man over the intercom spoke. Celeste looked through the window while beaming. There were several tall buildings and stores as far as the eye could see! The airship had landed and she hopped up. Smiling non stop while making her way to the door as did the others. Once outside, she was on the sidewalk. There were so many sato-mobiles! She would not be able to count how many there were. Walking down the sidewalk, she heard shouting.
"Hey, watch it!" Man shouted as she crashed to the side.
"Sorry!" A voice shouted. Celeste looked over and saw a girl on a polar bear dog running. 'Wait. A polar bear dog? In the City?' She was confused at this. Shrugging it off as she stopped by a building. It was the police station. She debated about asking for directions.
"You lost?" A woman's voice spoke as she jumped. She turned and saw an officer. It was an older woman. Celeste took in the look. She had gray hair. Tall. Two scars on her right cheek. Strong looking.
"I'm sorry. I was looking for the University. I was going to ask for directions." She spoke softly.
"Keep heading down this road for about five blocks. It'll be on your right. You can't miss it. It's big." The woman spoke as Celeste gave her a bow.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"What's your name? I haven't seen you in this city." The woman asked, eyeing her.
"Celeste. I just arrived today." She smiled again. "May I ask yours?"
"Chief is all you're gonna get." She spoke as Celeste's eyes went wide. It was a Beifong! She had finally met one! "Are you going to keep gawking at me or are you heading out?" The chief snapped.
"Sorry! It's just. It's an honor to meet you!" Celeste spoke with another bow. She waved to the chief and dashed away quickly. Hoping she didn't make a fool of herself. She sighed in relief as she saw the building. It was massive! There were several buildings surrounding it. Assuming it was the student dorms and what not. She made her way down the pathway towards what seemed like the main building.
"Hello, can you tell me which way is the office?" She asked a student who nodded and led the way. She was humming softly again. Looking around the hallway as they came into a room.
"Hello. Name please?" The woman at the desk asked.
"Celeste Alstair." She spoke. The woman nodded and handed her papers to fill out and sign. She had finished and handed the papers over. She received a few cards, a handbook, her schedule, a map, and a key to her dorm. She bowed, thanking the woman.

She pulled out her map as she took a seat on the bench. The University was a lot bigger than she thought. Humming softly as she looked over her schedule.

History - Tenzin
Language Arts - L. Beifong
Art History- S. Beifong
Science- Varrick
Physical education- Beifong (earth)
Astronomy
-Students are encouraged to join other activities and clubs.-

Celeste raised her brow while going over her schedule. It wasn't full but it was a start. She didn't want to get overwhelmed in her first semester. There was a note saying she could buy all her books and supplies at the student store on campus. That's where she decided to go next. Walking towards another building, she looked around. There were students in groups, laughing and chattering away. Her heart started fluttering. She was already dying to make friends. She had entered a hallway not knowing she crashed into someone.
"Oh! I am so sorry! I did not pay attention to where I was going." Celeste spoke as she picked up the person's books and handed them over. Her eyes meet another green pair. This woman was a few inches taller than her. Raven black hair and a beauty mark.
"Just be careful next time. Are you new?" The woman asked as Celeste nodded her head. "Just in time for classes to start soon. What's your name?" She asked.
"Celeste. I just arrived today." Celeste spoke softly. "What's yours?"
"Kuvira. Last name? Maybe I can help." The woman asked.
"Alstair." Celeste spoke softly again. This got her a glare from the woman. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you." Celeste frowned.
"I'm Kuvira Beifong. Stay out of my way." The woman spoke. Celeste's eyes went wide. Another Beifong? How many were there now? She stepped to the side and frowned. Watching the woman still glare at her before leaving. Sighing with defeat, she went towards the student store and headed inside. It was a huge shop.
"Need any help dear?" A gentle voice spoke as Celeste jumped.
"I uh. I'm new." Celeste spoke as the woman smiled. This time it was an older woman. 'She looked kind and sweet.' Celeste thought.
"Can I see your schedule?" The woman asked as Celeste handed it to her. "Ah, you're in my art class." The woman smiled. She looked almost like the other woman from earlier today. 'Great. Another one.' Celeste frowned as she followed the woman to get her stuff.

"I never got your name?" The woman asked.
"Just Celeste. Apparently my name brings unwanted attention." She sighed while paying for her books. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to face the woman again.
"Please tell me." The woman asked. How could she refuse?
"Alstair." Celeste frowned.
"Ah. I know you dear. Well. I knew your mother. Tell me. Are you like her?" The woman asked. She shook her head.
"No ma'am." Celeste sighed a little.
"My name is Suyin, Call me Su when not in class. I expect great things from you. As you. Not as your mother or your name. As who you are." Su spoke. Celeste looked at the older woman and smiled.
"Thank you. That means a lot. I came here to find my own path. I want no rivalry. I just. I just want friends and make something of myself." Celeste spoke. Su smiled and gave Celeste a gentle side hug. She tensed at the hug before relaxing. She had never received a hug before. Not even as a child. She smiled at the woman and bowed.
"Thank you for your help." Celeste added as Su nodded before taking her leave.

She made her way to the dorm where she would be staying. The door was already opened as she heard voices inside. She knocked as a woman peeked over.
"Hi! You must be Celeste! I'm Korra!" The woman beamed and hugged Celeste tightly, which felt like a bear squeezing her.
"Yes. Hello there." Was all she could say.
"Come in!" Korra shouted as Alessia walked in. It was a small dorm room as she looked around. There was a bathroom that separated the room. It was a single dorm room with a bathroom. There was nothing else. No kitchen. Nothing. Guess that explained the cards. One must be a meal car and her student I.D. She would have to remember to keep them on her. She saw two other people in the room. A younger looking woman and a man her age.
"I'm Opal!" The girl held out her hand. Celeste shook it with a light smile.
"I'm Bolin!" The man piped up, also holding out his hand.
"I'm Celeste." She smiled while setting her class books down. She had also purchased a couple sketchbooks. Notebooks, writing utensils.
"Do you have a last name by any chance?" Opal asked with a smile.
"Um. Yeah it's Alstair." She replied with a frown.
"Oh! I know of your family. Your family and mine are rivals aren't they?" Opal asked.
"You're a Beifong?" Celeste as Opal nodded.
"Don't worry. I don't care about the rivalry. Kuvira might but I don't." Opal smiled as Celeste sighed in relief.
"I ran into her earlier. She was nice but then hated me after she asked for my name." Celeste frowned.
"Ah yeah. She's like that but I promise she isn't always a hard ass." Opal laughed as Celeste smiled.
"Hey, I've noticed you don't have any clothes or a phone. Let's go get you some?" Opal asked as Celeste nodded.
"Heck yeah! I wanna go shopping for a new phone too!" Korra jumped off her bed.
"Follow me!" Opal spoke up and took Bolin's hand and led the way. Celeste locked the door behind her and followed them. She felt like these three were going to be her friends. Smiling at the thought as they left the campus grounds.

Humming softly while watching Opal and Bolin laugh and giggle at each other as they pointed to different shops.
"So, from my understanding. You both are part of a large family that have been rivals for several generations?" Korra asked as Celeste nodded her head.
"I know. My mom still wants me to look down upon them but they are human beings with feelings as well." Celeste spoke softly. She didn't have the heart to even be mean to anyone.
"I have a feeling you and I are going to get along great!" Korra shouted while hugging Celeste from the side. She was tense again. Though, she would have to get used to this.
"Where are you from?" Opal asked as they entered a shop.
"Gaoling." Celeste spoke while browsing through the clothes.
"That's where my grandma was born." Opal spoke with a smile. She knew this. She nodded with a smile at Opal.
"What's your style?" Opal asked as Celeste decided that she should change from jeans and dress shirts. She wanted to connect more to her roots.
"I'm not sure. I want to try something new." Celeste spoke while deep in thought.
"What about this?" Opal asked as she held out an outfit. Green pants that tied right above the ankles. The top was dressy. She smiled and nodded her head. It was perfect!
"Great minds think alike!" Opal beamed as she grabbed more similar outfits as Celeste went to try them on. At least two of the Beifongs she had met were kind to her. She showed them the outfits as a few were a no and some were a yes. She had enough for a new wardrobe and smiled while paying for them.
"Next. Cell phone!" Korra spoke while walking behind the couple next to Celeste again. They had entered a different shop. It was weird looking. Only a few people were inside as there were several phones on display.
"Ah, new buyers? I recommend a cell that not only connects you to others but to the outside nations as well!" A man spoke. They were looking at phones as one caught her eyes. It was black and silver. "This one is unlimited. Top of the line and always updated. When a new version comes out, you can update it with little to no cost. Perfect for students. You can connect to the outside nations and anyone else." The man spoke.
"Sheesh, so expensive!" Korra frowned while setting the phone down.
"I'll take two!" Celeste smiled as the man nodded and went to the back.
"No, Celeste. You don't have to." Korra frowned.
"Hey, it's okay. Besides, you need one as much as I do. Who knows what the future holds. Keeping in contact is a must." Celeste smiled and patted Korra's shoulder.
"You're really kind and sweet. I don't know how to pay you back." Korra smiled as they received their phones. Celeste paid for both of them.
"You guys wanna get some dinner?" Bolin asked as they nodded. They chose a fire nation restaurant not far from campus. Korra and Celeste had exchanged numbers with everyone and were trying the phone out. Celeste laughed as Korra was spamming her with text messages with something called emojis.
"Well well well. If it isn't Alstair. I wouldn't trust her if I were you, Opal." Kuvira's voice came out of nowhere.
"What's it to you Beifong?" Celeste frowned. She wanted to call her by her first name but felt like it would have to be earned.
"Look. I don't care about the rivalry. She's nice. Just like mom." Opal crossed her arms.
"Whatever. See you in class." Kuvira glared at her before taking her leave.
"She's not like that. I promise. Kuvira is kind and sweet. She is a no nonsense type of person but she's nice." Opal spoke.
"It's okay, Opal. I'm sure she is." Celeste spoke as their food arrived. The green eyes were stuck in her mind as she ate her spicy noodles.
"Well, at least we have classes together and with my sister sadly." Opal spoke.
"Wait, are you all new as well?" Celeste asked as they nodded.
"Yep! We all start this semester. It is the start of a new school year after all." Bolin spoke with a smile. "Oh! I can't wait for you to meet my brother! We are both part of the Fire Ferrets." Bolin added as Celeste was confused.
"What's a Fire Ferret?" She asked.
"Pro bending team." Bolin added as it still does not answer her question. "Oooh you'll have to come to a match to find out!" Bolin smiled as Opal kissed his cheek.
"I look forward to it!" Celeste smiled as she looked at the time.
"We should head back. It's late." Korra spoke as they all stood up. Paid for their food and headed back to the campus.'

"I really enjoyed hanging out with you guys!" Celeste smiled as she gave Opal and Bolin a hug before they left with a wave.
"Yeah. We should do it more often." Korra agreed. She sat on her bed as Celeste unloaded her new clothes and put them in a drawer. She raised a brow while looking at some clothes that she didn't buy on her bed.
"Oh uniforms and gym clothes. We have to wear our uniforms on Fridays." Korra explained as she nodded. Hers were black and green as Korra's was blue and black.
"Why different colors?" Celeste asked as she put them up.
"I'm from the water tribe in the south." Korra explained but her uniform had all the nation's colors. She raised a brow.
"Oh. I'm the avatar." Korra added as Celeste gasped. The avatar?!
"I! Oh! My! Gosh!" Celeste was basically bouncing now. She then stopped as Korra was laughing at her. "I'm sorry. I just never thought I'd get to meet you! Let alone be roommates!" Celeste was beaming now. She would have never guessed the avatar was sharing the same room as her.
"I'm sorry. I'm probably looking like an idiot right now!" Celeste laughed nervously as Korra laughed and shook her head.
"No! You're good! I'm just glad you didn't freak out." Korra spoke as she laid back on her bed and sighed. "Are you thinking about any clubs or anything to join?" Korra asked.
"I wanna try dancing." Celeste smiled as she sat down. She loved to dance and sing and she was great at both. Korra sat up. "What?"
"The dance team is really hard to get on. I've heard they only pick the best." Korra spoke as Celeste nodded.
"I see. Worth a try right?" She asked as Korra nodded. She smiled before getting into her own bed. Here she was. In another city. Finally on her own path. She was ready to get started. It was a very eventful day and she was tired.

-Notes-

Let me know what you think? Should I continue this story or no? Thoughts and feelings are welcome!