The Coronation

It was the day of Prince Wu's coronation. Outside City Hall, Elira walked beside her father to where President Raiko was speaking with Mako. She fidgeted with her ceremonial airbender robes. 

"Why do I have to wear this? It's itchy," She complained, pulling at her collar. 

"Because it's a special occasion. Besides, it's only for the day. As soon as we return to the island, you can change," Tenzin reassured her. 

Elira's shoulders slumped, and she sighed. "This is gonna be a long day." 

Tenzin simply chuckled. As they approached Mako and the president, they also noticed Prince Wu not too far from them, doing some sort of dance for the metalbenders who were setting up the spectator stands. 

" You sure that's the guy you want running the Earth Kingdom?" Mako asked Raiko as Elira and Tenzin reached them, also watching Wu's "performance." 

"Trust me. We'll be sending a delegation of experienced advisers to handle day-to-day governing," Raiko replied 

"I see the prince is becoming accustomed to the burdens of leadership," Tenzin said, causing Elira to snicker slightly. 

"You know royals. They love a ceremony. Have you received any word on the Avatar's location?" Raiko asked as Tenzin and Elira turned to him. 

"Not yet, but I have airbenders all over the world on the lookout for her", Tenzin explained.

"And I'll be joining them after the coronation", Elira added before lowering her eyes in concern. "I hope she's okay." 

Tenzin comforted her by placing a hand on her shoulder. "As do I. But I'm concerned about reports I've heard regarding Kuvira's growing military. They say she's throwing some of her dissenters into prison camps." 

"Well, she'll be stepping down tomorrow" Raiko brushed off their concerns 

"Thankfully" Elira muttered 

"We can worry about correcting any of her mistakes after that." Raiko continued, either not hearing Elira or choosing to ignore the airbender. 

"And you're not worried about her handing power over to Prince Wu?" Mako questioned 

"When Kuvira started cleaning up the Earth Kingdom, she knew her position wasn't permanent. She gave me her word that she'd step down." Raiko replied 

"Still, I'd feel a lot better if Korra were here." Tenzin sighed as they turned to watch Wu, who was still dancing, utterly unaware of the eyes on him. 

*

Later that day, the coronation ceremony was nearing, and people were beginning to gather. Elira was still outside City Hall with her father and grandmother, talking with some of their relatives from the Fire Nation who'd come for the coronation. Izumi was there because she was the Fire Lord, along with Zuko and Katara. Kya wasn't there, as she was back travelling the world again, and Shai, Azula, and Kiyi had been left to oversee things in the Fire Nation while the others were gone. 

Elira was softly laughing at Zira teasing Zuko when she suddenly saw Kuvira and her men arriving over her grandmother's shoulder. And amongst them was Bolin. His eyes locked onto her, and there it was—the unmistakable glimmer of longing in his gaze, a silent plea for forgiveness. Despite their recent argument, Elira felt her heart soften as she caught his eye. A gentle smile broke through, an unspoken assurance that perhaps, just perhaps, they could mend what had been frayed.

With a soft gesture, she beckoned him to follow as she slowly backed away from her family, who remained blissfully unaware, lost in their playful banter. Bolin's eyes sparkled with joy as he hurried after her, seeking a moment of privacy behind the stage where they could escape the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Before he could muster any words, Elira kissed him, her lips soft and inviting. She wrapped her arms around him, one hand threading through his hair, bringing it back to its familiar, carefree style. Bolin surrendered to the moment, pulling her closer. Their kiss deepened as he lost himself in the sweetness of her presence. Time seemed to pause, and the world around them faded away.

When they finally pulled apart, breaths mingling in the space between them, Bolin's expression was a delightful mix of bliss and curiosity.

 "Does... this mean you're no longer mad at me?" he asked, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice.

Elira chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. 

"No, I'm furious," she teased before standing on her tiptoes to touch her forehead to his, a loving gesture that spoke volumes. "Of course, I'm not mad anymore, dirt brain. There's no reason to be. Tomorrow, Kuvira will step down, and everything will return to normal."

"Including us?" Bolin grinned, hope shining in his eyes. The warmth of his gaze ignited a familiar spark within Elira, one that reminded her of the joy he brought into her life, even in turbulent moments.

"Especially us," She replied, her voice a gentle caress. She lovingly traced her fingers along his cheek, pulling him in for another kiss. This time, the air crackled with intensity, their connection igniting like a flame. The kiss was sweet, but as they lost themselves in their little world, it deepened with a fervour that made the outside noise vanish.

Elira giggled softly as her back met the coolness of the stage behind them, the playful collision only heightened the intimacy of the moment. They kissed as if nothing else existed, wrapped in each other, the promise of love enveloping them in a blissful bubble. Everything was perfect.

But the sound of someone coughing rudely interrupted their blissful moment.

"Um, excuse me, Master Elira?" It was Gun, the Grand Secretariat for the Earth Queen and now Prince Wu.

Elira gave an annoyed sigh, turning to him with a frown plastered on her face while keeping her arms wrapped securely around Bolin, who looked like he was trying to dissolve into the ground out of sheer embarrassment.

"Uh, excuse me, private moment" She scowled as if that would magically make Gun disappear.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt," Gun said, practically bouncing on his toes like a toddler needing to pee, "but your assistance is needed. See, His Grace is expecting singers during the ceremony, but due to... unfortunate circumstances, we've had to downsize quite a subnational amount. So I—of course, we'll have to run it by His Grace first—but I was hoping—"

"If I'd sing during the ceremony?" Elira interrupted, raising an eyebrow.

Gun nodded anxiously

"Alright, fine. Just give me a minute, please?"

Gun fidgeted like he had ants in his pants. "Um, actually, Master Elira, now would be the best time. Only His Grace needs to approve of this, and the song in which—"

Elira let out a frustrated groan, banging her head back against the stage with an audible clang.

"—It's standard protocol, you see, and—"

"Alright, alright!" Elira exclaimed, cutting through Gun's ranting, "I'm coming."

Gun flashed a grin brighter than his future, practically skipping away. Elira sighed softly, nestling her face against Bolin's warm chest, seeking comfort in his presence.

"I can't wait for this day to be over," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, the sound muffled by the fabric of his shirt. When she finally looked up at him, her eyes sparkled yet held a hint of annoyance at having been interrupted. "I guess I should go before Gun starts freaking out again."

"Yeah, I guess I should head back too. But we'll see each other later, right?" Bolin grinned

"Of course," Elira replied, her words dripping with affection. Leaning up, she pressed her lips against his in a fleeting kiss, one that felt electric and full of promise. As they parted, Elira kept her hand intertwined with his for just a moment longer, savouring the connection.

"Bye, dirt brain," she teased playfully.

"See you later, airhead," he replied softly, a tender smile gracing his features as Elira finally stepped out of reach, their fingers reluctantly slipping apart.

She cast one last lingering glance over her shoulder, the light of joy in her eyes unwavering, before turning to rush up the steps of City Hall after Gun. With every step she took, her smile only grew brighter. Perhaps today wasn't as bad as she initially thought.

*

Mako and Wu were waiting inside City Hall. Mako casually leaned against the spirit tree that had grown inside; Wu paced in front of him, visibly worried. 

Finally, Gun rushed in, making them look up. "Your royal cabinet is here, your majesty!" 

"Where have you been? My coronation is in ten minutes!" Wu exclaimed as Gun and two other men walked up to him, Elira trailing behind them. They all bowed once they reached Wu. "Where's everyone else? Where are the Seven Sacred Chests of Exquisite Finery? Where are my grandfather's taffeta pantaloons?" 

"Sadly, most of your servants were scattered, and the royal things were looted after the queen was..." Gun paused to choose his following words carefully. "Removed from office. So your coronation may not have some of the usual items ... like ... the crown." 

"There's no crown?! How can you have a coronation without a crown? How will people know when I'm officially the king?" Wu cried, getting distressed 

"We still have one of the royal jewels we can pin on you," Gun explained, opening a tiny jewel box containing a single earring. 

Wu leaned closer to look at it before looking up at Gun, annoyed. "An earring?" 

"Think of it more as a royal brooch" Gun smiled, holding up the sparkling earring.

"Are you telling me that there are no dancing badger moles? No acrobat bell ringers, no horn-blowing announcery guy?!" Wu snapped, causing Gun to flinch back a little. 

"Well, we still have one potential singer performing, Your Grace," Gun quickly gestured to Elira, who stepped forward with a polite smile and bowed her head. 

"Your Grace" She greeted 

Wu eyed her, exasperated. "You mean you're it? No Earthbender dames banging boulders like drums and singing the song of my royal lineage. Instead, I just get one airbender dame?" 

"Call me "a dame" again", Elira scowled, offended, folding her arms.

Gun chuckled nervously, stepping between the two before Wu could offend Elira any further. "I assure you, Your Grace, Master Elira will be just right for your coronation. It will be a very simple, intimate, elegant ceremony—a wonderful day for your kingdom. Just try on the brooch, Your Grace. You will see it looks beautiful ... " 

Gun attempted to pin the earring on Wu, nervously smiling at the annoyed prince. 

"Don't ... touch me." Wu snapped, brushing Gun off and storming away. 

"Wow", Was all Elira could say. 

Guess demanding entitlement ran in the family. 

*

It was now time for the ceremony. In front of City Hall, the stands were filled with people watching the stage where all the more important people sat, like El's family, who were seated beside President Raiko. 

Elira stood at the microphone and made eye contact with Bolin, who was sitting in the stands next to Varrick. He smiled and gave her an encouraging thumbs-up as the band on the side of the stage began playing. Elira winked at him playfully in return. 

"It's a long, long way for Ba Sing Se. But the landscape is pretty, bringing life to the city. And despite which ring, you'll be happy when we sing: Welcome to Ba Sing Se," She sang. 

Behind her, Zira and Zuko shared a smile, remembering when Uncle Iroh used to sing this song during music night on the ship. 

"It's a long, long way from Ba Sing Se. But the road to the city makes the journey so pretty. Mountain, sea, or grass, look beyond The Serpent's Pass. To the glow of Ba Sing Se,"  Elira continued. 

Everyone in the stands looked captivated by her voice, and Bolin stared dreamily up at her. He loved listening to her sing. Not just because she had a beautiful voice but because it made her happy. 

"It's a long, long way to Ba Sing Se. But the girls in the city, they look so pretty. And they kiss so sweet that you've really got to meet the girls from Ba Sing Se," Elira finished. 

The crowd erupted with applause and cheers, with many in the stands, including Bolin, joyfully getting to their feet to give a standing ovation. 

Elira smiled and bowed, laughing slightly when she saw Bolin cheering and waving his arms. 

"Yeah! That's my girlfriend!" He yelled proudly. 

Elira took her seat next to her father and family, who all gave her smiles of approval as Gun and Wu took centre stage. Wu knelt in front of Gun, who held the earring in his hands and pinned it on Wu. 

"Now rise, Wu of the Hou-Ting Dynasty, King of all the Earth Lands and glorious defender of Ba Sing Se. Long may you reign!" Gun announced, and Wu stood up

The crowd applauded again, but not as enthusiastically as they had for Elira. This one was more just to be polite. 

" Go Wu. Woohoo ..." Someone disinterestedly cheered 

" Woohoo ..." Someone else cheered, just as disinterested. 

"Thank you, for that incredibly brief, but very moving ceremony" Wu addressed the crowd "I am touched by the love of my devoted countrymen, who have worked so hard to restore their beloved leader to the throne. One of them deserves special attention." 

Wu turned around. "Kuvira, rise!"

Kuvira got up from her seat on the opposite side of the stage to El and her family and walked over to Wu as the crowd applauded again. 

"For your service to the realm, I would like to present you with the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest honour" Wu placed a fancy gold medal around Kuvira's neck as she bowed to him. 

"Which was somehow not stolen, unlike the royal pinky rings." He muttered in annoyance to himself. 

" Thank you. And if you don't mind, I would like to say a few words." Kuvira asked, straightening up. 

"Why not? We've got six hours to fill ..." Wu pouted, folding his arms. 

Kuvira stepped in front of the microphone and addressed the crowd. "Growing up in Zaofu with Suyin Beifong, I learned that the idea of a royal family passing a title from one generation to the next was archaic. And that technology and innovation should be what drives a nation forward. It was the pathetic rule of kings and queens that caused the Earth Kingdom to descend into such incredible disarray. It's taken me three years to get it back on track, and there is no way I will allow it to slip back into the dark ages." 

Elira's eyes grew wide, a dreadful sensation forming in her stomach as her father exchanged a concerned look with Raiko. 

"I'd like to make an announcement to the world: the Earth Kingdom is no more. And from here on out, this man has no authority!" Kuvira gestured to Wu as the crowd gasped in shock. 

"Wait, what? But I just got the royal brooch!" Wu complained, holding up his earring desperately. 

"I have created a new Earth Empire," Kuvira said, turning back to the crowd. " And I will continue to lead it into the future myself, bringing about a new era of prosperity for my people." 

The crowd cheered and clapped. 

"We love you, Kuvira!" 

Kuvira's men even stood up as they applauded her, though Bolin looked quite worried and only clapped halfheartedly.

"All hail the Great Uniter!" 

Bolin and Elira locked eyes again. Elira shook her head at him with a horrified expression, but Bolin could only give her a helpless look in return. 

"And let me assure my fellow leaders of one thing", Kuvira continued as the cheers died down. She grabbed the medal Wu hung around her neck and pulled it off, breaking the ribbon before letting it hover over her hand. "Anyone who crosses our borders or stands in our way will be crushed." 

To emphasize her point, Kuvira crushed the medal and dropped it on the floor like it was nothing. 

The crowd cheered once more, the flashbulbs of cameras in the crowd casting erratic shadows on the stage. 

"Thank you, Kuvira! All hail the Great Uniter!" The people yelled as Elira shared a worried look with her father beside her. 

One thing was for sure: This was not good. 

*

Later that day, after the train wreck that was supposed to be a coronation had ended, Elira found herself heading to the Republic City Four Elements hotel in search of her boys. She was hoping to invite them to the Noodlery like old times. But as she neared the junior suite where Wu was staying, knowing Mako would be there too, she stopped when she heard raised voices. Peeking around the corner, she saw Mako and Bolin arguing in the hallway. 

"I'm sorry, I don't want to work for your glorious emperor and her military dictatorship!" Mako snapped as Bolin began walking away 

"Fine! I'm going to go back to my awesome train, where we bring freedom wherever we go!" Bolin snapped back, whirling around to glare at his brother. "Enjoy licking the king's boots in your junior suite!" 

With that, Bolin turned and stormed off, and Elira came rushing down the other end of the hall towards Mako. 

"What the flameo was that?" She asked as she joined Mako's side. 

"He's going to keep working with Kuvira" Mako revealed 

Elira's eyes widened in horror 

 "No..." She whispered and took off down the hallway after Bolin

"El, wait!" Mako called, but the airbender ignored him, disappearing around the corner. 

*

"Bolin! Wait up!" Elira shouted, sprinting after the earthbender, her heart racing with urgency.

"Hey—" Bolin turned, his brow furrowing at the distress evident in Elira's eyes. "What's going on?"

"Tell me it's not true," she urged, her voice laced with desperation.

"What's not true?" he replied, confusion clouding his features.

"That you're still going to work for Kuvira after everything that's just happened."

"Oh, not you, too! Come on, I've already had this from Mako!" Bolin groaned. "Listen, I know it looks bad, but this is actually a good thing!"

Elira crossed her arms, disbelief etched on her face. "How is taking over an entire nation a 'good thing'?"

"Because El! Kuvira is helping out all the poor people of the Earth Empire. People like my family," Bolin passionately insisted.

"I think the only person Kuvira is truly helping is herself!" Elira shot back, frustration bubbling over. "Can't you see she's just using you to get what she wants?"

"That's not how I see it! Sure, she might be intense, but she's passionate about her mission. We're making history, El!"

Elira scoffed, shaking her head. "You know what I've learned about history? It's always written by the victors, no matter how horrific the deeds. Just look at what my great-great-grandfather did to the Air Nomads!"

"Kuvira isn't like that!" Bolin protested, his loyalty palpable.

"Isn't she?" Elira pressed, eyes narrowing. "What was it she said? Anyone who stands in your way will be crushed?"

"That was just some tough rhetoric to let the people know that we mean business. Come on, El, we're helping people, just like you and the airbenders," he countered.

"What Kuvira is doing is nothing like the airbenders! We don't conquer nations! We don't force our will on others and call it helping!"

"Neither do we!"

"Yes, you do! Kuvira is a tyrant, Bolin! Plain and simple!"

"No, she's not! What, would you rather some snotty rich bozo rule instead?" Bolin shot back, the conviction in his voice rising.

The two glared at each other, neither willing to back down. Finally, Elira sighed, stepping back as her heart felt heavier than it ever had. She cast her eyes downward, feeling the weight of the moment. "You know what... I can't do this anymore. I'm done."

Bolin paused, sorrow washing over his features. "What are you talking about? Done with what?"

"This!" Elira gestured between them, her voice small and pained. "Us fighting all the time, I hate it."

Bolin fidgeted nervously, his heart racing at the realisation of what was happening. "So... what are we gonna do?"

"It's obvious that as long as you're working with Kuvira, all we're going to do is fight." Elira looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "So choose. Me or Kuvira's Empire? You can't have both."

Bolin's eyes widened in disbelief. "El, I... I don't wanna choose."

"Well, this time, you have to!" Elira snapped, her voice trembling with barely contained emotion. She took a shuddering breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. She knew losing her temper wouldn't do anyone good "I'm sorry, Bolin. I love you; you know I do. I love you more than anything. But I can't stand all this fighting, and as long as you're with Kuvira, that's all it's ever gonna be... What time does Kuvira's train leave?"

"At sunset. Why?" Bolin muttered, fear dancing in his chest.

Elira felt a deep ache consume her as she wrapped her arms around herself, turning away from him. "'Cause I'm going home. I'll be waiting for you by the temple gate. If you're not there by the time the sun sets, you'll have made your choice... and we're over."

"Wha—El, no—!" Bolin's voice cracked as he reached out, desperation written all over his face.

But Elira stepped back, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Bolin. But I can't do this anymore."

With those last words, Elira turned and ran, leaving Bolin alone in the corridor, heartbroken. 

*

True to her word, Elira returned to the island. The sun was beginning to set beneath the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and deep purple. Elira stood by the temple gate, arms crossed tightly as if to hold herself together. The wind played with her hair, but her heart felt heavier than ever. Her eyes were locked on the winding path leading down to the dock, the very place where she had often met him. He'd be there soon. He had to be. It was only a matter of time before she'd see him bounding up the path towards her... right?

Yet, as the sun sank lower, the shadows stretched longer, and the hope that danced in her chest began to flicker like a dying flame. 

"Come on, Bo... Come on," she whispered into the gathering dusk, her voice trembling, barely a breath in the gathering silence.

With a final surrender, the sun vanished completely. Darkness fell, stealing the last remnants of the golden hour along with her hope. 

Elira felt her back hit the cool, unforgiving wood of the gate pillar, and the world around her began to blur. Breathe, she told herself. But the words felt trapped somewhere deep inside. The lump in her throat constricted like a vice, and tears started to spill, blurring her vision until all she could see were the memories—the fun, the shared secrets, the dreams of adventures yet to come.

She slid to the ground, pulling her knees close as if to protect herself from the weight of loss she had never thought she'd bear. Each tear fell like a quiet farewell. Her worst fear had become a painful reality; he was gone. Her best friend, her Bolin... was gone. She'd lost him -- For good. 

Each late-night conversation, childish scheme, and shared moment that had intertwined their lives now flashed before her like delicate, flickering images in a tempest. The sounds of their laughter, which once resonated within her, had turned into haunting whispers echoing in her thoughts, overshadowed by an overwhelming silence. This vast emptiness engulfed her and left her feeling isolated as if a vibrant piece of her essence had been torn away.

For she had lost not just a friend but a piece of herself—a warmth that she would never feel again. Every breath was a painful reminder of what had been taken from her.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the echo of Elira's younger siblings bounding down the path, their voices a stark contrast to her heartache as they yelled -- At her and each other. 

Pabu and Pichi rushed towards her, their excited squeaks and chattering filled with innocent curiosity as they took in the sight of their heartbroken friend. Pabu, ever the affectionate companion, licked her trembling hand, his small gesture an attempt to offer solace. But Elira felt too distant to notice. As she wiped away her tears, each stroke seemed to deepen her sorrow, and she slowly rose to her feet just as her siblings reached her side.

"Found her!" Meelo jumped on Elira's back, clinging to her shoulders.

"Nuh uh, I found her first!" Ikki whined, grabbing Elira's arm and tugging on it.

"Dad said he wanted to talk to all of us under the gazebo, so he sent us to find you," Jinora explained while Ikki and Meelo continued their squabble.

Elira offered no response, just a muted nod. 

Jinora's gaze dropped to her sister's tear-stained cheeks, and she gently placed a hand on Elira's arm that Ikki wasn't trying to rip off. "El, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Elira whispered, shrugging off her siblings. Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away. Her heart weighed down, and her mind swirled with thoughts. She headed toward the temple, which felt more like a prison of memories than a sanctuary.

Her siblings stood there, bewildered and a little hurt, their laughter fading as confusion settled over them.

"What's wrong with El?" Ikki wondered aloud, her youthful innocence clouded by concern.

Jinora kept her eyes locked on the retreating figure of their older sister, worry etched across her features.

"I don't know. But come on, Dad's waiting," she urged,

Silently, the three young airbenders trudged back up the path to the temple, their spirits weighed down by a sorrow they couldn't fully understand. Behind them, Pabu looked longingly toward the docks, a soft squeak escaping his lips as he waited for Bolin to come running up the path.

Pichi chimed in with a screech from behind him as if telling him, "Bolin's not coming" before she scurried after the airbenders. 

Pabu remained for a moment, letting out a forlorn squeak, his ears drooping in sadness as he turned and followed. 

*

Under the gazebo, Tenzin stood facing the ocean. 

"This ... is a mission of the utmost importance. Conflict is coming to the Earth Kingdom, and we need to find the Avatar." He turned his gaze towards his children, who stood in a straight line. While Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo all looked back at their father, Elira kept her gaze directed at the floor, her arms wrapped around herself.

"Can I count on you four to bring Korra home?" Tenzin questioned 

"You can count on one of us. I don't know about these three ladies," Meelo gestured to his sisters, causing Ikki and Jinora to scowl at him. 

Elira remained silent, her heart heavy with unspoken words. She bowed gently and walked away. Her siblings and father stood by, their faces deeply etched with worry as they watched her leave. 

Hey, guys! So, the song El was singing is actually a cover version of Girls from Ba Sing Se, done by Jessica Carey. You can find the full version on YouTube. Anyway, thanks for reading!