Rememberances

At the Sato Mansion, in a small side room that opened onto the pool, Wu and Mako stood dressed in their training gear while Elira sat cross-legged against the wall, watching them and sipping a glass of lemonade.

"You know, there's something about being kidnapped that makes a guy realise he needs to get his act together," Wu said 

"Yeah, I agree. Let's toughen you up." Mako defensively raised his hands.

Elira watched in amusement as Wu copied his actions, already knowing what was going to happen. Mako moved in closer and threw a punch, which hit the prince in the chest. He fell to the ground immediately.

"Daaah, I wasn't ready! Wu down!" He yelled, shrinking into a fetal position on the floor.

Elira chuckled, raising her glass "Mako: 1, Wu: 0"

"What's going on?" Yin gasped, appearing in the doorway behind Mako with Tu, who also had a glass of lemonade with him.

"Mako, how dare you injure the prince!" Yin scolded as she walked over to Wu and cradled him like a mother would their child. "Would his royal highness like a cherry-berry lemonade?"

"And maybe some of those sticky dumplings, too?" Wu asked feebly.

"You've gotta be kidding me?" Elira stood up, standing beside Mako

"Look at you! You're so weak, 'Wu down' is your catchphrase." The firebender huffed, crossing his arms.

"I know, I'm a wimp", Wu sat up "But it's not my fault; I was born that way! I'm not like you guys; I wasn't raised by a pack of cops in the woods or a flock of airbenders in the clouds"

Mako and Elira shared a glance from the corner of their eyes before looking back at the prince.

"You don't know anything about us, do you?" Elira put her hands on her hips.

Wu paused for a second

"Yeah, I'm drawing a blank. Why is that?" Wu stood up "How do I not know stuff about you guys? Or at least Mako? I thought we were closer than that."

"Uhh ... you never asked?" Mako replied

"Well, I'm asking now!" Wu grasped Mako's shoulders "What's your favorite food? What's your favorite color? Is there a special lady in your life?"

"Not since Korra and I broke up." Mako shrugged

"What? You dated the Avatar?"

Wu grabbed the front of Mako's top and pointed at the ground.

"Sit!" he ordered, letting go of Mako and rubbing his hands together. "You and I need to have a little gab session right now!"

The three sat down, facing each other.

"How'd you guys first meet?" Wu asked the duo in front of him.

"Well, I met Korra when we were both still little kids", Elira replied "But Mako and Bolin met her when they were playing for the Fire Ferrets"

Wu looked at Mako, smiling excitedly "You were a pro-bender?"

"Yes", Mako sighed "Will you just let us tell the story?"

"Carry on."

"Bolin and I grew up dirt poor", Mako continued "El did try to help, giving us food and blankets, but I didn't want to rely entirely on her charity"

"It wasn't charity. I was helping my friends," Elira corrected, matter of factly.

"Whatever." Mako rolled his eyes, causing Elira to poke her tongue out at him. "So, once I became a pro-bender, I wanted it all: Riches, fame, accolades. But all that changed when I met Korra."

"Says the guy who brushed her off as a crazy fan girl and ignored her when she tried to say hi", Elira muttered with a smirk, laughing when Mako shoved her playfully.

"Whoa! That was the first time you met? Kind of rude there, buddy!" Wu added

"You know what else is rude? Interrupting," Mako scowled at the two "Anyway, Korra proved to be an amazing pro-bender and a loyal friend. She helped me save Bolin and El when they were taken by the Equalists. After going through such a crazy experience, I felt like Korra and I had a powerful connection."

"So then you smooched her real good, eh?" Wu smirked

"Not exactly," Mako said and recalled the day he first met Asami after she crashed into him on her moped.

"Wait. That was the first thing you said to Asami? You really gotta work on your introductions." Wu interrupted again

"Hey. When you got charm like mine, you don't need introductions," Mako said coolly.

"What 'charm'?" Elira teased

Mako glowered at her before continuing "Hanging out with Asami was awesome. But it made things with Korra...complicated"

"That's an understatement", Elira added and recalled how bluntly Mako had turned Korra down in the locker room.

"That's harsh, Mako," Wu said

"I know. And the worst part about it is, it wasn't totally true," Mako replied and told them about his and Korra's first kiss outside the arena.

"Hot dog! Smooch City, here we come. You player." Wu grinned at the firebender

"Whoa. I thought you were dating Asami." Tu cut in

"He was. And they kissed right in front of Bolin, who by the way, made it pretty clear he had a crush on Korra," Elira revealed

"Bro, uncool" Tu shook his head.

"I didn't know he were there! And Korra kissed me!" Mako argued

"Naughty Mako! You take after your grandfather!" Yin scolded

"Guys, Grandma, everything wasn't so cut and dry. I wasn't dating Asami"

"Right. Because friends go on lunch dates and kiss each other, totally not a couple," Elira smirked sarcastically.

"Denial." Tu sang

"Okaaay, maybe I was dating her; it was all very confusing." Mako admitted, "But my feelings for Korra became clear when Tarrlok captured her and El. It felt like a piece of me was gone."

"Aw, okay, that's sweet" Elira smiled.

"Hoo! I bet Asami wasn't too happy about that." Wu said

"Oh, she wasn't"

Mako looked at the airbender, annoyed "El..."

"Okay. Shutting up," Elira said, holding her hands up in surrender.

Mako then explained the argument he had with Asami, where after he asked if they could speak about their relationship later Asami resorted by telling him there may not be a relationship to worry about.

"Ouch!" Wu winced

"Yep. Turns out she was right. It was time to man up and call it quits." Mako said and recalled his break up with Asami before the team split up to take down Amon.

"Wait. Was that supposed to be you breaking up with her?" Wu asked, looking unconvinced.

"Yes. That was a breakup."

"Didn't sound like a breakup," Tu added.

"It was mutual. We had an understanding! We both knew—Can I just get on with the rest of my story or what?" Mako scowled

"Fine. But I hope you weren't as ambiguous with Korra as you were with Asami." Wu said

"Trust me, I wasn't. Korra and I ended up stopping Amon together, and after that, I was finally able to tell her how I felt. Exactly how I felt." Mako replied

"Awww. And then you two lived happily ever after?" Yin cooed

"Ummmm ..." Mako glanced at Elira, who shrugged in response. He explained how there was a great deal of arguing between him and Korra, before eventually, things became so heated that they broke up in the middle of the police precinct.

"Now that's a breakup!" Wu grinned

"After that, I dove into my work. Someone had been taking out supply ships heading to the Southern Water Tribe. Asami's company was one of the victims, so she and I worked together to catch the perps. The stakeout was the perfect way to get my mind off Korra. It was an intense night. Asami and I discovered the triads had double-crossed us. We barely got away, but by then, Asami's warehouse had been cleared out." Mako said also revealing the kiss he and Asami shared in the warehouse.

Wu stared at him with a smirk while Elira raised an eyebrow in silent disaprovement.

Mako noticed their looks and sighed "I know, I know, don't tell me ... I had no right kissing Asami."

"No, actually, I'm completely fine with that. Wu replied

Elira scowled at the prince "Are you kidding me? Korra had only left a week before; he could've waited at least a month or so."

"Yeah, but he'd officially broken up with Korra, and therefore, he was free to smooch whoever he wished," Wu argued.

"If only it had been that simple." Mako looked down as he explained that when Korra came back, she had lost her memory and didn't remember them breaking up, and Mako didn't tell her otherwise.

Now Wu scowled "Whoa, whoa, whoa! So you were back with Asami, but then Korra came back and thought you guys were still together and you didn't tell her you weren't?"

"Yeah, not your finest moment there, Mako", Elira added

"Just like your grandfather." Yin scolded, glaring at her grandson

"Well, me and Asami were never officially back together."

"Really? That again?" Tu sighed "You know, it seems like you're so afraid to disappoint anyone that you end up disappointing everyone."

"Truer words have never been spoken", Elira agreed

"High-five!" Wu grinned and high-fived Elira and Tu

"Well, eventually, I did tell Korra. But by then, she already knew. After Harmonic Convergence, the world changed. Team Avatar traveled around, searching for new airbenders. At first, it was awkward being around Korra and Asami."

Elira let out a laugh "Ha! That's for sure!"

She saluted, lowering her voice mockingly "As you were ladies. I'm going back to sleeping under my desk and distancing myself from my friends, 'cause it's too awkward"

Wu and Tu both began to snicker at her impression of Mako.

"Moving on" The firebender scowled and playfully shoved her head, making her laugh. "I realised I had to figure out who I was without a lady in my life."

"I know what that's like." Wu smirked, stretching his arms before elaborating, "I mean, to need distance from women – Because I have so many, all over me, all the time. In fact, I'm surprised Ellie's not all over me right now"

Elira stared at him, deadpan. "Believe me, I'm holding myself back, " she said sarcastically.

"Anyway, I eventually helped Korra defeat Zaheer and save El's family and the airbenders. And we did it as friends. Korra showed me the importance of putting others before myself, and whenever I think of her, she continues to inspire me."

"Wow! That story is amazing, and I really learned something!" Wu proclaimed, standing up

"You did? Good" Mako smiled, standing up with Elira.

"Yeah! I learned that I really didn't know anything about you! Crazy!" Wu declared, "Also, I realised that ladies are complicated. No offense, Grandma."

"None taken." Yin smiled

"I better just focus on being a better king." Wu grinned and took a battle stance again "Okay, come at me. I can take it."

Mako glanced at Elira before punching Wu's shoulder, knocking him to the ground again.

"Aahhhhh! Wu down!" The prince wailed, shrinking into a fetal position again.

"Mako: 2, Wu: 0" Elira smirked, chuckling at the end as Yin scowled and slapped Mako's arm harshly.

*

It was now lunchtime, and Yin had insisted that Elira stay and eat with the family. The sun filtered through the grand dining room windows, casting warm rays over the polished table, where a delectable spread of dishes waited. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of roasted vegetables and savory noodles.

"Come on, Mako, do you genuinely believe you could beat me in a duel? I've been trained almost since birth," Elira teased, her bright eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mako rolled his eyes, the corners of his lips twitching upward.

"Yeah, but you forget, El, I've known you since we were both kids. I know what you're like and how you fight. You're basically predictable at this point," he shot back before taking a bite of his food.

"Well, if I'm so predictable, how come you never see it coming when I trip you and knock you on your butt?" Elira smirked "I've been doing it since we met. You should've learned by now"

Wu, seated to Mako's right at the head of the table, leaned in with curiosity, his interest piqued.

"Wait, wait! How did you two meet? This sounds like a story I need to hear! " His tone was animated, and he gestured dramatically, causing a piece of sushi to nearly topple off his plate.

Chow chuckled from Elira's left, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Yeah, I'd like to know that too. You two seem so close."

"Oh, we met when we were kids. I had just escaped from this super boring council meeting my dad dragged me to," Elira started explaining.

"Why were you in a council meeting if you were a kid?" Tu cut in

"My dad wanted me to take his place as representative once I was old enough. Anyway, I was flying around the city when I found Bolin and Mako trying to steal food from an angry shop owner. I don't know why I stepped in, but I'm glad I did, 'cause from that day, we were the best of friends. I was even their 'cheerleader' for the Fire Ferrets", Elira smiled.

"Aw, that is so sweet", Wu cooed.

"So, El, I've got to ask, all these years, did anything ever happen between you two?" One of Mako's aunts asked, gesturing between Elira and Mako.

"I wouldn't be surprised after learning Mako's dating history", Wu smirked.

Mako scowled at the prince "Nothing ever happened between us. In fact, El's always been like the really annoying little sister I never wanted"

Elira scoffed and threw a pea from her plate at the firebender, who moved his head to avoid it.

"And you, the annoying older brother I got stuck with" She smirked at him before turning to his relatives "But in all seriousness, no matter what trouble Bolin and I found ourselves in, like when we were captured by the Equalists, no matter how scared I felt, I knew Mako would find us – even if he did want to strangle us afterwards"

"Now that's an understatement", Mako teased, and Elira poked her tongue out at him playfully.

"What about you and Bolin?" Wu asked, "How did an idiot like him score a dame like you?"

"Don't call him that. And don't call me 'a dame' either", Elira scowled at the prince.

"Alright, sorry. But, come on, Ellie, I've heard Mako's epic love story. I wanna know yours," Wu persisted.

"You know what, I'd like to hear this story too. How did you and Bolin get together?" Tu added, and now the entire table was looking at the airbender, eager to hear the tale.

Elira hesitated. "Well, as you might have guessed, Bo and I, we were always a duo. While I saw Mako as an older brother, Bolin, he...He was simply Bo. The lovable goofball who always had my back. After the kidnapping ordeal with Amon, I tried to hide how frightened I felt. But Bolin saw right through my act... I know now that was the moment I realised I saw him as more than just my best friend – I loved him."

"And that's when your beautiful romance began", Yin cut in with a smile.

"Not exactly", Elira replied "See, I couldn't tell him how I really felt because, at the time, he was crushing big time on Korra. Yes, it hurt seeing him pinning over another woman, but I tried not to let it bother me too much. I just wanted him to be happy. I think that's why I kept quiet about Korra's obvious feelings for Mako"

"Yikes, major love triangle there", Wu interrupted.

"More of a squiggle than a triangle", Elira said "But I'll admit that keeping it secret may not have been the best decision. By trying to put Bolin's happiness first, it only ended up hurting him. I felt so guilty after that. If I had just told him about Korra's feelings rather than let him find out on his own, I could have spared him that heartache"

"And then you told him how you felt" Yin smiled eagerly.

Elira sighed "No, Yin. I didn't"

"Oh, come on!" Wu threw his hands up, exasperated "Why not?"

"Because! He was just getting over Korra, and besides, I didn't want to ruin an already perfect friendship. Honestly, if it came down to it, I would've happily loved him in secret for the rest of my life rather than risk losing him." Elira revealed before sighing to calm herself.

"But when Bolin started going out with Eska, I knew I had to try and move on from him. I even started kinda sorta dating Eska's twin brother, Desna, hoping he would make me forget about Bolin, which, I know, was also a stupid thing to do. Thankfully, we parted on good terms despite it.

Things didn't get much better when we returned to Republic City. Everything was changing so fast and so suddenly that I could barely keep up. Bolin was so busy as an up-and-coming mover star, and I was so focused on my band and my music that we barely had any time for each other. To make matters worse, all the fame and attention Bolin was receiving from the movers was going to his head. He even stood me up at the Noodelry. Thankfully, Tahno showed up, so it wasn't a total waste of time," Elira smiled.

"Speaking of Tahno..." One of Mako's female cousins spoke up, smirking, "I've heard rumours that you and him were an item a few years back."

Mako looked at his friend in shock "You dated Tahno?"

"Ellie, colour me surprised", Wu smirked teasingly, and Elira's cheeks flushed.

"Wait, you've got it all wrong! Nothing happened with Tahno and me! Let me explain..." She waved her arms animatedly "Yes, okay, I'll admit, back then I did start to have a crush on him a little bit"

"El!" Mako exclaimed in shock.

"Let me finish" Elira scowled at him. "I know what he and the other Wolf Bats did at the Pro-bending championship was horrible, believe me. I made it clear I still wasn't happy about that. But moving past that, I found they weren't that bad; in fact, they were really fun to hang out with, and Tahno was actually really sweet. Yes, I did have a little crush on him. But it never went anywhere, I swear. Truth is, just like with Desna, no matter what I felt for Tahno, my feelings for Bolin were...stronger – Even if he was driving me crazy with his attitude and obliviousness to Ginger's true motives"

"And I bet it was your jealousy that finally led you to proclaim your love." Wu smiled.

"Yes and no." Elira scratched the back of her neck before recalling the huge fight she and Bolin had, during which she had basically screamed at him that she loved him—the real him, not the joke he had become.

"Wow! Now that's a love confession! Totally worth the wait!" Wu grinned

"It did feel kinda good to get it off my chest", Elira chuckled.

"And then you got together?" Chow asked, and the entire family leaned in excitedly

Elira sighed "No"

The entire family groaned in frustration, leaning back in their seats.

"In fact, we never really got the chance after that to sit and talk about what happened because things got really crazy after that," Elira said, explaining the whole Unalaq kidnapping Jinora and scheming to release Vaatu to plunge the world into 10,000 years of darkness. "I was so worried about rescuing my little sister that I couldn't focus on anything else until I knew she was safe"

"Aw", Wu cooed

"But when things finally calmed down and Jinora and the world were safe, Bolin and I had our moment in the Tree of Time." Elira smiled softly as she remembered their first kiss.

"Finally!" Wu cheered along with the rest of the family.

"It was both the worst and the best day of my life all in one", Elira added.

"Now that's a love story", Wu smiled

Yin grinned, putting her hands together "And you lived happily ever after"

Elira's happy expression quickly disappeared "For a time..."

Everyone else's excited looks also fell as Elira continued the story.

"While we were searching for airbenders, everything was perfect between us, even when I let my insecurities get the better of me at times. And when I was brainwashed by the Earth Queen and her Dai Li agents, it was Bolin who ultimately snapped me out of it"

Yin gasped and stood up "Her majesty would never do such a thing! How dare you tarnish the Queen's good name?"

The table just sighed, not wanting to deal with that argument. Wu, however, looked at Elira in surprise.

"My aunt...really did that to you? I had no idea," He said quietly, his eyes wide in disbelief.

"It's alright, Wu. I didn't expect you to...It's not something I like to bring up a lot." Elira smiled at the prince. "Anyway, after Zaheer was defeated and Kuvira rose to power, things started falling apart between us. It reached a point where every time I saw him, we did nothing but argue"

Elira sighed and looked down at the table sadly "I just wish I could take it all back – fought harder to convince him to stay...Maybe then we wouldn't have lost him"

Mako reached across the table and held Elira's hand comfortingly, causing her to look up.

"It wasn't your fault. Bolin made his choice; there was nothing more you could've done" He said, "We can only hope he comes to his senses and comes home"

Elira smiled gratefully at her friend.

Yin then abruptly put her hands together loudly, prompting everyone to look at her and see the giant grin on her face.

"Well, that settles it. You officially have my blessing," She declared

Elira shared a confused glance with Mako.

"Your blessing?" She repeated

"What are you talking about, Grandma? Your blessing for what?" Mako asked.

Yin simply continued to smile "To marry Bolin, of course!"

Elira's face went bright red in both shock and embarrassment, and she began stuttering, "We–I never–He never–I don't–"

"Mom, they broke up, remember?" Chow reminded the old woman

"Yes, but it's for when Bolin comes home, and they get back together."

As those around her began attempting to make Yin understand that it was unlikely Bolin and El would get back together, even if he did return home, Elira sat back in her chair, lost in thought.

It had never crossed her mind before: the idea of marriage, of settling down. But it made sense; she was getting older. Yet, was it even something she truly wanted? Better still, was it something Bolin had wanted – to get married, settle down, and build a life together?

Guess she'll know...

*

On the boat sailing towards Republic City, Baraz was telling his own story to a circle of bored refugees who were sprawled out in a circle; some were barely listening, while others were sleeping. Bolin rested his head on his hands as Varrick lounged comfortably beside him.

And that's when I made a solemn vow never to eat bark-onion soup again. Been six years, four months and fourteen days ..." Baraz closed his eyes and shuddered in disgust "Urgh! "I can still taste it."

"Does anyone else feel like throwing themselves overboard?" Bolin lifted his head, talking to the whole group.

"Not me!" Varrick pointed to himself as he sat up "I've spent the last few hours tuning out all these incredibly boring stories"

"Hey!" Baraz scowled, offended.

But Varrick ignored him and stood up, "All the while mentally composing the most exciting tale ever told, soon to become the greatest mover ever made!"

He leapt enthusiastically into the centre of the ring of bored refugees, his arms out spread.

"I present to you now: – "Varrick made a screen with his arms, smiling at a wondering Bolin " – Bolin as Nuktuk, Hero of the South— Trademark Varrimovers International— in the incredible true story of Bolin! Hero of the world!"

Bolin looked confused "Wait, am I playing Nuktuk, or is Nuktuk playing me?"

Varrick looked at the earth bender and held up his hands, framing him in an imaginary shot "Both. It's your true story, but we'll capitalise on the audience of the Nuktuk franchise"

He sagged down with an annoyed look, as if it were obvious, "Duh!"

But Bolin wasn't excited; he looked guilty "How can you call me 'the hero of the world'? I left my friends and family to join up with a psychotic dictator who imprisoned me, and now, I'm running back home with my tail between my legs"

"Nyahbabababab! You're emphasising the wrong story beads. Let me tell it," Varrick said before addressing the entire group "The story of Bolin begins in an exotic port of call. A wise sage, the richest merchant in the world, and a handsome devil all sit on a single pillow in the living room of a luxury yacht! How do they all fit on one pillow?"

"Ooh! Giant pillow!" Bolin called out

"Wrong! They're all the same man! Me! I try to teach a swami the power of levitation, but he's too stupid to understand it, so I kick him out. "Upon whom can I bestow my awesome knowledge?" I ask myself. Then, in walks Nuktuk, with a twinkle in his eye, not one, but two gorgeous dames on his arm, and a song on his lips. He bursts into a rapturous melody!" Varrick then put his hand on his chest dramatically as he began singing, "Where can I find my teacher? –"

"Oh, come on!" Bolin stood up and approached the man "I wasn't singing, you were not levitating, and Asami is just a friend, thank you very much."

"Well, you had Ellie with you, so I was half-right", Varrick pouted.

Bolin turned away from him, looking up with a wistful smile. "If you want to tell my true story, you should start from when I met El. She appeared like an angel sent by the heavens to help two lowly street urchins one fateful day—"

"Bo-ring!" Baraz interrupted, "When does the singing start?"

"There wasn't any singing!"

All the refugees broke into a chorus of boos at the same time, some even giving Bolin a thumbs-down sign much to his surprise.

"You're on-screen talent, kid. Leave the storytelling to the masters," Varrick said before diving into his version of the story again "So, the trouble begins when the Avatar is trapped in the Spirit World. The world's most evil villains realise that with Korra out of the way, the time is right to try to take out Bolin. So, the worst of the worst team up. They're led by Zaheer, leader of the Red Lotus and master of the skies, a flying chaotic chaos machine! He's joined by Vaatu, the ultimate force of pure spirit evil in the universe. The biggest, meanest, scariest kite that ever flew!"

"Wait! Zaheer didn't team up with Vaatu. How would that even happen?" Bolin questioned

"How do you think?" Varricked replied, as if it were obvious, before continuing his tale, making up how Zaheer phoned Vaatu while he was trapped in the tree of time and they planned to team up with – "Amon! The reanimated of the bloodbending leader of the Equalists! And the evil Unalaq. The diabolical but incredibly boring and unpopular sorcerer from the north, who's listening in on the other line!"

Varrick persisted with his story, telling how Unalaq apparently spent his life trying to defeat Bolin and knew the place to find him would be with all the beautiful ladies.

"Yes, Bolin had a reputation as the world's greatest ladies' man," Varrick smirked.

"Oooh, now the story's getting interesting", Bolin grinned.

"After leaving the beautiful but emotionally unstable Water Tribe princess at the altar, he realises his true feelings for his best friend: a fetching airbender, the heir to the awesome legacy of Avatar Aang"

Bolin sighed longingly "El. So smart and fun and caring, so pretty to smell" He suddenly burst into tears, his rambling becoming more high-pitched "And she'll probably never talk to me again because I'm so stupid! Stupid! So, so, so stupid"

"Pull it together, you leaky lug." Varrick looked at him, irked, before continuing as Bolin silently cried in the corner behind him.

"But the darkest moment is always right before the dawn! For at his lowest point, Bolin sought advice from the man who started it all, the wisest of the wise—Me!—for some of my signature sage advice! Nuktuk, I mean Bolin, there's only one thing for you to do if you want to save the Avatar and defeat the "Fearsome Foursome —" Varrick paused to mutter to himself " —I'm not really sure if I like "Fearsome", I mean, "Evil Squared" might be better. Whatever— You have to assemble the fighting-est airbender army of all time! But it turns out the airbender recruits are a sorry lot, so Bolin brings them to a secret mountaintop training facility, where he teaches them the ancient art of dodging fruit and balancing on sticks! Meanwhile, back with Zombie Amon ..."

He then imagined yet another silly phone call between Amon, Vaatu, and Zaheer in which they tried to ditch Unalaq.

"And with danger closing in, Ellie realises how much she loves Bolin and forgives him for whatever stuff he was talking about earlier, which will probably not be in the final cut of the mover anyway."

Bolin turned away from the corner, tears and snot running down his face, but a hopeful look now in his eyes. "She does?"

"Awww!" The group of refugees cooed.

"And she kisses Bolin, magically passing on the airbender power of flight!" Varrick declared, posing as if he were a bird, his hand on his head to imitate plumage and his lips pursed in the kiss he mentioned.

"Okay, that part seems a little unbelievable," Bolin said

But Varrick was on a roll and wasn't at all dissuaded by the earthbender

"This is no time for thinking, kid! We're heading into the big finale! Bolin gathers his airbender army to fight alongside Rotan and Juji against the Terror Square! Maybe that's the name of the bad guys, "Terror Square"! What about "Legion of Darkness"? Well, we'll put a focus group on it.

Bolin teaches the airbenders to create a giant tornado. Then he flies around in the sky, pushes Zaheer into it, turning him into wind, forever! But Bolin doesn't realise that the Universal Interplanetary Combination Zero-Hour—talk about a ticking clock—is almost upon him! And when Juji shoots his laser eyes at the evil Unalaq, the beams accidentally fly into the magic spirit doorway! They bounce off Vaatu, setting him free, and hit Bolin, turning him into a giant! But when Vaatu is set free, the evil Unalaq, who has always been an annoyingly clingy person, is so close to Vaatu that they combine into one horrifying monster!

Giant Bolin and the evil UnaVaatu fight toe-to-toe, zapping each other with their laser beams as they stomp around Republic City! It looks like the evil UnaVaatu might win! But thankfully, Bolin's spiritual mojo is so strong that he attracts the queen of the fairies! Who is, in fact, a close relative of his dear Ellie.

With her help, Bolin turns UnaVaatu into magic dust and sprays him into the sky. And that's where the stars come from. Oh yeah, and he turns into a dragon, and he goes into the Spirit World, and he saves the Avatar. The end!"

After a moment, all the refugees rose to their feet, happily applauding Varrick's story. Bolin also rose to his feet, looking confused and incredulous.

"Wait! You like that?" He questioned as the applause died down "It didn't make any sense! What about Zombie Amon? What happened to him, huh? And-and-and-and stars are magic fairy dust?"

He walked over to Baraz, clutching the front of his ragged shirt "Are you guys crazy?"

He turned his head to look at Ahnah "Are you crazy?"

"It's just a mover," Baraz said calmly as Bolin let go of him. Don't overthink it. It's like a ride."

Varrick suddenly jumped up behind Bolin, putting his arm around his shoulder "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, kid!"

Bolin did not look amused.