Civil Wars - Part 2

After speaking to Eska, Elira caught up with the boys and Asami as Korra had gone to see her parents. Bolin was thrilled to hear Eska would at least listen to him about breaking up. The team were now all waiting in Varrick's mansion as Asami was going to be closing a deal with the man and wanted her friends present. 

Bolin was lounging on a couch while Elira sat on his stomach with Pabu in her lap and Pichi on her shoulder, trying to come up with a name for their team. The original Team Avatar had been nicknamed "The Gaang", so Elira felt it only fitting they too had a nickname. 

"How about "The Krew"? Because we're a crew and instead of the "C" we put a "K", for Korra" The airbender suggested, scratching under Pabu's chin and making the ferret chitter happily. 

"Ooh, that's a good one" Bolin smiled up at her 

Asami suddenly sighed in annoyance "Where's Varrick? We should've closed our deal an hour ago." 

"I'm sure he'll be here soon, Asami" Elira reassured her 

"Yeah, would you relax? This place is great" Bolin grinned " And the best part about it, Eska doesn't know I'm here" 

The door suddenly opened revealing Eska, Desna, and several Northern Water Tribe soldiers! 

Bolin stood up so fast, causing Elira to fall to the ground with a yelp. 

"Ee-yah. I wasn't hiding. Hey, hey-hey, hey" He laughed nervously 

"I'm not on the hunt for you...Currently" Eska narrowed her eyes, her gaze flicking briefly to El on the floor. 

"We search for Varrick. Our father wishes him to stand trial." Desna announced, his gaze also flickering to Elira as Bolin helped her up. 

"What did he do?" Asami asked as the soldiers searched the room 

"He is a traitor to the Water Tribe, along with our aunt and uncle" Eska revealed 

"What?" Elira gasped 

"Korra's parents were arrested?" Mako added 

"Yes. Your powers of deduction are impressive." Desna sarcastically replied 

" Yeah, he's a cop." Bolin pointed to his brother with his thump.

"Varrick's not here." The soldiers returned to the twins 

"Very well. Desna, let us continue our search elsewhere" As the two turned to leave, Eska whirled around at Bolin again 

" Boyfriend! Bow to me when I exit" She demanded 

" Yes, yes, my sweet koala otter." Bolin knelt on the floor, bowing as Elira narrowed her eyes at the princess. 

Was she serious? 

"You are so cute when you grovel." Eska finally turned and left, closing the door behind her

"Don't let her treat you that way. Stand up for yourself." Asami encouraged once they were gone 

"I tried to break up with her, but Mako gave me terrible advice. Thank you, Mako" Bolin stood up scowling as he crossed his arms

"Wait, how are your girl problems my fault?" Mako questioned 

"Bolin, you need to be honest with her. Tell her how you really feel." Asami advised 

"Exactly, and hopefully this time, she'll listen to you" Elira added, placing a hand on Bolin's shoulder 

"Honesty is for fools, kid" A muffled voice suddenly called out surprising the group 

"Varrick?" 

"If you want to ditch this girl, then make yourself scarce. Disappear, like I did" Varrick's muffled voice continued as the teens looked around for him.  

"Where are you?" Asami questioned 

"Somewhere Unalaq will never find me--Inside Ping-Ping! How we doin'?" Varrick's head suddenly appeared from a stuffed platypus bear's mouth

"The coast is clear. You can come out." Mako said as they walked up to the man hiding in the giant stuffed animal. 

"No way, mister. Not until I know it's absolutely 157% safe" Varrick refused 

 Zhu Li's hand then appeared in the bear's mouth with a cup of tea" Ah! Thank you, Zhu Li" 

"Zhu Li's in there too?" Elira lent closer to the bear's midsection "Hi, Zhu Li!" 

"Hello, El" The woman's voice came from inside the bear making the airbender giggle 

"Zhu Li never leaves my side" Varrick smiled before taking a sip of tea.

He quickly spat it out in disgust "Yuck! Pyugh! Pyuck! You forgot the honey!" 

" Sorry, sir. There isn't any in here." Zhu Li replied 

"No honey? We're in a bear for crying out loud!" Varrick exclaimed 

"I'm gonna go see how Korra's doing" Mako announced before walking out 

"Bolin, El, I got a little something for you 'round back," Varrick said and the platypus bear's tail lifted up, letting a stack of paper yuans fall out.

Bolin bent down to pick up the money, Elira kneeling beside him " Wow!" 

"Now listen up. Unalaq's rigged this trial, no doubt about it. So I need you two to make sure my trusty rebels stay out of prison" Varrick instructed 

"What's the money for?" Elira asked as she and Bolin stood up. 

" Bribery, of course! There's always someone willing to look the other way for a few yuans" Varrick laughed 

" I think we catch your drift, Varrick-bear." Bolin shared a smirk with Elira

*

Back at the Southern Air Temple, Tenzin continued his search for Ikki. 

"Ikki! Ikki, where are you?" Three ring-tailed winged lemurs then landed on him, annoying him "Shoo! Go bother someone else" 

He scowled as the lemurs clung to him " You three are worse than Kya, Ursa and Bumi" 

"Okay, everybody here?" The sound of Ikki's voice suddenly caught his attention 

"Ikki!  Oh, thank goodness." He sighed in relief, following the sound of his daughter's voice. 

"Juniper Lightning bug, paws off the table!" Ikki scolded. She was in a cave, seated around a raised platform with four other sky bison calves." This is going to be a civilized breakfast. Daddy always says a blessing before we eat, so ..." 

One of the calves stumbled over one of their siblings 

"Be quiet and listen up!" Ikki yelled and the two calves looked at her 

Tenzin came running into the cave but stopped by the entrance and smiled, watching his daughter 

"We are thankful for this super yummy food and for being the best-est new friends in the world. But we are most thankful because Meelo and Jinora aren't here because they stink" 

Tenzin frowned at this as Ikki finally noticed him 

"Oh! Hi, Daddy. I guess you found me. Do I have to go now?"

"Actually, is there room for one more?" Tenzin asked, walking further in 

"Uh, sure. You can sit next to Blueberry Spicehead." Ikki smiled 

"Nice to meet you, Blueberry Spicehead." Tenzin sat next to the calf who looked at him 

"And that's Princess Rainbow, and that's Twinkle Starchild, and that's Juniper Lightning Bug. They're my new brothers and sisters." Ikki introduced, pointing at each calf 

"New ones, huh? Can they be my new brothers and sisters too?" Tenzin asked 

"Maybe, but only if they say it's okay" Ikki leaned over to the bison calf sitting to her left, and started to listen to it " Uh-huh, uh-huh. No, no, he's nice... They say it's okay" 

*

It was time for the trial. Everyone was gathered in a courtroom in the Southern Water Tribe palace. The rebels and Korra's parents were all seated at the very front in handcuffs, while Korra watched from the side with Mako and Unalaq, a worried look on her face. 

In the crowd, Bolin and El sat next to Asami.

"We're good to go. We gave all the money to some guys over there. We told them to "take care of it", and then we winked. Pretty sure they got the message" Bolin explained, smirking along with Elira, obviously pleased with themselves. 

Asami looked over, seeing two shady-looking characters counting the money with grins. 

They smiled over at Bolin and El with thumbs up. The two returned the gesture while the gavel was hammered, and Asami facepalmed. 

"This trial will now come to order! Judge Hotah presiding" The law clerk announced as a serious-looking old man settled into the judge's chair at the centre of the dais.

Bolin and Elira's eyes widened in realisation 

"Man! We should have paid him!" Bolin cried 

"Yeah, you think?" Asami sighed, annoyed 

"I knew we shouldn't have given the money to those guys. But you were so persistent you were right" Elira crossed her arms 

"I thought I was" Bolin looked nervous as Unalaq went to give his testimony.

"I was asleep in my chambers when the rebels attacked. They overpowered me, and the next thing I remember was waking up in the snow after Avatar Korra had saved me." He explained 

Korra was up next, standing in front of the judge. 

"According to Unalaq's testimony, you attended a meeting where Varrick tried to incite a civil war. Is that true?" Hotah questioned 

"Yes" Korra looked down 

"And where these men present at that meeting?"  

"Well, yes, but -" 

"And where exactly did this meeting take place?" 

"Objection!" Bolin yelled, standing up 

"Quiet down out there!" Hotah snapped and Bolin sat down 

"I'll ask you one more time. Where did the meeting happen?"

Korra cast her eyes down, sadly "...My parents' house." 

"And who led this meeting?" 

"Your honour, if I may?" Elira stood up this time

"May what?" Hotah glared at the airbender 

"May I ... declare a mistrial?" She asked hesitantly 

"Sit down!" 

 Elira slumped back into her seat next to her friends. 

"Varrick and your father led the meeting, didn't they?" Hotah questioned Korra 

"My parents are innocent!" Korra yelled 

"I've heard all I need to. I'll return shortly with my decision." Hotah stood up as Korra looked down, worried. 

*

Once everyone was dismissed, El walked into the hallway and spotted Desna standing alone. His sister was nowhere to be seen which was a rare sight. He quickly noticed her presence. 

"Elira" The prince walked over

"Hey, Desna. Have you seen Bo? I can't find him anywhere" El asked, glancing around

"He is conversing with Eska at this current time"

Elira nodded, silently preying Eska wouldn't freak out on Bolin and listen to him like she said she would.

"Elira, I must confess something to you," Desna said bringing the airbender's attention back to him.

"Yeah, me too" She sighed "But you go first" 

"Elira, you are unlike any girl I have ever encountered. At our first meeting, it was your beauty that bewitched me. But as we spent time together, I came to appreciate your light, your kindness and your loyalty to your loved ones"

Elira watched in silent panic as Desna pulled something out of his pocket.

"Over the short time we have known each other, I have fallen so helplessly and I understand that I will never find another like you. So, Elira..."

The prince revealed what was in his pocket, holding it up for her to see.

A betrothal necklace!

"Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife and joining me in the North?"

"Oh, man! I should've gone first!"Elira cried, her eyes wide with panic " Listen, Desna, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. But I can't. It's not you, really, you're a great guy, it's just that--"

"Your heart is already owned by another" Desna said, looking down and Elira stared at him in slight shock 

"I am aware of your affections toward your earthbender companion. The way in which you gaze at him when you think no one is watching made it clear" Desna revealed and Elira blushed. 

How come everyone else seemed to notice her feelings but Bolin continued to remain oblivious?  

"I had foolishly hoped that by spending time together you would see how compatible we were. It would appear I was wrong" Desna admitted, looking down slightly 

Elira sighed again and glanced at her feet in shame "Honestly, the reason I agreed to go to dinner with you was that I was trying to forget my feelings for Bolin. I was so scared of ruining my friendship with him, that I didn't think of how it would affect you. I was stupid and only thinking of myself with no regard for your feelings. I should never have done that, it wasn't fair to you and I apologise greatly for it"  

Elira placed her hands together and bowed in apology.

Desna was silent for a moment before replying "I accept your apology" 

Elira looked up at the prince shocked "What? Aren't you mad at me?" 

"No. I could never hold any resentment towards you, Elira. But while this does pain me greatly, I know seeing you content with another will be more satisfying than you being miserable with me"

Elira smiled gratefully and hugged the prince tightly "Thank you, Desna. I know one day you will find that special someone"

Pulling back, Elira pecked Desna on the cheek as a goodbye before she skipped down the hallway. Leaving a very flustered prince behind.

*

Back in the courtroom, all the defendants now stood before Judge Hotah. Elira was sat in the crowd once again with Mako and Asami but Bolin wasn't anywhere to be seen. The airbender glanced around the crowd of people but found no sign of her best friend. 

"Hey, do either of you know where Bo disappeared to?" She whispered to her friends. 

"I haven't seen him since earlier. He's probably in the bathroom" Mako replied 

"Probably" Elira muttered, turning back to the front 

"Senna, please step forward" Hotah ordered 

Senna stepped forward, glancing worriedly at her husband

" I have found you ... innocent. You are free to go" Hotah declared 

"Korra!" Senna quickly ran to her daughter, hugging her once a guard had removed her handcuffs. 

"On the charge of treason, you are all found ... guilty" The crowd burst into mutters

"The punishment for this crime ... is death." 

Elira gasped, standing along with Mako and Asami as  Mako as Korra and Senna looked on with utter shock and disbelief. Tonraq simply closed his eyes and bowed his head. 

"You can't do this!" Korra yelled as Hotah stood up to leave "You take their lives, and I'll take yours!" 

"Korra, calm down. I'll talk to him" Unalaq said before approaching the judge " I know I promised to respect whatever decision you made, but I must ask you to reconsider. Show these men and my brother mercy" 

Hotah thought for a moment "Very well. I'll change their punishment. Your lives will be spared, but you will live them out in prison." 

The rebels and Tonraq heaved a sigh of relief 

Unalaq walked back over to Korra and her mother as Tonraq and the rebels were led away. 

"Thank you, Uncle." Korra smiled 

* 

Back in the cave, Ikki was playing with the bison calves by bending a ball of air which they chased, while Tenzin was petting another calf.

"You like that, don't you, Blueberry Spicehead? Yes, you do" He cooed and the calf snuggled against him "You know, I could get used to it here. No one's yelling at me or telling me I'm delusional" 

"We should have Uncle Bumi, Kya and Aunt Ursa come visit. I bet they'd like it too" Ikki smiled 

"Let's not. They'll only spoil our good mood. " Tenzin replied 

"What do you mean? Kya and Aunt Ursa are super nice and pretty and always ask me how I'm feeling, and Uncle Bumi is, like, the funniest person in the world" The little girl grinned 

"But what about Meelo? He's hilarious too, you never know what's going to come out of his mouth. And Jinora can be so sweet and gentle" 

" And mean. And bossy" Ikki scowled 

"Hmm, then what about Elira? I recall you saying you wanted to be just like her when you grow up?" Tenzin smiled 

"Well, I do, but..."Ikki frowned sadly and turned away. 

"But what? What is it?" Tenzin asked

"...I don't think El wants to be part of our family anymore" Ikki admitted 

Tenzin was shocked "What? Why would you think that? Elira loves our family and you very much" 

"But she didn't even want to come with us on vacation. She hasn't called us either. I think she's forgotten all about us" Ikki looked down. 

Tenzin looked even more concerned "Do Jinora and Meelo feel this way too?"

Ikki nodded silently and Tenzin sighed. It was clear that his kids just missed their big sister. They weren't used to not seeing her for so long. 

"Ikki, Elira stayed behind because I asked her to. She wanted to join us, but I convinced her to stay and help Korra. As for not calling, she hasn't forgotten us, I'm sure she is just busy" He explained

"Being part of a family is hard, huh, Daddy?" Ikki asked

"I couldn't agree with you more." 

The calf which Tenzin was petting suddenly woke up as the groans of two adult bison were heard outside the cave. 

The calf flew out of the cave with its siblings, reuniting with their parents who were waiting for them. 

"But, I guess the nice part about a family is they'll always be there for you. Even though Twinkle Starchild and Princess Rainbow fight, they still love each other." Ikki smiled as one of the caves was biting its sibling's ear before they began chasing each other.

"That's very wise of you, Ikki." Tenzin looked down at his daughter, proudly

"We should probably head back, huh?" 

"I suppose. We can't hide in this cave forever" Tenzin held Ikki's hand as they began heading back to the Temple.  "Don't worry, Daddy. We'll come back and visit Blueberry Spicehead. I know you really bonded with her." Ikki said 

"Yes, I'd like that." 

*

In Air Temple Sanctuary,  Bumi stood alone, looking at the statue of his father. 

"Uh ... hey there, Dad. You're looking well" He joked before sighing "...Look, uh, I'm sorry I didn't turn out to be an airbender like you hoped. But I've tried my best to keep the world safe. Hope I made you proud." 

"Of course, he'd be proud of you, Bumi." The sound of Ursa's voice made him jump and turn around, seeing his sister standing by the entrance. 

"Ursa, I-I was just, uh ... cleaning off Dad's statue" Bumi chuckled, wiping off Aang's statue " It's so dusty in here" 

Ursa just smiled sadly and walked up to her older brother "Come here" 

She hugged him tightly, making him smile, hugging her back "Thanks, Ursa. You always know when I need a hug" 

The sound of footsteps was heard and someone coughed, gaining their attention. Turning to the entrance again, they spotted Zira watching them with a small sad smile. 

"Mom! We-We were just..." Bumi stammered 

"It's alright, Bumi, I heard everything," Zira said, walking up to stand between her children, looking up at the statue of her late husband.

"Ursa's right, you know. He was proud. Extremely proud of both of you. As am I" She smiled, not taking her eyes off Aang's face as Ursa stared at her shocked. 

"When I first told Aang I was pregnant with Bumi, he was overjoyed. I don't think I'd ever seen him so happy.  I knew at that moment that I would make sure none of you grew up the way I did. The way your Uncle Zuko and Aunt Azula did. I was determined that you would know how much we both loved you." Zira then sighed and looked down saddened

"Mom, you don't have to" Ursa placed a hand on her mother's shoulder, knowing how traumatic her past was. 

 "It's alright, Ursa" Zira smiled at her daughter "I was never close with my father growing up. The only father figure I had was your grandpa Iroh. So I tried extremely hard to have us spend time together as a family, to get your father to spend more time with you. I saw he was paying more attention to Tenzin and I know I should've stepped in but...I knew how much your father treasured being an airbender and its culture. It's no excuse I know, but I was there when your father learned he was the only airbender left, so I understood. Instead of stepping in, I tried to spend as much as I could with the two of you but I know it wasn't enough...I know now that while Aang nor I were nothing like my father,  in a way your childhood wasn't that much different and I apologise for that..." 

Ursa and Bumi shared a look before embracing their mother. 

"Mom, yes our childhood may not have been what you wanted, but it was still a good one" Ursa smiled 

"Yeah, even though dad wasn't always around, you certainly were. Even now, we can't seem to get rid of ya!" Bumi joked making Ursa and Zira chuckle

"I know he didn't say it often, but your father loved you so much. Please don't forget that?" Zira smiled as her children hugged her tighter 

"We won't, mom. Promise"

*

"Unalaq's a liar and a traitor!" Korra yelled as she met up with her friends in Varrick's mansion. 

"I've been trying to tell you that from the get-go." Varrick huffed, still inside Ping-Ping. 

"What happened?" Mako asked 

"I found out the truth about my dad's banishment. Unalaq hired the barbarians to attack their tribe. Then he told them to hide in the spirit forest, knowing my dad would go after them." Korra revealed

"Unalaq wanted your dad out of the way so he could become chief. It was a setup." 

"Just like the whole trial" Korra scowled " I can't believe I trusted him. I'm busting my father and the rebels out of jail. I need your help. " 

"Korra, if you do this, there's no going back "Elira warned 

"I know. Will you help me or not?" 

"Of course, I'll help." Mako declared 

"Me too" Asami added 

" Count me in!" Varrick grinned, raising Ping-Ping's paw

"I'm in too" Elira smiled before the door creaked open to reveal both Bolin and Pabu dressed up like Eska! 

Neither looked impressed as Bolin's hair sprang up awkwardly.

"I don't even want to know." Mako sighed 

"So I'm guessing the breakup with Eska didn't go well?" Asami asked 

Bolin smiled sarcastically "No, no, the honesty thing worked out great. So great she decided we should get married!" 

"Sorry." 

"She... what?" Elira scowled, her face slowly growing red as her eye twitched 

"I'm pretty sure the guy is supposed to give the girl the betrothal necklace," Korra said looking slightly amused 

"I guess Eska didn't get the memo." Bolin scowled 

"No kidding" Elira scoffed, crossing her arms.

 She really thought she'd gotten through to the princess. Guess not. 

" Look, the only way to deal with crazy women is to lie big and leave fast" Varrick cut in before El could lose her cool " Lucky for you, Varrick's got your back. Now, gather 'round Ping-Ping. Let's talk plan." 

*

Elira and Bolin were walking through the city, "guiding" Ping-Ping with a leash, while Pabu and Pichi sat on the platypus bear.

 They were subsequently stopped by a soldier "You have a license for that animal?" 

The duo shared a look. 

"Uh, you fellas seen a travelling circus come through here?" Bolin asked nervously 

"Zhu Li, do the thing," Varrick whispered from inside the bear 

Ping-Ping then lifted its tail and yuans spewed out from it.

"That platypus bear is pooping money!" Someone yelled in excitement and a crowd quickly gathered around them, all wanting some of the money, giving them a chance to rush to Varrick's yacht. 

 Varrick, still in his disguise, started operating the yacht as Korra, Mako and Asami appeared after going to break out Tonraq on the rebels. But they were alone. 

"Where's your dad?" El asked 

 "On a ship headed north. Think we can catch up to it?" Korra asked Varrick 

"Sure, once you get us past our friends from the North." Varrick pointed at the blockage in front of them. 

"If only we had a plane to get me close to those ships. I could waterbend them out of the way." Korra sighed in frustration 

"A plane? Well, why didn't you say so?" Varrick pressed a button, causing a biplane to emerge from a hatch on the deck.

"Um, why do you have a plane on your boat?" Mako questioned 

"In case the boat sinks, of course." 

"But there's no runway. How are we supposed to take off?" Asami asked 

"Zhu Li! Take a note: "Build runway" Varrick ordered 

"Yes, sir" 

"I have an idea." Korra declared 

*

Elira watched as Asami started up the plane which now had Korra and Mako standing on its wings. Korra gave Asami a thumbs up and she started operating the biplane, which started moving forward.

"Now!" Korra yelled 

 She and Mako began firebending to provide a boost for the biplane to take off successfully.

 Varrick accelerated, following the plane as in the air, Korra entered the Avatar State and waterbent a gigantic wave, pushing the battleships out of the way, leaving a gap for the yacht to escape.

"Captain, you'll never gonna believe this." A helmsman said, looking through a telescope, spotting Bolin hugging the platypus bear operating the boat and Elira stood at the window pulling faces at the passing ships. 

The biplane and the yacht successfully escaped the blockade and Korra noticed a ship in the distance. 

"There! My dad's on that ship!" She yelled 

Asami flew to the ship and as it approached the battleship crew members look up at the fast-approaching biplane.

"Jump!" Korra shouted and she and the others quickly departed the biplane which continued its course before crashing on the sides of the battleship and exploding.

As the crew looked on in confusion, underwater, Korra, Asami and Mako swim to the surface, breathing thanks to Korra's waterbending, before entering the battleship via a waterspout. 

On landing, Korra used her two water whips to throw the distracted crew members overboard. 

A stray crew member tried to escape to the door, but Korra froze him against a wall.

"Where are the prisoners?" She demanded and the crew member stared at her in fear. 

After finding where her father and the rebels were being held, Korra quickly broke them out and they headed back for the deck. 

"Korra, this is crazy. You promised me you wouldn't do anything rash." Tonraq scolded

"I had to. I'll explain later." 

Northern troops attacked the rebels with waterbending from a higher level, but Korra and Mako neutralize it with firebending. 

Varrick's yacht approached and everyone jumped on board. Korra threw a final fire blast at the ship before the yacht departed. 

*

Back at the Southern Air Temple, Tenzin and Ikki were walking up the steps finding their family gathered by the temple entrance waiting for them.

"Sweetie!" Pema cried, rushing towards her daughter, hugging her tightly "You're okay! Oh! I was so worried!" 

Pema cast a look over her shoulder to Jinora and Meelo "Do you have something you wanna say to your sister?" 

"Ikki, I'm glad you're back." Meelo smiled 

"Yeah, sorry we made fun of you," Jinora added 

"Thanks. Wanna play airball?" Ikki grinned 

"Sure/Yeah!" 

"Actually, kids, before you go I'd like a word with you all" Tenzin stopped them 

"What's wrong, Daddy?" Jinora asked 

"Ikki has recently told me you feel as if Elira doesn't care about our family now that she's a part of Team Avatar" Tenzin stated and the two kids glared at Ikki for tattling.

" I can tell you right now, that is not true. Just because she isn't around as much as she used to be, doesn't mean she isn't still your big sister. The one who's picked you up when you'd fallen. Made you laugh when you were sad or scared. Who loves you no matter what. Do you understand?" 

"Yes, Daddy" Jinora replied 

"We miss her" Meelo said 

"I know you do. If it makes you feel any better, we'll call her tomorrow morning so you can talk to her" Tenzin suggested 

"First thing?" Ikki grinned 

"First thing" Tenzin smiled 

"Yeah!" The kids cheered and ran off as Tenzin approached his siblings. 

" I wanted to apologize for how I acted yesterday. I've worked so hard to celebrate Dad's legacy that I may have overlooked the parts of him that were less than ideal. And Kya, I'm sorry for dragging you into it, you were just trying to help"

"It's fine, Tenzin. I'll get you back later" Kya smirked, jokingly punching Tenzin's arm before heading off inside with Pema and baby Rohan. 

"We're sorry for dumping our frustrations with Dad out on you" Ursa apologised

"Yeah, you didn't deserve that," Bumi added 

"I thought you two might wanna see this" Ursa dug into her pocket, bringing out a photo of their family from when they were kids and their father was alive " Mom gave it to me earlier" 

"That is one good-looking family, huh?" Bumi grinned 

"That's one happy family" Tenzin and his siblings smiled in pride at the photograph, not noticing their mother watching them from the doorway, smiling lovingly at them. 

*

That night, Korra revealed Unalaq's treachery to her father before Tonraq and the rebels returned to the mainland via an ice raft.

Team Avatar watched them from the yacht window. 

"I really need to thank you, Korra." Bolin smiled 

"For what? I started a civil war." Korra frowned 

"Exactly! Now Eska and I are officially broken up." 

"Oh, looks like we have company! And not the fun kind!" Varrick called from where he was driving the yacht. 

The team wandered over and saw a giant wave in the distance. 

"What is that?" Mako wondered 

Bolin took the telescope from Varrick. He peered through it and gasped before rubbing his eyes for a second look. 

"That would be my darling Eska," He said, seeing an enraged Eska with smudged make-up rushing toward them with waterbending."Quick question: is this thing fast enough to get away from my crazy waterbending ex-girlfriend?" 

"Why do you think I built this boat?" Varrick smirked 

"In that case, full speed ahead, Varrick-bear!" Elira exclaimed and the boat sped off into the distance. 

*

Later that night, Elira stood on the deck, her eyes closed as she breathed in the fresh night air. She heard someone come and stop beside her at the railing but didn't open her eyes. 

"Can't sleep?" She asked, knowing exactly who it was from the sound of their footsteps. 

"Not really" Bolin replied "Still paranoid Eska's gonna find us again" 

Elira finally turned to him, taking his hand gently in hers as it rested on the railing "Hey, don't worry, we're miles ahead of her. She's not catching up to us anytime soon" 

Bolin smiled at her and glanced down at their conjoined hands, a weird feeling in his stomach. 

Elira turned to look up at the clear night sky "Stars sure are beautiful tonight" 

Bolin followed her gaze "Yeah...Pretty" 

 As they fell into a peaceful silence with nothing but the soothing sound of the waves, Bolin's gaze drifted back to the airbender beside him. Seeing her so calm and peaceful like this, made him finally take into consideration just how beautiful his best friend was. 

A gust of ocean breeze blew her brown locks behind her in long elegant strands. Her smile was soft and gentle. Feeling his gaze, her stormy grey eyes, which sparkled like the stars above them, turned to him, curiosity.

" What? Do I have something on my face?" Elira moved to wipe her cheek, leaving Bolin's hand feeling cold.

"No, no. It's just...Thanks, for helping me with Eska" The earthbender smiled

"Hey, what are friends for if not helping you break up with a crazy water bending princess?" Elira laughed, nudging his shoulder

"Yeah..."Bolin chuckled a little, turning back to the ocean "... Friends"

As the two fell into a comfortable silence, Bolin thought back to that strange feeling in his stomach when Elira took his hand and began to wonder-- They'd been best friends for so long, but was that really all they were? Or was there something else? Something he never realised before....