A New Spiritual Age

At the ancient airbender meditation circle near the Eastern Air Temple, Tenzin and his family were sitting around the campfire, waiting for Korra and Jinora to return from the spirit world. 

"I can't believe my little girl had to guide Korra into the Spirit World instead of me. If anything happens to her I won't be able to forgive myself." Tenzin placed his face in his hands. 

"She's very smart, she obviously has a strong connection to the spirits and she said that El warned her about what was in there. She'll be fine." Kya placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder 

"Yeah, Dad went all the time!" Bumi added 

"They won't have their bending in there. They'll be defenceless!" 

"Ahem? Excuse me? But I've never had bending, and I don't think I'd call myself defenceless." Bumi frowned, offended 

"Of course, you aren't, because you have your ... um ..." Tenzin glanced at Kya and Ursa for help

"Positive attitude?" Ursa gave a cheesy grin 

"I would've said acute intellect and cat-like reflexes, but whatever." Bumi waved his hand 

"Why don't you three get some sleep. I'll take the first watch." Tenzin suggested 

Ursa placed a hand on her brother's shoulder "Wake us up if you need some company." 

"Or if any interesting spirit-y stuff happens, like their bodies start floating around and you need someone to help you grab them before they fly off!" Bumi smirked 

"Bumi!" Kya and Ursa scolded him 

"I'm just saying, we're here if you need us." 

"I know you are. Thank you" Tenzin smiled before getting up

He made his way over to his daughter, kneeling beside her and gently placing a hand on her head.

"Please come back soon" He muttered 

*

The next morning, El was eating breakfast in the dining hall along with Zira, who had arrived late the night before. She'd told her everything that had happened. Bolin ditching her for Ginger, the theory that Varrick was the one behind the attacks on Asami's shipments and Mako being arrested for it. 

 "I've known Mako practically my whole life, Gran-Gran, he wouldn't do something like this" El shook her head, playing with her food "He thinks Varrick is the one behind it all" 

"And what do you think?" Zira asked, taking a sip of tea. 

 "I was helping Mako last night before he was arrested because I guess I was hoping that maybe, just maybe, he was wrong about Varrick. But now...I don't know" The airbender sighed

Pichi chittered, looking up at her owner from where she was lying beside her. 

"If Mako's right, Varrick must have known he was onto him" El theorised, scratching behind Pichi's ear "He could've planted that evidence in the apartment to get Mako arrested and out of the way" 

"Now, Elira, don't go jumping to conclusions. It may be Varrick, or it may not. You can't go accusing people before you have all the evidence" Zira advised "It can get you into a lot of trouble" 

"Okay, but what am I supposed to do?" El asked "Just pretend everything is normal" 

"Precisely. If Varrick is behind these attacks, you can't let him know you're onto him or you'll be sharing a jail cell with Mako" Zira warned "Keep quiet until you find solid evidence, then go straight to Lin and let her do the rest. Now eat your breakfast before it goes cold" 

Elira just nodded, silently going back to eating despite not having much of an appetite anymore. 

*

 Later that day, El sat at the piano in the practice room on Varrick's yacht while Pichi sat on top grooming herself. Since their first big performance, Tahno had been teaching the airbender how to play the piano. She'd gotten relatively good at it and now was trying to add melodies to her songs. Mainly to try and distract herself from everything going on. 

After writing one last thing in her songbook, that was laying open next to Pichi, El played a few keys to see how it sounded. 

"I make it alone" She began to sing. "When love is gone. Still, you made your mark. Here in my heart" 

El closed her eyes briefly as she continued" One day I'll fly away. Leave your love to yesterday. What more can your love do for me? When will love be through with me?" 

Pichi chittered slightly stopping grooming herself to watch her owner

"I follow the night. Can't stand the lightWhen will I begin, my life again?" 

El smiled at her pet as she played before shutting her eyes again

"One day I'll fly away, leave your love to yesterday" 

Pichi then perked up suddenly, seeing the door open and Bolin walk-in hesitantly with a bouquet of yellow roses in hand and Pabu on his shoulder. 

"What more can your love do for me? When will love be through with me?" 

"Hey, El? Um, I wanted to..." 

"Why live life from dream to dream?" Bolin stopped and stared in awe as Elira continued singing, not even noticing his presence. 

" And dread the day when dreaming ends?" 

That weird feeling in his stomach was back. The same warmth he felt that night they spent looking at the stars. It was nauseating but...comforting at the same time. 

"Why live life from dream to dreamAnd dread the day when dreaming ends" 

El smiled to herself, completely lost in the music 

"One day I'll fly away, fly...fly away" She played the final note and smiled, picking up her notebook, taking the pencil from her hair, to write a few notes down. 

"Wow" Bolin gasped causing the airbender to whirl around, startled "That was incredible, El" 

"Bo! How long have you been standing there?" El questioned, getting up as Pichi chittered flying over and landing on the earthbender's head. 

"Not long," Bolin replied, scratching Pichi's head before the lemur ran off with Pabu, chasing the ferret playing around the room. "Is that a new song?

"No, I uh, wrote it a long time ago," El said before pointing to the roses in Bolin's hands "What are those for?" 

"Oh, there for you" He held out the bouquet to the airbender 

"Me?" Elira's cheeks flushed red 

"Yeah, just to say sorry again for ditching you," Bolin said and Elira crossed her arms 

" I should've told Ginger I'd help her some other time, or maybe even invited to along cause at least then I wouldn't have stood you up" Bolin explained "I'm really sorry, El. Please don't be mad?" 

Elira sighed slightly "It's okay, you were trying to help someone" 

"So...Am I forgiven?" Bolin held out the bouquet again, looking hopeful. 

"Depends" 

"On what?" 

"If you come to my concert tomorrow night?" Elira smirked playfully

 "I wouldn't miss it" Bolin smiled

"Then, you're forgiven...Dirt brain" El giggled, ruffling his hair while taking the bouquet of roses, smelling them softly. "They're beautiful, Bo" 

"So are you," Bolin thought 

The door suddenly opened, interrupting the pair, and Tahno peeked his head in with the Wolf Bats just visible behind him. 

"Hey, El. I'm not interrupting anything am I?" He asked, his gaze flickering between Elira and Bolin. 

"No, you're okay. What's up?" The airbender replied 

"We were just going to grab a bite to eat, you in?" Tahno gestured over his shoulder at their band members. 

"Sure, I'm starving. Bo, you wanna come?" Elira turned to her best friend 

"Uh, I'd love to, El, but I have to get back to filming" Bolin sighed

"Oh..." Elira looked disappointed but quickly hid it with a smile. 

"Well, I guess I'll see you later then" She pulled him for a hug, being careful of her flowers.

"Pichi, come on" El called for her pet as she headed towards the door "Hey, can we stop by the island briefly? I need to drop these flowers off" 

"So long as we get to eat at some point" Shaozu smirked making the others laugh

Pabu climbed back onto Bolin's shoulder with a gentle squeak as he stared after the band walking down the hallway. He felt his stomach burn again with that unknown emotion when Tahno slung his arm around Elira's shoulders--Something he always did. 

But as the band disappeared, that burning feeling turned to sadness and longing. 

*

After finishing filming for the day, Bolin was in his dressing room sitting in front of his mirror. He couldn't shake the feelings of loneliness. He missed the days when he could freely hang out with El all day. Goof around like idiots without a care in the world.  Pabu squeaked softly, sat on the table in front of him, also missing Elira and hating seeing his owner so down. 

Bolin jumped slightly, feeling someone wrap their arms around him from behind 

"Hey, hero" Ginger leant her head on his shoulder "Why so down?" 

"Oh, hi, Ginger" Bolin muttered, looking down at his hands "I don't know, I just got a lot on my mind right now" 

Ginger smirked, moving to sit on the table and shooing Pabu away in the process "Well, maybe I could distract you" 

Bolin didn't even glance up at her "I think I just need to clear my head" 

He then got up and left the room without another word, Pabu following behind him as Ginger scowled in annoyance. 

Walking through the city streets, Bolin, without even realising it, had made his way to the Noodlery. Shrugging, he headed inside. 

"Hey, Narook" He greeted the owner 

"Hey, Bolin. Haven't seen you in a while" The man smiled

"Yeah, I've been pretty busy" Bolin replied 

"I've heard, big-time mover star now huh?" Narook chuckled "Well, your friends are already here if you wondering" 

Bolin looked confused "What?" 

"Your friends, they've been waiting for you" Narook gestured over to a table closer to the back. 

Looking over, Bolin saw Elira surrounded by her band mates, talking and smiling. Seeing Elira's face light up with laughter, surrounded by her new friends, the earthbender frowned wistfully. 

"Aren't you gonna join them?" Narook asked

Bolin turned to him briefly before looking back at Elira. She looked so happy with her new friends. So happy...without him.

Dread filled him once again and he sighed. 

"No...I don't think I will. Bye Narook" Bolin turned and left the restaurant with his head down. 

He didn't want to admit it before, but it was evident now. There was no avoiding it. 

He and El were growing apart...

*

The following day after a final rehearsal, Elira decided to visit the Mako in prison. 

"Please, Lin. 5 minutes, just to see how he's doing" She begged the chief of police at the front desk. 

She put on her best puppy eyes, hoping they would work on the stern woman. 

Lin sighed, giving in "Fine, follow me" 

Elira smiled softly and trailed behind her toward the cells. As Lin used her metalbending to open one, inside Mako stood up from his seat on the metal cot. 

"El?" He gasped as the airbender ran in "What are you doing here?"

"I had to make sure you were okay" Elira hugged him tightly 

"I'm fine, but what about you? Asami, Bolin?" Mako replied 

"I'm fine, we're all alright. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner" 

"Hey, don't worry about that. You're here now" Mako placed a hand on her shoulder making her smile softly before turning serious. 

"Mako, I don't have much time, so I'm gonna get straight to the point" El stated "How sure are you that it was Varrick behind the attacks?" 

"100% sure" The firebender answered, "Why?" 

 "Mako, I have known you since we were kids. You wouldn't do something like this, especially not to Asami" Elira stated 

 " I was set up, El! Varrick knew I was onto him and had me arrested to get me out of the way" Mako explained 

"Yeah, I thought as much" Elira muttered "Gran-Gran told me to keep quiet until I have solid proof though" 

"Yeah, I agree. If Varrick discovers you're onto him, too, you could end up in here with me...Or worse" Mako said

Before either of them could say anything else, a  knock rang on the cell door and it slid open again revealing Lin on the other side. 

"Sorry kid times up" 

Elira sighed and hugged Mako goodbye. 

"El, promise me you'll be careful? Varrick isn't what he seems. I don't want you getting hurt" 

"I promise" El whispered before turning and exiting the cell. 

*

That night, Elira and the Wolf Bats were performing once again at the arena. As the crowd swarmed into the stands, Shiro Shinobi's voice echoed over the microphone 

 "Well, here we are folks, back again to bless our ears once more with another live performance from Elira and the Wolfbats" 

The crowd cheered at the mention of the band

"And joining in on the fun tonight is none other than President Raiko and First Lady Buttercup Raiko" Shiro gestured to one of the V.I.P booths where the President and his wife were seated. They waved at the crowd as they cheered. 

"But they're not the only stars in this arena tonight" Shiro then said, spotting Bolin sitting in another V.I.P booth with Asami, Varrick and Ginger, who wanted to come along after learning Bo was going.

"It looks like, mover stars Bolin and Ginger have come to enjoy the music with us" 

The crowd cheered louder as the couple waved. 

"Let's see if we can get a quick interview before the show. Bolin?" Shiro called to the earthbender, gesturing him over to his booth. 

Bolin got up and made his way over to Shiro's booth, taking a seat beside him. 

"So, Bolin, you and Elira, you two are pretty close?" Shiro asked 

"Yeah...We've been best friends for years" Bolin replied, looking away slightly as he remembered the previous day. 

"We've seen. You two are quite the pair. But I'm sure the fans are wondering, 'cause I certainty am, how exactly did this all begin? How did you two meet for the first time?" Shiro then asked 

"Oh, we met as kids" Bolin explained "My brother and me, we didn't exactly have the most privileged of childhoods. We were sleeping on the streets, often going days without food. But one day, we'd gotten into some trouble trying to swipe a loaf of bread. I thought we'd be arrested for sure. But then...El appeared" 

Bolin smiled, remembering the moment he first saw Elira "She helped us get away despite not even knowing us. And from that day, she'd bring us food from her home and blankets to keep us warm at night" 

"So, she was like your guardian angel so to say?" Shiro questioned 

"Yeah..." Bolin smiled again, a soft look in his eyes

"So as Elira's best friend, you know her better than anyone. Tell us, what is Republic City's brightest new star really like. Who is Elira?" Shiro pressed 

"Well..." Bolin sighed "She's this constant burst of energy, like, being bathed in sunlight. She'll walk in and immediately light up a room, and brighten anyone's day no matter how down you feel. She's incredibly energetic and enthusiastic, and she has this sense of play and fun. She's warm and kind, loyal...I can't imagine how dull my life would be if I'd never had met her that day as kids" 

Back in the V.I.P booth, Ginger was seething quietly in her seat. Feeling nothing but unbridled hatred toward the airbender. She and Bolin were too close for her liking. She needed to somehow drive them apart. Bolin was hers! And she wasn't going to let some ditsy airbender steal him from her. 

Beside her, Asami, however, was smiling happily to herself. Wondering if El was somehow hearing all of this. 

Unknowns to her, that up in the attic dressing room, Elira had had the radio playing as she'd gotten ready. Sat at her vanity doing her make-up a soft smile dawned on her face, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. 

*

It was finally time to perform. After witnessing the interaction of Elira and Tahno during their first live show, Varrick had insisted that the two do a duet together. Which led to the current moment. The spotlight lit up the centre of the stage, where Elira and Tahno were sitting at a piano with a microphone placed on top, while Ming and Shaozu were nearby ready with their instruments. 

Elira glanced around the arena, her gaze finally stopping on the V.I.P booth. More importantly, on Bolin. The two locked eyes. Elira smiled brightly at him, giving a playful wink and Bolin let out a small laugh, now knowing, she'd heard what he'd said. 

After Tahno gave a brief nod at each of his bandmates, Ming and Shaozu started playing

"I used to believe. In the days I was naïve. That I'd live to see. A day of justice dawn" Elira's angelic voice carried through the arena, blessing the ears of all who heard it.

"And though I will die, long before that morning comes. I'll die while believing still. It will come when I am gone" 

Elira glanced up at Bolin again as she sang, their eyes locking. 

"Someday. When we are wiser. When the world's older. When we have learned. I pray. Someday we may yet live. To live and let live. Someday. Life will be fairer" 

"Life will be fairer" Tahno joined in singing

"Need will be rarer (Need will be rarer)" Elira smiled at him 

"Greed will not pay (Greed will not pay) " Tahno returned the smile 

"Godspeed (Godspeed) This bright millennium (This bright millennium). On its way. Let it come someday" They sang together.

Up in the booth, Bolin watched Elira smiling at Tahno, feeling the burning return to his stomach. What was this feeling? And why did it only appear whenever he saw Elira with Tahno? Maybe he should ask Varrick about it? 

"When the world's older. When things have changed" Tahno sang 

"Someday. These dreams will all be real" Elira joined in" Till then, we'll wish upon the moon. Change will come" 

"One-day" Tahno sang

"Someday" Elira added 

"Soon" They ended together. 

As the final note played, the crowd erupted in applause, giving a standing ovation as the band stood from their instruments and bowed. 

In the booth, Bolin and Asami both sprung to their feet with the audience, clapping and cheering for their friend. Bolin made eye contact once more with Elira and he knew at that moment, that he would not let them grow apart any further. He couldn't. He wanted, no, needed Elira in his life. He wasn't ready to let her disappear from his life forever. And judging by the bright, genuine smile the airbender was giving him...She wasn't either 

*

Not long after, they were soon all outside the arena having their pictures taken by the paparazzi. Elira was standing with her bandmates and Varrick, smiling as brightly as she could without squinting her eyes at the camera flashing in her face. 

Not far from them, Bolin was also having his pictures taken by paparazzi with Ginger on his arm. But despite all the people screaming his name, trying to get his attention, his gaze was fixed over his shoulder at Elira. Maybe they should get a picture together, and pull silly faces at the camera like he knew El was prone to do. 

Beside him, Ginger noticed the earthbender gazing at Elira with a longing look in his bright green eyes. She gritted her teeth in annoyance before suddenly smirking to herself. A plan hatching in her mind. 

"Hey, El?" Bolin called over all the noise, going to walk over to her. 

Elira turned her head at the sound of her name, but immediately wished she hadn't. As she turned around, she witnessed Ginger suddenly grabbing Bolin...

...and kissed him! 

Bolin was stunned, standing frozen as the paparazzi went mad, shouting and screaming as their cameras flashed at the young couple. Unaware of the airbender standing a few feet away, her eyes were wide and brimmed with tears. A sharp pain piercing her chest. 

She didn't understand. She'd felt this pain before. But this...this was so much worse. It was like her heart was being crushed from the inside. It was excruciating! 

"El? You alright?" Tahno asked, noticing the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. 

"Oh..." He muttered, following her gaze, the Wolfbat saw what had her so upset. 

Ginger caught her eye over Bolin's shoulder, smirking maliciously at the girl. Clearly enjoying the pain she had caused the airbender. 

Elira couldn't bear it anymore. Holding back her tears as best she could, she rushed passed her band, Varrick, the paparazzi and her fans screaming for her, all while shielding her face from the camera flashes. 

"El!" Tahno called out but was ignored. 

Varrick placed a hand on the waterbender's shoulder "Go on, we'll handle things here. You make sure our little Tigershark is okay" 

Tahno nodded and giving Ginger a harsh glare, ran off after his bandmember and friend. The actress just smirked, clinging to Bolin who looked dazed, still processing what just happened. 

*

Back in the Spirit World, Korra had ended up getting separated from Jinora. So after some close encounters with some angry spirits, she was finally able to befriend a dragon-bird spirit who thankfully took her to the Spirit World intersection, where the two portals were and Vaatu was imprisoned in the Tree of Time.

"That's where Vaatu is." She said, spotting the tree below her as she rode on the back of the spirit. 

After landing, the dragon-bird spirit took flight again and Korra approached the open portal. She reached her hand up to touch the beam when a haunting voice called out behind her. 

"So you've returned, Raava" 

Korra was quickly in front of the Tree of Time, seeing Vaatu, a giant red and black spirit, imprisoned within it. 

"The Harmonic Convergence is coming soon, and this time, I'm going to wipe you out for good" He threatened 

"I think you've said that before, Vaatu. But I'm here to close the portal. You're not getting out." Korra resorted and went to walk away. 

But Vaatu wasn't finished. 

"You might want to reconsider- that is if you want to save your friend." 

Korra froze and whirled around, seeing Unalaq suddenly appear beside the tree, levitating a terrified Jinora in front of him, and encircling her with purple water. Her body slowly changing its colour to purple.

"Jinora!" Korra yelled, rushing toward her uncle but was stopped by a dark spirit jumping down in front of her as three more surrounded her from behind. 

She glared at her uncle " I can't believe I trusted you! You made me think you wanted to restore balance with spirits, but this- this isn't balance, it's madness! Now let her go!" 

"If you want your friend to make it out of the Spirit World, you'll open the other portal now," Unalaq ordered 

"Don't do it Korra!" Jinora cried 

Unalaq waved his hands and more of Jinora's body slowly became purple. It had almost encased her fully making Korra gasp in worry. 

"What will it be? Open the portal- or lose your friend's soul forever?" Unalaq smirked "Bare in mind, I know a certain friend of yours won't be very pleased that you failed to protect her beloved little sister" 

"Stop!" Korra cried" I'll do it" 

She headed over to the closed portal, followed by dark spirits, Unalaq and Jinora, now being held by a much bigger dark Furry-Foot. 

Korra placed her hand on the orb causing it to glow as she entered the Avatar State. Beams of light shot and gusts of wind from the orb. The Tree of Time glowed red before the portal opened fully, letting off an explosion as it did, causing the dark spirits to roar. 

Korra turned to glare at her uncle once again "Now let Jinora go-- Ahhh!" 

She screamed in pain as Unalaq waterbent at her

"You should've come through the portal. Then you could do this!" Unalaq taunted, continuing to attack her. 

Korra dodged a few of his attacks, making her way closer to Jinora. But as she reached them, Furry-Foot jumped and flew away, taking Jinora with them. 

"Ahhh! Korra!" The little girl yelled in fear as she disappeared. 

Korra began sprinting after them but was thrown to the side by a dark spirit. Flying through the air, she was caught in the jaws of another before being dropped to the ground and surrounded. 

Unalaq then used his technique on Korra, slowly rising her from the floor.

"Ahhh!" Korra yelled as her body turned purple making Unalaq smirk 

When Korra was almost covered with the purple light, the dragon bird spirit suddenly appeared again and attacked Unalaq, flicking him away. It then grabbed Korra off the ground with its talons and carried her away as her body slowly changed back to normal. 

"I'll see you soon, Raava. Once the Harmonic Convergence comes, I'll be free from this prison, and then I will have my revenge!" Vaatu called out 

*

Korra woke with a gasp, back in the real world at the ancient airbender meditation circle, startling the others. 

"Korra!" Tenzin rushed over " What was it like? Did you manage to close the portal? Was Jinora able to help you?" 

Korra stared at her mentor sadly "Tenzin- I'm ... I'm sorry." 

She turned to look at Jinora, Tenzin following her gaze, seeing his daughter staying completely still. 

"Where's Jinora?" Tenzin questioned, "W-Why isn't she waking up?" 

Tenzin rushed to Jinora's side, holding her close " Korra! What happened to my little girl? " 

Korra could only stare at him, tears brimming her eyes.