The Avatar's Master

33. Denouement

After the end of the world and the Harvest Moon crisis came the End of the World party. All the usual suspects met at a jazz joint in Fire Town. It was a regular hullabaloo. They not only celebrated their lives, they also prepared to say goodbye.

President Moon, though still salty about Kuvira's former attempt on her life, thanked Kuvira for her valiant effort in protecting the city. Still, she couldn't offer the former Great Uniter a full pardon. Instead, she banished her.

As for Korra, though understandably under the influence, she caused millions in damage and even some deaths. The deaths, though few, each meant something, each were a person – even the ones who chose to stare death down. Thus, repercussions were only fair, and Zhu Li banished Korra too.

Korra and Kuvira – both banishéd.

But Zhu Li wasn't heartless or unreasonable. She allowed them a week to gather their affairs before the invisible doors to the city would close to them forever, though Avatar Korra park would remain.

And so they came to the tiny dive of the dusty half-street in Fire Town to let loose. If they were going out it'd be with lowdown style.

Speaking of style, Varrick confessed to his involvement in the cactus juice enterprise and was sentenced to four years under house arrest. Fortunately for him, he could work on his inventions and designs from home, and it'd mean he'd become a stay at home dad for the bun Zhu Li was baking. That news would be kept mum until after cleanup was long underway.

The jazz band, led by Tahno on trombone, played zesty tunes that had the crowd jiving. Kya danced like an old hippie around Lin who tapped her foot reluctantly to the beat.

Opal dragged Kuvira to the dance floor, though Kuvira didn't put up a fight about it. They were dancing all hey nonny nonny, showing off their coordinated dance movements and leaning into each other until heat built up between them.

Bae, though not as sure-footed as the other women, made her way to the dance floor and swayed her hips to and fro. Kuvira's hand found Bae's hip and reached around to grip her booty as they danced, Bae blushing.

"I'm gonna get a drink. Want somethin'?" Bae asked Kuvira and Opal after a coupla songs.

Kuvira shook her head, followed by Opal. They continued dancing as Bae made her way to the bar, ordering herself a gin and tonic. She sat there, sipping her gin, watching Opalvira on the dance floor. They sure looked good together. She sighed.

Tahno, with his wavy black hair tumbling about his face wound up for a solo with the rubber part of a plunger wah wahhing at the bell. He was spectacular in a shimmery ruby colored dress and long mascaraed eyelashes.

Kuvira approached Bae, thinking she was also admiring Tahno.

"Hard to believe I used to hate that guy," Korra said.

"Really? He's fabulous!" Bae said shyly in Korra's ear. She was blushing. Couldn't help it – Korra was still the Avatar and Bae's longtime idol.

Korra got an idea and decided to go for it. She patted Bae's arm like old buds and headed toward the stage.

After Tahno finished his first set, he stepped in heels off the side of the stage and wiped the sweat from his brow. Korra cleared her throat and he turned toward the sound.

"My my, what a surprise," Tahno said with pointed disinterest.

"I just wanna say – you're amazing. The way you play your instrument – you sure can blow!"

Tahno tilted his head back and laughed. "I sure can, honey."

Korra scratched her head. "So, it's been a long time since our pro-bending days. I was thinking... do you want your bending back?"