Shattered Bonds

Crossing Paths : A Promise of Friendship

"Since we are friends, can we..." Korra asked, fidgeting with her foot as she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Play?"

Emi turned to look at her mother, seeking permission with a raised eyebrow. Her mother smiled gently, sensing the hopeful energy radiating from Korra. "What do you think, Emi? It’s a lovely day, and it might be nice for you to have some fun."

Emi hesitated for a moment, her curiosity battling her cautious nature. Finally, she nodded slowly, a small smile breaking through her initial reluctance. "Okay, we can play. But what do you want to do?"

Korra’s eyes lit up at the opportunity. "How about tag? I love running around!"

Emi’s face brightened at the suggestion. "Tag? That sounds fun! But you better not go easy on me just because you’re rich!" 

Korra laughed, the sound ringing with joy. "I promise, I’ll give it my all!"

Korra and Emi quickly fell into the game, the tension of their initial encounter melting away as laughter filled the air. Korra darted away with surprising speed, her athleticism evident as she zigzagged through the narrow alleyways. 

"Tag! You’re it!" she called back, glancing over her shoulder just in time to see Emi’s determined expression.

"Hey, no fair!" Emi shouted, chasing after her. "How are you so fast? It’s like you have rocket boosters or something!" 

Korra laughed, her feet barely touching the ground as she continued to weave effortlessly around a corner. "Maybe it’s because you’re too busy complaining!" she teased, playfully sticking out her tongue.

Emi narrowed her eyes, her competitive spirit ignited. "Just you wait! I’m going to catch you!" She pushed herself harder, sprinting with all her might, but Korra seemed to glide effortlessly ahead.

"Come on, Emi! You can do better than that!" Korra called, her voice light with encouragement. 

"I’m trying!" Emi puffed, frustration creeping into her tone. "I swear you’re cheating somehow! Do you have secret training or something?"

Korra slowed just a bit, enough to let Emi catch up. "Nope, just practice! You’ve got to keep at it! Plus, you can’t let me win so easily!" 

Emi rolled her eyes, her playful spirit returning. "Well, if I had all the food you eat, maybe I’d be faster!" 

"Hey! Don’t blame my snacks for your speed!" Korra laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just think of it as motivation! You can’t let a rich girl outpace you!"

Emi grinned, determination fueling her. "Alright, next round, I’m not letting you get away so easily! Just you wait!"

Emi’s mother watched with a heart full of warmth as she saw her daughter genuinely enjoying herself for the first time in ages. The carefree laughter and playful banter between the two girls felt like a balm to her worries.

Just as Emi gathered her determination to tag Korra, she miscalculated her steps and accidentally pushed her. Korra stumbled forward, landing on the ground with a soft thud, her uniform getting smudged with dirt.

“Oh no!” Emi exclaimed, her eyes widening in horror. “I’m so sorry!” She rushed over, concern etched on her face. 

Korra pushed herself up, brushing off the dirt with a laugh. “It’s okay! I needed a little more excitement in my day!” She grinned, her spirit unbroken. “Just a little mud won’t hurt me.”