Spirit World Vacation

Korra: Asami.

Ba Sing Se - United Earth States provisional capitol. Deputy Ambassador Mako had just returned from a meeting between several squabbling delegations. The UES constitution was nearly complete. Every province of the old Earth Kingdom had agreed to the document and were almost ready to sign. As soon as they did they could hold official elections for the UES parliament, and the real governing could begin. Only a few royalist holdouts were insisting the re-institution of the monarchy, if only as a cultural figurehead with no political power. Ambassador Wu was firmly against this. They seemed to be in a gridlock.

Mako picked up his mail as he entered his office: a letter from Bolin, utility bill, promotions for various local services… and one sealed white envelope embossed with a Future Industries logo. Odd, the last time he received a letter from Asami it wasn’t nearly this fancy. He sliced open the envelope with a knife and felt his heart sink into his stomach.

  You are cordially invited to the wedding of AVATAR KORRA & ASAMI SATO

To be held at sunset on the summer solstice At Air Temple Island, Republic City, United Republic

Formal attire required RSVP with your plus-one

  Mako sighed, and dropped the card on his desk, sagged into his chair, and closed his eyes. It was inevitable, but he still needed a few moments to process it. Just a few moments alone with his thoughts.

The peace was immediately interrupted by Wu, who, still adjusting to his fall from royalty, barged in without knocking. “Hey Mako, got any plans for lunch? There’s this cute waitress at the noodle shop down the street and...“ He stopped, noticing Mako’s annoyed look. “Aw, why the long face, buddy?”

Mako tossed Wu the card. “See for yourself.”

Wu’s eyes lit up. “But this is great! Everyone loves a wedding. You’ll get to visit all your friends back home, and think of all the lonely bridesmaids! And there could be twice as many of them at this wedding. Amiright?” Wu’s eyebrows did that stupid little dance they do when he thinks he’s being clever.

“I’m just not sure I’m even going to go.” Mako said. “I’m happy for them. Both of them, I honestly and truly am, but you can see how I feel… conflicted. Besides, I wouldn’t want to ruin their happy day with my awkwardness.”

“What awkwardness?” said Wu.  “So, the two great loves of your life broke up with you and ended up marrying each other. So what, I’m sure it happens all the time.”

Mako shot Wu a look at screamed sarcasm without saying a word.

“Besides, you told Korra you would always be there to support her, right? And she did send you an invitation, right? So obviously she wants you to be there, right?” Wu finished.

“Yeah, I guess so. I better send in my RSVP.”

Wu, snapped the card back before Mako could take it, “Now, hold on a minute. I see this invite includes a plus-one…”

“Wu, please don’t…”

“No, no, Mako. I can say, over the last two years you’ve become my best friend in the world. I’m not going to let you go to your ex-girlfriends’ wedding without some new arm-candy to help soften the blow. My mission, should I choose to accept it, and I do accept it, because that’s what great friends like me do, is to find you a date."

Mako allowed his forehead to slip from his hand, and slam directly into his desk. “Just kill me now.”