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2 Corinthians 4:17 ~

For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever.

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Love is in Bloom

Part 1

"And though the battle took a severe toll on our beloved city, out of the destruction, love did bloom! So that is why, dearest friends and family, we gather today to celebrate the wondrous, and at time inexplicable, bond between Sir Varrick and the Lady Zhu Li!"

Bolin stood before the couple as the artificial snow fell all around them. Varrick wore a flashy blue toledo and Zhu Li looked stunning in her white and blue wedding gown, her hair styled into a bun and beads decorated both sides of her hair. The couple was having their wedding at Air Temple Island. The ceremony was decorated with blue colors and three long boards with ice mountains painted on them. Golden colored lanterns hung over their heads and crystal-like trees decorated the altar. Everyone was there.

The alicorns, Cadance and Shinning Armor and their little child, The Apple Family, The Cutie Mark Crusaders, The Mane Six, Team Avatar, the air nomads, President Raiko and his wife, heck even Ginger attended the wedding. And even Discord, who was crying like a baby. Su and her family, as well as Lin, who now wore a lovely green dress and styled her hair in a much more feminine manner, making her look stunning. Even Korra's parents attended.

Varrick looked over at the cameraman, who was filming the crowd and called out to him in a loud whisper, "Hey, pal, camera on me! This is my big day!" He swiveled the camera around, and Varrick nodded to Bolin to continue.

"True love is…well, some say it's a strange creature: Difficult to find, seemingly impossible to tame. Something that comes and goes. But, I think a lot of us know better." he winked over at his fiancé, who blew him a kiss and a wink in return.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It doesn't envy, it doesn't boast and it's not proud. It does not dishonor others, it's not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. It doesn't delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. At some point we might be led astray and make some stupid mistake out of our own selfish pride. Will our friends and family make us happy? Of course! Will they make us mad? Oh, definitely! But, that's the thing about love. It's all about second chances. We're not with our loved ones because some fuzzy feeling told us to. We're with them because we choose to be. It's about giving the best of yourself for someone else, regardless of rewards. You don't need to make some grand gesture to prove it. All you really need is to speak from your heart, and those who see the real you will always, always, welcome you back with open arms. Love always protects. It always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. It never fails, just as The Magic of Friendship will never fail. Varrick and Zhu Li have proven this, despite it being the longest of long shots." Varrick glanced at Bolin in annoyance, but the earthbender simply shrugged it off.

As the ceremony went on, Mako and Korra looked lovingly at each other, intertwining their fingers together while listening to Bolin's words, which couldn't be more true.

"Now, for the vows!" Pabu climbed on top of Bolin's shoulder, wearing a fancy jacket and hat with a small scroll around his neck, "Thank you, Master Pabu. Do you, Sir Iknik Blackstone Varrick of the Southern Water Tribe, Master of the High Seas, take the Lady Zhu Li Moon to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you promise to treat her not as your assistant, but as your honored and cherished partner?"

"And do you, Zhu Li, take Varrick, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to care for him, in sickness and in health…" he looked down to note with a confused expression on his face as he read the rest, "…and also scrub his callouses on a bi-weekly basis, which ... isn't really that much to ask …Okay, I'm not reading all this." he crumpled paper, glaring at Varrick in annoyance.

"I do take Varrick." Zhu Li said sincerely with a beautiful smile, "Callouses and all."

Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie swooned at the sweetness, while Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked at one another with disgust.

"Then, by the power vested in me by the approval of the Princess Avatar, I now pronounce you' Husband and Wife. You may now…do the thing." Bolin took a few steps back as Varrick and Zhu Li leaned in close together.

Zhu Li dipped Varrick and the two shared their kiss of True Love and the crowed applauded. Pinkie Pie bursted out crying, streams of tears coming out of her eyes as she bawled dramatically, "I love happy endings!"

He wiped his tears away and pulled a remote from his pocket. Pressing the button, a bunch of fireworks set off in the twilight sky.

At the reception, Cheese Sandwich played the accordion while Tahno played the trumpet, Lu and Gang, the council page, and the White Falls Wolfbats provided the music. On the dance floor, Varrick danced with his beautiful wife while Ikki danced with a reluctant Huan. Opal dragged Tu onto the dance floor as well. Lin took some food from a waiter, dressed as Nuttuk, while Pema chased Rohan, who already had way too many sweets.

Rainbow Dash stood on the sidelines while her friends danced with a partner. Twilight danced with Flash, Rarity and Applejack danced with Wei and Wing, Fluttershy danced with Meelo, Discord danced with Celestia, Pinkie Pie was even dancing while Cheese Sandwich played the music. Jinora danced with Kai, Bolin with Asami, Sunset Shimmer and Sonata danced with two airbender boys, heck even Spike danced with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Even though many of the partners weren't romantic, it still felt strange. And she just wasn't in the mood to dance anyway.

The pegasus's ears jerked up when she saw a familiar friend of hers. "Sorin? When did you get here?"

"Well, after hearing there was a wedding, the Princesses invited us. Say, what are you doing here by yourself?"

The young pegasus looked as handsome as ever, especially in his anthro form, with his spiky hair and dark blue tuxedo with his cutie mark on the lefts side of the chest of his jacket. Rainbow Dash lowered her ears in embarrassment, "Oh, well, I'm…I wouldn't even know who to dance with."

Sorin, surprisingly, rubbed the back of his neck, seemingly nervous, which was strange since Sorin hardly ever gets nervous, "Well, maybe, if you want, you could, um…dance with me. Maybe?"

Rainbow Dash was rather surprised by this invite, but touched none the less. However, she did notice a few more mares behind Sorin. "Um, aren't there a few other fillies ahead of me?"

Indeed there were a few mares trying to get Sorin's attention, but even when he was aware of them, he did not give them a second thought. "I'd, much rather dance with somepony as awesome as you."

He extended his hand to her and, with a flustered face and a smile, Rainbow Dash accepted. She then happily dragged him to the dance floor, "You've got moves in the sky, let's see how you do on the dance floor."

The two pegasus ponies laughed while Korra and Mako watched. The two smiled proudly, "Good call on sending him an invite." Mako said. Korra smiled proudly, before feeling tears coming on. "You okay?"

Prince Wu the approached the young royal couple, bowing in respect, "Good evening, Princess Korra and Prince Mako."

Mako and Korra both smiled and greeted him warmly, "Hey Wu. You know, my cousin told me how level-headed you were during the whole evacuation." Mako said, "I got to admit, I'm impressed. I think you're going to make a great leader."

"I agree." Korra said, before scowling, "But don't think this means I'm going on a date with you! So don't ask."

Wu waved his hand as in not to worry, "That's okay, Korra. Sometimes, a good evacuation is its own reward"

Twilight and Flash walked up and joined them, "Good to see you, Prince Wu." Twilight greeted, "Or should I say, King Wu?"

"You ready to get back to Ba Sing Se and finally take the throne?" Flash asked, "And maybe find a new body guard. Not that I didn't grow to like ya but, I really don't think Ba Sing Se is the place for me."

Wu understood, "That's all right Flash. In fact, I've mean meaning to tell you this in person…you're fired."

For a moment, Flash was silent…and then, he jumped up with happiness, "Yes! I'm free! I'm free!--Wait, just to be sure---" he then grabbed Wu by the jacket, "--quick, ask me to do something say, you--you--you want me to do your dry-cleaning. Tell me to do that, try that."

"No way! Ha, ha, ha, ha!" the young pegasus flew up into the sky, soaring like never before, "Oh that feels good! I'm free! I'm free at last!!"

Twilight, Korra and Mako laughed at the silliness and Flash landed while pounding his fist into the air, "Whoho!"

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually kind of going to miss you when you leave." Mako said.

Wu scratched the back of his neck, "Yeah ... About that ... I was actually thinking of stepping down as king and getting rid of the monarchy all together."

He received bewildered looks from the two couples. "Are ... you joking?" Flash asked in disbelief.

"For once, I'm not. Now I know what you're gonna say, I'm being lazy, I'm afraid of responsibility, I'm putting my singing career before my people, but it's none of those things. I really think the Earth Kingdom would be better off if the states were independent and had elected leaders, like the United Republic."

Mako and Flash were especially surprised by this. Especially with it coming from Prince Wu. The royal goofball himself.

"That's ... actually pretty wise and mature of you." Mako said while smiling proudly.

"I think it's a great idea." Korra said, "The Earth Kingdom should evolve and I'll do everything in my power to help you make that happen."

"Actually, she's taking it rather well. Said now she can enjoy her retirement in peace and open up a nick knack store."

Twilight blinked in surprised when she heard that, "Well, I'm glad to hear she's happy."

"Thanks. So, I was also, wondering, maybe I could sing at your wedding next time?"

Korra and Mako's eyes widened in horror and looked at each other with uncertainty.

Without wasting another second, the two made a mad dash for it and Wu turned to the two ponies, "They're not getting back to me, are they?"

"Not a chance." the two responded in union, and Wu ran to catch up with the couple.

Twilight and Flash laughed at the scene and Sunset Shimmer approached the two, "That dude is crazy." she said jokingly.

"The words "thank you" don't feel big enough for what you did. But I honestly don't know what else to say."

Sunset rose her hand, "You don't have to say anything. I want you to know, I'm grateful for all you did for me in the past. Just as Korra never gave up on Kuvira, you never gave up on me. I can't thank you enough."

Touched by her words, Twilight and Sunset shared a loving sisterly hug. What were once rivals, were now life-long friends. Once they ended the hug, Flash tapped his two index fingers against one another.

"Sooooo, I've never really brought this up until now, mainly cause I was worried, but--*ahem*--I may have heard that you once dated the 'other' me in that other world." as he spoke, Twilight an Sunset exchanged smirks and arched eyebrows, "So, just to be clear, you…don't have a--"

Sunset interrupted him, "Flash, trust me, you have got nothing to worry about. I don't have a crush on you. Never had, never will."

Flash took in a deep sight of relief, "Oh! Thank goodness, because that would have been awkward. I mean, not that you're not pretty or awesome, because you are, it's just that---"

Twilight chuckled and shook her head, "Okay, enough chit chat, let's dance!" the three friends made their way into the floor and danced the night away.

Korra and Mako managed to ditch Wu and danced side by side, both completely content. The battle was over, they were together, and they would finally get married with no interruptions. Korra held Mako's hand, the one that was once wounded, and held it close to her face.

Mako's eyes shifted from side to side, wearing a guilty look on his face, "I know but, I did it so you would have a fighting chance."

Korra could have been angry, Mako could have died, but he didn't. He was right here with her, and he made the ultimate sacrifice. Similar to what happened to her and the mercury poison. She made a great sacrifice that nearly cost her her own life, but she still survived.

"I can't stay mad at you for what you did. That was the bravest and most selfless thing anyone could have ever done." she smiled her signature cocky smile, "And just knowing you survived and are here with me, only proves that I was right all along."

Mako couldn't have agreed more. It seemed like every obstacle they ever faced brought them closer together. They were like two souls intertwined by destiny and could never truly fall apart. They were not perfect, which has been stated a million times in the past, but that was what made them perfect for each other. Logic said they shouldn't be together, and yet, here they are. Then again, they always were a tad rebellious.

As Korra wrapped her arms around his neck, and Mako placed his hand around her waist, their foreheads touching, enjoying the closeness between them, rocking back and forth to the slow music that was now playing. Mako broke the silence, but his words only made the moment better.

"I want you to know, I'll follow you into battle, no matter how crazy things get. I've got your back. And I always will."

Korra allowed a single happy tear escape her eye, "And I will always have yours. No matter what."

As they gazed into each other's eyes, they could feel their lips growing closer and closer together…

"That's perfect!" Korra and Mako's eyes snapped open and turned around to see Prince Wu, already writing stuff down on a piece of paper. " "Always have your back", you think I can use that for my speech?"

"Okay, very funny guys. Guys? So, you're just gonna leave me here?…my nose itches and it's chilly!" Wu was now frozen from the neck down as Korra and Mako finally got the chance to enjoy their time together.

Twilight Sparkle leaned against the decorated gate at the entrance of the island, while looking at the city across the water as the new spirit portal rose into the sky beyond. She noticed Tenzin walked up to her, "I thought I'd find you here."

"Whenever Korra needs some alone time to think, she would always find a perfect view of the city." The air nomad and alicorn both watched the stunning scene before them. "Republic City looks even more beautiful than ever before. All thanks to you girls."

"I bet Aang never could have imagined there'd be a spirit portal right in the heart of Republic City. Then again, I'm pretty sure he never would have imagined a lot of things."

"Twilight, you, Korra and the others have transformed the world more in a few years than most Avatars did during their lifetimes."

Twilight looked at him with uncertainty, "Then why do I feel like it's only the beginning? It seems like there's still so much more to be done, so much more to learn. Even though Korra's getting married she feels like her journey's not quite over."

"I've come to realize that in life there are no true Happy Endings…just Happy Moments."

Twilight chuckled at his lightheartedness, "Thank you, Tenzin. For everything. For taking us in, for not giving up on Korra or any of us."

Tenzin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I'm the one who should be thanking you, Princess."

Twilight placed her hand on top of his and smiled at the man whom she considered to be like a second-father to her, just as he was for Korra.

"Hey, Tenzin." The two turned their heads to see Korra approach them, "Varrick's looking for you. Something about wanting to borrow a glidersuit to fly off the tower?"

The air nomad ran off to see to it, "That doesn't seem like a good idea!" he left, leaving the two princesses alone.

Twilight smiled and the two sat down, side by side on the steps. Korra still could not believe seeing that beautiful portal at the very heart of the city.

"I know. I'm so proud of what you did for Kuvira. You truly are a princess of friendship."

"Thanks Twilight." Korra's eyes shifted briefly to her side, "You remember how we both nearly escaped the Red Lotus?"

"How can I not?" the alicorn said jokingly while showing off her burn mark. But she smiled non the less, "But we've both come a long way since then."

Korra smiled as well, "Yeah, we did. We were in a pretty dark place after that…but in time, I eventually realized why it happened. And thanks to Kuvira, I had to re-learn it again."

"And what did you re-learn?" Twilight asked, even though a part of her had a hunch what it was.

"Everyone will make mistakes, and all actions have consequences. Not just on ourselves, but for others. And while we can't be able to fix them all, we can at the very least try and learn from them." the Avatar smiled as she gripped Twilight's hand, "Even though we've been burned, poisoned, and nearly killed more than once, each experience made us into the people and ponies we are now. So long as we have Faith in the Magic of Friendship…there's nothing we can't handle."

Twilight smiled proudly at the Avatar, "You don't know how happy I am to hear you so full of hope again. After you were gone you seemed like you didn't know who you were anymore."

"You don't need to apologize for anything, none of that was your fault. I'm just so happy you're here now. I owe a lot to you Korra. You didn't just change the world, but you changed me too. All of us. You opened up my eyes to a whole new world that I never even would have imagined. A world so scary, and unpredictable, but wonderful and mysterious all at the same time. I look at myself in the mirror and I can hardly believe the pony I've become."

Korra gently removed a stray hair from Twilight's face, placing it behind her ear, "You have changed, Twilight. But, you're still the same pony I've always known. You changed my life too. You girls taught me true friendship, true compassion and true love. It's those very things that helped bring out the magic inside of me. I never would have been able to discover that if it weren't for any of you. You helped shape me into the person I am now. And I can never thank you enough for that."

Korra smiled, "…And you've become me." she wrapped her arm around her pony sister, allowing her to rest her head on her shoulder, "I love you, Korra."

After all of the adventures they've been on, and all of the lessons they have learned, and even in times of distance, one thing never changed…

Pinkie Pie and Vinyl took hold of the DJ system and the pink pony threw a mic at Korra, who took center stage, singing one of the best songs for the occasion.

As the partygoers danced to their heart's content, Sonata noticed Queen Leilani approach her. "Sonata, I want to tell you, I am very proud of you."

"When I said you were stronger than you thought, I wasn't really referring to your bending."

"Sometimes, a true hero isn't measured by the size of her strength. But by the strength of her heart."

And that was when it became clear to Sonata. Her greatest strength wasn't how fast she could throw a blast of water, or how high she could kick, but how much love she could hold in her heart, even for those who may not seem like they deserve it. In gratitude, she hugged the alicorn queen. One of the few who still believed in her as well.

"I wanted to say, I'm sorry I didn't get you a ring when I first proposed. I didn't even plan on it at first, but it just felt like the right time and--" before he could finish, he was happily interrupted when Asami pressed her lips against his.

"You don't have to apologize. You'll get me a ring at some point. I don't even care if it's a knock off. I'm just looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you."

The two pressed their foreheads together, "Well, it's kind of a shame you think that way because…" Bolin pulled from his pocket a black leather box. Asami gasped in awe as Bolin got down on one knee again, "It was my grandmother's. She said she and my grandpa were married for seventy years and she hopes it will bring us good luck. So, now I'm gonna do this properly." Bolin opened the box to reveal a golden colored ring with a simple green emerald on the center, in the shape of a lotus flower. "Asami Sato. Will you marry me? Again?"

Bolin rose his fists into the air, jumped up in triumph and placed the ring on Asami's finger. The two shared yet another loving kiss. Which was only the first of many in their new lives together.

"Maybe after Korra and Mako's wedding. They've waited long enough, we should let them have their day."

"That's very generous of you, sis." Mako came in, twilling Korra, "But we actually have a proposition for you both."

Korra and Mako smiled at one another before Korra gave the news, "How would you feel about a double wedding?"

The green eyed couple literally dropped their jaws in shock. "Are you serious?" Asami asked in disbelief, "But, it's your big day."

"You won't be." Korra assured, "We're all going to be an official family anyways, might as well have it happen on the same day."

Bolin and Asami were still rather unsure about this, "You sure you're okay with this?" Bolin asked.

Then Bolin remembered, "Oh yeah! We promised her that if we ever found the two perfect girls we would have a double wedding for her to see both of us on our big days. But, I didn't think you actually meant it."

Korra cheered happily and hugged her new sister as the two brothers hugged it out and the music played on

The Little Pony Legend 4: Balance of the Heart

by MaggiesHeartLove

Love is in Bloom Part 1