Chapter Text
“These gang of benders,” Hiroshi Sato spits. “They took away your mother, my love. My soulmate!”
You have your arm protectively around your little sister Asami. You can be strong for the both of you. Your father’s words circle in your mind. Benders... In particular a Firebender who broke in. A Firebender like you...
“Where did they take Mom?” she asks looking between you both.
Your father’s eyes slide closed.
“Mom is...” You swallow the lump in your throat. “Mom has gone to the spirit world and can’t come back home.”
Your father’s shoulders drop slightly.
“Can we go visit her instead?”
“No 'Sami,” you say gently. “Well, not for a long time anyway. One day we will see her again.”
“Oh...” Asami says with a frown.
Your father crouches down to her level. “Asami, she loved you so much, remember that always,” he says with a sad smile. “Why don’t you go find your favourite toy car to play with?”
“Okay Dad,” she says, turning to kiss your cheek before exiting the room.
You remain standing with your shoulders back waiting for your father to say something to you.
He stands and waits until your sister is well and truly gone before he speaks. “I have made arrangements for you to go to the Royal Fire Academy for Girls.”
Your mind races, you know that’s in the Fire Nation. But Republic City is your home. “But...why?”
“I can not have a dangerous firebending prodigy under the same roof as my baby girl,” he replies, looking down his nose at you.
You refuse to show him any weakness. “When do I leave?” You raise your chin.
“The day after the funeral,” he answers.
“I will do the Sato name proud,” you say holding back the trembling from your voice.
“No,” he calmly says. “You will not go by that name while you are there. I have enrolled you under your middle name. You will stay out of trouble, your grades up and keep away from your sister. I can not lose her too.”
Asami may be three years younger than you but you two are joined at the hip. It’s as if you have been struck by a fleet of Satomobiles, then backed over for good measure.
“Won’t people ask where I am?” you ask softly.
His eyebrow raises “You were deeply affected by the attack and have retreated from public to recover.”
You nod as your shoulders drop.
“I suggest you start packing,” your father says, he turns his back on you.
“Yes Father...” you respond quietly before leaving for your bedroom.
Present day.
Your finger traces the soulmate mark on your forearm. It’s a Water Tribe symbol with the letter K next to it.
The symbol of their ethnicity and the first letter of their name.
The symbol appears on your fifth birthday.
If they are named the letter appears at the same time as the symbol, if they haven’t, it appears when they are.
It softly glows when you meet them.
In Republic City it has become common to have a different ethnicity from your own. It really is a centre for all nationalities to live in peace and harmony.
Just because they’re your soulmate doesn’t necessarily mean they will be your lover. Some people are simply friends with the person.
Funnily enough your little sister has the exact same mark as you. Speaking of...
My dearest big sister,
I received your last letter with joy. It must be amazing seeing all the places you get to travel with the Fire Nation military. Your sketch of the volcano is now hanging on my wall.
Did you go to the beach on Ember Island? Remember when we’d have family holidays there as kids? Are the Ember Island Players still terrible?
You let out a small chuckle before your eyes drift over the word ‘family’. You let out a breath.
I helped Dad design the new race car. I took it for a test drive yesterday. Still need to work out some minor kinks but it should be ready for the next race.
You smile 'Oh 'Sami... Never change.’
“Who's got you smiling like that?”
You look up from the page, holding the paper against your uniform jacket.
“Secret lover?” your bunkmate asks, waggling their eyebrows.
“No,” you scoff. “It’s-it’s my little sister.”
“Is she hotter than you? Do you think you could introduce...?”
You send a small burst of flame towards them, cutting the sentence off. “Hard, don’t-even-think-about-it,” you state firmly.
“Alright, alright. No need to take my eyebrows,” they hold their hands up.
“Might be an improvement,” you mutter to yourself.
“Hey!” they exclaim. “I heard that.”
“It’s so good to see you!” Asami wraps her arms around you as soon as you step into your family estate.
“You too.” You wrap your arms around her and breathe in the scent that is Asami. This feels like home.
“How long are you in town for?” she asks moving back to look at you.
“Why? What have you got planned?” you ask instead of answering her question.
~~
“Stop fidgeting with it,” Asami says.
“This formal uniform isn’t broken-in yet,” you say tugging at the stiff collar.
“Come on, it will be fun going to the gala to honour the Avatar,” Asami says cheerily, flicking her long raven locks over her shoulder.
You check your regulation topknot is neat in the mirror. You pick up the metal hairpiece that adorns your topknot.
Asami takes it from your hand. “We might even meet our soulmates there.” She places it neatly into your hair with nimble fingers.
You catch her eyes in the reflection as you raise an eyebrow. “I thought you were dating that guy, what’s his name? M. M...Maru?”
“It’s Mako,” she corrects you. “And it’s not like you haven’t dated people who aren’t your soulmate.” She steps back.
You turn to face her. “I'm not judging you,” you counter. “Is he Fire Nation?”
“Yes,” Asami answers then looks away.
“Is it serious?”
“It’s...new,” she says, her cheeks flush.
“Is he a Firebender?” you ask softly.
She meets your eyes. “Yes, can we drop it now?”
You hold up your hands “Whatever you say Salami.”
“Don’t call me that.” She punches you in the shoulder.
“Ouch,” you say with a smirk. She raises her fist again. “Alright, alright, I won’t call you Salami.” You take a few large steps to escape her reach.
“You’re lucky I’m wearing heels!” she calls out after you.
“Mr Sato, sir,” you say, bowing to your father when you bump into him at the gala.
His eyes swiftly rake you up and down. “Captain looks good on you.” His lips pull together.
“Dad...” Asami says hushed.
“Miss Sato, it is a pleasure as always,” you cut her off before giving a formal bow. The eyebrow twitch from your father doesn’t go unnoticed by you. “And who is this young gentleman?” you ask as a tall dark haired boy approaches.
“This is Mako,” Asami says before introducing you.
You bow “Pleasure to meet you Mako.”
“Yeah, it’s...” He scratches the back of his neck.
“Hey bro!” a shorter, stocker boy says before wrapping Mako in a bear hug.
“Uh, this is my younger brother Bolin,” Mako says awkwardly before giving your name to his brother.
“How do you know Asami?” Bolin asks looking over your uniform.
“We are childhood friends,” you answer smoothly.
“Yeah, some may say we’re as close as sisters,” Asami adds with a small smile directed at you.
“If you’ll excuse me,” your father says raising an eyebrow at you both before leaving.
“What’s up with him?” Bolin asks.
This kid appears to not have a filter between his brain and his mouth.
“Mr Sato would prefer it if we weren’t such close friends,” you answer quietly.
“Oh...” Bolin says “Why?”
“It’s a long story,” Asami answers. “Mako and Bolin are both pro-benders.”
You pause to think. “Oh, the Fire Ferrets?”
“Yes,” Mako says. “Future Industries is going to sponsor us.”
“It’s going to be so awesome,” Bolin says before he starts talking Asami's ear off.
You glance at them before back to the Firebender “Shall we get drinks?”
“Uh, yeah okay,” Mako says with a nod.
“Is this the part where you warn me about hurting her?” he asks when you’re out of earshot.
You turn to him with a blank expression. “No,” you say calmly.
He lets out the breath he was holding.
“If you hurt her, she will destroy you,” you say with a low tone.
His eyebrows shoot up.
“I will stop anyone who tries to stop her from doing so,” you say with the same calm tone.
His jaw goes slack.
“Better take these back to Asami and Bolin,” you say, motioning the drinks in your hands as you smile.
“Hey Korra!” Mako says noticing her in the crowd.
“Mako hey...” the Avatar dressed in her formal Water Tribe dress answers. You look to her left at the older lady wearing a similar outfit to the Avatar. “This is Kya. She is one of my waterbending masters and Tenzin's sister.”
“Lovely to meet you Master Kya,” Bolin says giving a small bow. He introduces Asami and you to them.
Asami looks down at the mark on her arm, you see it beginning to glow. She looks up at you wide-eyed, her eyes dart to your arm.
“What the...?” Korra is looking at her own arm. She peels back one of her navy coloured sleeves.
You glance down at your forearm, and pull the jacket sleeve up. Your own soulmate mark is glowing.
“Oh my goodness!” Bolin exclaims, he points between the Avatar and you and your sister. “You guys are soulmates!”
“Bo!” Mako scolds. “Not so loud.”
You look at Asami. “You can’t share a soulmate...right?”
Korra's eyebrows furrow “What do you mean?”
Asami and you hold out your matching marks for the Avatar to see.
“Oh...” Korra says “So you’re both Fire Nationals?”
“Yes,” you answer in synch.
“They’re childhood friends,” Bolin stage whispers to the Water Tribe teen when she pulls another face.
“I mean, of course you are. You’re both wearing Fire Nation colours...” the Avatar says face palming.
Asami and you share a glance with a small smile.
“Don’t you have the letter of the first name?” Mako asks.
Korra scratches the back of her neck. “I had an accident when I was four, it caused a scar where the letter appears so I only knew the Fire Nation part,” she says sheepishly.
“I think I may be able to help, Korra show them your mark,” Kya says before peeling back her own sleeve.
You’re drawn to the mature woman's sparkling blue eyes.
“How exactly will this help?” Bolin asks. Man he really has no filter at all.
“The mark’s glow changes when you hold them near your soulmate,” Kya explains.
“You know this doesn’t necessarily...” Asami turns to Mako.
“I know,” Mako cuts Asami off. “But who am I to stand in the way of the spirits.”
“But why are...? Oh you’re glowing too!” Bolin exclaims when he sees the older Waterbender's mark glowing. “Being silent now,” he says after Mako gives him another scowl.
“Ladies first,” you say to Asami.
She takes a breath in before placing her arm next to the Avatar's.
“Oh wow, that’s a neat effect,” Korra comments as the glowing fades to a different colour.
“Huh,” Asami says.
“The Avatar...” your father says looking down at Asami and Korra's arms.
“Oh, hey Dad. Meet Avatar Korra,” Asami says “My soulmate.”
“Hello Mr Sato,” Korra says with a small bow.
Hiroshi's eyebrows almost reach his hairline, he glances at you.
You ignore the subtle look he gave you. You move your arm next to Kya's, the marks change the same way Asami and Korra’s did.
“Master Kya, meet Hiroshi Sato, my uh...” you trip over your words. “My friend Asami's father.”
There is a twinkle in those hypnotic blue eyes, she looks between you and your little sister. “Childhood friends? No. You two are family.”
Hiroshi stands up straighter “What are you talking about?”
“When friends are so close, they become family,” Kya says with a soft smile.
“Oh, yes. Very true,” he says with a nod. “It’s lovely to meet you both,” your father smiles at the Water Tribe women. “I hope your stay in Republic City is enjoyable.”
“It’s been really eye-opening so far,” Korra beams.
“Be sure to go to ‘Flameo Hotman' in the Fire District. I like their spicy roast elephant-rat,” you say.
“Elephant-rat?” Bolin says with his jaw wide open.
Kya smirks.
“Yes, it was something I became accustomed to in my survival training. It’s not as bad as it sounds,” you explain further.
Asami giggles behind her hand. “They have good tea there, it’s not all strange dishes.”
Hiroshi looks down his nose at you. “A word Captain,” he says clipped before turning his back and making his way to an exit.
“Excuse me,” you say with a reassuring smile to the group before following him. You know better than to keep him waiting.
Asami bites her bottom lip as she watches you leave.
“Man, he really doesn’t like your friend,” Bolin comments.
Hiroshi opens a door, holding it open with one arm.
You walk past him with your head held high, like you were trained at the Academy.
“I thought I made it clear,” he says after closing the door.
“I haven’t breathed a word to anyone,” you defend. “But like I’ve been telling you since you sent me away, you can’t erase me like I never existed. We were a family of four, not three like you cling to.”
Hiroshi huffs.
“I am the mysterious recluse, some say I was horribly disfigured by the attack. Others wonder if I ever really existed.”
“I’m warning you...” His finger raises, pointing at your face.
“Do you know how hard it is to hear stupid rumours about yourself and have to hold your tongue?” you continue, ignoring his tone. “My favourite is, I am responsible for the death and am currently imprisoned under the mansion.”
Hiroshi back hands you across the face. “You insolent child!” he spits.
You don’t react to the blow or his words. “I have done everything you have asked of me and more,” you say calmly. “Including keeping Asami in the dark about why you sent me away and why she can’t call me her sister in public.” You take a breath. “I don’t know why you’re so afraid of the world knowing. I'm not some criminal or...or gang member. I proudly serve my nation, your nation.”
Hiroshi stares at you like he’s looking at a faulty engine part.
“I’ve just met my soulmate, I’d like to speak to her,” you say when he has been silent for long enough.
“That old woman?”
“Yeah. What of it?” You look at him.
His right nostril flares.
“Do you know who her parents are? Avatar Aang and Master Katara, you know the people who ended the 100 year war as kids. Master Kya is a world renowned healer in her own right.”
“Don’t expect your allowance this month,” Hiroshi warns.
“You hate benders so much the spirits decided your children will be with the strongest benders on the planet, the current Avatar and the last Avatar's child,” you say smugly. You’re already in trouble for no reason, might as well give him a good one. “Don’t worry about me claiming to be your first born, I don’t want to be associated with you.” You turn to leave.
“I do not hate benders,” Hiroshi says to your back.
“Right, you sponsored Asami’s boyfriend’s pro-bending team as proof...” you say with your back still to your father. “Must just be me then...” You lift your head, pull your shoulders back and school your features before opening the door and exiting the room.
“Hey, isn’t that Sato's oldest daughter?” a reporter says as he sees you and Hiroshi.
“Let’s get pictures,” another says as he takes a photograph.
“Gentleman, let me pose with my daughter,” Hiroshi says.
“So it is true, you’re not a really recluse?”
“I think Mr Sato was talking about the stunning Asami Sato,” you answer. “I’m not his daughter.”
“What were you discussing in private?”
“Eh, I was asking the captain about...” your father is unusually caught off guard.
“Mr Sato is an esteemed family friend,” you state smoothly. “He graciously took a moment from his busy rounds to ask about my life and time in the military.” After years of denying your relationship with Hiroshi, twisting the truth is as easy as bending.
“Oh, the captain is being modest, she is one of the liaison pilots between Future Industries and the Fire Nation. We also discussed the handling of the newest Future Industries airship,” he answers, clapping a large hand to your shoulder.
“Is the Fire Nation planning something?” a reporter asks.
“The airship was used during a recent volcano eruption. It helped spot citizens who were stranded. Thanks to Future Industries, 14 citizens, 5 dogs and 3 koala-sheep were successfully saved,” you answer.
“Can we get a photo of the heroic pilot and the inventor?”
“All credit should go to Future Industries,” you say gesturing to your father.
“Let me get my daughter, Asami,” Hiroshi says gesturing into the crowd. “She helped with the design.”
Chapter Text
“So, uh...hi,” you say with an awkward smile.
“You don’t have to pretend with me,” Kya says plainly.
“Pretend?” you asks confused.
“I saw the look on your face when Asami matched with Korra,” she says. “And you were stuck with the old woman.”
You give a soft smile. “That wasn’t why I had that look,” you say. “I know Asami's life is going to be difficult being the soulmate to the Avatar. I am sure Avatar Korra is lovely but, as you are aware more than most, she has duties and responsibilities to the whole world. I'm concerned for Asami,” you are honest with your words.
Kya looks surprised.
“She is my best friend after all,” you continue. “As much as I’m honoured to be your soulmate, I understand if you don’t want anything to do with me, considering my age and... I’m no one important, like you are.”
“Who told you you’re not important?”
You give a small self-depreciating smile. “I know you’re a world renowned healer. If I were a Waterbender, I'd have begged you to teach me,” you answer. “As well as being Master Katara and Avatar Aang's daughter.”
“And you’re a captain in the Fire Nation military,” she says pointing to your uniform. “As well as the eldest Sato daughter,” she whispers.
Your brow furrows.
“I saw the family resemblance,” she whispers with a knowing wink. “Is there a reason you joined the Fire Nation military?”
“I attended the Royal Fire Academy for Girls, I went to the officer's school while there.” You shrug. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the Fire Nation and some parts of the world. I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities if I’d come back to Republic City after my schooling ended.”
Kya regards you for a moment before speaking. “Has anyone ever told you you’re an old head on young shoulders?”
You let out a soft chuckle. “Asami does all the time.”
“Can you believe it?” Asami says quietly to you when you get a moment alone together.
“It is a bit surreal,” you agree.
“The Avatar herself,” Asami says.
“I mean, she is your type.” You smirk. “Endless muscles and a fire for life.”
“Why were you looking at her muscles?” Asami raises an eyebrow.
“’Sami, I’m not blind. They were right there on display,” you say. “I’m pretty sure she was flexing her arms on purpose.”
“I noticed that too,” Asami says with a smirk. “Surprised you weren’t doing the same,” she teases.
“Didn’t want to wreck my uniform jacket,” you retort, smoothing down the front of said jacket.
Asami lets out a laugh as she rolls her eyes. “Is Kya what you thought about when you traced your mark?” she asks gently.
“Are you kidding?” you ask.
Asami opens her mouth to say something but nothing comes out.
“A world renowned healer and Waterbender, I had no idea,” you say. “She’s incredible.”
Asami smiles. “You got me.”
You grin. “I usually do.”
“I... I am going to keep dating Mako,” Asami says nervously. “I like him, he is really sweet and I enjoy spending time with him.”
You nod. “He seems like a good egg.”
“You don’t think it’s a bad idea?”
“Asami, you’re the smartest, biggest hearted person I know. If that’s what you truly want, I fully support your decision,” you say holding her gaze.
She looks down with flushed cheeks.
“And I’ll beat up anyone who says any different.” You make a fist. “Unless you get to them first,” you add.
“I’m sure it won’t come to that,” Asami says with a chuckle. “Are you going to date Kya?”
“I honestly don’t know,” you answer. “I would like to get to know her better, she is interesting.” You pick a bit of lint off your jacket sleeve. “I think the necklace she is wearing is a betrothal necklace. She might already have a husband or wife down in the South Pole.”
“Well, whatever you decide, I fully support your decision,” she echoes your own words back to you.
“Avatar Korra,” reporter calls out. “You witnessed Amon take away people's bending first hand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?”
Korra clears her throat. “I think he presents a real problem,” she says awkwardly.
You feel for the poor girl as you watch on. The reporters are relentless. You wonder if she’s had any training dealing with them.
“I’m not afraid of anybody!” Korra says loudly. “If the city needs me...then, I’ll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon.”
More cameras flash in her face.
You look to Bolin. “I think she could use a friend.”
“What should I say to her?” he asks with his eyebrows raised.
You think about an answer before you reply. “I don’t know her like you do, but if that was me I’d want a friendly ear to listen while I got whatever it is off my chest.”
“Capitan, I need to speak with you,” the Fire Nation representative on council gets your attention.
You bow low. “Of course Councilwoman,” you respond. “If you’ll excuse me,” you say to the people you’re standing with.
“The Fire Nation is sending some military members to serve on the task force,” she begins. “Until they arrive in Republic City, you are to join as our contribution to the task force.”
“Understood Councilwoman, when do I begin?”
“Tomorrow night, with the Avatar,” Tarrlok says sliding into the conversation. “I hear you’re an excellent bender and tactician. Just what we need on the task force.”
“I am flattered Councilman Tarrlok,” you say, giving him a bow. “I look forward to serving the people of Republic City.”
“I will see you tomorrow night Captain,” he replies with a practised smile.
“Could, I uh, walk you to where you’re staying?” you ask as the gala winds down.
Kya smiles. “Well, we can walk to a point, after that it’s a boat ride.”
“You’re staying on Air Temple Island?”
“Yes, it was our family home,” Kya says. “Have you ever been?”
“No, but I’ve sailed past it in both a ship and an airship. It looks really beautiful.”
“Would you like to see it?” Kya asks.
“I would be honoured to,” you answer.
“There are plenty of rooms to stay in, if you would like to?”
“To-tonight?” you stutter. What on Earth has gotten into you tonight? Tripping over your words. Pull yourself together.
“I wasn’t assuming anything, you can come by tomorrow,” she says with a slight pink tinge to her cheeks.
“Oh,” you say with a pause. “Can we go past my apartment so I don’t have to sleep in this uniform?”
Kya smiles. “Of course.”
“In that case, I know I said walk, but may I drive you?” You flash a charming smile.
She grins.
“How many vehicles do you own?” Kya asks when she is in the passenger seat.
“I...uh.” You are acutely aware of your family’s excessive wealth. You decide to deal with that thought at another time.
“More than 3?”
You clear your throat as you put the car into gear. “I own a few vehicles, and have access to more at the Sato estate.”
“When you say a few...?” Kya probes. “I’m only interested because I myself can’t drive.”
“Really?” you ask surprised.
“I wandered around a lot in my youth, and there’s not much need in the South Pole,” she says running her fingertips along the trim.
“I began learning to drive at age 4,” you say. “Hiroshi built me a miniature race car.” You glance over at Kya “I could teach you, if it’s something you want to learn?”
“I’ll think about it,” she says.
The unanswered question still lingering between you.
“I have this car, a moped, a motorcycle and another car, here in Republic City,” you answer as you turn down a street. “A car, motorcycle and speed boat in the Fire Nation.”
“A speed boat?” Kya looks at you.
“Yeah, I like to go out on the water to clear my head. Visit other islands.” You glance at her in the passenger seat. “And who doesn’t like to go fast on the open water?”
“I can’t argue with that,” she chuckles.
You’re grateful your father listened and agreed when you asked for your own space here in the city. He doesn’t know Asami has authorisation to come hang out here whenever she needs her space. Not like you use it very often with your military duties anyway. It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission after all.
“Hey Liu,” you greet the doorman.
“Lovely to see you Captain,” Liu says opening the door.
“This is Master Kya,” you introduce your companion. “Kya, this is Liu.”
“An honour Master Kya,” he says as he respectfully bows.
“Just Kya is fine,” she says before giving a small bow. “It was nice to meet you Liu.”
He gives you both another bow as you continue through the lobby.
“Welcome home Captain,” the lift attendant says with a bow when the lift doors open.
“Thank you, Hana.” You gesture Kya to go ahead of you.
Hana presses the lift button for the penthouse apartment.
Kya raises an eyebrow.
“This is Master Kya,” you introduce her as the lift begins to ascend.
“Master Kya,” the lift attendant bows. “Will you be staying long?” she asks you.
“No, not tonight,” you answer. “How is your son?”
“He just started walking, so he is into everything,” Hana replies with a tired smile.
You and Kya chuckle.
“Your floor,” Hana says just before a bell sounds.
“Thank you,” you say with a smile and small bow.
Kya blinks surprised to see the inside of your apartment directly from the lift.
“Uh, make yourself at home,” you say gesturing the sitting area. “I won’t be long.”
“If we miss the last ferry I can waterbend us over there,” Kya says. “It’s a good benefit of being a Waterbender.”
You enter your bedroom. It is spacious, not as big as your bedroom at the Sato estate but definitely big enough for its purpose.
One thing you have been blessed by the spirits with is never having to go without material wise. Hiroshi's honour wouldn’t allow him. Love however, that had to be earned.
You pull the hairpiece from your topknot, gently setting it down on your dressing table. Instant relief washes over you, that thing is heavy. You pick up a simple hairpin, rolling between your fingers.
“It’s for luck,” Asami says sliding it through your topknot.
“How is a hairpin lucky?” you ask when she steps back.
“You’re going to pass your firebending test with it, because I made it specially for you.”
“You made it?”
“Yeah, from an old engine part,” she says like it’s a completely normal thing to make a hairpin out of.
“Well, it definitely feels extra lucky. Thank you,” you say before giving a formal bow.
“No, silly.” Asami laughs before wrapping you in a hug.
Her laugh is infectious as you hug her back tightly.
You did pass your test with flying colours. A smile creeps across your lips as you slide it through your topknot. You’ve never had to earn anything from Asami, she gives her love and admiration freely.
“This view is amazing,” Kya says standing near the floor-to-ceiling window. The city lights behind her make the stone on her necklace sparkle.
You are unsure how to even ask her about it. “Yeah, I enjoy it when I am here,” you say when she turns to look at you. “I am ready whenever you are.” You hold up the small overnight bag.
Her eyes linger on your topknot. “I knew for sure Asami was family when I noticed her adjust your hairpiece.”
You give a nod. It was drilled into you at school that no one should touch your hair in public unless they are immediate family. It is highly disrespectful for anyone else to do so. An old rule of noble families that carries on to today. When you’re outside the Fire Nation it’s not as strictly observed. “My sister has an eye for accessorising,” you say. It feels freeing to be able to call her that.
Kya turns from looking out over the city from Air Temple Island. “The name I was given isn’t your actual first name, is it?” She points to the letter next to the Fire Nation symbol.
You shake your head. It wouldn’t be too hard for her to find out your name considering she already knows you’re a Sato, you appreciate that she asked you directly so you tell her your first name. “Please don’t call me that unless we’re completely alone together.”
Kya repeats your name, like she is testing how it feels in her mouth.
Something deep inside you stirs, it’s a pleasant feeling. “There are reasons why, that I might tell you another day.”
“I won’t tell anyone,” she says. “Thank you for trusting me with your secret.”
“If you can’t trust your soulmate, who can you trust?”
“That’s true,” Kya says.
“So were you surprised to see a letter there after...uh,” you begin to ask but stop. You don’t want to be rude by pointing out the age gap between you.
“After so many years without one?” Kya finishes your question.
“Yeah...” you say with a nod.
“I’d put the idea out of my head once there was no letter all through my childhood, teens, then twenties,” Kya says. “I was shocked when I noticed that there was a letter there one day.”
“It must have been hard without a letter there,” you say. “I’ve never had to wonder.”
“When I was a child I wrote a letter there myself to fit in,” she admits.
“Did you guess correctly?”
She lets out a chuckle. “Can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course,” you reply.
“I wrote an 'F' for Flameo Hotman,” she admits.
You bite the inside of your cheek to stop yourself from laughing.
“You can laugh. It is funny looking back now,” she says with an amused smile.
You let out your laugh. “How did you know about that old Fire Nation phrase?”
“My dad,” she says. “He used to say all kinds of old phrases like that.”
“Thank you for trusting me with your secret,” you echo her words.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the kudos, comments, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate them.
Chapter Text
You sit watching the Avatar make her way through the Airbending gates in the morning.
“I’m going to go get a drink of lychee juice,” Korra says before walking away.
“Hey there, pretty lady,” the small Airbender boy says.
You raise an eyebrow at him. “How old are you?”
“Why? Want to see my soulmate mark?” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“You’re not my soulmate,” you respond before he gets any more ideas and comes closer with the mucus bubble coming out his nostril.
“Who is?” He eyes you suspiciously.
“Meelo, leave her alone,” the middle daughter says.
You stand up and move towards the other young Airbender. “Your aunt,” you answer.
“Does that make you our aunt too?” Ikki asks.
“I...uh...” you falter. Kya and you haven’t talked about any of that just yet... “Hey, do you guys want to help me?”
“Help you with Auntie Kya?” Ikki asks with a conspiratorial grin.
“No, help me with the gates,” you say pointing to the Airbending gates.
“But you’re not an Airbender,” Meelo says.
“I know, I think it’s important to try other bending techniques,” you say. “Do you have any advice?”
The two children look at each other before looking back you then giving you a nod.
“The trick is to dance, dance like the wind,” Ikki explains.
“You gotta be the leaf,” Meelo says as he moves his arms in a wave.
“Okay. Ready,” you say looking into the maze of wood.
The kids send gusts of wind through them.
You step forward, pivoting when a gate swings towards you, you spin again when the gate behind you approaches. You’ve made it halfway through the course when you take a misstep.
“Ikki, Meelo, who is in there?” Korra's deep voice travels through the spinning gates.
You take some more evasive steps but get hit by multiple gates on your way out of there. “That is a lot harder than you make it seem,” you puff out.
“You did better than Korra's first attempts,” Ikki beams at you.
“Thanks, I guess...” You light your palm with soft flames and begin moving it over the forming bruises on your opposite elbow.
“What are you doing?” Korra asks with a furrowed brow.
“Uh... Attempting to fix an oncoming bruise?”
“With firebending?” Ikki asks looking up at you with a puzzled expression.
“Yeah,” you answer. “I spent some time studying with the Bhanti tribe. Also have extensively studied waterbending techniques. There are some transferrable ideas.”
“Does it work?” Korra asks leaning towards you to see you work.
“It isn’t the same as waterbending healing, but it takes the edge off,” you finish and show your work.
“Korra learnt how to heal from our Gran Gran,” Ikki says.
“What an honour to be taught by Sifu Katara herself,” you say with a smile.
Korra scratches the back of her neck. “Yeah, I had a lot of famous benders teach me.” She pauses. “But none who showed me fire could be used in the way you just did.”
“I may not be the Avatar but I have studied all the elements, sometimes you need to use a different bending technique when you’re stuck in a bad situation.”
Korra nods slowly. “That actually makes a lot of sense.”
You give her a gentle smile.
“Hey, would you like to practice airbending forms together?” Korra asks.
“It would be my honour to,” you reply with a small bow.
“Thank you for sharing your practice with me,” you say giving a bow after you’ve finished.
“You’re welcome,” Korra replies with a bow.
You see the large polar bear-dog barrelling towards the Avatar from over her shoulder. You instinctively step between them and hold your palm out. “Stop,” you use your ‘captain's voice.’ The large animal skids to a halt, its cold wet nose lightly brushing your palm.
“Naga,” Korra says.
Naga turns to look at her human.
“She is your polar bear-dog?” you ask as you stroke white fur.
“Yep, found her as a puppy when I was young. We ended up caught in a blizzard overnight,” Korra says, petting the other side of Naga's massive head. “We’ve been inseparable ever since.”
“She’s beautiful,” you say as you continue to stroke her.
“I will be honest, I have never seen her listen to anyone like that who wasn’t close family,” Korra says. “And you didn’t flinch.”
“When you’ve groomed a dragon, a polar bear-dog isn’t so daunting,” you say.
“You what?”
“Fire Lord Zuko has a dragon, named Druk,” you say. “He rides Druk. Can you ride Naga?”
“You brushed the Fire Lord's dragon?” Her eyes are wide.
“Yeah, Druk can be very gentle,” you say. “Loves a scratch under the chin.” You scratch the polar bear-dog under her chin.
Naga huffs as she stretches her neck towards you.
“Wow,” Korra says. “Naga loves running through the snow with me on her back.”
You smile. “That would be an amazing experience.”
“She made it through the gates Auntie Kya,” Ikki says at the breakfast table.
“Really?” Kya says.
“Wasn’t as fun as when Korra used firebending on them,” Meelo says mimicking firebending techniques.
Korra's posture drops as she pokes at her food.
Jinora looks up from the book she is reading. “Meelo, that is our heritage, we need to protect it for future Airbenders.”
“I can understand why Korra did,” you say glancing at the Avatar before back to the children. “Our fire is simmering under the surface at all times. It is hard to keep it under control.” You generate a small flame to dance above your fingertips for emphasis.
“Yeah, it is hard to not set things on fire when I’m in a bad mood,” Korra adds.
“Tenzin is lucky I am a Waterbender instead of a Firebender,” Kya teases.
“Hmm, I have to agree,” Tenzin says stroking his beard. “How is your airbending practice going Korra?”
“Still nothing,” Korra says. “The other elements came so easy...”
“I’m sure it will come if you have patience,” Tenzin says.
“Airbending came easy to us,” Ikki says. “Why is it so hard for Korra?”
“As I have mentioned before, often the most difficult element for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite their personality,” Tenzin says.
“Korra has mastered waterbending which uses positive and negative jing to maintain a balance. Earthbending which is neutral, and firebending which uses positive. Airbending uses negative jing.
“I can’t imagine how hard that would be to relearn how to direct energy through your chi paths,” you say.
Korra gives you a small shy smile.
“She is right, it would be difficult,” Kya says.
“How do you know all this stuff?” Meelo asks furrowing his brow.
“Studying,” you answer.
Jinora lowers her book. “You like studying?”
“Depending on the subject,” you reply with a shrug.
“Jinora loves reading,” Ikki says.
“I am an action man,” Meelo says pointing to himself with his thumb.
“What about you Ikki?” Korra asks.
“I like playing with the flying bison,” Ikki answers.
“Master Kya the ship departs soon,” an Air Acolyte informs her.
“Thank you,” Kya says.
The Air Acolyte gives a small bow before leaving.
“I hope you don’t think I’m ditching you, I need to return home to be with my mother,” Kya says turning to you.
“Of course. You didn’t expect to meet your soulmate on this short visit,” you say. “I have this task force thing here anyway, so that will keep me busy.”
“It will be nice for you to be able to spend time with Asami,” Kya says with a knowing wink.
“Yeah, it will be,” you agree. “Would it be okay if I wrote you?” you ask nervously. “I have enjoyed the short time we have spent together and would like to continue to get to know you.”
“I would really like that,” Kya says with a sincere smile.
“Race you down the stairs!” Korra yells from somewhere above you.
“Hey! No fair!” Ikki whinges.
You and Kya look up to watch them.
“I know she’s the Avatar, but she...”
“I will look out for Korra, don’t worry about that,” you gently cut Kya off. “She is important to you, Asami and the world.”
“Thank you,” Kya says before she steps forward giving you a hug.
A warm calmness washes through you. You guess Kya had the same feeling when she steps back and gives you a knowing smile.
“Bye Auntie Kya,” Jinora says from beside you as you watch the ship begin to sail away.
“Tell your father to bring you to visit,” Kya calls back with a wave.
“Be safe,” you say with a wave.
“You too,” Kya says with a small smile.
“Ah, Captain, I was hoping to have a word with you,” Tarrlok says at the end of the task force meeting.
You give a small bow. “Certainly Councilman.”
“The Avatar seems to listen to you.”
“We have mutual friends, will that be an issue Councilman?”
“No, no. Actually I was hoping to use it,” he says.
“Listen, I may be on the task force by Fire Nation orders but I will not betray my friend's trust nor the Avatar’s.” You meet his gaze. “And my personal connections won’t get in the way of my work. Sir.”
He silently regards you a moment. “We have a raid to carry out. Dismissed.”
You stick close to the Avatar when you board the open back truck. “You can do this,” you whisper to her. “I’ve got your back.”
She gives a small smile. “Thanks...” she whispers back.
You jump out of the truck and move into formation.
Korra looks through a crack in the boarded window and gasps.
You place a steady hand on her shoulder.
She glances at you and gives you a firm nod.
Tarrlok gives the signal for the water to be released from the tank on the truck, then counts down with his fingers.
The Waterbenders send a torrent of water through the building, freezing it quickly to trap the Equalists.
Next the Earthbenders bend the ground up to stop people missed by the ice.
As a Firebender your job is to round up anyone who was missed by the other benders. You send a warning shot of flame from two fingers, which stops two people in their tracks. A Waterbender behind you freezes them in place.
“Gas!” you call out as the canister flies towards you.
Korra encases the canister and its contents in a block of ice in a flash.
“Thanks,” you say before sending another warning shot of flame.
“I’m going after those two,” Korra says before dashing out the doorway.
You turn to follow her but your boot is frozen to the floor.
Tarrlok runs past you after Korra.
You send a blast of flame at the ice, melting it quickly so you can follow.
“We make a good team Avatar,” Tarrlok says as you round the corner.
“Yeah, we do,” Korra agrees.
“Captain, escort these two back into the main room,” Tarrlok says turning around to face you.
“Yes Sir,” you say before putting handcuffs on the Equalist knocked out on the ground.
You don’t know what Tarrlok is up to, freezing your boot to the floor to play the hero himself. You decide you will keep an even closer eye on the Avatar.
“Are these things always so boring?”
You turn to the young Avatar sitting on the floor of a stakeout a few days later. “I am assuming so,” you say. “I don’t do these in my regular line of work.” You turn back to watch the building across the street.
“What do you usually do?”
“Fly airships, rescue and provide relief after disasters, escort dignitaries around the Fire Nation, stop the occasional pirate, obey orders.” You shrug after you’ve listed most of your duties. “Probably really boring compared to the Avatar’s job.”
“I don’t know. I am supposed to bring balance to the world. But I am not really sure how to do that,” she admits softly.
You turn to look at her. “Well for what it’s worth, I think this is a good start. You’re still young, I’m sure you’ll figure the rest out,” you say before looking back out the window.
“Thanks,” she says softly.
“I think we finally have movement.”
“Does this mean we actually get to do something?” Korra asks eagerly, getting to her feet.
Tarrlok is droning on about another tip, or maybe it was lack of tips. You’re not really paying attention to what he’s saying. A picture is forming on your page instead of notes.
Korra leans over to see your work. She writes something on her own notebook then subtlety taps the page.
Where is that? Is written in neat handwriting.
You move your pen to her page. First Lord’s Harbour, Capital Island, in the Fire Nation. You write under her question. You move your page so she can see it easier.
What else do you draw pictures of? She writes under your answer.
People, animals, maps, prototypes of vehicles or machines, whatever peaks my interest. You write. You flip through your notebook to a sketch of your favourite animal to show her.
That’s really good. Korra writes. I like how you captured the details.
You give her a small smile.
“Have you something to share with everyone?” Tarrlok asks like a school teacher would having caught you passing notes in class.
“Perhaps with the task force being smaller in members than the Equalists’ supporters, we could use the advantage of more airships. Sir,” you say flipping your notebook pages to find the drawing you did not long ago.
Tarrlok silently watches you with intrigue.
“These are the boroughs we have found the most activity in, it would be quicker to fly over the city than navigate through traffic and the bridges. Drop down from above straight on the target.” You point as you explain.
Tarrlok looks at the map you have drawn then at the map behind him on the board. “You have more information on your map than this one,” he says. “If you’d be so kind Captain, to add it to the board.” He holds out a marker for you.
“Certainly Sir,” you say taking it.
“Now, does anyone have any ideas on how we get more information?” Tarrlok asks.
“I think the Avatar’s idea of going undercover into the rally was a good idea,” you say from behind him.
“Uh, yeah. We could infiltrate a meeting of Equalists in pairs,” Korra adds. “Get information directly from the source.”
“What about a small team do that while the rest of us keep patrolling and shutdown the places we already know about?” an Earthbender deputy says. “If we suddenly stop or reduce patrols it will seem suspicious.”
“Good idea,” Tarrlok says. “I will select the team myself.”
Notes:
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
It is really appreciated. :)
Chapter Text
“Are you hungry?” you ask after finishing some paperwork.
“Yes, I’m starving.” Korra drops the paper she was reading on your shared desk.
“Come on, there’s a food cart on the corner that is calling our names,” you say nodding your head in the direction of the door.
Korra is out of her seat in a flash.
A task force member over the other side of the room blatantly stares at you both. Your face shifts to an expression you perfected at the Academy, you raise an eyebrow. It works to stop him, his eyes snap back to his own paperwork.
“Do you like the Airbender diet?” you ask as you sit down in the park to eat.
“The food is delicious but I do miss meat and Water Tribe grub,” Korra says before taking a bite.
“I can understand that,” you say before taking your own bite.
“What about you?” Korra asks. “Do you miss anything from the Fire Nation?”
You think as you chew. “I miss my apartment, and my speed boat.”
“You have a speed boat?” Korra’s jaw hangs loosely open.
“Yeah, the Fire Nation is lots of islands so it’s useful to get from one island to another.” You shrug. “Plus it’s fun to go fast on the open ocean,” you add with a wink.
“So how exactly are we supposed to get in?” Korra asks from your vantage point.
You look at the people manning the door. “We could try charming our way in.”
“Let’s knock them out and bust anyone in there,” Korra says, her fist lighting up.
You clasp your hand over her lit fist, extinguishing the flame.
“Oi, looks like we got a couple of benders over here,” the male guard says.
“Follow my lead,” you whisper to Korra, you reach into your jacket pocket.
“Your kind aren’t welcome here,” the female guard says as they approach.
You feel Korra tense beside you. “What kind is that?” you ask around a lit cigarette between your lips.
Korra looks at you with surprise.
You take a long drag on the cigarette as you step forward. “You got a problem with smokers?” you ask before exhaling the smoke in a perfectly round smoke ring.
“You got a spare?” the male guard asks when they’re closer.
“For you handsome, of course,” you flirt, reaching into the pocket to get another one out.
He leans over when it is between his lips. “If the lady would be so kind?”
You cup your hands as if holding a lighter, giving a subtle nod to Korra. You punch him in the jaw.
Korra punches the other guard.
Both guards are knocked out cold.
You drop the cigarette that was between your lips and crush it out under your heel. “Well, that worked better than I thought it would.”
“Where did you get the cigarettes from?” Korra asks. “And how did you light it?”
You pull the packet from your pocket. “I forgot they were in the jacket pocket when I put it on. It’s an old packet.” You hold a cigarette so she can see, touching the end of it with a fingertip, heating it until it lights. “A stupid way to impress girls at parties.”
“You learnt how to do that to try impress girls?” Korra asks with a snort.
“Not my finest achievement,” you say stubbing it out.
“Did it work?” Korra asks.
“Sometimes.” You smirk. “Let’s move these two further out of sight and get in before they’re noticed missing.”
Korra grabs the man under the armpits and drags him behind the wooden crates. You drag the woman to sit next to the man.
“Did that trick impress Asami?” Korra asks as you begin to walk towards the door.
“Yes and no,” you answer. “She likes the firebending part but not the smoking,” you say softly.
“Huh...” Korra nods.
“Best leave the talking to me,” you say.
“Okay,” Korra agrees.
“You’re late,” a voice says after you’ve entered the building.
“Sorry, was having a smoke,” you say, subtly moving in front of Korra. “You know how it is.” You give a nod.
The guy looks you up and down. “Yeah, I do.” He moves closer. “Didn’t think pretty ladies did that sort of thing.”
You let out a laugh. “Last guy that called me that regretted it.”
“Yeah?” he scoffs.
“Yep.” You step closer to him. “He woke up with a nasty headache.”
A feral grin widens across his lips. “You’re funny.” He glances at the Avatar behind you before back to you.
You raise an eyebrow. “Do we have a problem, brother?”
“No, we’re all equal here, sisters,” he says moving aside.
“Good,” you say. “Come on, before we’re anymore late.”
Korra steps to your side and loops her arm through your elbow. You rest your other hand over her arm.
“You make a cute couple,” the man says as you move down a hallway.
You glace over your shoulder. “Thanks.”
“Brothers, sisters, we are winning against Councilman Tarrlok and his squad of oppressive benders,” a man on a slightly raised platform says.
You lean in, your lips a hair from brushing Korra’s temple, as if giving her an innocent kiss. “Keep your eyes peeled,” you whisper.
Korra nods. “I didn’t think there would be so many people in here,” she whispers, turning her head towards you.
“For too long we’ve been hiding in the shadows. Forced to train in secret, now we have the numbers to take back this city,” the man says. “Tarrlok and his goon squad can’t shut us down.”
The crowd lets out a cheer.
You and Korra exchange a glance.
“You will each be given a location for your training facility after the basic demonstration this evening,” another man says from the platform.
“Benders rely on having clear chi paths to use their bending, these points are the easiest to hit so you can make a quick getaway,” a woman says before beginning the demonstration.
“Welcome sister,” a man says as he hands you a printed flyer after the demonstration is finished.
“Thank you brother,” you say taking it.
Korra says the same when he hands her one.
“Hey, you look just like the Avatar,” a lady standing next to you says.
“She has been getting that a lot lately,” you say gruffly. “It’s why we decided to finally join.”
“Uh, yeah,” Korra says mimicking your tone. “I am sick of being mistaken for a bender.”
The lady eyes you then Korra. “I don’t blame you.”
You glance at your flyer. “Where are you going to train?” you ask the lady.
“Dragon Flats Borough,” she says looking at her own flyer.
You make a mental note of the address on her flyer. “Guess we’ll see you there,” you say with a small smile. You notice the guard from outside talking to the guy that was on the inside of the door over her shoulder. “We best be going before they notice you’re missing,” you say turning to Korra.
“Yeah,” Korra says, noticing the same thing you did. “I don’t want to suffer the consequences.”
You take Korra’s hand and weave through the crowd towards a different exit.
“That was close,” Korra says once you’re outside and somewhere safe.
“Yeah,” you agree. “At least we have a few training facility’s addresses.” You hold up a fist full of flyers.
She holds up a similar amount of flyers. “Yeah we do.”
“Ugh,” Korra says rolling her eyes as she sits down across from you.
You raise an eyebrow as you look up from the paperwork you were reading. “Care to elaborate?”
“Tarrlok wants to do a press conference together,” she says. “I hate the press. The reporters always ask questions that annoy me, then I look like the bad guy.” She is animated with her hands as she speaks.
You put the paperwork down on your desk. “The trick is to tell them what you have already prepared beforehand and not what they ask,” you say.
“What do you mean?” Korra asks.
“Have you watched and listened to Tarrlok or any other council member or head of state or even a business representative, when they are being asked questions?” you ask.
Korra’s brow furrows more.
“They all have prepared answers to questions they want to answer, not what is being asked by the reporters,” you explain. “It’s why they don’t become the bad guy.”
She sits up in her seat. “So you’re saying I can tell them whatever I want, instead of what they’re asking?”
You smile and nod. “If you’re clever with your words it will seem like you’ve answered their question so they don’t ask it again,” you add.
Korra’s eyes seem to sparkle. “How do you know all this?” she asks after a moment.
“Part of the job of an officer in the military is being able to negotiate with people,” you say. “I need to know what I can and can’t agree to beforehand. I already have the answers before I am asked anything.”
“That’s brilliant,” she says. “I’m going to figure out what I want to say to them right now.”
“Remember to be yourself,” you add. “Don’t let them take that away from you.” You pick up the paperwork you were reading.
“Will you come listen in?” Korra asks.
“Sure,” you say with a smile.
She gives you a lopsided smile.
“Avatar Korra has bravely answered the call to action,” Tarrlok says to the waiting press. “With the two of us leading the charge, Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon and the Equalists.”
“Question for the Avatar. Amon remains at large, why have you failed to locate him?” a reporter asks.
Korra steps forward. “You want to know why?” she says with confidence. “Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward.” She picks up one of the microphones on the lectern. “Amon, I challenge you to a duel. No task force. No chi-blockers. Just the two of us, tonight at midnight, on Avatar Aang Memorial Island.
“Let’s cut to the chase and settle this thing,” she continues. “If, you’re man enough to face me,” she goads before putting the microphone down and walking away.
You blink surprised. ‘Well, she was definitely herself' you think before following after the Avatar.
“You were right,” Korra says when you catch up with her. “Knowing the answers beforehand, I made the bad guy stay the bad guy.”
“Yeah, you did.” You give a smile as you worry about what she just potentially put into motion. ‘She’s the Avatar' the little voice inside your head says.
“Korra this is madness,” Tenzin says as he lands on the dock.
“Don’t try to stop me. And don’t follow me,” Korra says. “I have to face Amon alone.”
“This is all your doing,” Tenzin says turning to the other councilman.
“I tried to talk her out of it, too,” Tarrlok defends. “But she’s made up her mind.”
“Korra be...” you begin.
“No, I have to do this alone,” Korra cuts you off.
“I was going to say, be mindful of your surroundings over there. Amon and the Equalists whole M.O. is ambushing people,” you say. “You got this.”
“Oh...” Korra says with a nod. “Thanks...” She lifts her arms and waterbends the boat towards the island.
Tarrlok continues talking to Tenzin but you’re not listening. You’re watching Korra's boat get smaller and smaller.
“I need to make sure she is okay, it’s well past midnight,” Tenzin says on the dock as you look out at Avatar Aang Memorial Island.
“I'm coming with you,” you say.
He gives you a stern look.
“If there are any Equalists on that island, I will create a diversion so you two can get to safety,” you say holding his gaze. “The Avatar and one of the last Airbenders are too important to the world to fall into their hands. Firebenders aren’t.”
“She has a valid point,” Tarrlok says.
“Very well,” Tenzin says with a nod.
“I’ll sweep the other side of the building,” you say after landing on the island.
“Good luck,” Tenzin says.
You scan the area before moving on. You’ve finished with your sweep so decide to find Tenzin and Korra. Crying draws your attention. Your hands light as you run towards the sound. “Are you okay?” you ask, moving into the darkened room. Your flame revealing very obvious earthbent stone in a circle.
“I...” Korra sobs into Tenzin's chest.
“Amon showed up and ambushed Korra,” the Airbender says. “They’re gone now.”
Your stomach drops. “Did-did he...?”
Korra lights her palm. “No...” she hiccups.
You let out a relieved breath. “Thank the spirits.”
She looks down away from you.
You crouch down. “It’s completely normal for you to feel scared. You might be the Avatar but Korra you’re also a person. A person who is allowed to feel all the emotions a person can feel.”
She sniffles. “Thank you.”
Tenzin looks at you and gives a small smile. “Very wise words.”
“It’s the truth,” you say before standing. “Any bender who says they’re not afraid of Amon's ability is lying... or foolish.” You offer Korra a hand to stand.
“You’re afraid?” she asks as she stands with your help.
You offer a hand to Tenzin, which he takes. “Of course, we have no idea how he is doing it so can’t adequately prepare,” you say as you help the Airbender to his feet.
“You don’t seem afraid,” the Avatar says looking at you with a furrowed brow.
You turn to Korra. “The thing that keeps me from appearing scared is my past experiences, I have faith in my abilities,” you say. “You figure out what drives you, and when you do, you will be ready to face him again.” You give an encouraging smile. “Until then, that’s what the task force is for.” You shrug a shoulder.
Korra gives a nod. “Thanks, for having my back,” she says.
“Has anyone ever told you, you’re an old head on young shoulders?” Tenzin asks stroking his beard.
You let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, your sister did.”
Notes:
I hope you were entertained by this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, subscriptions, kudos and reads.
I really appreciate them. :)
Chapter Text
“Due to the Avatar’s encounter with Amon she has decided to take a leave of absence,” Tarrlok says at a meeting. “That doesn’t mean we will stop our great progress in capturing and stopping the Equalists.”
You have to stop yourself from rolling your eyes.
“Looks like I get to be your new partner,” a Waterbender who appears to be a couple of years older than you whispers.
You glance at him and then turn your attention back to Tarrlok. He must be from the Water Tribe detachment that just arrived.
“We have information there is an underground training facility...” Tarrlok continues talking.
“Tulok,” the Waterbender whispers to you.
“What?” you whisper back.
“My name,” he whispers. “I already know yours.”
“We are going to block all the exits before we move in,” Tarrlok says pointing at the blueprint on the board.
“You must be the youngest task force deputy now Avatar Korra is on leave,” Tulok whispers.
“Waterbenders will go in first, followed by half the Earthbenders, the other half will be at the exits,” Tarrlok says as he places blue and green dots on the blueprint.
Your gaze sweeps around the room, Tulok is right. Not that it fazes you, you’re used to being the youngest of your rank.
“Firebenders will chase down anyone who tries to escape, and apprehend them,” Tarrlok continues, placing red dots on the blueprint.
“Doesn’t mean I need a babysitter,” you whisper stony-faced.
Tulok sits back in his seat.
“Any questions?” Tarrlok asks.
Another night, another raid. Feels like the more Equalists you arrest, the more there are. This one is a bigger training facility than the previous raids Tulok has been on.
You glance over at Tulok who is already sweating.
“You okay there?” you whisper.
“No, yeah. I’m fine,” he whispers back.
You nod. He looks like he is about to vomit or faint, you really hope it’s neither.
It’s chaos when the Waterbenders send in a torrent of water. The Equalists were prepared with blow torches to melt the ice. You and some other Firebenders fought against the flames until the Earthbenders trapped the blow torch operators in stone.
“Stick close together Tulok,” you say after sending a warning shot of flame.
Tulok freezes the Equalist in place. “I am going after them,” he says before running in the opposite direction you were heading.
“Monkey feathers,” you say as you begin to after chase your partner.
“Argh...” Tulok’s cry of pain fades out.
You slow before you make the corner, looking for anyone hiding. What you assume is Tulok’s unconscious body silhouette is on the floor. You look up, 8 green glowing eyes look back at you.
“We can do this the easy way, or the hard way,” you say using an authoritative tone. “Either way, you are coming with me.”
“I’d like to see you try, oppressor,” a man’s voice replies.
You breathe deeply before sending a blinding burst of flame from two fingers into the darkened area.
You hear two thuds. Springing into action, you grab the closest chi-blocker’s arm and use the momentum to swing them into the other one that fell from the rafters. They collide with a dull thump.
A thud lands behind you, you pivot on one leg, kicking the chi-blocker in the head. They stumble forward in a clumsy attack, twirling bolas. You easily sidestep them, grabbing their wrist on their way past. Tying their wrists together behind their back with their own weapon, you push them to the ground.
“Stay there,” you say before looking for the next chi-blocker.
One of the dazed chi-blockers lunges at you, you spiral out of the way using an Airbender evasion technique you learnt from the Avatar. They huff in frustration as you continue to make spiral movements to avoid their attacks. You drop and sweep kick their legs out from under them. This time they don’t get back up.
The remaining chi-blocker drops down behind you. He goes low with his attack, you backflip over him. You land face to face, quickly blocking a kick to your ribs with your forearm. The next kick is aimed at your head, you dodge it and land a punch to his abdomen.
He lands a punch to your mouth. It causes you to stumble back a step, you trip on the leg of an unconscious chi-blocker and fall to the ground on your back. You taste the iron from your split lip.
“Looks like your luck has run out,” he taunts as he moves closer to you with electrified batons.
You wait for the right moment then spin on your shoulders, like a spinning top. You grasp hold of the chi-blocker’s leg with your legs, pivoting your hips quickly in a precise motion.
CRACK!
“ARGH!” he cries out in agony as his leg flops like a soggy noodle.
“Wha...?” Tulok attempts to sit up.
“You broke my leg!” the chi-blocker grunts.
“I told you there was two options when this started,” you say standing up. “You chose the hard way.”
“It’s all true what Amon says,” the chi-blocker spits. “You benders oppress us non-benders with your bending.”
“I didn’t use my bending to break your leg,” you say as you tie a piece of rope around a barely conscious chi-blocker’s wrists. “But I will take you past a Waterbender healer on the way to jail.” You snap handcuffs on him.
“How long was I out?” Tulok asks rubbing his head.
“Long enough,” you say. “Help me with getting them out of here.”
“I refuse to...” the chi-blocker starts talking again.
You yank the mask off the still conscious chi-blocker and stuff it in his mouth. “You are under arrest, which means you are under a duty of care, which means you are going to see a healer before I take you to jail.”
He glares at you.
“Save it for the judge,” you say disinterested in him.
“Good work you two,” Tarrlok says when you walk the chi-blockers who can walk and carry the guy with the broken leg to the waiting vans.
“Sir.” You give a small nod before you glance at your new partner.
“Actually Sir, it was all my partner,” Tulok says coming to attention. “I was knocked out.”
Tarrlok’s eyebrow raises. “Really?”
“Yes Sir,” Tulok says.
“We need to go past the hospital Sir,” you say. “The Equalist resisted arrest, his leg was broken in the apprehension process.”
“How unfortunate for him,” Tarrlok says. “I will assign a guard to go with him to hospital.” He looks around as task force members continue to load chi-blockers into vans. “Captain.”
“Yes Sir,” you say coming to attention.
“You and your partner will accompany the injured to hospital, there were some other injuries,” Tarrlok says. “Use this vehicle.” He points.
“Yes Sir,” you say, you take a few steps away from him. “Anyone requiring hospitalization, bring to this van,” you say loudly.
A few task force members change course and begin to bring limping or sluggish chi-blockers towards you.
“You can’t park there, this is for emergency vehicles only,” a gruff voice says.
“I have injured on board,” you say. “We are with Tarrlok’s task force.”
“Oh, my apologies,” he says. “I didn’t see the decals on the side of the van.” He waves over some orderlies.
You hop out and open the back doors. “You are at the hospital. Any attempts to escape will be met with force,” you warn into the van. “Inform the staff of your injuries so they can treat you accordingly,” you continue. “Some will require wheelchairs,” you say to the hospital staff who came to help.
“You heard the task force deputy,” the man who first spoke to you says to the other orderlies.
“Lieutenant, what are you doing in my emergency room?” a middle aged lady asks bluntly as you enter the building.
Tulok looks at you confused.
“Doctor, did you miss me?” you reply grinning out the uninjured side of your mouth before giving a small bow.
Her stern expression doesn’t change.
“It’s Captain now,” you continue unfazed.
“Captain, what are you doing in my emergency room?”
“I am working,” you say indicating your task force uniform minus your helmet.
She raises an eyebrow.
“I brought you a present.” You indicate over your shoulder.
“Are they all Equalists?” the doctor asks eyeing them.
“Yes Doctor,” you say. “Injured in the apprehension process.”
The doctor lets out a breath before moving towards the first patient in a wheelchair.
“I thought I heard your voice out here,” a younger lady says coming into the administration area. She looks Tulok up and down briefly before looking at you. “Did you get rid of that rash?” she asks with a smirk.
“Yes, thank you Amka,” you reply with a wink.
“Uh, what is happening?” Tulok asks confused.
“We listen to the healers, if any of the patients we brought in need restraining we assist the healers,” you say. “Doctor is in charge so anything she says, is what happens.”
Tulok blankly blinks at you.
“My partner Tulok was electrocuted and knocked out, he might have a concussion,” you say turning to the healer.
“Partner?” Amka says raising an eyebrow.
“Yes. As in, task force partner,” you say.
The healer waves Tulok over to her. “How’d you end up with her as your partner?” she asks him as she draws water to her hand and holds the glowing water near his head.
“Uh, well the Avatar was her partner but she is on a leave of absence,” Tulok says as the healer works on him.
“The Avatar?” Amka says. “I hoped she would have stopped Amon.”
“Korra was ambushed by them,” you say before scanning the Equalists who are being helped or waiting for treatment.
“Why does the doctor not like my partner?” Tulok asks softly.
The healer waterbends the water back into her waterskin. She looks at you before back to Tulok. “She caused some fights between the healers.”
“Fights?” Tulok says, his brow furrows.
“Yes,” Amka says. “Fights.”
“I couldn’t help they all wanted to treat me,” you say with a nonchalant shrug.
“Captain, this patient is being difficult,” the doctor calls out.
“Duty calls,” you say. “Tulok, keep an eye on them.” You point to the Equalists before following after the doctor.
“That bending oppressor broke my leg,” the chi-blocker says pointing at you as you approach.
The doctor raises an eyebrow. “This oppressor is trying to fix it, so let me do my job.”
“How can I be of assistance Doctor?” you ask.
“She will probably break my other one,” the chi-blocker says glaring at you.
“If you continue to refuse treatment, your leg won’t heal. It will be painful for the rest of your life,” the doctor says. “You may also get an infection and end up losing your leg all together.”
The chi-blocker looks down at his leg.
“This is the final time I’m asking, are you refusing treatment?” she asks.
“I don’t want to lose my leg,” he says softly.
The doctor moves to draw water from a waterskin on her hip.
The chi-blocker lunges towards her. You block his attack by yanking the handcuffs around his wrists down, and using your forearm across his chest to pin him in the wheelchair. “You even think of doing that again and I will take you straight to jail,” you warn in an authoritative tone. “These professionals are still willing to treat you, even though you want to see their skills gone from the world.”
He looks down away from you.
“Am I going to have to restrain you to the chair to keep the doctor and her staff safe?” you ask, firmly holding the handcuffs and your arm across his chest.
“No,” he says lifting his eyes to yours.
You hold his stare before slowly removing your arm from across his chest. He doesn’t move. You let go of his handcuffs but remain close by.
“Thank you Captain,” the doctor says with a small relieved smile.
“It’s alright Doctor,” you reply with a nod.
The doctor waterbends water from her waterskin. “I am going to start treatment now,” she tells him.
He gives a nod but doesn’t move as she treats his leg. “Thank you Doctor,” he says softly once she is done.
“Master Amka,” the doctor calls out. “Come heal the Captain’s split lip.”
“Yes Doctor,” Amka replies. “Lucky me,” she flirts with a wink before placing the soothing glowing water to your lip.
“Long night Captain?” Liu asks opening the door.
“Yes Liu, I am looking forward to falling into bed,” you answer the doorman.
“Miss Sato called by earlier,” he says.
“Oh, did she leave a message?”
“I believe she left a note in your apartment Captain,” Liu says with a small bow.
“Thank you Liu,” you say returning his bow.
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate it. :)
Chapter Text
“What do you think?” Asami asks holding up a uniform.
You smile. “You always did have an eye for style. They look amazing.”
“I even had one made for Pabu,” she says running her fingers over the fabric.
“Who is Pabu?”
Asami laughs. “Bolin’s fire ferret.”
“Oh, that’s cute they have a mascot,” you say.
“Yeah, it is.” She smiles. “Why didn’t you become a pro-bender?”
“Well, I’d have had to move back here permanently, then you wouldn’t have my penthouse apartment to use whenever you wanted.” You bump her shoulder with your own.
Asami rolls her eyes playfully. “There’s still time to change careers you know,” she teases.
“And show up your boyfriend?” you retort. “Nah, I don’t want that kind of publicity, you know that.” You stuff your hands into your pockets.
She gives an apologetic smile. “You going to come to the first set of elimination matches with me?” she asks hopefully.
“Sure, why not. I haven’t seen a match this season.” You nod.
“It’s going to be fun having you there,” Asami says with a grin.
“Girls, it is so nice to hear your cheerful voices in our home,” your father says coming into the room. There must only be select loyal and discreet staff nearby or he wouldn’t have made that statement.
“The uniforms arrived,” Asami says holding a jersey up.
“They look wonderful Asami,” your father beams.
“Yeah, she has a real talent there,” you add.
Hiroshi nods. “I saw your face in the paper behind the Avatar’s, on the task force?”
“Yes, I am part of the Fire Nation's contribution to stopping Amon,” you say.
“Please be careful out there,” he says. “Amon and those Equalists are dangerous.”
“Dad she is highly trained,” Asami says. “If anyone should be worried it’s those Equalists.”
“Highly trained or not, I am allowed to be concerned about your sister,” Hiroshi says. “You’ll understand when you have children one day.”
“I promise I’ll be careful Dad.” You decide to humour him, but mainly for Asami’s benefit. You know it hurts her to see you butt heads. Especially when you’re at the Sato estate.
“I’m glad to hear it,” he says with a smile, a small part of you dares to hope is genuine.
You and Asami push the door to the pro-bending arena gym open.
“Are we ready?” Mako's voice comes from the team huddle.
“We’re ready,” Korra and Bolin answer in synch.
“Not quite,” Asami says. “You’ll need these.” She holds up a uniform jersey.
“Hey Asami,” Mako says coming over. He gives you a small nod which you return.
“Good morning sweetie,” Asami replies.
You catch Korra’s unimpressed look behind the Firebender.
“These new uniforms look great,” Mako says taking it to get a closer look.
“You look great, champ,” Asami says.
They rub their noses together.
You have to look away. That’s your baby sister.
Korra makes a gagging sound. You catch her eye and she flushes when you smirk.
“Well teammates, I’ll see you at the match tonight,” Mako says. “Asami and I have a lunch date.”
“See you later ‘Sami,” you say with a wave.
“Bye guys,” Asami says as they leave.
Bolin looks at Korra like he wants to ask her something. Then he looks at you and scratches the back of his neck.
She gives you a please-help-me look.
“Uh... Korra. Tarrlok wanted me to keep you updated on the task force, do you have time now before I start my shift?” you ask the first thing that pops into your head.
“Oh, uh... Yeah I have a little time now to talk to you about that, stuff,” she answers awkwardly.
“Great.” You smile. “I’ll see you tonight Bolin. I’m really looking forward to catching a live match.”
“See you tonight Bo,” Korra says picking up her sports bag.
“See you later...” Bolin says moving to pick up his own bag.
“Thank you so much,” she says when your well away from the Earthbender. “I am pretty sure he wanted to ask me out on a date.”
“No problem,” you reply. “He isn’t your type?”
“No, not really.” Korra blushes. “I mean, don’t get me wrong he’s a great guy. I think we’re better off as just friends. You know?”
“Yeah, I get it,” you say. There’s a pause when you realise you’re outside the stadium. You pull out your pocket watch to check the time. “Did you want to get a bite to eat?”
“Now?”
“Yeah, I do actually have a bit of time before my shift,” you say. “And I did want to talk to you about something. If you’re free of course. My treat?”
She gives a lopsided grin. “Sure, let’s try that place you mentioned when we first met.”
“Falmeo Hotman? Sure, let’s go,” you say.
“So... what did you want to talk about?” Korra asks once you’re seated.
You look up from the menu into sparkling blue eyes. “How are you settling into Republic City?”
She raises an eyebrow at you.
“I know how tough it is moving to a new place not knowing anyone,” you elaborate. “Wanted you to know you have a friendly ear, if you need one.” You shrug a shoulder.
“Oh, thanks. I appreciate it,” she says relaxing into the seat. “I uh, I enjoy it for the most part. Pro-bending is amazing. I’ve learnt so many new bending techniques.”
“I’m looking forward to watching you tonight,” you say.
“How is the task force?” she asks.
A waiter interrupts and gets your orders before leaving.
“It’s not the same without you there,” you answer honestly. “But I completely understand why you are on leave of absence. Take as long as you need.”
She gives a lopsided smile. “I think you’re the only person on the task force who thinks that way.”
“Yeah well they’re... chattering hog monkeys,” you state firmly.
Korra lets out a bark of laughter. “You sound just like Master Katara.”
“Pretty sure some of them are actual hog monkeys in a uniform...”
Korra and you burst out laughing.
“Thanks, I needed a good laugh.”
“What are your thoughts on Asami and Mako?” you ask after your food arrives. “I promise whatever you say stays between us.”
“It is a little weird my supposed soulmate is with someone else, who also happens to be my teammate,” she says. “Who I originally thought was my soulmate...”
You pause mid action of taking a drink of your tea. “You thought Mako was your soulmate?”
“Yeah, it’s embarrassing now...” She looks away.
“Hey...” You reach over the table and place your hand over hers. “Don’t be embarrassed, I understand. I would wonder when I met certain Water Tribe people. It’s perfectly normal.”
“Thanks,” she says gently squeezing the tips of your fingers in the side of her hand. “And then there’s...” She pauses. “I don’t know if I should be telling the best friend of Asami this...”
“Asami and I don’t tell each other absolutely everything. Whatever it is stays between you and me,” you say giving her hand a gentle squeeze before letting it go.
Korra chews her lip. “Alright, I guess I would like to get to know Asami better,” she says. “Without Mako being there too... Anytime I've tried to talk to her, he interrupts me.”
“Have you talked to him about it?” you ask. “Maybe he doesn’t realise he is doing it.”
Korra chews her food as she thinks. “This is really good by the way,” she says around the mouthful. “I will talk to Mako.”
You nod as you chew your own mouthful.
“So... You spoken to Kya since she left?”
You glance away. “I keep meaning to write but by the time I finish work for the day my brain is mush.”
“She is probably waiting for your letter you know,” Korra says. “You could always write it while you’re in the office for the task force.”
You poke at your food with your chopsticks. “I think I will do that.” You look up. “Thank you.”
She gives you a lopsided smile.
Dear Kya,
I would have wrote to you sooner but I have been really busy with the task force. I apologise for keeping you waiting. There are a lot more Equalists than we first thought. Councilman Tarrlok keeps pushing us to come down hard on them. My brain is usually mush by the end of my shift.
I’m currently writing this at my desk, it’s snowing lightly outside. I’m glad to be having a quieter shift.
I did my best to keep Korra safe while she was on the task force. She is very... strong-willed. You probably already knew that.
How are things in the South Pole? Is it true most of the time now it’s dark due to it being winter?
Do you enjoy pro-bending? I’m going to the elimination match tonight with Asami. Hopefully the Fire Ferrets make it through, they’ve been training hard.
What do you like to do in any spare time you have?
I included this sketch of Air Temple Island, I hope you like it.
Again, sorry for keeping you waiting for this letter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Your soulmate...
“So, how are things with your tall dreamy soulmate?” Jinora asks as they feed the winged lemurs.
“Ooh, yeah,” Ikki says. “Tell us all about the magical romance.”
“What?” Korra says. “Listen to you two. There’s no romance, she is dating Mako.”
“She is?” Ikki says, her eyebrows raising.
Korra nods. “I don’t understand why my soulmate is a prissy, beautiful, elegant, rich girl,” she says. “And not someone who is, I don’t know... down-to-earth... But also intense at the same time.” She furrows her brow. “Someone who gets me...”
“Like who?” Jinora asks.
“I don’t know,” Korra says with a shrug. “I’m not really into romantic stuff... But let’s just pretend that I was... What would I do?”
“Ooh, I just read a historical saga, where the heroine fell in love with the enemy general’s son, who is supposed to marry the princess,” Jinora says. “You should do what she did.”
“Tell me,” Korra says.
“She rode a dragon into battle and burned down the entire country, then she jumped into a volcano,” Jinora says. “It was so romantic.”
“Uh...” Korra says.
“No, no, no,” Ikki says, cutting off whatever Korra was going to say. “The best way to win over someone is to brew a love potion, with rainbows and sunsets, that makes true lovers sprout wings and fly to a magical castle in the sky. Where they get married. And eat clouds with spoons and use stars as ice cubes in their moonlight punch, forever and ever and ever.”
“The volcano is starting to make more sense to me now,” Korra says. A laugh behind her makes her turn around. “Oh hey Pema... How long were you standing there?”
“Long enough,” Pema says with a chuckle. “But trust me I know what you’re going through. Years ago I was in the same situation, with Tenzin.”
“Daddy was in love with someone else before you?” Ikki asks surprised.
“That’s right,” Pema says.
“So what did you do?” Korra asks.
“Well, for the longest time I did nothing,” Pema says. “I was so shy and scared of rejection, but watching my soulmate spend his life with the wrong woman became too painful. So I hung my chin out there and confessed my love and that we were soulmates. And the rest is history.”
“Wow,” Jinora says grinning.
Korra thinks a moment before a smile spreads across her features.
Notes:
Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really do appreciate them. :)
Chapter Text
“Do you want anything from the snack bar?” Asami asks when you enter the Pro-bending Arena.
“Do they still sell flaming...?”
“Fire flakes,” Asami finishes your sentence. “I should have known.”
“Hey, what can I say? I am a Firebender,” you say with a shrug. “What are you getting?”
“I’m going to get some popcorn,” she says. “And a...”
“Cherry-berry lemonade,” you finish her sentence.
Your sister smiles at you.
“Hey, is your father a Firebender?” a random guy asks. “Because you’re hot.”
You and your sister look at each other out the corner of your eye with a raised eyebrow before back to the guy.
“No, he makes cars. Someday day you’ll get in one and go far away. I hope you stay there,” Asami retorts.
You chuckle. “Good one.”
“Go on a date with me,” the guy says undeterred.
“Are you talking to me or her?” you ask. “Because either way the answer is a hard no.” You cross your arms.
“Your loss,” he says with a shrug. “I’m sure she can make her own mind up about it.” He winks at Asami.
“No, I’m spoken for,” Asami says crossing her arms. “Now quit bothering us.”
“I don’t see...”
You step forward into his personal space, cutting him off. “The lady said no. Now back off.”
He scoffs as he keeps eye contact. “What are you going to do about it?”
“Have you thrown out of the Arena. I know Butakha,” Asami says from over your shoulder. “After my friend and I knock some sense into you.”
You remain unmoved, your blood beginning to boil over with Firebender rage. The expression on your face matching how you are feeling on the inside. How dare he not take no for an answer. “You heard the lady,” you say. “Unless you’d like to know what the ashes of your eyebrows smell like?”
He looks between you both. “Fine,” he huffs before moving away.
“Knucklehead,” you say under your breath. You turn down your internal flame to a simmer, the further he moves away from your sister. “Are you okay?”
“Of course, I had you with me,” Asami answers. “Although I would have handled it myself if you weren’t.”
“I know. You are very capable,” you say with a small smile.
“I learnt from the best,” Asami says with a knowing wink. “Let’s not let him ruin our fun evening.”
“You’re right,” you say with a nod.
“What was that?” she teases, holding a hand up to her ear. “Who is right?”
“Shut up,” you say shaking your head.
“Where is Mr Sato?” you ask Asami after entering the private box.
“Dad is probably talking to the new owners of the box next-door,” she says as you both sit down. “You know how he is.”
You clear your throat. “You must take any opportunities with both hands,” you say imitating him.
Asami giggles. “You never know when an acquaintance can become a business partner,” she says imitating him.
You both burst out laughing.
“Introducing our first team, The Future Industries Fire Ferrets,” the announcer says.
The crowd cheers loudly as the team approaches the platform.
“I’ve missed this,” you say.
“And their opponents, The Red Sands Rabaroos,” the announcer says.
The crowd cheers again.
“It really is something,” Asami says.
“Fire flake?” you ask tilting the bag towards your sister.
“Thank you,” she says taking one.
Pabu chirps from Asami’s lap.
“These are spicy Pabu,” you say as you chew. “Why don’t you have some popcorn instead?”
Pabu makes a chatter noise.
“Can you hold this?” Asami says holding out her drink.
You take it from her and take a sip as you maintain eye contact with your little sister.
Asami scowls at you, but there’s no real heat behind it. “Here Pabu,” she says tipping some popcorn out of the box onto a plate.
He begins eating it with gusto.
The bell rings for the match to begin.
You’re on the edge of your seat watching the action play out on the platform.
“The Fire Ferrets easily take round one,” the commentator says.
“Round two,” the announcer says.
“Whoa!” you comment.
“Yes, hit them again Korra!” Asami cheers from beside you.
“The Ferrets are on fire tonight and they win round two!” the commentator says.
“Round three!” the announcer says.
“Nice work Bolin!” you cheer.
“Go Mako!” Asami cheers.
“They wiped the floor with the Rabaroos,” you say watching all three members of the team get knocked off their feet in quick succession.
The bell dings, indicating the end of the match.
“All three rounds go to the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!” the announcer says. “Who win their opening match of the tournament.”
“Wow, that was incredible!” you say.
“Aren’t they the best?”
“I think they have a real shot at winning the championship,” you say.
“They really show the Future Industries spirit, being the underdogs,” your father says from behind you.
“Oh, hey Dad,” Asami says turning to the door.
“Hello Mr Sato,” you say with a small bow.
He returns the bow. “What did you think Asami?”
“They’ve really improved,” Asami says. “Thank you for sponsoring them.”
“Anything for my little girl,” he says with a smile.
You glance at your family before looking back out at the platform. “They’re going back to the changing area now,” you say before looking at your sister.
“You go ahead, I’ll be right behind you,” Asami says with a small smile.
“Okay.” You stand. “Mr Sato sir.” You bow to him again before you wander down to the changing area.
“I know she is your soulmate,” you hear Mako’s voice from inside.
“Well I would like to get to know her, outside of being my teammates' girlfriend,” Korra counters.
“That’s up to Asami,” Mako says.
You knock on the door before opening it. “You guys were awesome!” you say coming into the room.
“Oh thanks,” Korra says, putting on a smile.
“Don’t worry, she’s right behind me,” you say to Mako when you see him glace over your shoulder.
He blushes as he rubs the back of his neck.
“Congratulations guys, you were so amazing out there,” Asami says after coming into the room. She goes straight to Mako and kisses him on the cheek. “Mwha.”
Korra looks away from the couple.
You bend down to scoop up Pabu who came in with your sister.
Bolin continues to wave to the crowd.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it Asami,” Korra says, you can tell she is trying to put on a brave face.
“Asami loves watching pro-bending,” Mako says wrapping his arm around his girlfriend.
“Yeah, I’m a huge fan. I caught all the Fire Ferrets matches this season,” Asami says before turning to smile up at her boyfriend.
You give Korra a small sympathetic smile. You dearly love Asami but wonder if your sister knows what she is doing to Korra in moments like these...
“So Korra...” Bolin says, oblivious to what just happened. “I was thinking, you and me could go and get some dinner together. Sort of a date situation?”
Korra glances at you before looking back at Bolin. “Oh, that’s really sweet but I don’t think so.”
You scratch Pabu under the chin, feeling like an awkward fifth wheel.
“Do you want to get dinner?” Asami asks Mako. “I have a late start tomorrow...” she says with a husky voice. You hope was only meant for him to hear.
Why did you decide it would be a good idea to come in here with these late teens? Pabu looks up at you and chirps because you stopped petting him. “Sorry Pabu,” you say beginning to stroke him.
“Why don’t the three of us go hang out and have fun together?” Korra’s voice gets your attention.
You look over to her and Bolin. “Me?”
Bolin looks a little crestfallen.
“Of course you.” Korra nods at you.
“Sure, who wouldn’t want to take two winning pro-benders out to dinner?” You wink at the Earthbender as you move towards the pair. “Your choice Bolin, I’m paying,” you add, patting him on the back.
He perks up. “Anywhere?”
You can feel your sister’s eyes on your back. “Anywhere with good food,” you say.
“To Narooks!” he proclaims.
“Great we’ll take Naga,” Korra says.
“Sounds good to me,” you say with a smile.
“Who’s the luckiest guy in the world? Right here, Bolin,” he says with a fist pump as he goes out the door.
You turn to Asami. “Don’t do anything I would do,” you say with a wink.
Asami’s face shifts to one of mild annoyance.
“Isn’t the saying, ‘I wouldn’t do'?” Mako questions.
“Yes, however she meant what she said,” Asami says. “That doesn’t leave me with many options,” she retorts at you.
“Have fun,” you reply with a wave before exiting the changing area.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in here before,” you comment after getting a seat in Narook's Seaweed Noodlery.
“They have the best noodles in Republic City,” Bolin says smacking his lips.
You gaze over the menu.
“These dishes are all authentic,” Korra says as she looks over the menu.
“You pick me something,” you say to Korra. “I trust your judgement.” You place your menu back on the table.
“You did a good job picking out Fire Nation cuisine, so I guess it’s fair to return the favour,” she says with a smile.
“You two have gone out before?” Bolin asks raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Korra says. “Wait, not out, on a date out. Just out to get food, together.”
“As friends.” You decide to help the poor girl. “We need to go somewhere with Earth Kingdom cuisine next time and Bolin, you can pick me something.” You flash him a smile.
“That sounds fun,” he says.
“We're getting these seaweed noodles,” Korra says pointing at the menu.
“Sounds good to me,” you say.
“So, how’d you like it?” Bolin asks around a mouthful of noodles.
“Mmm, it’s delicious and totally authentic,” Korra answers after slurping some noodles. “I didn’t realise how much I miss Water Tribe grub.”
“They’re really tasty,” you say after swallowing a mouthful. “I can understand why you miss this.”
“This is my favourite joint,” Bolin says with a grin.
“They are good noodles,” Korra says after slurping some more noodles.
You nod in agreement as the flavour tickles your taste buds.
“Hey, who’s that creepy guy over there, who keeps leering at us?” Korra asks.
“That’s Tahno and the Wolfbats,” Bolin says.
“Looks like a real jerk,” you comment. “Who lost a bet with that haircut.”
Korra snickers.
“They’re the reigning champs, three years running,” Bolin says. “Don’t make eye contact.”
Korra continues to stare daggers at the guy as she chews.
“Uh, oh... Here he comes,” Bolin says, his eyes wide.
“Pfft, what’s he going to do?” you say.
“Don’t mess with this guy, he’s a nasty dude,” Bolin says.
“I got your backs.” You look at the Earthbender then back at the approaching group.
“Well, well, well... If it isn’t the Fire Ferrets,” Tahno says after he approaches the table. “Pro-bending’s saddest excuse for a team.” He pauses. “Tell me, how did a couple of amateurs like you luck your way into the tournament? Especially you, Uh-vatar.”
Korra scoffs.
“Big words coming from a guy that looks like he gets his hair done by badgermoles,” you retort.
Bolin and Korra snicker behind their hands.
“What do they eat again...? Oh, right, wolfbats,” you say nodding. You flirtatiously wink at the ladies behind him.
“And, who are you...?” Tahno asks, rolling his eyes.
“Someone who is going to enjoy watching you get beaten by the Fire Ferrets,” you reply.
Tahno leans closer to Korra. “You know, if you’d like to learn how a real pro bends, I could give you some private lessons...?”
“You want to go toe to toe with me, pretty boy?” Korra says, standing to her full height. Right in the other Waterbender’s face.
“Go for it, I’ll give you the first shot,” he goads.
“Korra, don't. He's just trying to bait you. If you hit him we’re out of the tournament,” Bolin says.
“What if I hit him?” you say with a smirk aimed at Shaozu, the Firebender behind Tahno.
There is a pregnant pause before Korra puts two fingers in her mouth and whistles loudly. Naga's massive head bursts through the window behind Korra with a loud roar.
Tahno shrieks and scrambles back from Korra and the polar bear-dog.
Korra, Bolin and you burst out laughing.
Tahno attempts to collect himself before he scowls at you all before walking away in a sulk.
You stand and pet Naga. “Good girl.”
“I’ve never seen anyone razz Tahno like that,” Bolin says. “You are one of a kind Korra.” He gives her heart eyes.
Oh boy...
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate all of them. :)
Chapter Text
“Are you trying to get back at me for dating your soulmate?” Mako asks Korra before the next match.
“What are you talking about?” Korra questions.
“Going out with Bolin,” he states. “You’ve got him all in a tizzy.”
“If you didn’t notice there was three of us there,” Korra says annoyed. “What do you care anyway?”
“I’m looking out for my little brother,” Mako says. “And my girlfriend.”
“Yes, you have made it very clear Asami is your girlfriend,” Korra says. “Her best friend, your brother and I just had fun together.”
Mako huffs.
“You’re jealous,” Korra says with a smirk.
“What? No,” Mako says. “I am not jealous. What would I even have to be jealous about?”
“Uh, the fact Asami is my soulmate, her best friend and your brother both like hanging out with me because I’m fun.” Korra counts the things off on her fingers. “And you’re a grumpy... stick-in-the-mud.”
“Get over yourself,” Mako says.
“I’m just being honest,” Korra retorts.
“You’re crazy!”
“You’re a liar!”
“Ugh, you can be so pigheaded,” Mako says before storming off.
“The rookies are about to take on the former and longest-reigning champs, The Boar-q-pines. Youth clashes against experience in a battle for the ages, or rather of the ages,” the commentator says.
You sit in a patrol car listening to the match over the radio.
“You know the Fire Ferrets don’t you?” Toluk your task force partner asks.
“Yeah, we have a mutual friend,” you answer. “They’re good kids.”
“Korra dodges and ooh, slams right into her teammate,” the commentator says.
“So you’re not dating Avatar Korra?”
“What?” you reply. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Down goes Mako, and Bolin, and Korra,” the commentator says.
“Round 1 goes to the Boar-q-pines,” the announcer says.
You glance at the radio then back to him.
He raises an eyebrow at you.
“We hung out a few times, outside work. That’s all.” You shrug.
“I never got the chance to meet her, she’s been on leave a while now,” Tulok continues.
“She is under a lot of pressure, it’s understandable,” you say. “She did come face-to-face with Amon.”
“After she challenged him.”
You raise an eyebrow at him. “You sound an awful lot like you’re on Amon's side.”
“And have my bending taken away? No way,” he says shaking his head.
You hold his gaze. “Don’t fall for any of the rumours or gossip around the task force. That’s all they are.” Out the corner of your eye you see a pack of motorcycles go past. “Chi-blockers,” you say before putting the car into drive and following.
You drive towards the Pro-bending Arena after your shift finishes. You park your car nearby and begin walking towards the building. Korra is standing out under a lit dome covered area, looking out over the water.
“Korra hey,” you say when you get close.
“Oh, hey,” she says subdued.
“I caught your match on the radio, congratulations on making it through to the next round,” you say.
“It was all Bolin,” she says.
“Did something happen between you guys?” you ask gently.
She lets out a breath. “Mako and I had an argument before the match.” She finally makes eye contact.
“Oh, you want to go for a drive?” you ask. “Get away from here?”
She nods. “Yeah, that would be good.”
“Come on.” You hold your arm out, she steps closer, you wrap your arm around her shoulders and gently guide her to where your car is.
“How much do you earn in the military?” she blurts on seeing your customised car.
You chuckle. “Perk of being best friends with Asami, I get a nice discount.” You open the door for her.
Her smile fades. “I thought Hiroshi Sato didn’t like you very much?”
“Eh.” You shrug. “He likes selling cars more.”
She lets out a small chuckle.
You merge into the light traffic.
“Mako accused me of trying to get back at him for dating Asami,” Korra says.
Your brow furrows. “What?”
“That was my reaction too,” she says. “He thinks I’m dating Bolin, which I pointed out you were there too.”
“What did he say when you said that?”
“He then thought I was dating you too,” she says softly.
“Huh,” you say. “My task force partner I was patrolling with tonight asked me if I was dating you, weird.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I told him we just hung out a few times outside of work,” you say.
“That’s what I told Mako. We just had fun together.”
“It was fun. We should do it again sometime,” you agree.
“And then---” her words stop abruptly.
“And then…?” you prompt.
“And then after the match we exchanged more heated words, and I ended up shouting at Mako that I don’t like Bolin in a boyfriend way, so quit accusing me of dating him,” she rushes out. “And then I saw Bolin standing there, behind Mako after I’d said that...”
“Oh...” you say. “What happened next?” You glance over to the Avatar.
“Bolin looked terrible, he ran away before I could apologise and explain. Then Mako was mad at me for hurting his brother and took off after him,” she says.
“Well, you can’t control other people's emotions, only your own,” you say. “I was there when you told Bolin you didn’t want to go on a date with him. Also went on the hang out with you both. If he took it the wrong way after you made it clear it wasn’t a date, that’s on him. Not you.”
“I feel terrible about it,” Korra says.
“Of course you do, you didn’t want to hurt his feelings in the first place,” you say. “I’m sure he will eventually be fine with just being friends with you. You might need to give him some time and space so he can process his emotions.”
“What about Mako?”
“I’m sure once he knows Bolin is okay, he will back down,” you say.
“I hope you’re right,” she says.
“Do you want me to talk to him for you?” you offer, glancing at Korra.
“You’d do that?” She sounds surprised.
“Of course, I wouldn’t have offered if I’m not going to follow through with it,” you say.
“Thank you for the offer but I think I will deal with it by myself,” she says.
“No problem,” you say. “If you do change your mind, the offer still stands.”
You pull up at a lookout over the city.
“Wow, the city looks really different from up here,” Korra says as she takes in the scene.
“I haven’t been up here in a while, but when I do it gives me a different perspective on things.”
Korra looks at you. “Thank you.”
Your lip curls into a one-sided smile. “For what?”
“Giving me a different perspective on things,” Korra says with a shy smile.
“Anytime,” you respond. You reach into your pocket. “I drew you something, during a boring meeting,” you say handing the paper to Korra.
She unfolds it and bursts out laughing when she sees the picture. Tarrlok in hog monkey form, complete with task force uniform and speech bubble. “You even captured his hairstyle,” she wheezes between laughter. “I’m going to show this to Tenzin and Pema.” She wipes her eyes.
“Glad I could make you laugh,” you say with a grin. “Let me know what they think of the drawing.”
“Oh, I will. Don’t you worry,” Korra says with a lopsided grin.
You drop Korra back at the dock to Air Temple Island.
“Can I... hug you?” she asks shyly.
You step forward and wrap your arms around her. “It will all work out.”
She melts into your embrace. “I believe you, thank you.”
“Goodnight Korra,” you say stepping back.
“Goodnight,” she says. “Will...will you be at our next match?” she asks before you leave.
“I think I can make that happen,” you say with a wink.
“Master Kya! Master Kya!” a young girl calls out.
“What is it Nuanua?”
“You got a letter,” Nuanua says as she gets closer, waving said letter.
“Oh, thank you.” Kya smiles.
“It’s fancy paper,” Nuanua says. “Who is it from?”
Kya takes the letter and looks at the back. “It’s from someone I know in Republic City,” she says.
“Wow, you’re lucky,” Nuanua says. “I got to get back home before I get in trouble.”
“See you for lessons tomorrow,” Kya says.
“Bye Master Kya,” Nuanua says with a wave as she dashes off in the direction of her home.
Kya walks into the house. “I’m back Mom.”
Katara glances up at her daughter. “Who is she?”
“What?” Kya raises an eyebrow.
“The letter you’re trying to hide in your pocket,” Katara says, her eyes back on the sewing she was doing.
Kya pulls the letter out. “It’s from my soulmate.”
Katara looks back up at Kya. “Are you going to tell me more about her?”
Kya sits down near her mother. “I don’t know much about her myself,” she says. “What do you want to know?”
“Well, does she have any family?”
“Uh, yeah. A younger sister and her father,” Kya says.
Katara nods. “Are they close?”
“She is close to her sister,” Kya answers.
“You still haven’t told me what your first impression was,” the older lady probes.
Kya chews her lip. “She looked handsome in her formal captain's uniform. She has that sharp Fire National jawline.” She pauses, tracing over where her soulmate mark is hidden under her sleeve. “And her eyes... captivating and intelligent.”
Katara smiles fondly.
“I knew it was her when we made eye contact,” Kya says. “Such a strange feeling to be so sure of a complete stranger.”
“I remember that feeling,” Katara says looking at her own soulmate mark.
Kya gives a wistful smile.
“She must be quite the Firebender to be a captain already,” Katara says.
“Ikki told me she used her firebending to help with a bruise,” Kya says.
“Really?” Katara says surprised. “Did it work?”
“It helped, but didn’t completely heal it,” Kya says. “Have you ever heard of Firebenders using firebending to heal?”
Katara pauses to think. “The Bhanti have all kinds of spiritual firebending techniques, maybe they figured out how to heal.” She pauses again. “Unless it was from wherever your father and Zuko went to learn firebending during the war.”
“Dad never told you where they went?”
“No, and I stopped asking after a few years,” Katara says with a wistful smile. It is quiet for a few moments. “You could always ask Izumi for more information about your soulmate,” she suggests casually.
Kya’s eyebrows pull together. “I’m not going to do that.” She pauses. “Besides, I doubt Izumi would know anything about her on a personal level. I don’t need to know about her military records.”
“I was only teasing.” Katara chuckles. “Go on, open it.” She points to the envelope.
Kya opens the envelope with your letter inside. Two folded sheets of paper fall out on her lap. She picks up one, carefully unfolding it. A hand goes to her mouth when she sees the picture you drew.
“Everything alright?” Katara asks concerned.
“Yeah, she uh...” Kya says handing the paper to her.
Katara smiles when she sees it. “This is lovely. It’s been so long since I’ve seen our old home.”
“She drew it,” Kya says after scanning over the letter.
“Really?” Katara says.
“Yes,” Kya says nodding.
“I wonder where she drew this view from?”
Kya looks at the picture again. “I think from one of the docks.”
“Would it be okay if we hang it on the wall?” Katara asks.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Kya says with a soft smile.
Dear Captain,
I also apologise for the slow response. It has been a busy time here, I have delivered a few babies as well as looking after the regular patients we get coming in. It’s getting harder to get people in to see Mom, the blizzards have been bad this season. Even the sled dogs are having trouble.
You pause reading the letter, your fingertips trace the soulmate mark on your forearm. You pull out your sketch book and begin drawing.
I have seen your face in the newspaper behind Korra. I’m glad you’re looking out for her. As much as she allows you to.
It is dark most of the time here now. I don’t mind it.
I do like pro-bending. My dad and Uncle Sokka would take us as kids to watch some of the first matches. I see Korra’s team has made it through to the semi-final.
Do you think the Fire Ferrets have a chance to make the final?
If I have any spare time I like to teach the children in the village how to make traditional tools and crafts like leatherwork and beading. I also enjoy reading sagas.
I’m guessing you like to draw in your spare time?
The sketch of Air Temple Island is now hanging on the wall. I love it, Mom loves it too.
I look forward to hearing from you again.
Your soulmate…
You look over the picture in your sketch book. 'I need to show this to Asami or Dad...’ you think. ‘Asami, because she’ll know how to improve upon this.’ You decide.
“So what do you think?” you ask after you’ve finished explaining the drawing in your sketch book.
Asami touches her chin with her curled index finger and thumb. “I think it’s got real potential.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Asami says with a nod. She sketches a small diagram next to your drawing. “What inspired you to design it?” she asks when she’s done drawing.
“I got a letter from Kya,” you say looking at what she added.
Asami smiles mischievously. “What kind of letter?”
You roll your eyes. “A getting to know you kind of letter.”
“That’s good you are keeping in contact,” she says.
“Well she has been waiting long enough to meet me,” you say, subconsciously touching your soulmate mark.
“Yeah, I guess I’m lucky to meet Korra now,” she says glancing at her own mark.
“Have you had a chance to talk to Korra?” you ask nonchalantly.
“Yeah, we talk when I make it to a practice or match,” she answers. “They have been really busy with training.”
“It has been paying off,” you say.
“It has,” she agrees. “Hey, you should come to the next match with me. That was fun going together.”
“Luckily I have the evening off, so I can go with you,” you say.
You don’t want to betray Korra’s trust by telling Asami you requested to have the evening off so you could go to the match. It is an added bonus that you can spend time with your sister.
“I can’t wait.” She smiles.
“I thought I saw your moped outside earlier,” your father says coming into the room.
“It needed to be ridden,” you say.
“Would you join us for dinner?” your father asks.
“Oh, umm...” You are caught off guard.
“Please?” Asami says with a small smile.
“Okay,” you agree with a nod.
“So tell me more about this task force you’re on,” Hiroshi says once you’re sat at the table.
You pause mid-action of bringing the food to your mouth. “The papers cover most of what we do,” you say. “What do you want to know?”
“The information the media leave out,” Hiroshi says. “How do you know where to strike?”
You glance at your sister. She shrugs. “Councilman Tarrlok gathers information on training facilities and we plan on how to approach the strike accordingly,” you answer.
“Where does he get his information from?” your father asks.
“All kinds of places, rumours, defectors, concerned citizens,” you say vaguely.
“It’s all very interesting,” Hiroshi comments.
“Do you ever get the wrong information?” Asami asks.
“Yeah,” you say. “It’s why someone checks it out before the strike.”
“That sounds dangerous,” your father says. “Do you go in alone?”
This is such a rare occasion of having a family dinner, you dare to let some of the tension go from your shoulders. “Sometimes we go alone, sometimes in pairs.”
“I think it’s brave,” Asami says.
You give your sister a small smile.
“So Dad... We had an idea for a new vehicle,” Asami says after dessert is brought out. “It’s only an idea but I think it will be successful.”
“Really?” Hiroshi says. He glances at you before looking back at Asami. “Well, you know the process. Get the design polished before presenting it to development.”
“It shouldn’t take us too long to get it ready to be presented,” Asami says. “Should it?” She turns to you.
“No, I think we can get it done quickly,” you say. “We don’t have to wait for the mail like we have in the past.”
“Good,” he says with a nod.
You and Asami exchange a pleased glance.
“Oh, one other request...” your father says turning to you.
You take a breath in, waiting for the gut punch. You shouldn’t have let your guard down...
“Would you help me with testing the heat resistance of a new platinum alloy I’ve created?” he asks.
“Uh, yeah sure,” you answer with a furrowed brow. “How do you want me to help?”
“It is a simple experiment, your flame against the alloy,” he says. “I want to make sure the equipment will be safe.”
“Sounds easy enough,” you say with a nod. “When do you want me...?”
“Tonight,” your father answers your question before you’ve finished asking it.
Your father walks into his workshop, flicking on some lights as he goes. “Don’t hold back, I want your hottest flame,” he says putting on a welding mask.
“So just... aim at the square?” you ask.
“Yes, anywhere on the square,” he answers muffled by the mask.
You take a deep breath, drop into a stance, the cuffs on your sleeves snapping with the quickness of your movements. Energy races down your arms, you aim your index and middle finger of both hands at the square, letting out a burst of flame when the energy reaches your fingertips.
“Good,” your father says looking closer at the alloy square. “Again, longer this time.”
You take another deep breath before you send another blast of flame at the alloy.
“That should do it,” Hiroshi says giving a wave.
You stop your flame and turn.
Your sister steps forward with a small smile.
“Seems I need to tweak the ratios a little more,” he says after examining it. “Your help will make sure people will be safe.” He gives a small smile.
“Happy to help,” you say.
“You make it look so effortless,” Asami says in awe.
“Well it is after years of practice,” you say with a shrug.
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
I wanted to show Kya's side of things for a change. Hopefully I captured her personality adequately.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate all of them. :)
Chapter Text
“I’m glad you came with me tonight,” Asami says as you take your seat in the private box. “Dad had some big project he’s working on and couldn’t make it.”
“Probably something to do with that new alloy,” you say. “I am enjoying being able to spend time with you like this.”
“Me too,” your sister says with a smile.
“The Buzzard-Wasp Firebender looks familiar,” you comment as the teams make their way to the platform.
“Says here her name is Ko,” Asami says reading a flyer.
“Oh, she and her older sister went through the Academy,” you say with a nod.
“Wait, is her older sister the girl who...?” Asami looks at you with a mischievous glint in her eye.
You can feel your cheeks heating. “Yes,” you say, cutting her question off.
Asami smirks at you.
“You can’t find two teams more evenly matched in age, size and strength than the Fire Ferrets and the Buzzard-Wasps. Believe me, I've looked,” the commentator says, distracting you both.
The match begins and straight away you can tell the Fire Ferrets don’t have the same rhythm they had the last match you saw in person.
“Ooh... Right in the noodle basket,” you say after Bolin is hit by a disc.
“Eww,” Asami says as he vomits over the railing.
“That’s a lot of noodles,” you say.
“Oh no, Mako,” Asami says as her boyfriend is knocked off the platform.
“You might have to kiss it better after the match,” you tease.
Asami rolls her eyes at you. “Do you think they can hold on?”
“I hope so,” you say watching Korra and Bolin be backed towards the edge of the ring. “Thank the Spirits for the bell.” You let out the breath you were holding.
“Round 1 to the Buzzard-Wasps,” announcer says.
“Oh man...” you say as Bolin gets quickly knocked off the platform.
Korra retaliates by targeting the Buzzard-Wasps' Firebender.
“What is Korra doing?” Asami asks.
“She’s going to be penalised,” you say.
The referee blows his whistle. “Unnecessary roughness. Move back one zone!” he says firmly.
“I’ll unnecessarily rough you up!” Korra retorts, sending water in his direction.
The referee reaches behind himself and pulls out a yellow fan.
“What’s gotten into her?” Asami asks.
You wonder if she had another argument with Mako before the match. “Maybe it’s the stress of the tournament,” you say with a shrug.
“With the Buzzard-Wasps leading two rounds to zilch, the Ferrets only hope of winning is with a knockout,” the commentator says.
“Ouch,” you say with a wince after Bolin is hit in the shoulder.
“Oh no,” Asami says when Mako gets knocked off the platform.
“He is determined,” you say as the Earthbender continues to play with only one arm.
“He is in the drink,” Asami says a moment later when he too is knocked off the platform. “Come on Korra...”
“Wow...” you say watching Korra dodge everything the Buzzard-Wasps send at her.
“She is superhuman,” Asami marvels.
“Well Korra is the only person who can bend all four elements,” you say.
“Shut up, you know what I mean,” Asami says, lightly shoving your shoulder.
“She is going to pull off a knockout,” you say, your eyes widen.
“I hope so,” Asami says.
You both move to the edge of your seat as the water circles the Avatar.
Korra sends the stream at the Buzzard-Wasps knocking them all off the platform.
Asami and you stand and cheer loudly.
“She did it!” Asami says throwing her arms around you.
You wrap your arms around her, lifting her off the ground. “They’re going to the finals!”
“Great job!” Asami says coming into the changing area before hugging Mako.
“Yeah, it was incredible,” you add.
“You came,” Korra says with a grin.
“I told you I would make it,” you reply.
“What a comeback Korra. I’ve never seen a hat-trick like that,” Asami says.
“Thanks but if it hadn’t been for you and your father we wouldn’t have had the chance to play,” Korra says. “So thank you.”
You smile to yourself and move to watch the next match about to begin.
“I need some medical attention over here,” Bolin says.
“Oh, let me help,” Korra says.
“Are you okay?” Asami asks Mako.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” Mako replies.
“Good,” Asami says before kissing his cheek.
You watch Tahno and his teammates attack the other team relentlessly. Wincing as the Mongoose Lizards' Waterbender is hit in the helmet and knocked off the platform.
“Bolin, I’m sorry I hurt your feelings,” Korra says from behind you.
“Ah, I’ll be alright,” Bolin says. “But we had fun together didn’t we?”
You can’t tear your eyes away from the match being played. It is vicious.
“I had a great time, honestly,” Korra says. “You’re a good friend. And you, are one of a kind Bolin.”
“Your winners, the Wolfbats,” the announcer says.
“What?” Korra says. “How is it over already?” She comes to stand near you.
“They didn’t let the Mongoose Lizards get any hits in,” Asami says.
“With a brutal round 1 knockout, the defending champs secure their spot in the finals,” the commentator says. “I hope the Ferrets know a good doctor because they’re gonna need one.”
“Pfft,” you say. “You guys can take them.”
Mako, Bolin and Korra all watch the other team being tended to by the match officials and medical team.
You look around the worried faces of the group. “Why don’t we all go out together in celebration of you making the finals?”
“Yes, that’s a good idea,” Asami agrees.
“You don’t think it is too early to be celebrating?” Mako asks.
“We made the finals Mako,” Bolin says, grabbing his brother’s shoulders.
“I say we vote on it,” Korra says. “Who wants to go out?” She raises her hand.
You raise your hand, Asami raises hers, as does Bolin.
“Okay, fine,” Mako says putting his hand up. “But we can’t have a late night.”
“Great, I know just the place,” you say glancing at your sister.
“Are you sure about this place?” Mako asks as you get nearer.
“I wouldn’t have brought you here if I wasn’t,” you reply.
“It’s fine really. Everyone is welcome,” Asami adds. “We know the owners.”
“How do you know them?” Korra asks.
You and Asami exchange a glance. She gives a tiny shrug of a shoulder.
“We are the owners,” you say with a wink.
“You two own it?” Korra says with wide eyes.
“Yeah, we have good management to help with the day-to-day running,” Asami says.
Mako looks at you with a furrowed brow. “You own a soda shop?”
“Yep,” you pop the p sound. You both decided to invest some of your money into a small business together, to better understand how a business can grow and how it is run. “Hope you like ice cream and strawberry pie.”
“You are my new favourite ladies,” Bolin says moving closer towards you. “Pop-Culture,” he reads the store name. “Ha that’s clever, because soda pop,” he says amused. “What else is served here?” A drop of saliva trickles out the corner of his mouth.
“Have a look for yourself,” you say as you push open the door. Music from the jukebox fills your ears as the tantalising sweet scent of ice cream and waffle cones wafts under your nose.
Korra grins as she takes in the scene before her. “This place is amazing.”
“Order whatever you like,” Asami says flicking her hair over her shoulder.
Mako’s gaze sweeps the store. “I take it you had a strong hand in the decoration in here?” He turns to Asami.
“Of course, someone had to make sure it looks as good as the desserts,” Asami says.
“Hey, what are those teens doing over there?” Korra asks nodding her head in the direction.
“Oh, they’re playing the arcade games,” you answer.
“Arcade games?” Korra’s eyebrows furrow.
“Yeah, there’s Pro-Bender, pinball, the claw machine, and a driving game,” you say. “They’re all the newest model machines.”
The Avatar opens her mouth to say something, a small cheer comes from the group of teens, distracting her.
“There are so many flavours,” Bolin says from near the counter.
“Hi, welcome to Pop-Culture,” the soda clerk says with a smile. “What can I get you?”
You move over to the counter. “Hi Seok, how are things?”
His face lights up in recognition. He greets you with your name. “I am well and things are running smoothly.”
“Glad to hear it,” you say. “Bolin, Korra and Mako.” You gesture as you say their names. “Are our guests this evening, they can order whatever they like.”
“Oh my goodness!” Seok says excitedly. “You guys are the Fire Ferrets!”
“Yes, we are. Always happy to meet a fan,” Bolin says with a grin.
“Hi Seok,” Asami says after coming over with Mako.
“Hi Asami,” Seok says cheerily. “A cherry-berry lemonade coming right up.” He begins to prepare the drink.
“Is it any good?” Korra asks turning to you.
“Asami loves it,” you say. “Now is a perfect time to try anything you haven’t tried before,” you add with a smile.
“Uh, could I please have the same?” Korra asks.
“It would be my pleasure,” the soda clerk answers.
“Oooh same, no wait orange,” Bolin says. “No lemonade...”
“Bo,” Asami says gently. “You can have a second drink afterwards.”
“Don’t go making yourself sick,” Mako adds. “I’ll have a cherry-berry lemonade too please.”
“Just the people I need.” A woman in her late 20s comes through a door behind the counter, carrying a metal container.
“Hi Xiang,” you say with a small wave.
“Taste this,” she says scooping a glob of something out of the container and holding the spoon near your mouth.
You move to take the spoon but she moves the spoon closer so you just open your mouth. Cold, sweet ice cream hits your tongue. You swirl the flavours around in your mouth, chocolate, nothing unusual. Then it hits you. A slow burning sensation, chilli. You swallow the mouthful down.
“Well?” Xiang asks looking at you expectantly.
Asami takes another spoon and tastes, her eyes widening in surprise when the chilli hits.
“That’s incredible,” you say with a smile. “Right?” You turn to your sister.
Asami nods. “Yeah, the flavours work well together.”
“What is it?” Korra asks trying to peek in the container.
“Chocolate and chilli ice cream,” Asami says with a smile. “Right?” She raises an eyebrow at Xiang.
“Yes.” Xiang nods. “Wait, I know you. You’re the Avatar,” she says, her eyebrows raising. “You must try it too.” She grabs another clean spoon and hands Korra a spoonful.
Korra takes the spoon, she eyes the brown glob before she puts it in her mouth. Her eyes light up when the chilli kicks in.
“Xiang is our master confectioner. She is the mastermind behind most of the recipes,” you say. “This is Mako and Bolin.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Bolin says.
“Great, more taste testers.” Xiang hands the brothers a spoonful too.
“Have you decided on a name?” Asami asks, as the brothers taste the newest ice cream recipe.
“No, not yet,” Xiang says. “I wasn’t sure if anyone else would like it.”
“Fire Ferrets Knockout Chilli-Chocolate,” you suggest. “If they approve of course.” You turn to the trio.
“Yes,” Bolin says enthusiastically. “We can have a delicious ice cream flavour named after us.”
“Sato’s Sweet and Sour Strawberry,” Mako reads out a name tag on an ice cream.
“That’s named after Dad,” Asami says.
“What do you think Korra?” you ask.
“Having an ice cream flavour named after the team would be a nice reminder we made it to the finals,” Korra says with a smile.
Mako looks around everyone. “I agree with my teammates.”
“I like that name,” Xiang says.
“Did you get the official approval?” Seok asks coming over to the group.
“Yes, including Avatar approved,” Xiang says with a smile. “The newest flavour is Fire Ferrets Knockout Chilli-Chocolate.”
“We should get a photo of the team to display in here,” Seok says.
“That’s a great idea,” Asami says. “I will get one while they’re in their uniforms.”
“Attention patrons,” you say loudly getting the attention of everyone in the store. “Our newest flavour ice cream, created by our very own master confectioner.” You gesture towards Xiang. “Is, Fire Ferrets Knockout Chilli-Chocolate.” You pause for effect. “If anyone would like to try it come forward. It’s on the house while the team is in.” You gesture the pro-bending team.
“Always have a way with words,” Asami says with a small knowing smirk.
“Free ice cream!” one of the teen boys says excitedly.
Bolin waves to the group of teens.
A couple of them begin to make their way over.
“Can I get another taste?” you ask.
“Of course,” Xiang says scooping out a large scoop and handing it to you.
You do your best to get all the ice cream in your mouth. The chocolate and chilli flavours a nice balance.
“You have some...” Xiang’s words fade, she grabs a napkin and swipes your chin.
“Thanks,” you say taking the napkin and wiping your face again.
Korra’s eyes quickly dart to the menu board on the wall when you glance towards her.
“Did you decide what you would like to have?” you ask.
“Uh, I am still deciding,” she says.
“We’re going to check out the jukebox,” Asami says to you.
“Okay,” you say with a nod.
“You still have chocolate on your face,” Asami teases, pointing to a spot on her own face before walking away with Mako and Bolin.
You sigh and wipe at the spot.
“You got it all this time,” Korra says softly.
“Thanks,” you say.
You scoop up some of your favourite flavour ice cream. “What do you think of the ice cream?” you ask before putting the spoonful into your mouth.
“It’s delicious,” Korra says. “Xiang has invented some great flavours.”
“Yeah she is amazing,” you say. “Her wife helps with taste testing too.”
“Her wife?” Korra says, her eyebrows raising.
“Yeah, she’s lovely,” you say with a nod. You watch the Avatar as she lifts her spoon to her mouth, her tongue poking out a little before the ice cream disappears behind her lips. You blink rapidly before looking down when you realise what you’re doing. “I-I’ve met her a few times,” you stumble over the start of your sentence. You put a spoonful of ice cream in your mouth before you say anything else.
“Thank you for listening to me after our last match,” Korra says after a moment of silence.
“My pleasure,” you say honestly. “Have you guys worked it all out?”
“Yeah, I think so,” Korra says with a nod.
“I’m glad you have,” you say.
“Me too,” Korra says with a smile.
“So, uh, Asami,” Korra says scratching the back of her neck. “Did you uh, want to play one of the arcade games?”
You watch Korra awkwardly try to speak with your sister. At least the Avatar is making an effort to have a connection, unlike a certain person…
“Oh, I think I’m going to sit down with Mako and have another soda,” Asami says.
“I got a cherry-berry lemonade for you,” Mako calls out.
“Oh, okay,” Korra says, her shoulders dropping a little. “Never mind…”
You stand and walk past your sister. “Come on, I’ll show you how to play,” you say taking Korra’s elbow. “What do you want to try first?”
Korra smiles at you. “Pro-Bender.”
“Good choice,” you say, steering you both towards the game. “First you need to pick what your player is going to look like.”
“How do I…?” Korra begins. “Oh, I found it.”
“It’s been updated. You can play as yourself,” you say looking at the options.
“Why is Tahno an option?” she says with disgust.
“All the top pro-bending teams are an option,” you say.
“Who are you going to be?” she asks.
“I’ll let you choose first,” you say.
“Am I being a jerk if I pick myself?” Korra asks with a raised eyebrow.
You let out a small laugh. “Do you think you’re a jerk if you play as yourself?”
Korra looks at you for a few beats. “I’m picking myself.”
“Great, press the button to select, then place the figurine on that slot there,” you say, pointing to the place on the board.
Korra follows your instructions. “Okay, now what?”
“Now I do the same.” You select your figurine and place it on the playing area.
“Really?” Korra says. “You picked Tahno?”
You shrug a shoulder. “Should give you a good target.”
“Your tactic isn’t going to work on me.” She points to herself with her thumb.
“If you say so,” you say with a small smile.
“How do we play?” she asks.
“We use the joystick to move the figurine player and the buttons to attack,” you explain. “When you have been hit three times, you lose all your life bars and you lose the game.” You point to where the life bars are.
“Sounds simple enough,” Korra says moving her joystick to get a feel of how it works.
“I’ll go easy on you to begin with,” you say. “Ready?”
“Ready,” Korra says with a determined expression.
You move the joystick to the left then forward to attack.
Korra moves her figurine out if the way of your attack before striking your figurine.
“Okay, I’m now one life down,” you say before preparing to attack again.
Korra dodges and attacks. You dodge and counter attack. This continues for a minute until Korra mistimes a dodge and you finally land a hit.
“Now you’re one life down,” you say.
“I’m going to get you back for that,” Korra says increasing the speed her figurine is moving. She manages to catch you off guard and land another hit. “Only one life left,” she teases.
You trade attacks in between dodging out of the way. The round continues longer than the others.
“You’re going down,” Korra says as her figurine jabs at yours.
“I’m not going down without a fight,” you say as you move the joystick.
“I thought you said you were good at this,” Korra taunts playfully.
“I thought you didn’t know how to play,” you retort, frantically mashing the attack buttons.
“I don’t,” she says twisting her figurine out of the way of your attacks.
Tahno’s figurine’s head flies up away from its shoulders as figurine Korra punches. If the head wasn’t attached via a spring it would be lost.
A bell dings indicating the end of the match.
“Woo-hoo!” Korra says with glee. “Pro-Bender champion.” She flexes both her arms.
“That was intense,” you remark. You extend a hand. “Good game.”
Korra grins as she takes your hand and shakes it. “Again?”
“You’re on,” you say with a grin of your own.
“Why are you hanging out with them?”
You turn from watching your companions crowding around Bolin as he plays the pinball machine, to the guy who spoke to you.
“The Avatar, an heiress to the Satomoblie fortune, two top pro-bending players,” he lists off. “And then there’s you, a nobody. What makes you special enough to be in their company?”
You have been taking in his clothes and posture as he speaks. A trilby hat, an overcoat over his pressed suit, and leather ankle boots. Not the typical dress for most patrons of your soda shop. His posture is rigid and movements awkward. You come to a conclusion of what he is doing here easily.
“Just because ice cream is sold here, doesn’t mean you’re getting a scoop out of me,” you say before picking up your glass to have the last mouthful of your drink.
“Ha, that’s funny,” the young reporter says with a sleazy smile.
The soda clerk catches your eye from over his shoulder, slowing his movements of cleaning the counter.
“What do you think their chances of winning the championship are?”
You raise an eyebrow at the reporter. “What is it you really want to know?” you counter. “You just called me a nobody, so why would you want my opinion on the pro-bending championship?”
“Okay, you got me,” the reporter says, he leans closer towards you. “Is it true the Avatar and Miss Sato are soulmates?” he asks softly.
In this moment you’re grateful for all those times your sifus and drill sergeants yelled in your face as you kept your expression neutral to avoid hot squats for punishment. The only muscles that move are the ones that control your eyelids as you blink slowly. “Wow, your opinion of me is really low if you think I would disclose anyone’s soulmate,” you say in a calm tone.
The reporter’s lips draw together.
“Do you have any idea how dangerous that information is in the wrong hands?” you continue. “Especially during the current situation with the Equalists. I could have you thrown into a holding cell for jeopardising a task force deputy’s safety.”
“But...but... You’re just a...”
“A nobody?” you say with a raised eyebrow.
The colour slowly drains from his face as he realises his gross mistake. “You’re on the task force.”
“Yes,” you say curtly.
“Everything okay here?” Seok asks looking at you with a concerned expression.
“See this gentleman’s tab is closed and he is removed from the premises, please Seok,” you say with a smile.
“With pleasure,” the soda clerk says, he places the cleaning cloth down and begins to come around the counter.
“You can’t do that,” the reporter complaints.
“She can, who do you think owns this establishment?” Seok says as he takes the reporter’s elbow.
“If I hear a whisper of you exposing anyone’s soulmate, you will be thrown into a cell for being an Equalist conspirator and the only reporting you’ll be doing will be what’s for dinner in jail,” you say coldly.
The reporter swallows. “Are you threating me?”
“No, I am telling you what will happen if you do something reckless,” you say, you pluck his notepad from his jacket pocket.
“Give that back,” the reporter snaps. “There’s private things in there.”
You raise an eyebrow at him before you open it, flicking through until you find a page titled ‘Soulmates’. You tear the page from the pad and burn it to ash in seconds. Handing the notepad back you smile. “Now there’s no temptation.”
“Come on,” Seok says pulling him along.
“I can see myself out,” the reporter says quickly making his way to the door and exiting.
The soda clerk places another drink in front of you. “That guy is a real jerk,” he says.
“Thank you,” you say. “If he comes back, you know what to do.”
Seok nods in understanding before going to serve another customer.
Asami slides into the seat next to you. “What did he want?”
You reach out a hand and tap over Asami’s soulmate mark, hidden by her jacket sleeve.
“Mine?” she whispers.
You nod. “Don’t worry, I threatened to throw him in a holding cell.”
She lets out a breath. “Living in the public eye is tough…”
You give a small smile. The guilt gnaws at your stomach for not having the same spotlight shone on your own life. “I got your back,” you say honestly.
“I know,” Asami says with a matching small smile.
“Is everyone enjoying themselves?” you ask around the table. The five of you are sitting in a booth together.
“Yeah, it was a good idea to come out together to celebrate,” Mako says with an easy smile.
Bolin burps loudly. “Oops.” He covers his mouth with his hand.
Korra burps even louder.
“It is a soda shop, it is bound to happen,” you say with a giggle.
Asami rolls her eyes playfully.
Mako burps.
Asami turns to him with a raised eyebrow.
“That was accidental,” Mako defends.
Bolin burps louder again.
Followed quickly by one of the loudest burps you’ve ever heard from the Avatar.
Everyone in the shop looks over at the booth.
“We have a winner,” you say breaking the stunned silence, lifting Korra’s hand up like a winning fighter.
Korra and Bolin burst out in fits of laughter. Mako, Asami and you laugh along with them.
Notes:
I got the idea for the arcade game from Street Bender that was around during ATLA and thought what would it be like in Korra’s time?
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate all of them. :)
Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Dear Kya,
Seems you are as busy, if not more so than me. I took the opportunity to write back before I get bogged down with work again.
What kind of issues do the patients have? Healing has always been something that has interested me.
I have been keeping in contact with Korra between my shifts and her pro-bending. I think she is enjoying being in Republic City. It has been nice to be able to spend time with Asami too.
That would have been amazing to see some of those early pro-bending matches.
The Fire Ferrets are in the finals, to be played tonight. I’m really looking forward to watching it. By the time you get this letter the results will be known. Hopefully it’s good news.
It must be very fulfilling to teach the future generations Water Tribe traditions.
What kind of sagas do you like?
I included a copy of one of my favourite sagas. It is a Fire Nation based story, so of course there are dragons in it.
I also sent a children’s book about a dragon and turtle duck becoming friends. I thought the children you teach might enjoy it. Our mother would read it to us when we were children.
Let me know your thoughts on the books. I am happy to share more, if you and the children enjoy them of course.
I’m honoured that you hung the picture up.
I do enjoy drawing. I took calligraphy and landscape painting while attending the Royal Fire Academy for Girls. It is something I found comfort in, while in a completely new environment.
When you were a child, did you ever do something wrong but manage to pin it on a sibling?
Hope you are well.
Your soulmate...
“Good morning citizens of Republic City. This is Amon,” the voice crackles through the radio in the task force office. “I hope you enjoyed last night's pro-bending match because it will be the last.”
“Someone trace it,” Tarrlok barks to the room.
A few deputies scramble to get the equipment on and working.
“It’s time for this city to stop worshipping bending athletes as if they were heroes,” Amon continues. “I am calling on the council to shut down the Bending Arena, and cancel the finals.”
Tarrlok scowls at the radio.
“Or else there will be severe consequences,” Amon finishes speaking and the radio crackles to dead air.
You could hear a pin drop as all eyes turn to your current boss.
“Well?” Tarrlok says to the task force members near the equipment.
“It wasn’t long enough to get a location, Sir,” one of the men answer.
“Great,” Tarrlok says pinching the bridge of his nose.
“We did manage to record some of it, Sir,” another says. “Maybe we can isolate any background noises to find a location?”
Tarrlok’s lips thin. “Go ahead deputy, we need all the information we can get.”
“Yes Sir,” the deputy answers.
“The rest of you get back to work,” Tarrlok says before striding out of the room towards his office.
Everyone goes back to what they were doing before the radio interruption.
“Do you think the council will cancel the pro-bending?” Tulok asks you quietly across your shared desk.
“I don’t know, I doubt they want to risk any citizen's safety,” you reply.
“Yeah…” Tulok nods. “I don’t really want to find out what the severe consequences are.”
You nod in agreement.
Tarrlok returns to the room a short time later. “There is an emergency council meeting," he announces. "You three. Are coming with me to the meeting,” he says pointing to yourself, a Waterbender deputy and an Earthbender deputy.
“Yes Sir,” you say standing and coming to attention.
“Yes Sir,” the two other deputies say doing the same.
“What are you doing here?”
You turn to see the Fire Ferrets. “Hey Korra,” you say. “Mako, Bolin.” You give a nod.
“Look at you, all... uniformed,” Bolin says, looking over your task force uniform.
“You guys are the Fire Ferrets,” the Waterbender deputy says with a smile. “Can I get your autographs?” He pulls a pen and notebook from his pocket.
“Always happy to meet a fan,” Bolin says taking the pen from the deputy.
“We’re supposed to be on duty,” the Earthbender deputy says.
“There are no Equalists currently in the hallway,” you say, gesturing down the empty hallway for emphasis.
“Yours too, please,” the Waterbender deputy says handing his notebook and pen to Mako.
“Uh, sure,” Mako says taking the pen and notebook.
“What are you doing here?” Korra asks turning to you.
“Providing extra protection for the council meeting,” you say.
“That’s supposed to be a secret,” the Earthbender deputy says.
You raise an eyebrow at him. “I am 100 percent sure, the Avatar and her pro-bending teammates are not Equalists or Equalist supporters,” you counter.
The Earthbender deputy crosses his arms.
“Lighten up,” the Waterbender deputy says passing his notebook to Korra.
“Are you going to try and stop us?” Korra asks after handing the signed notebook back.
“Our job is to stop Amon and the Equalists,” you answer while subtly pointing to the door of the council chamber.
Korra glances down at your hand then back up. “Okay then.” She nods in the direction for Mako and Bolin to follow.
“Tarrlok is going to be mad,” the Earthbender deputy says when the pro-bending team has moved away.
“Are you going to try and stop the Avatar?” the Waterbender deputy asks.
“I’m not taking the blame,” the Earthbender deputy says.
“I think Tarrlok actually likes Korra,” you say with a shrug. “It’s Councilman Tenzin who is going to be the most upset.”
Korra pushes open the doors with a bang.
“Korra, you shouldn’t be here,” Tenzin says sternly. “This is a closed meeting.”
You turn to the deputies with a small smug smirk.
“As the Avatar and a pro-bending player I have a right to be heard,” Korra says before the doors swing closed again, muffling the sound from the room.
Chief Beifong turns the corner.
You quickly come to attention, the Earthbender deputy doing the same.
“What are you---?” The Waterbender deputy comes to attention when he sees why you both moved.
“Hmph,” Chief Beifong lets out as she eyes the Waterbender when she passes him.
“Chief Beifong,” you say with a salute. “May we be of assistance?”
The police chief stops in front of you. “Tarrlok has you three posted here, why?”
“In case of an Equalist attack, Ma’am,” you reply.
“Don’t Ma’am me, it’s Chief, or Chief Beifong,” she snaps.
“My apologies Chief Beifong,” you respond with a small bow. Filing the correction into your memory for any future interactions.
“Three of you are supposed to stop an attack?” she says.
You stand a little taller. “We have the highest successful capture rates in the task force, Chief.”
“Hmm,” she mutters looking you up and down.
“The reality is, if you close the arena you let Amon win,” Korra’s voice is clearly heard through the door.
Chief Beifong’s eyebrow twitches.
“Yes! Exactly what she said,” Bolin’s voice raises. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry, our decision has been made,” Tarrlok’s voice comes through the door.
Chief Beifong pushes open the door and sends a cable whistling into the room.
The three of you on the task force glance at each other before looking into the council chamber.
“This meeting is adjourned.” Tarrlok raises the gavel.
The metal cable splinters the wooden gavel before the councilman can bang it down.
A collective gasp comes from those in the room, all eyes turn to the door.
You snap back to attention, the other deputies following quickly behind you.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with the Avatar,” the police chief says once her cable has retracted.
“You do?” Tarrlok says.
“Yeah, you do?” Korra says with disbelief.
“I expected this kind of cut and run response from Tenzin,” Chief Beifong says. “But the rest of you? Come on, show a little more backbone.
“It’s time the benders of this city displayed some strength and unity against these Equalists,” she says.
“We must prevent the conflict between benders and non-benders from escalating into all out war,” Tenzin says with a flap of his robes.
The doors close behind Chief Beifong.
“Did that just...?” the Waterbender deputy asks, trailing off.
“Yeah,” the Earthbender deputy says.
“There is going to be an interesting task force meeting after this,” you say.
“Do you think Chief Beifong will change their minds?” the Waterbender deputy asks after a brief stunned silence.
“I’m sure we will find out soon,” you say with a shrug.
A short time later you have a reasonably clear answer about the final.
“Alright!” Bolin exclaims.
“Yeah!” Mako says.
“Thank you!” Korra cheers.
The door to the council chamber opens, Tenzin walks out followed by Chief Beifong. They move down a hallway before they begin talking hushed between themselves.
The Fire Ferrets leave the room with a pep in their step.
“So the final is still on?” you ask Korra with a raised eyebrow.
“Yeah, it is,” she says with a smile. “Are you going to be there?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for anything,” you say with a matching smile.
“Where did Tenzin and Chief Beifong go?” she asks glancing around.
“Down there,” you say, pointing in the direction.
“I’ll be right back,” Korra says to her teammates.
“You sure it’s a good idea to interrupt them?” Mako asks watching the pair.
“I want to thank her,” Korra says over her shoulder.
“Do what you want,” Chief Beifong says throwing her hands up. “It’s not like I’ve ever been able to stop you before.” She stalks away from the Airbender.
“Excuse me, Chief Beifong I wanted to thank you for your help,” Korra says. The police chief ignores her and continues walking away. “It really means…a lot…” Korra continues before letting out a breath and turning to speak with Tenzin.
You and the other task force deputies silently come to attention as the police chief passes. She eyes you out the corner of her eye as she does.
“What do you think that was about?” Bolin asks.
“I don’t know,” Mako says watching the police chief. “But I doubt it is any of our business.”
“Oh come on Mako,” Bolin almost whines. “Don’t you want to find out?”
“No,” he replies curtly.
“Why am I even telling you this?” Tenzin says loudly. “It all happened a long time ago, and we’ve moved past it.”
You can’t make out what Korra says in reply, but it clearly rattles the Airbender.
“What do you…?” Tenzin stutters. “Of course she has! Anyway this is none of your business.” His robes flap as he turns and stomps away.
“See you at home Mr Heartbreaker,” Korra teases with a laugh.
“Mr Heartbreaker?” Bolin says before moving towards the Avatar.
Mako lets out a sigh.
“Good luck tonight Mako,” you say with a small smile.
“Thanks,” Mako says with a nod, he follows after his brother.
“Deputies, a word,” Tarrlok says coming out of the council chamber. You and the two other deputies move closer to the councilman. “Our esteemed chief of police has said she is personally going to take responsibility for the safety of the spectators in the Arena.”
You glance at the Earthbender deputy then the Waterbender deputy. “What are we to do now Sir?” you ask.
“You two.” Tarrlok points to the Earthbender and Waterbender. “Go back to the task force office and tell them to keep working on that audio that was recorded earlier and any other leads we have,” he orders. “We don’t want to get in the way of the elite Metalbending officers’ duties.”
You catch Korra’s eye down the hallway. Her eyebrow furrows a moment before she turns back to speak with Bolin.
“Yes Sir,” they answer in unison. Giving a salute before leaving.
“And me Sir?” you ask.
“I’d like you to come into the council chamber, as I finish speaking with the remaining council members,” Tarrlok says. “We can’t be too careful about safety Captain.” He gives you a practised smile.
“Yes Sir,” you say with a nod.
“Shall we?” Tarrlok says gesturing towards the door.
You fall into step next to him. Giving Korra a subtle wave when she looks at you again.
Korra returns your wave before you lose sight of her.
“Lovely to see you Captain,” the Fire Nation representative on council says with a smile. “I’ve heard you’ve been exceeding expectations on the task force.”
You come to attention and give a formal Fire Nation bow, your fist below your flat palm. “I’m flattered Councilwoman.”
“Yes, the captain is a real credit to the Fire Nation,” Tarrlok praises.
“I am merely serving the people of Republic City during this troubling time,” you say.
“Well I’m glad you’re here,” the Earth Kingdom representative chimes in. “The successful capture rates have increased dramatically with you and Councilman Tarrlok working together.”
“Thank you Councilman,” you say with a low bow.
“Speaking of serving the people, we still have things to discuss,” the Southern Water Tribe representative says. “Where is Councilman Tenzin?”
“I believe he already left Councilman,” you answer with a small bow.
“Oh, thank you Captain,” he says with a nod of acknowledgement. “We can continue without him.”
“Yes, we can,” Tarrlok says giving you a smile before taking his seat.
“Councilman Tarrlok, may I speak with you?” you ask later in the day.
“What is it Captain?” He gestures you to enter his office.
“I have heard you know some members of the press, Sir,” you say once inside.
“That is correct,” he says taking his seat behind his desk.
“Do you know this man?” you ask handing him a piece of paper with a sketch of the reporter from the soda shop on it.
Tarrlok lifts the paper to get a good look at it. “This is very detailed,” he comments.
“I wanted to make it easier for anyone to identify him, Sir.”
Tarrlok leans forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his desk and interlocking his fingers. “Why do you want to identify him?”
“The reporter tried to obtain information regarding a task force member’s soulmate,” you say. “I am concerned if he is asking about soulmates, what else is he possibly digging into?
“If task force members' personal information is leaked it could be used by the Equalists, Sir.”
Tarrlok’s eyebrows raise slightly. “That is troubling,” he says before looking at the picture again. “Did he give a name?”
“Lee, but I think it was an alias, Sir,” you answer.
He nods, glancing at the paper before back to you. “Do you want to look into this?”
“I’d rather I didn’t, Sir,” you respond.
“Why is that Captain?” he asks, he leans forward again.
“My soulmate is a public figure, Sir,” you answer.
His eyebrows raise. “Really?”
“Yes Sir,” you say. “I don’t want to draw attention to it with the current situation.”
“I’ll get someone else to look into this,” Tarrlok says.
“I appreciate it, Sir,” you say with a small relieved smile.
“Keep up the good work Captain,” he says with a smile.
“Thank you, Sir,” you say before leaving his office.
You knock on the door.
“Come in.” a muffled reply comes.
“Well this is embarrassing, one of us is going to have to change,” you say after opening the door.
Asami turns quickly to look at you. “Very funny,” she says eye-rolling before she turns back to look in the mirror to touch up her eyeshadow. “We stopped dressing the same when I learnt what accessorising was.”
You let out a laugh as you smooth down your jacket sleeve.
“You look good by the way,” she says catching your eyes in the mirror reflection. “Is that a new outfit?” She raises an eyebrow.
“Thanks, you do too,” you say. “I thought I’d better not embarrass one of the most fashionable young ladies in Republic City, by turning up in last season’s style as I accompany her to one of the biggest public events of the year.”
Your sister turns around to get a better look at you, making a gesture that you do a twirl.
You turn around showing off your outfit. “Does it meet your approval?
She breaks into a grin. “Yes. But you forgot one thing.” She turns around to her dressing table before you can ask what it is. “This,” she says holding out a small box.
“What is it?” you ask taking the box.
“Open it and find out,” she says.
You open the box to find a new topknot crown and hairpin. The white-gold crown has a small red-gold Future Industries logo on it, resembling the Fire Ferrets’ uniform colours. “‘Sami this is beautiful,” you say honestly as you take it out of the box.
“Glad you like it,” Asami says, she goes to take it from you.
“Wait,” you say reaching into your inside jacket pocket.
Asami raises an eyebrow at you.
“I got you something made too,” you say handing her a small box.
She takes it and gasps after she opens it. “Is this…?”
“Obsidian, which I found near a volcano, turned into a hair barrette?” you say. “Yes, it is. Do you like it?”
Asami throws her arms around you. “I love it. Thank you.”
You wrap your arms around her. “Come on, let’s put these in before we’re late.”
“Now that would be embarrassing,” Asami says, letting you go.
You laugh in agreement.
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really do appreciate all of them. :)
Chapter 11
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“We are just moments away from the championship match,” the commentator says through the overhead speakers. “Will the Wolfbats ferocity help them repeat as champs?” He takes a breath. “Or will the underdog Fire Ferrets serve up a surprising bowl of smackdown soup?”
“Are you girls comfortable?” Hiroshi asks.
“Yes Dad,” Asami says from beside him.
“Yes, thank you Mr Sato,” you answer with a small nod.
“Good,” he says with a faint smile.
“Introducing the challengers, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets,” the announcer says from the middle of the Arena.
Mako, Bolin and Korra wave to the cheering crowd as they move towards the centre.
Your father waves to the team as a spotlight hits the private seating box.
Asami blows Mako a kiss with a wink.
Mako blows her a kiss in return.
You and Korra have the same reaction to the couple, rolling your eyes dramatically.
The Avatar grins wider when she spots you in the private box next to Asami.
You send her a thumbs up.
Pabu climbs down from Bolin’s shoulder.
“What are they…?” you begin to question.
“Just watch,” Asami says cutting you off as Pabu walks on his front paws.
Bolin bows before lifting an earth disc with his bending and knocking the centre out of it. Pabu dives through the hole then back again before balancing on one front paw.
“So, what did you think?” Asami asks.
“I am surprised Pabu fit through there,” you say as you clap.
“It was very cute,” your father comments as he claps politely.
“And their opponents, the three time defending champions, the White Falls Wolfbats,” the announcer says pointing towards them.
Three figures dressed as wolfbats howl from the other side. Fireworks erupt around the Arena.
“Talk about theatrics,” you say unimpressed.
“The Fire Ferrets don’t need to impress with all this,” Asami says gesturing towards the spectacle. “Their bending and teamwork will do that.”
“The champs and challengers face off at the centre line, and here we go,” the commentator says just before the bell rings to start the match.
“Dirty move,” you say as Korra backflips out of the way of Tahno’s water covered fist.
“Nice Bolin,” Asami cheers after the Earthbender knocks down the opposition’s Firebender.
Tahno unable to knock Korra down goes after Bolin.
“That was a hosing foul,” Asami protests pointing at the ring.
Mako throws his hands up towards the referee. You can safely assume he is saying the same thing as Asami.
“Now they’re tripping Mako,” Asami says shakes her head.
The crowd noticed it too as some start booing.
“That’s clearly ice,” you say in disbelief.
Bolin gets struck by a fire blast and goes flying off the platform and into the water.
“Looks like Tahno snuck in an illegal icing move, but once again there’s no call,” the commentator says. “I don’t know what match the refs are watching, but it’s obviously not this one.”
“He can say that again,” you comment.
“Oh no,” Asami says as Mako and Korra are knocked off the platform.
“Wait, Korra caught them,” you say watching the Avatar hold Mako by the collar as she holds onto the edge with her other hand.
The bell dings three times. “It’s a knockout!” the commentator says.
“Not yet it’s not,” you say.
“The Wolfbats win the championship for the fourth year in a…” the commentator says before abruptly stopping. “Hold on a second folks. Scratch that!”
You move to the edge of your seat as Korra begins to get momentum to get Mako back on the platform.
“Come on…” Asami urges.
Mako lands on the platform and hits Tahno in the back with a blast from a kick.
“The underdogs survive to see round 2,” the commentator says after the buzzer.
There’s a knock on the box seat door.
“Excuse me,” Hiroshi says standing to answer it.
“Sir?” a man’s voice says after the door is opened.
“One moment,” Hiroshi says before exiting and closing the door behind himself.
“Who was that?” you ask quietly.
“Probably work related. I am sure I’ve seen him before in one of the factories,” Asami says with a shrug.
You’re on the edge of your seat as the teams slog it out. Your father returns halfway through the round.
“The Fire Ferrets really have grit, don’t they?” he says as he sits down.
“Well they’re up against the Wolfbats and referees,” Asami says as Tahno uses ice again.
“Round 2 will be decided with a tie-breaker,” the announcer says.
“The Fire Ferrets win the coin toss,” the referee says gesturing towards them. “Which element do you choose?”
Korra steps forward. “Let’s go, you and me pretty boy!”
“Knock his block off!” you shout.
The middle of the ring raises with the two Waterbenders on it. They slowly circle each other.
Tahno does a ‘come here’ gesture with his hand.
Korra keeps her hands up in fists. She punches, he dodges the attack, then moves right into the path of the water she kicks at him. Hitting him square on the chin.
Tahno’s helmet flies off his head into the stands from the force of the impact, his body spins and he falls off the raised platform.
“Ha!” you cheer. “So satisfying.”
“Round 2 goes to the Fire Ferrets,” the announcer says.
“I didn’t realise how much you don’t like the Wolfbats,” Asami says as she claps.
“Tahno tried to intimidate Korra outside the Arena,” you say. “I’m glad she had the last laugh.”
“One round a piece, who wants it more?” the commentator says.
“This is blatant cheating,” Asami says crossing her arms once round 3 starts.
“Do the Wolfbats have a sponsor?” you ask.
“It’s probably Cabbage Corp,” your father says. “They can’t win so they pay their way to the top.”
“What are Tahno and Ming doing?” Asami asks.
“Something illegal no doubt,” you answer.
Tahno sends three headhigh blasts of tainted water at Mako, then Bolin and finally Korra. Knocking all three Fire Ferrets off the platform.
Three buzzers sound in quick succession Followed by the bell ringing three times.
“Knockout!” the referee declares.
“Oh come on!” You and Asami say in unison.
Half the crowd cheers while the other half boos.
“Well folks it’s a controversial call, but the Wolfbats notch a nasty knockout to win the match,” the commentator says. “For the fourth year in a row, they’ll be crowned tournament champions.”
“Anybody else want to scrap with the champs?” Tahno asks the crowd.
“I’d like to scrap him into next year,” you say punching your fist into your palm. “Only winning because you play dirty, isn’t champ behaviour.”
“You think we both could take them?” Asami asks her own hands balled into fists.
“They wouldn’t stand a chance,” you state firmly.
“Girls,” your father chides.
You both turn to look at him.
“That would be entertaining,” he gives a small smile.
“Are they alright?” you look over the balcony into the water.
Asami looks over too. “The water had rocks in it.”
The three pro-benders surface and take a gasp of air.
“Stay back from the edge,” you say pulling your sister back, as you see electric sparks all around the arena.
“Folks there’s some sort of electrical disturbance in the stands,” the commentator says over the speakers.
“What do we do?” your father asks looking around the stadium.
You grab a chair and wedge it under the box seat door handle. “That should keep them out.” You move another chair to wedge against the first one.
“Where did they all come from?” Asami asks taking in the scene before you.
The middle of the platform rises with 6 chi-blocker Equalists and...
“Amon...” you say under your breath.
In a matter of seconds Amon and the chi-blockers have the Wolfbats captured.
You move cautiously forward to see where the Fire Ferrets are. They’re being tied to a column under the platform.
“Be careful,” your father says, with his arm around Asami.
“I am,” you respond.
The Wolfbats are stripped of their bending and tossed off the platform like ragdolls. Equalist banners are unfurled all around the Arena.
“I believe I have your attention benders of Republic City,” Amon says over the speakers.
“Are Mako, Bolin and Korra okay?” Asami asks.
“They have them tied up under the platform.” You look into the stands, all the Metalbending police are knocked out cold. Masked people hold out their electrified gloved hands to keep the rest of the audience in their seats.
“You’ll be captured if you leave this box,” your father warns.
“I can’t just stay here and do nothing while people are in trouble,” you say.
“What are you going to do to help them?” Asami asks.
“I’m working on a plan,” you reply.
“Let this be a warning to all of you benders out there, if any of you stand in my way. You will meet the same fate,” Amon continues with his speech. “Now, to my followers, for years the Equalists have been forced to hide in the shadows, but now we have the numbers and the strength to create a new Republic City.”
The door begins to rattle behind you. You creep silently towards it. A masked man bursts through your barricades. You hit him in the head with your elbow. Knocking him out. You throw him out of the room and put the chairs back in front of the door. Wedging them harder against the door this time.
If you send a bolt of lightning at the platform you might be able to incapacitate Amon or the chi-blockers. You begin building a charge of electricity by tearing the yin or positive and yang or negative energy inside yourself apart.
“The revolution has begun!” Amon declares with his fist in the air.
Glass shatters from above and cables descend down.
You take aim at Amon.
Amon and his followers step onto the small platforms off the cables.
“Be careful!” Hiroshi barks.
He throws off your aim as you release the bolt of lightning towards them. It hits one of the cables this side of Amon. The chi-blocker holding the wire convulses before falling limp into the water surrounding the platform.
The cables continue to be slowly pulled up towards the hovering airship.
Amon turns to see where the lightning came from. You lock eyes for a moment.
The masked people in the crowd begin to flee.
Multiple explosions come from the centre of the arena.
“Korra! Mako!” Asami exclaims lurching forward.
“No Asami!” Hiroshi holds her back.
You look down, seeing the Fire Ferrets are free from the rope. “They’re freed.”
Korra dives into the water, then soars high into the air using her waterbending.
“She’s not going to make it,” you say before jumping out of the front of the box. You take a deep breath and let it out, propelling yourself into the air with a roar of flame from your clenched fists.
You hear the waterspout start to peter out.
“Ah...” the Avatar cries as she realises what is happening. Her hand reaching towards the roof.
“I got you.” You catch Korra’s wrist as she begins to fall. The extra weight and one less flame causes your upward motion to slow but your flame stays steady. You send out a jet of flame from the opposite foot to the fist that is sending out flame.
You hear a whistling sound before a cable wraps around Korra’s waist. You both look up at the police chief suspended from a cable above you. Korra gives a nod, you let go of her wrist as you continue upwards towards the blimp.
The cables whistle again, a red and white blur goes past you.
You push harder to get there to help the Avatar. When you’re well clear of the glass dome you flip in the air, sending a large blast of flame at the hovering airship from your feet. It knocks down some more chi-blockers onto the roof.
Two chi-blockers swing down the cable Korra is on, knocking her down onto the dome.
You right yourself, landing behind Korra.
“I got your back,” you say over your shoulder. You spin kick an arc of flame towards the advancing enemy. They attempt to duck the head-high attack but you’re quicker, dropping and sending another sweep of flame at their legs. Knocking them off balance and tumbling down the dome.
Chief Beifong lands on the roof, immediately grabbing a chi-blocker with one of her cables. After tossing them aside she sends another wire at the cables hanging from the airship.
An arc of electricity comes at you, you catch it with two fingers of one hand, letting it travel up your arm, pass through your stomach then redirecting it back at the Equalist from your other hand. He convulses before falling limp onto the rooftop.
Beifong wasn’t so lucky, being zapped from behind and falling down.
Korra runs towards the police chief, she leaps high into the air, sending burst after burst of flame at the chi-blockers who ganged up on Beifong.
You follow close behind the Avatar. Another electrified baton comes towards you, you spin kick flame towards them, as you send condensed bursts with two fingers. Precision and accuracy essential to your style of bending. Better to directly hit your target than hit an ally in a wild swing. The man is knocked down so you move to the next target. Easily blocking a flame Korra accidentally sent towards you in the process.
The Metalbender grabs one chi-blocker with a wire and knocks them out by slamming them into the rooftop.
The baton wielding chi-blocker stands and goes after Korra instead. She jumps and sends a stream of flame at them. Punching, kicking and elbowing them as they continue to repeatedly attack her.
If you weren’t in a fight for life and death you’d stop and watch Korra in awe of the raw power and skills she possesses.
You get close enough to hit the chi-blocker with your fists. Using a similar technique to their fighting style, you render their arm useless with quick hits in precise places.
They growl at you before lunging towards you. You sidestep them, leaving one foot planted firmly in place. They trip over it, tumbling head over tail down the side of the dome.
The sound of glass cracking then shattering behind you makes you turn. You watch the Avatar fall, it’s almost slow motion. You look up at the police chief who is suspended from the airship cable, she hardens her features before she sends cables out at the roof of the stadium. She too disappears into the building.
You glance back up at the airship, the creepy mask of Amon gazing menacingly down at you from a window. You take a deep breath, open and sharpen your chi paths, raise your hand above your head, sending a condensed blade of yellow fire at a propeller as you bring your hand down, it slices one of the blades clean off. It stutters but continues to drift away from you. You create a circular spinning disc of yellow-white flame between your palms and aim for the balloon hull when you release it. It slices a slit through the metal, a whoosh of air leaks from it but still the airship sails away from you. “Monkey feathers, it’s a high quality machine...”
You look at the destruction around Yue Bay. Police airships and boats lay wrecked and in flames.
How did this happen?
A thick plume of billowing smoke draws your attention back to the Arena. “Asami...” You dive back down the hole, sending out small bursts of flame to slow your descent.
A gust of wind cushions your fall before guiding you towards a group of people.
You roll to a stop. “Thank you,” you puff to the Airbender as you stand up.
“Kya would kill me if I let you fall...” you hear Tenzin mutter under his breath.
“Thanks for your help up there,” Korra says with a small smile.
“You got some nerve kid,” Beifong says.
“I hope I didn’t overstep, Chief,” you say turning to the police chief with a small bow.
Chief Beifong looks between you and the Airbender, then you and the Avatar.
“He did threaten all benders,” Bolin says. “And you’re on the task force to stop them.”
“You looking for a different line of work?” Beifong asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Uh, I’m happy with my current employer,” you say. “The military is mostly rescue and disaster relief.” You give a small shrug. “But I’ll keep it in mind. Thank you, Chief Beifong.”
Chief Beifong gives you a firm nod.
You hope it means she is okay with your actions and a small part of your mind hopes you have her approval of your bending abilities.
“Is Asami okay?” you ask the pro-bending team.
“I’m fine,” Asami says coming up behind you. “It’s you guys I was worried about.”
You wrap her in a hug. “I’m okay, promise,” you say softly as you hug.
She holds you tightly. “I’m so relieved,” she whispers before letting you go.
Korra and Asami exchange an awkward glance.
Asami’s expression changes to something softer. “I’m glad you’re okay too,” she says as steps forward and briefly hugs the Avatar.
Korra looks a little stunned by the hug when your sister steps back. “Uh...Thanks.”
“Did you damage the airship?” Chief Beifong asks turning to you.
“Yes, I cut a propeller blade off and punctured the hull,” you say. “Whomever made it knows their stuff, it kept on sailing away from here.”
“I can’t believe Amon did this,” the police chief says. “İ played right into his hand.”
“He played us all,” Tenzin says. “Republic City is at war.”
“Can we talk?” Korra asks you quietly as everyone makes their way out of the Arena.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“Not here,” she says eyeing the other people around you.
Asami walks holding Mako’s hand. Bolin talking animatedly to them both.
Tenzin, Chief Beifong and Hiroshi talking hushed among themselves.
You slow your walk down. “I don’t think they’re going to let you too far out of their sight,” you say quietly, nodding your head in the direction of Tenzin and Chief Beifong.
Korra matches your slow pace. “Yeah... But I think having you with me, they won’t be too concerned.” She nudges your shoulder with her own.
You smile.
“I don’t know how to ask...” she whispers.
“Ask what?” you whisper back.
She glances away, you can see the light dusting of pink on her cheeks. “It’s stupid...”
You remember her mood last time she came face-to-face with Amon. “You want me to stay at the Air Temple tonight?” you whisper.
“Would you?” she asks hopefully.
“Yes, of course,” you reply with a nod.
Korra lets out the breath she was holding. “Thank you.”
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate all of them, and enjoy talking about the story with you. :)
Chapter 12
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“How did it feel to put Tahno in his place one-on-one?” you ask. You are sitting together with the Avatar in a meal room at the Air Temple.
“Not going to lie, it felt pretty good,” Korra says with a lopsided smile. “I almost knocked his stupid hair from his stupid head.”
You laugh. “It was satisfying to watch, so I can imagine it was satisfying to do.”
“Yeah.” Korra nods. “A part of me feels bad he had his bending taken.”
“Yeah, that was awful to watch,” you say. “I had to try and do something to stop them.”
“That was you who sent the lightning?” Her eyes widen.
“Yep, I only wish I’d have hit Amon,” you say honestly.
“What’s that like?”
You raise an eyebrow in question.
“To generate lightning. What was that like the first time you did it?” Korra clarifies.
You think back to the time. “Exhilarating,” you answer. Blue eyes light up so you continue. “I’d managed to tear apart the energy inside myself, every fibre of my body was buzzing but I had no idea what to do next. The lightning did, almost melted my feet to the ground when it discharged. I’m sure I had the shakes for a week after.” You untuck one of your legs from under you and show the exit burn scar on the bottom of your foot.
“How old were you?” Korra asks after looking at the scar.
“Seven-ish,” you say. “By the time I went to the Royal Fire Academy for Girls, I could redirect lightning as well.”
“I wasn’t taught how to redirect it,” Korra admits.
“I can teach you, if it’s something you want to learn,” you offer. “No pressure.”
Korra pauses in thought. “Do you think it would be a good idea to know?”
“I was able to redirect that chi-blocker’s attack back at him,” you say. Korra’s eyebrow raises. “The guy with the single baton.”
“Oh yeah, that guy,” Korra says with a nod. She is silent for a moment. “Okay, can you show me?”
“Gladly.” You stand then offer a hand to Korra, she takes it and you pull her up to her feet. “It was developed by watching Waterbenders, so I guess you already have an advantage on technique.”
“Really?” Korra says surprised.
“Yeah, you know how to let the energy in your body flow to let your defence become your offence,” you explain.
“Yeah.” She nods in understanding.
“The lightning follows those same pathways,” you say. “You need to create a pathway from your fingertips.” You motion as you explain. “Up your arm, then down into your stomach, you guide it up and out your other arm.”
Korra watches you closely.
“The stomach detour is critical, you must not let the lightning pass through your heart or the damage could be deadly,” you say, remembering the exact words your own sifu taught you.
Korra’s eyes widen a moment before she gets a look of determination. “I’m ready.”
“Let’s practise a physical motion to get a feel for the chi pathways first,” you suggest.
“Okay,” Korra says getting into a mirrored stance to you.
“In,” you say as you make the motion. “Down, up and out.” Your sifu drilled it into you so much it is automatic still to this day.
Korra copies you. “In, down, up and out.”
You repeat the complete motions a few times. “How do you feel now?”
“I’m ready,” she says with a steely determination. “Shoot lighting at me.”
“Not inside the building, I don’t think Master Tenzin would be too happy with us,” you say.
“Good point,” she says. “Alright, now?” she asks when you’re outside.
“I am only sending a low charge,” you say as you begin to tear apart the energy inside yourself. “Remember through the stomach,” you say as you aim two fingers at the Avatar.
Korra holds out two fingers towards you and nods. You release the bolt. She catches it, her brow furrowing as it travels up her arm, you see her let out a breath before she points her other hand up and the lightning leaves her fingertips. Discharging into the cool night air.
You wait silently for her.
Korra moves her hand to look at her fingers. “That was awesome!” she finally says with a toothy grin.
“Congratulations, you now know how to redirect lightning,” you say with a smile of your own.
“Thank you,” she says with a bow.
“You’re welcome.” You return her bow.
“I know you’re a master Firebender, as well as being a prodigy. I have to know, where you learnt to fight like you did tonight?” you ask as you begin your way back inside.
“There is a compound near the village I was born in, the White Lotus built it especially for me,” Korra says.
“Wow, what was that like?”
“It’s probably similar to the Royal Academy you went to but instead of lots of students it was just me,” she says.
“No wonder you’re so talented,” you say.
Korra’s cheeks flush. “It could get really lonely being the only kid in the class,” she says honestly.
“Oh, yeah. I can imagine it would have been,” you say nodding.
“Why did you go to the Academy in the Fire Nation?” she asks.
“I surpassed the sifus' capabilities here in Republic City,” you say. It’s the line you have been told to give as an answer since the beginning. It also happens to be somewhat true.
“Did you like going there?”
“It had its moments,” you say. “I wouldn’t have been able to be your backup tonight if I hadn’t gone there.”
“Thanks for catching me,” Korra says. “And having my back.”
“That’s what partners are for,” you say, your lip curling into a one-sided smile.
She smiles shyly in return. Korra’s expression changes. “How did you and Asami become friends?” she asks. “You are so different.”
Your smile softens. “I’ve known her a long time,” you answer. “We are similar where it matters.”
You hear a strained gasp during the night. All your senses on high alert. You creep to the door and glance down the hallway.
“It’s alright Naga,” Korra’s soft voice drifts over from across the hallway.
You softly knock on the doorframe. “Korra? Are you alright?” you ask softly.
A rustling of sheets, footsteps then the door slides open. “Did I wake you?” She steps aside and gestures you enter her room.
“No,” you half-truth. “I was tossing and turning, heard you talking to Naga.”
At the mention of her name, the polar bear-dog lifts her head.
“I keep seeing Amon when I close my eyes,” she admits.
“We’ll get him, don’t worry,” you try to sound confident.
She sits on the edge of her bed. “I hate this feeling of being helpless.”
You sit down next to her, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. She sinks into you. “It will be okay, there’s no way other nations won’t come to help defeat Amon after he declared war against all benders.”
“But I'm the Avatar...” she says into your chest.
“They will rally around you.”
“You really think so?” she asks unsure.
“I know so,” you reply.
“Can you stay...?” she asks so softly you almost missed it.
“In here?” you ask.
She slides over on the bed as a way to confirm your question.
You lay down next to her.
She turns to face you. “Thanks for staying here tonight.”
“No problem,” you say rolling on your side to face her.
“You make me feel safer,” she says softly, as she holds your gaze.
“I’m not going anywhere,” you say softly as you maintain eye contact. “What does it feel like to bend another element?” you ask out of curiosity and to distract Korra from Amon.
Korra blinks then bites her lip. “It’s hard to explain,” she says.
“It’s okay if you can’t explain it,” you say with a small smile.
“I think I can show you,” she says with a slight blush.
You nod wordlessly.
Korra bends some water out of a glass on her nightstand, it coats her fingertips, “Water is like...” She trails her water covered fingertips down your arm, causing your skin to erupt with goosebumps. “Cool, fluid, peaceful,” she whispers.
You swallow. “Yeah, I am feeling that...”
She bends the water away. “Earth is solid.” Her firm palm follows the same path as the water did. “You have to want it to move or it won’t,” she continues, moving your arm gently.
You nod.
“What does fire feel like to you?” Korra whispers.
Your palm warms up, you place it on her bare shoulder. “Power... Energy... Passion...” you whisper as you trail your hand down her arm.
Korra leans forward and captures your lips with her own. On instinct you reciprocate the kiss. Her lips are softer than you thought they would be. So tentative to begin with, her confidence grows. She swipes your top lip with her tongue as her palm cradles your jaw.
You pull back when the logical part of your brain catches up with what is happening, putting distance between you. “We shouldn’t...” you say softly, sucking in a much needed breath.
“Why?” Korra asks. “I like you.”
“Korra...”
“You like me too, or you wouldn’t have kissed me back,” she defends, cutting you off.
You roll onto your back and stare at the ceiling, your mind is bouncing rapidly between thoughts. “I don’t want things to get complicated, in future.”
“Because we’re not soulmates?” she asks. “Asami doesn’t even want me like that...” She sniffles.
You turn your head to look at the Water Tribe teen. “I think she is a little overwhelmed that she found her soulmate, who everyone in the world knows... And also.” You pause, deciding to be honest about the situation. “Being public about her sexual orientation.”
“Ugh... I am so stupid,” Korra says.
“No, you’re not,” you say, brushing a strand of loose hair from her face. “You’re amazing. Smart, funny, kind-hearted, beautiful, brave, strong and a million other things.”
“You really feel that way about me?” her usual confident voice is absent.
“Yes, I do.”
“Then why won’t you kiss me?” she asks quietly.
“Because, deep down, I am not the person you truly want to be kissing.”
Korra remains silent.
You begin to wonder if you should have stopped. You’re not even sure if your own soulmate wants you as a potential partner. Then you think of Asami. What would she think that you kissed her soulmate?
What a jumbled mess you’ve gotten yourself into...
“Can’t we just pretend...?” Korra’s voice snaps you from your thoughts.
“What?”
“Pretend we’re soulmates...” she says softly.
A small part of you thinks how easy that would be, you know each other better than you know your own soulmates. Of all people Korra’s soulmate could be it’s your little sister, Asami...
Maybe...
You want to be honest with Korra, should you tell her the truth about yourself? You don’t want to hurt her.
You hear Korra swallow. She’s waiting for your answer.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Korra... or Asami...” you say honestly. “And I’m also not sure if Kya wants me like that... Or if I would want that with her,” you admit.
“Kya likes women,” Korra says.
It’s your turn to be silent as you process what you just heard. “You know that because she has a wife?” you ask softly.
“Why do you think she has a wife?”
“She wears a betrothal necklace.”
Korra chews her lip. “You need to talk to her about that.”
“Bit hard when she is in the South Pole and I’m here,” you say. “I don’t know if that is something I could ask via letter...”
“That’s true,” Korra says. “Is it weird that I feel drawn to you? Even though according to the spirits we’re not soulmates.”
You lift your arm to look at your mark. It didn’t used to bother you being with someone else. Is it different because you’ve met Kya? Or is it because Korra is Asami’s soulmate?
Korra’s fingertip brushes over your mark, it flickers.
“Did you see that?” you ask, not sure it actually happened or was your imagination.
“Yes. What does that mean?” she asks with the same confusion as you.
“I don’t know,” you answer. “What’s yours doing?”
Korra lifts her arm. “You try it.”
Slowly your hand creeps towards the Avatar’s arm. Your fingertips brush the scar, where the letter is hidden first, then the Fire Nation symbol. The same flickering happens.
“Maybe we’re linked in another way,” you say. Nothing you’ve learnt about soulmate marks has ever mentioned flickering.
“Let me try something.” She moves her mark next to yours, the marks blink slowly. It is a different effect than at the gala. “Can you have two soulmates?” She interlaces her fingers with yours.
You glance at her lips before back to her eyes. The corners of her eyes giveaway her smirk. Monkey feathers... Why did you do that? And why is your mark blinking?
Her tongue darts out, wetting her lips. She moves slowly towards you.
You’re frozen in place, her breath ghosts your lips. “Do you think Tenzin has any books in the library about this?” you ask against her lips.
Korra stills. “Really? You are thinking about books right now?”
“Don’t you want to know what this means?” You brush your thumb against hers. Neither of you moving away from the other.
“What I want, is to kiss you again...” her voice seems deeper than usual.
“Just a kiss...?” you whisper, it feels as if a cosmic thread is pulling you towards the Avatar, as much as you resist it continues to draw you in.
“Mmhmm,” she hums, the vibration of the noise makes your lips tingle.
You’re not sure who moved first, your lips are moving against hers, tongues massage each other. Korra pulls you on top of herself by your still joint hands. You comply with the nonverbal request and move so your body blankets hers. Her free hand slips under the back of your shirt, tracing soft patterns into your skin. Your free hand cups her cheek. This is beginning to be more than ‘just a kiss.’ A soft moan escapes from her mouth, swallowed by you.
A large wet tongue licks up the side of your head. “Ugh...”
The kiss breaks but you remain tangled together, you laying on top of Korra.
“Naga,” Korra complains. “Right now?”
Another lick, this time it’s Korra who ends up with a wet hand.
“She needs to go out,” Korra says flopping one arm over her eyes.
You reach over your shoulder to scratch the massive fur chin that’s now laying on your shoulder blade. “Probably good timing on her part,” you say softly.
“Or the worst timing...” Korra says still covering her eyes. Her other hand gently rubbing your lower back. She slowly peeks out from under her arm when you don’t say anything. Her cheeks are tinged pink.
“Just a kiss...?” you say looking into her eyes. One eyebrow raised.
“I didn’t hear you complaining,” she retorts.
Naga huffs into the back of your neck. “Get off me so I can take you outside,” you say over your shoulder.
Naga lifts her head and you untangle from Korra. You lean down and steal a chaste kiss before standing. “Naga come,” you say as you begin to leave the room.
“Go on,” Korra says to her polar bear-dog, standing herself.
You both stand close together but not quite touching as you watch the polar bear-dog sniffing around the grass.
“So...” Korra says.
“Yeah...” you say. A thought occurs to you. “Was...was that?” you say softly.
“Was that what?”
“Was that your first kiss?” you whisper.
Korra blushes and looks away. “No...” She looks back at you. “Why? Was it bad...?”
“No, it was the exact opposite of bad,” you say honestly. “I just thought with you in the compound...” you trail off.
“I was allowed out into the village for festivals,” she says. “But it was my first real one, I guess...”
“Well I am honoured and my lips are sealed,” you say.
“Are you ashamed of kissing me?”
“No, definitely not,” you say taking her hand in your own. “It’s... all the people around us know who our soulmates are. I don’t want to hurt anybody. And I think we need to look into whatever this means.” You point to your soulmate mark. “Before anything else happens between us.”
“Okay.” Korra nods. “So...just friends, for now?”
“Just friends,” you agree.
Korra steps forward and briefly kisses you on the cheek.
You sit reading a book with the light from a self-generated torch, the flames dancing above your fingers.
Korra is next to you in the same pose. “Do you think we’ll find an answer?”
“I don’t know,” you say turning the page. “It is interesting to learn about Air Nomads at least.”
“Maybe I’ll discover how to airbend,” Korra jokes.
“Maybe,” you say with an amused smirk.
“Why are they in here?” a child’s voice causes you to stir.
“Shh... Don’t wake them,” Jinora says.
You feel something resting against your shoulder, cracking open an eyelid you see brown hair. Korra... Oh monkey feathers, you’ve fallen asleep in the library. “Korra,” you say softly as you gently nudge her.
“5 more minutes...” she mumbles.
“Is Korra drooling?” Ikki asks.
“Ikki,” Jinora says.
Korra suddenly lifts her head off your shoulder. “What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice thick with sleep. She wipes the corner of her mouth.
“The real question is what you two are doing in the library?” Jinora counters.
“Uh, we were...” Korra begins awkwardly.
“Looking for information about airbending and energybending,” you finish Korra’s answer.
“Yes, what she said,” Korra agrees.
“Did you find anything?” Jinora asks.
“Found out you can’t learn it from a dusty old book,” Korra says, standing and stretching her arms above her head.
Notes:
I hoped you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate all of them, and enjoy talking about the story with you. :)
Chapter 13
Notes:
A/N: My apologies for this taking so long to post. I was sick with Covid, feeling better now thank goodness.
Hoping everyone stays safe and healthy. On with the story. :)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“I’m worried about you being all alone in your apartment,” Asami says. “Witnessing what Amon did last night at the pro-bending...”
“‘Sami there is some of the best security in Republic City guarding the building,” you say gesturing vaguely around.
“Why don’t you move back home?” she asks looking around your apartment.
You draw your lips together and let out a breath through your nose. The Sato estate hasn’t felt like your home for a long time and the thought of being under the same roof as your father who treats you the way he does cuts through you.
On the other hand it would be nice to be close to your sister. Your real home. And Hiroshi was pleasant the last few interactions you had...
“At least think about it?” she asks with a softened expression.
“I am thinking about it,” you answer.
Asami silently studies you for a moment. “Do you think Dad will mind Mako and Bolin moving in?” she asks, changing the subject. “They were living in the Pro-bending Arena,” she adds.
“I’m sure he will forgive you in a heartbeat,” you say with a knowing smirk.
She smiles, it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
“If not, give him this.” You hand her a piece of folded paper you pulled from under your sketch book on the table.
Asami's eyebrow furrows as she opens it. She studies the picture intensely. “You solved the overheating issue,” she says looking up at you.
“I do know how to redirect heat.” You playfully roll your eyes. “You take the credit for it when he finds out about your boyfriend and his brother moving in,” you say.
Asami throws her arms around you. “Thank you so much,” she says happily.
“You’re welcome.” You return the hug.
“So... what's going on between you and Korra?” Asami asks as she moves back.
“Huh?” The question catches you off guard.
“Don’t play dumb, it doesn’t suit you,” Asami says. “I know you have been spending time together outside of the task force.”
“She needed a friend.” You shrug nonchalantly. You don’t like hiding things from your sister but decide it’s for the best you don’t mention that you kissed her soulmate last night.
“I saw you together,” she admits. “You had your arm around Korra after a match.”
Is she jealous?
“Again, Korra needed a friend,” you say calmly. “She had an argument before the match.”
“With who?” Asami asks, her brow furrowing.
“If you want to know, you should ask her yourself,” you say.
“Mako,” she says crossing her arms.
You don’t need to confirm it so you try a different approach. “I think it would be good for you to spend some time with Korra too.”
“I know she is my soulmate...”
“Not necessarily in a romantic way, just... Spend some time getting to know her. She has grown up so isolated from anyone her own age. She could use a friend here, and you could too,” you say honestly. “I don’t know when I will be posted back to the Fire Nation.”
Asami nods as she listens to you. “I will invite her to come over.”
“Thank you. That’s a good start,” you say.
“Could you be there too?”
“Me?” Your brow furrows.
“Yeah, if Korra and Mako start arguing I will some help,” she says with a small pleading expression.
“Alright, for you. I will stay at the estate,” you say. You are capable of keeping your feelings towards the Avatar strictly platonic. “But having your friends there means I’ll have to be in a guest room too.”
“Yes, I know the rules,” Asami says. “I’ll ask the staff to make the room up for you.”
Tarrlok walks through the task force office with the council page following close behind with a stack of papers.
Tarrlok stops abruptly, the council page sidesteps at the last moment to avoid running into the back of the councilman.
“Captain,” the councilman calls out.
“Yes Sir,” you say standing from being seated at your desk.
“My office, I need a word with you,” he says before continuing on his way.
“Yes Sir,” you say.
Tulok looks across your shared desk with a questioning look.
You shrug a shoulder. You can feel the eyes of the other task force members on your back as you follow after Councilman Tarrlok.
“Captain, I heard about your actions, at the pro-bending final last night,” Tarrlok says taking a seat behind his large desk.
You have been waiting for this since you got into the office. “I couldn’t sit idly by while Amon and the Equalists attacked. I saw my former task force partner jump into action and I moved to assist her, Sir,” you say coming to attention in front of the desk.
“I am not going to reprimand you,” Tarrlok says with his practiced smile. “I want to congratulate you on your actions. Although you were severely outnumbered, you had the courage to pursue them.”
“Thank you Sir,” you say as a small wave of relief washes over you.
“Where were the Metalbender police?” he asks impassively.
“They were knocked out by a new weapon the Equalists had, Amon called it ‘the power of a chi-blocker in their hand’ Sir,” you answer.
Tarrlok’s eyebrows raise slightly. “Can you describe the weapon?”
“It is a glove with some kind of electrical device attached to the palm, if it makes contact with a person it gives an electrical shock. Enough to render them unconscious,” you explain. “I didn’t get a good enough look at one to be able to explain any further, Sir.”
Tarrlok’s eyebrows furrow as he listens to you. “So our armour is only going to block the chi-blockers.” He looks away from you.
“I was able to redirect an attack from an electrified baton back at the Equalist, Sir,” you say.
“Hmm,” he hums in thought. “How many Firebender deputies can do that?” He looks back at you.
“I’m not sure Sir,” you say honestly. “I can teach the deputies that don’t know how to redirect lightning.”
He nods. “Good, we will need all the advantages we can get in this war.”
Something about the way he said the word ‘war’ has you feeling uneasy, you can’t quite put your finger on why exactly.
“I want you to accompany me to a press conference I’m holding shortly,” Tarrlok says. “Be prepared to have some attention from reporters.”
“Yes Sir,” you say.
You line up with some other deputies behind Tarrlok on the podium. There seems to be more press than there has been before at these press conferences.
“Although the hundred year war has long passed, we are not living in a time of peace,” Tarrlok begins. “These revolutionists who call themselves Equalists, are not interested in equality at all. They just want to wage war against benders. Chief Beifong was supposed to protect Republic City but she was powerless to stop Amon’s attack on the Arena. She has failed us all.” He takes a breath. “If we are to survive these dire times, our law enforcement needs new leadership.”
There is a small quiet pause before camera bulbs flash and reporters start shouting questions over each other.
“I will answer your questions,” Tarrlok says raising his hands up to quiet them down. He points to a reporter.
“Who do you suggest replace Chief Beifong?” the reporter asks.
“Someone who is going to be effective against Amon,” Tarrlok says, he quickly points to another reporter.
“Is it true a task force deputy was involved in Chief Beifong and the Avatar‘s attempt to capture Amon?” the reporter asks.
“The deputy was there to watch the match and sprang into action,” Tarrlok answers.
“Question for the deputy,” another reporter shouts. “What was going through your mind during the attack?”
Tarrlok glances at you before taking a small step back and gesturing towards the microphone. “Captain...”
You step forward with your head held high and your shoulders squared. “My concern was for the safety of the innocent civilians who were there to watch the final in peace.” The reporters all listen in tentative silence. “I saw that my comrades-in-arms had all been subdued by the Equalists’ attack, I moved into action to assist Avatar Korra.”
“Weren’t you afraid going after Amon after witnessing what he did to the Wolfbats?”
“The Wolfbats have had different training compared to myself and I have faith in my abilities,” you answer plainly. In that moment you leapt from the box seating to go after Korra, you truthfully weren’t afraid for yourself.
“Why did you let Amon get away?” a reporter asks in a thinly veiled accusing tone.
Tarrlok steps forward. “As the deputy said, her concern was for the innocent spectators,” he says. “Chief Beifong assured the council that she could guarantee the safety of the Arena under her watch.”
You step back into line with the other deputies. Grateful Tarrlok stepped forward again to answer and deflect the questions. You personally don’t blame Chief Beifong for what happened at the Arena, Amon and the Equalists took out all the safety measures she put into place. The scene of the destruction in Yue Bay from the rooftop flashes through your mind.
How could anyone have prepared for an attack on that scale?
“We are live outside Cabbage Corp, where Chief Beifong and the Metalbender police have carried out a raid,” a reporter says over the radio in the office later in the day.
“Is it true Cabbage Corp is conspiring with the Equalists?”
“The evidence points in that direction but the investigation is ongoing,” Chief Beifong answers. “For the time being we have frozen Mr Gan-Lan’s assets and are closing Cabbage Corp.”
Seems either careless by the Equalists that their weapons manufacturer was caught so soon after the attack or Cabbage Corp was framed.
You fiddle with the pen in your hand as you think.
If they were framed who would gain the most by Cabbage Corp being closed?
Future Industries.
The answer comes to you with no hesitation. You’ve known as long as you’ve been alive Cabbage Corp is the enemy.
Could your own father be involved?
Hiroshi, in his words, ‘detests Cabbage Corp’ and has made it known to you over time that he dislikes Firebenders in particular but to work with the Equalists…?
He seemed genuinely alarmed by Amon and the Equalists at the Pro-bending... Although he did throw off your aim at Amon by snapping at you to ‘be careful.’
Could it have just been his concern for Asami’s and your safety or a clever attempt to stop you from doing your job?
You need more information before you can make any accusations. No doubt your father’s army of lawyers will come after anyone who accuse him of anything without solid evidence. Good thing you have an excuse to be at your family estate after Asami invited you earlier this morning.
You can’t tell your sister about this, she probably wouldn’t believe you anyway. Not unless she caught him red-handed. The thought of Asami in that situation causes a heavy weight to settle in your stomach. May Agni help you...
“Hello? You with me partner?” Tulok’s voice cuts through your spiralling thoughts.
You look up and raise an eyebrow.
“Do you want to go for our meal break?” Tulok repeats himself.
“Oh,” you say before glancing at your pocket watch. “Yeah, let’s get something to eat.”
Strolling through the Sato mansion the feeling of unease washes over you. The same thought has been circling through your mind all shift. Do you really believe your own father is working with the Equalists? How involved is he, if he is involved?
Are you honestly prepared to know the answer to that question?
If he senses you are looking into him what will he do to you? He already made you ‘disappear’ once. Would this time be permanent..?
No. This isn’t the time to be doubting yourself.
You need to know the truth. You will have to think like him to out manoeuvre him. Play the long game. You can do this. Pulling your shoulders back you continue your walk.
“Mom, please keep me safe...” you whisper your plea.
Music coming from one of the many entertainment rooms catches your attention.
“That must be Asami,” you say to yourself when you recognise the tune.
“I thought I heard you in here,” you say with the best smile you can muster as you enter the room.
“Hey, we were just talking about you,” Asami says with a genuine smile.
“All good things I hope,” you say, your smile morphing into a smirk.
“We heard you on the radio with Tarrlok,” Bolin says.
“Seems he wants Chief Beifong fired,” Mako adds.
“Uh… well he is under a lot of pressure,” you say caught off guard.
You need to calm your nerves before Asami notices. ‘Perfect’ you think to yourself before you walk over to the other side of the room. Ignoring the alcohol that is sitting on display in a crystal decanter, you flip over a clean glass, open the door on the discreet liquor cabinet and pick out a bottle of your preferred drink. You pour yourself a generous glass, take a sip then turn to the group. The liquid warming your chest, not unlike the feeling before you firebend.
“You have definitely done that before,” Bolin comments.
“Indeed,” you reply before taking another mouthful of your drink. The warmth begins to settle the bile that has been creeping up your throat.
“Does Mr Sato know you do that?” Bolin asks with a raised eyebrow.
You stare at the Earthbender as you take another sip. “Yes, I bought the decanter set,” you answer as you lower the crystal glass from your lips.
“Oh,” he says with a small nod. “Why?”
“Did something happen while you were working?” Asami asks concerned, preventing you from having to explain the gift.
You look into the almost empty glass as if the answer is at the bottom before looking back at your sister. “It was a rough shift, Tarrlok is doubling down on all things Equalist and I’m concerned it will escalate the war.” You give a satisfactory answer to her question.
“Do you think it will?” Mako asks.
“I hope not,” you say as you pour yourself another glass. “Enough about that. What were you listening to?”
“It is the brand new album,” Bolin says excitedly, holding up the record.
“Oh, that’s why it was familiar. They’ve been playing it over the radio regularly,” you say.
“And I beat your high score on the pinball machine,” Asami says smugly.
You turn to look at the machine against the wall, Asami’s initials proudly displayed at the top. “Took you long enough,” you jab back.
“Are you going to reclaim your title?” Bolin asks with a grin.
You chuckle. “Maybe tomorrow.”
“Korra is coming by tomorrow,” Asami says, making sure to make eye contact with you.
“Asami?” your father’s voice startles everyone from the doorway.
“Hi Dad,” Asami says cheerily.
“Mr Sato, sir.” You give a small bow of acknowledgement.
“Hello Mr Sato,” Bolin says with a small bow.
“Hiroshi, sir.” Mako also bowing.
“Boys, Captain.” Hiroshi returns your bows. “What is going on here?” he asks with a furrowed brow.
“Uh... Mako and Bolin had nowhere to stay after the Arena was shutdown, so I invited them to stay here,” Asami answers with a sweet smile.
Hiroshi folds his arms before raising one hand to his chin. “And you thought to ask me about this when?”
Mako and Bolin turn to look at Asami.
“I couldn’t let them go out on the streets,” she defends. “You saw what Amon did.”
“Can I have a word Asami?” Hiroshi asks with a raised eyebrow. “In private.” The tone he uses means there’s no room for disagreement.
“Sure Dad,” Asami says as if she had a genuine choice. “Wait here.” She turns to the brothers. Her hand slipping into her pocket, you notice the corner of folded paper poking out.
Hiroshi and you lock eyes for a moment, his gaze flicks down to the glass in your hand. There’s slight twitch of his eyebrow when he looks you in the eye again. You lift your chin in challenge. His lips pull together and he gives a slight nod before he exits the room.
A small win. Hopefully Asami is as lucky as you.
“I didn’t know she hadn’t asked her father,” Mako says rubbing the back of his neck.
“What are we going to do if he doesn’t want us here?” Bolin asks.
“We could take up Korra’s offer to stay at Air Temple Island,” Mako says.
“You don’t give Asami enough credit,” you say cutting into their conversation. “She can convince Mr Sato of almost anything.”
“He didn’t seem to be worried you are here,” Bolin says.
“Probably because I stopped an Equalist coming into the private balcony last night,” you say, shrugging a shoulder.
Mako is looking at you with a puzzled expression.
“Tell you what,” you say swirling your drink. “If Mr Sato decides we need to leave the estate tonight, you boys can stay with me.”
“Where do you live?” Bolin asks.
“In a penthouse apartment down town,” you say before having a sip of drink.
“A penthouse!” Bolin says, grinning from ear to ear.
“Why do I sense a but?” Mako questions.
You give a small chuckle. An idea pops into your mind. “But...”
Mako crosses his arms, Bolin’s eyebrows raise.
“When I am right about Asami, you guys can come into Pop-Culture to sign autographs for an afternoon,” you say with a small smirk.
“Deal,” Bolin says extending a hand.
You shake his hand.
Mako raises an eyebrow.
“Food and drink on the house,” you add extending a hand to the Firebender.
“We have a deal,” Mako says shaking your hand.
All eyes turn to your sister when she re-enters the room.
“What happened?” Mako asks.
“I smoothed it over with him,” Asami says with a small smile. “You can stay here.”
You can’t help the I-told-you-so look that crosses your features when Mako makes eye contact with you.
“Free ice cream!” Bolin exclaims, pumping his fist excitedly.
Asami looks between you and Mako confused.
“The guys agreed to come into Pop-Culture to sign autographs,” you say swirling your drink before taking a sip.
“Never bet against her,” Asami says with a knowing smirk. “You will lose.”
Everyone has retired to bed for the evening, but you can’t go to sleep just yet.
“No time like the present,” you tell yourself before pushing open the door to one of the libraries in the estate.
Glancing up at the framed blueprint of the very first Satomobile on the wall you think back to a simpler time.
Flashback.
“One day all this will be yours,” your father says gesturing around the library.
“The paper?” you ask raising an eyebrow.
He chuckles. “No sweetie, the legacy of Satomobiles. I am sure you’ll do great things with Future Industries.”
“Hiroshi, don’t put that pressure on her,” your mother gently chides as she adjusts your sleeping sister in her arms. She crouches down to your level. “You can do anything your heart desires,” she says your name before softly kissing your temple.
You look between your parents. “I want to drive a race car,” you say before acting like you are holding a steering wheel.
“Well, in that case you need to know how a race car works,” your father says happily. He pulls out a blueprint and lays it flat on the desk before scooping you up in his arms so you can see.
“You know you could draw race cars, like this one,” your mother says coming to stand next to you. “It would be a lot safer,” she says under her breath.
“Can I do both?” you ask, not wanting to disappoint either parent.
Her features soften. “Of course my little fire-lily.”
Asami stirs in your mother’s arms, sleepy green eyes blink at you.
“Hi ‘Sami,” you say softly. “We are going to learn all about race cars. Right Daddy?”
“That’s right sweetie.”
End Flashback.
You shake away the memory, you have a job to do, you can’t afford to be getting distracted. You begin to flick through blueprints hanging neatly on a rack.
Hiroshi taught you how to read a blueprint before you could even spell it.
Something on one of the blueprints catches your eye. “Huh?” you say before carefully pulling it out to get a better look.
“Your potential is being wasted.”
A chill runs down your spine. You school your features before you turn from the desk to look at your father. “So you have mentioned before,” you say drily.
“How long until you believe me?” he asks in a softer tone.
Remember the long game. You let out a breath.
“You could do brilliant things at Future Industries,” he continues his usual spiel.
“We both know it wouldn’t work,” you answer like you have every time he starts this conversation. You don’t want the small amount of freedom you do have taken from you. “Besides, Asami is the genius innovator, not me.”
“You think I can’t recognise your work?” he asks moving closer to you.
“I help when asked,” you answer with a small shrug. “She did most of the design.”
“What are you looking at?” he asks when he notices the blueprint you’ve been studying.
“A smart man once told me, ‘sometimes the solution you need has already been solved. Don’t waste your time trying to reinvent the wheel, when you can build on it,’” you answer cryptically. You can’t deny your father is a smart man.
A smile forms under his greying moustache. “And how would you build on this particular wheel?” He raises an eyebrow in challenge.
You look down at the tank-like track blueprint. This is a familiar game you have been playing for years. He prompts you and you give your suggestion. “Well to start I would use a lighter material than what this suggests,” you say pointing to the building materials key.
His eyebrows raise slightly. “And why would you do that?”
“To reduce unnecessary weight, improve mobility and speed,” you say. “Plus platinum is expensive.”
Your father pulls out a blank drafting paper and lays it next to the blueprint. He hands you a pencil. “What else?” He moves around the other side of the desk to watch you work.
You look between the blueprint and blank page as you draw. “I would change the spacing here,” you say as you continue to draw.
Your father turns the blueprint around when you finally lift your pencil.
You wait silently as he studies the finished picture closely.
“This is precisely what I have been saying by your potential being wasted,” he speaks finally, the corner of his eyes crinkle as he smiles.
You let out the breath you hadn’t realised you were holding. “I just built on someone else’s design.”
“Why, I wasn’t much older than you...”
“I know,” you cut him off with a sigh. “When you made your first million yuans...”
He nods. “Get some rest,” he says before turning to leave.
“Dad...?” you say softly.
He turns back around.
“What did you design this for?” you ask. It has been on your mind since you found the blueprint.
“It was for a military contract,” he answers.
You nod. “Goodnight Dad.”
“Goodnight,” he replies before leaving the library.
You pick up the blueprint to put it back on its hanger so it can go back on the rack. Something catches your attention, the date it was completed. It is recent…
Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Thank you for all the comments, kudos, subscriptions and reads.
I really appreciate all of them, and I enjoy talking about the story with you. :)
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13_Fanfic_Addict_13 on Chapter 3 Thu 17 Feb 2022 07:03AM UTC
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13_Fanfic_Addict_13 on Chapter 3 Thu 17 Feb 2022 07:12AM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 3 Thu 17 Feb 2022 07:52AM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 3 Mon 21 Feb 2022 12:40PM UTC
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MJSharizai on Chapter 4 Sat 26 Feb 2022 12:23PM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 4 Sat 26 Feb 2022 08:19PM UTC
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JayAnonymous on Chapter 5 Fri 04 Mar 2022 01:42PM UTC
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13_Fanfic_Addict_13 on Chapter 5 Sat 05 Mar 2022 09:59AM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 5 Sat 05 Mar 2022 11:11AM UTC
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MJSharizai on Chapter 6 Wed 16 Mar 2022 02:04PM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 6 Wed 16 Mar 2022 02:09PM UTC
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uselesslesbian17 on Chapter 6 Wed 16 Mar 2022 04:03PM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 6 Wed 16 Mar 2022 05:33PM UTC
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MJSharizai on Chapter 7 Wed 23 Mar 2022 12:04PM UTC
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xAussieGirlx on Chapter 7 Wed 23 Mar 2022 01:42PM UTC
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