Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“He that has eyes to see and ears to hear may convince himself that no mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore.”

 -Sigmund Freud

-- 3 Weeks after Kuvira’s Surrender --

A blast of fire from one of the Fire Nation soldiers, followed by another one that’s aimed right at the escaping woman’s torso. With a swift movement, the woman dodged it with grace. Another line of guards awaits at the outer bailey of the fire palace, all prepared to launch an attack at the non-bender.

“So much for a prison—I mean, palace break.” The woman said as she made a leap and threw a smoke bomb to the guards that were on their fire bending stance, the long strands of the woman’s silky, raven hair moving flawlessly for a few seconds. As the effect of the smoke vanishes, the woman disappears in sight of the guards as well.

“Over there!” Yelled one of the guards at the top of the curtain walls, pointing at the woman who’s approaching the palace’ gatehouse—the final barrier. If she made it, it would be freedom for her.

“Don’t let her escape!” commanded someone with such authority. “Yes, General Iroh,” responded his men. “And don’t hurt her either!” General Iroh roared to one of the yuyan archers, ready to aim directly at the woman’s torso. The archer shifted his aim to the side of the sleeve of the woman’s upper clothing but didn’t release any arrow without the command of the fire prince.

The captain of the palace guards was waiting at the main gate, glaring at the woman in hightail as she comes near them. He was with another group of soldiers. This time, they were pointing a syringe gun at her, loaded with needles that will render its target unconscious, all of them desperate to stop the woman. “You’re not going anywhere, princess,” said the head of the guards, emphasizing the escapees’ royal title.

“Right.” The said fire princess smirked. “Using my own inventions against me. Quite clever, Iroh,” the woman said as she beamed at the fire prince that’s slowly approaching their spot. “I guess you’re desperate to stop me now, huh?” the woman slowly raised both of her hands, implying that she won’t make a move, as the guards with syringe guns close in.

“Give up, Asami.” General Iroh ordered with a pronounced frown etched on his face.

Asami smirked again, with so much vigour and confidence this time. “Make me.”

The next scene happened in a flash. The jet-black haired woman leapt to her feet. Another cloud of smoke offered the distraction she needed to slip out of the guards and soldiers around her. General Iroh ordered his men to keep an eye on the fire princess as the smoke clouds their surroundings. A loud boom sounded near them as the fire prince tried to get out of the smoke. It was too late when he did.

The main gate has been blown open by probably one of Asami’s weapons. At that moment, all Iroh can do was shrug in utter frustration and out of his astonishment. You just never know what she carries in those pants. Right there, he admitted his defeat to the fire princess, but that didn’t mean he’ll give up chasing her.

***

-- Earlier before the escape --

The harmonic sounds of musical instruments echo through the ball hall as people dressed in the finest of their gowns and suits danced around fervently along with the melody. As Lord Zuko watch the different shades of exquisite garments sway around, a lone figure at the corner of the ballroom catches his attention. There, on one of the room’s pillars, leans a tall, slender, stunning young woman in her shining red evening gown.

Lord Zuko stood from his seat beside his wife. He gave her a peck on her cheek before walking towards the lass. Even though the young woman’s beauty was already eye-catching from afar, her green eyes, plump lips, and silky, raven hair, was gorgeously jaw-dropping when witness closer. They reminded Zuko of her younger sister and the young woman’s mother.  “Asami,” he called to her. Asami looked uncomfortable before she turned to Lord Zuko, but she forced a smile at him and bow, “Lord—I mean, grandpa Zuko.”

“You don’t appear to be enjoying the party.” He smiled warmly at her as he leans at the pillar, too, watching the crowd of beautiful people. “It’s been a while since you were able to attend Izumi’s birthday party, but you look down.”

Asami averted her eyes at her grandfather in guilt, “Yeah…around four or five years since the last, I guess….”

“You know you can talk to me if there is something you need to let out,” Lord Zuko prompted.

The young woman heaved a sigh, “I’m just…” a deep breath, “feeling out of place here,” and another sigh. “It’s been a long time since I came to these royal parties. It feels unusual to me now. People treat me different here.”

Lord Zuko place a hand on her shoulder. “Asami, you know it’s natural that people treat you here differently…” he attempted to comfort her but failed awkwardly when Asami’s face fell a little. She embraced herself warily and murmured, “You know I’m not entirely proud of my title here, knowing who my grandmother is….”

Zuko’s face fell, too. He knew for a long time now that what Asami stated was something she could never fully embrace since she became aware of it. It’s not because of the responsibilities, though. Goodness knows how capable of a woman she is. He could be mad at Asami for neglecting her title as a Fire princess. Considering that, back then, he’d do everything (even to capture the avatar) just for the honour of his royal title. Still, he couldn’t get furious when he knew where she’s coming from. And the stubbornness of his sister, Azula, did nothing but feed her granddaughter’s idea of her stronger by the time.

“You know Azula is trying. Give her time. Besides, Me, Kiyi, Izumi, and your cousins, we’re your family, too. We’re your only family now, in fact. Biologically speaking.”

“Do you think grandma will be better this time? I mean, that one time she called me after dad’s wake, she sounded so serious about trying to be a good family for me, so I made that promise, or have I been deceived again?”

“Oh, Asami. As we have told you, Azula was the worst person you could ever meet, but I personally saw clear and immense changes the moment she came back to this palace carrying yasuko.”

“Grandma’s attitude towards my mother changed when she found out my mother’s a non-bender.” She firmly stated.

“People change, Asami. For Azula, it takes far longer than other people.” Lord Zuko tried to defend.

Asami heaved a sigh, grabbing a drink offered to her by a palace server and downing it in a few hurried gulps. “I just hope so….”

Chapter Text

“This is my confession.
As dark as I am,
I will always
 find enough light,
to adore you to pieces,
with all of my pieces.”

-Johnny Nguyen

The band started playing.

The bride marches towards the altar. Her wedding gown was white and pure, just like the woman she is.

On the other end, the love of her life was waiting for her, charming smile and delighted blue eyes gazing at her.

The bride smiled, and the person waiting for her at the altar smiled too. Spirits, this was a dream come true. Years of being by the side of her love, and they are finally here, about to take their promise to love each other for eternity, for better or worse.

Korra gaze at the bride, who's flashing a dazzling smile at her lover. It was the brightest smile she'd ever seen on the bride's face. On the other side of the altar, the bride's groom started sobbing, wiping his tears with the sleeve of his water tribe wedding suit.

Korra giggled. Varrick is crying, that dork.

It's only been a week since the attack of Kuvira's giant mecha. Team Avatar has been tirelessly helping rebuild Republic City. Still, despite the destruction Kuvira brought, there was a reason to celebrate—Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding! For a few hours, Team Avatar and the others allowed themselves a break.

The wedding is being held at Air Temple Island, the only facility in the city that acquired minor damage. It wasn't a grand ceremony, but the place's decorations were exquisite. The shades of blue and white twinkling lights gave a southern water tribe vibe that somehow made Korra feel like she was at home in the south.

As Zhu li marches to the altar, Korra could not help but steal glances at another woman. For the Avatar, the said woman is the most beautiful in the whole world.

By Korra's side stood a raven-haired woman in her stunning red dress. She was beaming at the bride with a vibrant smile on her face and, oh, spirits. She has no idea what she's doing to the Avatar's mind just by standing in such close proximity with her. And It's taking Korra all of her restrain just to refrain from holding the hand of the woman beside her.

Asami. Korra said with affection in her mind. As if she heard Korra say her name, Asami turned to Korra and smiled at her before focusing on Zhu li again. Just that smile made Korra swoon. The most powerful being alive goes weak on her knees with just a smile. But that was no ordinary smile. It was the smile of someone she chose to express her feelings within the most painful times of her life. A smile that pierced her heart with an arrow of igniting love, threatening to cause a wildfire of emotions to the master of the four elements.

Suddenly, Korra felt the song playing was for her. Suddenly she was taken on a possible future. She imagined Asami walking in the aisle on her white wedding dress, and Korra was there, on Varrick's spot by the altar, wearing her wedding dress too, watching Asami as her bride slowly get close to her. Or maybe they would march together hand in hand, whatever it would be as long as she'll be with Asami. She could imagine she'd be crying the same as Varrick, too, maybe even worse.

Zhu Li reaches the altar, and pieces of artificial snow started falling as Varrick kisses her hand, and they face the altar. It was a joyous moment. Zhu Li and Varrick look so happy that it makes Korra a little envious.

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

"Hey, pal! ‘camera on me, this is my big day!" Varrick manages to shout whisper to the cameraman, whose camera was fixated on the crowd.

After receiving a nod from Varrick, Bolin preceded his melodramatic speech, "True love is a fickle creature, difficult to find, nearly impossible to tame. But Varrick and Zhu li have proven that even the longest of long shots can have a chance at happiness together." Bolin raises his index finger with enthusiasm as pabu sits on his shoulder, "Now, for the vows…."

The lava bender's words faded as Korra imagine it, too. Asami, saying her wedding vows to her. Just the thought of it makes her heart swell. Then she shrugged. What am I thinking?! She stole another glance at Asami, pretending she was just checking the air bending kids that were a few chairs apart from her.

Does she even like me? She never stopped writing me letters, after all. But I'm her best friend, it's expected she'd write to me like Bolin and Mako did…maybe I'm taking my thoughts too far.

Korra frowned and mentally slap herself. This is not helping. She shouldn't be thinking things that might discourage her from discontinuing her tonight's plan. Since coming back, she'd thought of it, although the Kuvira crisis needs to be dealt with first. But now that Kuvira had surrendered, she's going to try to express what she feels to Asami.

Even when Korra was recovering in the south, there were these feelings she harboured toward the young CEO, feelings that pushed her to keep going. That's when Korra admitted it to herself: those feelings, it was something special.

It was…love.

I'm in love with Asami.

Once she gets the proper chance, Korra decided she would ask Asami to date her. She still has doubts, of course. After all, what can she offer Asami? She's not even sure if she can give Asami her time if they ever get to be lovers (that, she hopes so dearly), but she felt courageous because it's Asami. And Asami always makes her brave. So she has to do it tonight. It's a perfect night to confess to someone.

The booming sound of fireworks accompanied by lights flashing in the dimming sky dragged Korra out of her daze. Before she knew it, the ceremony was over, and the guests were moving to the other side of the venue for the wedding feast.

"Korra?" The young Avatar automatically turned her head towards the voice with an automatic smile on her face. That voice sounds better when the owner of it says her name. "Hey, Asami."

"Are you okay? You seem so occupied since the wedding started." Asami asked with concern.

"I'm okay. I'm just…thinking about stuff." Thinking about marrying you. Korra wanted to say.

"Come on, ‘food's about to be served." The young CEO offered her hand, and Korra was quick to take it. There's no way she's going to deny any opportunity to get to hold Asami's hands.

***

The event was nearing its end. After the guests stomachs were full, people were just dancing around and chatting. Opal had pulled Bolin to the dance floor, while Asami has been approached by President Raiko to talk about the facilities Future Industries will be funding and constructing for the affected people (She didn't look happy on talking to Raiko), which leaves Korra and Mako sitting in the table reserved for Team Avatar.

Korra was simply staring at Asami, who's still talking to Raiko at the side of the dance floor. Zhu li and Varrick had joined in their conversation, Varrick extending his arms wide and imitating a lemur-flying pose. At this rate, Korra might not get the chance she's waiting for. It made her a little anxious, but she mentally shrugged. Patience, Korra. You'll have your chance. She thought in the voice of her Master Tenzin.

Little did the Avatar know, Mako was looking at her curiously. Despite having plenty of people dancing around, it wasn't hard to notice who Korra is looking at. The ocean that is Korra's eyes displayed a glint of determination there. For a moment, Mako wondered again about what's going on between both of his ex…that also happens to be both his best friends.

"Korra. Is there something I need to know between you and Asami? You've been staring at her since she left the table." He asked out of curiosity and narrowed his eyes at her.

The Avatar's eyes widened for a moment. "M-me? Staring? I'm not! I'm just watching the people dance…."

That was a lie. Mako could tell by the way Korra fidgeted after his question, but he let it slide. He had a feeling he might find out soon anyway.

"If you say so…how about we just join Bolin and Opal at the dance floor?" Mako asked as he stood and offered Korra his uninjured hand.

"Sure, I guess. But don't blame me if I accidentally step on your foot." Korra grinned at her ex-lover as they walk through the dance floor.

Mako chuckled, "Hmm, maybe I probably deserve it?"

"Oh no, you don't. How's the arm?" Korra inquired as they start to dance. Both her hands curled around Mako's shoulder, and the fire bender's undamaged hand was placed gently on her waist.

"Much better," he replied with a smile.

Korra remembered the bruises she saw on Mako's damaged arm before it was aided. Judging by the deep lines that cut into the skin, she was sure they were going to leave a permanent scar. A scar that will serve as a reminder of Mako's sacrifice, and she will always be thankful for that but still, what Mako did…he could have died, she could have lost a loved one. "The words 'thank you' don't feel big enough for what you did," Korra lowered her stare at the ground for a second, looking for the right words to say. Still, she didn't find any, "but I honestly don't know what else to say."

"You don't need to say anything. I want you to know," Mako's eyes averted hers for a bit before saying, "I’ll follow you in the battle no matter how crazy things get.” He stated firmly before smiling, “I’ve got your back, and I always will.”

Mako’s words touched Korra’s heart. She beamed at him again, and no further words were needed. They danced for a few more minutes before Prince Wu came standing in front of them with a smirk on his face. “Oh, is this another chance for Makorra?” The prince teased.

“Prince Wu!” Exclaimed Mako in a tone that’s also telling the prince to ‘shut up’.

Korra chuckled, “Good to see you, Prince Wu or should I say, King Wu?” she pointed her index finger at him for a second and said, “’ You ready to take back Ba Sing Se and finally get back the throne?”

“Yeah, about that….” The prince scratched the back of his head, “I was actually thinking of stepping down as King and getting rid of the monarchy altogether.”

That made Korra’s ocean eyes widen, and Mako’s sand-shark eyebrows raise. “Are you joking?” Mako asked as if he couldn’t believe the prince, but Wu looked serious for a rare moment. “For once, I’m not.” Prince Wu answered. One could tell he was prepared for that kind of response the moment he had the idea. “Now, I know what you’re gonna say: ‘I’m being lazy’, ‘I’m afraid of responsibilities’, ‘I’m putting my singing career before my people’—but it’s none of those things. I really think the Earth Kingdom will be better off if their state were independent and have elected leaders, like the United Republic!” He explained enthusiastically.

“That’s…actually pretty wise and mature of you,” Mako commented as if the boy he raised has finally become a man. Korra agrees with her best friend, “I think that’s a great Idea! The Earth Kingdom should evolve.” She stated firmly as her face softens with a smile, “And I’ll do everything in my power to help you make that happen.”

That promise clearly delighted the prince, “Looking forward to working with you,” he made a gesture of salute as the music change into a happier and livelier tune. “But for now, the dance floor calls!” The prince said as he dragged Mako at the centre of the dance floor, although not without the injured fire bender’s resistance.

The Avatar just shrugged and started scanning the crowd. Opal and Jinora were nearby, dancing in the ways of the air benders. There was Kai, staring at the distance—why is he doing that? There was also Pema, chasing Rohan as he lifts his arms up in the air and speeds up to his feet. Korra didn’t realize just how much Rohan had grown through the years, but now that she’s back and Kuvira had surrendered, she was hoping to spend more time with Tenzin’s kids.

But first, she has a confession to make. There, as Korra turns to her back, was an approaching Asami. She’d just finish talking to the president and the newlywed couple. She looks exhausted, but her face softened the moment she saw eye to eye with Korra, standing nearby and flashing the signature avatar crooked smile at her.

“Hey…” Korra called, now she suddenly felt nervous, out of words once again.

“You look so fine in that dress,” Asami complimented. Her words made Korra’s mind swirl, and she couldn’t help but blurt out the words, “You’re the finest of us all—” and then she suddenly felt embarrassed. “I mean, uhm….”

Asami chuckled, “Why do you seem so nervous? It’s just me, Korra.” That’s the point. It is you.

Korra sighed to calm herself, even just for a little. “Let’s try that again,” she straightened herself as she beamed at the gorgeous being in front of her, “’ Wanna dance with me for a while?” was what came out to Korra’s mouth instead. She wanted to take it back, but when she saw the glow in Asami’s eyes, she just had to offer her hand to Asami.

The master of the four elements was nervous. Her hands were trembling and cold. Colder than the weather in her homeland, you’d think her hands, in particular, was hypothermic. But the twining of Asami’s hand with hers made her feel warm and comfortable. It was enough to ease the tension within her, and she can’t help but dream wide awake in Asami’s arms as they glide through the music.

Three years. My life was so dull without you by my side. She thought as Asami makes a twirl. If I hadn’t been poisoned, where would we be now? That thought struck a lance at Korra’s heart. It made her guilty in a flash. Would they be holding each other’s hands like this? Would they be going on more Team Avatar missions? There were a lot of ‘could have’ moments she missed. “I don’t think I ever apologize,” she said as her face fell. Asami notices that right away, and her face expressed nothing but pure apprehension, “For what?” Asami wonders.

“For being gone all that time, for not coming back sooner….” Before Korra knew it, they have stopped dancing, but Asami didn’t let go of her hand.

“You don’t need to apologize for anything,” It was the reassuring smile of Asami that told Korra, ‘It’s gonna be okay’. Her today’s mood has been up and down, and those simple act of smiling helps.

“I’m just so happy you’re here now,” On the spur of the moment, Asami’s face fell, and the look of exhaustion on her face before they started dancing returned. “I don’t think I could have handled losing you and my father on the same day…” that’s when the long-concealed tears of the young CEO started flowing like a river. Korra’s immediate response was to envelop her arms to the fragile beauty.

It’s only been a week since Hiroshi died, and Korra could somehow relate to what Asami must be feeling. When she saw her father fall from the cliff while fighting Zaheer, she was torn between rage and agony. Asami has been looking so exhausted whenever Korra sees her since then. She knew it was hard for Asami, given that she’d only tried to reach out to her father not long ago. “I am so sorry about what happened…” was all she could say as she tightened her embrace. Asami forces a smile and wiped her tears. Korra found it astounding how Asami can control her emotions like that. “Thank you…I’m just glad I was able to forgive him.”

As Asami calms down, Korra realized they were still embracing each other on the dance floor where people can see them, but at that moment, Korra didn’t give a single care in the world. Her world was here, and she was embracing her. How she wished they could stay like this forever…

In the serenity of the moment, Korra remembered something. Should I do it now? Right. She was gonna confess. Having her arms wrap around Asami made her more determined.

Just do it.

Just when Korra was about to speak, an "Ehem" sounded between them. Korra grunted and look at the side where the voice came from, it was Kai. Apparently, he was done staring at the distance.

"I hate to interrupt a Korrasami moment, but Asami," Kai looks warily at Asami before pointing at some men in the distance. They were wearing delicate shades of red garments. One particularly tall man averted his eyes when he saw Kai was pointing at them. "Those men have been watching you since the feast started. They look suspicious to me. Do you know them?"

Asami narrowed her eyes to the group of men, and then she looks shocked. The next thing Korra knew, the porcelain arms wrapped around her was gone. "Hold on. I'll come back, Korra," was all Asami said before she made her stride towards the men.

"Wait, Asami—" Korra heaved a sigh. It was no use. She just missed her chance to confess.

"Thanks, Kai." Her tone was sarcastic as she glared at the Airbender, who just smiled apologetically at her.

"What is Korrasami—" Her eyes widen at the realization. "Is that a combined name of me and..."

"Yep, Korra and Asami." Kai finished for her. Well, that isn't bad. Then she remembered a word Wu had said earlier. "And I'm guessing the Makorra was..."

"Exactly, Mako and you. I actually bet on it but judging by what you and Asami are doing earlier, I guess I owe Jinora and BoPal some yuans."

"Wait, you guys are betting on us?"

Kai’s eyes widened as he realized what information he just let slip. "It wasn't me who started!” He defended, “I just miss having loads of money in my pockets, so I joined...It was just between me, Jinora, Opal, and Bolin at first, but then Kya and Bumi joined, and oh, I think it might have started when your parent's told Tenzin..."

"My parents were involved in this?" Korra didn’t know what to react. A bet, really?

“You didn’t hear anything from me!” Kai had sprinted from a distance before Korra could even question him further, she wanted to chase him, but then she saw Tenzin making her way towards her. Her master motioned her to walk towards the corner where the wedding ceremony was held earlier. She could see the spirit portal she accidentally created gleam around the ruined buildings from where she stood.

“I spoke to President Raiko. Tomorrow he’s announcing a plan to rebuild the city rather than rebuild downtown.” Tenzin stood beside her and joined her in watching the gleaming portal.

Still feeling a bit disappointed by her failed attempt in confessing, Korra let her mind wander on other things. “I bet Aang never could’ve imagined there’d be a spirit portal right in the heart of republic city.”

That’s the time the master gaze at his student. “Korra, you’ve transformed the world more in a few years than most Avatars did during their lifetimes.”

As Tenzin looks at Korra, he saw a whole different person. The look on his student's face doesn’t display the same look of confidence it had before. Instead, she looks more humble. And determined, which he was thankful.

“But I feel like I’ve only just begun. There’s so much more I wanna learn and do.”

That’s what Tenzin wanted to hear. “You don’t know how happy I am to hear you so full of hope again.”

“It’s been a bit of a bumpy ride, huh?”

Tenzin could never really express how proud he is of Korra. Beyond being just the Avatar, his student has come to understand she’s human too. “I’ve come to realize life was one big, bumpy ride.”

Korra smiled in agreement with her master. “I know I was in a pretty dark place after I was poisoned. I finally understand why I had to go through all that. I need to understand what true suffering was…so I could become more compassionate to others, even to people like Kuvira.” Tenzin gently placed a hand at Korra’s shoulders that convey a lot of things: ‘you’ve grown’, ‘that’s my student’, but most of all, he was telling, ‘I’m proud of you, Korra’ in that warm touch of his hand.

“Excuse me, Tenzin.” Interrupted a voice that sounds way too good for Korra. It was Asami’s voice, of course. “Varrick is looking for you. Something about looking to borrow a glider suite to fly off the tower?” Asami looked so convincing that Korra almost believes it. But when she saw the naughty grin that etched on Asami’s face for a split second as Tenzin replied, “That doesn’t seem like a good idea,” she knew Asami was just bluffing. She’s good at this. It worked, though, because Tenzin looks panicked as he speeds off from where Varrick might be, leaving the two of them alone.

“So, who are those men?” Korra asked.

“Fire Nation Soldiers. They just needed to tell me something but was afraid to ask, no big deal.”

“I see,” The matter doesn’t seem to be important, so Korra didn’t press on. “So…back to the dance floor?” She offered as Asami sits on the stairs, clearly too tired to stand.

“I’m kind of all danced out,” Asami replied, she let out a heavy sigh, and Korra has a feeling Asami had done that countless times, maybe since her father died. “Honestly, after everything that’s happened in the past few months, I could use a vacation.”

The desire to do something for Asami to at least remove that look of exhaustion on her pretty face made Korra say the words “Let’s do it!” enthusiastically. She leaned closer to Asami as ideas of being alone with her clouded her mind. “Let’s go on a vacation, just the two of us! Anywhere you want,”

Asami seems to ponder for a second before saying, “Okay…I’ve always wanted to see what the spirit world’s like.”

Korra’s eyes sparkled at that as fleeting thoughts came flooding her mind. Me. Asami. Alone in the spirit world. Korra recalled her failed attempt earlier. If Korra couldn’t get the chance to tell Asami what she feels, maybe she’ll have a better chance at the spirit world.  She did her best not to look too excited in front of Asami. But deep inside, she’s jumping from too much joy. “Sounds perfect.”

The end…

…of chapter :)

Chapter Text

Home is where you are
loved the most and act the worst.

- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Azula has been pacing in front of the telephone for almost two hours. Something that she's been doing for 5 days since her son-in-law died, 5 days ever since she found out her granddaughter is officially an orphan kid. Her spy had informed her of it right after a certain Kuvira was defeated. She’s been panicking, uncertain of what to do in the situation. She had tried to grab the telephone and dial the number of the Sato estate several times. But as she reached for the dial, she always hesitates, and so she'd take her hands away from it.

At this point, Azula was already questioning herself. She conquered Ba Sing Se, almost took the then Avatar's life away, all in one day when she was just a 14 years old girl, and yet now her hands are trembling just in having to dial a number. But things have changed now. She had a daughter—a beautiful one, and it changed her life forever, it changed her for the better. Sometimes she would revert back to her old, misguided, unstable self. But then she would be reminded of who she really is with the memory of a pair of beautiful green eyes, eyes that still stares at her with kindness at the back of her mind.

Huff…

Huff…

Huff…

Heavy panting echoes throughout the room, drops of sweat were sliding on Azula’s forehead as she glared at nothing or no one in particular. It was just a wall she was facing, but in her mind, her mother was standing in front of her, closing the distance between them.

You’re a monster. The voice of Azula’s mom whispered to her ear. Azula’s response was to breathe a powerful amount of blue fire from her mouth. Before she knew it, her surroundings felt so hot and a fog of smoke started to suffocate her.

Soft fingers curled on her shoulders and shake her worryingly, dragging her out of her own world.

“Mom, It’s me.” A woman with beautiful pair of jade eyes said, followed by a warm embrace, and a gentle caress on Azula’s back.

Azula firmly squinted her eyes and the outline of the room she was in dawned on her awareness.

Fire. Everything is on fire. And she’s the cause of it.

Azula breathed more heavily and she tried to pull away violently from the figure embracing her with a push of her arms. “I’m a monster!” She exclaimed, pushing the body away more forcefully. “Get away from me!” The more Azula tries to break away from the arms clasped around her, the more the embrace tightens, and it suffocates her more than the smoke enveloping their surroundings.

“You’re no monster, mother,” A soft kiss landed on Azula’s sweaty forehead, a gesture of assurance that calmed her down and stop her from resisting. “Don’t let your mind trick you,”

A group of firebenders swoops into the room, eliminating the flames that are eating the wooden walls and furniture. The fog of smoke faded as the fire disappears, and the figure embracing Azula became more visible.

Fair skin, kind, jade eyes, raven hair that is presentably tied in a loose knot, and plump lips curved into a soothing smile. “I’m here, mom.” The woman said, kneeling in front of Azula.

“Yasuko…” Azula intoned, flashing a weak smile and caressing the smooth, silky hair of her daughter.

Azula’s heart quivered at the memory, and she remembered someone with the same eyes of jade, fair skin, raven hair, and plump lips. Asami. The perfect copy of her daughter and someone that needs Azula, needs a family, right now.

Azula has to do it. She has to be there for Asami. The reports of the spy she sent have been terrible. Her granddaughter has been barely eating ever since her father's death, barely sleeping, and has been overworking herself. "She manages to look presentable in front of other people, though," her spy reported. Even so, that's not good. Her granddaughter was more than that.

So today, well, today she was determined. So, with trembling, wrinkled hands, she pressed the dials.

The telephone rang for a good 30 seconds before a man answered the phone. "Good day, this is the Sato Residence, and this is butler Hashiro speaking. How may I help you?"

"This is me," Azula said. Of course, she thinks the butler should recognize her. After all, she might have frequently been calling for updates in the past years. But barely actually talking to her grandkid. "Give the phone to Asami," She didn't ask but ordered it.

There was a short pause before the butler finally spoke. "Ahh, yes. Princess Azula. I'm sorry, but the young lady refuses to accept any non-business-related calls right now," the butler's voice cracked at the end. "Have a nice day." Those were the butler's last words, then he hung up.

Azula gritted her teeth. That was infuriating, but she doesn't plan to give up now that she finally pulled the courage to call. So, with hurried fingers, she pressed hard on the dials again, entering the same number. The phone was answered longer than earlier, and before someone could even speak on the other line, she said, "Listen, boy. You're going to give the phone to Asami, or else I'll send someone over there to assault you right now!" She threatened.

"You don't have the right to threaten my employees. " A female voice firmly said. "They treat me more like a family than you do." The owner of the voice added. It has the same softness as Azula could remember, only it sounds a little more tired. Nevertheless, Azula's anger level reverted low upon hearing that voice. "Asami, how have you been?" she asked as if she wasn't threatening to kill someone a few seconds ago.

There was a huff on the phone as if her granddaughter couldn't believe what she had just said. "Do you even care?" Scoffed her grandkid. "I bet you're happy now. You never like my father, after all. I'm not fine, but I will be. Don't call anymore—" there was a clear threat that Asami would hang up without hesitation by the tone of her voice, so Azula had to speak up right away.

"Listen, Asami.” Azula interrupted, “I know I haven't been entirely a good family to you but let me try again." Azula heaved a sigh as she recalled the words of her older brother, Zuzu: You have to sound sincere, Azula. Speak the words from your heart so you can convince her.

She started fidgeting as she continued her words, hoping that she would sound convincing enough. "Come live with me here at the palace. We can start over again if you would only give me a chance." Azula did as she was told, something she's barely done before. She was Azula, after all. And The Princess Azula is always in control (at least back then) but spirits, now she's nervous as she waits for a reply. She really might have become pathetic of a woman, after all.

"...all you ever do is hurt me—"

"Which I never intended to. You know I keep trying and trying." Azula interjected again, trying so hard to stay calm. At this point, she dearly wishes her granddaughter would comprehend where she's coming from and would just grant her request. Asami may have had a firm resolve on almost everything she said, but she was very understanding and forgiving. She was, after all, the daughter of Yasuko, one of the kindest princesses to ever grace the fire nation. And Azula was clinging to that.

There was a heavy sigh on the other line, followed by a question, "How do I know you're telling the truth, that you're not making a fool of me this time?"

"Come stay with me here at the palace and let me prove it by my actions."—was Azula's immediate response. She tried to put as much determination she could muster into those words.

There was a sigh again that seemed too long for a sigh that Azula thought Asami would definitely hang up. A minute passed before she got the answer she was waiting for. "I'm going to attend Aunt Izumi's birthday party. You're gonna have to wait for my answer 'til then."

Izumi's party would be two weeks from now, but that's okay. That will do for Azula. She'll just have to hope Asami will say 'yes' to her 'til then. "Okay…" The edges of the old fire princess' lips curved to form a smile for a rare moment, and she said, "I'll be waiting, Asami." with a hopeful tone.

There was a weak "Alright" over the phone, and then their conversation ended. But there was a lingering bit of joy from within the depths of Azula's heart as she placed the telephone down.

Azula had just started making her way towards her room from the hallway when she felt the presence of someone. With all the sneaking she did as a kid and an adult back in the days, it didn't take long for the old fire princess to pinpoint the location of that someone.

She narrowed her eyes at the far corner of the hall. There was a silhouette silently trudging its way in the opposite direction as hers by the enormous windows. The other end of the hallway leads to the throne room where Fire lord Izumi is currently in.

Now, now. Who could you be? Perhaps an assailant? Azula's eyes glimmered in sheer excitement at the thought of being in action. She formed a fist in her right hand, only lifting her middle and forefinger and pressing them close together. There was no hesitation in the way she moved, slowly but surely following the silhouette while being unnoticed.

Azula was just about to strike with her lightning when a vase exploded in between her and the shadow. The shot was precise and destructive in that it tore a tiny hole with cracks on its surrounding in the sturdy wall. It came from outside, penetrating through the windows. It alerted both Azula and the man behind the shadow. But before they could even make a move, another shot was delivered. This time, it was clearly aimed at the silhouette. The man behind the outline didn't seem to expect the attack. He was thrown with his back on the wall. So hard was the impact that the decorative frames hanging on the wall fell to the ground, its glasses shattering into pieces.

A woman swoops in through the window right after. She has long, black hair with eyes of amber, and she was wearing what looks like a metallic glove on her right hand.


"Doka, this combustion glove is wicked!" She exclaimed, raising her gloved hand victoriously in the air. Another woman jumped in from the window. She's got black, wavy locks reaching just below her armpits, with bangs that are almost covering her eyes.


"I don't think you should be using that inside the palace, princess Irah. It can cause quite a damage." The woman named Doka said bleakly as she turned towards the now unconscious trespasser, frowning at him and gazing at the doors of the nearby throne room.

Azula narrowed her eyes and exclaimed, "Irah! What are you doing?!"

The said Princess Irah turned her head to Azula, her eyes widening in shock, "Grandma? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in your room at this time!" She said, walking towards Azula and the unconscious man. "I had some guards fetch and protect you and grandpa Zuzu. We've been infiltrated, and we're here to save the night!"

Azula snarled, "I don't need protection. I can handle myself." She boasted and crossed her arms. Indeed, it was true. Despite her old age, Azula can still move like no rheumatism ever bothers her. "That man you almost blew with that glove of yours was making its way towards the throne room. Do you know his intentions?" She asked curiously to the young fire princess.

Irah's face was carved with worry at the inquiry as she approached the unmoving body and kneeled on one knee, staring at it for a few seconds before answering. "It means the same reason as before, grandma." Irah turned to Azula with her forehead creased and stood up, stepping close towards the old fire princess. "The revolutionists have made another move to overthrow the Fire lord. It seems they only sent their most expert assassin but we still want to make sure." Irah said, lifting her shoulder in a half shrug. "Two attempts to kill my mom in just a year!" The young princess exclaimed and tapped Azula's shoulder with her ungloved hand. "I'm afraid we're not safe even here in the palace anymore."

"Tsk," Azula grunted, shoving away Irah's hand on her shoulder. "Those bastards!"

Irah shrugged and said, "We’ll need to lock down this place and question all our staff. I’m afraid there might be someone in the palace that let him in.”

A group of guards came rushing behind Azula minutes later. “Tie him up and make sure he doesn’t escape. I’ll interrogate him later." Princess Irah ordered as the guards scurry to secure the fallen assailant. "Those bastards are cowards for sending a single assassin, they underestimated the power of princess Irah!” The princess articulated.

“We better prepare, grandma.” Princess Irah placed both her hands on Azula’s shoulder this time, her vivid amber eyes meeting with Azula’s faded ones. “Those revolutionists won’t stop until they crush every single person with a royal bloodline.” She clutched Azula’s shoulder and continued, “I just got word from grandma Kiyi, their place has been attacked as well, but they manage to stay safe.”

Azula’s eyes widened, and her heart throbbed fast because of worry. “Asami! I just called her. What if someone tries to harm her too?!” With that, Azula attempts to march back to the nearest telephone, only for her arm to be grabbed by Princess Irah’s gloved hand.

“We’re not going anywhere!” The young princess contended with gritted teeth. “We need to be with grandpa Zuko and my mother. Asami can handle herself, and she lives in a secure place with plenty of hideouts.” Princess Irah assured Azula and started dragging her where the old princess was supposed to be headed.

Opposite them, the large double doors of the throne room swung open, revealing Fire lord Izumi with princess Irah’s bodyguard, Doka, by her side. Azula hadn’t noticed Doka heading towards that room, but she wasn’t surprised. The lass literally moves like she’s walking on air, barely making a sound.

“Mom!” Princess Irah paused her dragging of Azula and turned her head to Fire lord Izumi. “Are you okay? Were you hurt?”

“I’m alright, honey.” Fire lord Izumi guaranteed as she kept up with her daughter and the others. “But I demand to know what’s going on. I heard several explosions, then Doka came crashing in the room!”

“Someone tried to harm you, your highness. I recovered unusual weapons from that guy.” Doka said, raising a small bag where the weapons must be.

“When did you do that?” Azula questioned while keeping up to their running. She only really noticed Doka stare at the body and nothing more.

“You just have to be quick under these circumstances, your highness,” Doka said, turning to another hall. “This way, your highnesses.”

After several more minutes of dashing through hallways, they reach Zuko, accompanied by armed royal guards of the palace.

“Father, are you okay?” Fire lord Izumi asked Lord Zuko with genuine concern. She closed the distance between them and gave him a hug. Lord Zuko responded by giving Izumi a kiss on her forehead while caressing her hair and saying, “I’m alright, Sweetie.” Azula rolled her eyes at what she saw, but in the deepest part of her heart, the scene made her long for someone, for her dear daughter.

Ahh…Yasuko.

There was an aching throb in her heart as Azula voicelessly called for that name. Her daughter was the sweetest girl in Azula’s life, and the old fire princess could not help but clutch on her clothing, on the spot where her heart lies, at the painful memory. Talking to Asami and seeing Izumi hug her parent brought back once again the memory of one of her most precious treasures. And it only pains her knowing that Yasuko will never be able to embrace her and that Asami, the lovely little princess that can give the closest warmth to the one that her daughter gives, probably resent her that she won’t even dare come close to Azula.

Azula suddenly felt weak at her painful thoughts that she thinks her knees might give up. So, she clung to the arms of the one nearest to her, Doka, in an attempt to stand firmly. The bodyguard looks at her with sympathy in her eyes “Everything will be alright, your highness.” Doka assured, flashing a barely-there smile to Azula.

The small gesture was appreciated, and Azula slowly nodded, “I’m going to make sure of that,” Azula mumbled, thinking of the ways in which she can ensure that everything will be alright for her remaining most precious treasure.

Chapter Text

“Concern should drive us into
action not into a depression.
No man is free who cannot
control himself.”

–Pythagoras

***

Serving the Royal family of the Fire Nation is the highest honor a former beggar and criminal can get. That is a fact for Hyuga, a scrounger who was taken in by the royal family when he was young. People that serve and protect the royal bloodline undergo tough training until the finest of masters deem them worthy. They are the wisest, bravest, and not easily unfazed ones.

And yet, Hyuga's heart was thrashing as he stood in line with the other two royal guards to listen to the orders of an old woman. He can't help it, though. Even with old age, the woman is intimidating. It was something Hyuga always felt whenever he was near her despite having stayed in the palace for almost all his life.

The old woman's amber eyes still burn with fires of blue though it appears faded. And although time had made her back a bit hunched, she still carries herself with so much authority and hazardous wit. Indeed, her presence often makes the atmosphere so tense, even more at this moment, as the woman seems enraged by the palace's current happenings.

"You three are the best?" She asked demandingly, narrowing her eyes on each of them.

"Yes, Lady Azula." The tallest of them, which is Hyuga, responded. He's a chiseled-face lad with a superbly defined ivory-skin body equipped for fighting. His amber eyes have melted countless women, and his chestnut hair was in a silky clean cut. He cast a radiant smile, which clearly only made Azula more annoyed, before talking again. "I am Hyuga, the former captain—"

"I know enough about you." She interjected. Certainly, Azula had known the lad ever since he got to the palace, but the other two were new faces for the princess. "How about that two?" Azula asked as she judgingly raised one of her eyebrows at the two guys on both Hyuga's sides.

The other two men straightened their posture even more with an accompanied salute. "My name's Hiro, your highness. Former strategist of the marines." The man with beautiful grey eyes introduced. His skin was porcelain, and his face was a handsome shape of a heart, with brushed up hair that denotes absolute charisma.

"Kotaro, your highness." The man with moss-colored eyes said with a bow, "I'm in charge of the west fire troop before being appointed here." He said rather monotonously. Kotaro's face was a handsome triangular, with black hair styled in a textured crop with a heavy fringe just above the level of his brow. His skin tone was like the color of honey, and his aura brims with bravery and intelligence.

"That's good." The old princess commented, somehow convinced that the three of them really are the best among the guards. Hyuga heaved a silent sigh. The simple remark somehow brought some sense of relief to Hyuga's tense body. The same goes for the other two royal guards, Hyuga can tell. "I only have one order," Azula started, raising her chin and shooting them a deathly glare. "You three are going to take Asami here in the palace. If you have to force her, then do so." She said as she started pacing in front of them, examining the look on their faces.

"Hyuga will lead your team, and If you don't have my granddaughter a week from now," the old princess looked at them with her brows knitted before she continued her words, "consider not coming back." That was an empty threat but certainly one you cannot take lightly either. "Any questions?" she had the generosity to ask, although her tone clearly implies she doesn't want to answer any inquiry.

"We're good, My Lady." Hiro dared to reply even as he fidgeted his hands that rested on his back.

There was that deathly glare again as Azula commanded, "Then if you don't have any questions, begin the mission!"

"Yes, your highness!" They answered in chorus.

The three royal guards shared a glance at each other before they went to a corner of the room. All their requested weapons were prepared by the palace staff as ordered by princess Azula.

Hyuga grabbed his bow and two quivers. One quiver is equipped with ordinary arrows, while the other is filled with explosive ones.

Kotaro grabbed his pair of platinum kali sticks, testing it with expert swooping moves of his hands. It fits perfectly on his clenched fist, and its weight allows him excellent control with his hands. "Isn’t it amazing?” He muttered and traced the stick downward with his finger until he saw a half gear logo etched on it. Under the logo was an almost-not-visible platinum button, a small detail only the weapon owner would know. He pressed the buttons on both sticks, and the weapon sparked with a light blue glow accompanied by a buzzing sound.

“That’s sick!” Hiro exclaimed when he saw what had happened.

Kotaro smirked at him, “Isn’t it? The harder I press, the higher the volt gets.” He bragged, then he noticed that only a folded red cloth mixed with grey and yellow, that appeared to be a suit, was prepared for Hiro at the table in front of the lad. “That cloth doesn’t look like a weapon.” He said, staring at the fabric.

Hiro grabbed the cloth and made a show of waving it in Kotaro’s face before shoving it in his bag, which appeared to have weapons already. “Hah! You’ll be amazed by what this cloth can do once you see it with your own eyes. Plus,” Hiro waved his bag in front of Kotaro’s face, “all my weapons are here,” he gave his bag a small pat then kissed it, which made Kotaro shrug.

“Hey, enough talking,” Hyuga spoke, grabbing his bag of clothes and another bag for their supplies and necessities. Kotara and Hiro grabbed their bags too. “Let’s commence operation escort Asami to the palace at all cost!” Hyuga said with enthusiasm.

“That’s a long name for an operation.” Hiro shattered the mood.

“Don’t ruin my leader moment!”

***

"Hey, Hyuga. What's the name of your weird hawk?" Hiro asked, eyeing the unusual bird with a hawk's body and the head of a dragon perch on Hyuga’s shoulder. The three of them were already on the exclusively-for-fire-royals-ship on the way to Republic City for Asami. Hiro watched as Hyuga and Kotaro positioned their arms at the small round table for arm wrestling battle. They had spent a few tedious hours watching the calm waves of the ocean on the ship’s deck, so when their leader had challenged them for an arm-wrestling, Kotaro didn’t hesitate to accept.

"Drago. And he's not a weird hawk. He's a dragon-hawk, a genetically modified organism and the first of his kind." Hyuga replied as he struggled to bring down the equally muscular arm of Kotaro.

"Is he a product of what they do at Future Labs?" Kotara asked, even as he fought Hyuga’s strong arm.

"Nggh, yeah. My Drago and many more scientific creations." Hyuga said with a force of his arm, dominating Kotaro’s struggling one.

"Like the syringe guns by Princess Asami!" Hiro intoned. "And Dr. Hide’s highly concentrated shirshu toxins,"

"And that poison with mercury components to make it bendable. Seriously, that one was dangerous." Kotaro added, sweat beading on his forehead as his arm nears into touching the table’s surface.

"That technique was used before the invention of syringes. They stopped using that technique because it could be exploited by metal benders. And yes, it is dangerous. Have you heard what that poison did to the Avatar?" Hiro asked, his eyes now focused on the wrestling arms of his companions.

"That poison was never meant to be for humans. That was for the lab mutant animals that go berserk during their experiments. It's meant to weaken them until they just die." Hyuga explained with another force of his arm that made Kotaro’s arm touch the table’s surface. He exclaimed a triumphant “Yeah!” at the victory.

"That's cruel!" Kotara said both as a reply to their conversation and a retort for losing.

"It's more like mercy killing for those animals. Since they are genetically modified, they may have undeveloped organs or under-developed body parts. They will only live a short life that's full of suffering." Said Hyuga with a stretch of his arm for another round of arm wrestling.

"That's what you get when you try to copy the genes of extinct animals. It's just crazy." Expressed Kotaro as he rested his elbow on the table again, giving Hyuga a challenging look.

"Scientists are crazy, but it can't be helped. Many animals went extinct during the hundred-year war, especially those that can only be found in the fire nation. They're just trying to bring back what the world lost." Hyuga gave Kotaro’s hand a firm squeeze, accepting his challenge.

"Even more crazy. But I guess the scientists did succeed on many modified organisms as well. Like the success of creating Drago." Hiro stated, his fingers now poking the dragonhawk’s snout. The creature let out a small puff of fire at the touch, making Hiro back away a few steps.

Hyuga chuckled, "Yeah, But ever since Lady Yasuko died, It was harder for them to produce something like what Lady Yasuko and her team did with Drago. She's a very brilliant scientist. Her death was really a very big loss for our beloved nation."

"Yeah...she lived a short life, but she will never be forgotten for many generations to come. That's why the whole nation celebrates her birthday and mourns her death day." Kotara stated, which seemed to distract Hyuga. He took his chance to force Hyuga’s arm down at the slight distraction. “Victory’s mine this time, pal! Let’s go again!”

“No fair, you distracted me.” Hyuga tried to justify his loss.

“No, I just took my chance at the right time,” Kotara said, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes on their appointed leader as he continued, “I know for a fact that you were Lady Yasuko’s protégé, like her adopted son. You’re sensitive to any topic that involves her…Am I right? But you’re the one who started it, so it’s not my fault. Hmph.”

“Why you!” Hyuga stood at Kotaro’s statement, sending him a fiery gaze. “Buzzkill. You know what? Let’s just play a new game called ‘strangle-someone-‘til-he-faints.’ I’ll go first!” He made to stretch his arms to reach for Kotaro’s neck. It can just be Hiro and me. We can complete the mission with one less person. I can just toss this cold fish to the sea.

“Woah, Woah, Woah, Woah!” Hiro quickly intervened between the two, “No fighting, gentlemen. We are a team. And you’re even our leader!” He said, pointing his forefinger at Hyuga. “Set an example,”

Hyuga scoffed. “That’s what I’m doing.” A look at Kotaro’s offended face, and Hyuga knew he was in the wrong. He heaved a sigh at the sudden realization, “Sorry,” he blurted, sitting back in his chair to calm his nerves. “I really am sensitive when it comes to my mother-figure. It won’t happen again.”

“Ehem,” the three of them turned at the sound. It was the ship’s co-captain standing proudly in front of them. She was a gorgeous fire national, someone with a beauty that could quickly get any man’s mouth gaping at first sight. Immediately, she had Kotaro drooling. “I am here to inform you that we are nearing Yue Bay. We have called the Sato mansion, and the butler informed us that Lady Asami was to attend a wedding at Air Temple Island, so we’ll be docking there in a few minutes. ”

***

Fireworks were already exploding from the sky as Hyuga’s elite team climbed the stairs through the main venue of the said wedding, where they could find their target.

“Look for a woman that’s wearing red.” Hiro was telling Kotaro with a smirk on his face. “That gorgeous woman always wears red, and she is probably wearing some fine jewelry. It’s not that she likes displaying her fortune. But you know, high-class citizens, it’s like a requirement for them.” Hiro lowered his voice and leaned closer to Kotaro’s ear to brag, “Asami told it to me herself. The one time she ditched her grandmother’s birthday party, and I kept her company.”

“You got to be alone with her?!”

Hiro giggled proudly, “Yes, ‘sneaky princess said the party was boring. I guess you could say that’s the time I started to have a crush on her. I mean, she’s cool, smart, kind, and—”

“Shh.” Hyuga silence Hiro with a frown. “There’s our target.” He said. Hiro and Kotaro then followed his gaze. True enough, they saw Asami talking with three people. Two of them seem to be the wedding’s bride and groom.

“The guy with glasses must be President Raiko,” Hyuga whispered.

“United republic’s president? The newlyweds must be powerful people.” Hiro whispered back as they settled at the corner of the venue.

“Why are we whispering?” Kotaro whispered, not wanting to have nothing to say in the conversation.

Hyuga glared at Kotara, “Let’s just wait here and pretend like we’re guards ‘til she finishes talking with them.” At that, they all straightened into a guarding position. It doesn’t seem compelling, though, because as Asami finished talking to the three people and started approaching a woman dressed in blue, a brown-skinned teenage guy in a recognized Airbender's wingsuit began to stare at them.

Hyuga nudged Hiro at the side of his ribcage, which made the lad whine. “Hiro, stop staring at Asami. That kid looks suspicious of us.” He whispered, pointing at the kid with his gaze.

“Sorry,” Hiro whispered and averted his gaze to Asami. But he ended up looking stiff that looks more suspicious even for Hyuga. He shook his head when he saw the teenage boy approaching Asami while casting glances at them simultaneously. “He’s definitely suspicious.” He mumbled.

“Well, you should have thought of a better plan, Leader.” Kotaro teased. Hyuga let it pass and decided to see what the suspecting boy had done. Apparently, the boy in the wingsuit had brought Hyuga’s team to Asami’s attention. Asami embraced the woman in blue dress earlier, whose face Hyuga couldn’t see from where he was standing when he saw the Airbender boy talk to Asami.

When Hyuga saw the boy point in their direction, he immediately locked eyes with Asami. He waves apologetically at her when he sees Asami’s shocked expression. He knew full well that the princess wasn’t expecting them. And for Hyuga to fetch her, of all people. Asami slowly let go of the woman she was embracing. Asami said something to her before the princess finally made her way to Hyuga’s team.

Hiro gasped from Hyuga’s side. “That woman the princess was just embracing, that’s the Avatar, isn’t it?”

Hyuga was able to see the blue-dressed woman now as the woman’s gaze followed Asami as she made her way towards Hyuga. True enough, Hyuga recognized the woman’s face from the newspapers he’s read through the past years. And just a few weeks ago, Hyuga saw that same woman in a newspaper. Her hair now short, her face blushing as she stood in front of Asami, in an article entitled “Princess Asami and Avatar Korra spotted together at a Hotel.”

When Hyuga saw the said article, he immediately crumpled the newspaper. He knew full well that a journalist took that photograph and published it on that specific title to start a new rumor. Something not new to the fire nation given that the fire nationals would feast on any information about their adored royal family. He had always hated the paparazzi's continuous presence, especially when all royal family members were present in the fire nation.

“What are you doing here?” Came Asami’s question with her eyebrows raised.

“Princess,” Hiro and Kotaro said in chorus as they bowed at her. Hyuga remained standing, flashing the usual smile that never fails to annoy Asami.

“I came to see my sister and take her to her home country,” Hyuga said, maintaining the mocking smile on his face. “Your granny’s orders.” He added. Hiro and Kotaro stared at Hyuga, shocked at his sudden change of attitude.

Asami raised her chin, “Bold of you to assume I’ll go with you, brother.” She stated firmly. “This is my home country. Thanks for visiting. You can go back now.”

“Correction. I’m your older brother. And if you don’t want to go with us right now. That’s okay,” Hyuga said. He then sat comfortably on the nearby bench. Hiro and Kotaro watched him interact with their respected princess. None of them expected Hyuga and Asami to have an older brother-younger sister relationship. “After all, we still have how many days…” Hyuga seemed to ponder for a moment. “Less than six days to complete our mission.”

Asami shakes her head, her face now turning soft. She approached Hyuga and gave him a light smack on his right shoulder. “I heard the news before coming here. I knew grandma would do something.” Then she sat on the bench beside Hyuga and handed him a key. “My satomobile’s in front of the factory. Take some rest to the estate, and let’s talk once I get home.”

“Oh, yeah,” Hyuga said enthusiastically, which was later followed by a yawn. If Hiro and Kotaro were already confused earlier, now they are gaping. Something that Asami didn’t overlook. “Hyuga didn’t tell the two of you, it seems.”

Asami was now standing in front of Hiro and Kotaro. She faced Hyuga and said, “I guess you have some explaining to do.” She turned to the two once again, the what they call ‘Asami’s killer smile’ flashed at them. “I’m no princess here, and you are my valued guests. I’ll leave everything to Hyuga, so I hope you enjoy your stay.” She told them. The two could only manage a nod as a reply. “I’ll see you later then,” before they knew it, Asami was waving goodbye.

***

“Little sis Asami, huh?” Hiro jealously snarled at Hyuga with his arms crossed on their way to the Sato estate. Hyuga had taken the liberty to drive as he was the only one who knew the way to their destination. Apparently, he visits his ‘little sister’ at republic city occasionally, he was telling Hiro and Kotaro as he steered.

“Come on, I was taken in by Lady Yasuko even before she got married. Of course, Asami will be my little sister.”

“Figures why you only address her by her name,” Kotara said.

“That’s why this mission is important to me. It’s a mission of keeping my sister safe. Would you guys stop questioning me?”

Hiro and Kotaro shot more questions at Hyuga for more minutes after that, but they eventually got tired of questioning him ‘til they just changed the subject and arrived at the estate. Their travel time took longer than expected because roads are still damaged by the recent attack that is still not passable.

“So it’s true that Lady Asami is not a princess in this country, huh? She’s a freaking queen! Look at all these marble columns!” Hiro was babbling in utter amazement upon seeing and entering the estate. “And all the servants—look at how grand this mansion is! No, it’s not a mansion. It’s a palace….” Hiro’s fits of drivel continued on ‘til they were served dinner. Half an hour after their stomach was full, Asami arrived at the mansion, only for Hyuga to find her packing some clothes in her bedroom.

“You know you have clothes in the palace, right? You don’t have to pack anything.” Hyuga was saying as he leaned by the doorway. His two companions have retired for the night while their ship’s captain and co-captain had stayed in the docks to await them for tomorrow’s journey back home.

“I’m not packing for that,” Asami replied, continuing to pack a few items as she hummed. She looks elated since arriving home. “I’m going on a vacation with Korra.” She declared as she zipped her bag and got out of her room.

“With who?” Hyuga could not believe what he had just heard. He stepped in front of Asami, who stopped skipping to her feet. “Wait, wait, Asami,” Hyuga threw his arms in the air in disbelief, “You can’t go anywhere with anyone. We have clear orders from Lady Azula to take you to the palace!”

The young CEO’s smile didn’t fade as she curled her fingers in Hyuga’s shoulder. “Brother,” she started, and Hyuga grunted. He knew what was coming whenever Asami called him that. “My grandma gave you a week, why do you think? Because she knows I won’t come right away. I’m going on this vacation right now, and no one’s gonna stop me.” Asami used her hold on Hyuga’s shoulder to push him to the nearest wall so she could exit the estate.

But Hyuga won’t give up with just that. He followed Asami outside, where a sato sportscar was already parked. He knows that whatever Asami is feeling right now and whatever it is she wants to do, no one can ever stop her from feeling so and doing such, but maybe, just maybe, he could push his luck.

“You never go on vacations. You’re—” Hyuga tried to argue but was shot back with an “I’m going on one right now” by Asami right away.

Hyuga doesn’t have any luck today. So he just helped Asami to place her bags on the backseat of her satomobile, “When will you be back?”

“Six days from now. That should be fine for you, no?”

“That’s problematic.”

“Well, let’s solve that when I return.” It was that moment that Asami turned on the ignition, “Bye, brother!” Asami said with a wink and zoomed down the driveway, leaving Hyuga dumbfounded. He grimaced, “Right. Bye, sis. ‘guess I won’t be coming back to the palace.”

Chapter Text

“

"love comes to those who still
hope after disappointment,
 who still believe after betrayal,
and who still love after
they've been hurt.”

***

Korra was searching into her depths, grasping the power of Raava to find who she was looking for in the spirit world. She was just lying in a valley of giant flowers with Asami after their dive by the waterfall, both of their hands had found each other, and it had felt so right. It was such a gleeful moment that Korra thought of confessing right there, but she fell asleep instead.

Great, right? You can’t blame her, she’s barely sleeping ever since she entered the spirit world with Asami. How could she ever sleep? She can’t possibly pass the opportunity of staring at a sleeping Asami. The beauty of that woman rivals the exquisiteness of the spirit world, after all. Whenever Korra would fall asleep, though, she’d feel terrific upon waking up. Like, a spiritual level of feeling good. Sometimes she would curse upon awakening by the side of Asami. It’s still unbelievable for her that she’s sleeping with her crush in the spirit world.

That time of falling asleep while holding Asami’s hand, Korra had cursed upon waking up as well the moment she felt she was now lying on hard ground. The giant flowers they were resting on had turned into enormous butterflies. One of them had flown away with the still sleeping and completely unaware Asami on its back. Korra had used her bending to chase the giant butterfly then, but when the whirlwind she bent had propelled her into the air, the butterflies had vanished. So she was left with no choice but to retrieve their supplies and meditate to find Asami.

“Raava, are you there? Can you help me find Asami?”

The shifting of the different biomes in the spirit world as she remains standing is what Korra got as a response from Raava. The moving of the ground slowed, and then Korra saw a familiar cottage. Nearby was the exact table she'd join Iroh with the newlywed spirits back when she turned four years old. And then there, at the paisho table sitting on a game with Iroh, was Asami. Korra felt utter relief at sight. She was glad Asami was safe and looked unharmed. Asami was too focused on the game, in fact. The two paisho masters seemed to be having an intense match that they didn't notice Korra until she was just a few feet away.

Asami's eyes twinkled as she exclaimed the words, "Korra, you found me!"

"Asami! I'm glad you're safe," Korra couldn't help but hug Asami tightly that Asami’s feet left the ground. Only the "Ehem" of Iroh stopped the Avatar from squeezing Asami with her joy.

Blushing, Korra turned to face Iroh while scratching the back of her neck. "Sorry for that,” she shot an apologetic glance at both Iroh and Asami for what she had just done. Asami seemed fine, thankfully. So Korra turned to face Iroh, “It's nice to see you again, Iroh."

"Nice seeing you again, Korra. I thought your friend was a divine spirit when I saw her on one of the giant butterfly’s back,” Iroh paused to take a sip on what smelled like jasmine tea. “And I have to thank you for bringing Asami with you. She seems lost in the spirit world, so I kept her company, then I found out she knows paisho, and right now we're just having a good game of paisho that I never had since coming to the spirit world." Iroh drank again from his cup of jasmine tea before talking to Asami, "Now, shall we continue?"

***

"I never thought I get to play a game with you at all. It's an honor." Asami muttered as she delivers her winning move, making a piece of paisho skip on four or five other round tiles.

Iroh let out a laughter of accepted defeat. He lightly slapped his lap and said "I didn't think someone in your era still knows that move. You amaze me, Asami. And you do remind me of my niece—decisive and always goes for the kill."

"Well, I think I just won by chance. Let's go again?” Asami challenged Iroh and look at Korra "Do you mind, Korra?"

"No, go on. I'm actually curious about how paisho masters from different generations would play." Korra said, pulling another chair to sit beside Asami. Korra personally has little knowledge of the rules of paisho, but Korra loves to see Asami in her thinking expression, especially when Asami’s fingers would find her chin whenever she thinks of the next move. It was something Asami may have adapted from her father, Korra noticed years ago.

The two masters played several rounds more, Iroh was winning most of the time. But when Asami stood up from her chair, Korra noticed that every round piece of paisho was in a neat pattern of a lotus. "You pick the right companion, Korra," Iroh said and turned to Asami. "When did you learn to play like that?" he asked in a somewhat amazed tone.

"My dad thought me originally, but the one we just played, my cousin Irah thought me," Asami replied.

"What is it? What happened? Who won? Who's Irah?" Korra asked. To be honest, most of her attention was on one of the players instead of the game.

Asami chuckled at Korra's cuteness. "It's a draw. And Irah is my cousin from the Fire Nation."

Iroh’s wrinkled eyes seemed to widen at the mention of the name, "Irah...do you mean prin—"

"Yes," Asami answered knowingly without letting Iroh finish.

Iroh seemed more amused, "She hasn't visited in a while...But if you are Asami, then are you Azu—"

"Yes," Asami answered, interjecting Iroh again.

"Uhm...what's going on?" Korra asked. She has no idea what Iroh and Asami are talking about. They seemed to have found out about a mutual acquaintance.

Iroh's face softened. "Nothing. It's just that...I'm glad you brought her along, Korra. Let me hug you both," The three of them embrace together after Iroh's words, Asami gently caressed Iroh's back. Korra heard Asami whisper the words, "I'm glad I meet you here, too," and heard Asami sobbed.

"Are you really that overwhelmed to see Iroh?" Korra asked when the three of them parted from the hug, cupping Asami's face and wiping the tears on Asami’s eyes using her thumb.

Asami smiled and shrugged. "It's just that I heard stories about the great uncle Iroh and I'm glad I was able to meet him," she said, casting Iroh a knowing look. She looks like a lost kid at a carnival who just found her parents. And Korra thought Asami look’s absolutely adorable.

"Asami," Iroh called softly, "Let's spend more time together the next time you're here. I'm afraid I've taken enough of you and Korra's time."

"I'd love to, Iroh," Asami replied and embraced Iroh again.

"And tell your cousin that I am proud of her, of all of you," Iroh whispered to Asami before they both pulled away.

***

Korra and Asami are now trudging their way back to the spirit portal of Republic City. Asami had informed Korra that she only had six days to spare as she has important business in the Fire Nation. Korra wanted to protest, to ask Asami for a little more of her time…Actually, she didn’t want to leave the spirit world with Asami at all, but that would be asking for too much. After all, they both have weighty responsibilities they carry on their shoulders. Another reason she didn’t want to leave just yet is because Korra has not found the courage to tell Asami how she feels just yet, and she was running out of time, it seems.

Korra led the way, given that Asami is just new to the spirit world. Korra can use her avatar powers to get faster to their destination, much like what she did in finding Jinora and the other’s spirits, and just like what she did earlier to find Asami, but she wanted to maximize the limited time she had left with Asami.

It was the moment that the new spirit portal could be seen from the distance that Korra stopped on her track when she felt Asami’s hand tug on her own. She turned to Asami, who looked nervous. There was rarely a time Korra gets to see Asami seems tense, and she wonders why the gorgeous woman has that look on her face right now. She looked as if she wanted to say something to Korra but was hesitant. A river of negative thoughts came flooding Korra’s mind: Is she gonna turn me down? I haven’t even told her how I feel about her yet. Will she tell me she hates me for being away for so long? Is she gonna—Korra has to stop herself from being pessimistic. After all that happened to her, she’s done being scared. "Korra," Asami started. She gently squeezed Korra's hand and bit her lip, making Korra swoon internally. "I don't want to leave this place without telling you something."

Korra forces a smile even though she looks equally nervous as Asami. For some reason, she had a gut feeling that the moment to tell what she was feeling for the young woman had finally come. "There is something I've been wanting to tell you too, actually." She said, scratching a non-existent itch on her nape using her free hand before that hand took hold of Asami’s other hand. They held each other's hands as they faced each other, just like the way they did upon entering the spirit portal.

As they adore each other’s facial features, the both of them started to think maybe there was no reason to be nervous at all. Because now, the look on their faces can foretell what’s about to happen. Asami started to talk but didn’t bother taking her eyes away on Korra. It’s actually not a bother at all. "Maybe we should tell it at the same time. 'that okay?"

"Good idea," Korra replied, now flashing that crook smile of her.

"So...at the count of three."

Korra nodded, and their internal counting started.

One…

Two…

Three.

None of the two young women said a single word. Instead, both their lips met into a searing, passionate kiss. It was a kiss like no other. Their lips were exploring each other’s like they had done this with each other before. And Korra found herself gently cupping both sides of Asami's jaw to pull her into a deeper kiss.

It feels wonderful. Even though Korra's eyes were closed as she basked into the feeling of Asami's lips on hers, she only found herself imagining a vibrant, peaceful forest that is Asami's eyes. And, oh, how she wanted to get lost in that forest and discover the beautiful things that probably awaited her.

When their lips parted, and Asami opened her eyes, Korra's cerulean eyes captured her once again. And she could not help but want to dive deeper into the depths of those ocean eyes. So she pulled Korra by the waist and surged for another kiss. This time, she doesn't mind drowning because Korra had taken her breath away again and again, for a long time ago, and continues to do so.

"Amazing," they both panted as they stared into each other's eyes when the two of them pulled apart from their kiss, which both can tell they are reluctant to do so.

It was Korra that averted her gaze first and let her bashfulness show, something that only shows when she's with Asami. Everybody knows that the Avatar is anything but bashful. It was something that only Asami could force out of her. She scratched her nape and said, "So, that thing we're supposed to say to each other..."

Asami chuckled and held Korra's hand again. "I think what we just did is more than enough than our words."

Korra fakes a cough as they start walking hand in hand. "Does this mean we're together? Like a couple?"

"What do you think?"

"Well, Uhm, I don't want to assume, but—"

Asami can tell that Korra was a little sheepish. And Asami swore that an unassertive Korra is another thing she likes. She loves the modesty that Korra is displaying. "Yes, we are, Korra." She assured, then kissed Korra's hand. "We're a couple." She declared.

Korra blushes furiously. She felt like fainting out of joy right there and there. "I can't believe it..."

"Why?" Asami giggled at seeing Korra’s face. Her new lover’s face had turned into a tomato. The cutest tomato ever.

"This just feels like something out of a dream," Korra expressed, her now crimson-coloured face still on display. Just a few days ago, the Avatar thought she was risking her friendship with Asami if she confessed, and it ends up Asami doesn't feel the same way, but now, she couldn't be more glad by the results.

"You should believe it because this is not a dream. You have no idea how happy I feel that now,” Asami squeezed Korra’s hand again. It made Korra swoon for the umpteenth time as if the Avatar had not internally fainted enough over her now girlfriend. “I'm holding you tightly after all these years." Asami continued.

With Asami's assurance, Korra felt brave to ask something. "When do you think your feelings for me started?"

They continued walking, swaying their intertwined hands in the process.

"The first year we were apart. I almost told you in one of my letters. But I couldn't bring myself to write it since your recovery is more important. How about you?" Asami replied.

"Longer than that, I guess. It's when you took me on that go-kart race. All my life, I'm told that I was too intense. I guess it just made me more comfortable that you can be just as intense as me."

"Really?" Asami chuckles. "And yet, you dated Mako." She teased.

"Hey, I did like him first, you know. And I guess I'm still young to admit to myself that I have feelings for you." Korra defended. "And you’re the one who dated him first,” the thought made Korra titter. “I wonder what will be his reaction once he found out about us..."

They have reached the new spirit portal, they both stop in their tracks, knowing what reality awaits them there. This time it was Korra who squeezed Asami’s hand. It was so tender it warms Asami’s heart. “So, before we stepped out of this world, when do you think you would be free for a few days of vacation again?” Korra prest.“I’d like to take you into the spirit world again, show you the tree of time and the portals in the water tribe…and if you like,” Korra scratched the back of her neck again before she continued, “I would like my parents to meet you. I want to introduce you as my girlfriend.” The last two words felt good rolling on Korra’s mouth. Asami, my girlfriend. She wants to say it over and over again.

Asami looked worried for a moment, and for a split second, Korra thought her proposal might be going too fast for her girlfriend. Her thought was erased from her mind and was replaced by a tinge of sadness at Asami’s reply, “I’d love that. But I don’t think I’d be free for another two or four months. There’s a lot that I need to do in the Fire Nation as of now…I’m really sorry, Korra.”

“Two or four months? Will you be staying there the whole time?” Korra questioned. Now that thought was more saddening. Asami had not mentioned she’d be leaving for months when she told Korra she only had a few days for their vacation days prior.

“Yes,” Asami said. Now Korra was really sad. “I do this yearly If you remember. Those six months you were with Mako,” Asami tensed a little at the mention of Korra’s past relationship, “before we went to the south pole for the festival, I was in the Fire Nation for three months.” Then Korra left for three years after that. She only had limited knowledge of what was happening to her friends or to Asami during that time. Why had Korra failed to notice it before?

“I’m sorry for not telling you sooner.” Asami was leaning close to Korra’s face now, and Korra thought she might need to practice not swooning internally when Asami does these things to her. “I’ll try to get back as soon as I can, and I’ll call you frequently. I’ll be here before you knew, Korra.” Asami kissed her forehead to hopefully brighten her up, which somehow worked.

“Okay,” Korra said, trying to smile. “Can I just request something?”

“What is it?”

“If it’s nighttime at Republic city when we got out of here, can you sleep with me at Air temple, since…you know, you’ll be living when the sun rises…” Korra asked, and her face had never turned redder in her life. “I-I just want to spend time with you while I still can, and that’s all, nothing needs to hap—” Korra was silenced by a peck of plump lips on her very own.

“You don’t need to explain. I gladly will.” Asami said. Korra was happy with that reply.

They both stared at the gleaming portal in front of them. This is it. The moment Korra and Asami step out of the spirit world, their vacation will be over. They both took the step forward, smiling at each other, memories of their good times in the spirit world flashing back in their minds.

“Asami, I’ll always be here for you from now on.” Korra can’t help but say before they finally leave the spirit world.

“Same here, Korra,” Asami said as they emerged in the downtown of Republic City.

Chapter Text

“Falling for her wasn’t
falling at all. It was like
walking into a house and
suddenly knowing your home”

— r.i.d

The light radiating from the window was vibrant, warm, and comforting. It matches the feeling of fluttering butterflies in Korra's stomach. For several years, Korra never had mornings quite like this one. But now, as she opens her eyes and sees Asami sleeping by her side, she knows this was the kind of mornings she'll want to wake up to for the rest of her life. Korra smiles as she tucks raven locks over Asami's ear.

Her girlfriend looks so peaceful asleep, and Korra hopes that she was the cause of that tranquillity at least partly, if not entirely. She cupped a hand on Asami's cheek as she adored Asami's facial features, and she also could not help but utter the word "Love..." Yes. Love. This is love. Something that Korra feels but could not explain, yet she feels so sure about it. She had not told those three words to Asami. She had refrained from saying the words ‘I love you’ in fear that it might be too fast for the young CEO, given that their relationship only became official a few hours ago.

Korra wasn't expecting a response, but she got a peck on the lips for that, anyway. She hasn't even gotten up from her bed, yet her day is complete already. "'Morning..." Asami said groggily, smiling even though her eyes were still close and making Korra blush so early in the morning. By the looks of it, Korra thinks Asami wasn’t even wide awake, like she just kissed Korra because she was dreaming, and the Avatar’s beam went wider at the thought. "You like that?" She asked cockily as she propped herself in one elbow. Gently, she asked, “Hey, Asami?”

“Hmm…” was Asami’s only response.

The Avatar is now twirling a lock of Asami’s hair as she stares into the young CEO’s no make-up but equally gorgeous face. She takes note of Asami’s disheveled hair, her mouth slightly ajar, and a faint snore can be heard coming from Asami. Seeing her in that state, that’s the time Korra realized she really loves Asami. She loves the imperfections she’s seeing right now in the seemingly always perfect Asami she knew, and she could not help but express it right then and there.

“Do you think it’s too fast if I told you I love you right now?” She had asked those words like a whisper, without any intention to be heard by Asami. But the following words she uttered, she intended for Asami to hear. "I think I'm gonna call you 'love' from now on..." Korra didn't get a response. She was sure Asami heard that. Perhaps Asami was still sleepy, but it made Korra a little wary, and she hastened to take it back, "Or was that too much? Am I going too fast, Asami?"

The tone of that question seems to bring Asami wide awake. She enveloped her arms on Korra's neck as she pulled her closer and gave her a kiss on the forehead, which made the Avatar blush once again. "It's perfect, Korra." Asami assured her, "Love," Asami said, testing the moniker in her mouth.

Korra returned the embrace, pulling Asami closer by the waist until there was no space between their bodies. Not that there was more space on the narrow bed they occupied, it had been wonderful having to snuggle up close with Asami, anyway. "I'm glad..." Korra says as she rests her forehead on Asami's. Korra hadn't even made her next move when someone came banging at her door, and the loud voice of Ikki joined the rampant thumping. "Korraaaa" the Airbender yelled between her battering knocks, "Breakfast is ready!"

Korra grunts as she exclaimed the words, "I'm coming, Ikki!" But she didn't do anything to get out of bed. Instead, she went back into pressing her forehead to her girlfriend’s, pulling her closer even though they already felt each other's hot breathe. Then Korra let herself sink into the depths of Asami's green eyes before lavishing Asami's lips with her own. It was glorious, her lips on Asami's. In Korra's entire existence, no one had ever made her burn so intense like Asami does.

"What's taking you so long—" the door to Korra's room slides open without further ado, and the loud gasp of Ikki followed as she slammed the door back closed quickly. "DAAD! KORRA’S GOT A GIRLFRIEND!!" the Airbender yelled in the hallway as she ran away as fast as she could from Korra's room.

Korra props herself at one elbow to ensure the door's already close. As Asami's back faced the door, Ikki didn't see who Korra was with. Asami was also just wearing her maroon turtle neck long sleeve she always has under her jacket. Although Asami’s engineer pants might be familiar, Ikki might not recognize who it was. Still, knowing Ikki, that dangerously curious little Airbender must be dying to know who Korra brought in their temple to sleep with by now. And she rolled her eyes at that thought, "Great. Now everybody will know." She complained with a pout.

Asami just chuckles, "Maybe we should really get up. I need to go to the mansion first before I leave."

Hesitantly, Asami slowly got off the bed, but not without peppering Korra with kisses on her cheeks and neck. Korra giggled playfully and closed her eyes for a moment to bask in the feeling of fullness in her heart. For the first time in a long time, Korra thinks she finally deserves something. She felt that she deserved this feeling. She deserved Asami, and meeting the beautiful woman was one of the most delightful things that ever happened in her life.

When Korra opened her eyes again, Asami had already put her jacket back. She is now sitting at the edge of the bed while putting on her boots.

"Join us for breakfast?" Korra invited, finally sitting up from her lying position and crawling to Asami to wrap her arms around Asami's waist. "And maybe we should tell them about us before Ikki does," she added and kissed the back of Asami's shoulder.

“Uhm, about that,” Asami flashed an apologetic smile at Korra, “You can tell them about us, Korra. I don’t think I could afford to stay for breakfast, so I’m sorry.”

In disappointment, Korra flopped back in her bed, spreading her limbs at the limited space. Staring at the ceiling, she said, “Right…do you really have to leave for that long? I’ll be missing you so bad.” She heaved a sigh and closed her eyes. She wanted to ask Asami to stay, but that would be selfish...

Asami was combing her hair now, her unfairly beautiful pair of emerald eyes looking at Korra with every stroke of her brush to her hair. “If I ask you to come with me, will you?”

“For sure,” Korra replied halfheartedly, sitting up to her bed to meet Asami’s gaze.

Asami had stopped combing her hair at that moment, then shrugged, “I can’t be selfish. I want you, Korra, but the world also needs its Avatar… and Future Industries need me, too. I’ll be talking with investors in the fire nation most of the time I’m there. I wish I could just stay with you.”

Korra groaned loudly. For the first time, she refused to be the Avatar. If that means she’d get to be by Asami’s side. “’ too bad the Avatar and the CEO barely gets a vacation, huh?”

***

Korra knew she was being childish. She even feels like throwing a tantrum, like sitting with her butt on the ground and kicking the air if that would make Asami stay. She just came back a few weeks ago, now Asami is the one who’s going to leave. Suddenly, the vacation they spent in the spirit world felt like it happened a long time ago.

“I’ll call you as often as I can. I could even write you letters if you want.” Asami said after the last of her many pieces of baggage were loaded to the most luxurious ship Korra’s ever seen, in her opinion. Korra tightened her hold on Asami’s hand. The Avatar had refused to let go of it since the moment they arrived at the docks.

“That would be great….” Korra didn’t mean to, but she couldn't help the sad pout she displayed before she mumbled, “although I wish you didn’t have to leave.”

Asami looked like a mother leaving her kid on the first day of her school with her warm smile on display. At the same time, her pupils dilated to the adorable way that Korra does to show her displeasure for her girlfriend leaving. She wanted to pinch that cute face, and that is what she did, using her light pinch to bring the edges of Korra’s pouting lips higher, turning it into a smile. “Come on, love, smile for me. I’ll be here before you knew it.”

Korra just squeezed Asami’s hand in response. “Call me when you get there?”

“Of course, love.” After those words, Asami saw the co-captain look at her from the ship. She knew she was the only one, not on board. And with the co-captain being her former classmate in the academy, Asami knew better than making the flashy co-captain wait than she already did.

She gave Korra one last kiss on the forehead as a goodbye, but Korra wouldn’t accept just a kiss on the forehead. The Avatar crushed her lips to the young CEO’s. Their kiss lasted for more than thirty seconds. Korra made sure to give the proper goodbye kiss, give her girlfriend the kiss that would make Asami want Korra to be by her side every night when she’s alone. Their kiss was so passionate that one of the familiar fire nation soldiers from Varrick and Zhu Li’s wedding days ago gave them a teasing whistle.

This won’t be goodbye for sure, but 2 months will surely be a long time.

Author's Note:

This is quite irrelevant in the story but I want to share my fanart of Korrasami as a celebration of the new year featuring drunk Asami. I wish you all a year of prosperity!

Here's my Instagram in case you want to take a look at more of my art.

Chapter Text

It is strange, but true, that the
most important turning-points
of life often come at the most
unexpected times and in the
most unexpected ways.

~Napoleon Hill

This is not the place I'm supposed to be. Prince Iroh thought as he ran as fast as possible to the runway of Future laboratories, where a group of intruders was planning to escape. After Kuvira's attack in Republic City, the injuries he acquired are still healing.

He was supposed to be in the fire palace, taking a well-deserved break as his wounds heal. But duty had called him once again. Who is he to not answer that call? So he propelled himself in the air using firebending, hoping to catch up with the enemy's stolen biplanes. Unfortunately, those biplanes have undergone various modifications and therefore fly faster. The enemy had escaped, but not before successfully shooting the prince general with a syringe gun.

I'm doomed. Iroh thought and followed it with a curse as he felt the needle pierce through his skin. This is not looking good. He is not feeling good as well. Already, the prince could tell that whatever was on that syringe had taken an immediate effect on his body. He tried summoning fire through the sole of his feet for a safe landing, but nothing happened. Yep, totally not good. He cursed again as he felt his limbs go limp, and he was still in midair, around the height of a three storey building above the ground. He refuses to tremble in fear as he falls closer to the ground.

Iroh braced himself. This is it. He'd be dying without even fulfilling his duties as the next Firelord. Heck, he didn't even have a lover. What an unfortunate, pathetic, and tragic way to die.

Before Iroh's body hit the ground, the water from the nearby floor gutter levitated and enveloped him. The drainage water turned into ice and shifted to water again once it touched the ground, enabling him to breathe and saving him from the fall. He landed on the pavement safely with his stomach.

Okay, maybe he was overreacting on the death thing.

It wasn't pleasant being drenched in stinky water from a storm sewer, but it's better than having broken bones, or worse, falling to his death.

"Prince Iroh, are you okay?" A figure of a woman in a lab coat kneeled beside him, and he recognized it from the voice. The woman had black, flowy hair that reached past her shoulders. Her skin looked soft and pale in an endearing kind of way. And her eyes. Oh, her eyes…crystal blue, which for Iroh, is such a magnificent view. "I'm sorry for using the water from the drain, you were falling, and I had to think fast, and…" the woman's words faded as Iroh thought he had died for a moment and this divine being had come to fetch him. If that were the case, maybe death wasn't that bad at all. Or perhaps he's just being foolish. He almost died, so it was probably natural to think of the things he didn't allow himself to have.

He's alive, though, all thanks to this woman. The prince coughed out some water that accidentally entered his mouth, "I'm…okay. Thank you so much." He said without making any gesture of appreciation for his savior. Even if he wanted to, he was feeling so weak at the moment to even move a muscle. He laid on the ground with his face tilted to the side to meet the eyes of the concerned woman kneeling beside him. The woman's worried face softened upon hearing that assurance. A series of coughing ensued before Iroh spoke again, "Can't move."

The uneasiness on the woman's face came back with those words. Her eyes scanned Iroh's body and found a syringe injected into his left bicep. She pulled it out of the fire prince, and her eyes narrowed as she inspected its content. With a shrug, she uttered, "This is one of the chi blocking liquids they were able to steal. You won't be able to bend for a few days, but you'll be able to move in at least thirty minutes if you rest enough."

The prince could only let out a groan with that statement.

***

Asami breathes heavily as she watches the port of republic city vanish into view. She was sure a massive bed was waiting for her on where she was headed. Still, nothing compared to the warmth of that narrow bed in Korra's room, especially when she's snuggled up with her girlfriend. In fact, if she closed her eyes, she could still feel the warmth of Korra's embrace, the avatar's sturdy arms wrapped around her like a shield, guarding her against all the troubles in the world. If only she could stay with Korra a bit longer.

The truth is that when Asami heard Korra ask the question, "Do you think it's too fast if I told you I love you right now?" that early morning, she had wanted to reply, "No, I actually love you too, Korra. So badly." But Asami was, in fact, afraid to utter those words since the man before Mako. Her relationship with the man had started great but ended up terribly. Hence, she had no longer said those three words to a love interest. She was close to saying those words to Mako, but everything fell apart before she could even do so. After Mako, she told herself she had enough heartbreaks. But with Korra, she's feeling something new. A new kind of love is flourishing within her that only her relationship with Korra could water. Of course, she wanted their relationship to bloom, but it's terrifying. So she opted for her girlfriend's proposal of calling each other "love" for now because, in a way, it's like saying those three words without actually saying it, isn't it?

They don't have to say those words to know what they feel for each other. It was apparent by how they would always find each other that they were in love. Asami knew she would eventually have to say those words to Korra for assurance. But for now, she had other stuff to think and worry about, no matter how good thinking about Korra feels. The man who joined her at the ship's deck reminded her of that 'other stuff.'

"You won't like what I'm about to say," Hyuga warned. Asami held her breath as Hyuga continued. It's undoubtedly news involving the Fire Nation. That's mostly the news her adoptive older brother brought her, but she didn't expect his following words. "Future laboratories' main branch was attacked. The revolutionists took three of the best scientists."

***

Firelord Izumi suppressed herself from heaving a sigh. You do not have the time to panic. She told herself. But how could she not be alarmed? Another attack. And on the Fire Nation's premier laboratory on top of that.

What would her dear cousin Yasuko say to her if she found out Izumi failed to protect the lab she founded? A sudden memory came flashing back to her at that thought. An image of the Firelord in training, Izumi herself in her late twenties, with Yasuko in her late adolescence. They were younger back then, still exploring the world, but her young cousin was already doing wonders.

___

"This is it, Izumi!" Yasuko exclaimed. Her kind, jade eyes glittering with joy as they walked through the eerie hallways of the mental institution. Izumi had always been terrified of walking into these kinds of a hallway, but she feels at ease whenever she trudges this way with Yasuko. She loves little adventures like this with the younger princess. It's like taking the younger sister she didn't have (but found in Yasuko) to a voyage in the playground. "I think I just formulated a medicine to get rid of mom's hallucinations!" Her cousin said and stopped at a particular door. The future Firelord and the prodigy princess both took a peek through the spaces of the vertical blinds of the door, careful not to get any attention from the man on the other side. He was a patient who's been staying at the facility for quite a while. And one of the few who had agreed to be Yasuko's test subject for her medicinal formulations.

"He seemed calmer these days, don't you think?" Yasuko whispered to Izumi, her twinkling eyes focused on the man whose currently talking with the therapist. Izumi agreed with her cousin after observing the man and looking at Yasuko's eyes. Those eyes were always filled with hope and positivity. Sometimes princess Izumi thinks this cruel world doesn't deserve someone like Yasuko. "Yes, his aura does seem brighter nowadays." She whispered back with a smile. Princess Izumi can already tell Yasuko's medicinal formulations will be another breakthrough by how well the previous patients they checked have been doing. Yasuko recently developed a chi-blocking liquid to stop her mother from burning everything whenever Lady Azula starts to hallucinate. This new development will surely change the lives of many, especially the lives of those experiencing the same things as her aunt Azula.

Yasuko's love for her mother is unbelievable for her to go through such length just to treat her mom even with a few people supporting her and with other people saying her endeavors are pointless. Look where Yasuko's said 'pointless endeavors' have taken her seven years later—to a ribbon-cutting ceremony of her very own "Future Laboratories."

With the new Firelord Izumi's approval, a former pro-bending stadium was turned into a scientific facility filled with innovations, making Future Laboratories the world's biggest lab and scientific facility.

___

On that same day of opening Future Laboratories, Firelord Izumi had sworn to Princess Yasuko that she would do everything in her power to protect the facility she founded and built with love for her family and the world. Firelord Izumi had planned to keep her words 'til the day of her passing, but today, she might have just broken that promise. A part of the research facility was destroyed, and three scientists were taken. Now, she has an emergency meeting with some high-ranking military officers to find the abducted scientists and retrieve the stolen items.

How could she, as the Firelord, have let this incident happen? This could no longer have a repeat, or she wouldn’t consider herself a rightful Firelord. So, she'd been quick to assemble the people who could help devise a plan of action for the incident, including her family.

Now, the head of Future Industries' highly equipped investigative team, Prince Kenji of the Earth Kingdom, revealed the true identity and purpose of the adversary they are dealing with. He had also presented them with a map with four exes on different locations in the nation.

According to the interception of Prince Kenji’s team on the enemy's communication, the places marked with exes are the enemy's major hideouts. They have taken three years to find out about the said information. This explains why Firelord Izumi had not been able to make a move to counter the enemy’s attacks. There hasn’t been enough information on who they are dealing with. Firelord Izumi has always been an excellent strategist, someone who refuses to make a move without knowing everything about her foes. The plans she devises are always made to ensure victory. She would never gamble on the uncertain.

However, the current adversary had been a challenge for the Firelord and her allies. The group has developed a highly advanced and concealed way of communication that they always manage to slip away whenever information is finally within the Firelord’s grasp. The Firelord had needed someone with the right ability to infiltrate the group that sparked the chaos in the nation.

Truly, the enemy at large is not a typical group who wants to bring misery to people. If you ask the Firelord, she’d say the group is twisted.

The Fire Nationals have always been passionate people. That passion easily allows them to be manipulated and be a lackey to somebody. So passionate the Fire Nationals are that they can go through unimaginable lengths to push their principles on other people. The Fire Nation’s current adversary had easily controlled the people that possessed such attributes. The enemy made Firelord Izumi’s people believe that no battle is ever lost if you are fighting for what you believe. The hundred-year war that the nation started had ended. But a war within their nation has ignited. Now that the country's center of innovation has been attacked, the war was now set aflame.

She could no longer ignore the deeds of her people. It was a mistake not addressing their pleas in the first place. She had done so much to ensure her country's prosperity, to ensure that her nation would always be at peace. So absorbed was she at the delusional idea of peace that she ignored the growing tension between her people for so long that it had escalated into this. Now the safety of her country is under threat…

For the first time in her entire life, the Firelord might have been forced to take a gamble.

***

Asami marched through the main hall of the fire palace furiously. Her heart was beating so fast she felt like exploding. Everything that's happening in this nation is getting more horrible. She silently said as she tried to calm herself. Without realizing it, Asami reaches her destination, the meeting room beside the throne room. She took another measured breath before turning the knob to open the door.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy. A map of the fire nation mark with red exes on four different locations can be seen in the round center table. Around the table sat Lord Zuko, holding a cup of what Asami smelled: jasmine tea. Beside him were her grandma Azula and her cousin Irah. Iroh was standing beside his mother, Firelord Izumi. Both look pensive as they stare at the map. There were also people from the fire military and representatives from Future Industries and Future laboratories.

"Care to explain what's going on?" She looked at everyone in the room, but she averted her eyes quickly at her grandma Azula the moment their eyes met, looking at Prince General Iroh instead as if she was begging for an answer, but she didn't get any word from him. Instead, It was princess Irah who answered her query.

"There's nothing much going on, Asami. They've come upon a plan to lock up the capital, and we'll just coward here at the palace, waiting for the situation to ease up and doing nothing at all!" Princess Irah exclaimed and slammed the table, spilling a bit of Lord Zuko's tea. Lord Zuko looked at Irah and took a sip on his tea before saying, "Calm down, my princess. We won't be possum chickening. We're just gonna wait for the right time."

"There is no better time than now, grandpa." Irah refuted, "We've been working with future industries for years to combat this revolution...or whatever this is!" The princess ended her sentence with her fist clutched and gritted teeth.

"I agree with Irah. Some of Future labs' scientists were taken. Who knows what those people are doing to them? You can't tell me to just stay at one place while three of my employees are probably out there somewhere being forced to make wicked, unimaginable things." Asami argued as well, throwing her arms in a display of disapproval.

“I am assuring you that we have a plan, Asami.” Firelord Izumi’s finely composed voice echoed in the room as their eyes met. “And it involves not getting this family hurt.” The Firelord heaved a sigh, the only sign that, even for a moment, the Firelord lost her composure there.

Asami knew how much her aunt treasures her family, including her extended ones. After her mom died, Izumi always looked out for her and treated her like Asami was her own daughter. Firelord Izumi looked at the other members of her family and addressed them, “If you could all stay out of the action, that would lessen my worries.”

Chapter Text

“Families are the compass that guides us.
They are the inspiration to reach great
heights, and our comfort when we
occasionally falter.”

~Brad Henry

It was a dreary day for Lady Azula. She mainly stayed at her customized wing at the palace. The only thing that made her look forward on this day was when Hyuga informed her that her granddaughter had boarded the ship to the Fire Nation and was expected to arrive in a few hours. She’s been antsy since, unable to figure out what to do.

She kept pacing and pacing on the corners of her room. How am I going to welcome her? Right corner. Should I give her a gift? Left corner. Throw a welcome party? Back to the right corner. Ugh! But then, Asami won’t probably appreciate any grand gesture from her. After all, Azula is her mean and strict grandmother. So you can just imagine how relieving it felt to Azula when a guard knocked on her door, saying that the Firelord had wished for her presence in the meeting room. Finally, something to distract her.

However, the distraction Azula thought would relieve her from the thoughts of her granddaughter’s arrival turned out to be even more concerning. The Research Facility owned by her deceased daughter had been attacked. The situation is serious, judging by several military officers in the room. This is certainly not a good welcome home event for her granddaughter.

Firelord Izumi’s whole family has been told to participate in the meeting, except for Lady Mai. The whereabouts of the latter Azula forgot or tried to. Princess Irah sat beside her, carrying a pen, which she started tapping on the table after a few minutes of waiting. Eventually, Azula got annoyed by the drumming sound resonating in the room and slapped Princess Irah’s hand. The poor Princess flinched.

“Stop that.” Lady Azula rebukes her grandniece. Princess Irah flashes her an apologetic toothy grin and raises her hand for a ‘peace’ sign. Lady Azula just clicked her tongue and shrugged slightly to wave it off. Firelord Izumi’s daughter is six years older than her granddaughter Asami, but sometimes Lady Azula thinks Asami is more mature. Princess Irah can be a giant fireball of chaotic energy. Sometimes, Lady Azula would feel tired by just watching her.

Not even a minute when Lady Azula’s grandniece stops irritating her, another annoying person comes into the old princess’ view. Prince Kenji of the Earth Kingdom entered the room, the head of the Future Industries investigative team. He did seem to be in his professional mode. Still, Lady Azula doesn’t like the fact that the Prince constantly tries to hit on her granddaughter whenever the two of them meet. And given that the Prince works for her granddaughter’s inherited company, Asami and Kenji often had to meet with each other. Worse, now that they’ve been investigating something related to their family, the Prince would often drop by to the palace to give the Firelord some updates. Sometimes he’d even stay overnight in one of the guest rooms.

Lord Zuko entered next with his daily cup of jasmine tea. His granddaughter, Irah, greeted him and transferred to the one chair apart from Azula so that Lord Zuko sat next to his sister. Azula has a feeling that Irah just doesn’t want to sit beside her to avoid being reprimanded for her antics. Zuko, however, can tolerate his granddaughter’s behavior.

When Azula’s niece, Firelord Izumi, entered the room with her very pale-looking son Iroh by her side, Kenji started placing a map at the round table. Kenji greeted everyone in the room with his princely charms and began, “So, as you all know by now, the attack on Future labs caused quite a damage. Before I reveal the results of our investigation on the group behind the attacks for the past three years, I would like to call on Doctor Hide to report the damages and stolen items on today’s incident.”

“Thank you, Prince Kenji.” A rugged man of about the Firelord’s age wearing a lab coat stood up and bowed to everyone in the room. A vein pops out his neck and trickles of sweat run down his forehead despite the coolness of the air. Azula had known the man, Hide, to be her daughter's great friend and colleague. And one of Yasuko’s many suitors in the past.

Dr. Hide stood firm, and he continued speaking after clearing his throat. “The revolutionists, as we call them, was able to steal a significant amount of chi blocking liquids with syringe guns. They also got a hold of some important documents in our Hybrid Fauna Research Department containing information about our mutant animals. They took three of our scientists in that department who are currently working on a big project. They also replaced some chemicals with colored fluids. And when they got caught, they bombed our nanoscience center, which destroyed most of our newly developed equipment there. This was clearly planned. They have escape routes, uniforms, and fake IDs for disguise. We believe they have an informant from the inside, and we have identified who it is. The police are now in the search for him.”

After a quick turn on the pages of his notes, Dr Hide said, “That’s all of my reports for now.”

“Thank you, Dr. Hide,” Prince Kenji spoke again. “Now, I shall proceed with the findings of our three-year investigation.” Kenji then brought out a poster, with its edges torn apart, bearing a very familiar insignia sporting red and black colors. “I’m sure all of you are familiar with this logo—”

“The Red Lotus.” Irah breathed.

“Yes. And this Red Lotus has been causing a lot of chaos in this nation for years. They are the ones who sparked the revolution going on, which is just a mere distraction from their actual operations. They’ve been right under our noses all this time.”

Kenji’s announcement earned different reactions. Most people in the room were shocked. Lady Azula watched as the hand that held his brother’s cup of tea folded into a fist. Her brother Zuzu looked upset. How could he not be? Lord Zuko views the Red Lotus as one of the White Lotus’ flaws. When Zuko became a Grand Lotus after stepping out of the throne, he’d heard from his late uncle Iroh, the existence of a secret organization. It was formed because former members believed that the White Lotus had deviated from its original mission. Although he doesn’t know the name of this group, he had the means to investigate, but he didn’t. He could have done something and eradicated this group. Still, he turned a blind eye to it while the said underground organization grew members and reached broader operations.

No one said a word. Everyone in the room kept their opinions to themselves for a moment and let the Earth Kingdom Prince speak from that moment on, their eyes begging for more information.

“By intercepting their communication, we were able to determine their precise major hideouts, which I have marked with exes on this map.” Kenji leaned on the table and traced the different locations with his right index finger. Even he looks astounded as to why such information had slipped their grasp for years. “They have bases all over the nation, ruins of hidden quarters made during the hundred-year war that they renovated, underground passages that connect to another one. It’s overwhelming, but if we destroy these four major hideouts, then we destroy their central communication and stop their major operations. It will be like a domino effect.”

“How are we going to do that? Do you know the entrances and exits of these headquarters? Were your team able to determine gaps in which we can infiltrate?” Firelord Izumi questioned.

Kenji heaved a sigh. “That, your majesty, is something we’re still trying to find out. These headquarters are heavily guarded. They have massive funds because of their illegal operations to afford their security. Like I said before, the spy we sent on one of the major bases could not roam freely and almost died just to escape. He was able to map out half of the place, however, so we’re utilizing it now.”

“That information is not enough. It won’t enable us to formulate a plan that would impact the Red Lotus greatly.” Firelord Izumi lamented.

“Exactly, but unfortunately, this is as far as we know for now. We’re still pushing our technology. We’re working non-stop and making progress. I believe we can devise a plan to finally destroy this group in a few months. I, for one, cannot forgive them for what they did to my aunt Hou-ting.”

“Are you telling us to stand by and wait until you have enough information?” Iroh asked Kenji, the head of Future Industries’ investigative team nodded. “It’s for the better.” He advised.

“Then that’s what we’re going to do.” Iroh stood firmly and looked at Firelord Izumi. “Do you agree, mother?”

“It’s the safest decision for now.” Firelord Izumi sighed. “But I refuse to just stand by. Kenji, give me an update right after this meeting, and let’s plan with the additional information your team will acquire. I want to be ready to attack anytime.”

Prince Kenji gave a salute. “Understood, your majesty.”

“Then, while we settle that, I suggest a lockdown of the palace. As well as the places in the nation where the Red Lotus would likely attack.” Iroh said.

“Outrageous!” Irah stood up from her chair. “You’re telling us to lock ourselves up?!”

Prince Iroh frowned at his younger sister. “Yes. I made an oath to our father that I would protect our family. That is what I’m doing now.”

Princess Irah was about to retort, but Lord Zuko tugged on her hand and motioned her to sit back down. “Calm down, you two. You’ll get to nothing if you continue this.” He cautioned.

Princess Irah slouched back to her chair reluctantly, her eyebrows knitted and her arms crossed, but she didn’t say another word.

The atmosphere was tense after that, none uttering a word until the door to the meeting room opened, revealing a fuming Asami.

With that look on her granddaughter’s face, Lady Azula can tell the conversations about to take place in the meeting room will not be calm even for a bit.

***

The meeting didn’t end well.

Firelord Izumi, with the help of people from the police and military, planned a rescue mission for the abducted scientists but could not execute the task as they had no clue yet on where the scientists were taken. So, they will need to wait until the police and the investigative team locate them. Princess Irah still also doesn’t approve of her older brother’s plan. She went on and on with proposing a better strategy even after they exited the Firelord’s chamber. Lady Azula was just glad the meeting had ended and plans to comply with her grandnephew’s idea to just stay still at the palace.

She just wants to keep out of the action unless necessary with her being old enough and the occasional aching of her knees, which is a heck to deal with. There are also rare moments when she’d hallucinate whenever she fails to take her medications. Sometimes she would skip it for the week because she felt a lot better, only to have another relapse with worse symptoms. It’s a never-ending cycle, and sometimes it’s tiring for her and the people around her. She’s just glad they never give up, including the person walking in front of her, Asami.

Her granddaughter may not show it, but Azula knew Asami cared for her. She even invented those syringe guns to make Azula fall asleep when they couldn’t get near her during her psychotic episodes. In the end, they resorted to calming her down, just like what her daughter Yasuko would always do. Asami is the only one who gets to calm Azula down faster than anyone. After all, they didn’t use to be on bad terms before. In fact, she could even recall a touching moment with a seven-year-old Asami coming home at the palace from primary school.

—flashback—

Azula smiled mentally as she looked at the adorable mini version of her daughter. In front of her stood a pouting Asami trying her best to avoid looking at her grandmother’s eyes. There is a look of guilt etched on the little girl’s face, but there is also a visible frown. Her tiny hands were placed behind her back as she bounced back and forth with the heel of her tiny feet. Her usually prim hair was a bit disheveled, and there was a light scratch on her chubby cheeks.

The little Sato just did something that could damage her reputation and possibly, the royal family’s. In line with that, the whole family had gathered in the Firelord's chamber. Azula was kneeling in front of Asami with Firelord Izumi standing by her side and her brother Zuko on the other side with Lady Mai beside him. A seventeen-year-old Hyuga was standing by the doorway, carrying Asami’s shoulder bag. He flashes an apologetic smile at the adults in the room as he scratches the back of his head. The fifteen-year-old Iroh stood beside Hyuga, watching the scene unfold. While eleven-year-old Irah stood beside Asami, being the supportive kid she always was. Although they did not want to make Asami’s actions a serious issue, as it was just a typical kid fight, the incident happening in a public place was a pretty big deal.

“He deserves it.” The little Asami said after a while to defend her actions. Her arms, dirty on their sides, were now crossed as she bit her lower lip. A pose that’s just so adorable there is no way Azula could possibly get mad at her granddaughter.

“Pulling a boy’s hair? Your mom would be sad if she heard what you did. And what will your dad say if he saw the scratch on your face? He would think we’re not taking care of you.” Firelord Izumi said, kneeling in front of the little Asami as well.

“It’s my fault, your highness.” Hyuga raised his hand and stepped forward. “I took Asami to that playground even though we should be heading home.”

“I forced big bro to take me there! Besides It’s really the boy’s fault!” Asami defended her adoptive older brother. The little girl never likes it when someone she loves takes the blame for her actions. Her brows were knitted, and the now visibly dirty hands she was hiding earlier fisted on her sides. “That boy told me my grandma Azula is a bad person and I got mad because he’s lying.” Little Asami’s eyes were teary. Her face looked like someone had just taken her favorite toy, which brought her on the brink of crying out loud.

Azula felt extremely moved by Asami’s words. Her granddaughter just defended her. Who wouldn’t be touched by such a deed? “Why do you think he was lying?” Azula asked.

“Mama told me you’re not bad. You’re just misunderstood.” little Asami wiped a trickle of tears that escaped her eyes, but her tears started to flow after that. “And- and you teach me firebending moves and carry me to sleep and read me stories…how could that be bad gran-gran?”

The edges of Azula’s lips curved downwards in awe. She suppressed a joyful cry that was about to burst from inside her. Her arms reached for Asami and pulled her for an embrace. “That’s right. Grandma is not a bad person,” Azula bit her lower lip and started rocking lightly as her embrace tightened. The one thing prominent in her thoughts is that this kid she’s holding right now is precious. She must always protect this pure-hearted little girl, should always keep her safe, and give her the warmth her parents gave her. “But I made mistakes, and sometimes people can see it as bad. Do you understand?”

Azula felt her little granddaughter nod with an “Mm-hmm” response. A few seconds later, she felt Asami trying to pull away. “Grandma, ‘can’t breathe!” The little girl complained. Everyone in the room chuckled, including Azula. She immediately let Asami go and said, “Sorry,” as she combed little Asami’s silky raven hair with her fingers. Asami’s hair was just the same as Yasuko's. Taking care of Asami is like raising her daughter again, only this time, Azula makes sure not to be stricter with her.

“Your intentions are good, Asami.” Lord Zuko said, crouching to level Asami’s eyes. “But don’t hurt anyone again, okay? Violence never solves anything.” He added as he pats the little girl’s hair.

—end of flashback—

It was the good, old days. And it felt like that moment happened too long ago that Azula almost forgot how she felt at that instant. Deep inside, Azula knew Asami was still that same little girl, but circumstances forced Asami to change, and Azula’s deeds might have been a big factor.

Lady Azula’s granddaughter traverses the hall at a safe distance from her. They are headed to their rooms at the southeast wing of the palace, commonly referred to as the SEW, a fireproof side of the castle made especially for Azula. And by the change in the flooring style, they seem to have reached their destination. Any second by now, Azula and Asami would enter their respective rooms and won’t probably talk to each other unless required. But Lady Azula has wanted to talk to Asami since she arrived. She’d shoot several glances to her granddaughter’s chair during the meeting. Sometimes they would even meet each other’s gaze.

Azula was just about to talk to Asami when a piece of small, red, rectangular paper fell slowly on the apex of her nose. A similar piece of paper fell again, but its color was blue this time. By the time Azula looked up, a shower of confetti had started. Asami seemed to have noticed it as well. She turned to Azula with a questioning look. But Azula did not have time to respond because she saw a figure standing in front of Asami, who was unaware of someone’s presence as there isn’t supposed to be anyone but them on that part of the palace.

“Watch out!” Azula’s instinct made her cast a ball of fire at the big figure of a man as an act of defending. Asami was standing in the way, but she was able to dodge the attack, so was the man. The fireball hit the concrete wall, leaving only a small black dent before disintegrating.

“Woah! Calm down, my darling!”

Lady Azula froze when she recognized the voice of the figure right away. “Wancho?!”

“Grandpa?!” Asami said at the same time with Azula.

Well, there’s that welcome surprise Azula didn’t plan but still happened. Confettis and a return of someone.

“You old geezer! How dare you come—Wait, how did you even get in?!” Azula questioned.

“You know, darling—”

“Don’t call me darling!” Azula snarled.

The man paused and held Azula’s shoulders. There’s no hint of uneasiness in the way he acts. Like someone as feared as Lady Azula, speaking with a raised voice doesn’t frighten him even for a bit. “Well, darling,” he mockingly accentuated, “to answer your question. It’s a basic job for a retired assassin like me to enter heavily guarded places. And, I am here….” The man turned his attention to Asami. The young Princess beams at him with joy. “…to welcome my precious granddaughter! Come here, my lovely fire ferret!”

The man charged to Asami for a hug and lifted her up like she was still a kid, only to put her down after seconds and complain. “Oh, that hurt my back.”

“Serves you right,” Azula said. “What are you thinking suddenly coming to my place?!” Azula asked but was unable to get an answer when her granddaughter spoke.

“Oh, grandpa. Where have you been? You went missing for years, and you show up all of a sudden!” Asami said  while still hugging her said Grandpa Wancho.”

The man standing in front of Asami and Azula looks just a little older than Azula (who appears to be only in her 60’s even though she’s in her middle 80’s). He has a giant frame,  six foot five tall, and that’s saying old age had decreased his stature. The color of his eyes appears just the same as Asami’s, only more fierce and experienced. He wears a brilliant smile on his face as he replies to his granddaughter, “Well, I heard about what happened to your father and thought you need a family right now.”

“How sweet of you.” Azula remarks sarcastically. “Now get out!”

Old Wancho smirked at Azula while shrugging, “Oh, my love. Still the same snappy ol’ lady after all these years, huh? Why don’t you give me a hug?” Wancho spread his arms and raised his chin with a confident grin to welcome an embrace from the Lady Azula but did it only as a jest. Even he doesn’t expect to get a hug from Azula.

“Don’t make me drag you out of here.” Lady Azula threatened.

“You’re really gonna make grandpa leave after we just saw each other?” It’s the first Asami talked to Azula that day, and now look at what she’s saying. Lady Azula’s ex-lover had to show up now of all time and steal all attention just like that.

“Yes,” Azula said firmly.

“Unbelievable.” Asami almost rolled her eyes.

“Don’t be a fool, Asami.” Azula shot Asami a sharp look and pointed at Wancho, “This man disappears for years, and right at the moment you needed him most. Now he comes back like he didn’t just run away from his responsibilities.”

“I’m back now—”

Azula motioned for Wancho to stop and let out a heavy sigh. “Not another word. You can stay there while I call the guards.”

“Grandma—” Asami tried to argue but was stopped by Azula right away.

“No, Asami.”

“Okay, Okay. I’m leaving!” Wancho exclaimed with his hands raised in defeat. “But I’m taking Asami—”

“You’re not taking anyone with you.” There was no room for argument in the way Azula spoke those words.

Old Wancho knows he should leave right away, or a series of literal fiery shoots would ensue. “Fine!” He said, frowning intensely at Azula. “But I promise you I’m just lurking around the corners, you crazy lovely woman.” He added with a humph of disappointment but couldn’t help leaving the complementing words at the end.

“As for you, my precious fire ferret….” Wancho embraced Asami again and ruffled her hair after. “I promise you grandpa is here now, and I’ll be taking you would me soon no matter what it takes.” Wancho kissed Asami’s forehead as a goodbye.

“I’m not letting you take her….” Azula said in a whispered voice, enough for Asami to hear her, as Wancho vanished in the blink of an eye.

“I guess that satisfies you now,” Asami said in an equally low voice without even facing Azula. “Have a good day, grandma.” Asami intoned with a hint of disappointment, slightly turning her head to look at Azula’s figure but not directly meet her grandma’s eyes.

After their brief conversation, Asami sped away to her room.

Great. That’s not what’s supposed to happen. That’s the exact opposite of what Azula wanted. She and Asami were supposed to talk and settle some rifts between them and not have brief conversations where they either spoke with raised voices or cold tones.

Great. Just great.

What is she gonna do now?

Chapter Text

“Intense feeling too
often obscures the truth.”

~ Harry S. Truman

Azula's stomach roars as she takes another step. She hadn't consumed anything for two days. The water she carried with her had run out. She's hungry, thirsty, and her feet feel so heavy she doesn't know how she's still able to walk. Heck, even her hands are shaking.

So this is what it feels like to have no servant. She thought. Her situation right now is even worse than when she was in the mental institution or when she was with her gang. At least on those, she has some people to boss around.

It's been seven years since she ran away from the fire palace. She left because her precious mother, Ursa, was back. She left because she couldn't bear the idea of living with her mother. It's not because Azula hated her mother but because she hated how she perceived her mother all along. Or perhaps she's just afraid to admit she hates herself.

However, she still stayed in the fire nation despite leaving the palace. She found and joined a pack of thieves in a poor town at the edge of the country. Even if she was just turning fifteen back then, she managed to overthrow their leader in a few months by manipulating the members. Then she stepped in as the new leader. She made sure to give Firelord Zuko a hard time on his reign through the years. She wreaked havoc throughout her country, exploiting people and stealing large amounts of money or valuable items while keeping her identity unknown.

A few months ago, she lived like a queen in her own established underground turf until she was caught in the act doing crimes along with her group by Firelord Zuko himself. Their reunion was filled with blasts of fire and strikes of lightning. She fought with her group until they were overpowered by the Fire Nation soldiers, they put up a good fight, but she was the only one who managed to escape being captured.

She told herself she could rebuild another group again, but when her dear brother Zuzu put a large bounty on her head, everyone started hunting for her. It’s outrageous. Up to that point, she believes Zuko would respect her decision to stay away from the royal family. But now, her brother wants to take away her freedom, wants her caged up for good. She has no ally once again, not even a single person standing by her side, and with that pulling some painful memories from her past, she was forced to flee the country.

She’s been trying to survive since. Alone in the Earth Kingdom in the middle of the night, with no clue on the name of the town she's currently in, the mistakes she made came dawning on her. Such realization makes her weak in the knees more than the fatigue engulfing her whole system.

I deserve this. Azula thought as her sight started to swirl…then, there was that figure of her mom again.

Seven years…the vision of her mother saying that she’s a monster never once left her cognizance. Ursa’s always there, so real, mocking her, plotting something against her, or just staying around to ensure her downfall. Azula doesn’t know how her mother keeps on finding her just so her mom can torment her. Azula rages until her head hurts so bad she just faints whenever that happens. But now, she couldn’t react physically. Instead, she was talking in her mind, asking her mother or anyone for help. In normal circumstances, she never would have thought of that. She is Princess Azula; she is capable of anything...but now she's starting to doubt that. There is a growing sense of desperation within her system, making her lose confidence in her capabilities.

A commotion seemed to have started nearby. It caused the figure of Azula’s mother Ursa to suddenly vanish, just like it always does whenever Azula gets distracted for a few seconds. She has always thought it must be some firebending trick.

“Th-that’s…right. Disappear…like you always do….” She mumbles weakly, looking at the spot where her mother disappeared.

Azula couldn't hear what exactly people were saying at the occurring upheaval. Even her hearing felt like she hears voices underwater. Then, she saw people start running to where she came from. They seemed to panic, so Azula felt alarmed as well.

“Run, Azula! This place is dangerous!” Ursa warns, appearing again but closer to Azula this time.

“D-don’t…tell me…what to do!” Azula snarled breathlessly just as she fended off her mother’s figure. "Don't...pretend like...you care!” She continued, hurriedly dragging her feet. “This... is another... one of your... plots against... me... for all I know!" Her eyes bulged in anger as she glared at the spot where her mother vanished once again.

Despite her reluctance to follow her mother's warning, even her instinct urges her to go back, so that's exactly what she planned to do. As luck would have it, though, her body chose that exact moment to give up. She fell to the ground with a loud thud. She tried to stand up again, but she was so exhausted she couldn't even feel her legs anymore. Worst, people around her were too busy saving themselves that they didn't even consider helping the poor Princess.

In a desperate attempt to save herself from the danger she was sensing, Azula started crawling. Her only thought is to get away. If the people are running away from some bad guys, that wouldn’t be good. She knew she didn’t have enough strength to put up a good fight. Who knows what some thugs would do to her if she gets captured.

Azula’s fingers clawed the earth as she kept pushing herself to move. "Ne-need…to…" Pathetic. She looks and feels miserable right now that she wants to burst into tears and laugh at herself at the same time. "…run." She breathed before tears finally escaped her already misty eyes.

No one would even help me . Azula cries to the spirits and curses the world. Why is she even expecting somebody to help her? What has she done to ever deserve a tinge of someone's generosity, anyway? That’s her harsh reality. That is how low and painful she's fallen.

It was under a minute of Azula crawling miserably on the ground when a pair of massive shoes blocked her way. It looked new and expensive, but she couldn't muster the strength to look up. Whoever is blocking her path, Azula will not allow that creature to see her face right now.

She knew she didn’t look well. She’s crying while groveling on the ground. She must really look deplorable.

"Woman, why are you crawling?" The person was near enough for Azula to hear clearly. It's a deep voice that definitely belongs to a man.

The feet in front of her took a step backward, and before Azula knew it, the man had kneeled on one knee and stretched a hand to lift her chin. "Answer me." He gave the Princess a curious stare. But her throat had gone dry, and so she was unable to speak even though she noticeably tried to utter a word by how her dry lips parted.

"You looked deprived of human needs. Where’d you come from?” He asked but got no answer again, his massive hand still lifting Azula’s chin so that their eyes met. He was a giant man and a handsome brunet, with eyes that were a beautiful shade of vibrant green.

“There is no way I can leave you now. D'you know that?" He muttered as he stared with a mix of exasperation and concern at the Princess…

There is something about the way he gazes at her…

It felt loving and warm for Azula. It’s overwhelming her.

What is that sensation that’s taking over her system? It’s something she didn’t know she needed until that point in her life. It’s comforting and peaceful in her mind and body for once…

 Azula felt herself being lifted easily. She wanted to protest, but she didn't have the energy to resist.

Just when the man secured her over his shoulder, her stomach growls again.

Embarrassing .

Given that the man’s ear is literally touching the side of Azula’s stomach, he clearly heard that distressing (for Azula, at least) sound.

“I see we’ve got a beast in need to be fed there, huh?” The man teases as the Princess hears him chuckle. Azula mentally swears if she isn’t in bad condition right now, she would have struck the man with lightning.

"Alright, missy. Off we go,” were the last words she heard the man say before she fell into the void of unconsciousness.

***

The sound of nearby tree leaves being blown by the wind, the calming melody of chirping birds, the warm ray of the sun illuminating the wooden interior of the room, and a dose of fresh air, was the scenery that greeted Azula the moment she opened her eyes. No one was around in the room, but she felt safe there, like she was back in the fire palace.

However, she is clearly not in the fire palace. She slowly sat up from her bed and took notes of her surroundings. She noticed a sliding door opposite where her bed was placed. It blended perfectly to the wall that she first thought there was no door at all in the room. She knew doorless digs are possible on stone houses, especially when the owner is an earthbender. Her quarters were wooden though and fairly empty. Only a nightstand is placed to the side of her bed with a lamp and a chair to the other.

The room doesn't look like a prison. Azula can also tell she's not being held captive as her unknown caretaker left the huge window open. No fool foe would let their prisoner escape by leaving a possible exit open. Anytime she wants now, she can just jump in there and run away.

Something was compelling Azula to stay, though. She couldn't put her finger on it, but she felt that remaining f or a while wouldn't be a bad idea. She also doesn’t feel like something bad has been done to her during her slumber. Or she hopes so. Besides a slight aching on her nose, she felt well-rested, unlike when she fainted due to exhaustion. How many hours was she asleep, anyway? It must be for at least eight hours, judging by the morning breeze.

There were quite a few things she was concerned about. For one, where is she? Two, who is the man that carried her? He must have taken her there, and three, her clothes have been changed. That is suspicious. She really hopes they did nothing to her while she's passed out. Her spirit rages at the thought of someone even touching her body while she’s unconscious.

The sliding door of the room suddenly slides open, revealing a woman who seems surprised that Azula has woken up.

The woman places her hand on her heart and breaths a sigh of relief. “Thank spirits you’re awake. You’ve been unconscious for days, so we’re starting to get extremely worried.”

Azula’s brows arched, and her eyes widened at the statement. “W-what?”

Chapter Text

"The greatest friend of the soul is

the unkown"

~ John Odonohue

“Well, about time our damsel in distress wakes—”

A series of pillows flew in between Azula and the man before he even finished his sentence. 

“Stay away from me!” Azula screamed and threw another pillow. 

“Calm down, woman!” The man dodged another pillow thrown at him while shielding himself with his arms. He has no idea why the woman was acting so…feral at him. But he wonders why. “My name’s Wancho, and I have no plans of hurting you.” He said calmly with his hands raised in a surrending way in hopes of taming the woman.

It didn’t work, of course. 

When Azula ran out of pillows, she grabbed the blanket enveloping her and threw it at Wancho again. When she still failed to hit the man, she grabbed for the remaining thing she could throw—the lamp on the nightstand. 

Wancho pointed a finger at her when he figured out what she was about to do, threatening her to stop. “Not that lamp, woman! That’s the favorite lamp of one of my ancestors!” He warned, throwing daggers at Azula with his stares.

Azula paused for a moment and scowled at Wancho for a few seconds. She didn’t seem intimidated at Wancho even a bit and proceeded to throw the lamp at him anyway. It was surprisingly heavy.

Wancho cursed under his breath, and instead of dodging the thrown item, he tried to catch it but failed disastrously. It turns out his hand was at an odd angle, and the item was heavy, which made him curse again at the realization that the woman in front of him was somehow strong enough to throw such a thing. The lamp fell down to the floor, causing its parts to fly all over the place and injuring his left hand.

He stared mournfully at the fallen old wooden lamp while caressing his injured hand. When he recovered after a few seconds, it was his moment to scowl at Azula, who was still giving him a deadly stare.

That might have been the last straw.

“WHAT IS  YOUR PROBLEM?!” He snapped at her while crouching in pain of his injured hand. The woman is confusing him. Is this how she repays Wancho for his once-in-a-lifetime simple act of kindness? Then maybe it would have been better leaving her alone in that place to rot…

The same petrifying look still appears on Azula’s face. Only now, Wancho can see a bit of uneasiness in her eyes. "You...you took advantage of me, didn't you?" Azula questioned, her stomach twisting at the thought.  

Wancho stared at her, trying to take in what the woman said. He started to straighten his posture while staring at the distant trees by the window as he processed his thoughts.

Took advantage...

Took advantage of her?

W-Who?! Me?

"W-WHAT THE HECK?!" He exclaimed in disbelief. “Do you know you were asleep for four days that we have to tube feed you so you get all your needed nutrients! And if you think I molested you because of your changed clothes, for your information, lady, you were stinky when I found you so I had my female servants groom you!” Wancho pants heavily before he continues his words.

"AND…AND DO YOU REALLY MEAN—ME—"  Wancho's right thumb touched the center of his chest to emphasize his point. "ME?! THE GREAT WANCHO ATTEMPTED TO VIOLATE YOU?!" He’s turned into a panting mess by now as if Azula just said the most offending words in his entire life. Still, he didn't have to scream if that's the case. His hoarse voice is annoying enough for Azula.

Wancho's eyes bulge as he glares at Azula and looks at her from head to toe. "I mean, woman, who would even touch your ugly face?!" He asked with pure mocking faux shock.

It was Azula's turn to stare at Wancho as she let his words sync in.

Ugly...

I'm ugly?

No!! I'm not ugly! 

I'm...

Flawless!

Azula has a bit of doubt on her last thought, but she also begs to differ. "Who are you calling ugly?!" Azula stood on her feet, her fist clenching as her eyebrows collided while she made a furious stride towards the man. "For your information, I can apply makeup on myself at age twelve! I go to the spa every Saturday and I have a strict skin care routine! So, how dare you call me ugly?!" She had Wancho in a bruising neck hold before she even finished that sentence. It's just what he deserves. No one. Ever. Is allowed to insult her just like that.

"Pfft."

Azula's grip on Wancho's neck loosened when she saw the look on his face. His face rapidly turned beetroot red while his eyes were teary. Azula almost thought he was close to being dead but changed her mind when she noticed the bloating on his cheeks. As if…as if he was...

Is he holding back his laugh?

"HAHAHAHAHA" Azula got her answer when Wancho bursts into laughter. Azula rolls her eyes. What a pest.

"Really?" Wancho said while holding his stomach. He cackles so hard his tummy starts to hurt. "You gotta teach me that routine, then!"

With that, Azula growled and blasted fire at Wancho with her right fist. Regret crept into her system for a moment. She knew the damage she can do with her firebending, so she might have injured Wancho more, considering how close their proximity was.

As the bit of guilt she felt subsided, two things registered on her mind. One, Wancho had dodged her attack before she even moved her fist. Second, the amount of fire that she summoned on her hand was… startlingly tiny, like it's just a flame from a candle. The latter disturbs her the most.

She took a deep breath, summoning her chi and feeling it flow through her whole body. She let it all go to her fists. Then, she aimed at the oblivious wooden walls with one of her perfectly practiced firebending stances. A small puff of blue flame came out of her hands. And that was all.

Azula raised her hands to her face level, and she stared at her palms in disbelief. “No…no, no, no, no!” Azula tried to form several fires from then on. She paid no attention to the complaints and warnings of Wancho to be careful on her fire as she is privileged enough to be staying on his more than 400-year-old ancestral mansion. 

Azula fell to her knees upon failing to summon an enormous amount of fire, what’s worse is the absence of her thunder. She tried producing one with the tips of her middle and index finger, too. But it's no good, it's not working. She can’t feel the presence of thunder and its usual calls on her.

My…my firebending is weakened.

Chapter Text

“Be honest with yourself,
face your feelings and what
they really  mean, then you
will be able to deal with
them and move on.”

—Jay  Woodman

The sky is not visible whenever Azula looks up. It was covered by the abundant leaves of the tallest trees Azula had ever seen.

It is insane how she’s never known about that place until now. It would have been a perfect hideout. But she doesn’t want to be there anymore. She doesn’t enjoy staying in that unusual forest and in that weird wooden mansion that literally sits in the middle of the woods, like, who in the name of Sozin’s comet, would build a manor in the middle of a strange forest?! The people there were also so kind to her. They take care of her willingly, making her think there must be some kind of hidden agenda for that display of kindness. She’s sure there is.

So, there she is again, walking around the forest until she reaches its end. Just a few steps ahead, she sees an open ground, where the ray of the sun shines the brightest because of the absence of the leaves of the tall trees. She strode towards the open grounds with a strong sense of finality that she had, at last, found the exit to the forest.

 At least that’s what she thought, for the twenty-seventh time.

She grunts when she sees the familiar ground again. And the pesty man a few feet away from her.

“Oh, your back from your daily walks, huh?” Azula rolled her eyes when she saw Wancho grinning at her. His left foot was stepping at the log he was chopping prior to Azula’s return, while his right hand held the axe he was using. His sorely vibrant green eyes look more beautiful on natural lighting. The torn and fitted tank top he wears shows his impressive physique—from his chiselled abdomen to his perfectly defined arms and back muscles. Surely, for other women, Wancho is a sight to behold. In fact, he looks so perfect that Azula often wants to choke him.

Every day since waking up in that mansion, Azula would steal some food from the kitchen with enough supply she could carry and escape before dawn. Then by the afternoon, just as Azula thought she had reached the woodland edge, she’d look at the open field's centre and would see the same colossal mansion she escaped from. Sometimes,  as luck would have it, she would see Wancho chopping woods or painting by the front of his house. Azula emerges from the forest on different sides every time, but she still ends up in the same place.

“How many times do I have to tell you that this forest is enchanted and that you won’t find the exit if this forest doesn’t allow you?” Wancho restates. At first, Azula doesn’t believe him. However, given that she’s still in the forest despite attempting to escape for the infinite time, she is convinced it is indeed enchanted. That didn’t stop her from still trying to run off, though.

Whenever Azula entered the forest, she would also see translucent animals of varying colours that would suddenly vanish every time she tried to capture them. Sometimes, there are tamed ones that can surprisingly talk and would constantly nark or play tricks on her. Wancho has said they were the spirits that reside in the enchanted forest. They only show themselves to selected people, especially when they feel the person brings no harm.

Now, that is something Azula doesn’t quite believe. She knows she is harmful, and if not for her weakened firebending, she’s sure she would have toasted a few of those infuriating spirits. So, why do some of these spirits show themselves to Azula?

Wancho sighed and said, “You know what? Don’t mind me. You never listen to me anyway. Just go inside and make yourself presentable because Shaman Noola had come to see you,” Before he went back to chopping the log he was working on.

And speaking of her weakened firebending, there’s the Shaman to help her out again. After questioning her for weeks (wherein many instances, she ended up seeing her mother again), the Shaman was able to coax Azula into telling her certain moments and things that must have caused her firebending to become flimsy.

Azula recalled the night Wancho found her and the desperate nights she went through before that. She remembers falling asleep due to exhaustion and waking up in the afternoon on a random street corner with all her belongings already looted.

She remembered wishing to have been born into a different family. Perhaps to an ordinary one where her mother takes good care of her, where her father will stay proud of her despite Azula having failures. And maybe it would also be nice to have siblings that she could be “best buddies” with.

Azula was full of resentment when she told the Shaman what she’s been feeling since she left her nation, although she left the bit of information that she was a princess. If she was the Azula back then, she would have raged and given the Shaman a dose of her cruelty for making her talk. But no, the anger she harboured on everyone slowly died day by day as she wandered the Earth kingdom until the fury she had left was only the one she had for herself.

The one time she opened up to someone, the Shaman wept, feeling utterly sad for Azula. The Princess didn’t understand it. Why would a stranger like Shaman Noola tear up for her? The Shaman said that her loss of motivation might have made her bending weak and promised to help Azula restore her bending by helping her find a more excellent inspiration for firebending. Since that day,  the Shaman visits her weekly and doesn’t even ask anything for her. Shaman Noola says she helps Azula because she wants to. If you’d ask Azula, it’s highly suspicious, isn’t it? Who would even help someone as hopeless as her?

Azula remembered she was currently engaged in a conversation with someone. A very annoying one. “I’m already presentable.” She retorted.

Wancho chuckled. “Oh really? I guess having twigs on your hair and dirt on your clothes is a fashion trend now,” he flung back and started chopping the log again with a full grin. Sometimes Azula wants to peel off that always-grinning face, but she ignores it this time because she somehow agrees.

Azula went inside her room at the mansion (which now has an assortment of things she requested compared to when she first woke up) to prim herself. She met Shaman Noola at the usual spot: by the garden at the back of the mansion.

Shaman Noola was an old woman of around 60 years of age. She’s a short woman who always appears untroubled, like she doesn’t carry a single problem in this cruel world.

Slowly, Shaman Noola turned to Azula and smiled. “Ah, there you are. How are you today, Azula?”

“Fine,” Azula answered sternly as she joined the woman standing in the middle of the garden.

“Today, we have a curious spirit keeping us company.” Shaman Noola said, looking a little up ahead. Azula doesn’t see anything in front of them but a bunch of rose bushes. But for the Shaman to look at that angle, the spirit she sees must be a big one, maybe as big as the mansion. Azula wonders why the spirit won’t show up to her.

“This spirit’s name is Yoko, the guardian of this forest and mansion. Very shy spirit. Perhaps someday, she’ll show herself to you.”

“How do you know I can’t see her?”

“Well, you’re getting readable to me day by day. Perhaps you’re not the person you believe you are, Azula. At least, not anymore.” Shaman Noola inhaled calmly and faced Azula with a warmth-emanating smile. “Now, shall we begin?”

***

“You’re doing it wrong!” Wancho corrected Azula’s meditating position, gripping her hands and feet to reposition it and said, “There,” with a proud look.

Azula took a deep breath and loudly exhaled the irritation she felt for Wancho. A few months passed by again, with her still stuck in that forest. Shaman Noola had done her best trying to help Azula regain the strength of her bending, but they barely made progress at all.

“If this isn’t working for you, perhaps Wancho can try to help you tap on the workings of your mind, find the motivation in there.” The Shaman had said with an exhausted exhale. Azula felt a tiny little bit bad for giving the Shaman such trouble. So there she is in the garden again, meditating with Wancho and trying to gain the “mental focus” he talks about. The said technique works to explore the mind of a person.

Wancho had bragged that the technique came from an Earth Kingdom assassin (who is rumored to be immortal) named Lao Ge and is the secret to living a long life.

Azula grits her teeth and tries again.

Later that day, Wancho took pity on her, and he brought her to the highest rock cliff edge in the forest. They argued for about half an hour until Wancho was able to force Azula (by winning a mini-competition) to stay still while sitting at a cliff’s edge for a reasonable amount of time because Wancho wanted to paint her. Wancho had said it’s his gift to Azula for being good and actually following his instructions on their meditation session.

Azula was really pissed by having to follow Wancho again, but while she was sitting on the cliff’s edge, she was able to witness the stunning view of the forest from up above. The sight relaxed her for a bit as her eyes roamed the tall trees through the mountains surrounding the forest. Beyond the mounts of earth, everything was covered with fog, preventing her from seeing anything beyond the mountain point. Then she remembers a story she once heard from her uncle Iroh about a fog of lost souls in the spirit world. It was said to be an endless prison for humans, where they get trapped forever, on a cycle of remembering the darkest of their memories.

Azula wonders for a moment if she was in the human-world equivalent of the fog of lost souls but decides it’s quite the opposite. Somehow, in that enchanted forest, she is welcomed with open arms without anyone knowing who she is or without receiving any special treatment because of her title. For the first time in years, she was being offered genuine help. Wancho and Shaman Noola were doing their best to deeply understand her despite her initial attitude towards them.

Azula didn’t want to admit it but being forced to live with the spirits helps her as well. Despite frequently annoying Azula with their silly dialogs and questions, the spirits have a way of making her calm. As those good things flow in her mind, she wonders why she repeatedly tries to escape that place when it might have just been the perfect place for her.

***

It’s a peaceful morning in the mansion. Azula was drinking her cup of coffee when Wancho arrived and slammed a piece of poster on the table in front of Azula.

The fire princess almost spits out her coffee due to his sudden entrance. “Look what I got, a gift for you…or maybe a gift for me,” Wancho said, raising the poster in front of Azula’s face.

Azula really doesn’t have any plans of talking to the man. In fact, she was pretending she was all alone in the mansion's dining area, enjoying her cup of coffee. But seeing a poster with her face captured her attention. The poster indicates a 20 million yuan reward to whoever will bring Princess Azula back to her brother, the Firelord.

That was absolutely bad. Now, Wancho knows about her true Identity and might find a way to use it to his advantage.

When Azula looked at Wancho to ask where he got the poster, a grin was already plastered on his face. Wancho spoke, raising his forefinger to his mouth to stop Azula from talking. “Wanna know what’s going on outside this forest? Well, a few months after they found out the crimes you made, your dear firelord brother apologized to your dear nation and offered a twenty million reward for whoever can bring his lil lovely sister to him.”

Wancho probably didn’t have to repeat what Azula already read in the poster, but he sure loved tormenting her. “So…what do you say, Princess? Shall I put you in a sack while you’re asleep, then bring you to your brother?” His sentence was accompanied by a mocking raise of his browse. “This mansion certainly needs some renovation. I bet twenty million yuan is more than enough.”

“Are you going to sell me out?” Azula asked with a daring glare. As usual, it didn’t deter Wancho. Instead, he let out a teasing grin and leaned his chin to his right palm. “No. In fact, I would like to propose an offer.”

Azula raises an eyebrow at Wancho and nods at him as a sign that she is willing to listen to what he has to offer.

“You stay here. Forget being a princess and just be my queen.”

Chapter Text

“Thinking will not

overcome fear,

but action will.”

~ W. Clement Stone

___

Azula shrugged the intrusive thoughts of Wancho in her head. Remembering him and how they met always felt like she was being transported back to that time. When in fact, it was just a few hours past Wancho's surprise visit and Asami's arrival.

Speaking of Asami, Azula had wanted to talk to her granddaughter so badly. However, her temper got the better of her again. It's often like that, and Azula frequently blames her lack of emotional control on her old age, even though she knew very well that's really not the culprit.

Azula went out of her room to knock on Asami's door. Trying to offer comfort to her granddaughter is better than remembering distant memories that might make her insane, as if she weren't crazy enough. The problem lies in whether Asami would even accept her condolence. It's less likely, judging by how their conversation went earlier.

There was no response to her knock, so Azula hesitated to knock again.

"How did it go?"

With knitted eyebrows, Azula turned to face her brother Zuko upon hearing his voice. She wasn't surprised he'd be strolling around Azula's room to check on her and Asami. She shrugged and said, "Not well and far from what we rehearsed. Wancho showed up and tried to take Asami with him, but I told him to go away, then Asami got mad…." Azula couldn't help crossing her arms and clicking her tongue as she avoided her brother's gaze.

"You're going to try again, right?" Zuko casts her an expectant look.

Azula briefly stared at Lord Zuko, then nodded. Indeed, there's no other option for Azula but to  have to be brave and try again.

A smile crept on Zuko's face upon seeing his sister's determination. "Then you should have a cup of tea first. It'll give you courage."

***

"Look at her radiance, ‘so blinding." Irah raises her palm like she is trying to shield her eyes from the searing sunlight, being quite the drama queen she is. After doing such, she peeked beside the wall she was hiding from once more. "She was like a dark spirit before the call. Now she brightened up like the spirit of light." She watched as Asami put the telephone down at the other end of the corridor. She was deeply curious why Asami had to go somewhere she'd be alone just to answer a phone call. Asami's smile was reaching her ears, and her face has turned into the color of a tomato, at least that's what Irah sees.

"She’s talking to the Avatar, for sure.” One of Asami’s bodyguards, Hiro, said.

Irah has been looking for the bodyguard, but he happens to be on duty. She was supposed to accompany Hiro on his meeting with the Firelord and convince her mom for a change of plan but the moment she saw Asami looking very secretive yet seemed to be dashingly in a good mood, she could not help but spy on her cousin.

Irah tries her best to hide from Asami’s sight, but she finds it hard to do so when Hiro is beside her and keeps pushing her out of her hiding spot to get a good view of Asami. It seems he has no qualms about pushing even the daughter of the Firelord as long as he gets to see the princess he adores.

“Geez, Hiro. You’re such a fanboy.” The princess shakes her head and chuckles. “After this, we’ll go to mom. Then you’re gonna help us get out of this place.” At that, Irah surrendered her spot to Hiro.

“What do you mean by ‘us’?” The bodyguard asked nonchalantly as he scurried to replace Irah at her former spot. Irah noted the sparkle in Hiro’s eyes when he got a good angle of her cousin.

 “Darn it, I think the Avatar has stolen my princess heartbreaker’s heart,” Hiro whispered.

“Princess Heartbreaker?” Irah raises an eyebrow while looking at Hiro.

The bodyguard turns to Irah and fakes a sad face as he dramatically clutches his chest. “Yes, she broke my heart, my lady. I adored her for so long, ‘ya know?” Hiro pouts before continuing, “You don’t know how bad it feels cheering for her even though it’s tearing my heart to pieces while she kisses the Avatar.”

“Oh, please.” Irah chuckles and mildly hits Hiro on his right bicep. “You asked for it. You know she doesn’t entertain admirers. Why are you the only one guarding her, anyway? Where’s Hyuga and Kotaro?”

“Hyuga went to Future Labs to check on the situation. You know, CEO stuffs. While Kotaro reported to Lady Azula.”

“What are you two doing there?”

The two flinched when they saw Asami glaring at them. It seems all their talking had exposed them to anyone nearby, which was only Asami.

“Oh, wassup, milady! Princess Irah here was just asking me about our trip!” Hiro blurts out.

Irah elbows the side of Hiro’s ribs for being too friendly, which made him wince. She heard him utter a little apology, then she shrugged. “I just want to talk to you about something, is all. ‘you have time?”

“We’re locked here in the palace. Of course I have time.” Asami answered with crossed arms, accompanied by the rolling of her eyes.

“Good,” Irah placed an arm over Asami’s shoulder and whispered in her cousin’s ear. “Time to escape.”

***

Korra was blushing furiously. How could she not? Asami was right in front of her, wearing a tank top. A tank top!

Most of the time, Asami was well-covered, so Korra could not help but guzzle on the exposed porcelain skin of the gorgeous woman in front of her. She really must have been deprived of feelings or someone’s touch for quite a long time for her to be drooling over a fraction of someone’s exposed skin.

Korra shrugged when she realized she’d been staring at Asami. Stay decent, my mind.

Before Korra’s mind could think of anything that might cross the line, she spoke. “So…I’m worried because you never really talked about your father until Varrick and Zhu Li’s wedding, but…would you like to talk about it now?”

Asami paused with setting up their tent. It made Korra gulp. She fears the topic might be like putting salt on a fresh wound but also thinks Asami shouldn’t keep any painful feelings. “I-it’s fine if you’re not ready to talk about it, but I’m willing to listen whenever you’re ready.”

“It’s okay….” Asami said, almost in a whisper. She sat beside Korra on the tree trunk. “It hurts. So bad…to lose him twice. But it hurts even more this time...”

Korra found herself grasping at Asami’s hand when her friend’s words faded. She had the sudden urge to raise that beautiful hand and kiss the back of it to reassure her.

And kiss Asami’s hand she did. Korra knows it’s wrong not to ask for Asami’s permission, but it also feels like the most fitting thing to do. “I want you to know I’m here for you, and I don’t have any plans of leaving you again.”

Korra blushed harder when she realized the meaning of what she said. Even the complexion of her skin can’t hide the redness of her face.

Asami showed her appreciation for the gesture by smiling at Korra. A weak smile, but still a smile.

“Thank you, Korra.” Asami squeezes Korra’s hand. It was enough to let Korra know Asami’s letting her guard down. “The first two weeks were really hard, but I’m getting by now. I knew I couldn’t mourn for long because there’s still a lot to be done, but I’ll be honest with you, It helps a lot that you’re here.”

Korra couldn’t help but grin at Asami’s last words.

Was that a confession, what does she mean by that, should I tell her I like her now?!

The Avatar mentally ruffled her hair. “Do you still think of your parents right now?” was the question that left her mouth rather than the slightly intimate one she was thinking of.

“Mm-hmm. Always. But being with you now makes me think of my good memories with them.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah…” Asami moved a little away from Korra, making thousands of negative thoughts flood on Korra’s mind as to why Asami would move away from her. But those thoughts immediately vanish when Asami rests her head on Korra’s lap.

“I-I’m glad…” was Korra’s sincere answer as she starts to comb Asami’s silky hair. From her position, she could see Asami observing the interactions of spirits playing near their tent. But as Korra looks deeper into those beautiful jade eyes, she was introduced to a whole new world: A world full of pain, sorrow, and hardships. But there was also contentment, and Korra wonders of Asami’s story. She’s badly eager to know more of Asami. Maybe someday she’d ask Asami to open up to her but right now, she doesn’t feel like she deserves to be trusted. You left them, remember? But most of all, you left her.

“Is there something wrong, Korra? I notice you’ve been stuttering.”

“Sorry. I’m just nervous and happy.”

“Why are you nervous?”

“Because we’re the only people here.”

“And why are you happy?”

“Well, because we’re the only people here.”

“Thank you, Korra.”

“For what?”

“For taking me here and for being with me here.”

“Should we stay here longer? How long do you want? I bet we can find a way to stay here if we really want.”

“I would love that…if only we could, right?”

Korra sighed and forced a smile. “Yeah, if only we could…”

Only, they both new they couldn’t. After all, the world needs its Avatar and there is also a need for a certain Asami Sato in the industry world.

***

Tonraq glances at the pile of letters scattered on their bedroom table. His daughter was over the phone, telling him news about her adventures in the spirit world and her newfound relationship. As a father, it was an absolute relief hearing Korra chirp again. It was never an easy job being a father, especially of the Avatar's.

"So yeah, Asami is my girlfriend now…."

Tonraq found the bashful tone of his daughter quite surprising. After all, his daughter was anything but shy, but he could almost see his daughter blushing and scratching the back of her neck while she says those words. He and Senna had pretty much anticipated it since his precious daughter informed them of her sudden vacation to the spirit world and who she was going with.

The letters sitting on Tonraq's table were mailed to Korra, primarily by her friends, during her six-months of disappearance. Korra had apparently bribed someone in the palace to prevent the letters from reaching her parents to avoid suspicion. She had confessed it to them before Varrick and Zhu-Li's wedding.

They've had a hunch about their daughter's feelings towards Asami prior to her confession. It wouldn't take a love expert to figure out what the sparkle on Korra's eyes meant whenever Asami visits the Air Temple Island during his and Senna’s short stay there for preparation of Varrick and Zhu Li's wedding.

A few days after they had just returned to the Southern Water Tribe from the wedding, Tonraq had joined his wife in scanning Asami's letters to Korra, perhaps out of curiosity. They know it's wrong but who could blame them? After the things their daughter went through, it's only crucial to investigate a candidate for their daughter's lover. "She's so sweet." Senna had said, which Tonraq had agreed. They've known this before Korra herself even knew.

"I couldn't be more glad about that, Korra," Tonraq replied with a smile. He was genuinely happy for her daughter and Asami, but he has to admit he had a few concerns. Something he’d like to address to his daughter in person.

"Oh, right. You and mom knew this would happen..."

“Yes, but just to be clear. We didn’t join that pot…even though I’m sure I’d win.” He banters instead of voicing his concerns.

“Daaaad!”

Tonraq chuckles. He made a playful remark after that, and Korra went along with it until the subject of their conversation changed to King Wu’s plan to bring back order to the Earth Kingdom. Apparently, King Wu was advised by his royal council to stabilize the Earth Kingdom first before proceeding with his democratic plans. Tonraq changed to his Chief Demeanor and was in the middle of giving some leadership tips to Korra when Senna entered the room. Senna looked tense, which is odd because his wife is usually unperturbed. He covers the telephone's transmitter with his free hand so that Korra wouldn’t hear his worried tone and asks Senna, “What’s wrong?”

Senna goes behind Tonraq to massage his shoulders a little bit. A habit his wife usually does before delivering bad news. “They need you in your office. There seems to be a problem with the submarines we were collaborating with Future Industries at the Fire Nation.”

***

"Why are you here? Didn't Firelord Izumi just impose a lockdown at the capital?" That was Hyuga's welcoming question to Asami when she arrived at Future Lab's facility.

"You haven't updated me on the situation, and I can't be at ease without seeing the damage myself," Asami responded while putting on her lab safety gear. A few distances away from them, Asami's cousin, Princess Irah was talking to other scientists.

Hyuga sighs. "I’m dead once Iroh finds out the two of you are here.”

“He won’t,” Asami assures him, but Hyuga doesn’t believe it. There have been many instances when Hyuga got in trouble because of Asami Sato’s antics when she was a kid. In fact, because Asami came with Irah—a certified thorn in the flesh, he’s pretty sure that the two are up to some monkey business.

Hyuga sees Princess Irah approach them as Asami enters the damage section of the facility. Princess Irah was grinning at him. Soon enough, Irah’s forefinger was running from Hyuga’s armored chest and stopping at his abdomen. It was an act not seductive enough for Hyuga to pin Irah to the wall but tempting enough for Hyuga to bite his lower lip.

“Nice welcome gift from the Red Lotus, huh?” Princess Irah whispers close to his right ear.

Hyuga grabs Princess Irah’s hand to prevent it from going elsewhere and pushes her gently away from him. “Don’t start.”

Princess Irah only chuckles as if she isn’t trying to be naughty in public. “Relax. I’m here to help, you know? Take a break, and Asami and I will take over from here.”

“Hah. d‘you think I can take a break when my Mom’s legacy is at stake?”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that. I have a plan. Wanna join us?”

“I knew it. What madness are you up to now? I hope you’re not thinking of dragging Asami on your silly plans.”

“Wow.” Irah rolls her eyes and leans at the nearest wall. ”It’s as if you don’t know me. Of course, Asami’s into it already.”

“What’s this plan of yours?” Hyuga’s brows snapped together.

“I’m not gonna tell you the full details if you won’t join. But since you’re hot,” Irah accompanied her last word with a wink before proceeding, “I’ll tell you that we’re going to visit some friends from the underground. That’s all you’re going to know.”

Hyuga couldn’t help but let out yet another sigh. “I’ll just find out if you’re not going to tell me, and you two better not involve yourself in any trouble this time.”

***

Trouble. Princess Asami and Irah are definitely looking for trouble.

The underground community of the Fire Nation is full of troublemakers and illegal kinds of stuff, especially the one located in Harbor City. Mostly secret and pristine underground bases established during the hundred-year war but now an underground city. It’s where the Fire Nationals go to start their life as an outlaw. Ever since the frequent attacks are made by the red lotus, it’s been raided monthly by the Fire Police. Still, for some reason, the people living in the underground cities always find a way to bounce back.

So here it is again, two weeks after the last raid, the illegal businesses and activities are booming like usual.

On the building Asami and Irah just entered, the brutal fights of Illegal martial arts moves are ongoing. The people cheering for the players they bet on have no idea that two Fire Nation Royalties had entered the room.

Even if they do, it’s not like the two royals are unwelcome.

A tall, buff man with mixed grey and black hair greeted Asami and Irah with a deathly glare as if seeing them there was an immense threat, but his face softened just as soon as Asami grinned at him.

“Ahh, Asami Sato. The undefeated champion of underground martial arts. What brought you back here, princess?”

"Gun, I have a favour!" Asami shouts so that Gun can hear her through the noise of the rowdy crowd. Behind her, Princess Irah had started watching the fight and had become engrossed in it, completely forgetting their mission.

"But I need a quieter place with no distractions," Asami says, glaring at her cousin Irah.

"Seems serious. We can go to my office, then." Gun guided them to his office, with Asami having to practically drag Irah and whisper the word "Focus."

"I know, I know." Irah grunts.

Gun’s office was an old throne room of a noble fire national that once used the place for safety during the hundred-year war. Gun had filled the room with scraps of trophies on an old table and shelves. If not for the clutter in Gun’s office, Asami would have considered it a prestigious office.

"Sit, miladies, wouldn't want to treat the royals unceremoniously. Now, what is it?"

Asami cuts to the chase. She slammed papers with sketches of various places on Gun's table. "These are red lotus bases. I want you to contact your men who might know the structure of these places—possible entrance and exit points, secret doors, any helpful information will do."

"And what am I gonna get if I help you?"

Asami shot him a narrow look. It's business from that point on, and upon replacing her father as the new captain of industry, it's a craft she's come to master over the years. "Simple. We take care of the red lotus; you get lesser raids on your city."

"Hah. ‘You think that's enough? We need those raids to stop completely." Gun stood up and slammed his palms to his table. He was highly intimidating, that’s for sure, but not for the two princesses.

Asami stood from her seat, too and pierced the giant man with a daring look. "Not possible."

"Then, no—"

"You'd want to reconsider that. We're not done yet." Asami casts a look on Irah, and that was Irah’s cue to approach Gun’s table and spill the content of the backpack she’s been carrying.

Gun’s eyes twinkled while his jaw dropped in surprise.

“A hundred million yuan. Fifty million from me, another fifty from Asami. All yours if you aid us, tough guy.” Irah butcher’s Gun a confident grin as if she was so sure that they were going to close the deal. But Asami knew better. She’s sure Gun would want them to give everything they could offer. After all, it’s not every day that two royals would ask for help from a criminal.

“One hundred million yuan, plus twenty-five satomobiles and twenty-five motorcycles.” Gun haggles.

“One hundred million yuan, plus five satomobiles and ten motorcycles customized to your liking. Take it or leave it.” Asami says with finality.

“Tsk.” Gun seemed to ponder for a bit but eventually gave in. “Deal.”

“Awesome! Now, sign this contract.” Irah writes the additional detail of giving custom satomobiles and motorcycles, then slide the paper to Gun’s side of the table. Gun was surprised they even prepared a contract, which implies the serious deal they are getting into.

After a few minutes of reading the contract, Gun complains. “This contract says we also have to back you up if necessary, and many other things you didn’t mention.”

“Correct.” Princess Irah raises a brow. “You don’t think you’re gonna get a hundred million yuan that easy, do you?”

“I will only sign this if Asami fights my club’s current champion.” Gun looks at Asami, who is sitting comfortably in the nearest armchair. “He doesn’t have an undefeated streak like you, but he’s strong…and brutal.”

Asami heaved a sigh. She thought of it for a moment, then stood up to look at Gun straight on his scarred face. “Alright. Sign the contract now, then I’ll fight your champion.”

“Are you sure, Asami?” Irah asks worriedly.

“Don’t worry, I need to blow off some steam anyway,” Asami stretches her arms. “This whole Red Lotus thing and Iroh’s suggestion of locking us down still pisses me off, so….” Then, she cracked her neck and looked at Gun. “ ’you still have my old (martial arts) Gi?”

Chapter Text

One day, I just caught myself smiling for no reason at all.

Soon, I realized, it’s all because I was thinking of you.

~willlingtotakeactions

“Boo! A thirty second fight? That’s way too fast!” Irah complained to Asami as they exit the underground city.

“He’s brutal. I had to end it before he could scratch me or worse.”

“Hah. You’re afraid of getting scratched now? You’ve broken some bones participating in those fights before.”

The young CEO frowned, “If I get even a scratch, our family will question us. And please, I was fourteen back then. I don’t know what I’m doing.” Asami walked faster the moment they emerged on Harbor City. She doesn’t want to risk being recognized by anyone. They were wearing cloaks and definitely looks suspicious.

Kotaro joined them a few seconds later but kept his distance so it would appear like the three of them were just walking in the same direction, “Hurry up, you two! We have less than ten minutes before the inspector reaches your rooms!”

The three turned to a back alley and walked past a herd of bisons before they saw Hiro and his air bison mix up in the pack. “Hold on tight, Miladies. We’re beating that grumpy inspector to your rooms!”

***

"Hey, Princess hottie."

Asami stopped in her tracks and rolled her eyes. Oh, spirits. Why now, of all time.

"You're dead if someone heard what you just said." She deadpanned and continued walking.

"Good morning to you, too." The man said in his brash voice.

I didn't hear anything.

"I have a question,"

As you always do.

Asami was getting annoyed at how long the hallways of the Fire Palace stretched. She had woken up late in the morning, which was not her usual thing. Yesterday was already tiring, yet it was only her first day back at the Fire Nation. And with her current mood, she doesn't think she can take another step with someone who perfectly represents the words' crazy' and 'chaotic' by her side. But she persevered anyway. She tried to look straight, even though she was anything but to the end of the hallway.

"You’ve always been on top of everything, so you’re definitely a top, right?”

“What do you want, Kenji?” Asami almost shouted that question. There are a lot of men who always get on her nerve. Varrick is definitely one, and then there’s Prince Wu and his cousin, Prince Kenji. He is definitely more handsome than the now-ordained King, Wu. Not to mention heady, too, but…the attitude.

The nerve of this man. The audacity. So cocky, arrogant—

“Of course, she’s top. Stupid.” That was when Asami had to slide her fingers through the locks of her hair to stop herself from making an annoyed grunt. Not her cousin joining Kenji’s frolics. That’s the last thing she needs for a calm mind right now.

“Can’t you two leave me alone?”

“No,” was Princess Irah and Prince Kenji’s chorus answer.

With that highly irritating grin, Princess Irah said, “The thing is, today’s newspaper seems to have some good scope, right, Kenji?”

“Oh, yeah.” Prince Kenji responded with an equally annoying grin as he unfolded the newspaper he’s been clutching. “Like this one, ‘Princess Asami and Avatar Korra—”

At the mention of Korra’s name, Asami took the newspaper from Kenji and read the headline. Today’s headline displays a stolen picture of her and Korra bidding their passionate goodbye kiss on republic city’s port, with a title that confirms the pair is officially dating.

“How...?” Asami look up to see the teasing faces of the two royals in front of her. Paparazzi, of course. Asami knew the obsession of many fire nationals for their royal family. She was actually used to being tailed by such people. It was annoying, but she got used to it. She knew she had to be more careful with her every move. But the moment Korra pulled her in for a kiss, all thoughts in her mind just vanished.

“I’ve framed that picture. Want a copy?” Irah asked. And the young CEO was sure she’d get a lot of teasing regarding the topic from her cousin.

“Get out of town.” She replied as she rolled the newspaper and started walking again.

“Can’t. We’re on lockdown!” Irah bants. She placed her hands to the side of her lips to imitate a megaphone before shouting, “You’d probably want to avoid granny Azula. She’s not happy about her granddaughter dating her great-grandfather. Get it?”

Asami heard Kenji say, “Man, I haven’t read that full article….” Before she unrolled the newspaper again and tried to read the whole article.

After Avatar Korra and Princess Asami was seen together in the lobby of an alleged hotel, the two
was then spotted entering the new spirit portal in Republic City hand in hand while staring so lovingly at each other. A few days after their “alone time” in the spirit world, the Avatar was caught giving the princess a heated goodbye kiss on the lips at the port of Republic City before the princess hops on board just yesterday. Certainly, something is going on between the two. However, there hasn’t been an official statement from Avatar Korra or Princess Asami…

Those were the few sentences Asami read before she had the urge to throw the newspaper. The Fire Nation’s news media had always feasted on her life. The death of her mother, her days in the Royal Fire Academy for Girls, her love interests, her father being an equalist, her inclusion on team avatar, her life as the CEO of one of the world’s biggest industrial companies, and just recently, her father’s death. There was so much in her life that the fire nation’s news media revealed.

Asami had to pay a large sum to prevent news about her life from spreading in Republic City or the world. However, she couldn’t help to not avoid it when she was in the Fire Nation. The people love her and her family, and she’s thankful for that. But there are a lot of instances where she feels her privacy is being invaded. She could not help but bear some hatred for the media, mainly when they published about her life, and the papers would get sold out after hours.

Her relationship with Korra was something she had wanted to keep to herself for a little while, not because she was ashamed or so. Contrary, it’s the best thing that’s happened to her life so far. But she had wanted to enjoy the time she’s spent with Korra, to keep their relationship to only the both of them because she enjoyed that privacy.

Asami’s feet had taken her to the dining room before she knew it. There, she found Iroh sitting for a cup of coffee while reading a newspaper. “You were late for breakfast.”

Asami sat down in the chair opposite her cousin. “I’m glad.” She remarked as her breakfast was being served to her by the servants.

Iroh only frowned at her, “You’re not supposed to.”

“Sure.” Asami started to eat her breakfast, and although not befitting for her title, she tried to eat as fast as possible. If that would mean she gets to spend less time with Iroh. She was still displeased with his decision to lock down the palace.

As if reading Asami’s mind, Iroh sighed, finished his coffee, and set down his newspaper. “Quit sulking because of my decisions. I think you have other matters to worry about,” Iroh’s gaze landed on the newspaper, particularly the headline in the main article. It’s the same newspaper that Asami crumpled on her way there. Asami fought the urge to roll her eyes as Iroh continued, “Mom and grandpa were glad, but grandma Azula was mad.”

“Hah, of course she will be. Korra’s not someone she’s forcing me to marry without my knowledge.”

“That’s not all of your problems, though.” Iroh grabs his newspaper and waves it at Asami for emphasis, “Bet you didn’t read the second page of this,” Iroh turns to the newspaper's second page and slides it on Asami’s side.

The article was entitled “Future Industries’ Submarines, Stolen”—it made Asami’s heart rage, but she continued reading.

After the revolutionists attacked Future Laboratory yesterday, they targeted Future Lab’s sister
company next, Future Industries, on the same day. Reports said that two high-tech submarines were hijacked during an ongoing test run. Several employees of Future Industries were abandoned by the hijackers to drown at sea, but thanks to the quick response of the Future Industries’ team, the employees were rescued on time, and no one was injured—

Asami snapped her chopsticks and stood up.

“It’s bad manners not to finish your food.”

Asami heaved a sigh and tried to calm down, or more like, tried not to get pissed at Iroh, “I need to find Kenji, Okay? I’ll grab another later,”

“It’s planned.”

Asami was about to exit the dining room but stopped when she heard Iroh, “What?” She asked with a frown

“It’s part of Mom’s plan with Kenji and me. They were the prototype submarines attached with tracking devices. Didn’t Kenji tell you earlier?”

Asami gritted her teeth. No, the bastard decided to tease me instead of informing me. That’s not even the main issue,

“You’re bringing Future Industries into this without my permission now?”

“You formed an investigation team with your company. Future Industries is already involved.”

“You were clearly planning to tell me after you’ve done it!” Asami took a deep breath to calm herself down. “It’s my company, Iroh. Every decision is crucial.”

Iroh turned his gaze away to Asami, “We’re sorry.” He was sincere for a moment, then he frowned, “If you weren’t messing around with Irah last night, we could have told you right away when Kenji was alerted by his team.”

She was wrong, Asami knew. She should have let Irah do the negotiations with Gun last night and stayed at the palace instead. “We were doing something, unlike you, whose best Idea is to lock us up.”

“We’re being careful, but the two of you choose to be reckless.” Iroh narrowed his eyes at Asami, “You, of all people, know the consequences of your actions. Grandma Azula saw you hopping out of a bison with your bodyguards last night, and they’re being reprimanded by your grandma as we speak. Good luck lifting their mood after that.” Iroh stood, but before totally leaving the room, he said, “Congrats to you and Korra, anyway.”

Asami sat back on her chair and decided to finish her food. She felt weak and needed strength to continue her day.

While she swallows, Asami thought of Korra. She wished she could talk to her girlfriend.

Maybe she can do something about that…

***

“KORRAAA! KORRAAA!” Bolin’s screams outside of her room woke Korra up from her slumber. She had a long day helping out the affected people by Kuvira’s attack and couldn’t get back to Air Temple Island until 4am. Korra rolled to the other side of the bed with a groan and checked the time on the clock at the nightstand. She faced palms and yawned when she saw it was only 7am in the morning.

Bolin starts to bang on her door. “Is this really true?! How? When? Why didn’t you tell us sooner?!”

Korra lay on her bed for a few seconds, frowning at the door, or rather, at the man banging on her door, until she reluctantly got up from the comfort of her bed. “Bolin, I swear! If that isn't important, I’m gonna—"

“Explain.” Mako’s face greeted Korra once she opened the sliding door. His sand-shark brows were furrowed as his left index finger pointed to a newspaper he held in his right hand. It took Korra a few seconds to notice the headline of Republic Times News. “Korrasami: A love that bloomed amidst the Disasters.”

Korra rubbed her eyes to see if she read those texts right. Her gaze darted to the bending brothers (who were eagerly waiting for her response) and back to the newspaper. Her eyes widened as she read the content underneath the title. Several gasps escape her mouth when she read the last paragraph. “T-this is madness! I-I haven’t got laid by Asami!” Korra blushed upon realizing what she had just hollered. She scratched the back of her head and added the words, “At least not yet….”

***

“Korra’s got a girlfriend, La la la la la~”  Ikki hums, skipping on her toes, as she passed by Korra. It would’ve put Korra in a good mood if Ikki didn’t sing it teasingly, but it’s obviously a tease. Meanwhile, Rohan, who is sitting on Korra’s shoulders, giggles at the song and pulls on Korra’s hair. “Korra’s got girlfriend la la!” The little boy chimed and started squirming on Korra’s shoulders, so she tightened her hold on Rohan’s ankles a bit.

“Would you please stop with that song already?” Korra said the moment she caught up with Ikki on the airship.

After being woken up by Bolin and explaining to the bending brothers, she couldn’t go back to sleep. So, she decided to help the Air Acolytes in transporting aids to the temporary settlements of the affected people by Kuvira’s attack.

Along the way, Korra saw Pema trying to stop Rohan from crying. He was looking for Tenzin, it seems. Pema looks stressed, so Korra offered to babysit Rohan and take him to Tenzin, who was at the temporary settlements, to give Pema a little rest. After all, Pema has been involved in preparing food for people in the temporary settlements for weeks.

The ride to the temporary settlements was short but tiring because Korra had to look after Meelo, Ikki, and Rohan during the trip. They were amazing kids, but she’s forgotten how full of energy Tenzin’s kids were.

“The mighty Meelo has returned!”

“Hey Meelo, help us with the supplies!”

That was another start of a fight between the siblings, Meelo proposing to carry multiple boxes by airbending and Ikki disagreeing with the idea. If Rohan wasn’t squirming again on Korra’s shoulder, she would’ve stopped the two, but she was afraid Rohan might fall off, so she’s been saying a few enticing words to keep the little boy steady.

“Korra, you’re back so soon.” Opal greeted the moment she saw Korra. “And look who we have here,” Opal stepped closer to Korra and bent a little air as a platform so that she could ruffle Rohan’s hair. “Good morning, Rohan!” The little airbender giggled and stretched out his arms to reach for Opal.

Opal chuckled and took Rohan from Korra. “Were you looking for Tenzin? I can take this cutie to him.” Opal smiled and lightly poked Rohan’s cheek. The kid seems to love it when he’s given attention, and Korra smiles at the interaction. “A man was looking for you, by the way. He said he was Asami’s executive secretary,”

Korra tilted her head, wondering. “Asami’s secretary? Did he mention why?”

“No, he just said to come find him at the buildings under construction over there,” Opal pointed at the nearby buildings being built for the displaced people.

From where Korra stood, she could hear the loud noise of the construction in progress and see the tiny figures of busy people working to provide immediate shelter to the evacuees.

“Alright. Thanks, Opal!” Korra started sprinting towards the construction site, curious about what Asami’s executive secretary might tell her or need from her.

“No problem—Oh! And he said his name’s Lei!”

“Lei…got it!”

People kept asking Korra for a favour or greeting her along the way, so it took Korra longer than expected to get to the construction site. The place is busier than seen from afar, but everyone seems to be in good spirits as they work. It warmed Korra’s heart, knowing that the site symbolizes starting over and new beginnings.

“Isn’t it amazing, Avatar?” A man stood with Korra watching the people work. He had the build of a bodyguard yet the aura of a businessman, and Korra thought he was familiar. “Buildings to cater those who lost a lot. Doesn’t it give you hope, makes you look forward to a bright future?”

Korra nods, “It does….”

“Sorry, I’m being rude.” The man bowed, and Korra was a little shocked. People don’t really bow to her nowadays, and she doesn’t think it is necessary. “My name’s Lei and sorry for calling you here without prior notice.”

“Hey, it’s alright….” Korra scratched the back of her head. “So, why did you call me?”

“About that, may I take you on a drive, Avatar Korra?”

“Huh?”

***

It was awkward.

Korra felt a little uncomfortable riding on a satomobile driven by someone not Asami. Looking back now, she really never rode a satomobile without Asami and her hand on the steering wheel. Korra had always felt the safest when Asami was in charge of the driving, even though most of the time, they were breaking speed limits.

On top of that, Korra has no idea where they are headed. Based on the road they were taking, however, they seemed to be heading to the industrial side of Republic City.

“Lady Asami asked me to give you something, so we’ll head to where it is.”

It turns out the place Lei was referring to was Future Industries’ main building. Before they could even enter the building, Korra noticed a variety of flowers laid out at the side of the entrance.

“They’re tribute for Mr. Hiroshi Sato,” Lei said when he noticed Korra staring at the flowers. “It’s been more than three weeks since the incident, yet people still come here to pay tribute.”

Korra was speechless. She also felt bad for not being able to lay out a flower for Hiroshi and thought she’d buy one for him later.

They proceeded inside the building, being greeted by many employees along the way. When they reached the elevator, Lei pressed the Future Industries logo, which surprised Korra because she thought it was just a logo, but then it lit up upon being pressed. “What floor was that?”

“Lady Asami’s penthouse. She lived there after your adventure in the Earth Kingdom a few years ago but moved back to the mansion after the recent incident….” Korra wanted to ask why Asami lived at a penthouse and then moved back to the mansion, but she stopped herself from doing so. She felt Lei’s answer might only hurt her if she asked that question.

There was only one door on the floor. “This is the one,” Lei handed Korra a card. Korra was confused and gave the secretary a questioning look. “It’s the keycard to the penthouse. You swipe it to open the security door.”

Korra was surprised. She didn’t know keycards existed. She swiped it to what seemed to be the locked, nevertheless. Korra was greeted with a lavished room. The design of the penthouse was minimalist, but the furniture certainly looked the best in terms of quality.

“Lady Asami said you and the others may rest here since it’s just ten minutes away from the evacuation site.”

“Uhm…” Korra scratched the back of her head again. On their last call, she did mention to Asami that she wished there was a bed nearby the evacuation site so she could relax a little during her break. She didn’t expect Asami to do something about it. “I think this is a little overboard,”

“Lady Asami insists. I’m only following orders.”

“I-I guess I’m gonna have to talk to her….” Korra’s words left her when her eyes wandered at the giant curtains, and she wondered what the view was like in Asami’s penthouse at a time like this. The last time she was in that building, they were saving the city from a giant mecha and didn’t really have time to admire the view.

The moment Korra moved one of the curtains aside, she was astonished by the view. Republic City was enveloped with the yellow hues of the morning. She could see almost all parts of the city—from the nearby evacuation site, the formerly republic city park, all the way to the busy harbour, to the statue of Avatar Aang, and a little view of the Air Temple Island. On that window, it’s as if multiple worlds collide. On the center of it all, though, the one with the clearest of views, was the park where a statue of her stood. She still feels shy about the idea that the first place where she almost got arrested was now named after her and even has her statue.

“Yet another reason to be amazed,” Lei said, standing beside Korra.

“Yeah…”

Noticing where her gaze had wandered, Lei spoke, “Asami was obsessed with it. That park with your statue.”

“Really?”

“She proposed the idea of renaming the park and drafted the statue. People supported it when they found out about it and your heroism.”

“I have no Idea….”

“Her drawing of you was so detailed. Like she’s known every part of your appearance.”

Korra was speechless and couldn’t help but blush.

“I didn’t understand it back then, but I think I know now.” Lei gave Korra a warm smile and, with his arms crossed, leaned to the window to face Korra’s side. “I think that park was a confession of love. Why she’d give you the best airship we have or join you on your missions even if that means difficulty managing her company. Take care of you at your worst. D’you know how the board was trying their best to make her focus on the company? Then she drops a bomb by telling them she’ll go to the Southern Water Tribe with you if you agree. At that time, the only thing we could all do was hope that you disagree because it’s impossible to change her mind.”

Korra’s heart skipped a beat at the revelation. Although uncertain, she asked, “What would you have done if I agreed that she accompany me back to my hometown?”

“I thought I’d asked you to take that back. Because we need Asami. But I figured she would have done anything to make being with you possible if you’d let her. No offense, but I think it’s good that you didn’t want her to accompany you to the Southern Water Tribe. We would have achieved less without her around.” Lei turned his attention back to the scenery outside. It was a relief for Korra because the executive secretary looked at her as if she had taken away something so precious to him.

“Don’t get me wrong, though. It was just what I thought back then. Asami was so happy that you’re here now, and I couldn’t be more delighted about that. Asami deserves to be happy.”

Korra slid her finger to the glass window that was starting to moist. She was only noticing now how cold it was in Asami’s penthouse. Or maybe she just started to get nervous. She sighed, “I-I’m the one who doesn’t deserve her….”

Oh, wait. Who was Korra kidding? She’s from the water tribe and an airbender. She can tolerate cold and regulate her body temperature. The truth is that she feels unworthy right now, undeserving of Asami’s love or attention. And feeling dumb to not have noticed all the sacrifices and risks Asami made and was willing to take just for her…or maybe she did notice it, but was just too busy being the Avatar that she forgot to appreciate the people around her.

Lei shrugs. “I think you should be more confident with yourself, Avatar. Someone like you deserves happiness, too.” The secretary scratched his chin. “Sorry if my words hurt you. I couldn’t help myself…I’ve been really stressed because Asami’s in the Fire Nation again. My workload doubles when she’s not around.”

“It’s okay….” Korra tried to muster up a smile. Lei’s words did bring a little ache in her heart, but they also made her realize something. Now, she wanted to be with Asami more than ever, give her all the love and attention she deserved and make up for all the lost time. If only there was a way, or maybe, an excuse to go to the Fire Nation and follow her girlfriend, Korra would. But she still has responsibilities to fulfil in the Earth Kingdom. She had promised King Wu that she’ll do everything in her power to help him, after all.

“Well, since you’re already with me, can you accompany me somewhere?”

***

“So, why are we here now?” Korra stared at the vast Sato estate. It feels like it’s been forever since she was last there. And she really wished Asami was the one taking her there or waiting for her in front of those enormous doors, but they were mainly in front of Hiroshi Sato’s former workshop. The front of the workshop seemed so busy. Boxes were being transported in and out.

“One of our biggest warehouses was destroyed during the attempted invasion, so we moved its operations here on the underground warehouse while it’s being rebuilt.” Lei grabbed his key from the satomobile and motioned for Korra to follow him.

“I’m not supposed to be doing this, but I think there’s something that you need to know….”

Korra couldn’t think of a reply because she was nervous yet again. So, she just followed Lei as he led the way. They travelled to the pit railway for 15 minutes and stopped at an unfamiliar place. Korra knows that Hiroshi’s underground warehouse stretches to the mountains, where he apparently has a mini-airport, but she didn’t realize how massive the hidden warehouse was until now.

Korra felt her whole body pulse when she stepped on the ground. A powerful kind of energy was calling to her, magnetizing her. How had she not felt it before? Was it because the last time she was there, it was in a different area, and she couldn’t really go into the avatar state? She looked around for something that might be the source of the strange energy, but she was only surrounded by rocks in the tunnel.

“Felt anything strange?” Lei hopped out of the tram and held Korra’s right hand, prompting it to make contact with the nearby wall. Korra was initially shocked by the secretary’s action, but the thing that stupefied her even more was the pulse of spirit energy she felt when her palm touched a wall, and she saw visions of an unfamiliar silver room. She quickly removed her palm from the wall at the overwhelming feeling.

Too much. There was too much energy in that silver room in Korra’s vision. It’s as if she touched that giant ball of spirit energy on Kuvira’s giant mecha. With wide eyes, she asked, “What was that?!”

“Spirit energy.” With his hands and whole body, Lei pushed a particular spot on the rock wall with all his might. After a minute of doing so, a device popped out at his eye level. It was similar to the lock of the security door in Asami’s penthouse, but this one had buttons. Lei entered a 12-digit code, and then half of the wall in front of them opened. It was perfectly camouflaged that it looked like an ordinary wall on the outside, much like the sewer hideout of the equalists. After that, several metal doors opened. “Asami didn’t give me the code but I memorized it, then noted it.”

Lei paused before entering and faced Korra. “Again, this is our secret, Avatar.”

They walked to the hallway, Korra trailing behind Lei. The spirit energy there was immense, like Korra was in an unknown part of the spirit world. Every time they pass by a door, it closes as if trapping them inside. Then several clunks of metal would follow as if another door was opening or closing.

There was a presence of eeriness as they traversed the complicated hall. They were passing by door after door that Korra stopped counting them. Along the way, the executive secretary explained, “We found out about this a couple of days after Mr. Hiroshi crossed the bridge to the other side. He left Asami an object that’s apparently a puzzle in his last will and testament. I was there when Asami solved the said-to-be ‘unsolvable’ puzzle in her office. It contains a passcode and a map of this secret area's location.”

Lei turned to Korra to check if she was still following, “We’re on a maze right now. That earthquake-like sounds you’re hearing are platinum doors moving. Asami and I spent days figuring out the pattern, though she didn’t need much of my help.” Korra thought she saw Lei grinning before he turned his attention back to the passage.

The secretary was starting to weird Korra out. “Heh…thrilling,” She feigned excitement. She didn’t know what she was supposed to feel.

The halls started changing in appearance, now looking more like a cave passage and getting narrower. The further they go, the heavier the presence of the spirit energy brings, and the more Korra feels like being suffocated. Maybe it was just her because she’s the Avatar. Lei seemed fine. Yet Korra couldn’t help but be curious about the place. Where are they going, really? What was that strong pull of chi that was luring her towards its source?

Several moving doors later, they reach a vault door. It was so massive that Korra thought It might withstand a powerful bomb. “This was Mrs Yasuko Sato’s secret laboratory,” Lei took a piece of paper from his pocket, entered a series of more complicated codes than the previous one, and then rolled the wheel of the vault door. The loud clanking of metals echoed as the vault door rolled to the side.

This is it. The private world of Asami’s mom.

The sight greeting Korra when she entered the hidden lab felt otherworldly.

The place contains all the ordinary things you’d expect in a laboratory, but one thing that separates the lab from the others is the massive purple orb with thunders on its inside situated on the pit at the center of the lab. It produces an intimidating sound like a roaring storm coming and is concealed in an even larger and thick glass dome.

“That’s a giant ball of plasma, concentrated with spirit energy.”

That was it. That giant ball of plasma was the one tugging on Korra’s spiritual connections. Korra wanted to go near it and, for some reason, touch it and feel its potential power. But the surrounding railings served as a warning that she shouldn’t. Korra gripped tight on the railings and turned to Lei, “What does it do?”

“As far as I know, a plasma this big can be an unlimited source of electricity. But I’m not sure what a massive sphere of plasma with high levels of spirit energy is capable of.”

“Why would Mrs Yasuko create this?”

“I have no idea, but we found her journals on her table here,” Lei approached the said table near the door, sliding his fingers as if dusting it off. He leaned at the table and faced Korra, “Asami took it. Which answers the question why we’re here.” Lei crossed his arms as Korra turned her full attention to him. “While mourning for her father, Asami also spent a ton of time reading her mother’s journals. I think she discovered something and was planning something that might get her in deep trouble."

Korra stared at the gleaming floor, “She didn’t mention a thing about this to me.…”

Lei shrugs, “She must have her reasons. What I’m sure about is that if there’s anyone who can protect her or possibly stop her from whatever madness she plans to do, that would be you. I just want you to be aware of the situation.”

“How can you be so sure that Asami’s planning something?”

Lei sighs, “Please don’t tell her I told you this much. The thing is, there’s a revolution going on in the Fire Nation right now. The last time we talked, Lady Asami told me she’s going to end it.”

“How?”

“I don’t know how she’s going to do it. But I found out that she’s working with her cousin Irah. That woman has crazy Ideas.”

Korra was a bit baffled but relieved that her girlfriend still had a family. “Asami has a cousin? I thought—”

Lei raised a hand, “Enough. I’ve said enough.” He turned his back to Korra and said, “We should head back. My father’s gonna kill me if he finds out I took you here.”

Korra wanted to stay and further explore the hidden laboratory, but she followed Lei to avoid getting him in trouble. It’s a little repayment to show her gratitude to Lei for showing the lab to her and entertaining her questions. Although she was a bit sad that the information didn’t come from Asami. A part of her was a little mad at her girlfriend for not telling her, but she couldn’t stay mad at Asami for long.

Maybe because Korra understood that the matter was all about Mrs. Yasuko, even when they were in the spirit world, Asami only said little things regarding her mother to Korra. And after saying her mother’s name, Asami tended to go eerily silent, so Korra didn’t want to push.

Come to think of it, what does Asami’s mother look like? It dawned on Korra that even though she had known Asami for years, she didn’t have an Idea who Asami resembled more. Is it her mother or her father? Maybe not her father, but maybe she’s a combination of her parents? Perhaps she got her father’s wit and her mother’s beauty…

Thinking of Asami got Korra feeling all giddy. She realized she’s been thinking more frequently ever since that day they Kissed. It was really just a day ago, and Korra touched her lips at the recollection of Asami’s lips grazing hers. Spirits, Just thinking of that moment turns Korra’s knees into jelly and makes her heart pound like crazy.

Hold up, how did my mind wander at that moment again?!

“I hope the things you found out don’t overwhelm you….” Lei was saying as they walked out of the underground warehouse. “You were quiet on the ride back, so I thought you might be shocked.”

Korra said, “Just a little,” and gestured it with her fingers. They were at Hiroshi’s workshop now. “Though knowing those things makes me want to follow her at the Fire Nation….”

“You’re the Avatar. I’m sure you’ll find ways.” Lei flashed a bright smile at Korra. “Oh, I almost forgot,” Lei grabbed an Item in his pocket and handed it to Korra. It explains the bulge on Lei’s pants. Korra thought it was a little out of place if it was Lei’s manhood. Korra mentally giggled at how awkward that would be if she’d pointed it out.

Going back, the item that Lei procured from his pocket turned out to be the latest mobile phone model released in the market a few months ago. It’s the same size as the handset of a rotary telephone but was made boxier to fit in the dial pads between the transmitter and receiver. An antenna was also attached at the top. It was another great invention of Future Industries. Korra couldn’t help but smile at the thought that Asami might have invented it. “I talked to Asami over the phone earlier and she told me to give it to you.”

Korra stared at the phone, smiling like a dork.

“I just remember that Asami came up with the concept of a mobile phone because she said there was a time that Team Avatar was having trouble contacting Master Tenzin in the Northern Air Temple.” Lei smirked at Korra, “You and Asami make this world a better place. I guess the two of you are really perfect for each other.”

Hi, readers! I just realized that it’s been a year and a few moments since I published this story. So, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT! I hope you all like where the story is heading, and as always, feel free to comment your thoughts below!

Here’s my Illustration of Sexy Korrasami to celebrate!

Happy Anniversary!

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