A/N: Hey, everyone! First LOK story I'm attempting. Haven't written on here in awhile, but I'm back for some more! This is based on the canon ending and continuing from there. Read and enjoy!
(Rated M because I haven't decided where to completely go with this. So just doing it in case.)
Korra: The Legend Continues
Chapter 1: No Going Back
She sat on a bench in Republic City's police station tapping her foot and resting her chin on a propped up fist. They had only returned from vacation in the Spirit World hours ago. After a welcoming greeting from Tenzin and the family, she was informed of an ongoing investigation within Republic City. Disappearances had been occurring every forty-eight hours for the past three weeks. There seems to be no sign of the abductor and no apparent pattern between each abductee.
"Lin has been tearing her hair out. Mako said she's been more of a nightmare to be around than usual, but for good reason," Korra recalled Tenzin's last remark on the subject as she anxiously waited for the Chief of Police to summon her.
"Korra!" she heard which brought her attention back to the present. Looking up, she smiled at Mako approaching eagerly. They hugged as continued greeting her. "It's so good to see you! How was the Spirit World?" he asked pulling away from her.
"Relaxing. But apparently we may have been gone for too long. Tenzin said Republic City hasn't been doing too well the past few weeks," she said getting straight to business.
"Three months is nothing compared to your three year vacation. You deserved a break. But now that you're back, can't say I'm not a bit relieved. Where's Asami?"
"Oh, she went to check on the company. She was kind of terrified what Varrick might have done with it while we were gone," Korra let out a chuckle.
Mako rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably, "Yeah, there have been a few unexpected explosions over there. Nothing too messy."
"Well that's going to put her in a great mood…"
"Korra!" Lin made her way to them with the exact irritation Korra expected to see displayed on her face. "Welcome back. Now I assume you vaguely know why I asked you here?"
"Disappearances are happening and you have no idea why."
"It doesn't make any sense! It all seems like it's at random, but it all seems to happen within the same time of day every two days. There's some sort of planning going on for the time to be so in synch," Lin explained in frustration.
"There have been eleven missing so far. Three children and eight adults. Four males and seven females. The parents of the kids come in practically every day hoping we've got something to go on. Husbands and girlfriends have been in too," Mako added with sympathy.
"When is the next abduction expected?" Korra questioned.
Looking down at his watch, Mako answered. "About... seven hours from now."
"We've got patrols all over the city. If we hear word of anything off, we'll be on top of it. This sicko can't get away with it this time. It ends tonight," Lin finished determined.
"So what can I do to help?" Korra soldiered up.
"I want you on the streets patrolling via vehicle. I want you already on the move if something is called in. The avatar is our secret weapon. Not many no you've returned."
"I can tap into the spirit vines if we get word of anything."
"Excellent. Meet back here at around seven. I'll set you up with a patrol car."
Lin marched away without another word. Mako sighed heavily. "Back to the grind for me too, I guess."
"I'll be back in a few hours," Korra waved as she retreated from the station. She returned to Tenzin to update him on the situation. Sitting down having tea with him felt too surreal.
"Well we have some time before you need to run off and be a hero. Tell me about your vacation," he asked with a kind smile.
Korra smirked. "It was great. At first it was hilarious because Asami was completely out of her element. Putting a city girl right in the middle of the spirit wilds is actually something everyone should see once in their life."
"Ah, fish out of water, huh?"
"You could say that again. But she was so curious about it all. She bonded with so many spirits. And she loved having tea with Iroh and listening to all his…sometimes sage advice," Korra couldn't help but smile to herself as she got lost in thought.
"Ah, the smile on your face…Young love is a powerful thing," he stated nonchalantly.
That brought her back to reality. She stumbled for words wide-eyed. "Wha-? What do you- What do you mean?" She felt her face heating up.
"Asami has been there for you countless of times, Korra. I suspected something was there a while ago. Maybe you didn't, but I've seen love before. And I'm very happy for you."
Korra felt a small smile grace her lips as she stared down at her fingers fiddling with each other in her lap. "…Thank you, Tenzin."
"She also called earlier and said to let you know she was going to be at the office for a while. Apparently, Varrick got a little too adventurous in her absence. Something about blowing up a floor where all the blueprints for a bridge were located."
"That sounds about right," Korra answered in no surprise. "Well, I'm going to go play fetch with Naga for a bit before I have to get back to business."
"Please do. She's been begging me every day to play with her."
After some play time with her furry female friend, she made her way back to the station. Lin was making her way toward the exit when she arrived. "Alright. I'm heading out to the southern part of the city. Your driver should be up front any minute. You'll head north and start circling the city clockwise. We're getting this criminal tonight!" she exclaimed as she flung herself into the air and used her cables to metal bend off the buildings.
Then, a car sped up and came to a swift halt in front of Korra. "Heard you needed a driver."
A shiver ran up her spine as she locked on to those piercing green eyes. "How'd you get roped into this?" Korra grinned as she hopped into the passenger seat.
Asami sighed. "Needed to let off some steam after dealing with Varrick today. Plus, it's a great excuse to get you all to myself for a little bit," she finished with a quick kiss on Korra's cheek. She smirked as the Avatar's cheeks began turning red. Then, she started the car and began the patrol.
"So you need an excuse to be alone with me?" Korra replied after gaining some composure. She turned to see the wind trailing Asami's hair behind her.
Asami laughed. "Korra, you're the Avatar. People are practically around you twenty-four/seven. I have to take what I can get."
"So three months wasn't enough?" Korra questioned with an eyebrow raised.
Asami turned to her in an instant. "Not nearly enough," she smirked before looking back at the road.
Korra felt herself crumbling in her seat. She was so entranced that she couldn't remember why they were in the car in the first place. "I-uh…where are we going?" she tried to recover smoothly.
"We're patrolling for a kidnapper, remember?" Asami reminded with a playful smile. "Stay focused, Avatar Korra. I can't be held responsible for your lack of attention."
"As a matter of fact, I think you're the only one that can be held responsible!" Korra argued which caused Asami to laugh.
"Korra, come in!" the radio went off. She picked it up and transmitted back. "I'm here, Chief."
"We're lacking patrol down by the bridge construction to the east. Get a good position and stay put. Standby until further instructions."
"Got it." Korra turned to Asami. "You heard the woman." They then made their way to the location.
"Geez, I just managed to get away from this place too," Asami grumbled as she parked in an alleyway overlooking the construction site.
"This is the bridge Varrick messed up?"
"Yep. And it's not looking like an easy fix. Could take another month and a half."
"Yikes. Sorry."
"It's not your fault,"Asami chuckled.
"Yeah, but I'm the one that asked you to go on vacation with me."
"And if you hadn't I would be equally if not more frustrated than I am now."
"Why?"
Asami turned in her seat to completely face Korra. "Because I have been in love with you for almost four years now. And if you never asked me to go with you, I'm afraid you never would have asked me to do anything."
"Asami…" Korra frowned before reaching out and placing a hand on top of the woman next to hers.
"Korra! Head south to the park! I'm chasing someone on foot!" Mako came through over the radio.
"Be right there!" Korra replied back as Asami turned on the engine and maneuvered out of the alley. They were only a block away.
Korra sighed. "What great timing…"
"Don't worry. You can make it up to me later," Asami replied before swerving the car to a stop.
Korra jumped out of the car and smiled back at her driver. "You got it. Go back to the station and wait for Lin. I'll be back with Mako as soon as I can." Then, she ran off in the direction where someone was fire bending in the distance.
"Be safe," Asami whispered as she watched the Avatar getting further and further from her.
By the time Korra found Mako, he was slumped over against a tree holding his stomach. She ran and knelt down in front of him. "Mako! What happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he hissed as he tried to shift his weight. When he looked up at her, he cocked an eyebrow. "I hope my near death experience wasn't an interruption or anything…"
"Huh?"
"You've got some lipstick on your cheek, Avatar."
Korra's eyes widened before she quickly began rubbing her face fervently. "No, I swear-"
"I'm kidding... I couldn't make out whether it was a man or woman, but they sure as hell can run." Korra reached down and helped Mako to his feet; wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"How'd you find them?"
"I was lurking around one of the previous victims homes just to cover all the bases, and while the kid sister of the missing boy was outside playing, this person came creeping down from the roof and down into the alley. I swear they were seconds away from kidnapping that girl. I made a run for it, yelling to the girl to get inside. Then, I started chasing them."
We continued to hobble toward the park entrance. "Were they a bender?"
"Yeah, blood bender. I got a few hits in, but there's only so much I can do against that."
"Great. Who knows what they're doing to all these missing people…"
"I don't know. But no one has turned up dead. That has to be a good sign."
"Maybe. Let's just get you back to the station. You need rest," Korra suggested as they approached the streets.
"Someone looking for a savior?" a voice came from a nearby car. Bolin stood leaning against a car with a suave look across his face. Korra smiled in response. Mako scoffed, "Is that what you're calling yourself these days?"
"Hey, Nuktuk is the Hero of the South! I'm in character every day lately! This sequel is taking my life and soul!" he groaned as he ran over to open the passenger door for his brother.
"I feel your pain, little brother," he hissed as he entered the vehicle. "Literally."
"Let's just get back to the station," Korra added getting in as well.
"Yes, ma'am! And by the way," Bolin turned back from the driver seat to look at his old friend. "Welcome home, Korra," he said smiling sweetly.
"Thanks, Bolin," Korra returned the smile.
When they got to that station, Lin was waiting eagerly for them. She ran over and helped Mako settle into a chair when she saw them enter her office. "What happened?"
"Well, apparently we're dealing with a blood bender. And they were targeting one of the previously kidnapped victim's sister," Korra informed.
"That's the best information we've gotten so far. But still not enough," Lin commented.
"At least we know to stay even closer to the victims' families," Mako added.
"But there have been plenty of victims so far and this is the first time we see some sort of connection," the Chief stated in annoyance. "Did you get a good look at them?" she asked looking at Korra.
"I wasn't there in time. I found Mako hurt when I showed up," Korra explained.
Mako took over. "I couldn't make out the gender. The fighting was too quick for me to really see. They were wearing a black mask. I could only vaguely see their eyes."
"So we're looking at a ninja thief who likes dabbling in the dark arts," Bolin stated intensely. "I smell a mover plot!"
"Save the stardom for after this creep is thrown in jail," Lin interjected.
"So what now?" Korra brought the subject back on track.
"Well they didn't succeed with their patterned kidnapping. We don't know whether they will try again soon or wait it out. I don't know. We might need a city curfew," Lin suggested in exhaustion.
"Really? We're going to get that extreme with this?" Bolin asked in alarm.
"I think we have to," Mako replied in defeat. "It's too risky now. We know this person is dangerous."
"Then I'll contact the President and let him know," Lin finally decided. "The rest of you are dismissed until I contact you. Mako, that includes you too."
"I'm going to stay here, ma'am. I want to look over some of the profiles of the disappearances," the detective fought.
"Fine, but don't push yourself."
"Chief, where's Asami?" Korra questioned immediately concerned seeing she wasn't where she told her to be.
"I sent her home. Or to Tenzin's. I wanted her to update him on the situation."
"Oh okay. Let me know if you guys figure anything out," Korra said as she made an exit with Bolin.
"Mind if I tag along? Opal's there too. She's been training with Tenzin and Jinora a lot lately."
"Not at all. How've you been, Bolin?" Korra answered cheerfully.
"Great! Busy, but great! Varrick has been running Future Industries and directing the latest Nuktuk film at the same time. I found out after the fact that one of the scenes in the mover where we escape an exploding bridge wasn't exactly a prop."
"That was for the mover?" Korra exclaimed.
"Yeah," Bolin answered sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Zhu Li wasn't thrilled when she found out. She took over Future Industries' affairs after that."
"I'm surprised Varrick hasn't been added to the disappearance list after Asami found out," Korra joked.
"Yeah, about that… How was vacation?" Bolin grinned.
Korra felt her face turn red from his expression. "It- It was good. It was nice. It was... good-nice."
"Good/nice?" he replied with laughter.
"What?"
"I'm glad you had a good/nice time with Asami, Korra."
"We…we did," she ended smiling softly to herself.
"I'm just happy you guys are together."
Korra looked up at her friend in surprise. Nothing has ever been mentioned to her friends. Even Mako seeing her lipstick stained cheek earlier threw her off guard. Did they really already know? She didn't think it was that obvious. "What do you mean?"
Bolin laughed. "Asami has been talking to me about you for years. It's a shame it took this long for you to realize it."
Korra's mouth fell agape. "Really?" she asked hesitantly.
"You seemed clueless. I think you subconsciously knew something was there. It just seemed so obvious when seeing you guys interact. But that's in the past. You woke up and smelt the coffee!"
Her heart swelled thinking of how long their feelings must have existed. It was odd thinking back. It seemed so innocent back then. Everything now was clear and devouring. Everything pointed to Asami.
When they got to the temple, they said their good nights and went to find their significant others. Korra opened the bedroom door to find Asami sitting up on top of the bed asleep; a cup of tea loosely in her hands. An open magazine rested beside her and it was obvious she had been trying to stay awake for when Korra returned.
The Avatar stared at her for a moment with soft eyes and a gentle smile. Then, she reached down and tried to slip the cup out of her hands without being noticed. Sadly, Asami stirred and found the Avatar placing the cup on the table beside them.
"You're back," the green eyed woman said groggily.
"I am," Korra answered simply, sitting in front of the sleepy beauty. "Go back to sleep. It's been a long day," she suggested sweetly.
"Are you trying to get rid of me already?" Asami joked as she stretched.
Korra chuckled. "You bet. Three months straight really opened my eyes. Yikes." Asami grabbed her pillow and hit a grinning Korra before it was grabbed away from her. "By the way, thanks for the lipstick stain on my cheek earlier. Mako found it charming," Korra said with a raised eyebrow.
Asami smirked. "What? You didn't like it?" Korra glared with a small smile. "Because I don't have to kiss you anymore. It's fine, really. We can just go back-"
Korra grabbed Asami's wrist and pulled her closer. Her other hand cupped the side of her face as crystal blue eyes met emerald green. "No," Korra said firmly. "We're not going back." And then, their lips met.