Chapter Two
Korra wandered aimlessly through the endless palace, she couldn't sleep.
"Miss, let's go back. If your father finds out you've snuck out again, he'll be livid."
"Yugoda, we're inside his house, what is there to get mad about? Go back if you want to." Korra whispered. Still she rather her father not find her out of bed. The quiet passage was disturbed by a frenzy of hushed voices, which came from a group of the strangest individuals she had ever seen.
"Who is -"
"Miss, we should really go back."
Korra had seen Earth Kingdom diplomats with their brilliant emerald robes and stony expressions, but never someone who seemed to flicker with life and light, as the strangers did when they walked by.
"Miss!" Yugoda pulled at Korra's elbow. "They're Fire Nation."
"Fire Nation?" Korra repeated curiously.
"Of course not. I just need time to think...!" said the woman among them and in a second breath exclaimed "Princess!".
She sounded breathless but still, she bowed to Korra. Reluctantly her men followed suit. Korra thought she looked like dancing firelight with the way her dress moved. She honored them with a slight bow in return.
Yugoda shot her an anxious look.
"It is an honor to be in the presence of the Avatar." said the woman among them.
"The honor is mine." Korra smiled "You're Fire Nation, aren't you?"
"Yes, I'm ambassador Asami Sato. These are my men."
Korra looked to the group of five or so, but they did not meet her gaze. She suspected not everyone felt as honored as the ambassador. Korra wasn't sure what to say to put them at ease.
"Well- Good evening, ambassador. You will let me know if I may assist you in any way," she said awkwardly. Public speaking wasn't exactly her strongest asset and she felt like it was best not to linger.
"Actually, Princess-I don't mean to be forward, but may I meet with you tomorrow? There is a matter I'd like to discuss."
"With me?" Korra frowned. No one had ever asked for her council before. "Very well. I'll arrange it."
Korra's mind wondered with all the possibilities. What could be so important?
"Wonderful. Until tomorrow then." Asami smiled and Korra completely forgot what she had agreed to.
Day One
Princess Korra was nothing like what Asami had expected her to be. If she was being honest with herself, Asami wasn't sure what she had expected, but the Princess had taken her by surprise. Maybe she had expected a spoiled brat who was used to being fawned over and adored or perhaps a person wise beyond their years who spent the day in quiet reflection. Korra was neither of those things. She was like any other woman, maybe a little shyer than most, but with hopes and dreams like any other.
Asami stayed up well into the night thinking over her first impression of the Avatar. She barely noticed she had fallen asleep only to be reawakened by a knock at her door.
"Yes?" she called through the carved ice door.
"Miss. Sato, you've been invited to attend Princess Korra's waterbending lesson with Master Katara this morning." said handmaid Yugoda. "Would you like to attend?"
Asami pulled the door open and looked at the startled maid.
"Yes, I'd love to!" She exclaimed. "Just give me a moment to dress."
Yugoda looked anxious but nodded. Asami flew through her things and put together what she felt was quite an impressive looking pantsuit and rushed out the door.
She followed Yugoda through the icy halls turning heads as they went. Asami's clothes, which were a traditional fire nation red hue, stood out against the cool blue tones of the Water tribe, drawing more than her fair share of attention. Yugoda finally stopped in front of a pair of large double doors which stretched from ceiling to floor. Carved into each door was ornate koi which gave the impression they swam round in a never-ending circle.
"The Princess is inside."
Asami paused. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she was walking directly into a trap. She was at the mercy of the Water Tribe and if things turned bad there was no one to save her.
Asami collected herself, she'd save herself if necessary, but peace came through trust. She had to prove that she trusted the waterbenders so that they might learn to trust her in return.
She grabbed hold of the black Koi door and pushed it open. Inside was what could only be described as a stadium. The walls and pillars appeared to be older than the palace as if this had once been a holy place, like a temple or shrine. There was room enough for thousands, yet inside there were only two. In the center of the room stood a middle-aged woman with fading black hair and a tired expression and someone who had to be Princess Korra, but who looked nothing like the girl Asami had met the night before. This girl was strong and confident. Her arms and legs were tone, highlighted by the traditional water tribe apparel. Her boots came up knee high and her arms were wrapped with open gloves at the tips. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail which fell down her back, past her hips. Korra's eyes were focused on the woman in front of her. Neither noticed she had interrupted.
The Princess raised her hands high and a wall of water followed and curved around her body then pelted toward her master. Master Katara looked unbothered and redirected the flow with a slash of her arm. The two halves turned to ice and pelted back toward the princess causing Asami to audibly gasp. Still, Korra dodged the physical attack by a backflip and sent dozens of ice daggers pelting toward the older woman. Korra did not wait for her turn again. Instead, as she landed she rushed forward slashing at the air, in her hand a sword of ice. Asami glanced down and saw that her feet were not moving. Instead, the water rushed her forward toward Katara. Asami was floored. She had never seen benders who could do the things that Princess Korra was doing.
The battle seemed to stretch on for ages however, Asami sat riveted on the edge of her seat. She could not stop herself from crying out anytime something particularly dangerous happened. Finally, once she was sweaty and exhausted Korra finally fell to Katara's skill. Something told Asami that this was the inevitable outcome.
"You get sloppy when you're tired. Perhaps you ought to stick to a more simple strategy rather than trying to impress onlookers."Katara did not look directly at Asami, but she too felt embarrassed. Korra bowed to her Master and then to Asami, who rose to her feet.
"That was…." She felt breathless again." Amazing. Thank you for allowing me to watch"
Korra looked abashed. She picked up her towel and wiped her face.
"It sounded like you had something important you wanted to say and this was the only place I could think of where we could speak freely."
Asami glanced at the waterbending master. Katara chuckled.
"I was childhood friends with Avatar Aang. My loyalties are with the Avatar. You don't have to worry." she smiled.
"Very well." Asami began. " Princess Korra, I've come on behalf of the Fire Nation to offer you an invitation to learn firebending from our masters. I believe that in order to bring balance to the world, we must first repair the trust between our people."
Korra wrapped her towel around her neck and glanced to Katara, who had a sour look stretched across her features.
"I thought you might ask as much," Katara muttered.
"You're saying you want me to go to the Fire Nation-to learn Firebending," Korra repeated.
"Essentially, yes." Asami nodded. "There is a lot of tension between our two nations, but I will do whatever I must to prove to you that our intentions are pure. Fire Lord Iroh is not his father or grandfather. He wants nothing more than peace between our two people."
" I knew the Fire Lord's nephew, Prince Zuko, for a time. He was a quick-tempered boy, but he frequently spoke highly of his Uncle. I believe that he is sincere, but that does not mean Tonraq will believe it." Katara said. "Though….I know from first-hand experience, it's hard to make the Avatar do something they don't want to do."
Katara had a mischievous smile stretched across her face, but it flickered and then quickly faded into sadness.
"I don't know." Korra looked at Katara. " I'll have to give it some thought."
"I completely understand. In the meantime, maybe I could give you a tour of my ship and give you a sense of what the Fire Nation is really like."
Korra's eyes lit up. "Absolutely! I'd love a tour of your ship."
Asami was beautiful, Korra could hardly take her eyes off her. The red of her lips stood out against her pale face and black hair. Her eyes were rich and dark, unlike anyone she had ever met. She felt a heat behind her cheeks whenever the Ambassador spoke. She couldn't stop thinking about her. Master Katara had always said that the Avatar's duty was to the world not just her home nation. Still hadn't the Fire Nation turned its back on the Avatar when they killed Aang and the other Airbenders?
"Princess, they're waiting for you."
Korra thanked the guard
"I'm coming."
The Fire Nation ships sat in the bay under heavy guard. Korra had never been allowed to leave the palace without a royal escort and today was no exception. Many people had lined the city streets in order to get a rare glimpse of the Avatar and the foreign strangers, so there would be an extra guard.
Korra checked her reflection, adjusted her conservative dress one last time and then joined the party waiting for her. Asami remained dressed in men's fashion, by water tribe standards. She wondered if all fire nation women dressed like men. Korra only wore soldier attire while training because it was the easiest to move in, but should she do so in public there would be a scandal. However, in truth she much preferred the tunic and trousers to the fur dresses she so often war. She felt more like herself when she did so.
"I didn't expect this to be such an event," Asami said sheepishly. It was charming how u certain she looked. Korra extended her hand and placed it on her shoulder to assure her.
"Will you walk beside me?" Korra smiled at the Ambassador's look of surprise.
" I would be honored." She bowed.
Together the pair passed through the front doors followed by more than one hundred soldiers and the officers of Asami's ship. It had been a year since Korra had last passed through the palace gates and they were immediately greeted by the roar of a crowd. Korra took a deep breath, her nerves felt on edge. She could feel the weight of all their eyes and expectations on her. It made her anxious. She was the Avatar, but what good was she to them?
"I'm with you, Avatar Korra" Asami said so only she could hear. She felt her chest swell with pride.
The procession made the trip to the docks longer than necessary. Korra stopped a number of times to shake hands and greet her people, as was expected of her. Every now and then she shot Asami an apologetic look, but she seemed unbothered. After an hour parade through the city they finally reached the docs, however, Korra was bewildered by what she saw. Instead of a boat, which was what she had expected, tethered to the dock was a mammoth balloon and carriage. Unlike the airships which the Fire Nation had used for war, this seemed geared entirely for luxury.
"Princess, I'd like to introduce you to Sato Airship."
"It's-big" was all Korra could think to say. Asami smiled.
"It's bigger on the inside."
Accompanied by five water tribe soldiers Korra followed Asami up the ramp onto the ship. The inside of the airship was like that of a floating hotel. Every inch of the ship was covered in fine silks, plant life, and handcrafted beams. The entry hall held a grand staircase which spiraled up into the cockpit and guest rooms. The Water Tribe soldiers also seemed bewildered by what they saw.
"How does it stay up?" Korra asked eagerly.
"My father worked on the first airship prototypes, he's been developing a new line of ships which can travel all the way to Ba Sing Se as luxury trips. This is her first test run. I'd be happy to show you more if you'd like?"
"Yes, please do." Korra was fascinated as Asami took her to every portion of the ship, showing her how each piece of spinning cog piece in the ship worked. She was taken back by just how educated Asami was. In the water tribe, women were mothers and healers, with the exception of Master Katara, she had never met another woman who did anything else.
"Are all Fire Nation women like you?" Korra asked when her personal guard had stepped away, each taking a turn pretending to steer the airship.
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean." Asami frowned.
"I mean, are there others in the Fire Nation like you-Businesswoman, inventors, -beautiful." She said innocently.
Asami paused, lost for words. Her cheeks grew rosy.
" Ah, yes. I suppose so. It's not perfect, but there are certainly more opportunities and open minds back home." She said. " Though, you have many beautiful people here as well."
Korra felt her own face grow warm.
"Princess, it's time for us to return." said one soldier before Korra could respond. She collected herself and nodded.
"Thank you, Ambassador Sato. This has been quite enlightening" Korra turned to leave but Asami had grabbed her hand.
"Wait, Princess." just as she had the five soldiers had pulled their weapons and trained them on her and the crew. Asami let go. Korra turned and granted the ambassador her full attention. " Forgive me, but there is so much more I could teach you-that I want to show you. Come to the Fire Nation with me."
Korra couldn't quite pin the ambassador, there was so much that remained a mystery about her.
"Good evening. Asami." was all she said.
Day Two
Korra closed her eyes and tried to focus on her breathing, but with every deep breath, she could feel a burning in her gut.
"You're distracted today. Any reason why?" asked Master Katara who sat across from her. She too was meditating.
"I can't stop thinking about the Fire Nation. I have this feeling that I can't explain. It's like-"
"It's like there's something you're supposed to do." Katara finished and nodded. "I know exactly what you mean. Aang spoke of it as well."
"What do you think I should do?"
Katara considered her for a long moment. She seemed lost in thought.
"The job of the Avatar is to bring balance to the world. When Avatar Aang was a boy he came to the Northern Water Tribe to learn water bending from my grandfather. In those days women weren't allowed to use water bending for anything more than healing. But Aang saw that there was a group of people who needed his help and he fought so that myself and others could learn to bend. Who knows what lessons you could teach the Fire Nation."
Korra felt the pit in her stomach grow warmer.
"Avatar Aang was a hero, but I'm not him. I don't think I can bring balance to anything. I don't even know where to begin."
Katara smiled and gave her shoulder a pat.
"I think you need to give yourself more credit. You're a talented and smart girl. If you want to go to the Fire Nation I'm sure you'll find a way to do it."
Korra felt the smile return to her face.
"Let's return to meditation."
"You're being unreasonable!" Korra yelled causing the pools of water to quake. " We're no longer at War. We should be doing everything in our power to create stronger ties between our tribe and the rest of the world."
Tonraq stood with his arms folded and shook his head.
"You don't understand." He growled. "The Fire Nation cannot be trusted."
"I have a duty the other nations of the world." Korra snapped back at him. Her fist was clenched.
"You're not leaving the city, Korra. Your place is here, protecting your own people." Tonraq looked tired, but he stood firm. Korra threw her arms in the air and stormed from the reception hall.
Day Three
Asami stood at the helm of her airship overlooking the beautiful city hidden in the ice. She felt bitter anger on the fringe of her thought. She'd have to return empty-handed and explain to the Fire Lord how she had failed to obtain the Avatar.
"Ambassador Sato, the Chief is here to see you." said one of her engineers. Tonraq stood in the body of the ship waiting uncomfortably for her.
"Chief Tonraq, we're almost ready to set off. We'll be on our way within the hour."
"I'd like you to pass on a message to the Fire Lord for me," Tonraq said. "Tell the Fire Lord, that if he's serious about peace then he must respect the sovereignty of the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe waters."
Asami cocked her eyebrow and folded her arms.
"You signed the treaty Lu Ten. The Fire Nation has honored all terms."
"The Fire Nation still hold lands inside the Earth Kingdom.-
"Those are Fire Nation territories as par the treaty you signed. And as for the Water Tribe, I don't see any ship for miles. Do you?"
Good sense to her to speak more cordial to the Chief, but he had been stubborn since the moment she arrived and she would not be bullied by him now.
"It's not the Northern Tribe I speak of. I know you've been sending merchants to the south. That must stop."
Asami who had been standing up on the metal stairs to the helm descended them.
" We are bringing trade and commerce to those people. Would you deny them even that? You don't care about the south, if you did you would send ships to help them."
Tonraq grew a little taller.
" Relay my message to the fire lord ambassador and don't take too long"
Without another word he turned and left.
"Let's get this ship in the air," Asami called to her crew angrily.
The Phoenix was Asami's first ship build and her most prized creation. Her father was the founder of Future Industries and as a result, her family had quite literally built a relationship with the royal family. As the ambassador, she could serve her country, but her heart was in invention.
Unlike the other airships in the Fire Nation fleet, the Phoenix was designed with luxury in mind. The front third of the ship was made of glass an encrusted dragon on its nose. The helm sat on a metal balcony above the grand entrance and reception area, while the upper middle quarter of the ship was reserved for guest rooms. The tale of the ship was engineering and the captain's quarters. It was Asami's favorite place to be.
"All you need to do is tighten this bolt and add a little grease to this piston and …" she gave it a small tap. "Good as new."
"You're really something, you know that captain." said her engineer with a flirtatious smile. Asami shrugged.
" If we're all good here, I'll be in my study for the rest of the evening." Asami excused herself. It had been a long three days and she was looking forward to returning home. As she approached her door there was an unsettling growl from inside.
"Shh no. Be quiet or they'll hear us." a voice said.
"Excuse me, but what are you doing in my-" Asami began to say as she pulled open the door to her quarters, but immediately jumped back with a scream. In front of her barring is brilliant white teeth was a beast with the face of a dog but the size and paws of a bear.
"No. Naga, get back." Korra clambered over the front paws of the animal and helped Asami to her feet. "It's okay she won't hurt you. Naga sit!"
The bear dog sat and wagged its bushy tail.
"What is it." Asami stammered.
"Naga is my polar bear dog and my friend." Korra scratched behind the dog's ear.
"Why are you here?"
Korra frowned.
"I thought you wanted me to go with you to the Fire Nation?"
Asami felt astounded.
"I did-I do, but how did you get here? Tonraq said no."
Korra looked thoughtfully at the large beast which was now emphatically licking her arm. She seemed even a little sad.
" I know I'm meant to do more than just protect the people of the water tribe. I've always wanted to be the Avatar, but before you came I didn't really know what that meant. I understand now that means being a servant to all the people, not just my own. I want to follow in Aang's footsteps and bring balance back to the world. To do that I need to master the other elements. "
Asami shook her head.
"Princess, you can't be here. They're going to think I kidnapped you. We have to take you back."
"I'm not going back." Asami could see Korra digging her heels in stubbornly. "And if it bothers you that much, I left a note."
A note wasn't going to stop the Water Tribe from blaming the disappearance of their Princess on, her or the Fire Nation, but there wasn't enough fuel to return to the Water Tribe and the make it back home. Asami signed and closed her eyes.
"Fine, you can come to the Fire Nation, but I'm putting you on a ship back the moment we land." Asami bit back a smile as Korra jumped into the air with a whoop.
"You hear that Naga? We're going to be fire benders!"