{Korrasami: Part Two}

My heartbeat quickens with every beat of my foot upon the ground. As the minutes roll on, I can't help but feel like I've been running in circles. Exhaustion threatens to take me down, yet I know I cannot stop. The enemy is still too near.

The tops of the trees are just barely lit by the crescent moon. Soon, they give way to pure black sky. My heart thumps madly as I spot a cliff not too far ahead. Then...then what?

I throw a glance over my shoulder. The enemy is still in hot pursuit. Its eyes glow a brighter red as it waves its arms about. Vines which were tangled around the moonlit trees lurch toward me. In an instant, I throw out my palms, and bolts of fire swallow the vines. The trees let out gnarled shrieks as their vines are brought to ashes. I don't stop running.

A garbled roar erupts from behind. Suddenly, clammy vines wrap tightly around my arms and wrench me to the ground. I try to pull free of them, yet they do not break. I wriggle my hands, the simplest waterbending move, yet they remain unbendable. I swallow hard, and look up as the creature lumbers towards me.

Its eyes glow a sickening red, almost reminiscent of Vaatu. As I stare into those eyes, a truly terrible feeling sits in the pit of my stomach.

"Korra!" cries a familiar voice. My heart skips a beat as the outline of the woman lingers in the shadows.

"Asami!" I call back, joyful tears already dotting my eyes as I momentarily forget the situation.

The raven-haired woman bursts forward. Her face lights up with relief as she catches sight of me. My condition prompts her to halt and stare upwards, her peridot eyes meeting the creature's glowing rubies.

It lets out a squeal—of delight, perhaps—as it sizes up Asami.

"Don't hurt her!" I bellow. Whether my tone was warning or begging, I am not sure.

It answers me with an earsplitting screech. It extends a shadowy arm, and seizes Asami. She activates her electric glove and sets her hand upon the creature. Electricity ripples through, but it remains unharmed.

"Let her go!" I bellow with much more surety. I struggle against the vines, and manage to extend my arms a bit. I place my palms on the ground and send intense vibrations through the earth. The ground quivers with mighty reverberations. The trees groan; the cliff ahead cracks, and tumbles into the chasm.

The creature sways with the earth, but remains steady on its feet. Panic shoots through me like ice through my veins. Asami tries to remain strong, but still a scream escapes her mouth. I look on in horror, frozen, uncertain and frightened. I narrow my eyes, and take a deep breath. Summoning all of my inner power, I pound my fists together and throw my senses inward. Wind whips furiously around me as I unleash the Avatar State.

I let myself rise on the winds as I command the elements to my side. The creature's eyes flash brightly, as if to match mine. "Release her," I cry with a voice of ten thousand voices, "and leave this place."

It opens its mouth, as if trying to muster a genuine response, but all that comes out is a hiss. I pull up a jet of water, reinforced with a stream of fire, and take aim. Just as I'm about to release the elements, the creature extends its arm. Suddenly I feel a massive strike upon my head. My body falls limp as I drop to the ground, my elements crashing around me. Waves of pain pulse through me, although none of it worse than the ripping pain in my head. Despite the misery, I manage to pull open my eyelids enough to glimpse Asami writhing and shrieking in the monster's grasp. The reddish glow has spread from its eyes to its entire body. The haunted vines dance around it, as do my elements. I pull my hand out towards Asami, as if able to reach her. I open my mouth to scream, but all I can give is my final breath as the world falls to black, the shrieks of my beloved filling my head.

My own screams ring out before I've even opened my eyes. Naga leaps up, stunned, and bounds to my side. She presses her wet nose to my shoulder comfortingly. Sweat pours down my face as my breath comes only in ragged gasps. My heart thumps almost painfully. I can still hear Asami screaming in the background. After several more gulps of air, I can begin to calm down. I turn to Naga, whose head rests in my lap. "Sorry, Naga," I murmur, rubbing her face haltingly. "I just..." I swallow hard. "I had a bad dream," I finish, though it sounds like a great understatement.

I bite my lip. Even to describe it as a nightmare doesn't seem sufficient. A nightmare was when I dreamt that Amon took away my bending. Fearing for my own fate and safety is hard enough. Fearing for the safety of the person most cherished in your heart? It's unbearable.

I hurriedly grab my robe and Naga's saddle. After fastening it (shakily) I pull myself onto her back. With a word of encouragement and a command, she noses her way through the door and we set off.

The world around us is fast asleep, as well they should be. The Wei Tsen clock in the city gardens chimes softly. Republic City hardly lives past midnight; even the criminals prefer to work earlier. The humans have all retired to their abodes, giving the night creatures free reign of the city. They grumble and chirrup and hiss through the streets, though none dare to cross paths with my ferocious polar-bear-dog. A chilling wind suddenly runs through, sending a shiver through me as I tug on my robe.

At last, I spot the elegant lines of the Sato mansion in the near distance. I urge Naga on. She splashes through a puddle, disturbs a pack of crow-rats, and finally comes to a halt before the grand Sato doors. I slide off her back and thank her with a kiss on her muzzle. I walk up the pathway and rap gently on the door.

"Coming," a muffled voice calls from the other side. I hear the unlocking of a few mechanisms as the door creaks open. It takes a few moments, but surprise flickers through her peridot eyes. "Korra?"

Overwhelmed with relief, I lunge forward and wrap my arms tightly around Asami. Tears come to my eyes as I drink in the faint trace of perfume.

"What are you doing here?" asks Asami, baffled, as she returns my hug.

Reluctantly, I pull out of the embrace and capture her gaze. "I had a bad dream. Can I spend the rest of the night with you?"

Surprise and some confusion remain in her eyes, but she smiles. "Well, sure. I can make up one of the guestrooms for you."

I try to suppress my disappointment. "Great, thanks."

Asami chuckles as she leads me through the foyer and living room, which look like a spirit tornado tore through. "I know it's not what you had in mind, but things have been a little...upside-down lately. I'm trying to refurbish the place, but it's hard to find quality help around here." She gestures toward a bookcase haphazardly set against a wall. "They listened to my father. They respected him, but me, they walk all over. I think I need to make a bullhorn that shoots out lightning or something."

"Uh, you do know your girlfriend's the Avatar, right?" I say.

"Don't be silly," replies Asami. "You're supposed to be out saving the world, not moving around some old furniture."

"Can I at least knock their heads around or something?" I ask hopefully.

She snickers. "Sure, be my guest."

We make our way up the staircase and cross the upper corridor. Asami dips into a closet for some fresh sheets, and then leads me to a pretty barren bedroom. She spreads the sheets over the bed, tucks in the corners, and fluffs the pillows. She gives me a peck on the cheek, and exits.

I don't spend the night well. I keep thinking about Asami, replaying that nightmare and hearing her screams. It all felt so real. When the spirit monster hit me, caught me. The slimy vines wrapping around my arms and binding me. The terrible pain in my head that knocked me out of the Avatar State. The terrible pain in my heart watching Asami in that creature's grasp, defenseless, utterly at the mercy of the spirit monster. The pain in my core as I could do nothing to help her.

By some miracle, the Sun had risen not too long ago. I'm not sure how much, if any, sleep I had gotten. I was probably too afraid to close my eyes, afraid I'd return to that dream and lose Asami again.

I pull myself upright and knock off the sheets. Beside me and in front of the window stands a mannequin draped in a rich garnet robe. Asami must have brought it in earlier. Huh. I guess I did get some sleep.

Quickly pulling on the robe, I heave a shaky sigh and make my way out of the room. Downstairs in the dining room, a bright-eyed Asami sets two places at the table, disappearing into the adjacent kitchen and returning with plates of some aromatic, mysterious food. She pauses in the middle of rearranging the silverware, catches sight of me, and patters up to my side. "Good morning, sweetie," she chirps and gives me a peck on the cheek. Asami takes my hand and leads me to the dining table. "I made breakfast," she states proudly.

"Impressive," I reply. "I didn't know you could cook."

Sorrow flickers through her expression. "When Mom died, I kind of picked up the slack. Cooked, cleaned."

"Didn't you have servants for all that?"

"Yeah." She traces her finger over the Sato monogram on a folded napkin. "But I wanted to do it. It kind of kept her memory alive."

I squeeze her hand consolingly. "I'm sorry."

"Well," says Asami, cheer returning to her voice. "Let's eat."

I lift my head towards the dishes. "It smells delicious."

"It should," she says. "It took me a couple of hours to make."

I stare at her with a look of shock and incredulity. "You did all this for me?"

Asami smiles sweetly. "Of course I did," she replies, as if there were no alternative.

"Now." Asami settles into her chair, places her napkin in her lap, and picks up her utensils. "Tell me about this dream."

My fork drops to my dish with a loud clang, and my heartbeat starts to quicken. I lower my gaze and murmur, "I don't want to talk about it." I take back my fork and poke at the fried egg mixture.

"Korra, what happened?" asks Asami with a tone of heavy concern. She abandons her silverware and reaches out to put her hand atop mine. "You can tell me anything. That's why I'm here."

I shake my head. "It was just a crazy dream. No big deal."

Suddenly, a chuckle. "You showed up at my house at three in the morning. You looked like you'd been beaten up (as if anyone could beat you up that badly) and you acted like you haven't seen me in three years. Trust me, it's not no big deal."

"Fine." I practically spit the word out. "I had a dream about you."

Asami seems to lurch back. "Me?" Her voice softens. "What did you dream?"

I shut my eyes, but I cannot shut out the memory. "There was a spirit monster. I tried to fight it, but...it knocked me out, and it caught you."

"Creepy," is all Asami says.

"I was thinking..." For some reason, I trail off.

"What?" Asami prods.

I take her hand in mine and squeeze gently. "I was thinking... What if I moved in?"

Her eyes widen. "Move in? You mean live together?"

I can't help but blush slightly. "Well...yeah."

"Why?"

"Well, why not?" I counter, hoping to get by without further explanation. When Asami's face remains blank, I have to continue. "Asami, what would happen if I couldn't protect you?"

She narrows her eyes and raises an eyebrow. "What?" she asks. Her expression changes. "Wait, you mean like in the dream?" she says with a slight grin.

"What if it wasn't just a dream?" I say seriously. "What if there really was a monster and..." The words catch in my throat. "What if you were in trouble and I wasn't there for you?"

Asami chuckles softly. "I'm not some damsel in distress; I can take care of myself. I thought we went through this already." She takes a bite of fried egg.

"Asami," I plead with her, "you know what I mean. The spirit monster was too big for you or me alone. But if we were closer together, we could have had a chance." I sniffle, and take a hard swallow. "Maybe it was just a dream, but the feeling was real. You were in trouble and I wasn't able to protect you. If anything ever happened to you—" I bite my lip, trying to hold back tears. I try to continue, but I cannot.

Asami listens intently, compassion and concern glittering in her eyes. She reaches out to brush a tear from my cheek, and smiles. "Do you really think we're ready to live together?"

I look up at her. "We've been together for almost two years." I give her a smug look. "Yeah, I think we're ready. Besides, it's not like we're getting married."

"Whoa."Asami pulls back an inch. "Someone's moving quickly."

"Two years, Asami!" I say with a grin. "It's already a pretty heavy commitment. My parents dated for two months before they got married."

"But that was in the backwaters of Nuktukland," Asami laughs, "and like thirty years ago. Times have changed." Her grin fades rapidly as a somewhat forlorn look crosses her face. "It's not legal for us anyway."

"Maybe someday." I take her hands and capture her gaze. "When you're ready, they'll be ready."

"Hey, you made it!" cries a voice from across the gymnasium. Bolin runs up to me and whomps my arm playfully. He strings his chiseled arm around my shoulders and calls out for his brother, whose head pops up from behind a stack of towels. As Bolin leads me to the other side of the room, Mako's expression changes when he catches sight of me.

"Hey, Mako," I greet with a wave. I manage a feeble smile, despite the bitter memories of our last encounter.

"Hello, Korra," he replies, his voice dripping with indifference. His warm greeting over, Mako returns to packing his gym bag and forgets that I exist.

"Sorry," Bolin murmurs to me. "So, what's new with you?" he says, changing gears. "We haven't seen you in like forever."

"I've been a little busy," I reply.

A sharp snicker erupts from Mako.

"How's Asami?" asks Bolin, trying to gloss over Mako's derisive attitude.

"She's been great," I respond. I pause for a few moments, unsure of what would be safe to say in front of Mako. Deciding not to care, I continue, "We're moving in together."

"What?!" comes a growl.

Bolin grins awkwardly and puts his arm around me. "Gee, that's great! I knew you kids could—"

"You can't be serious," says Mako, coming up to me.

"And why not?" I challenge him. "Why can't two people who love each other be together?"

"None of this is real," Mako says. "I know you're just doing this to get even with me."

"Two years, bro," Bolin whispers.

"Sure, Mako," I start mockingly. "I kissed Asami to get back at you. We started dating to get back at you. We're getting engaged just to spite you. The world revolves around Mako now, does it?"

Astonishment crosses the brothers' faces. Bolin asks, "Engaged?"

I look at him, momentarily confused. I didn't realise I'd said that. "Well, yeah," I say, softly and shyly. "I was thinking about it."

"No way," grumbles Mako. "You're not getting engaged."

"Just watch me!" I subconsciously take a challenging step towards him.

"It's not legal."

Not yet," I correct him. I pound my fist into my hand and smirk. "But I'm sure I can change the president's mind."

"Opal and I can help you plan the ceremony," Bolin says before receiving a scowl from his brother.

"Hey, hey, I'm not sure I'm serious about that," I insist. "Maybe after we move in together."

Mako shakes his head and scoffs. "You're disgusting."

I freeze, refusing to believe what I'd heard. I try to swallow against the knot of hurt and betrayal in my throat. My arm whips out and I seize his collar, yanking him down to meet my gaze. "You want to say that to my face?" I snarl as winds start to swirl around us.

Bolin whimpers my name as absolute terror overtakes Mako's face. I can feel the power pulsing through my veins as the winds pick up speed. At once, I let go of his collar and bring my arm back to my side, willing myself to calm down. Only when the winds die down and I feel the power leaving me do I open my eyes. Mako watches me with shock and traces of fear or confusion in his face. I study him for many moments, until tears start to burn my eyes.

"I can't believe you, Mako," I murmur shakily. I try to muster a ferocious glare, but I'm sure I fail. I swiftly turn my back on him and say to Bolin, "Feel like a round of pro-bending?"

Bolin smiles sympathetically and takes my arm. "Sure, Korra. Let's go."

"What the hell is his problem?" I grumble, bringing my hand up to wipe my tears before anyone could detect them.

"It's not his fault," Bolin starts.

"Well, it's certainly not mine."

"No, it's—" Bolin stops us in our tracks. He peers down either end of the corridor before saying in a lowered voice, "It's just been really hard for him."

I snort. "It's not exactly a picnic for me, you know."

He throws up his hands. "Hey, I know. But, look, you're both his ex-girlfriends, and now you're together, and...it's just really, really weird for him."

I roll my eyes and let loose with a scoff. "Weird, huh?"

"Well, yeah. Like, how would it feel for you if Mako and I were—" Bolin cuts off his sentence and grimaces. "Er, forget I said that."

"I'll try to."

"But you know what I mean," Bolin continues. "It's awkward and probably painful to see the girl he loved...going with the other girl he loved." He puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. "Give him a chance, please?"