Shiro Shinobi: "It's a vacation in the Spirit World! Avatar Korra and Asami Sato set out for a romantic week together, where they could finally have some time to themselves. Expectations were high, and at first the new surroundings didn't disappoint! The girls were finding both outward and inward beauty as they grew closer. During a visit to the spirit of Iroh, however, the two ran into an unsavory spirit! During the tussle, it looked as if it were all over for Asami, but what's this? Asami can airbend! What other surprises await our couple?
Legend of Korra - A New Path
Chapter 2
"I still can't believe it," mazed Asami. "I don't even know how I did it. How did I do it, Korra? How do you bend?" Asami struck her fist forward in the same motion as when she had defended herself against the dragon bird spirit. Nothing happened. She brought that arm in as she extended the other in the same motion. Again, it had no effect.
"Well," Korra started, "It depends on the bending style, but given your fighting style, there shouldn't be much wrong with your form. You've always moved like an airbender when you fight, and you're very light on your feet." Asami smiled at the compliment for a moment, then returned to the look she had a moment before, a mixture of determination and confusion.
"We were both there when Bumi found out he could," said Asami. "Meelo threw a plate at him." She paused for a second and then turned to Iroh. "Iroh! Throw one of your plates at me!" They had returned to the cottage and Iroh had passed out a fresh round of tea. Despite all that had happened in the past hour, his warm smile hadn't waivered, and if he was as confused as the girls, he didn't show it. At the suggestion that he throw his fine porcelain dishes around, however, his brow furrowed deeply.
"Now now, miss Sato. I do not believe that will solve your problem. If this is truly what the spirits have planned for you, it would be best not to rush things. Might I suggest continuing your vacation with Korra, and letting things unfold naturally? Air is the most spiritual of all the elements, and if there is no better place to find yourself spiritually than in the Spirit World."
For what it was worth, Korra agreed with Iroh. "We have plenty of time to figure things out, babe. Call me selfish, but I'd rather have your free time here spent with me."
Asami blushed slightly and giggled. "Babe, is it now? Since when were we on pet names?" She punctuated her rhetorical question by swinging her hair and pulling one side behind her ear. Korra now had her full attention and any confusion she was having was brushed aside.
"I-I was just testing it out," Korra chuckled nervously. "Did you not like it? I'm sorry. You probably didn't like it. You probably thought it was too cutesy. Or not affectionate enough. Or maybe you don't even like it. I'm sorry!" Korra was positively tripping over herself and her face was a very bright red.
"Relax… babe." Asami giggled again. "I think it's adorable. I think you're adorable. Remember how I told you to be yourself?" Asami stood up and moved behind Korra's chair, leaned down, and draped her arms around Korra's neck. "This is what I love about you. You always seem so confident, but it's far too easy to embarrass you. Not that I'm complaining. I'm getting a lot of pleasure out of it." She gave Korra a quick peck on the cheek and rose back up slightly, trailing her fingers along Korra's collarbone before resting her hands on her shoulders. Korra brought her right hand up to rest over Asami's left hand. Her gaze wandered around the room a bit as her mind started to wander; Asami leaning almost protectively over her, the feel of her hand on Asami's, the smell of her jet black hair…
Korra suddenly came back when her gaze ended on Iroh, who was observing them with his trademark smile. There was no look of agitation or discomfort. "I am glad that the Avatar was finally able to understand where her feelings truly lie," he said. "You know, Asami, back when I first met Korra, I had introduced her to some of my friends, two of whom had just been married. I told her then that love is mysterious. She had not yet found herself spiritually and completely, so she did not yet understand true love. I can sense the bond between you two, however, and I've never been more sure of anything. You two are soulmates."
Korra looked up at Asami, who smiled warmly at her in return. She leaned her head against Asami's arm and turned back to Iroh. "Are you going to be okay here on your own? I don't want that spirit to bother you again."
"That is very thoughtful of you, Korra, but I will be fine. In truth, I've had several encounters with that spirit before, though it was never quite this aggressive. I have done nothing else to provoke it, and being defeated by you will likely make it reconsider bothering the area beyond the dark forest. Besides, I have plenty of spirit friends that I can call for aid should the need arise. I should be just fine." Iroh let the matter rest for a moment before continuing. "You know, Asami, we never finished our game of Pai Sho. Would you like to before you go?"
"I'd be honored, Iroh," replied Asami. They returned to the board and settled back into focusing on the game. Korra joined them now, watching somewhat intently from behind Asami, gripping her shoulders not unlike Asami had done to her earlier. She didn't understand the details, but Korra could at least tell whether or not Asami was doing well. And Asami was doing quite well, it seemed. Their game in progress had been even, with both Asami and Iroh having roughly equal material and space. As they continued the game, however, Korra noticed that Iroh's pieces were slowly pushing Asami's into a losing position. Even with some encouraging words and reassuring touches to bolster her thoughts, Asami still eventually fell to Iroh. She hardly seemed upset about this, however.
"That was amazing, Iroh! I've never seen that kind of strategy before. The way you positioned your fire pieces, almost protectively, instead of using them for attack. Also, your use of the white lotus piece! I never knew it was such an important tile!"
Iroh smiled to himself at her inadvertent comparison to his old organization and replied, "My dear girl, you have quite a mind for strategy. Remember that I've been playing Pai Sho for a hundred years longer than you've been alive." He started chuckling as he continued, "though I haven't had an opponent nearly as skilled as you since I last saw my nephew. Someone should get that boy to come visit me more often. I've barely seen him since the spirit portals have been open."
"Don't worry, Iroh. I'll pass the word along when we get back," replied Korra. Turning back to Asami, she said, "Well, dear, do you have any ideas about where you would like to go next?"
"I had one place in mind, yes. Though I don't know if it's the best idea. I know that there were problems the last time humans tried to go there."
Korra knew her girlfriend well enough by now to know what a bookworm like her was thinking. "You're talking about the library, aren't you?" Asami nodded hesitantly. "I don't know, Asami. The last time I encountered Wan Shi Tong, it wasn't on the best of terms. In fact, it wasn't on any good terms. He helped Unalaq capture Jinora's spirit, and we almost lost her because of it. Do you think it's worth the risk?"
"That was years ago, Korra. It seemed as if Wan Shi Tong had joined Unalaq willingly, and without Vaatu's corruption, but if I recall correctly, he's always been suspicious of humans, anyway. With that said, he's still a very wise spirit, and I'm willing to believe he'd listen to reason. Besides, There's something I'm curious to discover, and I believe that library is the only place in two worlds that will have the information I'm looking for."
"Well, I can't very well say no to a request like that, can I? Alright, Asami. Our next stop is Wan Shi Tong's Library!"
They bid Iroh farewell, who showed them where they could find the library and warned them to be careful. A few hours later they were on their way through more of the meadow, a more hilly area that gave way to some rocky peaks away and to their left. Much of their walk had been spent in silence, with the two walking hand-in-hand and sharing an occasional smile as they enjoyed the scenery. After a while, Asami broke the silence.
"Korra, I want to thank you again for being here for me these last few weeks."
Pulling Asami in and sliding her arm up around her shoulder, Korra replied, "Asami, you know that there are no thanks necessary. I was in a very dark place not too long ago myself, and as stubborn as I was, you were there for me one hundred percent. Returning the favor would take me a lifetime, and I'd be happy to do it even if I didn't want to. I want this, however. Being with you… there's nowhere else I'd rather be." Korra stopped their walk and drew Asami in for a kiss. Asami seemed almost reluctant at first, but that quickly faded to a hunger as she held the embrace. Her hands slid from Korra's waist up to her head. Asami pulled Korra in almost insistently, and despite initiating it, Korra felt like she was being pulled along for the ride. After a moment she realized that there was almost a feeling of desperation in Asami's touch, almost as if she were afraid to let go.
"Hey, hey, it's okay!" started Korra, prying Asami away from her. "I'm not going anywhere. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright," Asami replied after a moment. "I just feel like I've been more-prone to upsetting thoughts. It's odd. I honestly can't think of a better situation than being here with you, right now, in this beautiful place, but these thoughts seem to come unbidden, and I end up suddenly starting to worry about losing you. I can't lose you."
"You're not going to lose me, Asami. I'm the Avatar. How many crazies have I put down? I've survived having my bending removed. I've survived being poisoned and almost killed. I'm the first Avatar since Wan to survive harmonic convergence, and that was with Raava being ripped out of me. It's going to take a lot to take me down, I promise." She pulled Asami close again, this time for a hug. "In return, you gotta stay with me, okay?"
Asami brightened visibly. " You've got a deal, miss Avatar!" She pulled away and returned her hand to Korra's, squeezing tightly. She pulled Korra along. "Come on, let's get going."
It was while longer before the plains gave way to another wooded area. These trees were much larger than any they'd seen so far, some towering over a hundred feet above them with massive roots as thick as a normal tree's trunk. They followed a path of sorts, an area free of underbrush, though they had to wind around each root too big for them to walk or climb over. While walking, Asami took some time to ask Korra as much as she knew about airbending.
"So what was it like when you first airbended? I know you'd mastered the other elements very quickly, but you always had trouble with air."
"It just felt as if a switch had been turned on. Amon had blocked the rest of my bending, and as soon as I saw him go for Mako, it was too much. I just had to save him." Korra thought for a moment. "About Mako… I know we've already went over this, but I'd still like to apologize about letting him cause any rift between us."
Asami chuckled. "You know, Korra, the more I think about it, the happier I am that we became acquainted under such difficult circumstances. By going through what we each did with Mako, we got many potential hiccups to our relationship out of the way. Think about it, if we were able to come to terms with each other so quickly long before we became close, there's not much that can separate us now, is there?"
"You're right, of course," conceded Korra, who couldn't help but smile herself. "As awkward as this might be for Mako, he's been very mature about it. I guess we should both thank him. If it weren't for him, we may not have ever even met!"
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure of that." replied Asami. "With my father's involvement with the equalists, I bet we'd have crossed paths sooner or later. Then again, without you to look up to, I might have turned out like my father."
"You look up to me?" Korra asked, somewhat surprised.
"Of course! I may have been born into privilege, but there was so much about the world I didn't get to experience until I met you." Asami stopped and they moved to rest on a nearby outcropped root. "It was from you that I learned that power and determination aren't the only thing you need to protect the ones you care about. That compassion in all things, especially in the face of your enemy, will give you the strength to not fall victim to your own hatred. Most importantly, you've taught me to never give up on making the world a better place."
"You were there for me every step of the way, Asami," replied Korra. "Even when my other friends were busy with their own lives, and my family was so far away, you always wanted to be there for me." Korra set her head on Asami's shoulder. "I'm just sorry I didn't notice you sooner. Even if I get to spend the rest of my life with you, I still feel as if it won't be long enough."
Asami was genuinely moved by this comment. She forgot about the Library. She forgot about the Spirit World. There was only Korra. she reached down and took Korra's hand in hers, interlocking their fingers, as she pulled Korra's arm up to settle around her neck. She deftly slid her other arm under Korra's knees and lifted her off the root, sliding down to the base to rest on the ground. "Let's make camp here. We can continue exploring in the morning. Right now, you're all that matters."
Korra could only manage a soft "okay" and a deep sigh. Asami's hands were already on Korra's hips, and her lips were already on her neck. Korra ran her hands through Asami's long, beautiful hair, powerless to put up any resistance to her advances. She needed this as much as Asami did. The two let everything else melt away now, for being this close what all they wanted, all they needed. It was quite a while before they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.
When Korra awoke, Asami was already busy setting a pair of plates near a fire, where water was already boiling for tea. Upon hearing Korra rustling, Asami turned to her for a moment. "Good morning! Did you sleep well?" she asked happily.
Stretching a bit and and deciding that she had, Korra smiled and nodded, Taking quick stock in Asami's appearance, it appeared as though Asami had slept well herself, and had not been haunted by any nightmares this time. "I take it you did as well?" She asked.
Bringing a plate and cup over to Korra, Asami nodded. "I feel great! I fell asleep in your arms and woke up with you in mine. I can only hope there are countless more nights just like that."
"You and me both, babe," Korra muttered in between bites. Korra rushed her breakfast, and was nursing the last of her tea when Asami had finished hers. They spent a few more minutes relaxing in the shade of the giant tree before Korra started, "Well, what do you say we get a little exercise before we head out?"
"I thought we got more that enough exercise last night, Korra," Asami said with a sly grin. Korra had the decency to blush, and Asami chuckled. "I'm kidding, Korra. Sure, it'd feel good to get the blood moving. What did you have in mind?"
"I was thinking a little sparring. Yesterday's encounter with the dragon bird made me realize something. Just because we saved the world doesn't mean it couldn't be threatened again. We need to stay in fighting shape."
"I don't know, Korra. You tend to spar pretty aggressively. I can still remember the bruises." Asami didn't honestly appear worried, but Korra noted her concern.
"I promise I won't go too rough. I've been through a lot these past few weeks, and if I can both forgive and save the life of the woman who repeatedly tried to kill both of us, I think I've learned a little restraint."
"I suppose you have a point," Asami conceded. "I suppose I'll see for myself. Do me a favor, however, and don't enter the Avatar state, or firebend my hair off."
Finding a clearing between two trees nearby, the two took places opposite each other and readied themselves. Korra came first, running straight toward Asami. Being more experienced in non-bending combat than the Avatar, Asami quickly determined from her approach that she was going to feint a punch left. She leaned right and extended her arm and leg to disrupt Korra. She guessed right. She grabbed Korra by the wrist and spun her close, planting a kiss on her lips, then playfully shoving her away. Korra went tumbling, but with a quick burst of air from her palm, she righted herself. Asami gave her a wink. "Looks like you're not going to get anywhere without bending," She taunted.
"Oh, is that right?" Korra said as she came in again. Again, however, Asami was ready, and parried her blow nearly effortlessly. She took the opening Korra presented and her palm extended outward, connecting to Korra's side. Korra shifted her weight to avoid being winded, and the blow only served to knock her back. Wasting no time, the Avatar swept her leg forward, hoping to put Asami off balance. She instead found herself sweeping air, as Asami had already started a leap over her, flipping in midair to get behind her. Not swift enough to turn herself, Korra quickly bent a circle of earth below her, spinning herself around in time to evade Asami's counter. "Okay, maybe you are right," conceded Korra, "but I guess it's just a handicap I'll have to live with, my dear!"
Now that she was called out, Korra wasted no effort to suppress her bending. She kicked a plot of earth below her, launching herself above Asami, and came down raining light streams of air at her. Asami was thrown off-balance as Korra landed next to her, taking the opportunity to kiss Asami on the cheek as she fell to the ground. Rather than having her back hit the hard ground, however, Asami found that Korra had tossed out a pocket of air to catch her fall. She scowled at Korra and tried to roll off the air bubble, but Korra stomped lightly on the ground and a slab rose firmly to push her back into Korra's arms. Korra planted another kiss on her cheek and giggled. Slightly agitated now, it was Asami's turn to attack. She lept at Korra, feigning a punch so that she could bring her leg up and around behind her in the same motion. The kick would have connected if it weren't for Korra pushing her leg away with a quick jet of air.
Asami wasn't getting anywhere, and she couldn't go all out against her girlfriend like she would some random thug. She didn't have her glove, but she wouldn't have used it anyway. She took a defensive stance and resolved to just do her best to keep up with Korra. She had already proven that she was she still had an edge in skill and experience. She was just happy to provide a good challenge for the Avatar.
After a few more minutes of trading blows, however, Asami quickly realized that Korra's bending was not making this a challenge. Even more frustrating was Korra sneaking kisses or grabs every time she created an opening. While not quite upset, Asami was getting a little agitated at this. She just wanted to take Korra down. She wanted one good clean shot. She wanted to show Korra that she could knock her on her back despite her bending. Another trip came, another fall, and another smooch. Asami handsprung back to recover. "Spirits, Korra, I swear you're not going to get away with this!"
"I believe I already have, and five times, my dear!" boasted Korra. "You may be as skilled as you are beautiful, but I've successfully stolen a handful of kisses to your one! Shall we go for six?" Asami said nothing, but resumed her defensive stance, and gave Korra a determined grin. "Alright! Let's go for six!" shouted Korra as she came at Asami again. They exchanged several blows, all narrow misses. Asami kept expecting a blast of air or a shift in the ground, but none came. More blows traded, and still no bending. Asami was too intelligent to presume Korra had given up bending, so she remained defensive.
Now noticing that Asami wouldn't be falling for her trick, Korra started finally started to add a bit of air to her blows and a bit of earthen spring to her step. To her credit, Asami was keeping up, but she was losing her balance sensed this and started to intensify her blows. Asami was getting pushed backward despite being able to see everything coming. Forward sweep. Straight punch. Airbend. Dodge left. Backhand. Airbend. She did her best to avoid each. It wasn't enough. She backstepped and found she'd lost her footing. She didn't have time to recover. She was going to fall again. Another kiss would surely follow. Korra would gloat. This had to stop.
Asami spun to face the ground as she was falling. Without thinking, she extended both arms and pushed off the ground. She continued to rise, however, propelled upward by a rush of air that spat from her palms. Korra, who was in mid-dive toward the falling Asami, looked genuinely surprised as the young woman soared above her. So much so, in fact, that Korra ended up losing her balance, falling flat her back. Her gaze upward met Asami's who was already coming down on top of her. Asami landed atop Korra's stomach, with her knees to either side of her chest. She quickly leaned in and planted her lips across Korra's. She pulled back and stared into Korra's bright blue eyes.
"Airbending?" squeaked the Avatar.
"If you can't beat em, join em," replied Asami."
Asami didn't move, however. Her hair falling around her to frame Korra's face, she was too focused on her love to appreciate her newest burst of bending. "So," Korra muttered weakly, "would you like to get off of me now? You just used bending again and I-"
Korra found Asami's lips on hers again. After a token resistance, she gave up trying to speak. A few moments later, Asami pulled away. "No, I think I rather like it here."
"Suit yourself," replied Korra, who slammed her fist on the ground, causing the earth around them to flip them both, with Korra assuming a position over Asami. "Ready for round two, I assume?"
"Are you referring to the sparring, or last night?" grinned Asami.
Korra laughed outright and simply said, "Yes."
The two girls were once again underway later that morning. It didn't take too long for them to find a trio of particularly tall trees, latticed together near their canopy with a large building seemingly suspended amongst them. The ancient and ornate building looked a bit out-of-place here, but that's because it was. the Library was an ancient construct of the spirits in the physical world for millennia. However, about seventy years prior, the great spirit Wan Shi Tong, tired of mankind's constant desire for power and war, chose to bring the Library into the spirit world. Ever since then, he had watched over it from here, with no human visitors until the young Jinora had come in search of Korra in the Spirit World three years ago. The great spirit had chosen to side with Unalaq at the time, and no one had seen him after Korra's last encounter. They presumed he'd returned to his library to watch over it and collect knowledge through his fox spirits.
Regardless of his motivations, Korra wanted to confront the great spirit and come to a resolution. After all, she was the bridge between the humans and spirits. She'd decided that if she could at least get an explanation as to Wan Shi Tong's motivations, she'd be content with leaving him in peace and hoping that wounds would heal over time.
Asami had different plans for the library. It was easy enough to convince Korra of her desire to visit the greatest library ever known. After all, Korra knew better than anyone how obsessive Asami could be with books. If Asami was to be an airbender, however, she wanted to tackle the idea on her own terms. She wanted to understand how, but more importantly, she wanted to understand why.