Thank you everyone who reviewed the last chapter! I think you will enjoy what this story holds. For those of you who do not know, this is my first attempt at writing a fanfic, so I hope I do LOK justice. More chapters to come soon! I do not own Legend of Korra, although I do own the characters Li Qiang and Yin Qiang (OCs). Enjoy!
A Tribute to the Fallen
Avatar Korra Park Construction Site: 10:45 am.
Dear Korra,
I hope my letters aren't starting to bother you, seeing how I've written to you non-stop for over a year now. But until you tell me otherwise, I'll keep writing to you about what's new in Republic City, our friends on Air Temple Island, and yours truly.
Do you remember how a few months ago I wrote explaining how I had a secret project I was working on (and before you ask, yes it is still a surprise so no hints!)? Well, on behave of Future Industries; I am officially introducing my project to the public in two weeks! I am so excited and nervous at the same time! Yet, being the perfectionist that I am, I'm worried about the timeline. After all, we still have to set up a contract with an artist to finish the – well, I guess you'll just have to wait and see! I don't want to give anything away. But I am sure you will love it!
I haven't heard much from the others recently, as both Mako and I have been buried in our strenuous workloads. But I'll have to see if I can grab a bite to eat with him during one of his free moments – a rare occurrence he assures me. Don't tell Mako, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was given a promotion soon. After that take down of the Red Monsoon gang's human trafficking circle, Mako is basically a hero in the eyes of the media. Still the humble Mako that we know and love, he hasn't skipped a beat and is already working with Chief Beifong on tracking down a lead about some Red Lotus sympathizers that fled Republic City and are now in the Fire Nation. He assures me that it's nothing you need to worry about – just chatter. Still, Mako has really strived and excelled as a detective and even I can tell that Chief Beifong is impressed.
Speaking of old friends, Jinora is coming in to town just in time for my project's unveiling. We already established lunch plans to catch up. Last I heard she was in the Fire Nation as part of a political convoy to speak with the Fire Lord. From what Tenzin explained to me, there have been multiple reports of new airbenders appearing in the eastern coastal Fire Nation villages. As this was the first one outside Earth Kingdom territory, Tenzin thought it was best to send Jinora. After all, as a new airbending master, this would give her some political appeal as a senior member of a growing nation, in case of a political upheaval from the Fire Lord (though I do believe she is far less of a tyrant the Earth Queen ever was), and this allows her to see these reports first hand.
To be honest, I bet Tenzin also didn't mind separating Jinora from her now "serious" boyfriend, Kai, even for only a few weeks. I wonder how long it is going to take for Tenzin to realize that his eldest daughter is a woman in her own right now. And that means saving the world and, much to his chagrin, the occasional romance. At least Pema seems to know what's up with her children. Either way, I am excited to see our friend take on these new responsibilities.
As always I hope things in the Southern Water Tribe are going well and that you are having a safe and swift recovery. Say hello to your parents for me … and Naga too!
Your Friend,
Asami
Asami smiled lost in thought as she set aside her pen re-reading her letter before sealing it away in an envelope. She glanced down at her watch and smiled. She was early for her eleven o'clock appointment. Having some time to kill, she relaxed on the stone bench listening to the birds singing gently in the air, only to be rather rudely drowned out by the louder sounds of last minute construction completion.
"What's funny is that I designed this park as a place of relaxation and quiet contemplation," Asami sarcastically proclaimed to no one in particular. "All in due course, I guess."
She stood up and, after gathering her things, walked over to the nearest construction crew. Observing the construction of a large stone bridge just behind the main square, Asami glowed with pride. In a few weeks time, her park would be open to the public. It was as if her blueprints had come to life in front of her eyes, though the actual result was ten times better then she could have imagined it.
"Miss Sato? Of Future Industries?"
'That would be my eleven o'clock', she thought approvingly. Asami turned while nodding and smiled at the man that had approached her. He was an older gentleman with graying hair and beard, and wearing the traditional green attire that marked him as having Earth Kingdom heritage.
"Miss Sato, my name is Li Qiang. I have heard you have need of my talents."
"Yes, from what I have heard, your family's business was responsible for designing and creating the sculptures of the original members of Team Avatar when the city was first constructed."
Li Qiang smiled. "That would be correct. It was my father who designed Avatar Aang's statue for the memorial island and he also personally sculpted the statues of Chief Sokka, Master Katara, Chief Toph Beifong, and Fire Lord Zuko. I was apprenticed to my father at the time."
"Perfect!" exclaimed the heiress. "Then I look forward to your work. Although I already have a design in mind. I hope that is alright?"
Li Qiang cocked his head in curiosity. "That is fine, but what do you have in mind?"
Reaching into a folder from within her bag, Asami extracted a small white piece of paper and handed it to the sculptor. Pushing up his wired rimmed glasses, Li Qiang squinted at the design for the briefest of seconds before smiling at the young heiress.
"I had always hoped to sculpt the young Avatar. When that psychopath Amon was terrorizing the city, my daughter was attacked by an anti-bending rally after a Probending match was let out. It seemed Amon was looking for a demonstration of his power and took away her earthbending. My poor little girl, she was in the wrong place and wrong time. With her gift ripped away from her it devastated her.
"But then the Avatar came to the aid of my daughter and her friends, as their bending had been taken from them too. Avatar Korra, may the spirits bless her, restored their bending before leaving Republic City. My family will always be in her debt. Miss Sato, it would be an honor to preserve the likeness of Avatar Korra for you." Li Qiang bowed.
Asami bowed back in respect. "Thank you for accepting the commission with such a late notice. Can this be done in two weeks?"
Li Qiang grinned at the challenge. "I'll do it in one."
A few minutes later, after hashing out the business details, Asami left the construction site feeling lighthearted and at peace.
[-] [-] [-]
Avatar Korra Park, Opening Day Ceremony: 10 am.
"And so it is with deepest thanks to Avatar Korra for continuing to protect the citizens of Republic City and people throughout the world. On behalf of the Republic City Council, we wish her a speedy recovery and her safe return home to us." President Raiko paused for a minute to smile at several of the cameras flashing away from the reporters standing at the base of the podium. The angle of their cameras captured the speaker at the podium while also highlighting the statue of Avatar Korra behind them.
"Now we will hear from Future Industries' CEO and designer for this magnificent park, Miss Asami Sato."
Polite clapping followed President Raiko' speech as he greeted Asami with a handshake while she took her place behind the podium. Asami glanced around at her friends seeking their support with their presence. Mako and Chief Beifong were standing behind her acting as security for the small ceremony, and President Riako's wife was standing off to the side along with a small group of business representatives (more a political move on their part she was sure, then actually paying tribute to their Avatar). Mako and Bolin's entire extended family made up the front of the crowd, a sea of muddled green and brown standing just behind the clustered reporters. The boys' loving grandmother blew her a kiss for luck. She also spotted Li Qiang and his tall daughter whom were smiling up at her, and finally she glimpsed Tenzin's family standing in the back.
All of them had come to support her, Pema and Tenzin going so far as to hosting a small dinner celebration on Air Temple Island. It was to be a small affair and yet, Asami was looking forward to it. Before she began her speech she noticed that Jinora wasn't standing with them and caught Tenzin's eye. Noticing Asami's watchful and questioning eyes, Tenzin's face briefly changed to one of unease, but shrugged. Her absence was not too concerning to the Airbending Master and she made a mental note to inquire about her friend's absence. Asami cleared her throat slightly before speaking into the microphones attached to the podium.
"Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen of Republic City. First off, I would like to thank President Raiko for his support and kind words as addressed earlier, both on the behalf of the Avatar and Future Industries. Secondly, I would like to personally thank Master Sculptor Li Qiang and his daughter and apprentice, Yin, for their beautiful contribution to this park." Asami gestured to the larger than life sculpture of Korra looming over the ceremony.
"But the most important person we need to thank here today is the woman who served as protector of this city and the inspiration to the park: Avatar Korra. Without her service and sacrifice, our beloved city and world leaders would not be here today.
"The life of an Avatar is never easy. Avatar Roku watched as his childhood friend, Fire Lord Sozin, prepared for war and the inhalation of an entire culture. The Avatar spent his entire life trying to maintain peace in the world, only to have his most trusted friend turn on him and personally start one hundred years of devastating war.
"One century later, Avatar Aang discovered that his people were massacred, his culture all but lost, and the world without hope. At the young age of twelve, the Avatar fought against the blood lusting tyrant, Fire Lord Ozi, and ended the war. He spent a lifetime bringing balance to the world, ending the hatred and discrimination, and uniting people within the different nations. Over half a century later, we find that Avatar Korra's hardship is no different than that of her predecessors.
"In the last two and a half years alone, the Avatar has gone through so much suffering. Avatar Korra scarified her bending to a psychotic Equailist extremist. And yet, she endured. It is also no secret that her homeland was torn by a civil war, and through the actions of her uncle, Chief Unalaq, she has sacrificed her connection to her past lives. And yet, she endured. And now a radical idealist has not only tried to murder her, but has attempted to cripple her body and spirit. And yet, she endured. The Avatar has lived through so much pain and suffering, the amount of which would have surely killed a lesser man. And yet, she endured.
"The world has already asked so much from the Avatar. Nevertheless, we are not done asking the Avatar for her sacrifice. Everyone here at this ceremony knows that there will be a time in the near future when we look to her for support, for comfort, and for salvation from the horrors of this world. Because that is the life of the Avatar. That is their duty to the world.
"It is time we honor her commitment to the citizens of Republic City and to the people of the world. On behalf of Future Industries, the citizens of Republic City, and the people of the world, we thank you, Avatar Korra, for your service and sacrifice for this city and its people. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with the greatest honor that I present to you the heart of Republic City: Avatar Korra Park!"
Asami was blinded by the flashing of a dozen cameras. The young heiress smiled and waved as the audience erupted into applause. It had been a good ceremony and the start of a great day. As Asami grinned over at her friends she felt a small tinge of longing in her heart. She wished Korra was here.
[-][-][-]
"I would like to make a small toast." Tenzin exclaimed raising his glass. "To our dear friend Asami, for a wonderful contribution to our city and a beautiful tribute to Korra, you are truly a young woman of many talents and unquestionable loyalty to your friends. To Asami!"
"Asami!" The word rang around the room as a dozen voices echoed the Airbending Master.
Asami was flattered by Tenzin's toast and bowed her head in gratitude. The sound level in the room picked up as everyone continued in their previous conversations. Laughter could be heard all around the room as friends and family gathered around the small dinner table. Asami glanced around the room smiling at all of her friends there to support her. Mako was deep in conversation with Chief Beifong, the latter draining a glass of white wine. Mako's grandmother, Yin, and his cousin, Tu, were quietly chatting to Tenzin and Ikki while Meeko listen absently, pushing bits food around on his plate.
Asami turned to her nearest companion. "Hey, Pema? Do you know where Jinora is? Last I heard she should have arrived yesterday or this morning at the latest."
Pema picked up Rohan from her lap and placed him on the floor to crawl around within arm's reach. She briefly bit her bottom lip in thought as she watched her son before answering.
"Hmmm… I'm not really sure to be honest. She was supposed to be back in town last night, so maybe she was delayed. She was traveling via Pepper so if the weather was bad she could have been grounded for the night. Even so, she should have been in by this morning."
"Should we be worried?" Asami asked.
"Jinora is all grown up now; I'm sure if she ran into trouble on her flight back she would call the temple or even project her spirit ahead."
"Very true, Pema." Asami replied taking a sip of her wine. Still, she couldn't help the feeling of unease that plagued her thoughts.
"So Asami, now that the park is open, what is the newest thing for the CEO of Future Industries? Any big projects in the works? Small secret stuff for the United Forces? Or will you finally take a break from work; go on vacation? Maybe date a little?" Pema asked with a smirk.
"Ahh…" Asami answered unintelligently from the bombardment of questions. "No major projects at the moment for the company. Though, I am working on a small project featuring a new type of joint-rotational system I want to test eventually, but it's not imperative at the moment. Let's see, I don't think I can afford to take a large break from work, but I've made plans to take some time off to hang out with Jinora when she gets back. As for dating, I'm not really interested. Does that answer all your questions?" Asami asked, somewhat out of breath.
Pema cocked her head in thought for a moment before answering with a smirk. "Some more than others."
Asami popped a perfectly shaped eyebrow at her senior friend. "Would you care to elaborate?"
Pema's smirk widened into a smile as she stared at the young heiress.
"All in due time, my friend… So Asami, any word from Korra recently? I know you've been taking to her."
Asami sighed and set down her glass gently.
"No, I've been writing to her for about a year and a half now and nothing. I was actually hoping you or Tenzin had heard from Katara or even from Chief Tonraq about her progress."
"I'm sorry Asami, but there's been no word from the South. I am sure she is doing well, she's a strong girl. She is the Avatar you know." The air acolyte joked. Pema glanced over at her young companion, noticing the way the heiress avoided her gaze. "You miss her don't you?"
"Yes, yes I do." The words left Asami mouth as a whisper, almost sounding like a prayer.
Pema pitied the young engineer. She studied Asami and noticed the dark shadows under her eyes and the worry lines that were deepening on her face. 'I don't know how she does it, she's so tired.' Pema thought worryingly.
"If I may, let me give you some words of advice, Asami. I know you are working really hard right now at your company, but please remember to live a bit. You're grinding yourself weary to the bone every night. I know how much pride you have in your work and I commend you for your efforts. But Asami, when was the last time you had fun that wasn't directly involved with your work or a project? Live a little bit, make some mistakes, and make some memories."
"I know. It's just not the same without…" Asami sighed, unable to finish.
Sighing she reached across the table and gently grasped Asami's hands. Asami's bright green eyes locked with the elder woman's gaze; filled with so much warmth and a hint of mischief. Asami relaxed as she gazed into this woman's eyes. Eyes so much like the mother she remembered.
"I know you have been writing nonstop to Korra and I know you miss your friend dearly. But Asami, she's not here now."
"Thank you for your concern Pema, but I'm sure that I don't understand what you – "
A young air acolyte ran into the room. "Master Tenzin! Pema! I'm sorry to interrupt, but Jinora's sky bison has been spotted over the bay. But Master Tenzin, there's something wrong. She's losing altitude, but she's not slowing down!"
"Jinora!" Tenzin yelled as he grabbed his glider which was leaning against the door frame and sprinted out the room. Mako and Lin ran after him.
"Yin! Tu! Watch over Rohan please." Pema pressed the young child into the elder's hands and ran out the temple with Asami in tow.
As the party ran out of the air temple a dark shape could be seen flying over the bay just above the setting sun.
"Jinora! Can you hear me?!" Tenzin shouted toward the flying bison. Pepper groaned back hearing Tenzin's voice, her course shifting dramatically and dangerously close in their direction. It was clear the bison was exhausted as it staggered in midair.
"Why isn't she answering?" Pema asked her husband worriedly.
"She's not slowing down." Asami commented, shielding her eyes against the setting sun.
"At this rate her bison will run us over. Tenzin do something!" Lin shouted at the Airbending Master.
Crouching down into position, Tenzin shot up in the air, his glider expanding with the blasting air current. Asami could see the Airbending Master fly above the falling bison, before heavily landing on Pepper's saddle.
Tenzin threw down his glider and grappled with Pepper's reins. Tenzin's groans could be heard above the thunderous flapping of the bison's limbs, as the Airbending Master desperately trying to guide Pepper safely to the ground. With a huge moan and an impact the shook the ground, the bison hit the earth. Pepper continued sliding three yards before collapsing in a shuddering halt, tilting dangerously on her side.
"Lin, I need you up here now! Ikki, grab the first aid kit in the kitchen and hurry! Pema, I need Oogie, now!" Tenzin shouted as he held something in his arms. Asami watched in dismay as Lin used her cables to climb up on the saddle to help Tenzin. Together they lowered the limp object gently to the ground.
The air seemed to grow cold as Asami rushed to the small group huddled around the exhausted air bison. Even from a distance Asami could see the dark stain coving the bottom of the large saddle.
By the time Asami had ran over to the bison, several air acolytes were caring to Pepper and had removed her saddle. Meanwhile Tenzin and Lin were quickly carrying the object closer to the temple. From far away it looked horrifyingly like a limp body.
'Please no! Not her, not her too.' Asami thought in horror as she reached out a tentative hand to the black stain that had spread across the surface of the saddle's base. Feeling lightheaded and in a daze, Asami brought her hand close to her face to make out the dark substance in the dimming light. The cooling dark fluid was repulsive against the white of her clammy hand. It was blood.
