Author Notes: This is my own twist to one of my favorite online mangas "Citrus" by Saburo Uta. Hope you all enjoy!

Part 1- My New Life

I was in my room with Opal as I packed my bags hopefully for the last time.

I was seventeen and I had jumped from foster home to foster home never finding a family that wanted to keep me. It was my last year I would be allowed to stay in the Biefong Orphanage before I had to go out on my own.

Opal was the daughter of the headmistress, Suyin Beifong, and she and her family helped all the kids that came and went from this place. I knew they wouldn't kick me out but I also knew all the budget cuts they had done to save more children from bad places and circumstances. They didn't need a freeloader without any skills taking up a room, so when I heard someone was willing to adopt me, even at my age, I was thrilled.

"Opal, how does the family know they want me if they never visited me?"

"Well, what my mom tells me is that the man is a widower and very successful. His time is very precious so he came by once and watched your interactions with the other kids and said he wanted you. I also heard he has a daughter a little older than you and because of his work schedule he wanted someone that could connect with her because she hadn't taken her mother's death well even after so many years."

I turn in disbelief.

"Why not buy her a damn puppy!"

She chuckles lightly.

"Puppies don't feed themselves. Plus why not enjoy it. He is very affectionate with his daughter and worries about her. I don't think he would be such a bad dad."

I glare at her but knowing I might have the chance of calling someone dad was exciting. I knew I was acting like a little kid, but what I craved for the most was for a family, someone to love me unconditionally like all the dumb movies said parents should.

I finally have all my bags together and I begin to walk towards the entrance of the large orphanage.

I had been here since I was 6 years old and the Biefong family had become the only people I trusted in all those years.

I still remember the day the Headmistress's sister, Lin, brought me through the same doors I was about to leave.

She was the chief of police and I was a scared and deeply disturbed child, I recognize that now, and she brought me to the only place she trusted with a child with my needs, the Biefong Orphanage. I didn't trust her when she said this place was safe, but as time went by their love slowly allowed me to trust people again.

Opal was my best friend here, but it didn't start out that way. She had been insistent when I tried to isolate myself from everyone else. She sat with me for hours when I wouldn't even speak, but again her love and affection finally got through to me and we have been inseparable since then.

What would this new life bring? How would I manage to be in a different town without Opal? Would I be able to make friends?

I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn and see Opal smiling.

"Don't be afraid, I am only a phone call away, ok? Just don't shut people out."

I smile and nodded uncertainly, but I knew I had to try to make this work. I know Opal was worried, I could see it on her face and the face of the entire family as they all gathered to say their goodbyes.

I knew my issues didn't make it easy for me to be liked and adopted especially when they learned about my past. Parents don't usually want broken children.

I was just as afraid that I would be returned like the times before, but this time I would try my best not to let my past rise up.

The main doors open and an elegant man steps in. He reminded me of Baatar Sr. his poise reflected intelligence and respect. He was a little bigger than Mr. Biefong and had fewer gray streaks, but they seemed to be about the same age.

He pushes his glasses up with his index finger nervously as I inched forward after getting slightly nudged my Opal.

"I.. I'm Korra. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Sato," I say politely.

His smile is warm as he reaches for my bag taking it slowly from my hands.

I wasn't sure what to do, but Opal just nods and I allow him to take it.

"It's nice to finally officially meet you, Korra. I have a car waiting outside to take us to our new home."

He looks at the family around me.

"I will put the rest of your stuff into the car if you would like to say goodbye?"

I nod and didn't realize my eyes were beginning to water as he turns grabbing the last of my stuff.

I hug Opal for what seems like an eternity before I begin my goodbyes with everyone else.

"Even though you are leaving our care, you will always have a home with us, Korra," Suyin says as she wipes a stray tear and hugs me tight.

This woman saved me from what could have been. Anyone else, or any other orphanage would have given up hope on me a long time ago, but Suyin and her family never did.

After I finished I turned back to Mr. Sato as he waited patiently for me.

I nod and we finally leave.

As they drive us I can't help but fidget in my seat with nervousness.

"Korra, I want to begin by saying that I will try everything in my power to give you a happy life and future. I know of your past and I believe you deserve more than what life has given you."

I feel my body flinch. Usually, foster parents don't know much about my past other than it was a hard one, but later as they dig into it, they return me.

I look up.

"Will everyone know?" I can barely hear my own voice as I whisper the question.

He surprises me as he takes my hand and his look is sincere.

"No. The only one in the house that knows is me. I also have your therapy sessions scheduled for you. The Beifongs told me you were seeing Mr. Tenzin Fuzei."

I nod. Tenzin was the only therapist that seemed to understand and help me deal with my difficulties the best.

"Then we won't change that."

He leans back into his seat and looks out the window briefly.

"Life hasn't been easy for me either, especially since my wife died. She always wanted to adopt after we learned we could not have any more children, but then she was taken away. I guess you can say I am fulfilling her last wish after so many years. You have probably heard I have a daughter as well. She too has taken her mother's passing hard and when my company began to bloom, well let just say I wasn't there as much as I needed to be and she blames me for that."

I see a stray tear creep down his face.

"In my own grief, I threw myself into my work and company and left Asami to fend for herself. I thought that her success in school had meant she was doing well without me, but I didn't realize till it was too late that she had grown cold towards me. This might not be the happy family you asked for but bare with us. I am hoping by taking this step, my wife and I decided years ago, it will be the first in many to heal our family."

Hearing him describe the family as ours nearly broke my heart. I didn't know what to say or how to react. Usually, on the drive home, I hear about how perfect the family is and how I am so lucky to become a part of it, but for the first time, someone is completely truthful.

I am entering a family that isn't perfect, a family that is broken, just like me.

Maybe what he said is true; maybe this is the first steps to healing not just for them, but for me too.

I feel as the car turns and look outside as we enter a long driveway.

The house was huge! It was clearly a mansion. As we pull up to the mansion I notice a small group of people waiting.

As Mr. Sato steps out two men begin handing him folders and speaking in terms I don't understand. It was obvious they were people from his company.

He nods and gives a few instructions before he stops.

"Everyone I would like to introduce you the newest edition of my family, Korra Sato."

I feel the heat of embarrassment as everyone stops and smiles at me. My heart begins to beat a little faster when I realized he used my new surname and I hear it out loud for the first time.

He takes my hand bringing me closer to the group of people.

"These two men, Junchi and Ryota, are my assistants. You may seem them enters the house frequently." They both bow in respect.

A woman steps forward. Even though she was dressed in a professional maid outfit her hair was very eccentric.

Her black hair was highlighted in shades of dark blues and pinks and I could see she was trying her best to keep her enthusiasm under control.

"This is the Ms. Hikaru; she will be in charge of your activities like taking you to school, appointments, and therapy. If you have questions or concerns and I am unavailable please ask Hikaru.

She smiles widely as she throws her arms around me.

The show of affection throws me off, but she quickly let's go.

"We should let the men talk business and I will show you to your room."

I look over to Mr. Sato as he smiles and nods.

"I will be home for dinner so go ahead and get settled, Korra."

Hikaru nods to another man with a similar, but the male version of her outfit and he quickly grabs my stuff and follows.

"I am so happy you are finally here. We have been preparing for you for the last month and I hope everything is to your liking."

She leads me up a long staircase as she continues finally releasing all her excitement.

"As Mr. Sato said I will be in charge of everything concerning you and Ms. Asami. We usually have breakfast ready and served around 7 am. Mr. Sato doesn't usually attend, but I am hoping that he will, at least for the next few days until you are adjusted. You should be ready for school at that point which starts at 830am. You will be attending Republic City High with Ms. Asami as a junior for the remainder of the spring semester."

"Umm, what grade is Asami in?"

She stops as we reach the top.

"Oh, so you do speak!" She says as she claps her hands happily.

"Ms. Asami is a junior as well. She is only two months older than you. She is the student council president and because of that, she remains quite busy. She is right now in a meeting with the council that is why she isn't here. You may meet her at breakfast, but sometimes..."

She stops in front of a door and her smiling face saddens a bit.

"She tries to avoid Mr. Sato when possible so you might not see her till you go to school. She can be a little distant so don't let that bother you. She is a brilliant student and loving person she just doesn't like to show it."

She opens the door and the room is filled with different hues of blue. There was a large king bed in the middle and a large desk to the side.

I follow her as she leads me to a double door opening a large closet filled with clothes.

"I wasn't sure how you would like your room or the clothes you wore, but your friend Opal helped me pick all this out."

I look at a few shirts and remember telling Opal I liked them when we were window shopping.

"All these are mine?"

She smiles as she answers, "Yes, dear. Ah! Mr. Sato prepared a gift for you."

She grabs my hand and we rush out the room before I have a chance to explore.

She leads me down several hallways and finally arriving at another door.

She opens it wide revealing a small gym filled with weights and equipment.

"Opal told us you like to exercise and he made this addition for you. You are welcome to come day and night as you choose. This is your welcome present from him."

I can't help but look around the room is awe. I had never received a gift let alone one as awesome as this one.

"To continue, your schedule isn't as heavy as Mr. Sato's or Ms. Asami, other than your therapy session. You will be allowed to chose activities at school when you arrive and I can add things to your schedule as we go, but other than that if you have any questions please ask. Please explore the mansion. Mr. Sato's room is located on the east side of the mansion as well as his office. Ms. Asami's room is next to yours, so the rest of the rooms are unoccupied and the west side is mostly used by staff. On the south side of the mansion is all the recreational room, like the pool, sauna, etc."

She bows and leaves me in the weight room. I touch each instrument as I walk by and can't help but pick up a few weights into my hands. This was by far the best home ever.

A bit of fear slowly begins enter. What if I mess this up? What if they don't like me? What if Asami finds out about my past and even though Mr. Sato knows asks him to send me away.

I can feel the panic attack begin to take control of my body as I put the weights down and my breathing becomes more labored.

I lower myself onto the floor as my shirt becomes soaked with sweat.

I begin to do the breathing techniques Tenzin had shown me as the panic attack finally releases its grip on me.

I finally get up after who knows how long and I can feel how weak my body is as my legs buckle a little under my own weight.

I find my way around the mansion to my room and end up collapsing onto the bed.

I don't move till I hear a soft knock on my door.

"Ms. Korra? Dinner is served if you would like to come downstairs?"

I look up and see Hikaru peeking her head in.

"Yeah." I look down and see my shirt is again drenched in sweat. Even though I don't remember, this only happens after nightmares.

I sigh.

"I'm going to change first if that's ok."

"Of course it is Ms. Korra."

Before she can leave I stop her.

"Ms. Hikaru can you just call me Korra?"

She smiles again.

"Only if you call me Hikaru."

I nod at the agreement.

"I will see you downstairs in a bit Korra."

She shuts the door and I change into some of the new clothes Mr. Sato had gotten me. I figured it was the best way to show my appreciation.

I make my way to the very large dining room.

I take a seat among the dozen around the long table and notice I am the only one here.

Hikaru comes in and begins to place the plates in front of me when she sees my concerned look.

"Mr. Sato is a very busy businessman and it is rare for him to come to dinner and it seems Ms. Asami wants to eat dinner in her room today."

I nod understandingly, but then the door opens and Mr. Sato enters.

"Good evening, Korra," he says with a pleased smile as he sees me, but then it gets a little smaller when he notices I am alone.

"Did Asami decide not to join us for dinner?"

"I am sorry sir, but she said she was not feeling well."

"You don't have to cover for her, Hikaru; I know she is just refusing to see me."

He takes a deep breath as the other butlers serve him.

"Well, I hope in time she will come around. So, Korra how have you like your new home?"

I put my silverware down as I meet his eyes.

"The room and clothes are way more than I could have asked for and the weight room..."

I stand up and bow.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Sato. I loved everything you have gotten and done for me."

"Korra, please sit, our family may not be perfect, but I want you to feel welcome here. Also, I understand we aren't very well acquainted, but I hope you may call me Father one day. But if you are comfortable with Mr. Sato at the moment I understand as well."

I sit back into my chair and begin eating as he sits down and begins to talk about work.

He was very enthusiastic about his company and the new advances they were creating. I wish I understood the majority of what he was saying, but I was more than happy to see him talk so happily about his work.

I could see it was his passion and I wish I could be as passionate about something like he was. For so many years I thought that passion was out of my reach and that I would be stuck working at some labor job for the rest of my life, but after hearing him speak about his dreams and goals, it made me want to have my own.

It had been a while after we finished dinner, but we continued talking when one of his assistants walks in.

"Mr. Sato, I am sorry to disturb you, but there are a few contracts I need you to look over."

I see a crease develop on his forehead and he turns towards me.

"Thank you for the company, Korra; I'll see you in the morning to see you off to school."

I nod as he gets up and leaves with Ryota.

I make my way back to my room when I see Hikaru speaking to someone in the adjacent room from me.

"I understand you don't want to see your father, but please come down for breakfast and meet Ms. Korra. She is a wonderful young lady and I know... Yes, but he wants to see her before... I understand."

I can see the hurt in her eyes as we make eye contact and she shakes it off.

"Did you enjoy your dinner?"

"Yes, thank you, Hikaru."

"Before I forget I placed the school uniform in your room."

My face drops. School uniforms usually mean wearing skirts and I hate skirts.

I go into my room and sure enough, there is a skirt on my bed.

It wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be. It was a simple white button up with a black border on the collar and short sleeves and the school crest on the left breast.

The skirt and stocking were black with two white stripes on the ends. There was also a black jacket with the same crest on its breast pocket.

What got my interest was the black tie. I had never worn a tie with uniforms. At least it wasn't a bow like the last uniform I wore.

I place the clothes onto my desk ready for tomorrow and dress into my sleep attire.

I lay in bed excited what the next day will bring.

I stare at the shadows moving from under the door as the yelling continues. I can hear a crash from the other side and I want to open the door to protect her, but I can't. The wire wrapped around my wrists cut into my skin as I try to get to free.

I must have made noise because soon the door bursts open and I see him and then I see her. He releases the fist clenched in her hair as she drops unconsciously to the floor. He begins to walk towards me with a beer bottle still in his hand and..."

I wake up screaming.

"NO! STOP!"

I throw myself out of my bed not recognizing where I was and find myself huddling in a corner crying.

In a few moments, Hikaru is running in. Her hair down and she is still in her nightdress.

"Korra?!"

I can see her searching for me in the dark and finally finds me in the corner of the room.

It didn't take long before Mr. Sato was there too and even though I knew it was him his silhouette in the dark brought an indescribable fear into me as I begin to cry uncontrollably.

He comes closer trying to comfort me, but I try to get away and slip over the edge of my pants hitting my head hard against the ground making everything go black.

I don't know how long I was out before I open my eyes again and I see Mr. Sato talking to Hikaru.

"I'm sorry Hikaru, I should have warned you. Korra suffers from PTSD and has bad nightmares at times."

I hear Hikaru gasp.

"What happened?"

He doesn't say anything.

"All I ask is for you to keep what I have told you to yourself. I am only telling you this much so that you can help her."

"Sir is that also why she reacted the way she did towards you."

"Yes, I am afraid so."

"I'm sorry..."

They both turn towards me quickly and Hikaru rushes towards my side as I begin to get up and throws her arms around me.

"Are you ok? You gave me a scare."

I can feel tears begin to run down my face as I look at Mr. Sato.

"I'm sorry... I knew it was you, but I was just so scared..."

He comes over and places his hand on my shoulder.

"Korra I am here for you. I won't ever blame you for things that are out of your control."

I turn and hug his waist. I was always blamed and guilt-tripped about the nightmares I would have. I was always punished for the reaction I would have till they couldn't take it anymore.

"Thank you," I whisper.

He pats my head one more time before I let go.

"Try to go back to sleep since you have school in the morning."

"I'll stay with you, Korra, so don't be afraid."

I smile as I see Hikaru pull a chair closer to my bed and hold my hand.

"I will be a few inches away ok?"

I nod again as I lay back into bed and let sleep overtake me.

I am woken up by the light shake from Hikaru.

"Time to get up," she whispers lovingly to me.

"Get dress and I'll get started on breakfast."

It didn't take long before I was downstairs and I saw Mr. Sato sitting at the table with a newspaper and a cup of coffee.

"Feeling better? You can stay home if you like."

I shake my head.

"It gets worse if I lock myself up."

He nods and soon they are entering with our food.

Again I notice it is just the two of us and I begin to wonder what Asami even looks like.

It wasn't long before Mr. Sato's assistant comes and informs him of his schedule. I heard that his final meeting would be held around the dinner time and saw his face sadden.

"Korra, I will not be able to make it to dinner tonight. I'll check in with you if it's not too late after I get off."

I nod as Hikaru comes into the room.

"Korra I have all your stuff for school ready, shall we go?"

I bow to Mr. Soto.

"Have a good day at work. I will try my best at school today."

He smiles right before I turn around and leave.

The drive wasn't long, but I got to see a little more of Republic City.

It was a busy city as I saw the constant flow of people on the sidewalks. There were people of all different classes; some in their suits, other in uniforms, and then the normally clothed people. I never realized Republic City was so diverse.

The car stopped in front of a gate and as we entered and I noticed all the students in their uniforms some with their jackets and some without.

I was happy with my choice of not wearing mine. My tie was a little tighter than I liked so I loosened it as I stepped out of the car.

Hikaru jumped out of the car bubbly as she handed me my backpack and gave me a hug.

"Have a great day, Korra. I will be right here when school ends."

"Thank you and ok."

I turn and begin to walk inside. I am so distracted by how dignified a simple high school could look when I run into someone.

I am ready to feel my bottom hit the floor when I feel two hands on my arms.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have stopped suddenly."

I open my eyes to see a broad smile.

He helps me steady myself and sticks out his hand.

"Hi! I'm Bolin I just moved here from Ba Sing Se, so I'm new."

I smile as I take his hand.

"I'm Korra and I just moved here too from Zaofu."

"Awesome! What class are you in?"

I look down at the piece of paper as I try to make sense of it.

He grabs the paper and takes out his.

"Hey! We are in the same classes except for extracurricular. Is today your first day?"

"Yeah, so I don't really know how to read the schedule yet."

"Don't worry today is day number three for me." He says as he points his thumb proudly to his chest.

"Mr. Iroh is pretty awesome. He is only 23 and already a teacher. He is our homeroom teacher."

As Bolin talked I quietly followed him, but then he suddenly stopped and begin to fix his tie and shirt quickly.

"Hey, you better fix yours too before she sees you..."

It was too late before I knew it a tall girl was standing in front of me. Her green eyes were piercing into mine as she flipped her raven hair out of her way.

"Students are representatives of this school and as such they must look presentable at all times. Tuck in your shirt and fix your tie appropriately."

Bolin tries to interject as she stares me down.

"I'm sorry, she's new and..."

"This is all outlined in the student handbook. If she can't read this isn't the school for her."

Her attitude completely rubs me the wrong way and I tuck the front of my shirt, but still not completely complying with everything she had said.

I can see Bolin's mouth drop open from the corner of my eye as I take a step around her.

"Stop."

I stop and turn around when suddenly she is inches from me.

I feel her breath on my face and my heart begins to race slightly.

She begins to inch towards me and I am paralyzed as I look down at her lips and I am thinking she is about to kiss me when I feel her hands behind me.

Before I can get out of my stupor her hands go up to my neck tightening my tie.

"Since you don't know how to dress yourself I will help you just this once."

She turns and leaves before I catch my breath.

My hands dart to my back and noticed she tucked in my shirt.

"What the hell was that?"

"More like who? That's Asami Sato she is Student Council President and she is super strict about the school."

I look around and notice everyone's uniforms are perfect.

"So she has everyone on a tight leash."

"She doesn't need to. She leads by example. She is not only the Prez but the top of our class and the most popular girl in school. Everyone loves her and try to be in her good graces, especially since she is heiress to Future Industries."

I turn and look at him as I hear Mr. Sato's company name.

"Is it that famous?"

He looks shocked at me.

"I'm from Ba Sing Se and I have heard about it. All the cars outside were invented by her father, Hiroshi Sato. He is the greatest entrepreneur of our time, so yeah he's super famous and super rich."

I think back to what Mr. Sato said in on the car ride home, the hurt in his eyes talking about how he neglected his daughter over his work.

An old cliché went through my head, money can't buy happiness.

"Hmmm." Is all I say as we enter our first class and the first thing I noticed was Asami staring at me.

I could see the curiosity in her eyes as I go and sit with Bolin before her eyes flicker back to Mr. Iroh.

As the teacher did roll call he says her name.

"Asami Sato."

She raises her hand politely before he looks at me and smiles stepping away from the desk.

"I would like to introduce the class to a new student today. Korra Sato if you would be so nice and to stand up and say a few words."

I sigh as I stand up having done this several times in the past it has gotten to be annoying.

"Hello, I'm Korra and I'm seventeen. I'm originally from Zaofu. This is the first time I have ever been in Republic City. I like martial arts and sports."

I sit down as the whispers begin.

Bolin leans over and I can see the surprise on his face and the surprise on the face of the green eyed girl in front of the class.

"You didn't tell me you were a Sato..." He whispers a little louder than he expects as he looks around quickly as the roll call continues.

"You never asked and I'm adopted so I'm not really a Sato."

"If your surname is Sato, you're a Sato. Why was Asami so mean if she knew you were her sister?"

"She didn't."

Now that got Bolin's attention.

"That was the first time I met Asami and I guess it didn't go as smoothly as Mr. Sato wanted."

He chuckles a little.

"You call your dad, Mr. Sato."

I look down a little embarrassed.

"I'm not ready.."

He puts his hand on mine.

"I wasn't judging you. I just thought it was cute."

I smile as Mr. Iroh demands our attention.

I spent the rest of the class looking out the window as the rest of the student's used homeroom as a study hall.

Being my first day I had nothing to do, but listen to Bolin try to do his math homework out loud.

I did, however, notice the few glances I would receive from Asami.

I think she is as curious about me as I am of her. Maybe we can have a good relationship as sisters, but the way things started I think that might be hard.

"Hey Korra you said you like martial arts, do you want to join the Karate Club? We need some girls. Come after school if you want to check it out and we can be in a club together."

I was happy to get invited and I could see that Bolin and I were turning into friends. It brought me a warm feeling and I knew Opal would be proud. I was never good at making friends and I made one the first day of school.

Classes after that went by pretty quickly as I tried to catch up to the other students. The whispers however never stopped especially when they found out I was the newly adopted daughter of the Sato family.

I don't think anyone knew how to talk to me because of my new name, so I was happy Bolin acted the same as when I first met him towards me.

He was a big goofball and a breath of fresh air when I started to get stressed about the stares and whispers.

"Don't worry, Korra, wait until they get to know you and they will see you're no one to be afraid of. So I have to go check in with the coach and tell him your coming. I'll meet you at the mats in ten ok?"

"Yeah, I need to call Hikaru and tell her I'm staying late to observe the club."

He smiles and then takes off running through the hall.

I am walking outside between buildings to my locker when something catches my eye.

"Yeah, I'll call you when I'm done...No, I don't mind waiting I just don't know how long I will be observing...Ok, I'll be waiting by the gym... bye."

I hang up and but my feet detour towards the movement I saw earlier.

I'm walking by some tall bushes when I hear voices.

It almost sounds like an argument when I come to a small opening in the bush and I look through it.

It was Mr. Iroh and Asami.

I am shocked as I see her try to walk away, but he grabs her by the arm pushing her against the wall.

He pushes his lips against hers and begins to kiss her when my eyes make contact with Asami's.

I instantly drop to the ground and I can feel the panic attack right before a flashback kick in and I stand up and run.

After a few turns, I burst into the bathroom throwing hands full of water onto my face.

"You're safe. She's not her..."

I start to feel my heart finally slow down when the door to the restroom open.

I turn and see Asami standing there.

"Does your father know?" I ask.

"Why should he know?"

"He's a teacher," I say as I turn towards her.

"He is taking advantage of you," I could feel my anger begin to come through.

"It was just a kiss."

"That's not what I saw. A kiss should be between someone you love and I could definitely tell in your eyes..."

She grabs me by my arm and pulls me in. My words are cut off by her lips.

My lips move momentarily with hers when she suddenly pulls away.

"You don't have to love someone to kiss them."

I see the same look in her eyes from before as she turns away and walks out the restroom.

I bring my hand up to my lips.

My new sister has just given me my first kiss.

"What the hell..."

End of Chapter Notes:

This story will be a small series. I hope you enjoyed it!