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(Asami)
"Hey, have you seen Korra?"
Asami looked up from her book and found a worried Mako looking at her. She eyed him suspiciously.
Their picnic had ended earlier with an internal argument over whether or not Mako liked Korra. Mako hadn't noticed though and had been all smiles as they walked hand in hand back to the temple. She had wondered if maybe Mako was just with her because… well, it was easy. She had practically offered herself to him, and she knew that she wasn't easy to say no to. Korra was the rare exception to that.
She had never been one to sit back and let something she wanted slip away. At least, before this whole mess. And he was definitely someone she had wanted—who wouldn't? He was a seemingly ideal guy, and their relationship had been nearly everything she expected to have in one. She had dated before him, had relationships as well. But those usually ended up with the person either talking too much about themselves or going too fast, or just not meeting each other's expectations. Mako had met all of hers, and she really did care for him, and she felt it was the same for her as well. But the way he talked about Korra earlier…
"No. Why? Did something happen?" Asami's tone carried more of her emotions than she'd wish as she winced at the sound of jealousy in her voice. But Mako didn't seem to notice, his thoughts seemingly elsewhere.
It wasn't that she didn't trust Mako… it was just, well, Korra was so amazing. And she didn't want to lose Mako. She had already lost her father, and practically her whole world.
"Not really, I guess. Master Tenzin was just worried about her. He said that Korra's not feeling well and asked if we could talk to her, being her teammates and all. He mentioned Korra's been having trouble with airbending and Tarrlok pushing her down." Mako explained, "Well, I'll go look for her some more. I'm kind of worried about her. She never really says much about these Avatar things and I don't really like prying, but…" A worried look crossed his face and Asami couldn't prevent her jealous bout. But it was swiftly overcome by the concern Asami felt for the young Avatar.
"I'll help look." Asami offered quickly. Korra had allowed them to stay on the island, had invited her, even if Korra didn't actually have to. She could've just offered it to Mako and Bolin. But a part of her knew that she also offered because she didn't like Mako to be alone to comfort the Avatar.
"Alright."
Jealous thoughts were pushed away as Mako told her about what Tenzin had said happened between Tarrlok and Korra. The frown deepening on her face with each sentence. Tarrlok had always been a typical power-hungry politician. Her father usually dealt with him pleasantly but both of them didn't like the way he played people. And the way he had so callously brought up Korra's lack of airbending capabilities.
If I had been there I'd have coldly reminded him that Avatar Aang had yet to master the elements when he faced the Fire Nation. And his companions weren't even half the age Tarrlok was. The Avatar had more powers than Tarrlok could ever imagine.
"There you are." Bolin said when the three of them finally found her on the edge of the cliff. Concern and gentleness laced his voice. "Are you okay?"
This was the first time Asami had actually seen Korra so… dejected. She had seen the young Avatar pissed, happy, excited, annoyed, but not this. Not even when Mako had threatened to cut off their friendship when Korra wouldn't let up about Asami's own father supporting the Equalist. Korra had been hurt, but also determined.
She was determined to do the right thing, just as I did when I stopped Dad. Even if it meant losing those we care about.
This was different though. Her shoulders were slumped and the usual fire ball of energy that was Korra seemed very meek and insecure. Master Tenzin was probably right to be worried. Not so different from you now, is she? So what?
"I'm fine." Korra tried to play it off. Something Asami had been doing often enough as well. But Korra was obviously not fine.
"C'mon, what's wrong?" Mako prodded. "You can tell us."
Korra let out a long sigh. "How am I supposed to save the city when I can't even learn airbending? I'm the worst Avatar ever! I just feel… alone."
That struck a chord in Asami. The rawness in Korra's voice. She's so much more than just the Avatar people make her to be, she's human too. And she's…Flashes of the first time she ever saw Korra in a Pro-bending match, the excited look on her face when they raced around the Satomobile track, to the night she had seen the girl on the docks, then to Korra's determination to do what was right, even when her friends—the guy she was said to like—had warned her that their friendship would end. Flashes of that night Korra had been there for her. Korra saying that Asami was amazing.
Korra's wrong. I'm not amazing, but she is.
"No, that's nonsense! You're amazing!" Asami blurted out. And beautiful and spirited and so many things that I can never hope to match up to. Korra had faults, blatantly obvious faults, but most of those stemmed from her desire to do the right thing. She strived so hard to do her duty as the Avatar, to prove herself even if she was brash and sometimes a little bit too reckless. Asami knew that whatever Korra's actions were, they were borne out of a desire to do the right thing.
"Yeah, and remember: Aang hadn't mastered all the elements when he was battling the Fire Nation. He was just a little kid." Mako added. Asami nodded in agreement.
"And he wasn't alone. He had his friends to help him." Bolin added, "Look, the Arena may be shut down, but we're still a team! The new team Avatar!"
"We got your back Korra, and we can save the city, together." Mako finished. He placed his hand on top of Asami's, and smiled at her. Asami was surprised but sent a small smile back as Bolin joined his hand with theirs.
"Yeah, let's do it!" Korra smiled. Asami's smile grew when she saw this. Suddenly, a wave of fart-bending happened when Meelo appeared on top of their hands.
"Yeah, let's do it!" He repeated then slouched, "What are we doing?"
The four of them laughed, and right now, Asami didn't feel so alone anymore either. Hopefully, Korra didn't either.
(Korra)
"Asami, you always know how to accessorize your outfits." Mako smirked. Korra turned to find the non-bender with her left hand on her hip and an Equalist glove on her right hand.
"I figure one way to fight Equalists, is to use an Equalist weapon." Asami let out a small electric shock. Korra grinned, appreciating the light but confident tone Asami took and the way the glow of the electricity from the glove seemed to highlight Asami's features. Where once she had admired Asami's nearly perfect features with jealousy, now she simply grinned as the determination in Asami's emerald eyes boosted her confidence in what they were about to do.
"Alright, let's ride!" She punched her palm, hopped onto Naga then turned to offer her hand to the next one. If you weren't used to getting on Naga, it could be pretty difficult. But it seemed Mako had the same idea as he was already helping Asami up behind Korra. She retracted her hand quickly and moved to pet Naga's head instead.
"Thanks, Korra." Asami said to Korra, the smile evident in her voice. Korra's brows furrowed.
"For what?"
"The hand. I noticed you offered. The gesture should not go unappreciated." There was a playful tone in Asami's voice. Korra tried to think up a response but was cut off by Bolin's voice.
"Naga away!" Bolin shouted as he jumped up behind Mako. Naga growled and bent her head to the ground, leading to Korra getting squished under three other bodies. Asami's hands had grabbed at her sides as they fell, trying to go against gravity. She also felt Mako's hands between Asami's stomach and her own lower back. But the greatest feeling she had was of the soft earth in her mouth.
"Pfft." She grumbled at her polar bear dog. Naga only tilted her head a bit, as if innocently asking what was wrong. Naga… "Alright, scratch that. Any other ideas?"
Korra watched as Asami stood up and flipped her hair, a confident look on the young heiress' face as she put her left hand on her chin in a thoughtful position. She again found herself following the motions of the way Asami's hair flipped, noting the sharp playfulness in her eyes, and the way her lips curled up in a slight smirk. Korra was starting to associate this look to Asami having an idea that would allow her to show off.
She's always so confident.
A confidence that seemed to be the same yet at the same time different from Korra's.
"Hmm. I think I have the answer." She smirked.
Korra squinted when bright lights emerged from the garage, racing towards them. Asami pulled the breaks and the car skidded to a stop in front of them. The wind did the flipping this time, and Asami cocked her head, playfully boasting. "You think this will do?"
Korra didn't know about the other two, but she was impressed with Asami as usual. She grinned and jumped into the back of the car with Bolin. Asami's idea was brilliant, and she couldn't help but be excited. After all, she had been right behind the racer, able to see how amazing a driver Asami was up close and personal.
Korra felt adrenaline rush through her veins as Asami shifted the Satomobile into gear, chasing after the Equalists. They drifted through the two other vehicles, grazing the second but Asami expertly handled it and they barely lost speed. A truck appeared at the intersection, and they just kept racing toward it.
"Korra, Bolin! Give me a ramp! Now!" Asami instructed. Without a glance at each other, Korra and Bolin immediately set-up the ramp they needed and flew over the truck. Guess all those practices have had other uses as well. Bolin and I are working in perfect sync.
When they landed, Korra couldn't help but notice the look of enjoyment Asami seemed to have for a split second before focusing on getting them nearer to the tail end of the Equalist escapees. Mako immediately stood up and threw a burst of lightning at the nearest motorcycle's tire. Bolin then threw a multitude of small but sharp rocks at the next one and was able to burst the tire as well.
Two down, more to go. Korra readied herself to attack the next one but the two motorcycles in front of them released smoke screen directly onto their vehicle. She blocked her eyes from the smoke.
"Help me out, we gotta make this turn!" Asami called out.
Korra immediately stood up, forcing her eyes to clear just for a moment. I'm not going to let them get away. She earthbended a ramp to guide the car the second her eyes cleared.
"They don't know we made the turn. Get ready…" Asami gunned the car to bump into the two motorcycles in front of them. The riders were thrown off their bikes but were able to recover and landed on their Satomobile.
Mako sent a wave of fire at one Equalist, but the masked person dodged and captured Mako's wrist with a bola-like instrument. Using the other end, the Equalist pulled the firebender toward him. Mako threw another fire punch at the Equalist but his other wrist was also easily captured in a similar fashion. The second Equalist jumped onto Bolin and Bolin tried to defend himself but was no match for the seemingly hand-to-hand combat experienced Equalist. Asami turned around and grabbed the Equalist's leg and used the glove's electrocution feature. When Korra saw this, she quickly formed an idea and grabbed Mako from behind, unceremoniously pulling him into the back with her, dragging the Equalist into the passenger seat. Asami seemed to understand immediately. As Korra eased herself back into the Satomobile's chair, Asami electrocuted the Equalist. Mako threw the Equalist out of the vehicle and once again let lightning flow through his body and directed it at the driver of the only remaining vehicle: the escape van.
Korra grinned at her friends. Bolin, Mako and her hadn't lost their touch at all and their easy teamwork in the arena was quickly translated to this high speed chase. And she and Asami seemed to work in perfect sync. Korra was glad how easily they had understood each other's thoughts and moves. For the first time in a long while, Korra felt things fall into place.
(Korra)
"Did you see Tarrlok's face?" Korra grinned at them. "Man, I loved showing him up. Our teamwork was awesome tonight! Mako's precision with lightning and Bolin's accuracy with those rocks, and Asami's awesome driving and quick attacks! We totally rocked it tonight!"
They were walking along the road, having decided to go for a snack before heading back to Air Temple Island.
"I know! And you and Asami worked really well together." Bolin noted, "I mean, did you see that Mako? When she pulled you into the back seat and in the blink of an eye, Asami electrocuted the guy!"
"No, I didn't Bo. I felt it though." Mako said dryly, "Did you really have to drag me that hard?"
"Aww, it wasn't that bad. You were fine when you were hit by Asami's moped, so I'm sure that you could handle a little bit of roughing up." Korra teased. "And you really were great Asami!"
Asami laughed, "Well, you seemed to trust me enough to handle it so quickly seeing as you immediately eased back to your seat when you pulled Mako in."
"Of course I trust you. I wouldn't doubt you for a second." Korra said confidently, "Your lightning quick reflexes have impressed me so far."
Asami's cheeks seemed to have tints of red at the compliment, but Korra wasn't so sure, maybe it was just the lighting. Asami quickly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and smiled at Korra.
"Thanks, Korra. That really means a lot to me."
"Korra's right, you were great." Mako agreed, "Me, Korra and Bolin have pro-bending training so we've pretty much kicked up our teamwork, but you fit perfectly in."
"Well, I've had a lot of chances to watch you guys practice." Asami smiled at her boyfriend, "You were great too by the way. You really are a natural with lightning. It was so quick and precise and perfect, sweetie."
"I've just had a lot of practice." Mako seemed pleased, leaning over to kiss Asami. Korra rolled her eyes, this time out of jest than annoyance. But she really wasn't that used to seeing lovey-dovey couples.
"Hey guys, we're here. Ta da!" Bolin threw his arms at the store which seemed to have seen a lot of years.
"Uh, what is this place?" Korra asked.
"It's a dimsum place." Bolin said. "They have the best dumplings in this part of town."
"I'm sorry!"
Four heads turned at the sound coming from the inside of the store. Suddenly, a man flew out and into the street. Three firebenders strode out toward the man. The members of Team Avatar immediately tensed.
"Agni Kai." Mako muttered, "I forgot this is their territory."
Asami seemed to stiffen at the mention of the name and Mako looked at her in concern, knowing what had happened with her mother.
"We'll deal with them." Korra said, confidence oozing her voice.
"No, Korra, don't—." Mako started to say but Korra was already charging forward. He sighed then went to provide back-up. Bolin looked at Asami. Asami already had her glove back on and the two nodded at each other before following their friends forward.
"I don't think that's very nice." Korra smirked at the group of men. The men seemed surprise at the sudden intrusion.
The man in the middle sneered, "Oh yeah? Do you know whose territory this is?"
"I've been told a group calling themselves after an honorable Fire Nation duel claims ownership." Korra said, "Now, if you truly are Agni Kai, then you should know the rules of a duel. But seeing as you have no honor, then I believe our fight means nothing."
"You should watch what you say missy, back-ups just a call away."
"Uh, that girl seems familiar. That water tribe get-up… I've seen it before."
"Shut up, idiot. Who cares if you know her? Were you childhood friends or some of that shit?"
"What? No!" Suddenly a ball of flame went past the two of them and Korra soon followed up by sending earth spikes. Another flame punch came, this time from Mako and Bolin threw two earth squares to follow up Mako's attack on the leftmost Triad member. Asami was left to deal with the last one. She quickly dodged the fire punch the firebender sent. Korra then bended water from the canal and froze her opponent's extremities. She took a glance at Asami and saw the firebending kick and somehow knew that Asami wouldn't be able to dodge both that and the punch heading her way. But before she could strike, Mako sent another bolt of lightning at the Triad member. The target was able to avoid it but it was enough of a distraction for the gang member that Asami was able to quickly land a blow and electrocute the firebender.
"Well, that was easy." Korra cheerfully said as the three lay crumpled on the floor. "All that's left is to notify the police."
"What the hell did you do?" The man that had previously been thrown on the ground had already raised himself up.
"We just saved your ass." Korra said brazenly.
"Korra…" Mako warned. Korra frowned.
"What? We helped him!" Korra defended herself. Mako sighed.
"You did not help me!" the shop owner said, "Now they'll come back and demand double the payment! Do you have any idea where I'll get that money? I can barely keep my shop open! It would've been better to have just been beaten up. This is all you bender's fault! You scum are everything that's wrong with this city!"
"Scum? Listen here—." Korra snarled but a hand on her shoulder made her turn. Mako shook his head.
"We're sorry, sir. How much do you need to pay them?" Mako asked.
"200 yuans!" The man cried out in defeat, "But scum like you wouldn't care about that. You just swoop in whenever you feel like it and then pat yourselves on the back like you're some kind of hero! But you're the only ones feeling good about yourselves. It's all you benders' fault that we're so hard-pressed. The Equalists are the ones helping us and what do you do? You stamp them out, just like you've stamped out the rest of us. Amon will come for you one day."
"Listen here buddy…" Korra growled.
"We'll order food for take out." Bolin immediately cut-in, "Worth 500 yuans, sir. We're really sorry about the mess."
Mako turned to Korra, "Korra, use your brawns. We're going to have to threaten one of these guys."
"Threaten them?" Korra asked, "Why? They're already down."
"I was trying to warn you earlier, but if you do things like simply protect them, you have to be prepared to protect them day and night. If you stop them just once, the Triads will just come back and demand even higher pay for the reparations. They'll pin the blame on the shopkeeper you defended and persecute him more. I know you mean well, but this is how it works in the long run. The Triads won't give up so easily. And the police rarely bother about doing large scale operations on these Triads." Mako explained. "Now, seeing as you're the Avatar, just give them a little power play."
He moved to wake the one that had been telling his cohorts to shut up. Korra immediately raised an earth spike to the man's neck. The Agni Kai member's eyes widened in fear.
"See my friend here? She's the Avatar. See, we just happened to be in the neighborhood looking for some grub. But she really can't help it if some poor guy's being pushed around. She jumps right into action. Now, we've kindly requested that she take up some restraint seeing as you never really stood a chance against her. But if we so much as hear that you've blamed this shopkeeper for something she's done, she will tear this city up just to find you. You got that?" Mako said threateningly. The man nodded so much that it seemed his head would fall off. They heard sirens in the distance.
"Here you go, sir." Bolin gave the money to the shopkeeper, "Thanks for the meal. And we're really sorry. Korra's… she means well. My brother and I know how it is to be kicked when you're already down. And one day, we'll change the city runs. But to do that, both benders and non-benders should work together. See that girl with the black hair? She's a non-bender but she's part of our team. We couldn't do this without her. We're fighting these Equalists because they hurt other people, not because they're non-benders. A lot needs to be changed, but there are better ways to do it."
Korra's eyes widened at the small speech she overheard Bolin give. The shopkeeper let out a "harrumph" but quietly went back to his stall.
"That was… you're really good with talking Bolin." Asami smiled at their youngest member. Bolin seemed to grow nervous and embarrassed.
"Uh, you heard that?" Bolin squeaked. Mako smirked. Korra opened and closed her mouth, no words coming out.
"Korra?" Asami called out.
"I'm sorry." Korra kicked the ground and sighed, "I didn't think things through. I just keep messing things up, don't I?"
"No, no. It's okay. We all know you meant well." Bolin jumped in. Mako was still tense but finally nodded.
"You'd only get that kind of idea by spending a long time in Republic City's poorest areas." Mako explained, "It wasn't wrong, protecting that guy. But it has consequences."
"I wouldn't have thought about what Bolin said either. But I could imagine that the Triads wouldn't give up…" Asami looked down. "At least we learned something new now. And we can do better next time."
"Thanks guys. You were brilliant with that speech, Bo." Korra grinned at her friend. "Where'd you cook that up?"
"I dunno. I guess I just spoke what I thought." Bolin shrugged. Korra bumped her shoulder into his.
"Let's go celebrate Team Avatar's formation." Korra grinned. "I'm really glad I'm friends with you guys."
A/N: I wanted Team Avatar to experience more with the Triads and see more non-bender problems, even just a little. It didn't feel like we saw enough of the issues the Equalists were talking about.
Even with Asami feeling slightly suspicious, she still thinks well of Korra and Korra's as always impressed with Asami. And I wanted to highlight how well they work together (Korra and Asami) and Korra feeling even better when they're able to defeat the Equalists. I don't think Asami is fully aware of how bad the situation is with the non-benders, she has been living in a pretty protected environment, while she may have some idea, and experience some sort of prejudice, its not the same as the less privileged. Mako and Bolin would have more experience, especially with knowing how the Triads operate but Mako's not entirely concerned with all of it since he has to protect Bolin.
Next chapter has them sparring!