~A-Sato~
"I'm going to use the restroom, please don't order without me."
"We won't. " I reply sweetly.
My response makes Haru smirk, as he gets up to follow the princess.
I wait for them to be at a good distance, then turn to my friend frantically.
"They're driving me crazy!" I tell Kuvira, who takes a sip of her tea.
"I like them. The guy with the sunglasses on is cute. I also noticed he been staring at you more than the surroundings. How do you know them, by the way?" I ignore her pettiness and evaluate how I should explain this strange situation.
"I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell anyone."
Kuvira eyes me suspiciously, but gives into my request.
"I promise, now shoot."
I look around, making sure the guests haven't returned, before I begin.
"The girl whom you like very much, is the princess of the Northern WaterTribe."
She leans across the table, and her motion causes me to do as well.
"You're telling me I'm having lunch with a princess who's supposedly dead?" she whispers.
"It's crazy, right? They're going to be staying with my father, till the ball."
Kuvira leans back into her chair and starts stuffing her purse with bread sticks.
"Listen, Asami. Listen very carefully. We need to leave right now!"
"Why? We just got here."
She stops at the salad bowl and slowly sets it back down, away from her bag.
"We're eating with a ghost."
I look at my friend in confusion. Then suddenly she burst into laughter.
"You're too easy, Sami. Did you really think I would be surprised that you knew a princess? You're the president's daughter. I'm sure you know many high power children. My only question is, why is she here?"
"She flew in for an interview. Supposedly she has information about Admiral Glacier being a war criminal." I say unimpressed.
I stir my ice tea, watching the tiny white specs make a tornado. Knowing well enough, it won't dissolve due to the cold temperature of my beverage. Just when I'm about to make my spoon go into another orbit, someone takes my glass.
"That's awesome. Why are you giving the princess such a hard time, then? She's practically giving back the presidency to your father."
"Can you 'give me back' my drink?"
she slides back my glass and I push it to the side.
I know her information will help our campaign, but something is off about the situation. Not everyone is team Tonraq. So if her claims are true, why is she the first one to come forward about this? How can a seventeen year old girl be the keeper of such information? If her community is as strict as she talks about, what community allows a carefree/naive girl to be the ambassador of her tribe? They could have sent anyone. Heck, Haru would had made a better candidate. Yue doesn't even know what a cellphone is!
"Hellooo, Asami?" Kuvira says, pulling me out of my train of thought.
"What were you saying?" I ask.
"I asked why aren't you thrilled about all?"
"Because, something doesn't seem right. Korra's dad doesn't seem like a war criminal."
Great, I haven't spoken with the girl in three days, and now I can't control myself from saying her name out loud. Especially when I know it triggers Kuvira.
"Are you talking to her?"
"No!"
"Asami, you're lying to me. I can see it all in your eyes and the blush you're getting isn't helping. What is your business with her?"
My friend's anger takes me off guard.
"Vira, we're both the same age and our fathers are running for president. Of course, I have interactions with her." I defend.
"Are they ethical?"
Images of our 'non-ethical' past experiences flash into my mind.
"They're 100% professional"
" They better be, because she's unstable, Asami."
"You don't even know her."
"I do know her! She's a ticking time bomb! Everything is a joke to her. I can't believe such a smart man, made such a child."
Her comments makes me furious.
"How do you know what she's like? Did Baatar tell you about her, or did Suyin break you two up before he got the chance?"
Did those words just come out my mouth?
Kuvira was being a jerk, but I didn't have to say all of that.
I'm just about to apology, when Yue and Haru return.
"I can't wait to order. The restaurant's bathroom was beautiful. Everything here is beautiful! I love downtown Republic City! "
The princess takes her seat at the table and I awkwardly wait for Kuvira to say something. I don't care if it's an attack, just something.
Her blank expression isn't helping the situation either.
"Vira, I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine. Can I just say this one thing about your dilemma, then we can drop it?"
I nod.
"Every politician has secrets, want to know why?"
"Why?" Yue asks, excitedly.
"Because politicians are humans, and humans have secrets."
~K-Glacier~
As Katie gets her equipment out the car, I start putting quarters into the parking meter.
"How long do you think we'll be staying?" I call out, over the very loud music coming from the fancy restaurant across the street.
"Um… put enough coins for three hours, just in case." She calls back.
Downtown Republic City is always crowded. We were lucky enough to even find a parking space at 2pm.
With the parking taken care of, I rush to Kaite's side and grab some of the bags from her. She shouldn't have to be carrying anything. If it wasn't for her, this wouldn't be possible.
"Aww, you don't have to carry all of that."
"Nonsense, it's just a few things." I reply, with a 20 pound hiker backpack on, a go-pro wrapped around my forehead, tripod under my arm, and a notebook between my teeth.
It's just a few items.
"Let me at least take the tripod."
Before she could take the tripod away, I step away from her, with tears in my eyes.
"Are you ticklish?" she asks, in disbelief.
All I can do is nod.
"Wow, who knew? Well... you need to toughen up. I can't have you dropping the tripod. Let me 'TRI' again. " she teases.
"Give me a sec." I mumble.
Now that I'm ready, I give her thumb up.
My friend walks back over to me and purposely and slowly, slides the metal object from under my arm. Thanks to the notebook, I didn't completely lose it.
"You're suck a jerk." I state, now free.
"I know, let's go."
We approach a busy intersection, and just when I'm about to press the walk button, Katie walks across the street.
"Hey! What are you doing? Cars are coming?" I shout, following her.
"Pedestrians have the right of way." She calls back, getting a couple of honks in return.
"Yeah, when the light isn't green!" I defend, dodging a Dodge Charger.
Now I understand why Asami stresses the importance of using a cross walk. I know she's trying to contact me. But I been so busy and I really don't have time for her antics. I'm already confused enough. Trying to understand our relationship is more complicated.
Once we get across the street, I pat the sidewalk pavement, thankful I didn't end up under it.
"Don't be so over dramatic. I seen you jay walk before." I look up at her in horror.
"That wasn't walking! What you just did, is risking your life. If you pull that stunt again, I'm not chasing after you."
Kaite turns around and frowns.
"You wouldn't save me?"
"It depends. If you had the camera for our commercial on you, then yes." I tease.
" I just have four words for you, Korra Glacier."
"What's that?" I ask, flashing her my prize winning smile.
"Welcome to your tape."
My smile instantly drop.
"That's not funny!" I call out, as she continues to walk.
~A-Sato~
As the waiter leaves with our check. I can't get the image of that girl and Korra, out of my head. What is she doing downtown? Is this why she hasn't returned my calls?
What am I talking about? She's allowed to be downtown, she lives in Republic City.
Everyone was too engaged in their conversation to see the Southern WaterTribe girl at the parking looked like they were on their way to film something, due to all their various equipment. After going through my conclusions, it finally hits me. Maybe they had an assignment to do for one of classes. A communications major, does involve a lot of film work. That could also explain why she hasn't contacted me.
Even though I'm pleased my logic kicked it. Something still grinds my gears. I can't believe how close that girl was to Korra. Who does she think she is, slipping her arm around her's like that? Korra was more than capable of carrying those items.
"Asami?" Yue's voice pulls me out of my trance.
"Yes?"
"We have to make our way back home, for you know...?"
The princess winks at me, hinting that she needs to be back in time for the interview.
"Ah, Yes. As soon as our waiter comes back with my card, we can leave."
"Can I tag along?" Kuvira asks.
"We have a lot to do." Haru explains.
My friend ignores his input and looks at Yue.
"Listen, I know who you're. Your disguise doesn't fool me. I would love to watch your interview live."
Yue starts to get flustered and that's when I step in.
"Kuvira, no! That wouldn't be appropriate."
How dare she ignore our promise. She wasn't supposed to talk about the interview, or Yue's royal status. What's up with her?
My friend leans back into her chair.
"Why not? I just want to support my new friend."
Her facial expression itself, tells me she has a hidden agenda. I don't know if she's getting back at me for my comment earlier , or genuinely wants to come. Either way, I rather have her not be in attendance.
"Vira, no..."
"You're welcome to watch." Yue interrupts.
"What?" both Haru and I say in unison.
"Having more people I know watch, feels more calming. And you strangely, give off this calm vibe."
Kuvira smiles.
"Thank You. So I been told."
The waiter brings back our receipt and we begin to collect our things.
"Here is my number. Just text me the location."
Kuvira gives the princess her number and pulls her into a hug. Once again, something she rarely does.
"Nice meeting you, Haru. And see you soon Asami." she says, with a wink.
What is she up to?
~K-Glacier~
"How do you serve Republic City?" Katie asks, the merchant.
"I sell cabbages, can't you see?"
I lower the camera to the green produce then back onto the elderly cabbage man.
"How do you feel about this election?"
"I don't care about politics, I care about cabbages. "
I zoom into the cabbages and the Nikon D500 is so great, I can even see the patterns from the skin, of the tiny insects crawling onto his precious cabbages.
"Well you should, Sir. Are you aware that Hiroshi Sato favors monopolies."
"I don't play games."
"What if the game Apples to Apples, were called Cabbages to Cabbages." I ask, lowering my camera.
"Hmm, that does sound promising. I could sell the game here."
"It would certainly be great marketing, Sir."
My comment makes the man smile, but not Katie who looks ignored, due to me going off topic.
"You do think so?"
"Korra! Please stay focus." Katie, orders.
Just by hearing the word, I focus the camera so far that I can see up my friend's nose.
If I didn't know any better, I would think cabbages were in her nose.
"Sir, if the president gets reelected. He will allow big companies to push out the small vendors like you. You won't be able to make profit on your….
"CABBAGES!" he yells.
I shake the camera, to stress the passion and hurt he feels, like an earthquake. Because his world is crashing down, all from this news.
"Yes, your cabbages. I'm not telling you who to vote for, but remember. Politics are very important, and if you don't vote, you don't have a voice."
"Be the voice for your cabbages, because they can't speak." I add.
my commentary gets another glare from my friend.
"Absolutely. which candidate will save my cabbages?" he pleads.
"Admiral Glacier will protect local business like yours." Katie, says proudly.
"I want him to win!"
"Great. Would you mind putting on this sticker, for our video?"
The merchant man, takes the sticker and places it onto one of his cabbages.
"Um, I think she meant your shir.."
"Here is one for you, as well." Katie chimes in, almost like she didn't want me to continue my comment.
I was just trying to help.
~A-Sato~
I knock onto my Father's door and there is a loud cough.
"Who is it?" he booms.
"Sami."
The door suddenly opens and I see my Father's guards in the corner.
"Can I talk to you privately?" I ask.
"Sure, Sweetie."
In one swift hand motion, his guards exit the door.
"What's going on? The interview is starting in 20 minutes." he asks, concerned.
I take a seat in front of him.
" I know, that's why I'm here. Do you think we could postpone it."
He looks at me applauded.
"Why?"
"I just have this strange feeling that something isn't right. Yue told me the story about Admiral Glacier, and it doesn't add up."
He starts messing with his beard.
"I see. You think she's lying?"
I wouldn't say lying, that a big word. The correct notions would be me doubting her claims, based on some information I feel she left out."
"So you want me stop the interview, because you have a bad feeling?"
Well hearing what I said out loud, does sound foolish. But I know how I feel.
"Asami, you can't make judgement based on feelings. I get feelings all the time with this job. But you don't see me jeopardizing this country due to it."
"Yes, I agree. Maybe my choice of words weren't the best. But you have to admit something isn't right, about her. How did you even find out about the story? Did P'Li contact her or did she just randomly decide to call us? She doesn't even know what a phone is, I find it fairly difficult to believe she was able to make this arrangement on her own."
My Father gets up from his desk and pulls open the curtains, to look out onto the capitol's lawn.
"Her name is Korra, right?"
My Father's tone and question takes me back.
"Excuse me?"
"Is it Korra or Cora?"
"It's Korra. What does the Admiral's daughter have to do with this discussion?"
"IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH IT!" He yells.
I don't understand why he's getting upset. I also don't understand Korra's involvement based on a concern I have on the princess.
"Is she pressuring you to stop this interview?" he says lowly.
"Of course not! Who told you such lies?" I ask, offended.
"It doesn't matter. You need to stay away from her. I know at events where both the Glaciers/Beifong will be in attendance, you can't avoid them. But contact with her outside those events, won't be condone upon."
Is he fucking serious? I'm twenty-four, he can't tell me who I can, and can't hang out with. Has he lost his mind?
"Father, you know better than I do. That you can't just forbid me to see someone."
This time he looks at me in disbelief.
"But I can put the secret service on you, at all times. I know I sound like the bad guy, but I want to protect you. Ever since you were a little girl, you always saw the good in people and things. But you need to open your beautiful eyes, not everything that sparkles is gold."
I'm not naive! I can tell the difference between real and fake. Clearly, I was wrong for coming to him about all of this. I'm my own person. Even if Korra did beg me to talk with my father about canceling the interview. I would had decided myself whether to or not to do so. I thought he knew me better than this.
Before I let my angry due to my father reckless assumption get the best of me. I remember to stay on the original topic. Which is the interview.
" How will the world see us, once the interview airs? Everyone will think we're so desperate for a win, that we have would dig so low. Based on your previous accusations regarding Korra's character, sinking low does sound like us."
"This interview has nothing to do with me or this campaign! I thought I raised you well enough, not to be so selfish. The Princess is telling her side of the story. She's not giving us or me a shout out. We're just giving her a platform to speak. Something she never got the chance to do."
"The princess could have gone to anyone. Anyone would had given her a platform!"
"It's politics, Asami. If you don't like it, you don't have to be here. It's crunch time, the election is coming faster than you know it. You came to me to discuss your doubts for Yue. Seems to me,your doubts were really for me."
Who is this man? I didn't expect for him to cancel the interview, just postpone it. Just until we got the facts.I'm not a sensitive girl that causes a tempter tantrums, when things don't go her way. But this conversation is noted.
"Then it's settled, the interview is still going on.I don't feel like watching the interview live. I think I'll go home, it's been a long day."
"Asami, don't be like this."
"No, Mr. President, It's fine. You're the one that makes the orders."
"Sami, please."
"My father calls me that, let me know when he's off duty. I'll love to talk to him."
I walk out his office and as I wait for the elevator, I hear someone whistle.
"Your Father told me to help myself, in the kitchen. He's a pretty chill guy. It must be easy to talk to him." Kuvira says, with a smile, before walking away.
~K-Glacier~
"You were so good, today. Get whatever you want." I say, while handing her a menu.
"I can pay for myself."
"Nope, it's the least I could do. Everything you done for me is priceless. Paying for dinner is simple."
I open my menu, trying to decide which entree i'm in the mood for. My mind is telling me eat something healthy. But my heart is saying chicken and waffles, with all the works.
"Did you find something?" Katie asks, closing her menu.
"As long as it's not cabbages, I'm good." I tease.
"He was certainly a character, alright. I should had asked the vegetables for their input."
I decided on the chicken and waffles and Katie ordered chicken alfredo. It was a basic choice, but also a safe one.
"Thank you for coming."
"Ugh, stop thanking me!"
"But I'm really grateful. You didn't have to do all of this."
"I'll do anything for you, Korra. You're the best photography buddy ever."
I clench my chest.
"Oh No! I just been class-buddy zoned."
"What did you think we were? Best friends?" she tease back.
I continue eating my food and Katie just stares at me, and I start to get nervous.
Aw man! Korra. You told yourself you would eat more like a human and not a monster.
I start slowing down my eating, trying to hide my blush.
"Sorry, everyone tell me to stop eating like a pig." I state, while wiping my mouth.
"You're an athlete. Your metabolism is very high."
What does my heath that have to do with eating fast?
"I really had fun with you today. We don't really get a lot of time to hang in class, with work and all."
"I agree, responsibilities suck."
She nods.
"Yep, I just hope we can do this again."
Katie, is the chilliest girl ever. Of course, I would enjoy spending more time with her. Once my schedule clears and all.
"I heard the president's daughter is now adding reading to pre-school children to her list of 'Let Me Be Fake, So My Daddy Can Win Again' act. Isn't she pathetic?"
I wipe the syrup off my hands, with my napkin.
"I don't think she's pretending. Asami always been pretty active with the community. Even if what you said is true, a cause is still cause. She's still helping people."
I can understand why people assume Asami's is just an uppity girl, but she's more than that. Even when she's being a jerk to me, I can always tell she still cares. She just fights it. It's usually the other way around with people.
Now I start picking the napkin pieces off my hands, due to my stupid, clean up attempt.
"That's what she wants you to think. She didn't work for anything. I'm here in college working my butt off trying to keep my scholarship and just because she's the president's daughter she gets favoritism. What a bitch."
I thought Katie was better than this.
"That wasn't very nice, Katie. Asami, is actually a nice person. Blaming her for how fucked up the college system is, doesn't really make sense. You and her actually have a lot in common."
"Like what, attending the same college?"
I laugh at her dry humor.
"You both have a boss mentality. " I tease.
"If you like her so much, how come you took her poster that day?"
I laugh remembering that day.
"I was being immature, but that's not the point. The president daughter's is under a lot of pressure just like you. Imagine being under the public eye every single day. Attending a college where students her age, don't relate with her because they use a mind set like yours to judge her. "
Katie frowns.
"I guess, I am a jerk."
"No at all. I thought the same way you did before." I reply squeezing her hand.
As I finish eating, the bartender changes the channel.
"Do you want to share a brownie sundae?" I ask, scanning through the desert menu.
"Shhh, The interview is on! I been so anxious to watch it."
"What interview?" I ask, turning the page to the the milksake portion.
Maybe I want a milkshake?
"The interview with The Princess of the Northern WaterTribe."
Recknozing the name, I peel my eyes away from the sweet treats, and see Diana Sawyer with Princess Yue.
No fucking way. What is she doing on tv? They don't have tv in the Northern Watertribe. That's one of the reasons why, Desna and Eska left.
Now I'm engaged with the interview.
"Hello Princess."
"Greeting, Diana."
"What brings you here today?"
"I'm here to speak about an unspoken topic regarding my people."
"And what is that?"
"Before I start, I want to Thank the President for allowing me into Republic City to share my story."
"We certainly do have a Great President. Now tell us, what made you come to our show?"
The princess looks into the camera.
"I'm here to discuss Admiral Glacier's tactics in almost starting the civil war between both WaterTribes."
The room gasps and Katie looks at me in disbelief.
"Is this true?"
I quickly pull out my wallet and take out 50 dollars, even though both our meals were under 25.
"This should cover us. You can keep the change."
"Korra, where are you going? I drove us here." Katie asks, concerned.
"Don't worry, I'm running."
I dash out the restaurant door and my blood is boiling. My phone starts ringing and buzzing probably from my friends. I don't care, there is only one place I'm going to, and only one person I'm speaking to. She wanted my attention, she got it.
~A-Sato~
I could care less about this stupid interview. Who watches TV anymore, anyways? I can't get the conversation my father and I had earlier out of my head. Banning me to see Korra, how does he know, she no longer wants to talk to me. So the joke is on him.
As I turn off my TV, I decide to do laundry. As I start filling the washing me machine with clothes, I start to feel guilty.
What if, Admiral Glacier did almost start the war?That would mean, all the trouble I went through to defend him, was a waste. I don't have to worry about losing my father's loyally, because it's certainly up for question now.
Especially, now that everyone knows my relations with his opponent's daughter. As I continue my boring task in pity, my door bell rings.
It's past 6'o clock. Who could it be?
"Open the fucking door, Asami!"
Reckoning the voice and the tone of it, I walk to the door hesitantly.
"Now is not a good time, Korra."
"Why not? Is it because the interview is on?"
Shit! She knows.
"You sound upset, maybe you should go home and take a deep breath." I suggest.
She sarcastically laughs.
"I'm fine, I just want to talk to you."
Sure. Then probably kill me after.
"About what?" I ask, curious.
"I just want to explain myself, for not talking to you, Hun. I been under a lot of pressure. I just came back from this commercial thing. You were on my mind, so I stopped by."
Her tone sounds more relaxed, but there are still red flags.
"Please, just open up. So I can explain."
"You don't need to explain." I call back.
"I just want to see your face. Also mosquitoes are eating, please just open up. "
I unlock the door and I notice she's soaked in sweat.
"Did you run here, all the way from downtown?" I ask, in disbelief.
"How did you know I was downtown?"
Way to go, Asami.
"It was a joke."
I step aside so she can come inside and shut the door behind me.
"Are you thirsty?"
After not hearing her reply, I turn around, and she's pissed.
"You really got me fucked up, Asami. Don't pretend you didn't know about the interview. "
Shit! Maybe I needed the secret service after all.
Author's Note
I hate to leave you on a cliff hanger, but this was such a long chapter, I had to end it here. See, Asami doesn't have it easy either.
Thoughts are appreciated.
