Notes: This chapter has a bit of NSFW content. Thank you all for the continued support, see you at the next one!
Recovery
It was a little after midnight and Korra couldn't sleep. She and Asami had gone straight to bed when they arrived home, exhausted from their night out. Her head was resting by Asami's, their noses practically touching, holding hands. They had fallen asleep like that, until the nightmares started. Now she was scared to drift off again, and to wake her girlfriend up to comfort her.
She'd be glad to help.
I know, but I can't bother her with it. I don't want her to know I'm still having issues.
You two are supposed to trust each other, that's how this works. You share things with each other. She loves you Korra. You've got to let her in, just like she said.
I know, but…
Korra. You aren't the only one with pain.
The blue eyed girl wasn't sure what this other voice was, but it was comforting to have around.
Alright, I'll tell her. In the morning.
Asami rustled in her sleep, drawing Korra's hand to her chest, holding it like a cherished relic. Korra smiled at the adorable gesture. She gently brushed her girlfriend's hair from her face, granting her an unrestricted view of her skin's ivory glow.
She is so beautiful.
A thud from downstairs snapped her out of her trance. The voices of several men growing louder with each passing moment. Memories flooded Korra's mind. The gun. The man. The trigger. No one home. No one to help. No one is coming.
Korra leapt from the bed screaming and ran towards the door leaning against it, locking it to prevent the men from coming in. Asami bolted awake, confused at what was happening.
"Korra? Korra! What are you doing?!" Asami jumped out of the bed. The moment her feet hit the wooden floor two men burst into the room. Dressed in full black, tactical gear and wielding silenced weapons, they grabbed Korra.
"No! NO! ASAMI THEY'RE GOING TO KILL ME!"
"Miss Korra calm down! We are with the departm-" he was interrupted as Korra grabbed his knife and slammed it into his body armor. Grunting in pain, the man collapsed. The other man tackled Korra to the ground, holding her in place. "Miss Sato! We need to get you two out of here! We don't have time for this!"
Asami began to understand what this was about. Quickly she ran to Korra's side, wrapping her into her arms so the man could check on his partner's wound. It wasn't deep, most of the blow was stopped by the body armor, the cut was superficial. He quickly radioed for two more men to come up.
"Korra? Korra, it's okay love, they are here to help." Crying frantically, her girlfriend's mind wasn't there. Her body was shaking so uncontrollably Asami was barely managing to keep her still, "Korra! Damn it…" tears welling forth Asami turned to the armed man, "She's having an anxiety attack, we have to get her out. Now."
"Understood. Turner, take point. Solomon bring up the rear. Leroux, you will be in the center with me, guarding these two. We aren't sure how much time we have. Move out!"
The squad members took up their positions and they cautiously made their way through the estate. Asami could only suspect this had something to do with the Red Lotus. They soon made their way to two armored vehicles, and were ushered inside.
Korra was still breathing hard and shaking in Asami's arms.
"…no one is coming…"
Asami frowned, "Korra? Can you hear me?" she cupped her girlfriend's cheek, "Korra, come back to me love. Everything is alright."
"…no one is coming…"
'I was so foolish to think I could help her fix this', she thought to herself. The extent of Korra's trauma was worse than she had ever let on. Her heart felt frayed seeing the woman she loved reduced to a shell. The shaking subsided after a time and Korra soon nodded off, her head resting on Asami's shoulder.
"Miss Sato." The squad leader addressing her after a time, "We received a report from Chief Beifong that a threat on you and your girlfriend's life was imminent. That is why we were in such a rush to get you out of there." He glanced over to Korra, frowning, "I'm sorry we gave her such a scare, we were just doing our jobs."
Asami nodded in sympathy, "I understand sir. It isn't your fault she reacted like this. There are…circumstances that contributed to it."
The man could only stare. He had seen this sort of thing before. "Miss Sato, it may not be my place to ask, but what the hell happened to her?"
Asami sighed, "Too much."
"Miss Sato, please take a seat." She did as the Chief requested, her mind still lingering on Korra. They had placed her in a medical isolation unit, running all sorts of tests. Asami knew they wouldn't find anything. Korra's ailment was in her mind.
"What in the world is happening Chief?" she asked wearily.
Lin sighed. "The day of Senna's death, Ambassador Tonraq soon disappeared. My best man was guarding the home, but still managed to slip away undetected. Last night, we found out how."
A familiar form entered the room. Asami looked up at the new arrival, "Mako?"
"Detective Mako is my number two on this case Miss Sato. I know that he has history with you and Miss Korra, but that is exactly why he insisted he stay and help."
Lin motioned for Mako to sit down and pinched the bridge of her nose before continuing, "Miss Sato, last night Mako received a message while digging through your father's files, from that hard drive in the warehouse. It was a video file, addressed directly to him. The man in the video was wearing a red and white mask."
Lin began to elaborate on what the man explained to Mako. The connection between Hiroshi and the Red Lotus, how Tonraq was actually behind his own assassination plot, Senna's botched cancer treatment. The details of Future Industries assets around the world. The Revolution. It all left Asami very overwhelmed.
"That isn't the worst of it."
Mako finally spoke up, "Asami…he murdered Tonraq on camera. He…slit his throat."
Asami's heart stopped.
"After he was finished with Tonraq he warned me, saying they were coming for you and Korra. He said I should consider it a courtesy."
Beifong chimed in, "That's why I sent Anders and his squad to your home in the middle of the night. We have no idea when the Red Lotus and this masked madman, whose identity we still don't know, will strike next."
Anger was boiling within Asami's stomach now, a righteous anger. These terrorists had ruined her company, took away Korra's father, and have killed an undetermined amount of people. This was exactly the reason she wanted her company to succeed, to oppose people like this.
"I want this man taken down Chief. Korra has already lost her mother! Now she has lost her father! Not to mention all of the trauma she has gone through!" she turned to Mako, "Have you seen the state she's in Mako?" moisture rising to her eyelids, "she is laying in that room screaming about how no one is coming to help her."
"I know Asami, I don't like seeing her like this either. I'm going to do everything I can to help."
The CEO looked back to Lin, "What about your sister Chief? I assume you know about our merger? If the Red Lotus is planning to take down my company again, Suyin and her family could be in danger."
For the first time since Asami had met her, the Chief displayed something akin to fear, "I know. We have her estate in Philadelphia on lockdown as well. The CIA has given us the support we need to continue the investigation. We are going to do what we can. In the meantime, I think it may be best to halt your company's operations."
Asami's anger spiked, "What?! You want me to give in to terrorists' demands?! The terrorists that killed my girlfriend's father? The same terrorists that took down my company once and are threatening to do again? Chief, you may be able to guard my estate, but I'll be damned if I halt my company's ascendance."
Beifong looked over to Mako, and back to Asami, "Fine Miss Sato, but the Red Lotus activity will only increase with continued operations."
"If we stop Chief, we will be giving in to lawlessness, and evil. We have a moral obligation to stand up to those who would tear the world apart."
"You've got spunk kid, I'll give you that."
The Chief suddenly got an idea, "If we can coordinate our investigative resources to specific locations where your company operates, we might be able to get a few leads. Would you be willing to only open up a few factories and warehouses, so we might better be able to nab these bastards?"
Asami mulled it over a moment. She supposed it could work. If she only opened up her warehouses in China and Japan, where the Red Lotus is known to be based out of, they might be able to take the first step in taking them down.
"Yes, I think I could do that. In fact, I have a few locations in mind."
The Chief looked pleased at her agreement. "Good, in that case, Detective Mako will now be assigned to monitor your company's dealings in those regions."
She stood to shake Asami's hand, "This last month has been crazy. I'm glad you're keeping it together kid."
"I'm trying, but for this to work, I'm going to need Korra's help in convincing the Japanese and Chinese governments to allow us to conduct business in their countries."
Lin looked puzzled, "How is Korra going to help you accomplish that?"
"My girlfriend is a natural politician. Suyin and I actually came up with the idea of making her Future Industries' Ambassdor. Korra would be leading us forward, we hoped it would be able to give her a purpose also, to help curb her emotional instability, but now…"
"Now she needs your help." The Chief gave her an empathetic look. "If she really is the key to all of this as you say, you need to help her Miss Sato."
Asami walked down to Korra's isolation unit deep in thought. The plan could work. If she could show the world that her company was standing up to terrorists, it might turn stocks loose, and she'd get more investor help. But to accomplish her vision of the world, a world that desperately needed what her company could offer, she needed Korra, and right now she was in no condition to help.
She didn't just need her for the company, she needed her guidance, her direction. Korra had given Asami a stability she hadn't experienced before. The girl had a grounding effect on her, keeping her in check. What she did, she did for Korra. She loved her with everything she had.
"Korra, please come back to me…" she whispered, gazing into the whitewashed room.
Her girlfriend's body was battered and bruised. She had several more episodes when she entered the facility, even injuring a doctor. The trauma Korra had deep within her, was boiling over and controlling her, if anyone could help her, it was Asami. But even she was having doubts. She thought she had been seeing progress in Korra, a little light returning to her eyes, but only to have it fade.
The doctors monitoring her soon exited the room, one of them motioning to Asami.
"Yes doctor?"
"Miss Sato, it seems Korra has no physical condition. We had to make sure. We have sent for a psychiatrist to evaluate her mental state, but from what I can see right now, it's severe PTSD. The psychiatrist will most likely want to speak with you when he arrives about what you know."
"Thank you doctor."
She watched him leave and then walked into the room. Reaching the bed, Asami gazed down at Korra's body. Black and blue marks dotted her arms and legs, a large gash on her forehead was covered in dried blood. She looked bad, but still very much the beautiful woman she had fallen in love with.
"I know you're in there Korra." Asami whispered, giving her tanned hand a gentle squeeze.
"Hey there boss."
The sudden words from Korra's mouth startled Asami. "Korra!? Korra is that you?"
"It's me."
"Are you feeling alright?"
"Not really, it won't go away."
Asami was chilled to the bone. "What won't?" she whispered.
"I can't get it out of my head, I'm scared Asami," her azure eyes conveying her terror to the pale girl, "I don't know how to get better." Asami knelt by the bed. "How do I get better?" The despair in her voice broke Asami's heart.
By shattering those memories holding you back.
That's easier said than done.
Not with that attitude.
Oh so now you're the sarcastic voice in my head.
Again, that is just you saying it. You have to let go of the memories holding you back. If you can't, how can you expect to make new ones? Happy ones?
So the trick is just letting go? So I can move on?
Exactly.
So how do I go about doing that?
You have to separate the dream, from reality.
"Asami, my mother is gone right?"
"Yes."
Reality.
"And there aren't any bad men with guns in here?"
"No."
Dream.
"Is there someone coming to help me?"
"Yes, and I'm here too."
Reality.
Korra's mind was beginning to clear again, piecing it back together.
How did all of this get so mixed up?
Because you are still holding on to old memories. When those men came to get you and Asami out of the house, you connected them with the incident from your past.
So because of that, I went all crazy?
Correct.
I don't like that.
Neither do I, it makes my job harder.
Just who the hell are you anyway?
I am you.
Korra looked around the room, becoming aware of the situation, of where she was. She remembered her father leaving the day her mother died. She remembered the date with Asami, gazing at the stars together, bringing peace to her mind. She suddenly felt exhausted.
"Asami? Have they found my Dad?"
"He's…he's gone Korra…" she whispered back, unable to look her in the eye.
"He's dead?" Korra's voice was unnervingly cold.
"The Red Lotus…they. I'm so sorry Korra."
Korra wasn't surprised by the truth. She never felt much love toward her father. What space in her heart there was for him, was withered. She simply felt indifferent. It was her mother that she loved, not her father, despite doing all he could to pay for Senna's treatments. But even doing that had consequences. Korra could not forgive him.
"Korra?"
"He was dead to me anyway."
Asami only nodded, not exactly taken aback by her statement. Her own situation with her father was the same. She didn't love him anymore, to her, he was dead. He had squandered the company, and ruined their good name.
"Just know that I'm here for you, okay? You don't have to keep everything inside."
Korra gave her girlfriend's hand a thankful squeeze, eyes on the ceiling. "I know, I'm sorry. Today was…upsetting. I'll do better I promise."
"Can I ask you something?"
"You can ask me anything."
Asami hesitated, unsure of Korra's response. "Your memories, they came back earlier didn't they? When you saw the gun?"
Korra flinched at the thought. "Yeah, they did."
But you have to let go of them. It's the only way to move on.
You really think I can do it?
I know you can do it. After all, who knows you better, than yourself?
Korra laughed aloud at her inner conversation. Asami frowned, "What's so funny?"
The blue eyed girl beamed at her, "Nothing, just that…I think everything will be okay." It will, it will all be fine. When I'm well enough to leave this room, my beautiful girlfriend and I will change the world, together.
Asami grinned, finally seeing some light in her eyes again. She was surprised that she had turned around so quickly, but then again, when had she been anything but a surprise?
"I'm going to let you get some rest, but before you go to sleep you need to text Bolin and set up that date with Opal."
"Haha I completely forgot about that. I'll get right on it boss."
Bolin will be ecstatic.
Asami waited a moment at the door, looking back, "I love you Korra."
I'll never tire of hearing it.
"I love you too."
Korra got out her phone and searched for her friend's name.
Korra- Bolin! I have a surprise for you!
A few minutes went by.
Bolin- Hey stranger! Mako told me about what happened this morning, you feeling alright? How's Asami? Are you two okay?
Korra- Yes, yes we're both fine. Listen, do you know who the Beifongs are?
Bolin- Yeah they are like uber famous, what about 'em?
Korra- What if I told you that I have a date set up between you and Opal Beifong?
Bolin- WHAT?! NO WAY. Wait, is this a joke?
Korra- Haha no Bolin, I mean it. I'll send the details after my nap.
Bolin- This is crazy! I'll be waiting in rapt attention!
Korra smiled to herself. Happy memories. This is what she needed to focus on. She turned over in her bed, and quickly fell asleep.
A week had gone by since the frantic exodus from the Sato estate. Korra and Asami were itching to go home. Anxious for a return to normalcy, Korra started to study Japanese and Chinese cultures in preparation for her new job. Asami was impressed by her work ethic, so soon after the frightening ordeal at the house. Chief Beifong had briefed Korra on the Red Lotus threat, how everything was connected. She told her that Tonraq was behind is own assassination attempt, his revenge against Hiroshi foiled.
Korra was stoic throughout that discussion, interrupting only to asked pointed questions on the terrorists' motives, what her father knew about Future Industries. It was an overload of information, but Korra soaked it all in, eager to get to work and set her mind on something other than heartache.
Asami found her in their temporary living quarters in the basement. The space was actually a bunker in case of nuclear attack, but was converted to a small apartment for their stay.
"Hey love, what are you reading?"
Korra sighed, "A huge book on Japanese culture and history, I finished China earlier. It's fascinating, but very taxing to keep all of the names straight. I think I need a break."
Asami smiled wickedly, "I think I can provide you with one."
This woman drives me crazy.
Asami led her quietly to their shared bed and pushed her to the mattress. Korra stared at her girlfriend's fabulous form.
"See something you like?"
"Y-yes." Damn it, she has you speechless, get it together!
Asami started unbuttoning her shirt slowly, dragging out each movement in excruciating detail. Korra could feel the heat rising in her middle, her heart thumping like crazy. When Asami had finished with her shirt, she threw it to the floor and began to run her hands down her body, moving her fingers in slowly deliberate circles, swaying her hips seductively.
She's giving me a show.
Asami noticed Korra's fast breathing and her flushed cheeks, and gave her a wink. She crawled onto the bed flush against Korra's chest and brought her lips to Korra's neck. The small touch sent shockwaves through her tanned body, a growing ache between her legs. The two kissed deeply, Asami slipping in her tongue asking Korra's to dance. With each second the air between them grew thin, forcing them to break away.
Panting hard, emerald eyes gazed in azure, "Korra, is this okay?" The other girl nodded, still out of breath. "Okay, just tell me otherwise." She nodded again as Asami pulled her shirt up and over Korra's head revealing her signature sports bra and toned abs. Asami bit her lip at the sight, her heart skipping a beat.
Korra seized the moment and flipped her girlfriend under her, taking control. Korra grabbed Asami's pants and gave them a soft tug. Asami complied, raising her legs as Korra pulled them the rest of the way. The throbbing between her legs was becoming unbearable, seeing Asami's body. "Well?"
"I want you."
"Then come and get me."
Korra responded, trailing kisses from her ankles to her waist, pausing at her center. Even through the black lace she could see that Asami was soaked. Deciding to toy with her, Korra skipped it and continued upward, running her tongue the length of her chest. Asami's gasped, clearly enjoying the attention. The raven haired girl sat up, unfastened her own bra and threw it aside. Korra cupped one soft breast in her right hand and took the other in her mouth, running her tongue in circles.
Asami gasped loudly at the touch, "Kor-ra please…" moaning louder with each flick of her girlfriend's tongue. Korra gave her a quick kiss then and moved her right hand down between her legs, into her panties, sending electricity through Asami's body.
"Now you know how being teased feels." Korra smirked.
Asami gave her an annoyed look, "Korra…just do it…I need…" her words turning to a moan as Korra slipped two fingers into her slick center. Bucking her hips to meet Korra's motion, Asami could feel the waves of pleasure starting to rise higher. "Korra…don't stop! I'm-I'm almost..." she whimpered. Korra's fingers worked faster as Asami moved her hips, finally bringing the waves to a crest. "F-fuck! Korra!" the release coursed through her body, and she tugged Korra close, riding it out.
"Jesus Korra…that was amazing…" Asami pushed Korra off of her and climbed back on top.
She ripped off Korra's bra and stuck her hand between Korra's thighs, "Now it's my turn."
Lord help me...
