A/N: I realized I had to finish this before Star Wars came out in my country. I am a fan, but I'm not so sure what to make of the new movie since they said they won't exactly follow the novels (the ones after six). And I've read some of the novels and I enjoyed how awesome Luke was. So yeah, I may be kind of a purist and I might end up feeling disappointed with the movie's story and I didn't want that to affect my writing mood. And since I just enjoyed watching the Little Prince, I figured now's a good a time as any.
(Korra)
She stared out at the vast expanse of ocean in front of them. The water rolled back and forth against the ship. The ocean seemed unfathomably deep, and for once in her life, it didn't feel exciting. Korra moved her hand forward, wondering if maybe, some part of her could still connect to the water. She was the Avatar, and she came from the water tribe. But the only answer the ocean gave was a strong thud against the ship's hull.
She turned to the flame coming from the lamp. She just wanted a sign, something that told her she hadn't lost her connection to the other elements. Maybe it was fire, the first element that she had ever bent. She reached out, but she couldn't feel the same warmth in her fingertips as before. Disconnected. Her hand dropped to her side, then she moved forward, grabbing the railings. The dark and deep waters beckoned to her. She was sure there were secrets in those hidden depths.
A warm hand was laid upon her shoulder. Korra looked to her left, and Mako gave her an encouraging smile. Korra weakly smiled back, then turned to face the ocean again. The warmth felt both comforting and challenging. It reminded her of how fun it felt to be able to do something no one else could in the water tribe. And how much it hurt to lose her connection, the very foundation of how they found out that she was the Avatar. But she also felt Mako's concern and care for her.
"Korra, I…" Mako started to say. Korra just shook her head.
"Please." She whispered. Mako frowned but fell silent. She could feel the tension, but right now, she didn't feel like talking about it. She could feel his growing discomfort and inwardly sighed. She shouldn't make him feel so bad, it wasn't his fault. She finally spoke again. "The moon is nice tonight."
"Huh? …Oh, yeah." Mako awkwardly agreed. "It's… pretty. Korra, look I…"
"You don't have to say anything Mako." Korra said, not wanting to be told that everything was going to be alright. Not wanting to hear any more comforting platitudes. She knew that they all had the best intentions, but it only made her feel more sorry for herself, for being too weak. What kind of Avatar was she? "Katara's the best healer in the world."
"…okay. But I still want you to know that I believe you'll get through this. You're one of the strongest persons I've ever met." Mako finally spoke up again. Korra nodded, grateful for his concern, but at the same time, feared she wasn't living up to his expectations. She once again turned back to the ocean.
Aang, please, I hope Katara can fix this. She's a healer, a waterbender and a bloodbender. There must be some way she can undo this.
She didn't notice that Mako had left, feeling that Korra needed time alone to her thoughts. She never noticed the loss of his warmth or the protectiveness of his arms. She simply lost herself in the fathomless depths of changing hues of dark blue.
Because I don't know what else to do. I must be the worst Avatar ever. Please, Aang, I need you.
"Here."
A warm cup of tea found its way into Korra's hands, as green eyes looked at her gently. Korra blinked. Green eyes.
Asami smiled at her. "I imagined you were getting cold, and Pema said I could bring you some tea."
Korra nodded, not really feeling cold at all. She may have lost her firebending that made her naturally warmer but she had still grown up in the South. She was used to this kind of weather, but she accepted the gesture anyway. She glanced to her left. Asami was holding the railings, the wind blowing her hair, and a finger reaching out to tuck the stray strands behind her ear, to no avail. Asami gave up, simply looking out toward the ocean, her hands gripping the railing tighter, her jacket and hair flowing with the wind.
Asami really was beautiful and elegant. But somehow, the strongest impression Korra got at that moment, was how lonely the young heiress seemed.
Her only family left tried to kill her after all. And here I am wallowing about losing my bending.
Somehow, that thought made her feel worse. Naga placed her head under Korra's right hand, trying to get her best friend to cheer up. Absent-mindedly, Korra ran her hand along Naga's fur. Korra couldn't help but appreciate the silent companionship Asami offered. She turned her thoughts from her loss of bending, trying to find something else to think about.
She had heard the story from Bolin. Hiroshi Sato had captured them, attempted to change Asami's mind, and flew into a rage when Asami said that her mother would have hated him for what he was doing. They had later faced each other in mecha suits. And while Asami hesitated to deal the final blow, Hiroshi did not. And if not for Bolin and Naga, Asami would have been done for.
"Good girl." Korra murmured, scratching Naga's back. Asami glanced at her at the sound of her voice, appearing surprised that Korra had made any sound at all. Korra met the other girl's gaze this time, wondering if Asami wanted to talk about it.
Maybe not. I don't really want to talk about my own failures.
"Mako and I broke up." Asami said nonchalantly, as if she was talking about the weather.
Korra was surprised when Asami spoke up. Mako had already indicated such, but she hadn't expected Asami to bring it up.
"…Yeah, I saw you two." Korra replied, her voice low.
"Did he mention why?"
Korra shook her head, no. "We were too busy fighting off Amon for me to pay attention to any of that. I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about, Korra." Asami said.
"I have everything to be sorry about!" Korra said angrily.
Asami quieted, perhaps realizing that it wasn't just Mako they were talking about. Korra noticed this almost immediately.
"Sorry. I mean, I am sorry you and Mako broke up." Korra said more quietly. Asami had done nothing to deserve her wrath. "You guys are my friends, Asami. And I don't want you or Mako hurt. But… if I had been stronger, you wouldn't have had to face your father alone. If I had been stronger, Amon wouldn't have hurt so many people, or taken my bending away. I'm no Avatar anymore!"
Asami grabbed Korra's shoulders and made the shorter girl face her. Korra balled her fists in anger, ready to push Asami away but Asami's grip tightened, as if she knew what Korra would do.
"Korra! Look, you're hurting right now. I might not know what it's like to have bending and then to lose it, but I do know how it feels to lose something you've had for your whole life. And it's okay to hurt. You're not alone in that." Asami kept her eyes on Korra. "It hurts a lot. You were with me when that pain and confusion and loss was so raw. And I am going to be here for you, now."
"You're the one who had to face her dad and been nearly killed by him." Korra choked out. Asami smiled gently at the girl and eased her grip.
"Then we can be here for each other." Asami simply answered. Korra blinked, guilt filled her but the resolve in Asami's eyes gave Korra something to grasp. A flicker of light in the bottomless ocean of darkness.
"I can't believe how strong you are."
Asami looked at Korra questioningly.
"Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I just lost my bending and look at me now, a wreck. You faced your father, nearly died by his hand and here you are, supporting me." Korra explained brokenly. "You just seem so… put together."
"I learned from you." Asami said. Korra looked doubtfully at her companion. "No matter how many times you were beaten, you always got back up. You always came back to fight for what you believed in and you keep trying to do what's right. You may not always know the right way to go about something, but you persevere."
"I—" Korra noticed the lights that indicated they were nearing her Water tribe. Korra grimaced. "We're here. Well, I guess you guys will see what home was like for me."
Before Asami could ask about that statement, Korra had already taken Naga to the edge of the ship that would connect to the port. Korra heard the door open and Mako was once again beside her, his hand on her shoulder. Bolin stood on her other side, sending her an encouraging smile and Korra smiled back. She noticed Asami hadn't left her position as of yet.
"Thank you." Korra mouthed. Asami sent a small, acknowledging smile her way. Korra got on top of Naga and bolted off the ship.
(Korra)
Korra couldn't stop grinning. They were all staying in the White Lotus Compound, having decided to celebrate their victory and the restoration of Korra's bending before they headed back to Republic City. Everyone was talking with excitement and cheer. Amon was gone, the Equalists were defeated, Korra had been able to airbend, and got back her bending and would now be able to restore others' bending as well. And she had finally been able to connect to her past lives and achieve the Avatar State. And the best thing yet? Mako had told her he loved her. He said he loves me. He's returned my feelings. Spirits.
She could feel his hand squeeze her own and she returned it. She glanced around the room. Katara was on one side, with her grandchildren. Ikki and Meelo seemed to be arguing about something and pointing at Rohan but Katara calmly and quickly spoke up, which made the two of them lean in to listen. Pema looked relieved that she didn't have to chase after her two hyperactive children and instead focused on taking care of Rohan, the newest addition to their family. Jinora herself seemed interested with what Katara was saying as well as she had put down the book she was reading. Korra wondered what it was about too and was half-tempted to stand up and get herself over there. That was when Katara raised her face and met Korra's gaze. Korra's waterbending mentor's eyes were twinkling and she directed a tender smile at Korra. Korra suddenly had a feeling that Katara was relieving memories, especially since Korra had explained that it was Aang that had taught her how to restore bending.
Korra's eyes moved over to her parents and Tenzin, their attention captured by the baby in Pema's arms. She knew they had been worried about her and while she felt sometimes that her Dad was too overprotective of her, she was grateful for their presence right now. Lin was looking disdainfully at Rohan and Korra nearly laughed.
"Hey, Korra! What was it like talking to Aang?" Bolin asked excitedly, "And it's so awesome that I actually got to meet Katara! Wow, to be trained by one of the heroes of the Hundred Year War. Did Toph and Zuko teach you too?"
"No, Toph was chief of police then she relocated to someplace outside of Republic City. Katara said she visited once but had complained about the "barren iceland doing nothing for her senses". And Zuko was Fire Lord then became a diplomat. But he visited when I was young as well. I remember his visit though." Korra explained.
"Oh, but wow. Well, I guess since you're the Avatar and everything you would have connections with your past life's friends." Bolin nodded his head.
"I guess I'm going to have to get used to meet world leaders and heroes if I'm the Avatar's boyfriend, huh?" Mako smirked at her. Korra punched his arm in retaliation before smiling and kissing him on the cheek. That was when Korra noticed that Asami had looked away.
Idiot. You had a hard time when they were together, what do you think Asami's feeling?
When Mako tried to put his arm around her in reply, she moved a bit away from him, shooting him a warning glare. He returned it with confusion and Korra glanced at Asami, Mako finally getting the message. His eyes widened slightly and shifted a little away from Korra.
(Korra)
"You didn't come back in."
Asami turned after a moment. "Sorry. I lost myself out here. The snow makes everything seem so… clean."
Korra took in Asami Sato, pale skin, arms that hugged her torso, and those emerald green eyes that were usually confident and playful had a certain dimness in them. Unlike Korra getting her bending back, Asami wasn't going to get her dad back. Korra decided then to whistle for Naga.
"What are you doing?" Asami asked when Korra got on top of Naga. Korra reached a hand out for the other girl.
"I'm going to show you a better view." Korra said. "And I don't take no for an answer. Come on. Just the two of us."
Asami raised an eyebrow at this but Korra used her airbending to push Asami toward her.
"Being a little forceful are we?" Asami teased. Korra grinned and shrugged.
"So where are we headed?" Asami asked as Korra led Naga away from the compound.
"A secret place. Alright, fine, a cave. It's pretty hidden and stuff."
When they got to the place, Korra hopped off of Naga and Asami jumped down with her.
"What?" Asami asked her when Korra raised an eyebrow.
"You always make everything seem so graceful." Korra shrugged, "Now, come on."
Korra guided Asami along the cave's narrow front entrance. Korra smiled as she heard the familiar cracking sounds that echoed throughout the cavern.
"What was that?" Asami asked, fear tainting her voice a little.
"You'll see." Korra cryptically replied.
The pair finally walked into a large chamber. Korra grinned as she heard Asami gasp behind her in awe. The walls were covered by a shiny sheet of blue ice that seemed as if it was liquid suspended on the walls of the cave. Light danced on the cave walls, further enhancing their surreal appearance. The ice itself seemed to move and sway, just like waterbending. In the middle stood a beautiful frozen waterfall.
"The glacier in the caves creates the cracking sound. You can hear the cracks because the glacier moves." Korra explained.
"Wow, this is so beautiful, Korra." Asami breathlessly said. Korra watched as the heiress walked deeper into the room.
"I told you." Korra grinned. She stood by as Asami wandered around the large room, inspecting each and every inch of the marvels. Sometimes she could hear Asami mutter about a theory or other.
I wonder if I should talk about Mako? How do you even deal with this thing? I mean, they were just going out, and now Mako just told me he loves me. I mean, when they were going out, I felt hurt and jealous. Not all the time, but my feelings were there. It wasn't always at the forefront, I did have a lot of other things to think about. And what about Asami? Is she uncomfortable? Of course, you douche. She just lost everything, including her boyfriend. And then she has to watch you with him. Remember how that felt? Argh. I don't know what to do!
Korra felt the slow drop of the temperature. It wasn't much but it signaled that they had to go back soon as the sun was setting.
"Asami." Korra called. The other girl turned toward Korra and Korra lit up a fire in her hands. The warm light bounced of the cave's shell-like ceiling, casting an eerie red. The ice changed to a dominant red but at the edges, blue and red seemed to melt and mix.
"The cave in your favorite color." Korra grinned. Asami looked on in amazement. Korra noticed how Asami was hugging herself, small trembles escaping. Korra walked toward her, the fire getting warmer by the second. "We should get going, it'll be dark soon."
Asami nodded, "Thank you for showing me this."
"It's my thank you for being there for me earlier. You deserved to see this."
Asami shivered again and this time Korra shrugged off her jacket and placed it on Asami's shoulders. Asami looked at Korra in surprise.
"Aren't you cold?" Asami asked.
"I'm from the South." Korra proudly said, "This is nothing. Besides, I'm a firebender."
"Oh. Wait, so that tea earlier…"
"The gesture was appreciated, Miss Sato." Korra's trademark lopsided grin was directed at the taller girl. "Now, come on before the sun sets."
When they emerged back outside, the sun was low in the sky, producing a beautiful spectrum across the sky. Yellow gave way to orange which gave way to red, which gave way to purple, which gave way to different shades of blue. Asami was left breathless once again.
"It really is beautiful here. Thank you so much Korra." Asami turned to the water tribe girl. Korra rubbed her neck in embarrassment.
"You're welcome, 'Sami." Korra replied. She sent an uneasy glance at the other girl. I should apologize, and talk about Mako. It's now or never.
"Uh, Asami? We're… friends, right?" Korra awkwardly started. Asami looked at Korra in confusion.
"I mean, with Mako? When he said he loved me and I got my bending back, I was so happy that I just jumped in. And I should've thought about your feelings more. I mean you just lost a lot, and you don't get a fix like I did and I'm really sorry for this. But I really do care about you. But I kind of like Mako a lot. And I won't do anything in your face or anything. I swear!"
Asami sighed before smiling at Korra. "It's okay Korra. Remember, I told you I was giving you my blessing. I meant it. I'll be fine. There's just a lot to think about once we get back to Republic City. Future Industries falls into my hands now with Dad in prison."
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that… He doesn't deserve you as a daughter. I mean, it was the reason I actually brought you out here in the first place."
Asami smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Korra."
"Yeah, you deserve better. Just… I really don't know how this works. With Mako and us." Korra said awkwardly. Asami giggled. "What?"
"Nothing, you just look completely awkward right now." Asami grinned, "Is talking about your feelings so uncomfortable?"
"Well, these kinds of feelings!" Korra said, "I really don't want to hurt you and I'm really grateful for you. And I know you're strong and all, but you don't have to be all the time. I sound like a hypocrite, don't I? I guess I'm just saying I'm here for you. And… I have never done this before. So I have no idea how this goes and you and Mako and Bolin have become really important to me."
"You'll be fine, Korra." Asami smiled at her. Korra let out a relieved sigh.
(Asami)
Korra looked over at Asami. Bolin and Mako had greeted them when they came back. Mako had a worried look on his face when they saw him running toward them, which had changed into a confused and uncomfortable look when he saw the two of them together.
"Where were you guys? We were looking everywhere for you!"
"Oh, sorry Bo." Korra apologized.
"We were so worried about you." Mako seemed to admonish. "I didn't know what had happened to you and…"
"I'm fine Mako. I just wanted to show something to Asami."
"How come we didn't get to come?" Bolin pouted.
"I didn't want to take us all from the dining table. Besides, you looked like you were in heaven with the amount of meat they served. Never take a growing boy away from food." Korra teased.
"True, true." He nodded.
"Come on, I'll tour you guys to the rest of the compound. I'll even show you a few of the things I did for training. And that library."
When Mako put his arm around Korra, Korra looked over at Asami. Asami smiled at her softly. When Korra was satisfied, she faced forward and continued talking with Bolin. Asami followed them from behind. She sighed.
I know I told Korra it was fine. I mean, it is. I don't mind it being her, she deserves to be happy. But it does sting, seeing them together. It hurts more than I care to admit. But I am glad that I'm not losing them. Although Korra seems to be awkward doing things around me.
The said girl had avoided another kiss from Mako and glanced awkwardly at Asami. Asami simply pretended she wasn't looking so that Korra wouldn't feel so strange. It's still strange. But I really don't want her to act so awkwardly. But I guess it's how she felt when Mako and I were together and she was the one looking in. I guess I have to be careful. I don't want her to change around me.
"Asami? Are you okay?" Bolin's voice broke her line of thought. Asami looked to her left. Bolin had a look of innocent concern on her face.
"I'm fine, Bolin." Asami smiled, "I was just thinking about what we're going to do when we get back to Republic City."
"We'll change the city!" Bolin declared, "But really, I don't know what to expect when we get back. This whole thing has just been some crazy ride. But it's been fun! And we'll be Team Avatar forever! Always having each other's backs! Friends for all time."
Asami smiled at his confidence. He and Korra seemed alike in so many ways. She couldn't help but feel warm at his declaration though. Friends for all time, I think I like the sound of that.
Hey, Mom? Life's been messed up a bit in recent events. But I think I've truly found them. The people who'll have my back as much as I have theirs. They don't care that I'm a non-bender, and they see me for who I am. I'm actually friends with the Avatar, I'm part of Team Avatar. And we're having adventures just like in the stories, just like I wanted. It's more dangerous than I ever imagined, and more painful. But I'm glad I met them. And I promise I'll do what I can to do what I believe is right. You don't have to worry anyway. Korra may be rash, but she's got her heart in the right place and I know she'll always try to do the right thing. I'll make you proud, Mom.
A/N:I wasn't really sure how I wanted to go about this part. If I had Korra apologize or not. In the end, I had her sort of apologize to Asami after belatedly realizing why Asami would be feeling bad. I kind of liked the image in my head of Korra being all awkward about it. And I recently saw a post on ice caves so that made me want to put that in as well.
And there you have it, end of Book 1. I was kind of unsatisfied with the ending in the show. Korra so easily got her bending back, snagged the guy, and the non-bender issues were brushed off as if the ideals and oppression died with Amon. Those things just don't disappear. But even if I was unsatisfied, I still want to try and fit in all these moments in the canon.
I am not a Makorra fan, obviously. I mean, I like Mako and I like Korra (although I would probably butt heads with both of them often), I just don't think much of them as a couple. But I don't doubt that in-verse their feelings were all genuine. But that love triangle was really… bleh. And the way it was tied up in the ending. But hey, to each his/her own. I actually could see it ending up with unrequited love. Haha. That would've been fun. Something like: Asami - Korra - Mako - Asami (sorry Bolin you're not included but I do think you're the most awesome dork out of them. Haha. Your reaction to rejection/break-up is so much better than Mako's :P). That day on the racetrack suddenly had me thinking that Asami was flirting hard with Korra and Korra was all oblivious. And maybe that's when Mako and Asami got serious, for Asami. Haha. But nah, I'll stick with Asami not looking for a romantic relationship in Korra. Yet. Although I don't think she was truly in love with Mako, she did care a lot though.
So hope you enjoyed this first part! I promise there'll be more. For Books 2-4. Just not this December because it's going to be quite busy for me.
