Chapter 11: 'Money Talks Mr President'

Author Notes

Apologies for the delay with this one. Lot's of things health wise went wrong over the last week for myself which meant I didn't get around to the chapter for a while. Hope you enjoy this one regardless. The politics of power are quite fun to write for. This chapter has both an Asami and a Korra POV section once more. Anyways as always reviews are always appreciated, I love hearing what you guys think, particularly as I'm in uncharted territory with story now and want to know if the plot is engaging enough so far.

Thanks for all of the follows and reviews so far, enjoy some sassy Sato.


President Raiko and Yon Rha sat side by side at the head of the table in the conference room of city hall, both clearly unhappy to have to sit so close to each other. Neither of the two men had expected this kind of electoral outcome. None of them were absolutely in charge after the results had come through earlier that day. Asami could see the sweat dripping down Raiko's forehead even at this distance. Even though he won the most votes, he didn't gain enough for a majority. Yon Rha is the real winner here.

The Republic City Presidency found itself in an uncomfortable position of having two men now sharing power. In the United Republic a candidate had to gain the majority of the votes to become the President (around 60%), if they didn't they have enough on their own then they had to form a majority by joining in a coalition with another party. In this case Raiko had no choice but to make a deal with the Anti-Spirit Party in order to maintain his position as President, with Yon Rha now deputy President. Raiko's going to have cater to at least some of that party's desires otherwise they will hold him to ransom over any of the policies he wants to push through...the whole governmental system would grind to a halt. That would be the last thing Republic City needed in such an unstable time.

"I am honored that the citizens of the United Republic have placed their trust in me once more" Raiko began as he addressed the swarm of journalists that had gathered at the back of the now rather tight conference room.

"Not enough trust" Varrick whispered into Asami's ear as they sat at the corner of the room like the class delinquents. What would this result mean for the city reconstruction? Were the engineer's spirit integration plans now going to be tossed out the window to cater to the Anti-Spirit party's ignorant ideology?

"In my new partnership with Mr Rha and the Anti-Spirit Party I want to make clear that I understand the anti-spirit feeling within the United Republic and I intend to address it with the help of my new deputy President" Raiko continued, glancing briefly to the well-dressed man beside him who nodded respectfully and then continued to smile warmly at the camera's present in the room. He certainly knows how to hold himself in public, must have a good people in his PR department.

"And what will this new alliance mean for the current rebuilding that need I remind you has already started at the area around the Spirit Portal decimated by Avatar Korra?" a particularly prickly journalist of the Republic City Star jibed. Decimated by Korra?! It was Kuvira who attacked the city and blew up downtown with her damn spirit gun! Asami raged internally as Raiko struggled to find a response.

Yon Rha watched on amused as his new partner flustered in the eyes of the press. He was seemingly much better under their scrutiny. "You need to cool it" Varrick warned softy as he sensed the woman beside hims unease. "Now is not the time to have a very public argument about the merits of your girlfriend's work".

The biggest merit being these people had a city to return to in the first place.

"We will continue with the reconstruction efforts and will be speaking to our business partners after this press conference to discuss some - adjustments - to the current plans in place" Raiko explained awkwardly. This was new information to both Varrick and Asami who shared a concerned glance. Those 'adjustments' could be to any scale, and with Yon Rha now directly involved Asami had a feeling the changes would not be minor.

The CEO found herself slightly happier that Korra would be departing for Ba Sing Sae later today. The idea that she would not see the Avatar everyday was painful but at least Korra would escape all of this press attention that would inevitably be directed her way what with the water-tribe girl being the Spiritual leader of the world in a time when the spirits had never been so distrusted.

"And Future Industries and Varrick Global Industries have already agreed to these changes?" another journalist called from within the press melee. Asami felt her body temperature rise as several of the reporters turned to face herself and Varrick who up until this point in the conference had managed to remained anonymous. Before the engineer even had a chance to fathom a response Yon Rha interjected from the front of the room. All camera's immediately spun back to him. He was the real star of this election after all.

"That will all be discussed with Miss Sato and Mr Varrick in the meeting we will hold after this conference" he said calmly. His voice had such a smooth tone, it was no wonder people found it so easy to listen to him. Even Asami found herself drawn to whatever he was going to say despite her reservations.

Surprisingly he had nothing else to say, taking his seat once more. Raiko looks desperate for him to continue just so he doesn't have to ramble on anymore. This had not been a good day for the President and he would want it to end as pain free as possible.

"What will it cost the tax payer to cover the cost of having to over haul the reconstruction work that has already taken place?" That's an excellent question. Lets see how you handle that.

"As-As has already been stated all of this will be discussed in the meeting with our business partners afterwards, I am confident that the citizens of Republic City will pay no more than what has already been planned even with some minor alterations. Thank you for your questions, this conference is now over" Raiko stated as he stepped down from the podium to a wave of noise from the gathered press. Confident? I'd say desperate would be a better word. If he think's i'm going to use any of Future Industries expertise to fund an anti-spirit agenda then he's delusional.

"Well that went just swimmingly. I'm very interested in what Mr Yon Rha and Raiko have to say in this surprise meeting" Varrick mused as he helped Asami maneuver their way through the horde of journalists blocking the path into the hallway, bombarding the pair with questions as they shoved each other, jostling to get a better view of the two CEO's. The engineer tried to ignore most of what was being said but she couldn't help but notice that the bulk of the questions were directed at her rather than Varrick.

"Will Future Industries being employing anyone who is a member or supporter of the Anti Spirit Party?!"I doubt anyone who supported them would want to work for me anyway.

"Or will your company being showing the same prejudice in its recruitment schemes as Hiroshi Sato did against benders?!" Dad always manages to cast a large shadow over everything I do even in death.

"Is it true you took a week long vacation with the Avatar in the middle of construction work?!" Not right in the middle.

"Is their any truth to the rumors you and Avatar Korra are in a romantic relationship?" Definitely romantic. Not that it's any of your business.

Eventually after several emotionally draining seconds Asami felt a firm hand pull her through the crowd and into the fresh air of the hallway as a door slammed behind her. She turned quickly to thank Varrick but felt the air catch at the back of her throat when she realized the person who had saved her from the press onslaught was not the eccentric mustached man she had become so familiar with but Yon Rha himself.

The dusty haired man released his grip on Asami's hand and then brushed off his pristine suit, smiling at the engineer in a somewhat friendly manner as he did so. President Raiko stood not too far away with some of his own advisers. Clearly his supposed 'closeness' with his new political partner was all an act for the camera, an assurance that the two could work together for the greater good of the city. Out here with no one to scrutinize him Raiko kept a rigid distance from Yon Rha.

"Thank you for the help" Asami stated coldly, trying to sound as insincere as possible although secretly she was quite grateful for the assistance.

"It was no problem. The press can be a pain in the ass if you don't know how to handle them, and even when you do they always seem to find the right words that rub you the wrong way every damn time" Yon Rha chuckled, gesturing with his arm for the engineer to accompany him as they followed Raiko, Varrick and a few other officials down the hallway to a smaller meeting room.

"Oh I don't know, you certainly seem to have them wrapped around your little finger just like the rest of the Republic" Asami said sharply as she strode beside the marginally taller man.

He must of been in his early 30's, well-built, clean shaven and his dusty blonde hair was combed immaculately. Yon Rha was certainly conventionally attractive, he could easily have been a mover-star rather than a politician. Although I suppose there is a certain amount of acting required on the political stage too.

"You really don't like me do you Miss Sato?" Yon Rha responded after a few seconds. Asami was taken aback by the honesty of his question. Most politicians, in fact most people would try to pander to her in someway, very few would be this brash.

"I don't have much cause to."

"You are being incredibly narrowed mind for an innovator. If you were even prepared to listen to my views for just a few seconds you may see the logic behind them, the reasons so many citizens of this nation voted for me and my party." Not everyone did.

"Forgive me for not supporting a group who threatens and bullies people into conforming to their ideology" Asami replied quickly, recalling the tense encounter at the portal yesterday.

"Bullies and threatens? What are you talking about Miss Sato? We may not share the same views on the spirits but I can assure you I am as passionate about the Republic's democratic system as anyone else. It's one of the few good things Avatar Korra has achieved" Yon Rha said incredulously. He did genuinely seem to care about the electoral system of the nation.

"I'm talking about your own deputy and several thugs threatening violence to my employees at the building site around the Spirit Portal".

"I would never condone such a thing. Are you certain my deputy was present?" Yon Rha inquired in concern. He's either a really good actor or doesn't actually know.

"A young woman all in black with a covered up face. Yes, it was your deputy. And she wasn't just present, she was leading the militia. If Korr- the Avatar hadn't been there I don't know what would have happened" Asami explained wearily.

Yon Rha scratched his head uncomfortably. "That certainly sounds like Haruana. She doesn't know how to control herself, keep her emotions in check".

"Then why would you have her as your deputy if you are trying to maintain a good public image?" Asami questioned in confusion. Violence against opponents is a kind of political suicide if the press get a hold of it.

"Sympathy. Haruana has very personal reasons for her hatred of the spirits" Yon Rha conceded. Asami couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy at how open this previously hostile man was being with her now.

"Oh?" Asami asked hesitantly.

"I only tell you this Miss Sato because I believe you are a reasonable person, and that if you truly listen to what I have to say you will see the reason and morality in all that I argue for" Yon Rha began. Not likely. Korra's my moral compass not some upstart politician who happens to have tuned into anti-spirit sentiment very skillfully.

"The spirits have caused more harm than good. That is plain for me to see. The opening of the two portals in the north and south caused a climatic shift in the planet which has caused devastation in some rural regions."

Asami couldn't hold herself back. "But that brought back the air nation after they were wiped out so many years ago."

"What happened to the Air nation at the hand of the Firelord was a tragedy but it's history now. The dead are gone. It's the people that are here now I care about. I certainly didn't support the politics of Amon, but honestly, how different would the world be without the air benders?"

That's Korra's legacy! The legacy she was ready to die for...How can he possibly see it as valueless?

"The air benders helped citizens of the Earth Kingdom during a time of crisis" Asami retorted.

"And if they hadn't been there, it's highly probable that someone else would have taken their place. Kuvira's troops would of eventually filled that void" Yon Rha responded.

"And look how letting Kuvira take so much power ended!" Asami spat, gesturing to the devastation of a building near by that could be seen through a window.

"That's a fair point. But you are missing what I am trying to say. Yes, the spirit portals have had some minor benefits, but those are unfortunately overshadowed by its drawbacks."

"I know the vines are an inconvenience, but I am doing my best to make it better for everyone" Asami responded, trying desperately to not get frustrated.

"They may be an inconvenience to you and others with wealth but they have been much more than that to some people. They have destroyed many poor peoples livelihoods, have killed people in some cases" Yon Rha said with a certain venom.

"Killed people?" Asami asked in shock. She couldn't remember hearing anything about the spirit portals having caused deaths.

"Have you ever heard of the farming village Makapu?" Yon Rha said as President Raiko turned briefly and glared at his new Deputy President.

"I've never been there myself but I know it's in the mountainous region of the United Republic" Asami replied slowly. How is this at all relevant?

"It was situated on land below a dormant volcano. That volcano erupted many decades ago and threatened to wipe out the village but it was saved by Avatar Aang who cooled the lava so that is solidified into rock and became an integral part of the residents culture. Yet only four years ago all of that work was undone in a matter of moments when Avatar Korra foolishly left the spirit portals open, the resulting shift caused an earthquake which awakened the volcano and wiped out most of the village."

"I had no idea..." Asami said quietly. We would have been a boat back from the South Pole at that time, there would of been nothing Korra could of done. But that fact won't stop her blaming herself, especially with Aang having saved the village in the past.

There was a long silence between the two as they finally reached the door of the meeting room. Haruana was from that village wasn't she? It's no wonder she hates the spirits so much. Someone with that much personal anger against the spirits could prove to be even more dangerous than Asami had first anticipated.

"I'll be sure to speak to my deputy if you at least consider what I have said Miss Sato" Yon Rha bowed as he entered the door held open by President Raiko who was smiling crookedly. Asami may of even laughed a little at it if she hadn't just heard such traumatizing information. The spirits really had caused more harm than she had ever realized. Even thinking that way felt like a betrayal of Korra. I can't let Korra ever doubt what she is doing is the right thing. It is the right thing. Isn't it?

For the first few minutes of the meeting Asami remained absolutely silent and distant, allowing Varrick, Raiko and Yon Rha to argue like school boys. The president's financial elderly financial adviser sat with his head in his hands. The young CEO gave him a sympathetic smile from the other side of the room getting an appreciative nod from the wrinkled man.

"Varrick Global Industries will not stump up any money for this scale of changes to the already established reconstruction plans. I'm a businessman, not an idiot. I'm here to make money" Varrick stated firmly.

"Supporters of my party will boycott your company if you refuse to make these changes" Yon Rha responded sharply, pointing an angry finger at Varrick.

"Plenty of people boycotted Future Industries after that whole nasty equalist business and look where that company is now" Varrick said cheerfully. That's because I'm a good company director with a good crew, nothing else.

"Besides that Mr Varrick, the Republic's government has adequate funds to pay for the new reconstruction efforts ourselves. Building a wall around the Spirit Portal will save money in the long run instead of catering to the spirits, and so will destroying the spirit wilds" Yon Rha replied firmly.

"Do you know how much energy it took to destroy just some spirit vines?" Asami said incredulously. "Clearing the remaining wilds would take a colossal amount of money and time. In fact I don't even know how you would go about removing them without create another spirit canon".

"Mr Rha, I know you are fairly new to the internal goings on of the Republic, but our finances are not as strong as you appear to believe. We are currently relying on the financial assistance from our two business partners for the construction to even continue as it is" Raiko's financial adviser interjected.

Time to take a stand. "Future Industries will not fund any work that inhibits the residency of spirits in the city or threatens the spirit wilds in anyway. You didn't win the election Mr Rha, and you and your anti-spirit militia will not dictate any of the construction as long as I remain the project manager." Yon Rha looked incredibly angry and somewhat surprised with that.

"Money talks Mr President, Mr Deputy" Varrick concluded.

"I'll hold you to ransom over this. Neither of us will pay a penny more into the reconstruction if the original planning is altered in anyway" Asami added resolutely.

Now Raiko simply rubbed his head furiously in irritation. The engineer almost felt bad for him. He's come a little unstuck here.

"Yon Rha, we need to work with these people. Sometimes we have to make concessions. As the President of the Republic I am still in charge of what happens in this city. I am giving your Anti-Spirit Party control of the area around the Spirit Portal with assistance from the city's police force. I will arrange a meeting with yourself and Chief Beifong immediately. I want no one to enter the portal without my express permission and keep checks on any spirits that come from it" Raiko commanded firmly.

"But!-" Asami shouted.

"The rest of the reconstruction will go ahead as planned. The spirit wilds will remain" Raiko interrupted as he stood and walked towards the door.

"Now if you don't mind that will be all for today" he said wearily. Asami pulled herself upwards to leave, unsure what else she could say. At least Yon Rha won't have total influence over what happens around the Spirit portal if Lin has some say in the operation.

"Good day to you Mr Presidents" Varrick teased, looping an arm around Asami's shoulder as he led her outside. It was difficult to tell whether this was victory for Yon Rha and his supporters or not. So why did she feel so defeated? Or was she feeling this way on Korra's behalf? That portal meant everything to the Avatar, the idea that any people who were against the spirits so strongly would have a controlling interest in the land around the yellow light which illuminated the city skyline every night would be a bitter pill to swallow.

Asami remained silent as the two business leaders descended the marble steps that led to the entrance of city hall. The press melee which had plagued the conference earlier seemed to have disappeared entirely, likely the buildings security forces had they cleared them away instead of letting them wander the corridors uninhibited. Hopefully none of the reporters had moved themselves outside in anticipation of nabbing an interview off of any unsuspecting person exiting.

"Something on your mind lady CEO?" Varrick asked quietly as he escorted the engineer to the door.

"Too much to even begin to get into, with the city reconstruction, Yon Rha's interference and Korra leaving for Ba Sing Se today. I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed" Asami groaned as she searched for her car keys.

"You wouldn't be human if you didn't feel that way. I'd go just plain crazy when Zhu-li goes away for any period of time. You wouldn't believe the amount of times I've nearly burned down the kitchen trying to cook for myself" Varrick replied sincerely.

"I'm supposed to be meeting Korra at my office for a last lunch before she gets on the airship with Mako and Prince Wu, and thankfully I'm not charge of the food or else it would end in a towering inferno" Asami laughed, feeling instantly warmer inside at the simple thought of being in the Avatars company so soon. The effect the water-tribe girl had was indescribable and incomprehensible most of the time. Korra was a light Asami always wanted to bask in, no where else in the world felt more safe. Like I'm always home.

"Looks like you won't been alone on your way to the tower anyway!" Varrick said cheerfully. Oh god, no. You're not accompanying me to the apartment. I need some peace and quiet.

"Hey 'Sami!" a familiar voice called as Asami stepped out into the hazy light of the cloudy Republic City sky.

"Go see your girlfriend then!" Varrick shouted, shoving the engineer towards the Avatar who was stood grinning joyfully at the side of the water-tribe blue sato-mobile, a small green backpack slung over her shoulders. The same one she took to the Spirit world.

"Well this is a surprise Avatar Korra" Asami joked as they shared a quick kiss before climbing into the motor. "Shut up and drive Sato!" Korra laughed as she secured her seat belt and waved briefly to Varrick. The engineer was certain she spotted a sly wink shared between the two just as they sped away.

"So what delicacy's have you brought for lunch?" Asami inquired as she turned a corner, now having to actually avoid other traffic on the road. The city was definitely getting busier again and that could only be a good thing for business.

"Freshly made ramen noodles packed with protein to give you the energy you require to get through the next few days without me" Korra smiled as she gestured with her upper arm muscles. Always flexing those damn muscles Asami thought dreamily, then covered her face when she realized her cheeks were turning a bright shade of red.

"I don't even think your noodles will be enough to fill the void my dear" Asami mumbled as she felt the water-tribe woman extend a tanned arm and place it on the engineer's thigh instantly making the older woman's body temperature spike. This had to have been revenge for the other evening at Air Temple Island. The smug grin that spread itself across Korra's lower jaw told its own story.

"I can give you more than lunch" Korra said in a hushed voice before her eyes widened in horror as she realized what she said. "I meant just lunch! Lunch is absolutely awesome!" she shouted quickly, flailing her arms around wildly. Oh Korra, how the mighty dork has fallen.

By all accounts they had been in love with each other for years, surely enough time had passed that this would be okay. Asami had be in favor of it for so long, and now the Avatar finally was too. What was there to stop them? Besides that who knew how long they would be a part whilst Korra was away in the Earth Kingdom. The more the engineer thought about it as she watched the younger woman staring furiously at the floor of the car the more it made sense. Now was the perfect time.

"Korra, I want more than lunch too" Asami laughed, placing a hand on one of the Avatar's currently outstretched arms.

Korra's eyes narrowed slightly in a mixture of relief and anticipation. "You do?" she asked hesitantly.

"Do you always forget how long I've loved you for? I'm been thinking about it for years" Asami said softly. That sounds a little desperate...

"That's a little bit creepy" Korra said quietly before jerking forward in her seat as the black-haired driver took a turn unnecessarily sharply.

"Kidding! I'm kidding I swear!" the Avatar assured frantically as she tapped Asami's shoulder, the car no longer swerving violently from side to side. "I'm flattered really".

"And so you should be" Asami laughed as she pulled in beside the tower. In her upper floor apartment even with employees present in the rest of the building they would still have much more privacy than air temple island would ever allow.

"Can we just skip lunch?" Korra questioned boisterously as they stood outside the door.

"Of course we can, but I still want lunch afterwards. Can't let all your efforts go to waste" Asami smiled as she closed the main door behind them and took a hold of the Avatar's trembling hand.

"Oh believe me they won't."


The hum of the Future Industries airship filled the air around the temple as Prince Wu tried to entertain a group of air nomads who had gathered around him as the ship was being prepared for takeoff. The scrawny young man was regaling the crowd clad in red and yellow with tales of the deceased former Earth Queen and some of her less than royal habits. Milo and Ikki were bursting into fits of laughter at the crude humor whilst Jinora looked thoroughly unimpressed that Kai was just as equally enthralled by what he was hearing.

Korra may have even enjoyed the stories herself if she didn't still feel so thoroughly guilty that the Earth Queen had been murdered at the hands of Zaheer under her watch as much as she strongly detested all the pompous old woman stood for. I'm the Avatar. I should have been there, if I hadn't damaged the airship in my rashness maybe we would have got to Ba Sing Se in time...I could have stopped all that chaos from ever starting.

"I don't understand how you can travel with so little" Asami cooed in Korra's ear startlingly the water-tribe girl internally.

"This is like my only outfit, I don't need to bring much else" Korra smiled, taking a hold of the long arm draped over her shoulder.

"It's a great outfit" Asami whispered. "Don't ever change it."

Tenzin strode over to them with Mako and Chief Beifong, the wise monk glanced suspiciously at the two young ladies currently wrapped up in each other. Lin didn't even try to be courteous and nod, instead crossing her arms and looking as serious as ever. The young detective at her side tried to do the same but failed miserably. Mako just didn't have the same sternness as his boss, especially around his ex-girlfriends. Korra smiled at him reassuringly, sensing Asami doing the same at her shoulder.

"Good to see you guys. You are both looking really happy for a couple about to be apart for a little bit" Mako commented, looking around awkwardly when he realized why the two women in front of him looked so gleeful.

"Korra will come back, and I'll call her everyday" Asami assured, unable to maintain a serious expression as she noticed the amber eyed boys shifting pupils.

"And I'll pick up every time" Korra replied, squeezing the engineers hand firmly as she gazed up at the airship. It wasn't as large as the one they had used to help restore the air nation but it didn't need to be either.

"Thank you for lending your airship Miss Sato" Lin said quickly, nodding slightly as she shook one of the engineer's free hands.

"It's no trouble really. She's the fastest in the Future Industries fleet, the fastest in the world, she'll get you there quickly" Asami bragged, trying to restrain herself from getting into the intricate technicalities which gave the airship its superiority. Secretly Korra wished that the engineer did even if she didn't understand a word of it. Seeing Asami getting passionate about technology and stunning people with her insane levels of intelligence was very entertaining and satisfying.

She choose a ship that would get me back to her the quickest...

"We better get going if we want to get to our first stop of the journey before nightfall" Mako warned as he dragged Prince Wu away from his audience and onto the ramp of the ship.

"Alright! Alright! I get it Mako! No need to haul me, I have a very delicate frame" Wu pleaded as Mako pushed him inside gently. "Get your delicate frame inside then!".

"Take care of the Prince detective!" Beifong commanded firmly from below. Man Lin's voice really carries on the wind. Was Toph this loud too?

"Yes Chief!" Mako saluted about to go inside when Asami called up to him. "And take care of Korra too or you're bosses severity will seem minor!" the engineer boomed. That was the most serious and scary Korra could recall her partners voice ever sounding in the years she had known her. The engineer was normally so gentle and quiet. To the Avatar's surprise Lin gave Asami a slight grin as she watched her young officer looking rather petrified at the platinum door of the ship. That must of sounded scary for Beifong to have been impressed by it.

"I will I swear!" Mako yelled after hauling himself inside before he could be bombarded with any more commands.

"See you big bro!" Bolin called as he waved as widely as possible a few meters away, Opal stood by his side. Korra gave him a knowing glance when she finally caught the young earth benders attention. Bolin's eyes drifted briefly over to Asami before he nodded firmly. She'll be fine.

Suddenly Asami was right in Korra's face as the Avatar had been distracted by Bolin and before the water-tribe girl knew anything about it they were kissing again. It took Korra several seconds to respond at all, stunned at the intensity of the kiss, particularly considering what they had done earlier - where did she get this energy? - and also because the blue-eyed woman was acutely aware that they had an audience, which included some children.

When Korra eventually did return the kiss she spotted Master Tenzin scowling at Kai and Jinora, telepathically warning them not to get any bright ideas. Chief Beifong looked somewhat amused at the whole interaction either because of the initial shock on the young Avatar's face or because of her ex's discomfort in trying to prevent his children drawing any inspiration from what they were watching.

"Sheesh..." Korra breathed when their lips finally broke apart. That would have been one for the cameras...

"One for the road" Asami winked as she stroked the Avatar's cheek gently. The water-tribe girl instantly placed a warm hand over the engineers as she stared into those bright green eyes which glistened with a hint of sadness.

"I'm going to miss you so much" Asami said heavily, a slight crackle in her voice. She thinks I might not come back again for years, like before. That I'll leave her here all alone.

"I'll miss you more. At least you won't have to deal with Prince Wu and his antics in a confined space for hours on end. I'll be desperate to get back to you in a few minutes" Korra joked in the hope that would make her partner slightly happier.

Asami's eyes brightened a little at that. "And I've got Yon Rha and President Raiko here. Give me Prince Wu over them any day of the week" the engineer laughed as she placed their foreheads together.

"You can handle them I'm sure. I'll be back before you know it" Korra assured, keeping her eyes absolutely focused on the woman in front of hers.

"Stay safe Korra, I love you" Asami said firmly, placing a kiss on the Avatar's forehead before they moved apart, hands still clasped together.

"I love you too" Korra smiled, trying desperately to prevent anymore moisture from building in her eyes. You can't cry here. You'll only upset her. The last thing Asami needs is to see you a bubbling mess.

The Avatar watched as the green eyed girl wiped away a small tear that dripped down her cheek. She's trying not to cry too. What a pair of saps we are.

"Now go off and save the world!" Asami said as cheerfully as she could manage trying to shake off her growing sadness before it overwhelmed her.

"You are my world Asami. The one I care about saving the most. If you get into any trouble don't hesitate to call me. I'll air bend my way back if I have too, nothing will stop me if you need me here" Korra promised resolutely, kissing her girlfriend on the lips much more gently this time before they finally released their grip on each other.

"Goodbye Korra" Asami said warmly as the Avatar stepped onto the ramp of the airship slowly. I can't look around. I can't. If I do I'll get off Korra thought as she strode with purpose up the ramp, listening to her boots echo as she walked. Suddenly she was at the heavy door staring into the interior of the ship. Mako was standing nearby looking at his friend with great sympathy.

"Bye Asami!" Korra called from the door as she felt the ship lift up smoothly, the sound of it's propellers becoming deafening so that the Avatar couldn't tell if the woman standing below had heard her or not. Regardless of whether the engineer had heard what was said or not she continued to wave anyway. Korra couldn't help but smile as she watched Bolin and Opal move to stand beside Asami, with Bolin throwing his arms around the two ladies warmly.

"She's in safe hands Korra" Mako assured as he moved to step beside the young Avatar, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I know she is. But thanks for the reminder anyway Mako, it's nice to hear someone else say it."


End Notes

And Asami has quenched her thirst...ahaha. I need to stop. Anyway that was another fun one, and I hate pulling Korra and Asami a part for some time, but hey, it makes for good drama. Also that stuff about the mountain village is straight out of canon of ATLA, I read it up online xD I did add the extra part of what had happened to it in LOK, but you know it isn't that unthinkable that opening the portals could cause earthquakes and such things. I guess it was kind of a throwback to Avatar Roku in some ways too.

Anyways, thanks again for taking the time to read. Until next time.