The Road to Forever
Chapter 11
"...you think of these designs Ms. Sato?...Ms. Sato?" Asami startled from her thoughts as she realized she had missed most of what Lee had been presenting.
She fought the urge to blush as she had been so busy thinking about her driving lesson with Korra earlier that day and their talk that she hadn't been paying enough attention to her work since returning.
"I'm sorry Lee. I got distracted thinking about all of the projects we have coming up" Asami lied smoothly. "But I have seen your designs and frankly Lee, they're brilliant. Please work with Hoshi in production to determine a roll out plan and we can meet again then. Does that work for you?" Asami asked him, firmly back to business.
"Yes Ms. Sato, of course and thank you for the praise. It's been an honor working with you and I look forward to future ventures." Lee bowed formally and Asami had to fight not to smile at the slightly older but still quite young man who was way too serious for his own good. In fact, Asami was certain she had never even seen him smile or crack a joke.
"Yes well the company is lucky to have you Lee. The new model airship you helped us build is simply incredible. I know your upcoming work will be stellar as well. Come on, I'll walk you out." Asami led Lee out the door of the main conference room where they had reviewing his designs for the new rail system when they were both assaulted with the noise and excitement of the main floor. Everyone was talking animatedly, some seemed worried and even scared while others seemed happy but for the life of her Asami couldn't figure out what all the excitement was about.
"Maya! What's going on?" Asami asked as she rushed over to the secretary.
"We only just heard the news on the radio! President Raiko has banished Avatar Korra from the city! She's leaving! Oh...what are we going to do about the vines without the Avatar here?!" Wailed Maya.
Asami stood there stunned and felt like her body had suddenly filled with lead. Korra banished from the city? But...it's not possible!
"President Raiko can't do that! She's the Avatar!" Asami finally gasped.
"And what good is she!? Those vines are still here and they've destroyed half my house! What's the point of having her around if she can't even fix that!" shouted someone further back in the room but Asami couldn't see who it was.
"You idiot! If it wasn't for her that giant would have destroyed the city weeks ago. What happens if another one of them shows up and she's not here. This is bad news I'm telling you".
Asami was growing more and more agitated with the useless arguing amongst the staff. She had to get out of there and find Korra.
"Maya, I'm not taking any more meetings today and hold my calls. In fact, I'm taking the rest of the evening off." Asami told her as she hurried to grab her belongings before heading out the door leaving a stunned secretary and Lee behind.
Korra sat on the rail of the gazebo looking out at the open sea and admiring the wash of colors that danced along the sky from the setting sun. She would miss this spot, she knew. Memories of hundreds of failed meditations aside, the spot was still one of her favorites because of this perfect view. Who knew how long it would be before she would get to see it again?
"Korra?"
Korra turned and was surprised to see Asami walking towards her hesitantly.
"Hey Asami, what are you doing here?"
"I heard the news, that President Raiko banished you and I rushed over immediately. What are you going to do? He can't do this, you're the Avatar! He can't actually force you to leave. We'll fight back, get the people back on your side, we'll...we'll..." Asami stuttered the last part, struggling to find the right words.
"Whoa, Asami, calm down. It's ok! I don't want to stay. Well, that's not totally true. I do want to stay, but I also don't…" Korra was now muttering.
"You...you want to leave?" Asami whispered and tried to ignore how much it pained her to think that Korra didn't want to stay in Republic City.
"Tenzin and I, along with a few of the others, are going to go to the Earth Kingdom to search for more newly awakened Air Benders. This is something I feel I'm actually meant to do. Think about it Asami! Rebuilding the Air Nation. It was Aang's greatest dream and...this feels so right."
Asami looked at her friend and realized she had been selfish. She was so worried about Korra leaving and missing her that she hadn't thought about what Korra might do. Realizing the monumental task she was taking upon herself, Asami felt even more guilty.
"I'm really proud of you Korra. What you're doing, it's incredible. I still hate what Raiko did, but now you can get out and see the world."
"Yeah. It's going to be amazing. I just wish you were coming with us Asami. It's really the only thing that would make this whole thing perfect." Korra told her as she smiled at the taller girl who stood stunned for a moment.
"I wish I could go too. But everything going on with the company and the city...I just don't think I can."
Korra's face fell, like she had almost hoped that Asami would say she was wrong, that she was going with them afterall.
"It's alright Asami. Raiko can't really keep me away forever. I'll be back sooner than you think and I'll make sure to write often. You'll probably be so busy rebuilding the city that you'll hardly notice I'm gone." Korra chuckled the last but looked away from Asami and back out to the sea where the last of the sun was slowly sinking beneath the horizon. The colors danced across the waves in one final performance before darkness finally took hold.
Asami stepped closer to Korra and placed her hand softly on the younger girl's shoulder.
"Korra…" Asami started, her voice gentle but firm and Korra turned to stare at Asami.
"I would notice you being gone even if it were only for a day. You're my best friend so don't ever think that I wouldn't notice, or that I wouldn't miss you. Ok?" Asami's eyes held Korra's for moments that seemed to stretch into forever. Finally Korra smiled and nodded.
"I'm really going to miss you too Asami."
They were silent for a while longer as they both stared out into the sky now that the stars had come out. Enjoying the sound of the crashing waves below them, they both tried to feel at peace but struggled.
"How are you getting to the Earth Kingdom?" Asami suddenly asked.
"Oh, uh well I guess we're going to fly there on Oogi. I think it's just going to be me, Tenzin, Bumi, Jinora, Bolin and Mako if he makes up his mind about going. We should all fit fine." Korra told her.
Asami thought about Korra flying around the Earth Kingdom on a Sky Bison with Mako and felt cold inside. Why did the thought bother her so much? She shouldn't be jealous Asami thought to herself. It was silly…
"Helllooooo...Asami? You ok in there?" laughed Korra, waving her hand in front of Asami's face.
"Oh sorry, got distracted for a minute. That's been happening a lot today." Asami blushed but grinned at her friend who laughed.
"What were you thinking about?" Korra asked as she finally stopped laughing.
Asami stared at Korra for a moment, thinking of Korra and Mako together, of wanting to spend more time with her herself so she could better get to know the girl. Then Asami smiled as she realized she'd made her decision the moment she'd left her office, she just hadn't realized it until right then.
"I was thinking that Future Industries has a brand new airship that could use a good maiden voyage to test her out. How about flying to the Earth Kingdom first class with the head of Future Industries as your personal pilot?"
Yep. Asami Sato, who is dedicated to rebuilding her family's company and reputation is going to drop everything to go with Korra to the Earth Kingdom out of nowhere. Nevermind that Varrick getting arrested puts her back in control of the company. Nevermind that she's probably netting lots of work due to the vines and damage in the city. She's going to leave all of that and go to the Earth Kingdom with Korra just because. Nope, not buying it. Home girl was smitten and wanted to figure out what it was she feeling about Korra. That's my headcannon anyway.
I do need to write more from Korra's perspective but Asami just comes more naturally to me oddly enough. I have no idea why. But since this is the season where I feel like things really get going between them, more from Korra's point of view is going to be necessary. So it's coming never fear.
As always, thank you for reading and remember, reviews are my lifeblood. :D
