It's been three days since the kiss, and I haven't heard from Korra or showed up to work. I couldn't face the music. I'm sure Mako already knows about the kiss. She's faithful, of course she told him.
I should have never kissed her! She's dating Mako and even though I can't stand him! I thought I had the ability to respect that. Korra wanted a friend and I couldn't be that for her. Instead, I used my selfishness to take matters in my own hands.
As I'm laying in bed, pitying myself, my door swings open.
"ASAMI, I had enough! It's been three days and you haven't come out of this stuffy room."
My roommate heads over to my window and pulls open the curtains. Exposing the New York City's skyscrapers.
"I'm going to get up. Give me five minute." I reply, trying not to make my voice crack due to all my crying.
"It's almost four! You practically slept your day away."
She sits on the edge of my bed and pulls at the blanket I'm cuddling with.
"I understand you're hurting, but this is no way to handle it!"
"Yes it is! I feel better already."
I feel my eyes start water again and my friend crawls over to me, wrapping me in an embrace.
"Korra hates me!" I whine.
"You don't know that!"
"Yes, I do. She won't talk to me."
"Have you been drinking?" my friend ask.
"No."
Of course, I haven't! I need to punish myself for my bad behavior. If I turn to drinking, I'm just ignoring what happened. I need to fix everything. But I can't fix it, because Korra won't let me.
"You don't know if she hates you. Because, she's too of a punk to talk to you."
"Nooo, she's not the bad guy, I am" I defend.
"Anyone who's making my best friend cry and afraid to leave her room, is the bad guy. She should at least be an adult about it, and talk with you."
But she did talk to me. She made it very clear that she never wanted to see me again, all with her eyes. She's under so much stress and I became an extra burden on her.
"Asami, do you want me to call your Father?"
"NO!"
"Then, you need to get out of the city! This is not healthy."
I nod, thinking that's a great idea.
"It can be Opal, you, and I. It will be a girls day out."
"That sounds fun! We should get packing."
She lets go of me and I head over to my closet.
"I want to go to New Jersey." I tell her, as I pull out my suitcase.
"Ughh, about that…can we go tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"Becauseeee Opal-and-I-are-covering-the-fight." My friend says quickly.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?"
"I'm sorry, but we have to watch it live so we have something to discuss on our radio show, later tonight."
I plop back down onto my bed.
I was supposed to be going to that fight. I was supposed to be cheering her on. I was supposed to be a water droplet! But now I'm lying here in despair.
It's like everyone has a life but me.
The only life I had, was my job and Korra and so far I had both taken away from me. I would do anything just to have her talk to me again. Even if, its just a collection of names and negativity from her. I don't like how everything ended between us!
"We will be back in no time. We can pick you up and take you to the radio station, if you want." Kuvira suggests.
"No, it's alright. I'll just go grocery shopping."
Kuvira stares me down. Wondering if, I'm being serious.
"What? I need to buy applesauce and….a new heart." I whine.
"Aww man! Why you have to go soft on me, Sami girl? You're a badasss! You accomplished so much at your age! And you're telling me, you're willing to forget all of that, just for a girl who's being played by her asshole of a boyfriend? I don't even know what she sees in him."
"I know right! He's very secretive and a bad man! Why does she have to be so foolish?" I add.
"Why did you have to kiss her?"
I glare at my friend.
"I'm sorry. I admit, Mako is bad. But that doesn't cancel out the fact you kissed her! No matter how much of a better person you're for her. Korra has to see it for herself. Your life isn't a tv show! You can't just go kissing people because you want to. You should have just told her how you felt in the beginning! Shit, you should have told me!"
Even though Kuvira can be harsh. She's right I'm stronger than this! I have to face the consequences for my actions.
I wipe my eyes and head back over, to my closet.
"I'm not going to let my sadness win!" I reply, as I find something to wear for today.
"That's right! Fight this!" Kuvira cheers, making me stop in my tracks.
"Korra likes to fighttttt." I whine.
"OMG Not again! Come here."
I ended up filling my grocery cart with different variations of applesauce. I didn't have a choice with how things with down between Korra and I, but at least I have a choice on what brand of applesauce I want.
As I move around Target, I see a kid wearing a Water droplet symbol. Which is Korra's logo. Which used to be my logo! Forget what she said, that symbol is a tear drop. A. tear. drop.
I get to the electronics session of the store, hoping to find a movie to watch. I would use On Demand or whatever digital movie library I already own. But everything on tv is about the fight.
"So Azula. How are you feeling?"
I back up my cart and park it in front of the HD tvs.
Apparently, the Pre-show is on. I know I told myself I wouldn't watch it, but I'm already here.
The black hair/ hazel eyed girl smirks and grabs the microphone.
"I'm doing well. I'm ready to taste the blood of my opponent ." She replies.
I start to feel rage. There she goes again with the trash talk!
"Azula? How does it feel having your Father as your Coach?"
"It feels great! I hope to bring him and my family honor! Since my Brother Zuko couldn't."
"Azula? Do you think your Brother, the Ex Champion will be watching?"
"Most likely, especially with his right eye. You know his left is scarred, along with his career."
Even she's a bitch to her brother. I watched her brother Zuko's last fight. He fought with pride and didn't give up. How dare she talk down about him.
Azula? Do you have anything nice to say about your opponent, Korra Waters?"
Azula smiles and bring her mouth back up to the microphone.
"Korra, I think you will look beautiful on the cage floor!"
With that final statement she gets up as her crew walks her out.
"Korra would look good on any floor, but she's not going be on that floor! So keep dreaming!" I call out to the TV, as the Target staff stares at me.
"I'm sorry!" I reply.
"No need to apologize, Miss. You should have seen the man that watched the Orange is the New Black season 4 final. We had to put out a wet floor sign, due to his tears."
As I'm about to exit the electronics. I hear Korra's name being announced and return my attention back on to the screen.
"Now we bring you the undefeated, Korra Waters!"
Korra walks out carrying Meelo and my mouth drops.
She cut her hair! It's now hanging down to her chin. She looks even more stunning.
I wonder what made her cut it?
Was it because I touched it?
Korra sets Meelo down and he grabs the mic.
"Hey everybody." he says, making the news reporters laugh.
Korra smiles and moves the mic away from the happy little guy.
"How are you, Korra?"
"I'm doing well. Just trying to get this fight over with."
Even though she said she's fine, she looks tired.
"Loving the new hair cut. Do you think it will give you an advantage in this fight today?"
Korra laughs, and God! I missed her laugh.
"Aren't you charming? It's rare that a guy notices a girl's new hairstyle. It took my boyfriend 5 hours to notice."
The camera zooms into Mako's face, causing him to blush.
"It looks good, Honey Bun." My boss calls out, making the room laugh. Even his response makes me smile.
That's another difference between Korra and Azula. When Azula was in the room, she was cocky and arrogant. Once Korra entered, you could see everyone's spirit lift up.
"How do you feel about Azula?"
Meelo quickly takes the microphone.
"THIS LADY RIGHT HERE, IS MY HERO! AZULA, SOUNDS LIKE VIRUS. KORRA IS GOING TO KICK HER BUTT! SANTA WON'T BE COMING TO HER HOUSE, BECAUSE SHE'S ON THE NAUGHTY LIST!"
Korra and the room erupts into laughter, causing Tenzin to enter the room most likely trying to collect his son.
"He's fine. I got this." Korra tells her coach and Tenzin being starstucked by the sudden attention, waves to the camera nervously.
"I have no words for Azula at the moment. I'm just going to fight my heart out today. I have a great support group and I'm going to try my best to make them proud. This journey has been a wonderful experience and I want to thank everyone who didn't give up on me. "
Korra lift Meelo up and exits the room.
"Miss you forgot your applesauce!" The Target employee calls out, but I'm already out the door. I know where I should be. I'm not giving up on her.
Traffic was terrible, but I finally made it to the hall. As I'm waiting in the ticket line, I see Mako and I duck my head.
"Asami?" he asks.
Here you go Asami! At least when he fires you, you won't be embarrassed in front of your coworkers.
He walks over to me and I give a small smile.
"Hello, Sirrr."
"Why are you waiting in line?" he asks.
"I left my ticket at home, so i have to buy a new one." I reply.
"No, problem. I have a special pass you can use."
He takes off his badge and places it around my neck.
Is he being nice to me? Is this real life?
"It's a bit chilly out. Take my jacket."
He quickly takes off his coat and places it over me, as well.
What is going on? Where is his attack towards me? I kissed his girlfriend! Why is he being nice?
From his behavior, I'm guessing Korra didn't tell him about the kiss.
"Come quickly, it's about to start. I'm so nervous."
He pushes through the crowd, forming a path for us. This place is crowded and there are still people waiting to get inside.
"Has Korra been acting different lately?" I ask him, trying to get information on her behavior.
"Of course. The fight nerves, everyone gets them. But don't worry, she will be back to normal after tonight."
We get to our seats and to my luck, Bolin, Baatar, Kuvira, and Opal are sitting in our row.
"Ayye Asami. Where have you been?" Bolin asks, pulling me into a hug. Where I see Kuvira looking up at me, with bulging eyes.
"Wasn't feeling well." I reply, taking my seat next to Mako.
I don't know what's weirder. Me sitting next to Mako or the fact he's nervous about his girlfriend's fight. It's almost like he…..cares.
"She's been working so hard. Want to know a secret?" he asks, turning to me.
You been fooling the company, as well as your employees and customers with your scam of a website?
"Sure?"
"This is her last fight, then she's retiring." He says, with delight.
This news is very…shocking. Korra is a natural when it comes to fighting. If she's not fighting, what is she going to do with her life?
Then it hits me. This is her last fight because she wants to settle down. No wonder, Mako is so giddy. He's getting what he always wanted. Which is to spend his life with his girlfriend without distractions or interruptions.
"I'm happy for her." I lie.
"Yes, I been talking about it for months. She's finally considering it." He replies.
So... Korra didn't come up with the idea of retiring? She was influenced.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. I now welcome you to the UFC 2016 Fight."
The lights start to dim down and the crowd starts to cheer.
"I introduce you first, the Fire Princess, Oh that burns,…. Azula Fireeee!"
'Heaven on Fire' by Kiss starts playing and Bolin laughs.
"That's so fucked up. You know she's a preacher daughter. Why did she have to play that song as her entrance." Bolin says.
"I know right such a burn." Opal adds, as Bolin grabs her hand.
Azula runs out and climbs the fence of cage, just to get inside.
Dramatic much?
"She's such a Bad-Ass!" Kuvira adds, watching Azula amazed.
"Next, the undefeated water droplet, that will most likely make you wet the bed….Korra Watersss!"
Everyone in our row stands up and the song 'Waterfalls' by TLC plays for entrance.
Korra run through the crowd giving her fans high fives, as she makes her way to the cage.
"THAT'S MY BABE!" Mako calls out.
Korra and Azula are both in their corner talking to their coaches. I'm so anxious right now. I hope this is a quick fight. Five rounds is a lot, and Korra never had to make it to the second round before. She usually gives a knock out or her opponents tap out. I hope that's the case in this situation.
"Excuse me." I look up and see Suki making her way through our row.
"Sorry I'm late." She tells Mako.
"No, problem. You just missed Korra's killer entrance."
"Trust me, I didn't. She plays music every time she enters Element." she tease.
She takes the empty seat beside me and takes off her winter gloves.
"I'm so nervous." She tells me.
"Me too."
"You should have saw her these past few days. I never seen her act so…..different."
"What do you mean?"
Of course you know what she means. You kissed her!
"She's been extra pumped, lately. " Suki replies.
"But she's always excited." I reply.
"Yes, but it was a new kind of excitement. I can't explain it."
" As soon as both opponents touch gloves, we begin."
Korra takes off her robe and she's wearing a forest green sports bra, with the UFC logo on the outline, along with matching green shorts.
Azula is wearing similar gear, but it's in the color of maroon.
"Strange, Korra usually wears blue in her matches." Suki says lowly.
The kiss even changed her signature color!
The fighters approach the middle of the cage and Korra holds out her glove but Azula refuses to tap it and backs away, causing the crowd to erupt with booos.
"Such a bitch!" Opal calls out.
"I know right." Kuvira replies, not taking her eyes off the supposed enemy.
If I wasn't so worried about the fight, I would most likely question my friend's fascination with Azula. And by the look on Baatar's face, I'm sure he's confuse as well.
"FIGHT!"
As soon as the announcer says the word. Azula advances toward Korra sending combinations.
"Azula seems to get off a jab. You can clearly see Waters surprised by how quick she is."
As the time continues, Korra is doing a great job moving out of the way, to limit the contact of her opponent's blows. An upper cut hits Azula's chin, causing her to drop her hand, where Korra is able to send a hook her face.
Tenzin's and Ozai's coaching are mixed with the rowdiness of the crowd. Azula corners Korra and starts targeting Korra's legs, with kicks.
"Fire, is trying to damage those legs. Every fighter knows, building calf muscles are key in training. Opponents will try to buckle you knees and bring you to ground. Which is bad news. So never skip leg day, people!"
Why isn't Korra moving away?
Azula sends a kick powerful enough, to get Korra to kneel to the ground, allowing Azula to send a hook across to her face.
Just seeing the hit, makes my heart drop.
As Azula tries to get on top of the fallen girl, Korra rolls out of the way and quickly gets up, finding her balance and the crowd cheers.
"Round 1 over!"
Despite the announcement, Azula shoves Korra to the ground and the ref pulls Azula away, before she lunges at Korra.
"Are you serious?" Opal yells.
"In all of Waters'career. Her opponent made it to the second round! Azula Fire is making history."
Tenzin and her crew rush to her aid and even though Azula has a bloody nose. Korra's hits are more threatening. Azula really teared up her legs. You don't' have to be a surgeon to see that. Just watching how powerful her hits were, was tough.
"This is crazy." Baatar states.
This is hard for all of us to watch. Mako has his head buried into his lap. If the ref didn't pull Azula away, who knows how much damage she could have done and that was just round 1.
The camera zooms into Korra's face and she has that same blank expression on her face. She pushes the water bottle out of her face and gets up.
"Round Two!"
Korra rushes to Azula and this time, she manages to knock her to the ground! Korra gets on top of her and just when she about to send a punch down. Azula grabs Korra's arm, flips her own body over and sits on the arm of her opponent.
"Korra needs to get out of there!" Bolin yells.
Azula manages to dig her knee into Korra's side, wrapping her other arm around Korra's neck.
"Uh Oh! It looks like Azula is trying to do her signature move the 'Salty Pretzel'. If she get's Water's right arm it's over."
Korra continues to move her hips, to hide her right arm. But her left is still occupied by her opponent.
"Come on Korra." Suki yells.
"She needs to just wait it out." Mako says lowly.
If Korra waits it out, she might not be able to breath! She's in a headlock for Pete's sake.
Korra rolls her body to the side, as Azula clings to her. With the new position, she elbows Azula in the mouth, causing her to loosen her grip on the girl. Providing Korra with the opportunity to roll from under her, freeing herself from her opponent.
"Yes. yes. yes! Waters just got out of Azula's Salty Pretzel. Something that never been done before! Waters is making history, as well."
The look on Azula face is priceless. She's pissed and she should be. Korra is not to be messed with.
Using her rage, Azula continues to throw wild punches, cornering Korra into the cage. Korra shields her face, as Azula continues to attack at her legs, again and again.
"That's such a low blow." Baatar yells.
"Yes it is." Kuvira adds.
"Korra is really eating those punches and kicks. She only has a few seconds until the third round. She just has to hold on."
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Mako yells out.
She only has three seconds she can hold on!
"1…2….3. Stop!"
Azula shoots one sharp side kick to the back of her opponent's leg, sending Korra crashing to the ground.
Tenzin hops into the cage, as the ref pulls Azula away once again.
"That's the second illegal." Tenzin yells, face red with rage.
"She hit her on the count of three. It's not our fault your student can't handle the fire" Ozai, Azual's coach adds with a smirk
Tenzin is about to attack Ozai when Korra gets up, from the ground limping.
"I'm fine."
"How? She just been attacked! Korra's not human!" Baatar shouts.
An elderly woman checks Korra bruises and I can't help but hate Azula. She really is a monster.
"Please let her tap out." I hear Mako plead lowly.
"No, she can win!" I reassure him.
Why doesn't he believe in her?
"I know that, but what use is she, if she's hurt? How can you watch her like this? I love her and I hate seeing her like this!"
"If you love her, you would respect her judgement. She knows what she can handle ! You have to believe in her!" Suki defends, before I could.
"WHAT CAN I BELIEVE? She can barely walk without limping!"
I watch Korra, as the elderly woman touches Korra's left leg, causing her to winch in pain.
I just hope she knows her limits.
"Round three."
Azula hops up pumped and Korra slowly, but energized moves around, trying to hide her dragging foot.
"Fight!"
I'm not the religious type, but I'm praying so hard right now! Korra needs to think smart. She has to win this round and the next two or Azula has a guaranteed win.
As Korra tries to send a round house kick with her right, Azula sweeps her bad leg, sending Korra crashing to the ground.
"I can't watch!" Suki says, burring her head into my shoulder.
Azula charges at her opponent, as Korra tries to get back up. But I'm guessing the low leg hits from her opponent earlier, are finally catching up to her.
As Korra struggles to get up, she turns her head to the side and then it happens.
We make eye contact.
Even though, we're in the third row. We still make eye contact and I'm speechless.
Suki wraps her arms around me tighter and suddenly I'm no longer looking at the blank face of Korra Waters, but into the eyes of rage.
Korra quickly brings her attention back on Azula, who's now standing over her body, laughing.
"This was too easy." Azula says.
Before her opponent drops her body weight on the girl. Korra unexpectedly pushes her back off the ground, just enough to the point where she's able to wrap her legs around Azula's hips, maneuver her body quickly around her opponent's waist, where she's no longer facing the front of Azula, but behind.
Drops back onto her feet, grabbing Azula into a headlock and finally, using the strength no one knew she had, lifts her opponent's body off the ground, into a body slam.
" Did the boxer just do a Jiu Jitsu move?"
Korra quickly gets on top of her and starts sending blows after blows, down on Azula's face.
As the crowd goes wild, I'm watching in excitement. She did the move!
She did the move I tried to teach her and she created an even more impressive defense tactic.
Azula tries to cover her face. But Korra manages to hold her opponent's right arms down, as she continues sending powerful hits with her left arm. The same left arm Azula tried to pin back earlier.
I don't know where she got the sudden energy from, but I'm amazed.
Korra continues to hit, as her opponent's blood splashes onto the mat. She continues to hit, as her opponent can no longer cover her face with her last supporting hand. She continues to hit, as her opponent lies motionless on the ground. She continues to hit, as the time ends and round 3 is over.
She just doesn't stop. She continues attacking.
The whole stadium watches in silence, as she continues pounding the no longer threaten girl.
It takes three refs and Tenzin himself to drag Korra off Azula.
"LET ME PUT A HOLE INTO HER FACE! WHO'S LYING ON THE GROUND NOW, BITCH? YOU WERE TALKING ALL THAT SHIT, BEFORE! GET UP AND FIGHT!" she yells.
"What's wrong with her?" Bolin asks.
"Her adrenaline level is still very high." Suki explains.
It's not just her adrenaline rush. Something else is wrong. I can see it all in her face. Not even Tenzin can get her under control.
Korra tries to lash toward Azula again, but the refs hold her back.
"GET UP, LET'S FIGHT!" Korra yells, towards the beaten unconscious girl.
"Yo, Mako. Your girl is such a bad-ass. You're one lucky Motherfucker." Baatar says, trying to get a high five from his boss. But Mako is just watching in disbelief.
This might be a great fight to Baatar and others watching, but Korra isn't okay. She needs to get out of this environment! Her whole body is covered with her opponent's blood and this situation isn't good for her.
Tenzin holds his student's face, blocking the body that caused her so much pain.
"Korra, listen to me. You won! It's over."
"No! I have two more rounds." she replies, dazed and confused.
"It's a knockout, you won." he reassures.
"Really?" she asks.
Tenzin smiles.
"Yes! You're still undefeated!"
"I WON! I WON !" she calls out to the crowd, as her fans cheer.
Even though everyone is happy and cheering. I'm still concerned about her behavior. You don't just go through different emotions like that, so quickly.
"I'M KORRA WATERS AND I'M THE BEST!" she yells to the crowd, pulling away from the refs.
"You heard it straight from the champ's mouth. She's the best!"
They brings out the belt and Korra holds it up so everyone can see.
"THIS IS MINE! I'M TAKING THIS HOME!" she shouts, to the crowd.
Then suddenly her giant smile drops and she turns to Tenzin with that same blank expression on face from earlier.
"Korra?" he asks, slowly walking towards the dazed girl.
"I'm so sorry. Do you forgive me?" she asks, with tears in her eyes.
He rushes to her and she collapses into his arms.
" I'm going to get you out of here." He tells her, as he lift her up and runs out of the building, protecting her from the cameras that follow them.
"Poor Korra. She's been through a lot." Opal states.
"I dont know why she's so upset, she won!" Baatar adds.
Kuvira looks over at me and I don't even have a comment.
"She's so strong. She will forever be my role model." Suki inputs.
"This is the first time I ever heard her curse." Mako says, finally.
"Bro, go check on her! She needs you!" Bolin yells, frustrated.
"You're right. What was I thinking?"
Mako hops up and runs up the stairs to the exit.
Everything finally caught up to her.
The medics got Azula into a stable condition. But her injuries are still severe.
The person I saw in that ring wasn't the Korra I know. It was someone who finally reached her breaking point. The emotions that she kept bottled up about the match, finally came out.
I think what hurts the most isn't the fact I watched her get hurt. But the fact, I'm not there for her, as she's hurting.
But is it my place to be there for her? I'm not Mako and that's the task of her boyfriend and I just hope he's doing a good job with that, because she needs it.
She needs someone to love her and tell her everything is going to be alright. I want him to succeed in making her feel better. It would be pointless of me, to wish for his failure. When all I want for Korra is to be alright.
As I'm sitting in a diner. My phone starts ringing and without looking at the caller I.D, I pick up.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Asami."
Recognizing the voice I try to perk up.
"Hello Jinora. What's up?"
" Kai took me to this house party and... they're doing drugs and drinking. Umm can you just pick me up. I'm really scarred. I have gas money."
I take out my wallet to pay for my meal.
"Yes. Are you safe?" I ask.
" I'm in the bathroom, right now. I was afraid to call my parents and Korra wasn't picking up so I thought…"
"No. No. You thought right. Tell me where you're. I'm on my way!"
Author's Note
Pretty intense chapter.
I have this very long road trip, so I would love to read what you all think. (I'm not driving btw)
Thoughts are appreciated. Happy Holidays everyone!