Book 2: Metal
Chapter 5 - Arena
What would have been any other training day, instead unexpectedly resulted in just Bolin and Korra running through their drills in the gym. Hasook was absent yet again and Toza had taken a rare day off. The lack of other people gave the evening session an unnerving feel. Too many echoes, too many loud noises from him and Korra. Anything could be creeping around here under the cover of the noise they were making. Bolin shook his head. What was he afraid of? Korra did not seem fazed in the slightest, single mindedly punching flameburst after flameburst against the target. Mechanical, unthinking, her face blank. Bolin frowned.
"Korra?" he asked. "Hey, is there something wrong?"
Korra's fist paused in mid-air. Without looking at him she said "I need to leave Republic City. Again. For training with my uncle." She resumed her punching as she spoke.
Bolin's heart skipped a beat. His throat felt strangled as he replied. "Oh... When are you...?"
"After the championships," Korra said, carrying on with her drill.
"Oh, so this week," Bolin said, stuck for anything more helpful to tell her.
"I'm..." Korra stopped, her arms limp, the weight of the world on her back. "I'm quitting the team as well."
Korra was leaving him. He was being left behind as time drew their little group apart from each other. No. Rather it was more a side-effect of the group's ages. How much had changed as the result of a singular day, the precise number of years between Korra and Asami's births and now? Too much. But it was not just them. Mako had just been promoted; a change that required longer hours and shifts at the weekends. Whole days went by when he never even saw his brother awake or talked to him. It had been longer still since he last saw Asami in person, let alone talked to her. She, on the other hand, was the talk of the whole city; the beautiful heiress, CEO in training, on the cover of magazines for both business and fashion. And increasingly linked to General Iroh in the gossip columns. And Korra was the Avatar. No surprise that her training might draw her away from Republic City eventually. But it had always been in the future, and always distant. Never this close. Never this soon. Chance thought; what if he joined the White Lotus? Would that let him stick with her, or would she have no need of them at all now? No. That felt futile.
"We'll... I'll be sorry to see you go." Bolin sighed. "We had fun though? Right?"
"We did." Korra made a passable attempt at a smile. "This was... I was happy. I'm going to miss it."
"Does... Asami know?" Bolin asked.
"Yeah." Korra twitched. "I told her... last time I visited."
For some reason this felt unfair. Asami always knew what was happening with Korra first. Had Korra asked Asami to go with her. Could she ask him? Just say 'Do you want to come with me?' But why would she? Her duties, her role did not need him. Aang had been a special case; he needed Katara, Toph and Zuko to teach him the different types of bending. What could he teach Korra? She was the one giving him advice on earthbending. He had done next to nothing when the Red Lotus attacked them; Asami had fought Zaheer while he had thrown rocks. And could he even say yes if she did ask? Drop everything, his life, pro-bending and go with her? Leave Mako behind on his own? No. He was needed here.
"It's... not like we're never going to see each other again... right?" Bolin said, hoping.
Korra nodded slowly. "Yeah... Yeah, I'll make sure I come back."
"There we go," Bolin said.
"Yeah. But after the air temples, after I've done everything... I don't know. I might just... see what's out there. Do... Avatar stuff. Maybe come back here and take out that masked guy... If he wants a fight, he should just challenge me. I'll see what Tenzin says after we're done with the air temples." She turned to him. "Bolin, do you-" She frowned and fell silent.
"Do I...?" Bolin asked.
Korra shook her head. "Nothing. Random thought. Just a... Never mind. Just wondering about the next time we meet up."
The click of the lights turning off echoed through the gym. It felt like a harbinger of something more, something else approaching them. They had to get out. Before the darkness reached them. "Korra? Do you want to go somewhere and talk?"
Korra blinked. "Where did you have in mind?"
"Well," Bolin said, beginning to edge towards his bag and away from the darkened halls outside the training room. "Have you ever seen the park at night?"
They remained silent as they wandered across the grass. Korra did not mind, her head still whirling with so many different things. At least they were fewer people around; mostly adults at this time of day and some of those couples. Korra looked away from them, unwilling to see affection right now. She kept pace with Bolin, not really paying attention to their direction until the glow ahead of them became inescapable. The fountain by day was a fascinating water feature; she and Asami had stopped beside it for lunch more than once. Paddling in its waters had been wonderful on the hotter days; the cool water soothing tired feet. Now it looked more ethereal, lit up brightly against the growing darkness as the night deepened. It even affected the water; glowing, coloured arcs of water sprang through the air, the sound of them hitting the water familiar, soothing. Something about the movements and the colour put her in mind of the Northern Lights. That had always been a breath-taking sight when they manifested.
Bolin was still silent when Korra perched on the edge of the fountain, looking out towards the darkening park. "So... How's things with Haruhi?" she asked.
"Oh. Oh. Um." Bolin scratched his head. "I wasn't planning on telling anyone just yet, but we're not together anymore."
"What?" Korra looked over at him. Bolin grinned, seemingly embarrassed. "Did you dump her?" Bolin shook his head. "Did she dump you?"
"No. It's nothing to worry about. Really," Bolin stressed holding his hands up. "We're still friends and we plan to keep that up too. She's going to be my first ever pen pal."
"Oh. Okay. Good. I think," Korra said frowning. "But what happened?"
"Her university application got accepted; she's going to study law at the University of the West!" Korra looked blankly at him. "It's in the Fire Nation; best university for law in the world. And she got a full scholarship so she can afford to go. She figured she could get in, but the costs... She thought she'd have to go to university here. Not that it's bad, but its just not as good, and then this came up and..."
"So never expected she'd have to leave you. I... You don't seem that upset?"
"Of course I am," Bolin exclaimed. "Well. Disappointed we can't be together, but excited for her. We had a lot of fun times together. But this has always been her dream. She was going to study law wherever she went, but that place was her dream goal. So when the university got back to her..." He smiled. "I'll be okay. Really. It's such an amazing opportunity for her, and at least we can still be friends."
"Friends..." Korra echoed.
"Korra, are you okay?" Bolin asked.
"Yeah. I mean, it's just..." She trailed off and sighed.
"This is about the Avatar training isn't it? Or... something else? You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
Korra fidgeted. "Well. Yes and no. It's... complicated. I'm just trying to get it clear in my head." She glanced at him. Bolin watched her, waiting patiently. "It's like... Everyone's going their own way. Asami has her job and it's taking up almost all her time. She's at the base every other day and she's even talking about moving out and finding somewhere closer. Mako I haven't seen in weeks. And then there's you. I... I guess I kind of just assumed you were going to stay here and keep playing pro-bending and just... be with Haruhi." She stared out into the park again. "I'm just kind of selfish I guess. I wanted Team Avatar - just like Aang had, just like you told me about. I love it here and I missed the city when I went South. And I'm afraid too; can things even go back to how they used to be?"
"You're not selfish at all!" Bolin exclaimed. "Well. If you are then we both are; I never wanted us to change how things were either."
Korra finally smiled properly. "You too?"
"Yeah. I mean I always had Mako, but when we met you and Asami and Hasook and Toza and your parents, and I met Haruhi... I think that was the happiest I ever was; these past few months are the best in my whole life." Bolin looked like he might start crying.
"You really mean all that?" Korra asked.
"I do. With all my heart. I just don't know what life would have been like if I hadn't met you." Bolin touched her shoulder.
"Thank you." Korra leant forward, pressing her lips against his cheek for a moment. "Thank you. I guess... I guess it's about the same for me. If I hadn't met you and Mako in that alley..."
"H-however," Bolin stuttered, his face reddened. "Things change. People change."
Korra nodded. "Yeah. Can't just be kids forever. It's just... It's sooner than I expected. And I thought I would be surer."
Bolin squeezed her shoulder. "You'll get through this. You'll make the right choice. Me? I'm still in the middle of figuring out what I even want to do with my life. If I'm destined for something, I have no idea what it is."
"I guess maybe it's worse not to know then. I've always known my destiny. And I always wanted it too. Wanted to help save the world. Even if it started so wrong, I just wanted to help everyone. But... They... never made it that clear how. Well, they had their way which... Yeah. They hid so much; but talking to you and Mako and Asami and Tenzin helped me so much. I almost think I understand it now; no Avatar is ever the same as another. We're all different people and we all deal with being the Avatar in different ways. I just hope I can still be a good Avatar." Korra's hand curled in her ponytail.
"Korra? To me you'll always be my favorite Avatar. And I'm certain you'll the best one ever. People keep saying being the hero isn't everything it's cracked up to be, but its worth it. Aang lived a long, happy life with Katara and his family and friends. We can do that too; doesn't matter that you have Avatar stuff to contend with. We won't all be in the same place and together, but when you need us, we'll be there. You've got your Team Avatar."
Korra felt her cheeks flushing. "Thanks, Bolin. You... I... I feel better." She fidgeted again. "But I think I can't sit here any longer. C'mon." They strolled away from the fountain and towards the playground. "Never got to play on any of this when I was younger," she noted, staring at the swings.
"Aww! That's a real shame. Mako and me; we played here all the time as kids. It's... Well. A bit different. That spongy stuff under the climbing-frame is new. We just had solid rock."
"Sounds risky," Korra said.
"Earthbender," Bolin pointed at himself.
"Well, yes." Korra said. "What about the Fire and Waterbenders? And the non-benders?"
Bolin stared at the metal bars. "...yeah. That does sound amazingly dangerous like that." He shook his head.
"Okay. I might be too heavy for this, but I want to try." Korra glanced around and started towards the swings. "Just be ready to run if something breaks."
"You'll be fine. Those things can take an adult no problem. I know for a fact Asami was fine." He bowed and gestured to the nearest swing. "I believe this is your seat, my lady."
"Why, thank you, kind sir," Korra replied in her most formal voice. She laughed as she sat on the swing, tense at first but soon relaxing as the swing took her weight. She pushed back with her legs and let gravity swing her forward. "Always wanted to try this when I was here with Asami, but there were always so many kids around. Just felt embarrassing to try."
Bolin settled into the next swing and timed his movements to coincide with hers. "You know; I always wanted to come back and do this too. But I always think it's better to let the kids have their time on it. Only fair, since they don't get to play pro-bending either."
They swung in silence, in unison, the air rushing past them. Korra glanced at Bolin and used a burst of airbending to send them both just a little higher. If Bolin noticed he did not say anything. "So, Bolin. When's your birthday again? And Mako's for that matter?" There also remained the question of just what to get the two brothers as presents. Handmade - like Bolin had for her - was so appealing, but she was terrible at that kind of thing. There had been one or two disastrous attempts at projects while she lived with Asami. But it would mean so much more to give them something utterly personal, not just bought from a store.
"Same date; we celebrate them on the first day of the year."
Three weeks then. Wait. "So you were both born on the same day? Quite a coincidence."
Bolin shook his head. "No - just a tradition in our family. Mako was actually born around that time, and I was sometime in the spring. Hey; did you know though? A firebender born in winter is super rare?"
"Did not know that," Korra commented. "But... I'm going to miss both your birthdays. I'll be with my Uncle by then."
"Doesn't matter!" Bolin cried as he leapt off his seat at the high point of the next swing. "As long as you think of us then; that's enough." He darted forward and onto a ladder like structure suspended about his height off the ground. Bolin swiftly swung himself along the bars to the other side. "Six seconds!" He beamed at Korra. "I beat my old record!" He curled his arm, emphasizing his biceps. "C'mon," he said beckoning. "I reckon the lemur bars will be a piece of rice cake for you!"
Korra smiled and leapt off the swing in the same way as Bolin, but landed more gracefully before walking over to the lemur bars. Grabbing the first bar, Korra heaved herself up so she was inverted above the bars and resting on her hands. That was the hard bit; getting across the remaining distance? Easy.
"Wow!" Bolin stared at her open-mouthed when she landed beside him after five seconds. "You... beat my record on your first try. And in reverse." He started clapping and shaking his head. "Korra; you are the strongest person in the world."
Korra smiled and mimicked his arm curl. "So, now I've proven I'm super strong, now what?"
Bolin pointed. "See-saw?"
Korra took her position at the opposite end to Bolin and they bounced up and down with alternating thuds. "I feel a little silly," she said, glancing around. There was at least no one nearby to see two members of the Fire Ferrets on the wooden plank.
"But are you having fun?" Bolin asked, wincing very slightly as the beam smacked down at his end and he bounced up again.
"Of course I am," Korra replied, unable to prevent her grin from spreading across her face.
"That's all that matters," Bolin replied. "Hey. Korra?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think, maybe after all your Avatar stuff and the training and you're next in the city... Do you want to climb that mountain again?"
"Which mountain?" Korra asked as a chill spread through her.
"Oh! The one the morning after we met. The one we saw the sunrise from, remember?"
Relief. "Oh, that one! Now I remember. That was the first time I saw the whole city. That was amazing."
"We could maybe have a picnic up there, or camp or something and watch the sunrise again. See the whole city just like before."
Korra cocked her head to one side. "Yeah," she said. "That sounds... Let's do that when I get back." Bolin grinned and instead of pushing up again, stayed pressed against the ground. Korra dangled in the air. "Hey, c'mon! Let me down."
"You can try Avatar," he said looking very pleased with himself.
"Oh I can, can I?" she asked. The rock beneath Bolin pushed upwards, sending him into the air and Korra towards the ground.
"Hey." Bolin looked flustered up in the air.
"Need a hand, earthbender?" Korra asked. Without waiting for a reply she lowered the rock and Bolin bumped to the ground.
"Oof." Bolin rolled off and staggered to his feet, rubbing his rump. "Okay. Now your choice."
"Slide then," Korra said and ran off towards it, Bolin on her heels. This was so much more awkward than the other activities; the steps were near painfully narrow and the slide itself barely wide enough for her to sit on. Korra persevered and soon slid down, coming off the end with slightly more force than intended and winding up on her back. She rolled out the way as Bolin hurtled down the slide to land in his own jumbled heap on the ground. Korra ran back around for another go.
Could time possibly just pause like this? Just let her spend time having fun and laughing? Forget her destiny, forget what she needed to do for the world and just relax? They strolled from the park and grabbed some fried rice from a vendor just outside. Playing around was more tiring than she realized. Well, she also had not eaten since practice which hopefully explained the three boxes of rice she polished off. And Bolin's fourth. He won this round, though came a distant second in their belching contest. They strolled towards the docks, Korra's pace slowing as she drew closer and closer to the sea; towards airtemple island.
"Okay," Bolin said. "So who would win; hippogator or sharkgator?"
Korra considered the question. "On land or in the sea?"
"A lagoon near the coast; neither has the terrain advantage," he replied.
"Okay. So is the sharkgator male or female?"
"Ah, female," Bolin said quickly.
"And time of year?" Korra asked.
"Oh, you're checking if she's guarding her eggs. Clever... Summer then. She hasn't laid then yet."
"I reckon the sharkgator then. Once it gets the hippogator out into deep enough water its basically over."
Bolin studied her for a long moment. "Good call. That makes sense. Okay; so how about rhinophant versus sabremammoth?" It went on, animal after animal versus each other. They agree on some, disagreed vehemently on others. They ran through topics, sports, food, the current plotline in one of Bolin's radio shows that seemed to have provoked a heated debate in listeners. From what Korra could glean in between the unfamiliar terminology and slightly unhelpful contractions was that the exciting new couple had somehow won out over a long developed but never actually reached logical couple. The names rang a distant bell, and while she had no kind of stake in the outcome, it was amusing to watch Bolin's fixation and his investment in the lives of these fictional people. They ran out of dock far too quickly. Nowhere else to walk. Well; unless she wanted to freeze the sea-water and stroll back to airtemple island with Bolin. Tempting, but...
"Guess this is me, then," Korra said turning to face Bolin.
"Guess so," he replied. "Unless you want to backtrack and talk some more?"
Korra smiled. "Most other days I'd say sure. But I have training tomorrow, and our final match is the day after. Then I'm heading North. I need sleep. So do you if we want to win." She almost asked again; do you want to come too? No. Still selfish. Might disrupt things for their last chance to perform as a team. Best leave it for now. There was at least that picnic to look forward to when she got back. Along with doing... something with Asami. And somehow those little promises rang false now. "Bolin, can I ask you something real quick?"
"Sure."
"I..." She frowned. "I'm not sure how to even say this. Me and Asami... Lately we've been... kissing?" Bolin's eyes widened.
"Oh, of course. That makes sense," he said, sagging slightly. "I should have known she was your partner."
Korra hummed an affirmative. "Not that I really get that."
"Get it?" Bolin asked.
"Well...," Korra said. "I just don't quite know how to act?"
"Oh. Well," Bolin said, flushing a little. "Depends how things are between you."
"Oh well, we've kissed loads." Bolin's flush deepend. Korra watched his expression with interest as he looked away. "And it's... It feels so good. Do you...?" She shook her head. "And I like doing it. But we tried the other day and somehow it didn't feel good anymore. Asami said she felt ill... And so did I. But I didn't. But... While its nice, I just don't think I'm doing it right."
Bolin's face screwed up for a second before he coughed. "I'm not sure doing it right is that much of a concern. I imagine. Um. Sorry, I'm not entirely sure what you mean?"
"Well... It's like, when I'm with Asami, I'm all she sees. Or I used to be. Until the other day she was always watching me, always finding some reason to hold hands, or touch my shoulder or hug me. And when we started kissing, then it was any excuse to kiss. And that seemed like it was everything to her. Nothing else seemed to matter. It... It sort of felt good? But at the same time so overwhelming. It's... How did you feel the first time we played pro-bending in the arena? With an audience?"
"Nervous," Bolin said. "Excited, but nervous and worried about doing something wrong."
Korra nodded. "I was more or less the same. Well, it's like that when I'm with her and we're kissing. But there's no audience, but... Asami's there and she's... It's like she wants something more and she's holding herself back, and I keep wanting to make her smile because then she kisses me and that feels wonderful and when she smiles it's the best thing in the world, but at the same time... It's like I'm there playing that first game again. Hoping I don't screw up. But I don't know the rules! So it's good but at the same time I just want it to be over, and then I miss it and think it'll be fine next time but it is for a moment, but then all the nervous comes back and it feels the same. Good but like I could make the wrong move at any moment." Korra fell silent.
"Basically you want to know what to do and how you should be doing it?" Bolin asked, trying to act calm.
"Yeah," Korra said.
Bolin sighed. "Korra, there are hundreds and thousands of pieces of advice for couples. The good ones always come out the same in the end. You have to talk to the other person. Really talk to them." Bolin shot her a tiny smile. "I can't help you sorry. You need to talk to Asami about this."
"Makes sense," she replied after a pause. "She does know what happened and it is all about her. Thanks," she said. "For listening. I... I just didn't know how to or even who to talk to about all this. And I didn't want to ask her... I thought it might upset her."
"No problem. You know I'm always willing to listen if you need to talk to someone. Or chat. Chatting is good. Hey, if you want we can be pen pals. If you buy a hawk somewhere we can write to each other. Just like me and Haruhi. So if you ever feel sad or troubled, well, we can't really have that much fun, but as much as possible on paper."
Korra grinned. "You know, I'm really going to miss you." She threw her arms around him and hugged him tight, pleased to feel his arms embrace her back. She kissed his cheek again, pausing to watch the redness suffuse through his cheek. She stepped back and glanced around. "Now I really need to get back. Goodnight Bolin."
"Goodnight Korra. And sweet dreams." He looked a little breathless.
Korra smiled. "Sweet dreams to you too." She stepped off the dock and let the waters close over her head. What would it be like to have a sleepover with Bolin? To be like with Asami, talk in the dead of night, cuddle, keep each other warm? Naga would be there too of course. And Pabu. Korra started forward along the seafloor. It was supposed to be different - between boys and girls, but did it really mean the same things were not possible like that? It would have been nice. Maybe they could try when she got back. Maybe on their camping trip. She could tell Bolin they only needed one tent; she could share just like she had with Asami.
"Asami?" Korra asked once Hiroshi left the room after unusually bringing the tea for them. "Can we talk?"
Asami's hand halted, her cup halfway to her lips, her whole arm trembling. No. No, it could not be happening. Korra could not have picked that up. "Of course. What do you want to talk about?"
"Us," Korra said, sipping her drink.
Asami's mouth went dry. "What... about us?" she croaked.
"About how we are. I'm... I'm not sure what I'm doing?" Korra said.
"Did I rush you?" Asami asked, setting her cup down a little harder than intended, the clink painfully loud. "Did I make you feel uncomfortable?"
Korra almost shook her head and paused. She looked at Asami for a moment. "I don't know. Maybe? I... I feel kind of overwhelmed at times."
Something snapped and Asami's eyes flooded with tears. "Korra, I'm so sorry."
"Asami?" Korra asked alarmed. She took a few awkward steps towards her as Asami flinched away.
"No," Asami sobbed. "No... You can't... Not like this."
"I... can't?" Korra sounded worried. "Asami, what's wrong?"
"I... I took advantage of you," Asami spluttered, the dark fear that found her in the dead of the night now exposed, the feeling she always dismissed by the light of day unavoidable.
"You did? Asami, you're... I don't understand what's wrong?"
"That's what's wrong," Asami said, sorrow twisting her throat tighter as her tears streaked down her cheeks. "I... I wanted you. And I didn't even talk about how I felt. I just kissed you. Kept on kissing you and never once said anything about... us."
"I enjoyed it though," Korra retorted.
"Doesn't matter," Asami said with a slight shake of her head. "You... I didn't want you to leave me. I wanted to keep you all to myself. But... Now you're going and I can't come and it's not the same now. It's not as terrifying as it was before."
"You said you were busy with your job..."
"Korra," Asami said, sniffing and leaning forward. "If you'd asked me that question the day before my birthday I would have come with you without question. If you'd asked when we were in the South I would have said yes. I... What my dad gave me... It... It changed me. It made me look at everything differently. But I never stopped to think about you."
Korra blinked. "That's fine. Isn't it? You shouldn't feel like you're leaving me out. I wasn't even thinking about what was happening with you. Asami; you want to help everyone with what you can do. What I want is unimportant next to that."
"No!" Asami exclaimed, stifling her voice in the same moment, fearing concern from the staff. Her voice sounded harsh, her words quavering. "If you're my girlfriend, my partner, anything like that, I shouldn't just forget about you. I never stopped thinking about you until-" Asami bit back that truth. "Before I knew it I forgot about you. I..." Asami gulped. "I thought I loved you. I thought we were destined to be together. But... I don't think we are. I... I would be different, if we were."
"But... But you've done so much for me and I've done so little for you. The kissing; it seemed to make you happy?" Korra asked.
"It did," Asami sniffed, the pain in her chest subsiding a little, her eyes clearing slightly. "But I thought you enjoyed it as much as I did."
"I did."
"But it didn't mean the same to you. Did it?"
"I guess not," Korra said taking another sip of tea as she slouched. "Maybe I'm... Maybe I'm not ready for this kind of thing?"
"Maybe," Asami agreed. "And I still could have talked to you. Should have talked to you after the first time. Before the first time. Korra, I'm not sure I'm what you need right now." A new wave of tears flooded her eyes. "You don't need romance right now, and you don't need me. "
"Don't say that," Korra said sharply.
"But..." Asami muttered, her voice breaking.
"No. I... I don't get this relationship stuff. Not really. I know about love, but it's all these super-old stories or those shows you and Bolin listen to. And maybe that'll change later on. But I did enjoy what we did. And I don't regret asking you to come with me. I... You are the first person I ever kissed. And I love spending time with you. Asami; you're my best friend in the whole world. And I never want to lose that."
Asami sniffed. "I don't want to lose that either. So, I'll-"
Korra interrupted her. "So, I'm going to go away, knowing my friend is going to be okay when I'm gone. So I can talk to her when I get back. And we'll see how things are when that does happen. And she'll know she's always my friend, and it doesn't matter what she did, or what she thinks she did, or how complicated anything is. She was my first, well, human friend, and I can't lose her. And I want her to be happy. However she can be. And if she needs me for that then when I get back we'll talk about that too." Korra grinned. "Maybe I'll have grown up enough by then. Maybe I'll be ready. For now-" She sighed. "For now I just have to be the Avatar. I need to get that right first; what they did, I'm still working it all out."
Asami could not stop the tear-stained grin at her words. "I'll try and take care of your friend as much as possible."
"Good." Korra said, nodding. "And while it's not what she wants to do, I would love it if she could also keep an eye on my other friends. I know you don't mind Bolin, but please keep an eye on Mako for me."
"Okay." A mild penance given everything else.
"And Kuvira and Opal if you do run into them."
"I will." Asami took a shuddering breath and smiled brightly. "I'm s-"
"No," Korra said, shaking her head. "No more apologies. You've beaten yourself up quite enough. I could have stopped you. I could have said something sooner. But I didn't."
"You are a wonderful Avatar you know," Asami said, sniffing.
"People seem to like saying that," Korra replied. "Hope I can live up to everyone's expectations."
"You will. I... I'm going to be a little selfish now too; I want you to do whatever you need to be the best you can. I'll always be your friend no matter what." She grinned at Korra who smiled back. "Oh what is the-" Asami said, glancing at the clock. "We should probably get off to the game. There's a couple of thousand other people who have tremendously high expectations of you."
"How could I forget?" Korra exclaimed, jostling her cup over. "Oh. Asami, I'm sorr-."
"I'm not allowed to apologise neither are you. Best friends forever?"
"Best friends forever," Korra replied. "I... I will miss you when I'm gone. I'm not trying to be confusing. It's just... You're the reason I came here and you helped me so much. It's... I'm already looking forward to coming back. I wish I didn't need to go. But," Korra sighed. "That's how it goes when you're the Avatar."
Two hours to the match and people were already flooding into the arena. Bolin stared out at the arena as more and more people took their seats.
"Sorry I'm late," Korra said as she burst into the changing room.
"Afternoon tea at Asami's that good?" Mako asked raising an eyebrow.
"It was perfectly pleasant, thank you," Korra replied coolly. "And we set off in plenty of time. Just the traffic was murder." She brightened. "But; I saw Kuvira just outside. Want to say hi, Bolin?"
"Oh. Sure!" he said.
"How about you Mako?" Korra asked.
"I'll stay here. I'll let Asami know where you are if- When she gets here," he corrected quickly.
"Thanks." Kuvira was waiting not far down the corridor. "You came!" Korra smiled.
Kuvira turned from the window with a nod. "Korra, Bolin, it's been too long." She gestured to her companions; a tall man with glasses Bolin did not recognise, and-
"Opal!" Korra exclaimed and threw her arms around the girl. "I didn't think you could make it?"
Opal hugged her back. "Neither did I! But how could I not be here for this? Soon as Kuvira got her tickets I dropped everything and told her I was coming along no matter what. Hi Bolin," she added over Korra's shoulder.
"Hi Opal" he replied.
"Opal went so far as to bribe me to have one of the tickets-" Kuvira began. Opal scowled at her. The one stranger in their midst cleared his throat.
"Oop," Opal said, letting go of Korra.
"Bolin, Korra, this is..." Kuvira said, gesturing to her companion.
"Bataar Beifong." As with so many of late, Bataar took a hasty glance around him before adding. "It is a pleasure to meet you Avatar Korra." So this was the eldest Beifong. At Asami's party Bolin had wound up talking and briefly dancing with Wei Beifong who mentioned his introverted brother had declined the invitation to the event. Oddly there had been no mention of him in conjunction with Kuvira.
"Pleasure to meet you too," Korra said. "My friend, Bolin," Korra said.
"Hi," Bolin replied with a small wave.
"Your team mate?" Bataar asked with a smile.
"Yep," Korra said.
"So are you two?" Bolin pointed between Kuvira and Bataar quickly.
Kuvira leant closer to Korra and Bolin. "He's been listening to your games with me. I made a bet with myself that if you guys reached the finals I'd ask him out."
Bolin chuckled. "Good thing we made it here then."
"So what happens if we win?" Korra asked, looking smug.
"I don't believe I actually planned that far ahead." She glanced back at Bataar. "What do you want if they win? Gotta be something... heftier or at least more important than just a first date, don't you think?" Bataar flushed and shuffled his feet. "I'm sure I can think of something," she continued rolling her eyes as she turned back. "Men," she mouthed before raising her voice. "Opal's been prepared for this trip for ages now-"
"Kuvira," Opal interrupted in a warning tone.
"She even knocked on my door yesterday, all kitted out with backpack and all her luggage asking when the airship was leaving." Kuvira was smiling as Opal became more and more frustrated, her face flushed with embarrassment. Kuvira mimicked Opal's voice. "'Kuvira! Why aren't you dressed! The airship's leaving in ten minutes!'"
"How was I supposed to know you wanted to set off at night?" Opal asked. "And why do you so delight in embarrassing me this much?"
Kuvira pinched one of Opal's cheeks. "Because you're so cute."
"She's got a point," Korra said. Opal growled at them and pushed Kuvira's hand away. "It's fine to be excited though. For our first match I was ready and in uniform two hours early."
"And I managed five," Bolin interjected.
Kuvira rolled her eyes again. "Honestly. None of you have any kind of patience. That or you're just all over-prepared. Possibly a good thing for you though," Kuvira mused looking at Korra. "Take out the problem before it becomes a problem. Pre-emptive strike and all."
"Hmmm. Maybe," Korra replied.
"Anyway!" Opal interrupted. "I'm not the biggest pro-bending fan." Kuvira spluttered but Opal ignored her. "But I do love listening to you all. So I made this." Opal pulled a large scroll from her back and unfurled it. Written in huge letters was 'Go Fire Ferrets! We Love You in Zaofu!'
"It's... subtle," Korra observed.
Opal flushed. "Can I get you to sign it later? And you Bolin?" she asked.
"I'd be honored to," Korra said.
"As would I. We can probably get Hasook and Toza to sign it too. And Asami if we can get hold of her," Bolin added. "That way you get the whole team."
"That would be awesome," Opal breathed.
"Later though. We need to get you to your seats before the match begins. You get the special guest seats," Korra said, leading the way.
The colour had started draining out of Korra's face on the way back to the changing room. By the time they reached the door she was becoming unsteady and anything beyond dropping onto the bench seemed beyond her. She muttered something about dizziness and not feeling so good as she hunched over, her breathing wheezing and shallow. When she had not moved in five minutes, Mako darted out to locate Asami while Hasook fiddled uselessly with his helmet and Toza started checking off symptoms against a reference book. Mako reappeared a few minutes later.
"Asami's trying to get the start delayed a bit," he said.
"Did you eat or drink anything unusual?" Toza asked Korra with a sigh as he snapped his book shut.
"Nothing."
"What's the last thing you ate today?" Mako asked.
"Tea and rice crackers. With Asami. At her house," Korra replied in between heavy breaths.
Mako scratched at his head. "Is it... Could it be... Um. Your moon cycles?"
"No," Korra spluttered and groaned. "Not that."
Asami pushed the changing room door open. "How is she?"
"The same," Mako said, his voice on edge. "How about the game?"
"I've got us a short reprieve, but they're not prepared to halt everything," Asami replied. She sat beside Korra and put her hand on her back after a moment of hesitation. "Korra?"
"Asami," Korra mumbled.
"We'll get your mother to take you home," Toza said. "You can't play like this."
"No!" Korra said urgently. "Not... her. I mean, I don't want her to worry. And we can't risk it. Not here." Bolin caught the glances from the others. It remained possible the link to Senna might give away her identity.
"We should get you to a hospital at least," Asami said, pressing her hand against her forehead. "Come on, swe- Korra. You're burning up."
Korra shivered and shook her head. "No. I need to play first." Bolin glanced out at the arena. Standing room only out there. Hiroshi was in his box, tapping his hands against his legs and... looking everywhere except the changing area. Bolin tried to get his attention but he never looked their way. Could have done with his help. Kuvira, Bataar and Opal were in the next box, the trio too busy talking, Opal's banner unfurled and legible even at this distance. Shame neither Tenzin nor Jinora could make it back from the North in time for today. Korra got to her feet shakily, leaning hard on Asami as they stood up. "I'll be fine," Korra said. "This is just another battle, and I need to win it."
"I really don't think you should play," Asami said, gripping her hand.
Korra sighed, the sound followed a moment later by another shudder that made Asami's face pale. "It's not like my... Life on the line. I've felt worse and still won." With a visible strain, Korra pulled herself up straight and smacked her fist into her palm. "I can do this."
"She can," Bolin said. Encouragement would help her. "Korra's tough. She's going to kick Tahno's butt personally." No one else joined in his somewhat lacklustre encouragement, but Hasook at least pulled his helmet on and nodded to Bolin. "Korra?" he asked.
"Yeah. I'll... Wanted to get that guy for a while."
Bolin tried to ignore the shiver that wracked Korra's body.
Korra at least looked like she was okay out in the arena. The glare of the light on her visor hid her expression, but she was upright and had her balance. Asami joined Hiroshi in their box, sitting forward with her eyes never leaving Korra. Mako was with Kuvira, Opal and Bataar, seemingly explaining the situation hastily. Opal looked shocked. The Fire Ferrets could do this right? The championship match was a little different to a normal league games. Of the three rounds, the first two were typical knock-outs, while the third required the claiming of all territories of both teams within a ten minute time-frame. The Wolfbats sauntered into the arena, waving and appealing to the ground, greeted by alternating cheers and boos; much as with the Fire Ferrets. Bolin glanced nervously at Korra. Her arch-nemesis, the man that had fuelled so much of her training was standing right there and she had said nothing.
"So you losers actually made it?" Tahno said with a mocking laugh. "I'm so glad you decided to make our victory so easy."
"S...shut up," Korra said, her voice trembling.
Tahno blinked, a slow smile spreading across his face. "That the best you can do, Korra?" And here I thought you were the only one of these bozos actually worthy of being on the team. You carried these jokers, and..." He frowned. "You look like you can barely stand up. What's that? Pressure getting to you?"
"Shut up," Korra growled.
"That's more like it," Tahno said mocking. "If it was too easy, people just aren't going to believe we won fairly."
The referee interrupted them and the game began. Korra could still play. Bolin was thankful for a full two seconds before he took two blasts of water and a rock disc to his chest. Now he needed to concentrate on what the other team was doing. Korra was at least still bending. She was probably one of the best players ever. But not today. Today she was sluggish, awkward, her movements over-exaggerated and obvious. Tahno mocked her as she was knocked down first and sent hurtling off the back of the arena in both the first two rounds. The Wolfbats were trouncing the team. As soon as Korra went, Hasook followed a moment later, and there was simply no way for Bolin to survive three on one. The last round. That was what they had to concentrate on. Hold their territories at least. At least aim for a tie.
Korra collapsed after three minutes and a disastrous performance. One Fire Ferret territory left, the crowd silent all around, the Wolfbats mocking her. Bolin called for a time-out and unclipped Korra's helmet. She was shivering harder than ever, her skin coated in sweat. "I... I can't get up," she said, her voice breaking.
"Hey, Ferrets? You actually going to even try and face us?" Tahno called.
"Just back off, Tahno," Hasook yelled. "She's sick."
"Yeah, right," Tahno replied with a dismissive gesture.
"Bolin?" Korra asked in a quiet voice, her gaze locked on the arena floor. "Get Mako. He's still listed as my substitute right?"
"Korra..." Bolin began. "But this was your game. This was what we worked for. It's..." He did not want to say the rest. The last game they would have as a team.
Korra shook her head. "Not... mine. Ours. Team. We're a team. Team has to win. Even if without me."
Bolin tried to form some kind of dismissal of her argument and failed. "Okay." He squeezed her shoulder. "You did great. Today wasn't the best, but you helped get us here." Bolin pulled off his helmet, caught both Asami and Mako's attention and gestured to the changing area. "Ref?"
"She ready yet?" he called back.
Bolin shook his head. "We want to substitute."
Tahno burst out laughing. "Yeah like that'll help."
The referee scowled. "You don't want to just concede? I mean, you can sub if you want, it's just..."
"We're subbing," Bolin said defiantly. "Hasook?"
They pulled Korra to her feet as gently as possible and walked her back to the changing area. "What are you doing?" Mako asked as they sat Korra on the bench.
"Korra wants you to take her position," Bolin said to Mako.
"Me? Are you serious? In the championship?" He waved his hands angrily. "You'll lose."
"We might Mako. But it's we. If you're on the team, you're one of the Fire Ferrets," Bolin said.
"Mako. Please," Korra croaked. Asami crouched beside her, and put her hand against her forehead again. She jerked back in shock.
Mako stared at Korra for a moment longer before replying. "Fine. I'll try."
"You know you can do this," Bolin said as Mako pulled his uniform from the locker.
"Subbing while she was in the South is one thing. This," Mako gestured to the packed arena. "This is something else. Those teams were weak."
Bolin sighed. "Mako; would you ever, in a million years expect to survive being sunk in a boat out in the bay?"
"No." He scowled.
Bolin continued. "And go up against a terrorist group and some of the best and most dangerous benders in the world?"
"No," he said with vehemence as he pulled the uniform into place.
"So you can see what I'm getting at? Tahno is small fry compared to them. You just have to believe in yourself."
Mako turned to face him. "Yeah, but that was a fight to the end. No rules. This. This has rules. And points."
Bolin sighed. "Look. Just this one time, use your big ol'brain to work out how we can win this, not why we'll lose."
Mako sighed and stared out at the still strutting Wolfbats. "Okay. Their firebender is limping. Korra hit him pretty hard earlier and it must have been worse than it looked. Tahno's going to be more confident since I'm not on the usual roster, and he'll be pissed that Korra isn't there. I think we can use all that."
"So..." Bolin said, following his gaze. "We annoy Tahno until he makes a mistake?"
"Exactly."
Mako walked back out with Bolin and Hasook. "Now substituting for Korra; Mako as firebender," the announcer boomed.
"Oh, now what do we have here?" Tahno growled. "I get the spare? Was I just too much for her to handle?"
"Save it, Tahno." Mako said. Bolin grinned. "You're lucky she's feeling out of it right now."
"Yeah, I bet. Worst firebender I've ever seen." Tahno studied him for a moment. "Sorry. Second worst. She has to have won something. You on the other hand..."
The match restarted. Hasook was blasted out of the ring in seconds, leaving it down to just him and Mako. As predicted, the Wolfbats threw everything they had at Bolin, ignoring Mako at first. Mako blasted all three out of the ring in a few moments. One territory forward. The next bout was a more even split; Hasook caught their firebender off-guard while the Wolfbats focused all their attention on Mako and Bolin. They were going to win this. They were going to win this for Korra. It was like slipping back into a familiar role. Just like their time on the streets. They each knew how the other would behave, moved to guard or reinforce the other. Mako was grinning as he threw volley after volley at Tahno.
The tide changed slowly, the Wolfbats becoming increasingly desperate, increasingly more hasty. In the eighth minute the situation was completely inverted. The Wolfbats clung to a single territory and the Fire Ferrets made short work of them. With one final lunge, Bolin sent Tahno spinning out of the arena and into the water below. It took a long moment before the roar from the audience, the applause, the feel of Hasook and Mako hugging him actually made sense. It had been all but impossible just minutes before, but somehow, they had done it. They had won. They had won the championships and even defeated the favorites. They were the greatest pro-bending team in the world. Bolin raised his hands to cheer with everyone else when a shudder ran through him. Pain exploded across his back and down his arms. His legs collapsed under him as the air turned blue. The applause broke up, the air filled with screams and shouts as he fell to the floor, his vision going black.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Asami asked as Korra staggered out of the toilet cubicle.
"I feel... better," she croaked. Her stomach lurched. "Excuse me," she said and slammed the door closed again, kneeling on the cold, tiled floor. The noises she made were embarrassing; at least Asami seemed to be trying to mask them.
"What are your plans for later?" Asami asked Kuvira outside the door.
"I'm not sure actually. We need to sort dinner out at some point..."
"Why not come back to our place?" Asami offered. "Bataar and Opal are naturally welcome to join us."
"Okay," Kuvira said, sounding pleased. "I'll let them know."
"Where are you staying as well? Just so I know what to do about getting you home," Asami asked.
"Some place, I think it was the Ohtori Hotel? It's just a few blocks away."
"Oh. Well, might be a bit of a trek. Unless you want to stay over? We have plenty of room. And a pool..."
Korra tuned the rest out as her stomach heaved. This was horrible. There was nothing else to throw up, but her stomach still tried. The only time close to this was when she ate a whole load of raw oysters. Wrong time of month for her moon cycles to have anything like this kind of effect, and even then, nothing like this had ever happened before. Could it randomly start? She did not think so. So what caused all this? What was different today? With a deep breath Korra stood again and staggered to the sink.
"Better?" Asami asked.
"Hopefully," Korra said as she stared at the pale, dishevelled figure in the mirror. She looked terrible. Running both taps, Korra rubbed some water into her face. She was soaked with sweat; worse than any workout she had ever had. She needed to change and soon. But first; they had to see the end of the match. Mako ought to be ready by now. "I... I think I'm okay to go back. And watch," she added hastily as she noticed Asami's frown.
"Okay." She checked her watch. "They should still be playing. I hope," she added. "Then we're getting someone to take a look at you. Just in case."
Korra forced herself to walk back as quickly as possible. As she was now, she could have played so much better against the Wolfbats. She could have slugged Tahno with a fireball to the face, just like she always wanted to. No. While it would have been nice to be there as they won, the important thing was that the team won; that the Fire Ferrets were victorious. It was not just about her; it was about all of them. Mako could do it in her place. The excited roar of the crowd rolled over them as they re-entered the changing room. Toza grinned at them.
"They just don't know what to make of Mako out there," he said.
"How's the match going?" Korra asked, leaning over the rail beside him.
"It's going our way. Just need to see if they can do it in time," Toza replied.
"Go Mako!" Korra called, her voice, her voice likely lost in the roar. Her grip on the bar grew tighter and tighter as the match went on until... "They won!" Asami and Kuvira whooped behind her as Korra yelled as loud as she could. "We won!"
Blue sparks enveloped Mako and Bolin. They crashed to the ground and did not get up. With a disconcerting crack, blue crackles rippled through the water pools below the arena, leaving Tahno and his team mates floating, motionless.
"We're under attack," Kuvira yelled, and she grunted as the door flew open. Something heavy clattered to the floor a moment later. Korra whipped around as two masked men backed aware from Kuvira. Curious discs with weighted wires lay on the floor, each wrapped in sheet metal from Kuvira's bracelets. The metalbender whipped metal links around the men's hands and feet, overbalancing them easily. Masked men were all over the arena now, the cracks of electrical discharge audible over the screams and shouts. Some of the audience ran, others tried to retaliate, though all fell to the ground in showers of sparks. Just like Mako and Bolin.
Korra turned back as she heard fabric tearing. Asami had grabbed the end of her dress and ripped two ragged slits into the fabric as more masked men entered the room. The heiress fought them hand to hand, Kuvira metalbent and Korra firebent. The assailants were no match for the three of them. "I'm going to make sure my father's okay," Asami yelled as she darted out of the room.
"Be careful," Korra yelled after her. "Wait, I'll-"
"Korra!" Kuvira interrupted as the sound of breaking glass drew Korra's gaze back to the arena again. The glass panels in the ceiling had smashed and a new wave of masked men were descending into the chamber on wires. "Korra, we need to get moving," Kuvira insisted as the central section of the area shifted and a new group of figures rose into view. She knew him immediately. Or more accurately she knew that mask. It was him; leader of the Equalists. The man who preached anti-bender rhetoric. Amon. The screams began to die down, the jolts of electricity becoming more and more infrequent. One of the spotlights swung across the arena and pointed at the Fire Ferrets changing room. Korra shielded her eyes from the glare. "What is he..." Kuvira trailed off as a man with goggles handed Amon a microphone.
"To the non-benders who have come to watch this testament to the gross excessiveness and power worship that is pro-bending, I wish to draw your attention to Korra of the Fire Ferrets." The mask hid any change in his expression, but Korra was sure his eyes narrowed. "Or should I say; Avatar Korra of the Fire Ferrets." Korra's heart skipped a beat and her stomach lurched again, the pain almost making her bend double. "The spirits endowed me with many gifts; amongst them knowledge. Knowledge of the Avatar's identity. She has been here for so long, hiding in plain sight. The Avatar; the most powerful being in the world has been a member of the Fire Ferrets since their inception. How can you support her? How can you support bending? As I understood it, the Avatar was supposed to help the world equally. She is supposed to be a member of all tribes. And yet; she is here. Playing at being a firebender."
"Korra..." Kuvira murmured.
"What other conclusion can we deduce than her willing participation in bending supremacy with her involvement in this sport? To all non-benders of the world; witness this. Witness the Avatar's implicit involvement in your suppression. And come to us; we extend our welcome to every member of Republic City. We will correct the injustice in society." Three figures were forced to their knees beside him. "The Avatar is no longer necessary; I am now the bridge between our world and the spirit world. The spirits have spoken to me and made clear that humankind was should not bend elements to their will. That they no longer need this ability."
"Korra," Kuvira said more forcibly, Korra unable to take her eyes from the masked man, even as he turned to regard his captives. Her secret was gone. Even if the radio broadcast had been halted, there were too many people in the arena who must have heard him speak. But what did he mean the spirits had told him?
"The spirits have gifted me with a rare ability; the ability to take away someone's bending ability. As I shall now demonstrate with the Wolfbats." It was chillingly fascinating to see Tahno look up petrified as Amon pressed his fingers against his skull and then repeat that action with his teammates. "I have Equalised your opponents, Avatar," Amon said, looking back to her. "Their history of cheating, or bribery and corruption makes them poor role-models. Now they are as mundane as every other non-bender." Could he really do it? Removing someone's ability to bend was not impossible. Tenzin had told her that aspect of Aang's story - one of the moments known to only a handful. But could this man, could Amon really be capable of something only the Avatar had ever done? "I am tempted to perform the same... service to your teammates," Amon said, chuckling. "Before I fully replace you as the bridge between the worlds."
"Korra. I'm going to get more metal. Do what you have to," Kuvira said, and she swung herself up to the audience seats.
Korra took a deep breath. No need to hide anymore. She pushed forward, flames bursting from her fists as she flew over the open space to land on the arena at the opposite end to Amon. "How... good of you to join me," Amon said. "Will you willingly surrender your role?"
Korra scowled. "Never." She lunged forward but found her blows blocked by the man with goggles. He held two tonfas, each sparking with stored electricity. One touch of those and she was probably going to wind up on the floor and vulnerable. She hopped backwards, pausing only to flick other Equalists away with a combination of air and waterbending. Korra sent them all splashing down into the water. It would not last; the lifts would get them back up here in a matter of moments. She jerked to one side and dodged yet another blow from the goggle wearing Equalist, trying to sort her options when Kuvira landed beside her with a thump. She was wearing extra metal bender belts over her shoulder and she immediately began flicking sheets of metal at the Equalist underling. While Kuvira fought him, Korra darted past to confront Amon directly. Okay. If he really could take bending away it was not immediate. She just had to keep his hands away from her head. Korra swung a fist at his face. And missed. She frowned and tried again. Another miss. There was a weird tension in her arms whenever she came even close to striking him. Her attempts to attack with her bending proved likewise futile. Her first water whip missed by a wide arc, and her attempt at airbending did little more than rumple his clothes.
"Korra!" Asami called. She darted across the connecting bridge as it slid into place. She stumbled to a halt not far from Amon. "It can't be. What are you doing with my glove?" Asami demanded as she rushed at Amon. Something pushed Korra back, the tension in her arms, no, her whole body lifting. Amon caught Asami's attack lazily and electricity crackled across her. She shrieked and fell limply to the floor. A sheet of metal sped past Korra, slicing open one of the ropes that restrained Bolin. He was was groggy but pulled his ropes away and removed Mako's in another moment.
"Don't worry about me," Kuvira called over the sound of metal hitting metal and the crackle of electricity. "Get him!"
Unfair, but necessary; Korra, Bolin and Mako versus Amon. But there was something strange about him. Almost like there was an invisible field around him. Any blows, and bending that even came close to him would miss and be diverted elsewhere. However much force Korra put into her attacks, nothing was touching the man. But the tide of battle was changing. Metalbenders were flooding into the arena and the Equalist forces were slowly pushed back. Asami pulled herself painfully back to her feet, frazzled but awake. With a final push, Kuvira sent the man with goggles over the side of the arena, leaving Amon surrounded. Kuvira's wires whipped out and encircled Amon's waist. Odd. The man did not even react.
"You're going down," Korra said, smirking.
"Not just yet," Amon said. He held his hand up and Kuvira's wires loosened.
"What?" the metalbender gasped.
A new wire descended from above and Amon grabbed hold of it. He zipped up into the air, other Equalists ascending all around him; even the man with goggles, hauled up from well below the platform they were on. Kuvira's head whipped around and she shot a wire up to catch hold of one of the Equalists and hauled herself upwards. "Stay here," Korra yelled as she blasted herself upwards on her flame jets. She grabbed for the nearest Equalist, pulled them from their cable and let them fall back into the water pits. The cable jolted just as she cleared the shattered ceiling of the arena and with a lurch it came loose from the airship hovering above them. She was at the wrong angle to use her firejets. Korra just had to pivot a bit further- A length of steel cable wrapped around her waist. Kuvira. The metalbender grimaced as she hung halfway between the airship and Korra. With a wrench, Kuvira threw Korra upwards and past her. Korra grabbed hold of the airship's side as Kuvira joined her a moment later. They were clinging to the airship Amon had boarded. Another airship was getting up to speed some distance away.
"Ready to take down the Equalists?" Kuvira yelled over roar of the engine.
"Am I ever?" Korra replied.
"I'm going to destroy the engines first." She paused. "You can't metal bend can you?" Korra shook her head. "Okay. Just be ready for a rough landing."
Korra followed Kuvira as she scrambled up the airship and towards the tail. The metalbender planted her feet firmly on the hull and with grasping fingers reached down towards the engines. With a screech of metal the airship quietened and faltered. A jolt ran through the craft and it began to lis, falling back towards the bending arena. Almost too late, Korra airbent a blast of wind to push the craft clear of the building. The bending arena was safe, but at the cost of aiming their trajectory squarely at the parking lot. Too late to airbend or earth bend. Korra winced, the impact almost jostling her over as the airship smashed into the ground and obliterated hundreds of Satomobiles.
"Good landing," Kuvira observed.
"Not my best," Korra muttered. "C'mon," she said, curling her arm around Kuvira's waist. "Let's get him." She flicked a burst of air to waft them gently to the ground as a second wave of police arrived at the arena. Survivors of the airship crash began crawling out of the debris. A few vanished into darkness and over the side of the railings bordering the arena, but most got free only to sit and wait expectantly. And amongst them; Amon. With a feeling of victory Korra strode over to him and tore off his mask. An Earth Kingdom stranger smiled up at her.
"Think you're still so tough?" Korra asked. The man's grin grew bigger. "You're in big trouble, Amon."
"I do apologise," the man said. The voice was all wrong. "But my name is Watanuki."
Asami stared in shock after Amon. The shock gloves. Her shock gloves. They had been shelved for safety concerns, the designs locked in a cabinet in her office. And yet, that man had a fully working version. The thought started an inexorable chain of logic. Someone at Future Industries was connected to the Equalists. There was someone in her employ that had stolen or developed their technology and given it to people who did little but spout hatred. Tahno was sobbing nearby.
"Can't do it," he sobbed. "Just can't..."
"Tahno? Tahno!" Asami said as she crouched beside him. "Are sure it's not just chi-blocking?"
Tahno stared at her confused. "How would I know? Never been chi-blocked."
Asami grimaced. "I guess you wouldn't then. I guess we'll know if it doesn't wear off. You have about two hours? I think?"
"I heard two hours," Bolin said.
"Two hours," Tahno echoed miserably.
"Even then there might be something we can do for you. If you come to Future Industries we can have the doctors take a look," Asami offered. The noise above diminished.
"The airship's coming down," Mako said, still staring upwards.
"That's the one Korra's on," Bolin exclaimed.
"Not alot we can from here." They left the Wolfbats, almost inconsolable but clinging to their one hope. What would they do if the time-limit passed? What was the longest a chi-blocked bender had taken to regain their abilities? Asami shook her head. She needed to research. And it might become more pressing if Amon had been telling the truth. And just who was supplying the Equalists.
"Dad!" Asami exclaimed as he staggered from their private box. He looked suitably furious.
"This was not supposed to happen," he muttered, his eyes widening as he noticed Bolin and Mako.
"I know. We should have never let the Equalists get to a position where they could terrorize the whole city like this," Asami said, her eyes checking for any other threats in the area.
Bolin rushed from the nearby window. "The airships gone down just outside. Asami!"
"Right. You going to be okay, dad?" she asked Hiroshi.
"Yes, yes," he said, distracted.
She left him behind, Mako and Bolin on her heels. They burst from the building and raced to the side of the arena. The wreckage of the airship took up most of the parking lot. Asami heaved a sigh of relief; Kuvira and Korra were both safe. So was Naga; she had slipped out of her harness and was now standing with Kuvira and Korra. And there was someone with them, his hands bound with metal. Maybe it was all over before it really started.
"Korra!" she called and hugged Korra when she reached her. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," she said, sounding distracted. Both Bolin and Mako hugged her a moment later. "That was pretty close."
"Thanks for saving us once again too," Mako said.
"Kuvira!" Two voices shouted from behind; Opal and Bataar picking over debris to hug Kuvira. "You're okay!" Opal exclaimed.
"Thanks to our esteemed Avatar," Kuvira said. "Afraid that's not our little secret anymore is it?"
"Guess not," Korra said sadly. "I mean, I could deny it, but..."
"Its not going to be believable," Asami commented shaking her head.
"Well," Bolin said, smiling. "At least now we can admit we're all on Team Avatar! Look at us! Earth." He pointed to himself. "Fire." He pointed to Mako. "Metal." He pointed to Kuvira. "Also metal?" he asked pointing to Bataar who shook his head "No elements then," he said as he pointed at Bataar, Asami and Opal. "Aaaaand; the Avatar herself!" He pointed at Korra. "If we just had an airbender we'd be all set."
"I'm Team Avatar?" Kuvira asked smiling. Bolin nodded. "Thank you. Even if it's just this once, I'm honored."
"As am I," Bataar put in. "Though I'm not sure I know you all well enough to be one of the team."
"Well, I like it," Opal said smiling.
Asami felt weirdly happy. Team Avatar; she had been one of the first.
"I might have known." A voice interrupted. "Find a fire, massive destruction and you lot grouped together. Had to be another Avatar stunt." They turned to find Lin looking at them with narrowed eyes.
"Lin," Korra smiled.
"Avatar," she replied. Her gaze flicked to Opal and Kuvira. "You both okay?" They nodded. Lin stared past them to the restrained man. "At least you captured Amon right?"
"No." Korra shook her head. "All we got was a decoy."
"I'd like... No. I need to ask him some questions." Asami said stepping forward.
"Lin?" Korra asked.
"Ask away. Me and Kuvira'll let you know if he's lying."
"Where did you get the shock gloves?" she asked. "And the tonfas?"
The man smiled. "We have powerful allies Miss Sato. One of them is well known to you."
His words chilled her. "Who are they? Someone in Future Industries? Someone in the United Forces?" Her voice faltered as she spoke. "Give me his- a name?"
The man shook his head.
"He's telling the truth," Kuvira said, Lin nodding beside her. "He's not quite answering the question but you do know whoever he means."
"Tell me. There's a reward in it for you if you do."Nothing. "I'm sure Chief Beifong can cut you a deal if you turn on the others." Asami asked hoping that Lin would not contradict her. For a moment the idea of lightning sprang to mind. Give the man to Mako and let him use that odious technique again. Asami shuddered, disgusted with her own thoughts. No. No, she could not possibly condone something like that.
Korra strode forward instead and grabbed the man's collar. "Listen, punk. See this polar bear dog?" She gestured at Naga. "Tell Asami what she wants to know or you're getting fed to her."
The man barely blinked, just continued to smile blandly at her.
"Korra? No," Asami said. "Let the police handle this."
Lin hauled the man to his feet. She called over her shoulder. "Someone get this guy to headquarters. No one's allowed to talk to him without me present."
"How did Amon know who I was though?" Korra asked as they watched the man placed in the back of a police vehicle.
"I hate to say it, but I think this was all planned," Mako said. "Someone must have betrayed you."
Lin snorted. "Obviously. Question is how many people could have let your secret slip?"
"Too many," Korra said vaguely.
"No. It's more than that though," Mako insisted. "I think Korra was poisoned too."
"That would also be my conclusion based on this evening's events," Kuvira said.
"Poisoned?" Lin asked. "Why? How?"
"You really think I was poisoned?" Korra asked.
"You were feeling awful earlier, right?" Asami asked.
"Yeah; weak and cold and nauseous."
"And ever experienced that before?" Kuvira asked.
Korra shook her head. "Never."
"And you felt better when you threw everything up?" Korra flushed but nodded. Mako continued. "Sounds like poison. Not a lethal dose, but enough to weaken you. Too much of a coincidence it happened right when the Equalists attacked. If they hadn't, I might suspect the Wolfbats, but now... This was a trap," Mako said gravely. "Whoever gave you that poison thought you wouldn't back out of that game."
"They wanted us to lose quickly?" Korra asked, frowning. Mako nodded.
"What did you eat today?" Lin asked.
"Tea and rice crackers at Asami's just before the game. Lunch was on airtemple island. So was breakfast." Korra said, thinking.
"So we're looking at one of the Sato's servants or one of the acolytes. At least that narrows our suspects substantially," said Lin.
Asami shivered. Either option was horrifying. The Red Lotus might have had a traitor in Tenzin's midst, but for there to be another - and belonging to a different group? But did that mean the culprit was more likely to be found in her household? Was her judge of character so poor after all?
"Okay. This might sound a little weird but; could Naga trace the poison?" Mako asked.
"You want Naga to sniff my barf?" Korra asked recoiling from him.
"I was thinking your breath should be enough," Mako said quickly.
Korra looked at him quizzically for a moment before approaching Naga. "Okay Naga. I want you to find this." She breathed onto the polar bear dog.
"Nice thinking, kid," Lin murmured.
"Thank you, ma'am," he replied.
Naga turned away from Korra, her nose twitching in the air. She sniffed the air and ground for a moment and then padded towards Hiroshi Sato who was walking towards the group. Naga halted and began growling.
"Naga, wrong person!" Bolin called. "That's Mister Sato!"
Hiroshi backed away from Naga as she bared her teeth and snarled. "Get this animal away from me," he demanded.
"Sorry!" Korra called. "Come on girl. Come on. That's Asami's father... Bolin? Can you...?"
Bolin stroked Naga's head as Korra steered the polar bear dog away. "Easy girl."
Naga did not seem to be calming down at all. Was it one of the servants who prepared her father's clothes? That narrowed the suspects even further. Asami felt ill. It had to be someone in her household. Lin approached Hiroshi.
"Mister Sato, I do apologise for the disruption, but I believe it is in our best interest to search your home tonight," she said.
"I agree," Asami said. "I don't want to think anyone on our staff can be an Equalist, but..."
Hiroshi shook his head. "This is absolutely absurd. Is it even legal? To take the slim evidence of that animal's nose. I... I have to consult my lawyer."
Asami frowned. "Dad? It's okay. The Equalists aren't going to care about us. Though..." Asami winced. "It hurts this has happened. Again."
"It's our only lead too," Korra added. "But we'll catch whoever is responsible."
"Ridiculous," Hiroshi replied and stormed away. The attack on the arena must have shaken him badly. Asami stared at her father's retreating form.
"While I know you all want to help, this is a police matter. So you leave this to us," Lin said. "Hopefully the culprit doesn't know we even have a lead just yet. We'll resume tomorrow. And Korra, I don't envy you what tomorrow might bring. Get some rest and talk to Tenzin. Talk to Katara."
"How about you?" Kuvira asked.
"Me? I have a mountain of paperwork to fill out," Lin said with a weary grin.
"Want a hand?"
Lin shook her head. "Look after your guests Kuvira." She gestured to Opal and Baatar. "I'll update you on things in the morning."
"Don't think I can take you up on your offer tonight after all," Kuvira told Asami.
"Pity," she said. "Next time."
"What about Tahno?" Korra asked. "I'm still... Is it possible?"
"Only time will tell," Asami commented. "It could still just be chi-blocking."
"Hopefully," Korra said.
"We'll get him checked out at the hospital anyway," Lin said. "I might ask Katara to check him over if he still can't bend in the morning."
The drive home to the mansion was sombre and awkward. Hiroshi stayed silent and scowling the entire time, his eyes flicking to the mirror and back to the police cars following. Lin's assistants checked through the mansion while two metalbenders stood guard in the living room.
"We're aiming for as little disruption as possible, Mister Sato. We just want samples of tea leaves and maybe condiments. Should have brought Naga really," she mused. With a shrug she added. "Maybe tomorrow."
"At least this will make us feel safer," Asami told Hiroshi as Lin went to check on progress.
"Yes, safer," he said, his fingers gripping the edge of the sofa.
Officer Chang came to question them a few minutes later. How were their servants selected, was there anything in their histories that they knew of that might be in some way relevant? Asami fetched the records they kept on the hires and any applicants. Hiroshi's scowl only deepened when the events of thirteen years ago came up; the night the Agni Kai broke into the mansion.
Asami was about to respond to Chang when the lights clicked off. She glanced around. The lights in the hallway were gone too and the room was now lit only by moonlight. A shower of sparks illuminated Chang writhing in agony for a moment before she fell heavily to the floor. Asami scrambled backwards. That looked like something the Equalists had used. She needed to get out. Her father needed to get out. Why would the Equalists come here? Was her father okay?
Her neck felt stiff. No. Not simply stiff. She could not move it. Her feet were rooted to the spot, her movement halted while she was on her toes. She gasped at the air, her breathing awkward. What was happening? Fear? She had never felt this before. She tried to bring her hand to her neck; but it was like something was holding her there. Her arm would not move. Her posture was wrong and she stood, pained, barely able to breath, unable to move as the moonlight illuminated a masked man. Amon was standing right in front of her. She had to get away. She had to run. Amon lifted his hand and darkness enveloped her.
How old is Iroh?
Sanctum and I have been talking and we realized we are writing him with different ages in our mind, we just reached a compromise- Iroh is in his late twenties. We'll make some edits to clarify this. In the fic he's not 36 years old like the one listed in the wikia, that age is the one from the commentaries where Asami was supposed to be 29. Since this is an AU we can do anything, and I intended him to be a kid in the Red Lotus flashback because if he's a teen back then, he and Azula would have fried the group.
Last notes: I know the last three chapters have stirred some mixed reactions and we expected that. Not everyone is going to be happy with some of the things that we have decided in this story. We've always reminded everyone that romance isn't the focus and anyone can end up with anyone. Again, as romance isn't the focus- I would like to remind everyone again that given the events of this chapter there are more surprises down the line, and Book 2 and Book 3 are much darker than Book 1.
I hope to see all of you until the bitter end, but we understand if you want to discontinue. After all, fanfiction is about getting what you want, but we can't give what everyone wants. I do want to say this confidently- Book 3 Lightning is the best book if you are searching for intense drama, action, friendships and character development. Those are the things you will get.
Thank you for the reviews last chapter!