Book 3: Lightning
Chapter 12 – The Trial
"Not going to put any makeup on?" Korra asked as Asami stared into the pocket mirror. Korra shook herself. "I mean, you're beautiful anyway, but you always put some on before going outside?"
Asami smiled as she clicked the mirror shut and shook her head. "Not this time. They need to think I'm mourning. And I'm poor and broken. If I can afford to spend money on makeup and nice clothes..."
"...they don't think you've suffered," Korra completed the thought, nodding. She grimaced. "Sometimes I hate people." She scowled out the window at the city.
"It's not everyone. Just the loudest," Asami said carefully. "At least that's what I've been assured." She sighed. "Guess I do need to do this, huh?" And finally return to Republic City - officially. Her 'exile' in the Fire nation was finally at an end. As much as lying to the the public made her feel uncomfortable, the few tweaks Iroh recommended to actual events were likely vital to whatever happened next. A mix of truth and milder seeming lies; she was to admit she entered the Fire Nation illegally but was at least able to gain asylum thanks to worries about her safety. And after some time finding her feet she found inspiration in the Avatar's words to at last return home and face her accusers. Noble? Or Greedy? How many would assume that all she wanted was her money and company back? Too many she feared.
The same stage, possibly even the same crowd of onlookers as Korra faced at her press conference awaited her outside city-hall. Korra squeezed Asami's hand for luck before darting away to take her place on the stage with the various other dignitaries. She could dither or wait, but no; best to get this over with. Asami took a deep breath and stepped out onto the stage. Daunting to be like this again; the focus of so many eyes. Forgotten how it was to be the centre of attention; or rather - never been the centre of attention quite like this. So different; most looks she received in the past were lust or envy or maybe jealousy. Now judging looks and hostility; so much of it seemed to just radiate off Tarrlok as he stared up at her. She ignored him and took her place at the podium, introduced herself to the crowd and immediately launched into Iroh's semi-fictitious versions of events. Easy enough; now was the difficult part.
"Why did it take you so long to return for the trial?" a reporter asked the moment she allowed for questions.
"The passing of my father and the revelation of his activities and political affiliations left me emotionally devastated. I needed time to come to terms with what I had learned and mourn him. Please do not take this as an indication I condone any part of his involvement with the Equalists. As much as I still love my father, I entirely condemn his actions." Not enough. Too easy, too smooth. She was numb to the memories now; she had revisited the image of his still chest too many times since Ba Sing Se, any lingering sadness excised as part of her stay on Ember island. But she needed that sorrow now. Needed to feel the pain all over again. She blinked furiously reaching deep for any pain; her eyes began watering. Good enough. A tear spilled from her eye and she dabbed it hastily with her handkerchief, the camera flashes bursting from nearby - capturing the moment Asami Sato almost broke down. Just what they and indeed she wanted. "Sorry," she sniffed.
"What made you return?" another reporter asked.
Asami sniffed again, her voice croaky for a moment. "I felt the need to clear both my name and restore my honour. But I also want to help defend the city if the Great Uniter attacks." She glanced at Korra nearby. "But I suppose in the end, I was persuaded to come back thanks to the Avatar's words." Other questions followed and with them accusations; Asami answered each in turn. All her answers were as earnest and truthful she could manage, but with each answer she insisted such matters were best left for the trial. Just about enough answers to keep them happy. "Thank you for your time. I will now hand you to General Iroh of the United Forces for his comments on the situation."
Everything Iroh said was so carefully neutral, safe and absolutely candid. No matter what someone asked or insinuated he barely reacted and instead replied with calm, unemotional answers. Incredible; he must have anticipated every one of them and had back-up answers to spare. He shut down any questions about a relationship between him and Asami immediately with determined denials. Asami tensed through these questions, but outside of some gossip there was nothing to even begin suggesting there really was something between them. Iroh mentioned his grandfather and his legacy as a companion of Avatar Aang every chance he got. Odd. Normally he would be distance himself from his connection to the Fire Nation royal family as much as possible, but Zuko had offered Asami any support he could give and they would need it. For Iroh, grandson of Zuko to lend such support to a suspected criminal. Hopefully it would shift opinions if only a little. Korra was the next to address the crowd.
"I'm a little nervous about what she'll say," Asami whispered to Iroh as he sat down.
"Me too. Korra..." he smiled. "Tends to speak from the heart?"
"Yeah," Asami said smiling back. "Something like that." After whole days of getting Korra to practice answering awkward questions, hopefully it would all pay off and she would build on the success of her own press conference.
"Do you see the people sat beside the journalists?" Iroh murmured as Korra started speaking.
"Yeah," Asami replied. "Business partners of Future Industries. Some of them are- were on the board before." Among them; Mr. Go who sold the Women's Health division to Tarrlok; Mrs. Tanaka had terminated over five hundred of the company's workers and Mr Hollander was Iroh had discovered partnered with some extremely suspicious laboratories periodically accused of links to animal cruelty. All of them had benefited from her absence and made use of it to satisfy their greed at the expense of her employees. "They're here to decide if me or Tarrlok is going to be most useful for their own ends."
Iroh studied them for a moment. "Will they help us?"
She shook her head. "Maybe if I had a better position, but as I am... But even if that were true I don't want them," Asami said. "Once I've won, I'm going to deal with them myself." A flicker of a smile crossed Iroh's face but he quickly covered his mouth with his hand and when he moved it, his face was carefully blank again. Korra's turn at the podium rapidly became a fixated on questions about her relationship with Asami. They kept returning to the same little details and everything from the very start in the far North to their reunion in Ba Sing Se. And just as had practiced, Korra kept every answer as ambiguous as she could, never admitting nor denying just what had taken place between the two of them. If the question touched on either the Red Lotus or the Equalists, Korra answered completely truthfully, her versions of events dove-tailing neatly with Asami's. Nothing to use against them. At least not yet.
Bolin was the last to approach the podium, and the most wary of the quartet in front of the crowd. "My name is Bolin, and this is my story about Asami." The riskiest speaker today; his speech deliberately a little awkward and blunt. "My brother and I were so poor that when our house was razed by a group of firebenders in the slum we had nowhere to live. Asami Sato took pity on us and gave us a place to stay and found my brother a job. And all that despite how much her father hated us." Korra had tensed beside Asami and looked concerned. What was wrong? It was all true - more or less. A few embellishments here and there but largely accurate. The reporters struggled to find questions for Bolin; the few who thought to link to probending found Bolin had been out of the loop far too long to furnish them with even rudimentary gossip or anything of real note. He scurried away from the stage, rubbing his eyes fiercely and hunched over in his chair. Korra took his hand and Asami tried hard to hide her smile. "I'm just acting," he mouthed to Korra.
"He really should be in radio," Asami murmured to Iroh.
"Might want to leave it a while so this isn't seen as outright manipulative," he replied.
"Maybe Future Industries could expand like that," Asami said eyeing her friend. Iroh smirked and nodded to Tenzin who concluded the press conference. Step one complete. Unfortunately the real battle was yet to come. The press conference ended without problem and bowing to the crowd Asami followed the others into City Hall.
"Miss Sato," a voice called out as she stepped inside. Of course. Iroh stiffened beside her, Korra tensing and her expression darkening. Tarrlok was smiling as he approached but he was glaring at her. "I am so glad that you have returned to face up to your crimes."
"Charges, Tarrlok. Charges," Asami said smoothly, her fists clenched at her side. "As I understand the legal system I am currently innocent until proven guilty."
"Of course, Miss Sato," Tarrlok said, his smile remaining confident. "Though you would save yourself a great deal of pain and embarassment if you simply confessed now."
"Councilman Tarrlok," Iroh interrupted. "I understand you have a vested interest in the outcome of this trial, but please. There is a time and a place for such discussions. And that begins tomorrow in court." Tarrlok's expression barely shifted as he glanced at him.
"This better be a fair trial," Korra interjected. "You're going to have to explain what you did to Future Industries."
"All perfectly legal," Tarrlok replied quickly. "I have broken no laws. Unlike her."
"And what? You wanted her to just roll over? When she got kidnapped?" Korra scowled.
"Kidnapped. Are we still claiming that's what happened?" Tarrlok chuckled. "Astonishing that she could be kidnapped by her own father. Unbelievable that she was ignorant of how her father felt towards benders. I see you have one of your props still, Miss Sato." He smiled at Bolin.
"Don't talk about me or Asami that way. She wanted to help us. That's it," Bolin replied, his posture stiff.
"If you're sure," Tarrlok said with a mocking bow. "I do look forward to tomorrow. If you would excuse me?" Tarrlok walked away, none of the others moving a muscle until he was gone.
Trials were something from her text books or something from radio dramas, or occasionally an extended plot-point in one of Asami's romance novels. Korra blinked. Wait. Those could not be typical examples of how this worked could they? She eyed Iroh. So that would mean her lawyer - Naruhodo - and Asami were sleeping together. Well. Could happen. Or was it the prosecution? She eyed Mitsurugi Reiji and tried to figure out if he was sleeping with Tarrlok. Wait, that was not how this worked. Maybe Naruhodo and Mitsurugi were dating? Korra shook her head. This was different. This was real. At least the fictions helped fill in a few details. Tenzin, Tonraq and Senna crowded into the audience alongside a huge number of journalists and other members of the public. How many would be Future Industries' workers? Some more than likely; a few looked familiar from Mako's apartment building.
The judge read out the list of charges against Asami as the trial began. "Miss Asami Sato; you stand accused of but not limited to the following charges: mass production of illegal weaponry, espionage, terrorism, incitement to rebellion, resisting arrest and failure to stand trial. How do you plead"
Naruhodo responded for her. "Not guilty."
"So noted," the judge replied. "Mister Reiji?"
Asami was the first called to the witness box first and she squeezed Korra's hand just before she left her seat. The first few questions were about as expected; did she know of her father's politics? No. Did she know he was funding and assisting the group known as the Equalists? No.
"Why did you invent the shock-glove, Miss Sato?" Mitsurugi asked abruptly. "The design was found in amongst your effects at the Future Industries office. It is your design is it not?"
"It is my design," Asami replied. "It was intended as an aid to self-defence. I considered it an aid for the vulnerable and the disabled."
"And you never once stopped to consider it's potential use as a weapon?" Mitsurugi retorted.
"It was no further than the proto-type when I last worked on it," Asami replied.
"A proto-type?" Mitsurugi grabbed something from a bag beside his desk. He slammed something down on the table. "I submit this as evidence exhibit A." An Equalists shock glove lay on the table - horribly familiar by now. "This does not look like a prototype to me, Miss Sato."
"It isn't," Asami stressed. "At the time of my abduction I had not submitted the designs to the council or considered permits for the use of the device. I can only surmise that my father copied or stole the design. And mass-produced it."
"You surmise? How very convenient," Mitsurugi said. The questioning turned to the abduction; a police officer witness insisted he saw Asami leave the house running alongside Amon and her father. Korra held her breath as Naruhodo objected, questioning both the positive identity of what was admittedly a masked man. He called officer Chang to the stand who now offered a drastically different sequence of events. This one insisted Hiroshi Sato carried Asami to the airship and she was unconscious at the time. Asami related her life with the Equalists on her next turn as a witness, right up until the moment of her father suffered his stroke.
Iroh's turn on the stand came soon after, much like his speech at the press conference, Iroh's answers were precise, calm and extremely difficult to question. His time with Asami after her birthday came up and he produced a detailed logbook - soon submitted as exhibit B - from the United Forces base specifying the date and time of each and every one of Asami's visits, sworn testimonies of multiple officers describing her presence and activities on the base. His personal diary contained nothing but neat entries and records that tallied with the other evidence. So precise. Even receipts. Mitsurugi looked increasingly frustrated when Iroh produced those, detailing the times and places he had eaten dinner with Asami. But did that all matter? The pair had not been together twenty-four-seven; Mitsurugi was keen to seize on this and imply a window of opportunity. Nothing much to work off of still. Even the questions about political asylum in the Fire Nation seemed to frustrate the prosecution - Asami clearly met all the requirements. Then a new unexpected direction to the questioning.
"General Iroh, did you have sexual relations with Asami Sato?" Mitsurugi asked.
"Objection!" Naruhodo shouted. "My client's relationship with General Iroh is not pertinent to the case." Korra glanced at Asami; she had clenched her fists in her lap.
"Objection sustained," the judge said. "Prosecution, please restrict your questions to information pertinent to this case."
Iroh held up his hand. "I do not mind answering the prosecution's question," he said. "I did not have sexual relations with Asami Sato."
"How did he..." Asami whispered as she stared at him.
"Asami?" Korra asked.
"Nothing," she said shaking her head.
"Something wrong?"
"No. But... how did he...?"
"How did he what?" Korra asked.
"You see the two earthbenders beside the judge?" Asami asked. Korra nodded. "They're the truth-tellers. If someone lies on the stand, they sense it and tell the judge."
"No one said anything," Korra frowned. "So, Iroh was telling the truth?" She glanced at Asami who bit her lip. "He wasn't?" Asami flushed slightly and Korra stared at Iroh who smiled briefly at the two of them before composing his features again. After a few half-hearted questions Mitsurugi thanked Iroh for his time. Now finally it was Korra's turn. So much practice, but her heart still felt like it might explode at this rate, the tension and nervousness really beginning to get to her. No. She could do it.
A few questions in and Korra relaxed. Iroh had amazing foresight. Nearly everything the Mitsurugi asked was something he had prepared for. Nearly. "Avatar Korra; did you have sexual relations with Asami Sato?"
"Objection," Naruhodo shouted again. "Your honor?"
"Prosecution you have been warned." The judge sounded more angry this time.
"With respect your honor, there have been rumours of a relationship between Asami Sato and Avatar Korra since before her unmasking as the Avatar. I think it fitting that if Miss Sato is found guilty we ascertain what - if any - influence she has had over the Avatar," Mitsurugi replied smoothly.
"Overruled Naruhodo," the judge said nodding. "Avatar Korra, you will answer the question."
"I didn't," Korra said. Mitsurugi looked at her expectantly. "I did not have sexual relations with Asami Sato," she growled. Even as she spoke, the two earthbenders frowned and glanced at each other.
"Avatar Korra is lying-" the first began.
"She's telling the truth," the second interrupted. Korra glanced around in panic; Asami looked pale and nervous.
"This is unexpected," the judge said blinking. "Avatar Korra; please clarify for the court."
"I did not have sexual relations with Asami Sato," Korra said her heart racing. This time the earthbenders reported the opposite conclusions.
"I do not understand precisely what is happening here, but I do not think we need to examine this line of inquiry any further. We'll move on." The judge leaned forward. "Avatar Korra, I remind you that you must only tell the whole truth in this court room."
"Yes, sorry, I will bear that in mind," Korra said feeling her cheeks heat up. She barely paid attention to the next few questions and answered them as simply and accurately as she could. Questions about the Equalists were easy to answer, but questions about specific dates and times left her floundering. Eight o'clock in the evening on the tenth day of the sixth month? Why should she ever begin to remember that day? Well, she could be pretty certain of what she had not done on that day. It was not a first meeting, or a first kiss, or the day she lost her bending. Maybe that day she and Asami had gone shopping in Wall Market and bought dresses? And had dinner... somewhere?
Bolin was the next to take the stand - and faced similar questions to Korra. She scowled at Mitsurugi. He always started with easy questions and just when you thought you were safe, he would ask something frustrating or awkward. If she had her way he would be begging for mercy before he asked another pointless, invasive question.
"Bolin; is it true that your brother has- I'm sorry, had been involved in various criminal activities?" Korra's heart skipped a beat. At least again they had prepared for this; it had been devastating for Bolin the first time Iroh sprang the question on him without warning. But practice seemed to have immunized him to the shock.
"He was," Bolin said simply.
"And did you have any involvement in these same activities?" Mitsurugi asked.
"Objection!" Naruhodo was looking increasingly frustrated, Yue hastily whispering something into his ear. "As before this trial pertains to Asami Sato. This witness is not on trial for his past actions."
"Prosecution?" the judge asked.
"As with the Avatar, no one would deny the influence Asami Sato has had on the people in her lives. How can we be certain she has not influenced or been influenced by criminals via what ever chain of communication?" Mitsurugi asked smoothly.
"Objection overruled," the judge said. "Witness you must answer the question."
Bolin cleared his throat. "I am not part of Shady Shin's gang and I never joined them in any of their work." He looked at the earthbenders nervously. Both glanced to the judge and nodded.
"Very well." Mitsurugi stared at Bolin for a moment. "Then is it true that your brother has been arrested for the following crimes-" He plucked a sheet of paper from the table and read aloud from it. "Theft, smuggling, robbery, arson, participation in an illegal gambling establishment, vandalism, grievous bodily harm, exacerbated property damage-" Korra stopped listening. Bolin looked increasingly dismayed and began shaking his head. Not all of those could be true - they were trying to influence him.
"Why are they asking this?" Korra whispered. "And why isn't he objecting?"
"They want us to look bad," Iroh muttered. "Naruhodo can't object to all these because the judge overruled the previous objection. Bolin's something of a hero now, but if they can tarnish his past..."
"It'll reflect badly on us even though it's unrelated. I think we need to get him out of here," Asami said. She tapped Yue on the shoulder and whispered in her ear. She nodded and murmured something to Naruhodo. He nodded but before he could say anything Bolin snapped his response.
"My brother was a good man. He would never do half of that," he insisted tearfully.
"That's not a good answer is it?" Korra asked as both Mitsurugi and Tarrlok smiled. Asami shook her head grimly and the session ended soon after. Definitely not the brilliant start they hoped for.
Safely back in Iroh's apartment, Asami sighed as she picked up the first paper. "'First court session of the people versus Asami Sato commences'," she read aloud. The article beneath focused on some of the more lurid details to emerge from proceedings while other papers variously favored or condemned her and each witness in turn. Even Korra implicated in the mess thanks to her willingness to stand with Asami. A few papers speculated on what that indicated about the Avatar based on either outcome to the trial. One made some dark proclamations about her claims of balance especially considering current events and her prior duping by the Red Lotus. At least not all the papers dwelt on the confusion with the truthtellers. The Daily Hawk on the other-hand ran with a somewhat blunt headline. "Avatar Korra and Asami Sato had sex?!" she read. Asami blinked at the insinuated sex life contained in the column. If only.
"Asami Sato wears a Tsubaki coat that costs just twenty Yuan?" Bolin read from another paper. "Is the heiress trying to promote a new fashion obtainable from your nearest super mall?"
Asami pulled a face. "Tabloids," she growled. "Always about my clothing. My sex life normally escaped mention."
"Putting aside the papers for now." Korra looked away from the paper Bolin held and leant forwards facing Iroh. "Is there any way Bolin can be excused from any more questioning?" Korra asked.
"Korra-" Bolin tried. Iroh ignored the faint protest.
"Depends if the prosecution wants to use him. I doubt Naruhodo would object to letting him sit out. I'll see if Yue can arrange something. Bolin?" Iroh hunched forward on his chair. "I will do everything I can, but I can't guarantee we can spare you anything more."
"That's okay. I want to be there for Asami," Bolin said earnestly, his voice shaking a little.
"You don't have to push yourself," Korra said quickly. "I'll stop this whole trial if it gets too much."
"I can handle myself," Bolin said quietly. "I-" he stopped and blinked. "I'm sorry. I feel... tired. I think I should sleep."
"You okay with the bed in my room?" Asami asked. Bolin nodded.
"Get some rest," Korra said softly and kissed his cheek. Bolin murmured something in reply, but seemed distracted. "What is up with this trial?" Korra demanded once he left the room. "It can't be right doing that to someone like Bolin."
"It's just to make us look bad. Like predators in the wild; they're starting with the one that looks weakest," Asami said.
Iroh sighed. "And sadly that means we need to maintain our preparations to answer future questions. I've worked out some more possibilities based on what happened but..." He shook his head. "Even I was unprepared for the direction they took."
"You didn't seem to have any problems," Korra muttered. They barely got through a handful before she stood up and growled in frustration. "This is pointless!" She shook her head. "I can't do this. I... I'm going to force him to give up. Or at least tell us what he's been doing."
"Who?" Asami asked.
"Tarrlok," Korra replied savagely.
"Korra, no," Iroh said wearily. "We need to resolve this situation diplomatically. Even if you confronted Tarrlok, what then? At best you might make him resign, but failing that he will still hold power as an elected official and it would not be hard for him to make life unpleasant for us all. This trial is about clearing Asami's name. We would need to wait for his trial once we have the evidence to convince the council to impeach him. And we desperately need more evidence first."
"And just how do we get that?" Korra snapped. "No one wanted to hear what we said in there! They're just trying to drag Asami and everyone else through the dirt."
"That is no excuse to just ignore the system and the law. Please, we need to follow procedure. Be patient," Iroh replied.
"I can't be patient! Not when we're being treated like this. The system, this trial, it's too complicated. We can solve it all so much faster. I'll make him talk," Korra's said and clenched her fist.
"That would not reflect positively on you," Iroh said carefully. "You are supposed to be as close to neutral as you can be."
"You're too concerned about your image!" she replied hotly. "You wanted to read all these articles. I don't care what the papers say about me. I'm going to say what I want to say, and I am going to make Tarrlok tell the truth. Then they'll just have to deal with the consequences."
"Korra," he said forcibly. "This is not just about appearance. I am the representative of the Fire Nation. You present..." he blinked. "Yourself, the spirits, humanity. We need people to like us and believe in us. Swaying people against Tarrlok is our best weapon at the moment. He cannot risk losing is next election-"
"Oh the election. Which is when exactly? In the meantime we can't make these people like us!" Korra snapped. "I've practised everything you told me to practice and said everything I needed to. And what do they care about? Whether I had sex with Asami! Meanwhile no one is even talking about Tarrlok or any of his shady stuff. I'm fed up with playing nice - especially if our opponent didn't even try. You can pretend he's playing the same game as us, but I can't."
Asami rubbed her temple. If this was a novel, sooner or later one of them was going to kiss the other. And that kiss would lead to them taking their clothes off, taking their clothes off would lead to- certain repetitive if pleasurable movements. Something she could join in with and- Korra stomped away from the sofe and toward the door. "Korra!" Asami called. She ignored her and the front door slammed behind her.
"I don't know how to make her understand," Iroh muttered as he sank back onto the sofa. "You can't punch your way to justice."
Enough. Asami took a deep breath and counted to ten. "I know she can be impatient but she isn't wrong," she said with force. "She might speak from her heart more than her head, but you know she's right about what's going on. Today in court, that was awful. And it had very little to do about the truth."
Iroh sighed. "I thought we talked about this. I thought we knew what was going to happen. You cannot clear your name - not completely - until we can prove Tarrlok is corrupt."
"I know," she said angrily. Asami took a deep breath. "I know. But that was a lot worse than I expected. Korra has every right to be angry."
"We all are," Iroh said. "But she needs to stick to the plan."
"Look, I'll- I'll talk to her. She won't have gone far." Asami walked away before Iroh could say anything else. As expected Korra was just outside the door leaning against the wall as she gazed off the walkway and into the distance. "Hey," Asami said quietly.
"Hi," Korra replied and looked away.
Asami leaned against the wall beside her. "You okay?" she asked after a few moments of silence.
Korra laughed mirthlessly. "Am I okay? I'm not the one you should be worried about. I'm not... on trial," she said.
"I know. But you got upset," Asami said. "You seem to be taking it harder than I am."
"Yeah," Korra replied nodding. "I don't know how you do it. It's amazing really. I think I'd have blown everything by now if I was on trial. It's just like; Iroh's too concerned about appearances. Everything's always about making us look good. It just feels like we're wasting our time when we keep getting accused of all kinds of things. It feels like he can just talk his way to justice." She brought her fist down looking confused and somewhat sad when it smacked into her leg.
"I know. But what you want to do... It's risky. We should try and play it safe," Asami said.
"Of course you would take his side," Korra said flinching away from her.
"This is not about sides!" Asami said.
"Fine," Korra said gritting her teeth. "I'll play nice. But I don't know how long I can- Asami?"
Asami had crouched down as Korra spoke and pressed her hands to her head. "Was this the worst plan in the world?" she murmured. Korra crouched beside her looking panicked.
"Asami, I-"
"I wanted to be able to live here again. I thought I should face up to..." she sighed. "And if I did, I could-" Asami shook her head. "Was I already too late?"
"I'm sorry," Korra said in a softer voice. "Just that prosecution guy makes me so angry."
"I think that's his job," Asami said quietly she reached out to grip her arm. "Thank you for getting so upset for me and Bolin. It means a lot to me, but it's just-"
"It's okay." Korra grinned.
"How about a compromise?" Asami said. What was she thinking? "We're going to try and do this the proper way-" Korra bristled. "But-" Asami added quickly. "If anything goes wrong or something bad happens, then you do what you need to. I trust you to do the right thing. I mean, hey, you're the Avatar. People will respect your judgement in this case."
"Probably a good idea for you to not use your wiles on me so I can play at being impartial," Korra said smiling.
"Shame," Asami replied and smiled as Korra's cheeks flushed.
Another evening lost to Iroh's unrelenting preparation once Korra returned inside with Asami. Korra suppressed a yawn as the day got started; a long sleep sounded a perfect plan once the trial concluded. Takeshi - the Sato family butler - was the first to called to the stand. He seemed personally affronted at everything Mitsurugi asked him. "Miss Sato does not distinguish in her compassion," he said heatedly. "Even if the former Mister Sato despised benders as has been claimed, she was determined to help Bolin and his brother. Her charity work alone-"
"Thank you, Takeshi," Mitsurugi interrupted. "I wonder if I might clarify what you mean by charity. It has come to my attention there is a very real possibility that Miss Sato used these charity donations to evade paying taxes?"
"Objection!" Naruhodo shouted. "Miss Sato stands accused of assisting the Equalists; accusations of tax avoidance have no place here."
"Sustained," the judge said grimly. "Mitsurugi Reji, please restrict your claims to the case at hand."
Korra scowled as the lawyer bowed and apologised with an infuriatingly simpering apology. Mitsurugi then began calling witness after witness from within the ranks of Future Industries. It soon became clear there were two sets of witnesses giving evidence; each providing conflicting testimonies relating to Asami. Many were unswerving in their gratitude to her as an employee and unshakable faith in her innocence, but the other group while not directly accusing Asami of anything, did regurgitate numerous unflattering rumours.
"Miss Sato has been known to fraternise with her co-workers," one said with a smug grin and an emphasis on 'fraternize'. Another insisted he had been in her office when she received an important phonecall from someone with the Equalists - although he could not supply a name for this alleged contact. One especially sleazy looking guy elaborated on secretive production runs undertaken in the dead of night and off the books as Asami oversaw massed weapons production. Asami winced with each new accusation while Tarrlok smirked. Korra squeeze her friend's hand as she scowled at the witnesses who stared levelly at Asami while lying through their teeth.
"They must have been paid off," Korra murmured.
"Yeah..." Asami said shaking her head. "At least I have some supporters in the company..."
Mitsurugi called Iroh back to the stand after the parade of Future Industries employees. "He'd be amazing in a beauty pageant," Bolin whispered to Korra.
Korra was nodding before his words sunk in. "Yeah. Wait, what?" She frowned and squinted at Iroh. He was good-looking but- "You want to watch him put on fancy clothes, strip to his swim-wear, strut around and smile to the audience?" She suppressed a giggle at the thought of him doing just that.
"No!" Bolin hissed. "Because all his answers are under thirty seconds." He grinned and after a moment Asami hastily hid a smile behind her hand, as her shoulders shook.
"General Iroh," Mitsurugi said, staring intently at a sheet of paper he held. "I believe you currently own forty percent of Future Industries as of last week. Would you say this statement is accurate?"
"Yes," Iroh replied.
"While I have little reason to doubt your family's affluence - it would be impossible, not to say foolish, to disregard your political and family ties back to the Fire Nation. But General, I am... puzzled. Where did the money you used to purchase these shares originate?" Mitsurugi smiled. "Did it come from, say, the taxpayers of the Fire Nation?"
Iroh smiled right back at the lawyer. "All taxes collected within the Fire Nation are held by the National Treasury. If you prefer I can request a break down of the account for the last year-"
"Thank you, that will not be necessary," Mitsurugi interrupted hastily, his smile faltering slightly. "But please, elaborate on the source of your finances?"
"Certainly," Iroh shrugged. "They come from a diverse set of investments." Korra's attention started wandering moments after he began rattling off a series of names, specialities and locations. Finance was amazingly boring - but presumably less so when it was your own money. Inheriting all that money when he turned eighteeen must have inspired the interest. That or knowing how much he stood to receive on his thirtieth birthday. "If you would like any further clarification I have my personal accountant on hand, and if she is unable to provide sufficient information I do believe I can request my mother answer any further questions." Iroh's smile grew predatory while Mitsurugi's was more of a grimace now. Tarrlok looked frustrated too. Whatever kind of weak link they hoped Iroh would prove to be, hopefully he had shown them otherwise. It must be nice to so easily reply to those questions without losing his cool.
Unfortunately it was Korra's turn as witness again straight after Iroh. Now to see if that practice had paid off. Mitsurugi smiled as he approached her. Not comforting. "Avatar Korra. I understand you left Republic City in a bid to locate Miss Sato a few days after the attack on the city's pro-bending arena and the alleged kidnap of Miss Sato?" he asked.
"That is correct," Korra replied.
"And there are indications that this pursuit was conducted at the expense of continuing your training as the Avatar. Would this also be correct?" Mitsurugi hardly seemed interested in his own question. At least this one was easy; they practiced an answer just like it.
"Yes," she said. Not enough. "My friend's life is very precious to me." Mitsurugi watched her silently. "And I had to defeat Amon and neutralize the Equalist threat before it got any worse," she added.
"How very noble of you Avatar Korra. And yet, would you say that your efforts were worth the trouble you went to?" he asked.
"Of course."
"Even at the cost of your ability to bend the elements and your companion's life?" Mitsurugi was sneering as he asked his question. "Might your friend Mako have lived if you had not? Might you not have spent so long away from the public eye if you had just stayed in Republic City and left Miss Sato to her fate?"
Korra barely heard Naruhodo protesting the question. Losing her bending was a price she would pay again if the need ever arose. But to drag Mako into it... Korra quivered with fury, ready to yell back, interrupted a moment too soon by the judge sustaining the objection and dismissing the question. How much more of this was she expected to endure?
More tabloid gossip. One paper insisted Korra and Tahno - Asami blinked at the Wolfbat's sneering smirk in the accompanying photo - had formerly been meeting in the showers after games for some very risky clinching. A suspiciously similar story in another paper switched Tahno for Bolin to much the same conclusion - that one left Bolin bright red and stuttering. Another had maybe half of her former girlfriends right and a strange list of names she could only blink at, while another linked Asami to both Korra and Iroh with the latter two as rivals who she was cheating on the other with.
Thankfully most of the sensationalist headlines came and went and no one took any notice. The scandal that actually caused problems, when it came, should have been something they had seen coming; the transfer of her mother's financial legacy transferred to Kwan. Her signature and seal on the paperwork. All official and seemingly unquestioningly above board. Iroh at least was ready to counter this accusation with Yue commenting further on technical specifics. Tarrlok's corruption was unproven but to Korra's grudging approval, Iroh made several statements to the press questioning the source of all his money and his tendency to be overly aggressive on criminals capable of bending. In public Asami seemed to be slowly gaining approval as Tarrlok was losing it. How much was siding against the Avatar hurting him? But did that matter? The trial on the otherhand was not doing nearly so well; no matter what evidence Naruhodo presented in Asami's favor, the prosecution was quick to have dismissed or declared too suspect to use.
"I'm beginning to think he might just be bribing the judges," Yue said to Asami during one of the frequent recesses. She glanced around in a panic. "Don't repeat that. I can't back that up with anything. But..."
"Would explain a few things though," Asami muttered as she nodded in agreement.
"The judge can side with the prosecution frustratingly easily at times though," Yue continued. "Getting evidence if it was happening would be tough; ours would stand to lose everything if that kind of scandal was uncovered."
"Yue," Iroh sighed. "If you haven't found any evidence of that that yet, I would be surprised if it was the case. We should focus on what we can prove. Plus, I thought you went over the financials?"
"I did," Yue insisted. "Oh, there was one thing-" she fumbled in her bag. "Here," Yue said waving a sheaf of paper at Iroh. "I'm not actually expecting you to read this," she said putting the papers on her lap. "Tarrlok's finances are like one of those dramas where everyone is trying to sleep with everyone else." Iroh frowned at her. "They're complicated is what I mean. Now most of them make sense - there's a lot of money shifted into shell companies and mostly those companies go off and buy things."
"Like Future Industries stock," Asami said nodding.
"Right. But he also has these other outgoings - obvious stuff, food, rent, the odd show in the theatre - that kind of thing. So some make sense and a few are just really odd. Like at this point," she jabbed a finger on the page. "That amount there? It's withdrawn and just disappears. Poof, gone. But..." She smiled. "If you look at Kwan's finances, an identical amount is paid into his account just three days later."
Iroh stared at her. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"Yes," Yue said. "But I can't prove that's what happened. Bit of a coincidence for the values and the timing, but I couldn't prove to you Tarrlok is the one that's paying him because of that break. But-" she flipped over a few more pages. "Seems like he's not the only one. There's another account held in Ba Sing Se which is kind of interesting. See these withdrawals?" Yue's finger skipped to points on the sheet. "All of those match up with credits to that account-"
"Tarrlok's funding the Equalists. Or was." Asami frowned and blinked at her own conclusion.
"I- He, er, what?" Yue stared at her. "I mean, yeah, Kwan was there - you said. And I don't think anyone knows who has access to those accounts in Ba Sing Se, but- Oh." She stared at Asami. "It fits then - he kept taking these odd leaves of absence and every one coincided with one of Amon's attacks - including the one during the probending final. And someone had to have ordered the Republic City airspace cleared..."
"As interesting as this theory is, it does not help us that much," Iroh said. "And it is a flawed conjecture. What does Tarrlok gain from supporting the group?"
"Point scoring," Asami said slowly. "And I thought you were the politically savvy one?" Iroh raised an eyebrow. "If he proves anti-benders are dangerous he can make the public more amenable to authoritarian policies - and restrictions on chi-blockers."
Yue frowned. "So he's a war profiteer? Wait. He's inciting the public to allow him to pass more regressive policies to prove the Equalists' right? Is that it?"
"Basically," Asami said. "Look at what he cares about. While Kuvira hasn't done anything, what the public is concerned about is the Great Uniter and the possibility of her coming here. What does Tarrlok care about?"
"Restricting non-benders and alleged Equalist sympathisers and getting control of Future Industries," Iroh said nodding.
"So he's trying to stop you doing what you do best to take advantage of Kuvira and making non-benders feel mistreated?" Yue asked. "That's low."
"It doesn't sound much - I want to help the city, but is it worth letting him win so we can focus on what's important?" Asami asked.
"No," Iroh said firmly. "Don't forget there's more for you at stake than simply losing the company. And if we are right, we cannot allow an Equalist supporter like that to remain in power. And this city needs you. We need your mind and everything it can conceive." Asami smiled. The news story, when it ran was soon picked up and repeated by other papers. People rushed to slam and condemn Tarrlok, who faced the decidedly satisfactory need to hold yet another press conferences of his own to refute the accusations.
Mitsurugi stared at Katara for a moment after she took the stand. "I would like to get your thoughts on Avatar Korra's claim earlier today that the Equalist Amon was in fact a bloodbender."
"I would concur with Avatar Korra's claim," Katara replied simply. Her words caused a stir and the judge called for silence.
"You are certain?" Mitsurugi asked.
Katara smiled serenely and nodded. "The after-effects are clear enough. I have seen the same damage to blood vessels in Avatar Korra and others he came into contact with."
"There is no other way the same effect could be achieved?"
"No. The physical alteration would be impossible to cause without severe damage to the skin and substantial head trauma. Avatar Korra exhibited no such symptoms when I examined her." She glanced around. "In addition, I think it worth noting-"
"Thank you," Mitsurugi interrupted her.
"Objection," Naruhodo called out. "I would like to hear Master Katara's thoughts on this matter.
"Sustained," the judge said.
"Amon was a bloodbender," Katara continued. "And as such I feel it must be noted that the actions of those around him become more suspect as a result. A person's actions may not be in truth something of their own volition - and they would be unable to resist. I would question as well how much of Hiroshi Sato's conveniently failing health is entirely due to natural causes."
"In the absence of the body, I would ask you to minimise the speculation," Mitsurugi replied. Katara nodded grimly.
Asami looked up as Iroh sat down. "Our trump card is here," he said grinning. "Shipped him straight from the Fire Nation." He leant forward to Yue. "Get Naruhodo to call him after Katara."
Yue nodded and paused. "You can leave for this bit," she murmured to Asami.
"No." Her fists clenched tight. "I want to see this through."
"The defence calls Kwan," Naruhodo said. Mitsurugi looked baffled as the witness took the stand. "Please, introduce yourself to the court."
Kwan looked around uncertain. He had not had much sleep from the looks of things. "I am Kwan of the Gerum family." He sighed. "I assisted the Equalists during their time in Ba Sing Se." The court room exploded into muttering and the judge banged his gavel a few times for silence.
"Please continue," Naruhodo prompted. Kwan slowly confessed to everything - including the coercion for Asami to sign over the money. "You admit your threats against my client?" Naruhodo asked.
"Yes," Kwan said, blanching. "Miss Sato's sole concern was saving her father's life. She did not expect the financial transaction, and Amon used it as a condition of his assistance with his treatment." Asami's body tensed and she shivered, Korra's warm hands calming her a little.
"Are there other allies of the Equalists still present in Republic City?" Naruhodo asked.
"Only one other," Kwan said. "A man I knew only as Yakone."
"Yakone?" Naruhodo repeated.
"Yes. An alias." Kwan took a deep breath. "I cannot prove it, but after conversations with Amon and other Equalists I suspect he was someone in a position of authority in Republic City."
Naruhodo was ready for this. "Someone like Councilman Tarrlok?" he asked. Kwan hesitated for a moment and nodded. Again the court disrupted. Asami watched Tarrlok; he looked blank, barely moving a muscle. No denial, but no confirmation. "The defence would like it noted that Kwan agreed with the defence's theory and that there have been many independent suspicions about the councilman," Naruhodo added.
"The prosecution calls Tarrlok to the stand," Mitsurugi said cutting through the commotion. Tarrlok walked unhurriedly to take his place, the vestige of a smile developing on his lips. He was not defeated yet. "Councilman Tarrlok. How do you respond to the defence's accusation and the words of Kwan?"
"I categorically deny all of them," Tarrlok replied. "This is nothing short of Equalist propoganda."
"Thank you," Mitsurugi replied. "I believe we have a connected witness?"
"Objection!" Naruhodo said. "The defence would like time to cross-examine this witness."
"Objection," Mitsurugi replied smoothly. "The new witness will eliminate the need for the cross-examination. But if it pleases the defence, they may call councilman Tarrlok again afterwards."
"Sustained," the judge said.
"Ai?" Asami exclaimed as the Equalist nurse was lead into the room. She smiled back weakly, and Asami's pulse went into overdrive. There was no hope now; Ai knew everything.
"Please state your name?" Mitsurugi asked. Asami could barely hear anything over her heartbeat.
"My name is Ai. I was part of the medical team on Amon's airship." She explained briefly her journey from Ba Sing Se to the Xi province and her subsequent capture by the police.
"I have your statement to the police," Mitsurugi said. "In it you claim that Asami Sato refused a rescue attempt?"
"Yes. A group of Kyoshi warriors infiltrated our temporary camp." Asami gripped Korra's hand as yet another commotion occurred.
"And after that refusal, did she or did she not provide assistance to the Equalists while in Ba Sing Se?" Mitsurugi asked, Tarrlok's smile was getting larger. Asami tensed on her chair.
"Yes. She helped set up communication lines."
"Asami?" Korra murmured as Asami stared at the floor, her body shaking.
"And the bombs no doubt?" Mitsurugi said.
"Not to my knowledge. She never left the compound," Ai replied.
Mitsurugi waved his hand. "She could have easily assembled them while she was there." He smiled. "Did Asami Sato betray Amon the moment the Avatar was victorious against him?"
"No."
Tarrlok's smile faltered and he frowned. Even Mitsurugi frowned. "Please elaorate?"
"Miss Sato told me she hated us." Asami glanced up and met Ai's gaze. "But she wanted to keep her father safe - and the only way she could do that was by doing what Amon wanted her to do." She bit her lip. "And she saved me." Ai fumbled at her ear. "She gave me this."
"An earring?" Mitsurugi asked confused.
Ai nodded. "She could have killed me, but she told me to get out while I could. If not for her, I would have died in Ba Sing Se so I owe her my life. That's the only reason I came back. Asami Sato was no Equalist or even sympathetic to the cause; her father's life was used against her." She stared at Tarrlok. "And... I was paid to give testimony against Asami," she said, her words faltering as his expression hardened.
The judge ruled both Kwan and Ai's testimonies unreliable the next day. Korra scowled at him as he stated he suspected both had attempted to appeal to the Avatar's grace to spare the resulting criminal charges that would be likely levelled against them. Both remained in custody pending further interrogation. And Bolin now faced a trial for his nebulous involvement with Shady Shin, "This is... We proved her innocence. This is completely unjust. Ai wasn't even our witness!" Korra hissed.
"And Bolin had nothing to do with any of it," Asami added faintly. "He's just collateral damage."
"That's it," Korra said as she stood up. "This court is a joke!" Korra yelled as she strode to the centre of the room ignoring Iroh's frantic protest behind her.
"Avatar Korra, you are out of line. Return to your seat-" the judge began.
"Don't try me," Korra said staring at him. He fell silent, the guards in the room slowly relaxing but all eyes were now centred on her. "What will it take to prove Asami's innocence? What else can you possibly need? The prosecution's case seems to rest on one officer and half of Kwan's. Who you just said was inadmissable. So what exactly is the case against her?" Korra stared at Mitsurugi. "Quite how Tarrlok is able to sit there is beyond me; no one's putting him on trial and there seems to be so much more evidence against him."
"A case against Tarrlok has not been filed," the judge replied. "Avatar Korra; if and when such a thing happens then we will start a new trial-"
"Let me save you some time," Korra said striding towards Tarrlok who returned her gaze with bland indifference. "Don't look so smug. You don't think I can't see what's going on here? You don't think everyone hasn't puzzled it out? Oh, we can't prove it - not yet, but we know. Why the lies? What good is this system if you can just lie through it? What was the money you gave Kwan for? And just where is the rest of it going? What is it being used for?"
"Avatar Korra," Tarrlok replied with exasperation. "It seems you remain unable to even try to engage with due process. This is not how the criminal justice system functions. I alos think it unwise to believe these accusations of your acquaintance. I would hope your judgement is not so easily compromised, but it seems the bonds to your predecessor are too strong for you to think impartially."
"What are you-" Korra demanded.
"Yue is the grand-daughter of your predecessor's friend, Iroh - need I say more? And that's before even considering what kind of influence Miss Sato clearly has you over you no matter what you say."
Korra ignored him. "Where did all the money go?" No reply. "Answer me!" she yelled. "Because it looks like a lot like it's been going to an account in Ba Sing Se. Where did the Equalist's funding come from after Hiroshi fled the city?" She paused. "You really think I don't understand, don't you? I understand plenty. You're the one supporting the Equalists not Asami."
Tarrlok's grin was becoming fixed. "Please stop this libelous accusation. If you continue I may have to press charges against you as well." He chuckled. "What a headline that would make; all of your so-called Team Avatar imprisoned. The very worst of the Avatars."
"Uh-huh?" Korra asked. "Then tell me. What do you want? Do you want Republic City to be free of extremists? How does funding the Equalists figure into that? This all just to make you look good? You do know the public is onto you?"
"I remain a part of the council irrespective of what you are saying," Tarrlok said adjusting his neckline. "The Avatar is a respected figure - or should be, but given some of your past actions how true is that anymore? In any case, I refuse to be intimidated. If you continue this outburst no one will consider it anything less than a clear abuse of power."
"Avatar Aang fought Ozai," Korra said quietly and smiled. "My uncle is the chief of the water tribe. You want to use your connections, then I will use mine right back. Your support is going to vanish out from under you. And do not think of talking about abuse of power to me after everything you've done. This cannot be allowed to continue."
"So, is that it? You're going to arrest me?" Tarrlok chuckled. "I would be interested to see what the police have to say about that. Oh I forgot, Lin Beifong is a friend too. And you dare accuse me of corruption?"
"Keep this up and I'll drag you to the North Pole myself," Korra said. "I'm sure we can suggest another representative for the tribe."
"Maybe Amon was right." A hush fell over the room as his snarl faded in the following stillness. "Maybe the Avatar, no, just the mere idea of an Avatar is oppressive. You stand here today and threaten to use your power to oppress me. Amon held to his beliefs. You are ready to do what you want with no authority but the ability to bend four elements."
"Amon wanted to change the world by force. How many died because of his hatred? Because of him..." Not now. "You accuse me of oppression. What have you done?"
"Justice. Unlike you who murdered Amon away from the world because you could not in public. A coward's tactic," Tarrlok sneered.
Korra frowned. "Amon ran. I challenged him, I beat him. And he ran from me. He took my bending. He tried to kill me. He killed my friend; a man who fought to his last breathe to stop Amon. He is the one who truly wanted justice."
"Justice? I think not." Tarrlok's hands moved and suddenly she could not breathe.
"What?" she gasped. Her neck locked in position; she could see only Tarrlok and the people near him, all of them frozen in awkward positions, just like her.
"Noatak knew. He knew what ailed the world. He knew what wronged him. And he alone had me. Your murderous friend took him away," Tarrlok snarled.
"Bloodbender," Korra gasped.
"If you had only been with your team-mates when you won in the arena," Tarrlok continued. "Then again; I should have cleansed your friend back then too it seems."
"You look like him," Korra spluttered, her eyes widening. "You're-"
"I am Amon." His fingers clenched something seemed to seize her heart. "I will cleanse just as he did. But this time, I will make sure you don't come back."
Korra panicked. Not again. She could not go through it all over again. There was no time. Kuvira might come at any moment and Tarrlok wanted to wipe out her only means of defence? Fire was still beyond her, her arm stuck and useless. The pressure faltered for a moment, and she could breathe again. She gasped at the air as Tarrlok's expression changed to confusion. He glance to his left and she tried to follow his gaze. Katara was on her feet, her hands writhing in the air.
Asami felt the horrible, familiar force seize her again. Blood roared in her ears, her arms caught in the sensation and refused to move. Korra's spluttered words sounded distant, as if they were happening to someone else. No one moved. No one could help. Almost no one. Katara alone struggled to her feet, her face a mask of concentration. Of course. Tarrlok snarled at Katara, his hand coming around to gesture at her. It was enough - but only just. Korra's arm flicked and wind whipped through the courtroom. Tarrlok spun backwards and smashed into the wall behind him. The sensation faded as Tarrlok struggled to his feet.
Korra gestured her opponent and an earthcone erupted from the floor. Too late; Tarrlok leapt away from the rock and a new pulse agony of seized her along with the rest of the court room. Mercifully it faded again a moment later; he was focusing all his attention on Korra. Bolin leapt over the rail dividing the watchers from the rest of the court and dragged more earthcones from the floor as Tarrlok dodged away from them. Bolin caught one of Tarrlok's legs before he shuddered and stop; now trapped in the horrifying grip of the bloodbender's power. Lin lashed out with a cable but the haze of bloodbending came down again; the cables went wide, smacking down uselessly around him. He was too strong.
A new look of frustration appeared on Tarrlok's face. Katara was still on her feet, moving towards him step by agonising step. Her hands clawed the air as she forced herself forward. She had to try too. Asami ran towards him, stopped short a second later as the buzzing discomfort of his bending seized her again. It passed in a moment and Tarrlok roared wordlessly at Katara. An opening. She pushed herself forward and jabbed her fingers down hard. Chi points; here, here and here. No Equalist armour for this man; his bloodbending useless as soon as she blocked his bending ability. Tarrlok collapsed back, arms and legs weak, his face still contorted into a snarl. Katara sighed in relief and collapsed.
"Asami," Korra struggled to speak. "That was... amazing."
"Me?" Asami shook her head as she staggered to Katara. "You and Katara are the ones that fought him. And Bolin and Lin of course."
Korra rushed over to her a moment later and the two of them helped the older woman back to her feet. "Thank you," Korra said coughing awkwardly. "If he hadn't underestimated you, I don't know..." She shook her head. "I'm glad you were here. Are... are you okay?"
Katara nodded and smiled, gently drawing away from both of them. "I'm... I'm okay. Never expected I would need to do that again." She eyed Tarrlok. "Bloodbenders are always troublesome."
"Hypocrites! Murderers," Tarrlok muttered, spluttering and spitting. "Say what you will but know you are forever guilty of killing my brother."
"Brother?" Korra asked.
"Raised as a weapon, forced to learn bloodbending to survive." Tarrlok shook his head. "I would have thought you at least could understand what he went through, Avatar." He glared at her. "Amon never had a choice but to cleanse the world."
"No. He always had a choice," Korra said quietly. "Sure, if what you're saying is true I had a similar life. Forgive me if I don't just take you at your word. But how is it somehow okay for your brother to take people's bending away like that? Was it revenge for his past? Maybe he suffered. Doesn't excuse his actions. He could have stopped himself at any point. I made the choice to not do what they wanted me to."
"Stopped?" Tarrlok cackled. "Stopped? How could he when you benders rule the world? He strove for Equality and you murdered him for it."
"Save your breathe," Asami said wearily. "Just like him; you're nothing but a hypocrite." She stared into Tarrlok's face. "You can't say you're working for the benefit of mankind by changing people against their will. And you certainly can't claim to be antibending if you use bending to achieve your goals."
"We did what we needed to to save the world," Tarrlok insisted with a grimace. "We used bending against itself. The world would be better off without you special types."
"Then why did you buy up and sell off my company?" Asami asked her face blank. "Thanks to my father's prejudices we employed almost no benders within the company you seem intent on ruining. And somehow you missed the point of the enterprise? Our goal was technology for benders and non-benders alike, but somehow that wasn't good enough?" She sighed. "I'm sorry you lost your brother. And I'm sorry about his past. But like Korra said; if he stopped hating then he would still be alive. Hate solves nothing; it's what killed my father in the end."
"Mako refused it too," Bolin said. "My brother killed your brother, and your brother killed my brother. But he didn't do that because he hated him; Amon wanted to take his bending - he already took Korra's."
"So caring, so understanding..." Tarrlok said mockingly. "I hope the Great Uniter is so willing to listen to you all prattle on."
"Okay, I've heard enough. Get him out of here," Lin barked. "Katara? Can I ask you to help keep him under control for now?"
"Of course," she replied bowing slightly. She followed Lin and the guards as they guided the still chi-blocked Tarrlok from the courtroom.
Naruhodo scrambled from beneath his desk. "I call for a recess for the day!" Yue murmured something to him. "And for the case to be thrown out!" he added.
"I concur a recess is in order," the judge said wearily. "But we cannot simply throw the case out. We have hard all necessary evidence in this trial and as such we will render a verdict as normal," the judge replied. "This court will reconvene in two days time to begin sentencing." He banged his gavel and strode away from the court room.
Korra opened her mouth to protest but Iroh quickly interrupted. "The public will favor the right procedure. You were right before, so, let me have this one?"
Korra nodded reluctantly. "This one."
"When they dramatize this," Bolin said slowly. "No one's going to believe it all happened that fast. Everyone's going to be all 'that escalated quickly'."
"Well, you could always correct them," Korra said. She sighed a moment later. "I knew Tarrlok was no good, but that?"
"Quite; not something I saw coming either," Iroh added shaking his head. "Tarrlok a bloodbender and Amon his brother. Incredible."
"The fortuneteller never mention this did she?" Asami asked. Korra shook her head and Asami looked significantly at Iroh. "If she couldn't, I don't see how you could," she added and smiled at him.
The day lost focus after the case concluded. After spending every other day rehearsing, practicing and responding to a wide variety of potential questions long into the night and until tempers started to fray. Suddenly there was no need for anything like that. The trial was over; and no one had the first idea what they wanted to do. Too soon to celebrate - it was not as if Asami was free, but it must be all but certain after Tarrlok's confession. So what now? No one seemed comfortable suggesting anything so they went their separate ways to home early for the first time in a long while. Korra and Bolin rode on Naga's back as she ran across the sea floor.
"I think-" Bolin broke the silence, faltered but continued after a pause. "I think just you should go out with Asami tomorrow."
"We should all do. She's obviously won, so we should celebrate," Korra said looking back at him and frowning.
"We don't know that for sure," Bolin said. "The law can be like that at times…"
"But we proved Tarrlok was behind everything," she insisted. "I don't understand how they could possibly put her in jail."
"I know," Bolin said awkwardly. "But, just, what if tomorrow is her last day out of jail? I think if that happened, she would want to spend that time with you." He kept talking as Korra opened her mouth to respond. "When she's free – really free - that's when we should have a party. But just… I think you should just try to make her feel normal for a day. Nothing about the trial, nothing about her father. Just how you two used to be," he said quietly.
"But would she really enjoy any of that?" But if they did not go out then what was Asami going to do all day but fret? Meanwhile Korra would likely spend much of the time constructing intricate plots to sneak her friend back out of Republic City and to the Southern Water Tribe. No. Asami could not run away again. She chose to come here to fight her battle. Now time to see the outcome and deal with that when it came.
"Korra, you're special to Asami and vice versa. You should know that by now. She would love to spend time with you. And-" He grimaced. "If it really is her last day of freedom, shouldn't we try and make it a good one for her?"
"Yeah," Korra slowly smiled. "Yeah, we should."
"You should," Bolin stressed.
"I'm sure she'd like having you there too," Korra replied.
Bolin shook his head. "Three's a crowd. Just... enjoy yourself with her."
"Okay then. I suppose it's been a long time since I went out with her…" An itinerary was forming in her head – how early was too early? How late would she want to stay out? Bad news would be best encountered on a full night's sleep, but was it good to cut things short when there was a worry about that? No. Bolin had said a normal day. That was precisely what she was going to arrange for Asami - just as soon as she got to the phone on Air Temple Island.
Korra cleared her throat and ran through the basic sequence for the day. Take Asami to have breakfast, then go shopping, lunch, go to the theatre, dinner, maybe a probending game if she still felt like it and then home. Well in advance for a good night's rest before the most terrifying day in her life. Korra sighed and hoped this would actually work. She knocked on the door.
A pause and Korra was about to knock again when the door opened. She opened her mouth to ask Iroh if Asami was ready- And her mouth stayed open. Asami Sato smiled at her, perfect red lipstick in place. Her eyeshadow was mesmerising and her perfume intoxicating. Even her hair was neater. Asami was wearing an outfit somewhat similar to what she had been wearing on her and Korra's first adventure out shopping. Korra said a silent apology to Princess Yue; Asami was again the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. "Good morning, Korra," Asami said.
"Hi," Korra managed in a strangled voice, suddenly very glad she had bothered to dress up as much as she could. "You look..."
"I wanted to see what it would be like again," she replied glancing down at herself, Korra's gaze dragged along with hers.
"It looks good," Korra eventually managed. And stared at her friend even as she screamed at herself to move but somehow...
"I wasn't sure what you had planned today?" Asami asked.
"Ah, well, um." Focus. "Well, have you eaten breakfast?" Asami shook her head. "Then that's our first stop. My treat. Then I thought..." Korra sighed. "Then we'll take the day as it comes. Sound okay?"
"Perfect," Asami smiled.
Korra grinned in reply and offered Asami her arm. "Our transportation awaits," she said with a flourish.
"Naga?" Asami asked.
"Well, yeah. That's not a problem is it?" Korra asked worried.
"Of course not," Asami said and kissed her cheek. Korra's face blazed with sudden heat.
"So breakfast!" she said louder than she intended. "And let's see what the rest of the day brings..."
"Thank you," Asami said leaning back against the door to Iroh's apartment. The sun was below the horizon, though fortunately they caught the last rays from Avatar memorial island little more than an hour before. "That was... pretty perfect," she added.
Korra flushed and glanced towards her feet. "Just wanted to do something nice for you." She glanced up, her expression turning serious. "You're going to be fine Asami," Korra said staring into her eyes. "They can't still blame you. Not after everything we uncovered."
"I hope so," Asami said, a chill in her stomach. The day had been enough of a distraction before but now it was hard to ignore just how few hours remained until her sentencing.
"I..." Korra grimaced. "I wish I could do more."
"You did everything you could. In fact I think you saved me. You couldn't do much more for me. Thank you," Asami said and stood up. Korra darted forward, her arm curling around Asami's waist, her head on her shoulder. Asami closed her eyes for a moment just enjoying the warmth of Korra's body.
"I'll be here first thing in the morning," Korra said, her voice muffled by Asami's top. "With Bolin and Naga. We're going to cheer you on. And after, we're going to go out and celebrate. Okay?"
"Okay," Asami said. She kissed Korra's cheek again and as her friend looked up kissed her lips. The world faded away for a moment. There was nothing beyond the heat of Korra's body and the feeling of her lips pressed against her own. If this were to be the last time... No. She could not do that to Korra. "Sorry," she said as she pulled away. "That was too-" Korra cut her off by kissing her hard and suddenly resisting was the last thing on Asami's mind. An eternity, but still too short a time and Korra leaned away breathing hard.
"I'll be here. Tomorrow," she panted.
Asami smiled. "You already said that. You should go before I kiss you again."
Korra smiled back. "Now what kind of incentive is that?" She wavered. "You need sleep, right?"
"Right," Asami replied.
"Okay, so I'll go..." Korra sighed and took a step backwards. "First thing."
"First thing," Asami nodded. "Get home safe. Okay?"
Korra smiled and walked away. Asami watched until she vanished down the stairs with a last wave and stood by the door until the sound of Naga's paws on the street faded into the distance. Her smile slowly faded. One more night here then. As much as Korra, Bolin and the others insisted she would be fine, it was hard to shake the fear that coiled inside her. Even with Tarrlok unmasked, the judge might find her guilty on one of the charges. Asami let herself into the apartment. The lights were on; Iroh must be at home. Maybe she could talk to him, just pass the time until bed. Maybe she should have invited Korra in? No. Too much temptation there.
Iroh was not in the bedroom. Or the lounge or the kitchen. Asami frowned, about to wonder if he really was in the apartment when she noticed the bathroom door was ajar. She peered through the door; Iroh was lying in the bath with his eyes closed, the water glittering and the air filled with steam. Had he used some of her bath salts? No matter. The enormity of the next day settled over her and a shudder ran through her body. Asami took a shakey breath and leant against the wall just beside the door. Another breath, her nerves a little steadier. "Iroh?" she called.
"Asami?" The bath water sloshed as he moved. "I wasn't expecting you back so… early?" he trailed off.
She smiled. "It's almost midnight," she replied, her voice thankfully remaining steady.
"Must have lost track of time," Iroh said softly. "Are you okay?"
"I-" No. "It's awkward talking like this. Can I come in?" she asked.
Iroh was only silent a moment. "Of course," he replied. Asami pushed the door open her heart thundering in her chest and Iroh stared up at her concerned. She smiled weakly.
"Sorry for the intrusion." A single glass and a bottle of wine stood beside the bath. Was he worried too?
"I don't mind," Iroh said. He watched her carefully and they both fell silent. "Are you okay?"
"I'm not sure," Asami admitted slowly. "Just… thinking about tomorrow. Korra-" Always confident. "-thinks I'll be fine, but…"
"It's not quite the same when you're not the one at risk," he replied, nodding.
"Yeah," she said. The water looked inviting, the deep purple mixed with red and glittery flakes. "Would- Would you mind if I joined you?"
"Of course not," Iroh said. He stared into her eyes as she undressed, his gaze never straying from hers as she dropped her clothes to the floor and stepped into the water. The water almost felt cold at first, but the heat followed a moment later and her skin flushed. Iroh groped over the side and retrieved the glass. He held up the bottle.
"Please," Asami said and sipped at the wine he handed to her. And kept on sipping until she drained it.
"Another?" She nodded and drained the glass almost as fast. Iroh raised his eyebrow and Asami shook her head. She carefully put the glass beside the bath and shuffled forward. Iroh again kept his gaze locked on hers as she straddled him; she stared into his eyes, her lips almost touching his. The moment ended and she shivered again. Asami shuffled back a little to lay her head on his chest, her legs brushing against his. His arm curled around her waist, one hand stroking gently up and down her back. Her breath caught in her throat and she shivered. Iroh's grip tightened around her as she closed her eyes, feeling the heat from his body, the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. His heart was pounding.
"Must be midnight," she said after a while. "I don't suppose Druk is in the city today?"
"You had another flight in mind for tonight?" Iroh asked. He was smiling when she opened her eyes.
"Idle fantasy. Just remembering really," she said softly.
"I promise you another go," he replied, kissing her cheek. "As soon as I can." She smiled and raised her head to meet his lips.
"I'm holding you to that," she said in between quick touches of lips. A long pause, Iroh's lips against hers, his tongue- Asami pulled back a little, panting and cupping his cheek with her hand. "But I don't have much time left," she said her own pulse racing. He laced his fingers with hers. "Can I just stay with you and worry about it all in the morning?"
"I'm here for you; in whatever way you need," Iroh said softly.
"Maybe-" Asami said as she leant closer, her lips brushing against his, his hands sliding up her back. "Maybe it won't happen tomorrow. Maybe I'll wake up and everything will have sorted itself out." Another kiss and her breathing was getting heavier. "No more trial, no getting sent to jail. My whole life back." Her stomach clenched. "No," she murmured. Iroh's hands froze. "I don't want to think about tomorrow. I don't want to think about anything." Another long kiss and after a moment his hands stroked sensually up her back. Asami pressed herself into him and now he was panting too. "Help me forget. For now?" she asked. Iroh nodded and Asami moaned as his lips found her neck.
An odd sense of calm descended on Asami as they waited outside the court room. She could not sit down while she waited, but she was not dancing around as she might have expected. Her friends waited with her all in various states of nervousness. Korra looked like she was itching to get started on the next fight for her freedom - and if not stopped was probably going to tear the roof off the building and whisk her away. Best to try and prevent such an outcome. "Whatever happens," Asami said quietly to her friends. "I am forever grateful for your support. I could not have done this without you." She turned to Bolin and Korra. "I'll be okay no matter what. Whatever happens. Thank you for forgiving me, and please don't blame yourselves. None of this happened because you met me, and I would not change a thing."
"Neither would I," Bolin sniffed.
Asami hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay." She kissed him quickly on the lips and his face flushed. Bolin glanced nervously at Korra who currently only had eyes for Asami.
"Me too," he blurted a moment later.
"I still feel so lucky to meet you twice," Asami murmured as she hugged Korra.
"Without you- Not sure what would have happened to me," she whispered back. A chaste kiss; their goodbyes had been last night.
"Iroh," she sighed and turned to him. "Thank you for everything. I will repay you one day." She dithered, wanting to hug him, wanting to kiss him. Not his way though. She offered him her hand.
"You've done more than enough for the city. Don't worry about me," he replied shaking it.
Yue stared at him incredulously. "You... you really aren't are you?" she made a strangled noise in her throat. "Of for the- Tell her you silly fool!"
Asami frowned. "Tell me what?"
"We had a back-up plan..." Yue said. Asami glanced at a suddenly blank faced Iroh questioningly. "Just in case." Yue fumbled in her bag and pulled out a single sheet of paper out to her.
It looked official, fancy scrollwork in the borders, typed names on the lines and a few signatures at the bottom. Including hers. Asami stared at it; a remarkable mimicry of handwriting - she had afterall never seen this document before, let alone signed it. A marriage certificate - one that listed her husband as Iroh and witnessed by - of course - Yue. Asami shook her head. "Thank you. But-" She tore the document in half hastily. "You've already done too much to help me and you're a wonderful person. You need to know that and you deserve better. The dishonour from this..." She shook her head and held out the torn paper. Iroh took the two pieces with a sad smile.
"And this is why there is no one better than you," he replied and the ripped page burnt in an instant. As the ashes fell to the floor, Asami hugged him. Yue hugged them both.
"Wish I had your bravery," she murmured.
"Miss Sato?" a guard interrupted. "They're ready for you."
Korra was tapping her foot from the minute they sat down. Bolin was liable to chew off the tips of his fingers at this rate. Iroh's collar had never been so perfectly centred but he adjusted it every few seconds. Asami blinked and stopped her finger twirling through her short hair.
"Miss Sato," the judge began as the room fell silent. "Councilman Tarrlok's guilt has been established as a result of the Avatar's actions. However this does not mean that yours has too." A chill gripped her heart. "However, we first turn to the matter of Bolin." Bolin stood up shakily and Asami wanted to scream at the delay. "After careful consideration of the evidence, we have dismissed all charges against you and you will not face trial."
"Thank you, your honor!" Bolin said grinning as he sat down.
"Miss Sato?" Asami stood. "For the charge of aiding and abetting the Equalists, I find you: not guilty." She let out her breath. "For the charge of mass production of illegal weaponry, I find you: not guilty. For the charge of espionage, I find you: not guilty. For the charge of incitement of rebellion, I find you: not guilty." It was over. Everything- "However." She felt suddenly sick." For the charge of evading due process, we find you guilty." Gravity seemed to be failing. "You are sentenced to six months in jail."
Asami stared at the judge, barely hearing the short struggle behind her and Iroh's frantic words. "We can get her out on bail!" he hissed - presumably at Korra. "And failing that it'll be three months at best." Not the best outcome, but she was at last exonerated.
"Thank you, your honor," Asami said, her voice only shaking a little.
Korra cast one last lingering look back at Asami as she was lead from the courtroom. It still seemed odd she could be so happy even though she was heading straight to jail. At least it was not for long. Iroh was busily thanking Naruhodo, while Mitsurugi was hovering close by to have a word with his opponent. "I know it's not long, but Asami doesn't deserve this," Bolin said as they waited. "Mako hated jail."
The judge collected his papers and left the room, Korra glared at his retreating back. "Korra?" Yue asked.
She shook her head. "It's not the best outcome, but it's better than it could have been. Just..." Korra frowned. "How can he be so obvious? The judge I mean? Just suddenly switched sides like that."
"That's politics," Yue said shrugging. "We can't prove Tarrlok was bribing him or anything like it, and if he was, that's the kind of thing that will certainly come out at his own trial."
"He still gets a trial?" Korra exclaimed. "Even after that?"
"While it might seem absurd, its how the law works. Got to go through the motions. I reckon the judge is going to be nervous when the time comes around."
"Guess I don't need to add it to my fix list," she muttered. But how would I-" Korra broke off. "But isn't there anyway we can get Asami special consideration or something? She's going to help us against Kuvira - and we need her. And she did help stop the Equalists in Ba Sing Se."
"We might be able to get her community service. Takes time though. First we file a petition. Processing takes about three weeks on average. Then there's the deliberation and..." Yue was counting on her fingers. "And Asami would be out in three months!" She sighed.
"How about her bail? Can we pay it? Can Iroh?" Bolin asked.
"We need to find out how much we're talking, but if it's a lot, I don't think Iroh's going to be able to help much," Yue sighed.
"Legal stuff?" Korra asked.
"There's a bit of that but more-" She blinked. "You guys really did never notice then," Yue said. "He's broke."
"Broke? As in; has no money?" Korra asked.
"Yeah. And don't tell Asami," she added quickly. "All his savings are gone," Yue said glancing at Iroh.
Korra gestured at him. "But he's a prince? How can he have no money?"
"Oh he'll be fine back in the Fire Nation, but everything he has in Republic City is gone. He spent it all keeping control of Future Industries. A lot of Hiroshi's final actions lumbered the company with a heap of debt which really did not help. With everything else that happened they're a few million of Yuan in debt. And..." She grimaced. "Iroh is like the worst businessman ever. Seriously, the sooner Asami can take over the better."
"So can we do anything? I am the Avatar- Wait. No. She wouldn't want that. Might seem like abuse," Korra muttered.
"You are lucky Tarrlok pulled that stunt. If he hadn't, well, I don't think they could exactly lock you up, but you might end up barred from the city," Yue said and Korra winced.
"The bail money," Bolin said slowly. "How soon can we find out how much it is?I think... I think I have an idea."
The first week was awful. Prison reform was definitely on her to do list when she got out. All this needed modernizing. It could be worse admittedly; it was probably better than Tsubiku Bay. At least with one week gone, her leaving was that much sooner. But the daunting prospect of months more of horrible food and stained, uncomfortable mattresses. The cell was just too small to move around freely though at least she had one to herself. Eleven more weeks. She could do this. And then never face this ever again.
"Sato," the guard barked suddenly as she approached the cell door.
"Yes, ma'am!" Asami said leaping to her feet. Good behaviour was her mantra. Do everything they asked and hope it tilted things enough in her favor.
"Come with me; you made bail," the woman said as she unlocked the door.
"Bail?" Asami asked in confusion. "I made bail?" She blinked hurriedly. Had Iroh done this too? No. He would not have waited a week first. "Who paid it?"
"Didn't get all their names; too many to remember anyway." The guard lead her to the entrance. Everything she had at the trial handed back and it was a relief to ditch the prison uniform to get back into her own.
"Too many?" she asked.
"You'll see," the woman replied offhandedly.
"Thank you," Asami said..
The woman shrugged. "You're free to go. Can't keep you here, so I don't see why you'd bother hanging around here."
Asami smiled and stepped out of the door and into the blazing sunlight. A sea of people began cheering as she stood blinking in the open air. She blinked and stared at them. Takeshi, Toza, Hasook, Aunt Baba, Chao... These were her employees. All her Future Industries staff. Asami gasped. So many people all here for her? A banner wafted in the breeze above the crowd emblazoned with the legend 'Welcome Back!'. And at the front of the crowd; Korra, Iroh, Bolin and Yue, all smiling right at her. Asami rushed at them, and flung her arms around the four of them as she started sobbing. She sniffed after a few moments. "You called them all?"
"Bolin's idea," Korra said kissing her cheek.
"They wanted to help you," Bolin insisted.
Asami could not stop the tears. Even as she stepped from the hug and bowed to the assembled people. "Thank you," she managed to splutter before becoming overcome again.
v
v
v
Disclaimer: The court procedure in this chapter is not realistic at all.
Thank you Dreadking73, Kradeiz, curiousmaq, Shadowman20, Chaoss Cookie, Wedge A, Tbone511 and TrojanHalks2012 for the review last week.
Just when I thought people won't bother reviewing anymore you guys commented! And I am very happy to see you review for the first time Chaoss Cookie and Wedge A! And TrojanHalks, glad you're still here.
Next Week: The Element of Power
