Not sure if you would have noticed or not, but in the last chapter, Korra and Asami were talking about going away somewhere for a break. And this is the culmination of that. And what a culmination is it. This first part got to be over 3,000 words long and it's only the start. I decided to break it up, rather than ending up uploading a chapter that's over 10,000 words. Easier to read. Easier to write.
"They know they're supposed to come to our place right? And not your place?"
"Yes Bolin," Asami said with mild humour.
"And they know where we live?"
"I gave them the address yesterday. Also told them directions myself."
Pabu chattered from his place on Bolin's head.
"Pabu says they're taking too long," He translated.
"There isn't a hurry you know. It's not like the ocean is suddenly going to disappear," Mako said.
"The faster we leave, the faster we'll get there. And that's not true Mako, they killed the ocean before," He cried.
"What are you talking about?"
"That story from the war, when the fire nation killed the ocean. It happened once, it could happen again,"
Jinora shook her head, "They didn't kill the ocean. They killed the moon spirit. And even that was only because the moon and ocean spirits had physical forms in this world," She, her brother and sister, and Opal and Kai were sitting on the stoop of Bolin's and Mako's building's entrance.
"Then Grandpa Aang turned into a giant spirit fusion with the ocean spirit," Meelo said, "And kicked fire nation soldier butt!"
"Like that thing Korra did a few years back?" Opal asked.
"Sorta, but as Grandma tells it he was made out of water, and kinda looked like a fish," Ikki said.
"Your grandpa was so cool," Kai said.
"Yeah he was," Meelo said, "But Korra's a cooler avatar,"
This made Korra laugh, "I'm not sure about that,"
Just then three vehicles pulled up along the roadside in front of their small group. two Satomobile and a small flat-bed truck. The drivers got out, giving greetings to everyone before saying to Asami, "We hope we got everything you asked for Miss Sato,"
She nodded, "Thank you very much," They handed her the keys to two of the vehicles, one of the Satomobiles and the truck before they got into the second Satomobile, "If there's nothing else we'll be heading back,"
"Of course, thank you for all your hard work,"
"Enjoy your vacation, Miss Sato,"
She turned to the others, frowning at all the bags in Bolin was now pulling out of the doorway, "Are you moving into my beach house?"
"You can never be too prepared," He grinned.
Asami shook her head, an amused grin on her lips. She popped the trunk of her own car, before moving to the second one, "This one already has our things," She said indicating to hers and Korra's bags in the trunk of her car, "But there is some space for small bags. Anything that can't go in the trunks we can put in the truck. Food should go on the truck too unless we want everything to be steamed by the time we get there."
Kai jumped up into the tray of the truck and the others passed the bags up to him.
"Hey, what's under the tarp?" He asked indicating to a grey tarp, covering a large, lumpy object.
"Oh, just a little surprise I have for everyone," Asami grinned.
Kai smirked and tried pulling up the edge of the tarp. Asami slapped his shin.
"Ah-ow!" He jumped out of her reach, away from the tarp, rubbing his shin.
"No peeking,"
"Alright, sorry," He tied down their bags and jumped down.
Korra tapped the side of the truck, "Naga, let's go, girl," The polar bear dog barked and jumped up onto the tray, turning around on the spot.
"Sit," Naga dropped down, licking Korra's face. She laughed, tying a rope to a clasp on Naga's saddle, "Alright, stay like this. We don't want you falling out while the truck's moving right?" Naga licked her again.
"Who wants to drive what?" Asami asked Mako and Bolin, holding up the keys.
"Oh-oh, I want to drive to the truck," Bolin said putting a hand up in the air.
Asami laughed, "Alright, here you go, just know, the handling is a little different from a car," She handed him the keys to the truck.
"I'm sure I'll be able to manage it."
"I'm driving the car then," Mako took the second set of the keys, "Everyone pick you you're going with."
"I'll go with Bo," Opal said.
"I call shotgun in Asami's car!" Meelo yelled, jumping towards the seat. Korra grabbed him in mid-air.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asked, arching an eyebrow. Meelo laughed weakly, shrugging his shoulders.
"You can't blame a guy for trying."
Korra deposited him in the back seat of Mako's car. The others chuckled, dividing themselves between the three vehicles. Jinora and Kai got in the backseat of Asami's car while Korra took the passenger's side. Meelo, sulking, buckled himself into the back seat, behind Mako. Ikki, sitting in passenger's seat, next to the fire bender and Opal and Bolin got in the truck.
"So how long is it going to take to get there?" Kai asked as Asami started the car.
"It's about three hours' drive outside of the city," Asami replied.
"Why so far?"
"My father always valued his privacy," Asami said a little somber. Korra put a hand over Asami's on the gearshift. Asami gave a small smile, and Korra nodded, both communicating without a word.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this but I wish I'd brought something to read," He looked over at Jinora, her nose already stuck in a book. She smirked at him.
"There are some nice sights, once we get out of the city, the road follows the coast most of the way,"
"And how long until that?"
"Half an hour, forty-five minutes if there's traffic. But there shouldn't be this early."
Kai groaned, his head slumping forward to hit the back of Korra's seat. The girls chuckled and Asami turned on the radio.
"There won't be any of the talk shows that you and Bolin like so much, but it's better than nothing," She said as some swing jazz started to play
"You know you can talk to us to pass the time, right? It's not like we're going to bite," Korra grinned.
"Talk about what?" Kai asked.
"How about you tell us what you two were doing when Tenzin found you the other day?" Korra smirked back at the airbenders. Kai turned red, and Jinora held her book higher, blocking her face.
"Korra don't tease them,"
"I'm sure Ikki and Meelo already told you everything," Kai mumbled, folding his arms and slumping down in his seat.
"Ikki told us Tenzin found you in the stables, slacking off on your chores." Korra made air quotes as she said 'slacking off'.
"We won't slacking off…so to say," Kai glanced at Jinora. Her face was hidden completely by the book, "We were just taking a break…"
Korra laughed, "Taking a break? Is that what you call it?"
"Your one to talk," Kai sat up sharply, "You expect me to believe that all you two do is eat on your lunch dates?"
"Well," Jinora peeked over her book, wearing a sly grin, "Depends on how you define eating."
Kai broke down laughing, tears springing to his eyes. Red bloomed on Korra and Asami's cheeks.
"We don't…we'd never…"
"Please! We wouldn't do that at Asami's office!" They started spluttering excuses and arguments. Kai only laughed harder at that.
"Oh, Jinora," He wiped his eyes, taking deep breathes, "I didn't know you had it in you,"
"Remember that time you made a joke like that in front of my dad and he went ballistic,"
"Do I?" Kai snorted, "My arms still hurt from all the extra chores he made me do,"
"Cut him slack," Korra smiled sympathetically, "He's bound to be protective of you, you're his first child. My dad never liked Mako when we dated. Granted, it's not like Mako is his favourite person now anyway,"
"But he loves Asami," Jinora retorted.
"Yeah…but everyone loves Asami." Korra grinned at her girlfriend, "It's her supernatural charm."
Asami gave an amused snort, rolling her eyes at Korra.
"Tenzin really does like you, you know," Korra added to Kai.
"Well he has a funny way of showing it,"
"Dads are like that," Asami said.
"I'm surprised he let us go on this trip without him," Jinora said.
"Me too," Kai nodded.
"He put me in charge of you guys, so please don't do anything that will make me regret inviting you guys," Korra said, semi-stern.
"Asami invited us not you," Kai said, "It's her house."
"Well, we live together and we decided to invite everyone together so that's like getting invited by me too,"
"No, it's not,"
"It's like getting half invited. And never mind who invited you, I'm still in charge of you, and if you two do anything on the trip Tenzin will have my head too,"
"So tell me," Kai leant forward, between the space in-between the seats, "If you two are doing stuff, who's going to watch us?" He smirked, wiggling his eyebrows.
Korra put her hand on his face, pushing him back, "Mako will, you cheeky little hog monkey,"
"When was the last time you went up to the house Asami?" Jinora asked.
"Not for a few years actually. We used to go all the time before my mother died, but afterwards, we went less and less. Dad still tried to go at least once a year, but then everything happened. I went out there once while Korra was away, but it just felt so lonely I drove back the same day,"
"It won't be weird for you, will it?" Jinora asked, concern in her voice.
Asami shook her head, "No, I'm happy you all are coming. It will be nice to have all my friends there." She looked at Korra, smiling, "And…yeah, it won't be so lonely this time around,"
Their easy conversation continued for the next two hours or so. By then they'd long left the city behind. The road was smooth and flat, running parallel to the coast.
Asami sighed happily, "I loving driving like this, no traffic, nowhere I'm in a hurry to get." She leaning back, one hand on the steering, "And this road, in particular, is so scenic."
The road meandered through a coconut tree grove, the thin tree trunks leaning away from the crystal waters and bleached sands, bent out of shape by the coastal breezes. The ocean was to their left, a brilliant sparkling blue. The air was cool, carrying the scent and energy of the sea.
"The others are way behind," Kai said, sitting up and leaning on the back the seat so he was facing the rear of the car. Mako's car and the truck were visible behind them in the distance, but very small.
"They can't get lost, it's only the one road. But I suppose I should wait up for them," Asami glanced back in the rearview mirror, then she looked at Korra, "Do you want to drive?"
"Me?" Korra pointed to herself.
"Well I'm not talking to Kai or Jinora,"
"I don't know,"
"It will be fine. It's not like there's any traffic to worry about, and the roads are almost perfectly flat."
Korra thought about it for a moment and then nodded, "Okay, why not,"
Asami smiled and pulled over so they could switch seats. Korra drove well, much slower than Asami, but still well.
"Kai, there should be a small canvas bag under the seat by your feet," Asami said.
"Umm, uh…yeah, here it is." He passed her the bag. She accepted with a 'thank you.' Opening it, she took out a camera, focusing on Korra. She snapped a picture while Korra was still focused on the road.
"Urgh, really?" Korra frowned, "Right now?"
"Yes right now. Come on don't make that face,"
Korra only scrunched up her face more, wiggling her nose. Asami rolled her eyes but took a picture anyway. She turned around, focusing the lens on Kai and Jinora. Jinora lowered her book, scooting closer to Kai, giving the camera a wide grin.
"Oh I think that was a nice one," Asami said after she took the picture. As she looked through the viewfinder again she paused. "The guys sure have caught up," She observed. Kai and Jinora turned around, seeing the others were not that far behind them. Bolin passed them first, blowing his horn. Naga barked, her tongue lapping out in the wind. Mako blew pass next, waving.
Ikki called out, "Bye Korra!" and Meelo stuck his tongue at them.
"Looks like we'll get there first!"
Kai jerked forward, practically crashing into the back of Asami's seat.
"You're letting them win!" He cried, pointing.
"It's not a race," Korra snapped, even as she started to press down the gas a little more. She bit her lip, looking unsure of herself.
"We'll see you at the house!" They heard Meelo yelled back at them.
"Korra, sweetie, I know you don't like to drive fast, but you really don't Mako and Bolin to say they beat you, do you?"
Korra frowned, glancing at the gearshift.
"It's okay, you don't have to."
"Oh no. I'm not giving up without a fight," Korra grabbed the gearshift.
"That's my girl. Okay, clutch, and…"
Korra shifted up a gear, and the engine roared, gaining on Mako and Bolin.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Meelo turned to lean over Mako's seat, "Go faster! They're catching up.
"Sit down!" Mako said, "And don't worry Korra isn't that good of a driver."
"Then why are they right behind us?" Ikki asked. Mako looked in the rear view mirror and did a double take. "How the flame-o…oh no, not this time Korra." He floored the accelerator, overtaking Bolin. Bolin speed up too.
Korra tried to upshift again, but there was a splutter from the engine and the car came to a screeching halt.
"Ah no!" She let her head drop onto the steering. Even thought they were already a distance behind she could hear Meelo's hoots of victory. "I'm sorry,"
"This isn't over yet," Asami said, unbuckling herself, "Switch seats, quick,"
Korra looked at her for a second, then with a nod, she undid her buckle, lifting her legs to a crouch on the seat. She leapt straight up with a gust of airbending. Asami hopped over the centre console. Korra landed in the vacated passenger seat. Both ladies pulled their seatbelts and with a smirk to Jinora and Kai Asami said, "I'd make sure you're buckled in if I were you."
The engine purred and the blue roadster took off with a kick. Kai let out a whoop, pumping a fist in the air.
"Yeah! Now, this is how you start a vacation,"
"Oh no," Opal was looking back out her window.
"Oh no? Why are you saying oh no? Is Korra catching up again? I thought you said they stopped,"
"They switched places."
"They switched places? Who switched …oh no." Bolin's eyes went large.
"That's what I said."
"We can't lose. This was my idea."
"We have a lead and it can't be that far again. Maybe we can get to the house before they do, if you floor it."
"Have you ever seen Asami drive?" Bolin asked, "We're going to lose."
"Not if you and Mako work together. Speed up so you're in line with him."
"Okay."
The truck pulled up alongside Mako, honking. Bolin gestured backwards. Meelo and Ikki turned around and Mako looked in the rearview.
"When did they switch places? Ikki asked, "And how'd they catch up so fast?"
"Mako floor it!" Meelo cried.
"No!" Bolin called, alternately looking at the road, and his brother, "The road is narrow. She can't pass if we're blocking the road."
"Isn't this getting out of hand now?" Mako called out.
"No way!" Meelo and Bolin said together. "Just drive next to me and we'll win," Bolin added.
"Alright," Mako called, throwing another nervous look in the rearview mirror.
"Oh, smart…" Asami smirked when she realised what they were doing less than a minute later, "They are trying to block the road so I can't overtake."
"That can't be fair," Jinora said.
"We didn't exactly decide on rules before this race started," Kai reminded her.
"Still, it's the principle of the thing,"
"I have an idea, grab on to something, it's about to get bumpy," Asami said.
Kai and Jinora grabbed the seats in front of them. As the road got nearer to the beach Asami twisted the steering, cutting through a section of coconut trees out onto the sand. The wheels kicked up clouds of sand behind the vehicle as it lurched forward. They drifted in a quarter turn as Asami pulled the steering to counter the shift in the sand. The back of the car swung around, the wheels ending up onto the wet, compact sand. As soon as the back tires found some traction they jumped forward. They passed the boys along the beach.
"Keep your eyes peeled for a place we can cut back through the trees," Asami said to the others in the car. Moments later Kai was leaning over the back of Korra's seat, pointing.
"There!"
Asami spied the opening and said, "Korra, the wheels aren't getting enough purchase to make that turn,"
"On it," She stood, placing one foot on the dashboard. Raising her arms her crossed them, then with solid force pushed outwards and moved both forearms to the side. A section of the sand rose like a wave ahead of them and shifted into a tilted ramp. Asami went up on the ramp, it's direction guiding them back to the road. The roadster's wheels transitioned from sand to worn asphalt with a screech.
Korra and Kai turned around, letting out jeers to the two vehicles behind them. Laughing Asami tugged on Korra's shirt, "Sit down you two before you fall out of the car."
"I've fought from inside your car, I think I can handle standing on my knees," Korra said, grinning at her.
Asami shook her head smirking.
"We're almost there."
"We are?" Korra turned around, sliding down into a sitting position with one leg tucked underneath her. Kai and Jinora were leaning forward with interest.
"Up ahead, see the turnoff?" She took said turn off moments later, moving from the asphalt to a hard packed dirt and sand path. They rounded a bend and the house came into view. The architecture had a distinct fire nation feel to it. The building was a large two storey wooden structure. A balcony wrapped around the second story. A wooden pathway led down the small slope the house was built on to the beach below. The vegetation around the house had grown wild and un-kept, giving the whole place an untouched feel to it.
"Asami that isn't fair!" Ikki cried as Mako came up the road. She was standing up on her seat, holding onto the top of the windshield.
"Yeah, it isn't fair if you drive!" Bolin yelled out. He was right behind Mako.
"You were the ones who wanted to race." Asami smiled smugly, lightly flipping up her hair.
Korra and Kai laughed, high-fiving.
"You really should have known you won't have a chance against her," Jinora said.
"Yeah, well we thought we were racing Korra, not Asami," Meelo said.
"Better luck next time," Korra ruffled his hair with a laugh.
So, in case your wondering I started off with only Mako and Bolin coming along. Then I was like Opal could come along too, they'd invite her with Bolin. That lead to me thinking that we haven't seen much with Kai and Jinora as a couple and they got invited along. And if Jinora was going Ikki and Meelo would find some way to tag along. That's how the whole crew ended up along for the ride.
Nardragon~ until the next page.
