Revelations of the Avatar State
Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Korra, nor do I profit from this writing. Please support the original creators.
Spoilers: Legend of Korra through Finale of Book 1: Air
Asami stepped off the ferry onto Air Temple Island. Though she had moved out to focus on rebuilding her company after the group had returned to the city from the South Pole, Asami had been coming to dinner fairly regularly. While it was a bit awkward with her and Mako's breakup and Mako and Korra's new relationship, Asami was doing her best to remain friends with Mako and build up her friendship with Korra.
Neither Korra nor Asami had many, if any, girl friends before so they had decided not to let things with Mako get in between them. Though this was easier said than done with Mako's indecision and apparent inability to interpret his feeling for either woman. But Asami and Korra had more exciting things to focus on. Asami was working hard to rebuild her company and rid it from the stain of the Equalists. Korra was striving to rapidly master airbending and the Avatar state.
As Asami made her way towards the Island's living quarters, she heard what sounded like some sort of training going on in the nearby training ground. From the simultaneous flashes of fire, glinting of ice, whirling of wind, and cracking of rock, Asami inferred that Korra must be working on the Avatar state. Not wanting to miss the chance to observe, Asami pivoted towards the site.
If Asami was honest with herself, she found Korra very attractive, especially in moments when Korra was at the height of her power. Not that she would admit this to anyone unless the moment felt right and it seemed that Korra might be open to her feelings and a relationship with her. From most of their interactions, Korra didn't seem to be interested in women like that. But sometimes, when Korra wasn't aware of Asami's gaze, Asami could swear that maybe Korra was interested in women just as much as she is interested in Mako. Only time and further observation would tell. Come to think of it, Asami did not think Korra knew that Asami was interested in women either.
Entering the training ground, Asami found that her previous inference was correct. Korra was stand in the center of the field with Tenzin coaching her through keeping control of her full power. Asami was surprised to see Kya and Mako off to the side watching and moved to join them. She gave the two a polite smile before turning to watch Korra once more. Asami gave Korra a small wave which was returned before Korra's attention snapped back to Tenzin.
The training seemed to be going quite well with Korra demonstrating an impressive level of power and control. Despite this, Asami thought that she could see a growing tension born of discomfort growing in her friend. But it seemed that she was the only one that noticed as Tenzin continued as normal. Neither Kya nor Mako gave any indication that they saw anything amiss.
Nothing came of Asami's insight quite yet. But after Korra took a quick break to chat with her friends and Kya and get some water, the tension seemed more present. Korra had seemed a bit agitated and pulled Mako away for a private word. Mako appeared to be adding to Korra's tension without realizing from their body language. Asami wasn't sure what was going on between her two friends or why they tended to set each other off even now that they were romantically involved.
Kya eyed the young couple then leaned over to Asami and whispered, "Hopefully Korra can pull herself together, Mom told us a story about when Dad lost control in the Avatar state and it isn't pretty. Mako should know better than to set her off right now. Tenzin and I warned them both of the danger."
"I'll be ready for anything just in case. I worry about them with how often they end up fighting. I just hope they can still work together. Team Avatar won't be the same otherwise."
"I think they just need to grow up a bit. Korra was pretty sheltered and Mako doesn't seem great with dealing with emotions."
"Too right on that one. He tries. He really does, but he either tries to immediately start trying to solve your problems or awkwardly fumbles through trying to be comforting," Asami laughed.
The two women broke off as Mako rejoined them and Korra retook her place. Korra seemed as worked up as Asami had ever seen her but it seemed she was insisting on continuing despite Tenzin's suggestion of calling it a day. Asami couldn't help thinking that something was about to go very wrong.
Unsurprisingly, it did. Korra entered the Avatar state as she had before and began to work through some exercises. It was clear her agitation had not abated in the slightest. If anything, it was growing rapidly. Partway through a complicated maneuver, Korra stiffened. A heartbeat later she let out a terrible multi-voiced scream as her control slipped and the elements around her became a force of utter chaos.
Tenzin was buffed against an archway and crumpled to the ground. While Asami could tell he was still conscious and breathing, the airbending master did not attempt to rise and appeared woozy. Kya, Mako, and Asami were luckily just out of range but still found their clothing wiping around them and their hair raising at the unfettered power raging around Korra.
Kya yelled above the din, "Mako, you need to calm her down. She'll recognize you and you should be able to pass through unharmed but be careful."
Asami felt a gentle tug in her chest that seemed to be urging her forward but fought the urge. She'd let Mako try to calm Korra down before doing anything. She wasn't sure she liked his chances, however.
Sure enough, Mako barely made it halfway to Korra before he was sent sprawling right next to Tenzin. Asami heard Kya swear and look torn between assisting her brother and Mako or making her own attempt to reach Korra.
Asami decided she had waited long enough and strode forward. While she felt the elements churning around her, they seemed to leave her alone. To her surprise they not only left her along, but a path appeared to ease her approach. Asami found herself directly in front of a slightly floating Korra. Here Asami hesitated, thinking over her options and marveling over the cocoon that was her and Korra's alone.
"Korra?" Asami asked. "Can you hear me?"
Korra's glowing eyes snapped onto Asami as the fury of elements flared defensively around the pair.
"It's okay, Korra. You're not alone and you're safe. Let me help you."
At the word safe, Korra seemed to sag for just a moment. But as the moment passed so too did the shadow of control.
"I know you're upset and maybe a bit scared but you're safe here. You defeated Amon and Tarrlok. We're all safe and sound. Come back to me, Korra."
Asami reached up and gently embraced Korra. To her surprise, Korra came willingly and even returned the embrace. Asami slowly lowered Korra to the ground and left the storm of elements begin to dissipate. A sigh of relief escaped Asami's lips as calm spread across the training ground.
"Asami? What happened?" Korra's voice was full of confusion but she did not move from Asami's embrace.
"It looked like something came over you while you were training and the Avatar state got away from you. But I don't think anyone was permanently hurt. Tenzin and Mako got thrown into the archway though. Kya's helping them now."
Korra froze in a mix of shock and shame. "Oh no. I better check on them. I shouldn't have let my fight with Mako get to me. And I don't know why Amon keeps haunting me."
Korra slapped her hand over her mouth, "I didn't mean to tell you that. Please don't tell anyone, they'll think I'm broken or weak. And I don't want them to worry. I should go help Kya and apologize to Tenzin and Mako. Talk to you later, Asami."
Asami was stunned. She has been able to calm Korra down but not only that. She'd gotten her to open up slightly and confide in her. Despite being surrounded by the pummeled training ground, Asami felt hopeful that her feelings for Korra weren't for naught.
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Dinner that night dinner was its usual chaotic affair with Tenzin's family. However, Korra and Mako were notably absent. Asami figured that the two likely had gone on a date to attempt to make up for earlier. Despite this, Asami couldn't help but feel that her part in calming Korra had not been forgotten. She swore that Tenzin and Kya were contemplating her and kept catching them looking her way before they hastily looked away at her notice.
Asami offered to help Pema clean up after dinner. All the while the Asami chatted away merrily with the woman that was almost becoming a surrogate mother to Asami and Korra alike. Pema loved to hear about Asami's latest inventions and ideas for her company. Asami enjoyed Pema's advice and forward disposition but didn't plan on taking any of her advice around romantic relationships. Before long, Asami excused herself to find Kya and Tenzin.
They proved surprisingly hard to find until Asami decided to return to the training ground. Sure enough, Kya and Tenzin were there inspecting the rubble and having what appeared to be an intense discussion. Asami hesitated; her desire to know why Korra had reacted differently to her presence fighting with her respect for the siblings' clearly needed private conversation. That is until Kya spotted her and waved her over. Asami approached feeling a bit unsure of herself and what she was about to hear.
"Asami, we were just about to come find you. We know you want answers about earlier and we think we finally have some to offer."
"I do. Why did you send Mako to try and calm Korra down?"
"You are perceptive as ever Asami," Tenzin began. "Why Kya sent Mako is exactly what this all revolves around. It was a safeguard we put in place on our mother's suggestion."
Kya picked up the tale, "She was the only one with the ability to calm our father when he lost control of the Avatar State. We figured as Korra's partner Mako may have possessed the same ability."
"Clearly we were wrong. Mako could not pass through the barriers Korra constructed. They do not have the right bond or degree of trust. You and Korra on the other hand do, whether Korra recognizes it or not." Tenzin revealed.
"Bond?" Asami froze, "What do you mean?"
Kya gave Asami a sympathetic look. "We know this is a lot to take in. We wanted to verify our information before telling you any of this. Much like our parents, Avatars through history have generally had one close ally that could reach them in the Avatar state."
"The nature of this relationship has been a subject of debate between scholars of the different nations. Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe scholars, for different reasons, have traditionally believed that this ally is simply the Avatar's most trusted confidant. Someone with whom the Avatar feels they can be fully and truly vulnerable." Tenzin detailed solemnly.
"During the 100 Year War, Fire Nation scholars also adhered to this belief. However, before the war, they believed a similar theory held by Air Nomad scholars. That the only person who may reach the Avatar when out of control is their soulmate. We believe this theory to be correct."
Before Asami could overcome her shock, Tenzin added, "It comes down to how the nation's viewed and recognized same-sex couplings. When you recognize Rangi as Kyoshi's partner, the theory fits the most recent Avatars back to Avatar Kuruk. Records beyond Avatar Kuruk are unfortunately out of our reach."
Asami was overwhelmed. The usual calm collected woman felt her knees almost buckle before steadying herself. This information was overwhelming, but it could mean that Korra may one day return Asami's feelings.
"I don't know that Korra is attracted to women. And she seems pretty sold on Mako despite their issues. But you really think I'm Korra's soulmate? " Asami queried, trying to keep the longing out of her voice.
"We do. Korra's a lot more interested in women than she lets on, Asami. But she's learned to keep it to herself since Water Tribe custom dictates to keep your personal life private," Kya explained. "But I heard about and saw some occasions when visiting Korra before she left the Southern Water Tribe compound."
"But how do you know for sure? How did you find out that I am attracted to women? I've never told anyone." Asami half mumbled in her continued shock.
"Don't worry, Asami. You'll face no judgment here. The Air Nation supports love in all its forms. We only know because I recognized a bit of myself in both of you," Kya moved forward to place a comforting hand on Asami's shoulder. "I recognized the way you look at Korra as the way I have looked at my girlfriends over the years. You're not alone."
Asami eyed Kya for a full minute before pulling her into a tight hug. A single tear slid down Asami's cheek before she composed herself. "Thank you, Kya. I feel so much better having you both know and knowing I'm not alone. Your family means a lot to me. Especially since my family is lost to me now."
"We're happy to have you, Asami. I'm always here to talk if you need to. But we should probably get back to discussing what happened earlier."
Upon seeing the two women part, Tenzin approached and reentered the conversation, having stepped away to give them so privacy, "We were very lucky to have you here to calm Korra this morning, Asami."
"I'm just happy to help my friend. And well, when she lost control, I felt a tug forward as if Korra was somehow reaching out to me." Asami remembered.
Tenzin stroked his beard, "Our mother mentioned something similar the first time she calmed our father as well. Would you be willing to attend future Avatar state training sessions? We can work around your work schedule."
"Of course. Korra is incredible to watch when she's bending. Thank you for being flexible. I really want to rebuild Future Industries better than ever." Asami realized that a piece of earlier events was missing and asked, "Do Mako and Korra know any of this?"
Kya and Tenzin glanced at each other a bit sheepishly. Kya decided to respond, "They only know that he had the potential to calm her down if she lost control. With how new their relationship is and... well... their communication struggles, we didn't want to put any undue pressure on them. Unfortunately, Korra is going to have to work out her feelings on her own. At least until she gets over Mako and acknowledges that she is also attracted to women."
"Should we keep this conversation between the three of us then? I guess I'll just have to continue admiring Korra from afar for now. Wow, it feels good to admit that." Asami grinned conspiratorially.
Kya and Tenzin readily agreed with Tenzin adding, "As much as I'd rather not keep things from Korra, I don't think she'll take it quite as well as you have just yet."
"If you think you're ready and can attend we would love introduce you to our mother during the spirit festival next month. She'd be able to tell you about being the Avatar's soulmate better than anyone." Kya offered.
"I'd love to meet Master Katara. Korra always has wonderful things to say about her. I plan to be there on business anyway to work out a deal to secure a partner to handle transporting Future Industries' products."
With that, the three said their goodnights and parted ways. Asami headed towards the docks enjoying the quiet dusk trying to wrap her head around everything she had found out. She was sure she was grinning like an idiot, but she didn't care. She had a place where she was accepted, her company was starting to find the correct path, and she would likely only continue to grow closer to Korra. Things were looking up for Asami Sato.